Single Review: ‘Headphones’ – Matt Nathanson
10 years ago Liv Carter Comments Off on Single Review: ‘Headphones’ – Matt Nathanson
Songwriter: Matt Nathanson
Matt Nathanson is starting the countdown to his ninth studio album, due in the fall, with the release of new single, ‘Headphones.’
In the song, Nathanson describes a young woman’s arrival in New York City, where she promptly dons her headphones and escapes to the safety of her favorite music – “I feel invincible with my headphones on.”
As often in Nathanson’s material, you can find multiple interpretations in the lyrics. He hints at her emotional vulnerability (“18 years and never feeling pretty”), added to by first describing her as “Cinderella” and immediately explaining that she “wants to shave her head and disappear.” Take it as you will. Is she happy and confident but escaping to her music for just a little while, or is she retreating to the only place she feels confident? Is it escapism or is it denial?
Employing a very modern, airy pop sound, the track relies on clear piano chords enough to not be solely beat-driven. The storytelling in the verses is brought out by leaving Nathanson’s voice up front, but the song opens things up in the choruses with tight harmonies, achieved with multiple tracks and upcoming singer Lolo’s bright voice. And do listen to this song with your headphones on, or you might miss the full effect of the thick bass line.
Liv Carter
She holds several certificates from Berklee College of Music, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from UC Berkeley.
Her main influences are coffee, cats, and Alexander Hamilton.
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