Finally hearing "Chop Suey!" - Reaction and Vocal Analysis feat. System of a Down

Whenever I hear System of a Down, I know I'm in for a surprise. Their song "Chop Suey!" is no exception.
Watch the original video uninterrupted: • System Of A Down - Cho...
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[@Tarantula_Fangs]

To me the highest point in the song is when they sing : “father, father, father into your hands I encommend my spirit, father into your hands why have you forsaken me???” To me, that’s such a clamor for a cry for help and feeling abandoned. It gets me every time!

[@micah4973]

I think they didn't know what to put here and put a random book and a random line, which ended up being from the bible.

[@roems6396]

@@micah4973 This is 100% true, but it fits the song so well. The song is about society forsaking drug addict overdoses, as if they deserved to die for using drugs. They are forsaken by society, and often by their families.

[@mu0nt893]

@@micah4973 Rick Rubin tells the story during a JRogan podcast.

[@SPQR_14]

@@micah4973 It's not a random line at all... What exactly do you think "self-righteous su***de" refers to? It is a reference to Christ.

[@micah4973]

@@SPQR_14 I mean, idk I've never opened a bible.

[@beezalfior84]

The ending of this song, when they are harmonizing, always gives me goosebumps. Every time.

[@ahmadabuhamad7900]

Every time ❤

[@venom1st]

Yeah same here. Beautiful.

[@wachiroski]

... the added piano does it for me

[@troygerencer1620]

Me too , and always wreck my voice in the car singing Serge's part to it without warm up ! 😁

[@deviousraul]

This added to that camera shot of the crowd singing along never fails to bring tears to my eyes, there's so much emotion in every one of those faces.

[@raysouza6535]

I still to this day remember the moment my stepson walked in the house and threw the CD Toxicity at me and said..."These guys are right up your alley", up to that point I had never heard them, since then I've seen them 3 times and have always been amazed seeing them live, great musicianship and so much energy, they're awesome, and lines "Why have you forsaken me" get me every time.

[@waynecanning4122]

Don’t know if you ever heard the story from Rick Rubin but that’s the line Serj was stuck on when Rick Rubin told him to go to any book on the shelf in his library and pick a book and passage at random. Serj picked up a book, opened it and pointed to “father into your hand I commend my spirit.”, a quote from the Bible. After that he finished the song.

[@raysouza6535]

@@waynecanning4122 That's awesome

[@SlitherWhisp]

I have come to recognize when a song/performance has you entranced/mesmerized/flummoxed as you let the song play for quite awhile before pausing. SOAD had that effect on me as well the first time I heard them. :)

[@claire2041]

Same! I kept expecting her to pause at certain parts and when she didn't, I knew.

[@cortecz]

Aww, missed opportunity to go with mezmerized/hypnotized there. ;)

[@anicolau]

the next one has to be Aerials. Amazing piece of work

[@pawetylman7678]

Yes :) Aerials please :)

[@IamNotyou912]

It's so entertaining watching your reactions to SOAD and your analysis of Serj and Daron's vocals. You really should cover their song "Aerials", it has a lot of vocal range to it and a little less energetic death growls. I think you'd love the song to be honest.

[@viclapira]

Ah yes…Aerials is another great one by SOAD.

[@LeftyConspirator]

Agreed. Aerials is fantastic!

[@brendastokvis4380]

Aerials will forever be my favourite ❤

[@juanacline2224]

I literally was thinking the same damn thing. They're my favorite and she's fast becoming a fave as well. I just stumbled across her and have been watching off and on ALL DAY 🤸‍♀️🤘🏻👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jimmyabort8763]

Aerials, probably my favorite from soad. Even tho is like choosing between your mom and your pop

[@ghosttowntomato]

The original title of this song was "Suicide" but the studios, somewhat understandably, couldn't allow this. So Serj, tongue in cheek, named it " CHOP" as in "CUT OUT" and "SUEY" as in "SUICIDE"-- with a reference at 2:00 eating Chinese takeout visibly unamused.

[@troygerencer1620]

I think the unamused look eating Chinese at 2.00 was a bit of a F....... You from the band to the censorship Nazi's just quietly 😁

[@Power_Prawnstar]

Always wondered why, cheers

[@FloatLABSLB]

This is actually not the case, although I always thought it was i.e. the studio not allowing it. Serj said that it was the bands decision to change it in his autobiography. He preferred the new title and as well as the original not being a great title anyway, he said it was because the song isn't about Suicide anyway.

[@RFC3514]

Nothing to do with "cutting out". The title came from the links between the words "righteous suicide" sounding a bit like "chop suey" -> "right chop suey side".

[@ghostharmon108]

Serj is a master of the unexpected. He keeps you on your toes throughout the whole song, no matter which one it may be. His early stuff is just as good, but this is a classic. Again, love the reactions!!!!!!

[@vincentosier1530]

I am so moved by the line, “Why have you forsaken me?!” I then heard an interview with Serj and Rick Rubin about Serj not being able to think of lyrics to finish of the song. Rick told him to go into his library and randomly choose a book. If I remember correctly, Serj blindly chose a Bible and randomly fell on this line. I love SOAD and Rick Rubin, and it is yet another cool story about them.

