It’s been a minute since my last Single Play post. That’s not to say the new releases aren’t coming. Rather, life sometimes gets in the way and, well, the next thing you know, a few months have gone by. That said, here are three songs I think you’ll enjoy—or at least I hope you will.
Robert Smith’s Beautiful Misery: The Cure Delivers an Epic Ode to Impermanence
“And Nothing Is Forever,” The Cure (YouTube)
Songs of a Lost World harks back to The Cure’s 1989 masterpiece, Disintegration, and delivers exactly what you’d expect from Robert Smith: lyrics steeped in themes of death, decay, and the end of everything. Misery is Smith’s forte, and it’s hard to fault him for sticking to his strengths.
Take “And Nothing Is Forever” as an example. The song opens with a 2-minute, 46-second instrumental intro that is undeniably beautiful. While “lovely” and “misery” don’t often go hand in hand, Smith fuses the two with remarkable skill. Despite the lack of hooks—and, in fact, the album as a whole is devoid of any outright hits—there’s an epic quality to the track that amplifies its poignancy. This is underscored in the chorus: I know, I know that my world is grown old / And nothing is forever.
Smith may not be chasing chart-toppers, but his ability to blend melancholy with grandeur remains as compelling as ever.
Mark Bacino Channels Harry Nilsson’s Spirit with a Retro Vibe That Hits Home
“Why Does This Woman Love Me,” Mark Bacino (YouTube)
Mark sent me the album months ago, and I’ve given it a few spins. By the second or third listen, I found myself thinking, This has a throwback vibe to… [snaps fingers] something Harry Nilsson might compose.
If you’re of a certain age, you might recall the TV show The Courtship of Eddie’s Father with Bill Bixby and Brandon Cruz. Nilsson wrote the iconic theme song, and while I can’t say for sure if Mark Bacino is a Nilsson fan, his track “Why Does This Woman Love Me” captures that same spirit beautifully.
Linkin Park’s New Era: Emily Armstrong Leads with Ferocity and Passion
“The Emptiness Machine,” Linkin Park (YouTube)
This is a band I struggled to connect with—until Linkin Park’s revamped lineup dropped this gem. Let’s put aside the controversy surrounding their new lead singer, Emily Armstrong, and focus on the music. Her vocals strike a perfect balance of ferocity and passion, showcasing an impressive range. Armstrong’s talent injects fresh energy into the band, propelling them in an exciting new direction with this song and the album From Zero.
There’s a hint of early Paramore-era Hayley Williams in Armstrong’s delivery on “The Emptiness Machine,” and it hits all the right notes. When a band takes a new direction, it’s bound to alienate some fans, and Armstrong’s addition is no exception. Still, Linkin Park founding member Mike Shinoda told the BBC that Armstrong isn’t trying to replace their original lead singer Chester Bennington, who tragically died by suicide in 2017.
One listen to “The Emptiness Machine” makes it clear that Linkin Park is charting a bold new course. The song speaks for itself. Don’t believe me? Have a listen — if you haven’t already heard it.
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