🍋‍🟩⭐️Limelight | Episode 10: FINALE

THEME "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" For this theme you will be submitting three songs, one for each category described below. Reduce: For this part of the theme you are submitting a "simple" song. What you put into the word "simple" here is really up to you. But this is probably not where you wanna submit some upbeat song with a bunch of bells and whistles to back it up. Give us a nice little tune, keep it simple! Reuse: Here you are submitting a song someone chose to "reuse". Said in another way; a cover song. So, a song that originally was recorded by another artist and given new life by the artist you choose to submit. Recycle: Finally you will be submitting a song that almost sounds like it was "recycled", in other words; a "sampled" song. It could be a song that used the beat or the melody from another song, but gave it new lyrics and a whole new expression.
Cray - "On the Other Side" by Augustana "On the Other Side is essentially a love song about finding relief, meaning, and escape from the confusion of life through another person. The song has a somewhat existential quality: the narrator admits he doesn’t understand the world or even why time keeps moving, but being with this person makes those questions feel less important. I find this song simple for its central idea. The song keeps returning to essentially one emotional thought: I don’t understand everything that’s happening around me, but I know how I feel when I’m with you. That’s actually part of what makes the song effective to me. The narrator is thinking about the big questions (the world, time, existence) but the answer he arrives at is very small and personal (“but when I’m with you, I don’t need to know”)." ----------------------------------------------------------------- Ratings: JUDGE 1 - 5 Points "Ugh…I'm so disgusted with myself for loving a love song. What is wrong with me? Stop it. You're making me angry for submitting these. In all seriousness…is this the “Reduce” song (haven't read notes at time of writing)? If it is….you're kinda walking a fine line. I don't like rule breakers but I do love rule benders. I feel like you're NEARLY a rule breaker here. I don't personally see this as ‘simple’ in terms of the song itself. However, it does give that dreamy, peaceful feeling when you listen….like a ‘simple’ spring day, lounging about w/ headphones on & a drink in hand. It kinda gives me goose bumps & overall just happy vibes. A couple of us judges have said it before….music should make you feel something. For me, this does! Edit after reading notes: Okay, fine! I do now get where you find simplicity in the song! Well done!" - JUDGE 2 - 5 Points "The fact this song was made 15 years ago and I have only listened to it now is a travesty. This song is amazing! I love the artists voice and the instruments. I think the voice is extremely powerful. I really really enjoy this one." - JUDGE 3 - 6 Points "This was not at all the direction I was expecting for the reduce theme, but this song feels really simple and straightforward both instrumentally and lyrically, so this really works for me. This song clicked for me immediately and didn’t let me go. There’s something about the simpleness that makes it feel even more raw and honest, and it truly heightens the emotion. There was something about this that felt like a cinematic ending to this season of Limelight, and it feels right for my final top spot to be given to this song." FIRST SUBMISSION - TOTAL POINTS: 16 -----------------------------------------------------------------
Cray - "Billie Jean" by CORVYX & Mathias Fritsche "CORVYX and Mathias Fritsche give “Billie Jean” new life by transforming Michael Jackson’s pop classic into a darker, haunting, cinematic ballad. Instead of emphasizing the original’s infectious groove, the cover highlights the song’s tension, mystery, and emotional drama, while the singer’s powerful vocals make the story feel more intense and vulnerable." ----------------------------------------------------------------- Ratings: JUDGE 1 - 3 Points "I'm just going to mention this quick on each of your guys’ cover! I didn't read the notes before ranking/critiquing because I still have Platinum and can sometimes identify who submitted what. I don't want to know until after confirming if I'll use the Platinum or not. Then I'll go back to read and adjust critiques! So….this is a really tough one! I think you took a pretty big risk submitting this which I appreciate! Billie Jean (and Michael Jackson in general) is literally so iconic that trying to replicate or remake it is basically a death sentence. I heard my pre-teen nephew on call with his friends a while back talking about Michael Jackson! Household name, even for upcoming generations. It's like someone auditioning for American Idol with “My Heart Will Go On”. They're like classics that cannot be made un-classic. What's tough about this is that…yes, the cover is very, very well done! The problem is that because Billie Jean is so prominent, it's like I'm hearing Michael in the back of my head while listening to this version which is weird because it's SO different. It's like I'm having this little personal sing off in my head and Jackson is going to win it every time. I just cannot listen to this without thinking of the original! Ugh….idk." - JUDGE 2 - 1 Point "This song does not work as a ballad or whatever it is meant to be. I just don’t really like the way this song was transformed into. I don’t think it really works at all." - JUDGE 3 - 2 Points "So I hated both of the cover songs this round, but I couldn’t give both of them last place so you’re getting 2 points. I will give you this, it is extremely bold to submit a cover of BILLIE JEAN, quite possibly the most iconic song of all time. The problem here is that I spent the entire 4 minutes and 48 seconds of this wishing I was listening to the original instead. I’m not saying all cover songs have to be better than the original, but when it is this much worse…I just can’t lie to you and say that I would ever want to listen to this again because I don’t. I didn’t enjoy a single second of this. The reason I put you above the Greta Van Fleet cover was because this AT LEAST feels like a completely different listening experience from the original song, which slightly elevates it as a submission I guess." SECOND SUBMISSION - TOTAL POINTS: 6 -----------------------------------------------------------------