[@daveharris39]

This was the first SOAD song I ever heard, I think, and what grabbed me hard in the feels was how incredibly BEAUTIFUL the sounds were while the words they were singing made me uncomfortable. I was an internet infant at the time, so I didn't go running to my computer to research lyrics or meanings...I just accepted the juxtaposition they created was an amazing feat of art.

[@italian_mami90]

SOAD always made me cry a bit... like a knot in the throat... Their songs are full of emotions. I've been listening to them since my teenage years and after 20 years it's been a journey of discovering the songs and their meaning more and more. Thank you for understanding their music 💜

[@tomauclair5560]

Your examinations of System of a Down and Tool music are just incredible. Definitely adding a new layer to my enjoyment of both bands. Thanks!

[@bjornengel1481]

Their story telling hits in every way. Musically, dynamics inside, lyrics - everything. And this song never gets old. Thank you for your wonderful review and reaction!

[@Jude_196]

SUCH a GREAT BAND!!! The transitions are UNREAL...the VOCALS...and, the instrumentals.....just SO WELL PUT TOGETHER!! ENJOY!!

[@gegart01]

Yes, Holy Mountains please! More votes

[@joeseph2258]

I will also say that Holy Mountains is one of their best songs!

[@gegart01]

@@joeseph2258 absolute true

[@stephenviala8298]

I love your openness to New genres of music, watching you quietly turn into a thrasher over the last year or so has been entertaining as hell.

[@ShaolinRebel]

I know you've covered a few songs by SOAD, however you would love Radio/Video and/or Question! I think you would find them really interesting and both give a different dynamic to the songs you've already covered. Loved this!

[@scoraber]

Truly great review. Thank you. System Of A Down has been on my short list of favorites for years. To hear it reviewed by someone that knows what they are talking about is pretty awesome.

[@charlybroos427]

Brother, this is an epic song, one of the best of its time and it still plays, it's incredible. System of a Down is one of the best in the world.

[@thomasmeyer8798]

Writing, singing, the lyrics(!), musicianship, production, mixing - a masterpiece on every layer.

[@brianschlegel9875]

I recommend checking out a Metal band from France called Gojira, especially the official video for the song "Silvera"

[@micah4973]

Silvera is such an energetic song.

[@LeonButcher]

Since you've taken a first look at Chop Suey, I EXTREMELY URGE YOU to look at Serj Tankien's isolated vocals for this music. It is a god sent. Also, you HAVE GOT to react to Hypnotize anf Forest. For me two of their greatest songs and vocal delivery.

[@wthomas4796]

I enjoy your channel very much with all your input and the way you give your honest opinion on every type of music. Your expressions show how much you love what your doing,So I just wanted to say thank you

[@aaronorjohnson]

On the podcast "Broken Record" that features Rick Rubin(who produced Chop Suey), Rubin explains how the lead song writer/singer created the bridge part after writing down a random passage of a book he picked up off the shelf in the library of the house they were recording this song at. It worked perfectly. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4HCkKSgi6dsisU)

[@andidklein]

Funny that he didn't mention which book it was...but we can all put two and two together

[@b1jou123]

I absolutely love your SOAD reactions! You're so good at picking out all of the little artistic nuances that make them so brilliant!

[@nuwandhananjaya]

I love this song for its meaning and the way the band makes us feel❤

[@youdefmad6918]

listen to holy mountains. both Serj and Darren harmonize on that song very well together

[@joeseph2258]

Agreed!

[@gabby_moloko]

the smile, the grimaces with the head shake -- I LOVE seeing people hear for the first time music I love, and take it in with no bias or filter

[@flcamera]

Just found your channel and have to say I love watching your facial expressions (can tell how much you enjoy music) as much as your thoughts

[@Maarroak]

Would love to hear you break down any from the swedish metalband Opeth. They are silk for my ears! Every song they make is years in the making and it itself a masterpeice. Perfection.

[@6ic6ic6ic]

I love your SOAD reactions. They really bring me back to hearing them. The unique palette of sound is unlike anything else. Each song a different experience. Theyre often called Nu-Metal and there are simalarities to aome others in the genre but really the inhabit their own space. Also, Darren and Serj harmonize in a way where it compliments and elevates their already great voices into something much greater.

[@GreetTheSacredCow]

Daron's voice is beautiful. Unhinged guitarist with such crazy energy being that good at backing vocals is basically cheating. He's so good.

[@hauntedtoastie8287]

SO wild hearing the early days where Serj's voice was so strong and powerful and the main vocals, then later when Daron takes on more vocalisation, into being primary vocals on a lot of songs. So cool!!

[@sem1conscious]

Once you dive into their lyrics and the meaning behind it brings a new level of appreciation. Wake up, live in chaos, ask the void why you’ve been forsaken, rinse and repeat.

[@michellescarfSpacex]

Thank you so much. You just made my day . I love System and the Bands harmony for over 21 years now . I saw them in Los Angeles b4 they were famous. I love the Armenian roots they all share. I listen to everything from Greek , Armenian, Russian, classical blues rock , alternative Rock etc . They are my fave band .

