Syllabus Section IV:  Music Essay and Assignments

The Music Essay Assignment is perhaps most similar to the film essay.  Both of these essays are reviews, and both of them need to follow a specific review format, with specifically defined content type.  The music essay will share many aspects with reviews of albums or concerts that you may have read online (or will read online and quote from/analyze in your essay, if desired)—but the format  of our music essay is distinct, just as the format of the film essay was distinct. Each of these essay types might be considered “ detailed, heavily structured reviews”

Music Assessment Essay Summary:

Write an essay which assesses a particular musical product, e.g. a CD, or a concert performance.  Your assessment  should include an introduction to the artist and a thesis providing your overall judgment about the CD/performance, etc.  You might provide background information, about where/how your chosen subject fits into the genre, and your should state how the particular CD/performance fits into the body of the artist’s work. The majority of the essay should be evaluation, analysis, and description of the music itself (In a CD or Concert, Analyze 5-7 representative songs).  The essay must include descriptions of the sound of the music, as well as discussion of lyrics, sociopolitical elements/messages, and musical/harmonic elements, and possible comparison with similar artists. You can also describe your emotional/psychological response to the music. Your conclusion should add a final perspective. Sources are not required, but any research sources must be direct quotes only, in MLA format (in-text citations and a Works Cited List), 8th edition. It is not necessary to cite the lyrics with MLA citation, since your source is clear from your chosen topic. Sources must be underlined in essay and Works Cited to ensure they are complete (See #27 and #28 in Checklist). (See paragraph model below)

·  Guide to the music essay paragraph structure: 

*Intro/hook thesis—makes an overall judgment about the album

b*Some background about the artist and genre, with discussion of the way in which the chosen album fits into the artitsts’ career/theme/persona

àChoice:  Further continue background of artist, or talk about a media highpoint crisis/ or just go directly to your first song analysis.

SONG ANALYSES ( OR MOVEMENT/ SECTION ANALYSIS – IF INSTRUMENTAL

*Song 1 judgment/analysis

      *2-3 sentences describing/analyzing the sound of the music in that song itself. 

Include both instruments and vocal analysis

      *2-5 sentences analyzing the message of the song, quoting and analyzing lyrics

       *Choice:  Comparison with other musicians, consideration of psychological/social/political media elements,

             comparison with other songs, reception of song, your experience of song, etc.

*Song 2 judgment analysis (same content as above)

*Song 3 judgment analysis (same content as above)

*Song 4 judgment analysis (same content as above)

*Song 5 judgment analysis (same content as above)

*Song 6 judgment analysis (same content as above)

*(optional) Song 7 judgment analysis (same content as above)

CONCLUSION – Re-state overall judgment and provide final reflection

Note that a requisite part of this assignment is a description of the sound of the music itself.  Such a description should comprise approximately 5-10% of the paper, or 2-3 sentences per song.  There will be an assignment wherein you develop this description.  It is a challenging and satisfying task to use words to describe music.  You may have to listen to the music several times with a keen ear to distinguishing critical characteristics.  You may need to develop a musical vocabulary appropriate to discussing your genre.  However, music can also be described in terms of your reaction to it—such reactions may be emotive, intellectual, or physical, and might be described using more standardized terms.  *One exercise to ensure that you have adequate descriptions is to imagine the following the scenario:  The person who is reading your assessment is deaf; however, he/she has an excellent vocabulary and excellent reading comprehension…   Could this person get a good sense of the music by your description?  The answer is yes, if your description of the sound is effective.

Musical dimensions:  Typically, the consideration of music in the essay will have various dimensions, including analyses of the music itself (type, style, tones, rhythm, structure, vocals, sound description) and “message”—which may occur through lyrics or through the sounds/rhythms (even pauses) in the music itself.