Cray - "Falling In" by Inhaler "“Falling In” by Inhaler is about ego, fame, and the danger of getting carried away by success. It reflects on becoming increasingly confident and admired while realizing that this attention can make you lose perspective. Musically, the song interpolates The Strokes’ “The End Has No End” as Inhaler re-recorded elements of the original’s melody with new lyrics. The Strokes connection is fitting because they’re a major influence on Inhaler. The song almost feels like Inhaler embracing the sound of a band they admired while reflecting on what it means to become successful rock musicians themselves." ----------------------------------------------------------------- Ratings: JUDGE 1 - 1 Point "Alright…this is a pretty fun song! It's definitely something that I’d listen to again. I also really like that the lyrics are sort of…um…open ended? They could mean different things to different people which makes them relatable. My main issue here is that I feel like it doesn't stand out enough to be memorable. I listen to these songs over and over to rank and I'm afraid that this is the one that I'd forget if asked to name the songs without looking at the setlist. Also, I'm not sure what this is a sample of (see beginning of ‘Reuse’ critique) but I'm excited to find out. I'd loved to have instantly been able to identify said sample! Edit after reading notes: Okay, yep, hear the sample!" - JUDGE 2 - 4 Points "This is a great song, the fact that this was made during the lockdown is a cool touch because it means that everything was made with dedicated time, I also really enjoy the music video if I am being honest." - JUDGE 3 - 5 Points "I really like the story this song tells and the instrumentals/vocals delivered alongside it. The more and more I listened to this song the more and more things I was able to pick apart from it that I enjoyed. I love the direction it shifts to at the 2:28 mark, it feels a bit psychedelic which pairs nicely with the Alt-Rock feel of the rest of the song. This was also such an interesting use of a sample. All around this was a really great submission." THIRD SUBMISSION - TOTAL POINTS: 10 FINALE TOTAL POINTS: 32 -----------------------------------------------------------------
TheBreeze - "Undergrowth" by Caligula's Horse "Keeping it simple in under 3 minutes, this hidden gem really hits you in the gut with a stunningly comforting vocal performance. Progressive metal bands such as this one are known for their ridiculously complex arrangements, often stretching way past the 10 minute mark with their epics. That is not the case here which proves versatility and offers a completely welcoming introduction to the genre, giving you just enough taste to want to go explore more. Undergrowth is about finding fulfillment in your life. What is that passion, loved one, or experience that profoundly makes you feel whole? For me that has always been music with its never abandoning presence, which is a connection I will happily continue to grow for the rest of my days." ----------------------------------------------------------------- Ratings: JUDGE 1 - 2 Points "Definitely your “Reduce” (haven't read notes yet)! Theme done the right way for sure! This song is so poetic! It's beautifully written! I love the simplicity of the acoustic which really encapsulates the purpose of this portion of the theme to me. Before receiving any submissions, I told one of the hosts that I'm really hoping for an acoustic submission and here it is! One thing that I'm not absolutely crazy about is the vocals. Not because the lad can't sing because he can. More because of me just subjectively not feeling it! So….ranking this is a little difficult because I feel like everything about this is generally right….just that I don't personally feel a connection to it due to the vocals!" - JUDGE 2 - 2 Points "Honestly..the persons voice really gets on my nerves. I don’t know why, but there’s just something about it that I don’t really vibe with. I also think this song is a little too plain, I wish there was more to this song and maybe a different artist singing it and maybe I would enjoy it." - JUDGE 3 - 4 Points "This was more in line with what I expected from a reduce song. I think that stripped back songs like this can certainly shine, but what makes something like this a bit difficult to fully get into is that I really missed the presence of other instruments. I understand that this theme was a bit restrictive and there wasn’t really much you can do, but I just think there are different songs that work better in a more stripped back format. But with that nitpick out of the way, I still did really enjoy this, particularly the vocals which were incredibly passionate. In a stripped back setting the vocals are really left on their own to shine, and they really shone here." FIRST SUBMISSION - TOTAL POINTS: 8 -----------------------------------------------------------------
