No matter what your taste in music is, it’s safe to say that you’ve probably heard at least one Capital Cities song. After their successful debut single “Safe and Sound” went viral on streaming services like Spotify and iTunes, the indie-pop duo has been captivating listeners around the world since 2011. But, as much as we here at MusicMashupp love some good feel-good jams every now and again… let's be real: there are a handful of tracks from Capital Cities that make us want to hit the mute button faster than you can say Dangerous Business. And it looks like we're not alone, fans across social media have been questioning their 'unique' musical style lately – so today we've decided to include our critiques! Keep reading if you're dying to find out which songs made it onto our list...
Capital Cities has rightly earned its spot as a beloved indie-pop duo, thanks to the smash hit “Safe and Sound” that made them go viral in 2011. But, let’s face it: not every song of theirs is a winner. And as critics and fans have been questioning their unique style, we've decided to take a closer look at the good and the not-so-good tracks in Capital Cities' discography. In this blog post, we will be sharing our honest reviews and critiques, so grab a cup of coffee and settle in!
1. Good: “Safe and Sound” - This is the song that started it all and is still the most popular one. It’s a perfect feel-good anthem with a catchy tune, singable chorus, and irresistible beat. The lyrics might not be particularly profound, but they work well for what the song is trying to achieve. Most importantly, it’s hard to resist dancing to this one.
2. Not-So-Good: “Swimming Pool Summer” - Unfortunately, this song is the opposite of “Safe and Sound”. It’s overly synthetic and derivative, with a bland melody that fails to capture the listener's attention. The quirky instrumentals and catchy hooks that made their debut album so memorable are completely absent here. Ultimately, it feels like a cheap attempt at recreating their earlier success.
3. Good: “Kangaroo Court” - This song is ambitious, with smart lyrics that make a not-so-subtle dig at politics and society. The instrumental arrangement is also memorable, adding depth to what could have been a superficial message. The falsetto vocals and horns come together to create an infectious mix that stays with you long after the song ends.
4. Not-So-Good: “Drop Everything” - This song seems to be trying too hard to be something it's not. It’s fused with a vague reggae influence and features awkward melodies that don't gel well with the overall sound. The lyrics are forgettable, and the production feels like a missed opportunity for the duo to explore new territory.
5. Good: “I Sold My Bed, But Not My Stereo” - This song has a memorable chorus that’s bound to get stuck in your head. Although it's not as catchy as Safe and Sound, it's still upbeat and fun. The lyrics speak to the universal experience of heartbreak and regeneration, without being overly sentimental. This track shows that the duo can successfully create a bop that has substance in every aspect.
Capital Cities has had its fair share of hits and misses throughout their career. However, they’ve become a staple in the music industry, giving us some memorable tracks along the way. While every song might not be a masterpiece, that doesn't diminish the excellence of their best work. Analyzing the band's songs and selecting the good and not-so-good ones was a tough task. Still, we hope this critique brought a fresh perspective on their work, and maybe even helped you appreciate some of their underrated songs.