YOUR ESSAY COULD EVALUATE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, BUT YOU WOULD STILL HAVE TO ADDRESS THE CONCEPT OF “MESSAGE”—IN THIS CASE RELATED THROUGH ONLY THE SOUNDS.  SO REVIEWING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (CLASSICAL, JAZZ, SOUNDTRACKS, ETC) IS PROBABLY MORE DIFFICULT THAN REVIEWING MUSIC WITH LYRICS, BUT IT HAS BEEN DONE, AND DONE WELL BEFORE-  BY OTHER STUDENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THIS CLASS

Musical impact: It is known that music effects the human brain in a special way.  You may recall an experience where you heard a song that you used to listen to quite often, 5-10 years ago.  When you hear it again, you may have been mentally transported in a very powerful way back to that time in your life when you used to hear the old song.  The images/feelings/ memories evoked by such a  transport  often are far stronger than if someone simply said, “Remember when you used to listen to Song Such-and-Such…”  In fact, scientists have studied the effects of music on different parts the brain.

 

*******music essay structure******

 Note that a requisite part of this assignment is a description of the sound of the music itself.  Such a description should comprise approximately 5-10% of the paper, or 2-3 sentences per song.  There will be an assignment wherein you develop this description. It is a challenging and satisfying task to use words to describe music.  You may have to listen to the music several times with a keen ear to distinguishing critical characteristics. You may need to develop a musical vocabulary appropriate to discussing your genre. However, music can also be described in terms of your reaction to it—such reactions may be emotive, intellectual, or physical, and might be described using more standardized terms. *One exercise to ensure that you have adequate descriptions is to imagine the following the scenario:  The person who is reading your assessment is deaf; however, he/she has an excellent vocabulary and excellent reading comprehension…   Could this person get a good sense of the music by your description?  The answer is yes, if your description of the sound is effective.

Musical dimensions:  Typically, the consideration of music in the essay will have various dimensions, including analyses of the music itself (type, style, tones, rhythm, structure, vocals, sound description) and “message”—which may occur through lyrics or through the sounds/rhythms (even pauses) in the music itself.

YOUR ESSAY COULD EVALUATE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, BUT YOU WOULD STILL HAVE TO ADDRESS THE CONCEPT OF “MESSAGE”—IN THIS CASE RELATED THROUGH ONLY THE SOUNDS.  SO REVIEWING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (CLASSICAL, JAZZ, SOUNDTRACKS, ETC) IS PROBABLY MORE DIFFICULT THAN REVIEWING MUSIC WITH LYRICS, BUT IT HAS BEEN DONE, AND DONE WELL BEFORE-  BY OTHER STUDENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THIS CLASS

Musical impact: It is known that music effects the human brain in a special way.  You may recall an experience where you heard a song that you used to listen to quite often, 5-10 years ago.  When you hear it again, you may have been mentally transported in a very powerful way back to that time in your life when you used to hear the old song.  The images/feelings/ memories evoked by such a  transport  often are far stronger than if someone simply said, “Remember when you used to listen to Song Such-and-Such…”  In fact, scientists have studied the effects of music on different parts the brain.est Jesus is King, and Eminem Kamikaze(Yo 

 

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#2) Kanye West:  Jesus is King

In Jesus is King, Kanye West, a born-again Christian, makes his best efforts to spread the gospel in a modernized era. His goal is to reach the new generation in a way that is relatable and up to trend,  and also to pique interest in the Christian religion. In the album, Kanye has modernized the way one can spread religion among teenagers and adults, while also including a form of music that is pleasing to listen to, even if one is not religious.   Jesus is King has the perfect balance of rap, gospel choir, and “angelic” instruments. Each song has its own unique feature and message. Kanye utilizes minor auto-tuning effects and electronic audio alterations to augment the sound of his music.  These modifications complement the musical flow and rhythm, all of which taken together provide a modern form of rap, and a modern musical product.

Kanye has been the only rapper who has utilized rap to convey religious messages to his fans and the public at large. Some might argue that Kanye’s album Jesus is King might fall under the gospel music genre; however, the style in which Kanye performs manifests the culture of historic rap as well as modern rap. The overall impression that the album creates is a wholesome and pleasing one, with a modernized musical type that fits into the 21st century.

Throughout each song, Kanye references events and sayings in the Bible that correlate with Christianity. Kanye’s was not only inspired by his religion to make an album, but he also wanted to re-create a church mass though his artistry. That is what this new album represents: a church mass, where the “choir” begins by getting the people’s attention, and “hypes them up” through  song and energy.