TheBreeze - "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Greta Van Fleet "Sam Cooke wrote the original in the 1960s as an outlet for his struggles with civil rights. Imagine being kicked out of public places you want to go to and beaten for physical characteristics you have no control over. He had to overcome this terrible situation by finding inner resilience. Greta Van Fleet goes all out to pay respect to his creation, finding the message to still be relevant all these years later in a world where division still persists. Josh Kiszka, the lead singer, expertly navigates the high and low notes to convey the range of emotions from despair to hope. The incorporation of the choir helps make the optimism feel collective rather than just from the viewpoint of the individual suffering. I'd say this is a masterclass of how to modernize a classic to breathe new life into it." ----------------------------------------------------------------- Ratings: JUDGE 1 - 4 Points "I'm just going to mention this quick on each of your guys’ cover! I didn't read the notes before ranking/critiquing because I still have Platinum and can sometimes identify who submitted what. I don't want to know until after confirming if I'll use the Platinum or not. Then I'll go back to read and adjust critiques! Anyway….I absolutely love the song you chose to cover! There are a few songs out there that make me feel a very specific way that is hard to describe! Walking in Memphis is one. This is another! While it isn't as good as the original, I do love this version! In fact, I really love Greta Van Fleet! And that’s where the problem sort of lies! They're pretty familiar to me. That being said, it's another one of those bands where I'm not sure if they actually are pretty popular…or if we both just happened to stumble across a niche band and enjoy their music! Since they aren't a household name, I'm willing to bend a bit here….but it still may affect rankings a bit!" - JUDGE 2 - 6 Points "Greta is one of my favorite artists..and this song proves why. Greta has a beautiful voice and the vocals to this song is genuinely beautiful and I also love the instruments." - JUDGE 3 - 1 Point "It’s hard to do a cover right, especially of such a sacred song like A Change Is Gonna Come. When I listen to a cover I expect it to do at least one of two things - elevate the song or transform the original into a completely different listening experience. For me, this did neither. I can’t find a single reason I’d ever want to listen to this version of the song. It completely loses the emotional levity and impact of Sam Cooke’s version, and although the lead singer tries his best to capture the heart and soul of the original, it just doesn’t land for me at all whatsoever." SECOND SUBMISSION - TOTAL POINTS: 11 -----------------------------------------------------------------
TheBreeze - "Still Standing" by Hilltop Hoods "Closing off this finale we have our mascot... The Hilltop Hoods! Still Standing represents all the discovered artists this season of Limelight that prioritize love of the art over fame when developing their careers. You get a full experience with sampling because not only does it have a consistent beat from the super chill Your Teeth in My Neck by the reggae artist Scientist throughout, it also includes cameos from Elton John and LL Cool Jay. Enjoy this fun themed song on brand for a winner selection with themes of being a champion (the crème de la crème!) because this double meaning applies to my journey fighting through this contest as well. Thank you again for listening to all of my songs this last month. It feels like I've been here for years...in the best possible way! 😂 As the lyrics say "And we'll be back again," playfully teasing our renewal for Season 2." ----------------------------------------------------------------- Ratings: JUDGE 1 - 13 Points (6 from rating + 7 from Spotlight Award) "Well this is definitely your ‘Recycle’ (haven't read notes yet), isn't it? I catch an Elton John reference but feel like this has other song connections that I just can't place. I like that. What I like even more (besides the accents) is that this is FRESH! Have we had classic hip-hop this season? I don't listen to much hip-hop that isn't Salt-N-Pepa or Run DMC so the fact that I love this is…. well… that's what this game is about. What I love even more than being Fresher than the Fresh Prince is the message. Sure, it's about their career but it applies to eVeRyOnE, eVeRyWhErE. Stay true to yourself. Don't cave. Do your best. For this submission…I hope you're still standing after this round… on the winners podium. Here…. take it. Take my Platinum. You understood the assignment!" - JUDGE 2 - 3 Points "The reason I am ranking this song low is because the “Ohhh” part of this song really gets on my nerves 😅. I think the song is good but that part really drags it down for me bc it really bothers me and the other songs higher don’t have anything at annoys me." - JUDGE 3 - 3 Points "I have a tough time with this style of rap because I feel like it hasn’t aged well at all. It comes across as pretty disingenuous and corny. I found that this song lacked depth, and although I appreciate that it felt different from a lot of the submissions we’ve gotten this season, this unfortunately didn’t really work for me. There’s nothing about this song that is encouraging me to come back to it ever again." THEBREEZE has received a PLATINUM DEMO award from Judge 1!!! He will receive a 7-point bonus for this round. THIRD SUBMISSION - TOTAL POINTS: 19 FINALE TOTAL POINTS: 38 ----------------------------------------------------------------- AND THUS - HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO TheBreeze FOR WINNING S1 OF LIMELIGHT!! You were on the top all season and finished it up all the same. Truly, a pleasure to have you and your dominant performance this season. Stay tuned soon for the draft results, post-game extras, and information on the future of Limelight! SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL 10 OF YOU BELOW FOR PLAYING OUR GAME <3 --- Cast 1st - TheBreeze 2nd - Cray 3rd - Lewis 4th - KaliMinaj 5th - melanie 6th - ChloeKay 7th - Lexus 8th - Space 9th - KnowUh 10th - brookie