Kanye wasn’t always as religious as he is today. Most of his fame, other than his unique style of rap, arose from infamous events. He has made other great hit albums which weren’t as “PG” as this new album. However, he invested time to improve himself and reform his personality. Before making this album, Kanye attended many church meetings with church choirs and participated alongside them. From that experience, Kanye formulated the style of his new album. “Kanye apparently spen[t] a lot of time praying and studying his faith. He understands brokenness and the need for healing, probably more than most people…. He believes in the healing powers of music, but also believes that God can step in and heal people’s brokenness and their issues” (Stieg).   Kanye also once hosted a Sunday service with his new album being played for the people who came there to glorify God with him. Christians attended the event because they support Kanye and his reformed self.  Other random fans also stopped by because they’ve always supported Kanye’s music throughout his career.

Most may relate the music this on this album to gospel music, which isn’t inaccurate. However, the term “gospel music” doesn’t  encapsulate the rap style that Kanye simultaneously creates on the album.  Gospel music typically “depicts personal religious experiences and stresses the importance of salvation. Most of it is set in a major key and arranged in four-part harmony—similar in style to barbershop singing—with the melody in the top voice” (Gorlinski).   Although Kanye’s album genre is rap, it would be reasonable to think that Jesus is King also could be a gospel music genre. However, it is not that, or certainly not singularly so. It is rap that conveys a religious message.

Kanye saw this format as a musical opportunity and used his ability in the rap genre to modernize how popular artists can spread Christianity and wholesome music to this generation. The album allows the listeners to be pleased and entertained while listening to music about Christianity. The music is in a traditional rap form which utilizes rhythm and/or rhyming and electronic modifications / digital samplings that enhance the flow and theme of the music. Kanye incorporates these elements in his new album and attract young adults and teenagers of this generation to his music, as well as to Christian messaging.

The song “Every Hour” has a unique feature that is special to Kanye. In this song ,Kanye utilizes a Sunday service choir to evoke an authentic church experience and amplify the focus of his album. Using the Sunday choir enhances the Christian message that Kanye is sending. Another significant factor is in the beginning of the song: A piano is accompanying the choir, which is very often the case in a church mass.  The church piano is almost a cultural attribute, which adds to the mass—and to the album.  The song “Every Hour” is very uplifting. Its rhythm is charismatic. The song exudes happiness and  harmony. “Sing ’til the power of the Lord comes down,” is repeated by the choir members to glorify Jesus. Thematically, this song truly could fit perfectly into a traditional Church setting because of its uplifting and holy message.  This particular song doesn’t have a rap style to it; however it wasn’t meant to. As in many album, the introductory song or piece is a full manifestation of the artist’s creativity—and the artist is typically given very wide license in form to the introductory work on an album.

In the song “Selah,” the most noticeable instrument is the pipe organ that adds an angelic harmony throughout the song. Later there is also a stomping sound effect that Kanye incorporates. This stomping adds a dramatic impact to the lyrics and emphasizes his words. In addition, there is a choir that sings “Hallelujah!” “Selah’s” lyrics correlate to bible verses. The verse that Kanye references in the bible is: “Won’t be in bondage” (John 8:33), “We the descendants of Abraham ye should be made free” (John 8:36),  and especially “to whom the son set free is free indeed”(John 8:31-36)  In this latter passage, Jesus informs his disciples that if they hold to his preaching and teaching, they will know the truth and “the truth will set you free”  (“The Gospel According to John”).When the choir members repeat “Hallelujah!” they reference it as praising God.  Notably, the implementation of “Hallelujah” after Kanye’s verse seems meant to praise the verse that Kanye wrote about God and religion, as well as praise God directly…

 The song, “Follow God,” has the most notable and dominant feel of rap on the album because of its fast-paced rhythm and rhyme. “Lifelike, this is what your life like / try to live your life right / people really know you / push your buttons like a typewrite” is a verse from the song that clearly represents the rhyming scheme that Kanye employs. This type of rhyming is continued throughout the song accompanied by some digital enhancements that influence the beat and the flow of the song. Throughout the song, there is an auto-tuned background voice that sings, “Stretch my hands out to you” in between each verse portion that Kanye sings.  That counterpoint is meant as a religious reference to connect with God and give yourself to God. Throughout the song, the electronic low-pitched beat that is played to accompany Kanye’s rap verses is punctuated  with a quick but noticeably high-pitched beat added in.

The title of the song “Water” is meant as an analogy to emphasize that people should be clear and pure—like  water.  The song relates to how people should give themselves up for God and restart as a new-born Christians, just as Kanye did.  This song emphasizes how being part of Christianity clears your soul: “Take the chlorine out our conversation / let your light reflect on me / I promise I’m not hiding anything / it’s water / we are water pure as water.” Ant Clemons is present in this song and has his own verse added in. There is some auto-tune that is implemented in Ant Clemons’ voice and in the voices of the chorus members which accompany him. Kanye’s verse is isolated to praise Jesus. He wants his listeners to concentrate all their attention on what he is saying about Jesus, which is reasonable when he’s trying to get the message across on this song. The rhythm and flow of Kanye’s verse in this song has an alliterative style and gives a poetic feel to the song, impacting the album as a whole.

“Everything we Need” is a song with two other artists, Ty Dolla $ign and Ant Clemons (again), to amplify the rap typology of the album. “Everything we Need” is another song with a modern rap tone and style. This song has a significant use of auto-tune and electronic enhancements are utilized throughout each verse, characteristic of modern style rap. In the beginning of the song, Ty Dolla $ign and Ant Clemons open up with both their voices auto-tuned. Their voices are also digitally enhanced with reverb (echo styling) to amplify the resonance of their voices. This makes the listeners feel especially impacted by the words, and gives them a a dramatic experience.  Ty Dolla $ign is known for his “Ooh-ooh” and other quick voice lines which are also implemented in the song.  

“Everything We Need” isn’t as religious as other songs on the album; however positive messages are still being conveyed. This song references Kanye’s transformation: “Switch my, switch my attitude /  I’m so, I’m so radical / All these people mad at you/ Do this fo’ who it matter to” is a verse from Kanye in this song. The beat that accompanies the song is electronic and another one of stereotypically modern rap.  The beat doesn’t change like the other songs in the album ( such as “Use the Gospel,” where the beat is stopped for a few minutes at  the end and a trumpet is present in the song).  In “Everything We Need,” the beat is  constant, noticeable, and compelling.  This consistency also helps underly an insistent messaging.

“Closed on Sunday” begins with the sound of harmonic string instrument and female voices singing a mellow, synchronized tune. The Christian  religion often has a strict regulation where one should not work on Sunday because it is believed that after God created the earth in six days,  on the seventh day God rested—and therefore Christians should also rest on the seventh day, and use that day to attend church to praise God and his world creation.

After the harmonic introduction and female singing, Kanye begins his lyrics: “Closed on Sunday / You’re my Chick-fil-A.”  This verse correlates to the aforementioned Christian belief, since Chick-fil-A is an example of a  franchise which doesn’t open on Sundays because they are a Christian company that respects their religion. Another verse in this song references the battle between the Jews and the Amalekites recorded in Exodus 17:8-17 in the bible. According to bible, Moses went up onto a hill and held his staff bestowed by God over his head as an act of good faith. He later then did the same to part the sea.

It is noticeable that Kanye utilizes a lot of auto-tuning throughout this song; however, it is not to the point that it overpowers his normal voice here, or on other songs in the album. Being only thirth seconds long, “Closed on Sunday” brings chills down your spine and induces a touching message to listeners. The song itself sounds angelic and feels uplifting, and Kanye’s tone throughout this song is impactful and deep.   

Kanye’s new album, Jesus is King, attracts our generation into a theme of religious rap that most stereotypical church-goers would probably not have thought pleasing to listen to. However, religious- themed music has never been as famous as that in Kanye’s new album. His reformed personality and born-again religious beliefs portrayed through each song in the album, carry an overall message about Christianity, while each song is unique and independent. The album creates a rap genre that is modernized and idolizes/utilizes religion to spread a wholesome message to the world.

Works Cited