[@e.b.farmer4]

10:20 Your reaction was priceless. Even with as many times that I have heard this song, that part still gives me chills. 🤘

[@rockineighties]

I love the way you think! This is music from my generation. I hope you appreciate more and I am now a fan of yours.

[@Gabriel_Moline]

I heard this song on the radio once, and I had to get the album! One of the best albums of all time! 🌿🌸

[@andybrent8293]

The vocal of the guitar player is amazing!! Not to take away from the singer at all. These two are just amazing!!

[@fijician6307]

These videos are helping me to re-fall in love with these old songs man

[@willdemi5618]

The stop start dynamics are awesome. Yeah his penchant for whispers influenced me to my bands frustration. Such great tension and release...

[@johnwegienka]

I love watching your reactions to "crazy" music.

[@amirbahalegharn365]

if you were asked to listen or go to concert of such band as sod let's say 5-10 years ago, you wouldn't've have believed to be suprised or enjoyed listening to them. that's beauty of the unknowns & human creativity .

[@ebeck01able]

My favourite party in Sing 2 is when the old lady iguana is driving down the road rocking out to this song.

[@lilbee.w]

i'm completely obsessed with your videos, this one was no exception. your unintentional interest in duets made me want to recommend two unique and iconic voaclists singing live together: Placebo - Without you i'm nothing (feat. David Bowie)

[@hasanmir]

One of my all time favorite songs of all time, and really the song that brought me back into metal.

[@celtic15gunner]

You still need to check out Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge. Especially Words Darker than their Wings live with the Parallax Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall

[@heavymetalbass1116]

Coming up to the 4th of July I would recommend. Independence Day from Iced Earth. Tim "Ripper" Owens is one of the greatest voices that goes unnoticed. Also, the song is all about the 4th, so win win.

[@skyjalassi9395]

I love how you talk with your tiny, cute hands.. you’re just so adorable- and I’m always excited to hear your thoughts on great talent like SOAD

[@itsjustafad]

Love watching someone fall in love with S.O.A.D. Was wondering if you would ever consider reacting to some beat-box. Some really crazy things happening in that scene these days.

[@debhaf8353]

Awesome to see you pulled into the calm-urgency-yerning transitions of SOAD with the rest of us. The emotional and blood pressure rollercoaster is so fun lol

[@sharkdog111]

Exaclty, you can hear a through line from one tansition to the next, and once you've heard the song 10's of time, you hear it coming. Just like when you watch one of your favorite movies you've seen 10s of times, you can't wait for the next scene that you remember, is your favorite., and the build up is money.

[@definitelynotthe1]

Subscribed because of your honest, eyes closed, beautiful smile real deal reactions.. it’s gritty good music at heart.. ❤

[@sylph4721]

Excellent Reaction, Spike Jones & His City Slickers, Frank Zappa & Mr. Bungle definitely help lay the path to this Modern Classic 🔥🌶️🔥🚒

[@philiphagen7059]

It's one of the most unique songs I have ever heard. It's pure genius.

[@Fireball-XL-5]

Check out "Her Eyes", an audio visual experience Feat Serj doing his thing a couple of decades on. What a message, what a tune🎉❤🎉

[@Mr9Guns]

When angels deserve to DIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! I remember hearing this for the first time when Toxicity just came out and it was mind blowing.

[@daviddorge1559]

It’s so cute. You looked absolutely scared at the beginning

[@MotorbreathChannel]

All the members of SoaD are ethnic Armenians. They all were going to the same Armenian private school in Hollywood and they absolutely are bringing Armenian ethnic traditions into their music and intertwining those with all the Nu/Alt Metal, Prog elements etc. They have broken the fifteen-year-old radio silence to record a couple of songs when there was war between Armenia and Turkiye-backed Azerbaijan. I may be mistaken, but I think that they have also played a free show in the capital Yerevan in support of their people. Daron Malakian - the guitarist and back-vocalist/later co-vocalist - has created his own project after SoaD has stopped actively writing together named Scars of Broadway. You may want to check out the music video for the composition "Lives" for some Armenian imagery and lyrical themes. Nice reaction btw. You hardly ever disappoint.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

the camera angles on this video are incredible

[@WaterborneCamper]

I love your reviews of these songs that are obviously well out of your wheelhouse! So interesting to hear your perspective.

[@SOAMLE]

This was right after 9/11. They pulled it off the radio. It was a different time. Also, Serj got the 'I command my spirit' part from just randomly picking up a book at the producer's house (Rick Rubin), opening a page, a putting his finger right on the passage. Just interesting. I always felt like SOD was musical heroin. It just gets right to the core & doesn't f around.

[@chimeramanticore]

if you're ever interested in covering more SOAD, I would LOVE to see your reaction to Sugar! it's one of my favorites by them just because of Serj's insane vocal performance

[@lukeoleson6323]

When I heard this song the first time, I had to see them live, and as soon as they came to Australia I was there to hear and see it live. It was my favourite day in a long time :)

[@juanaguilera8130]

I just watched both of your reactions to SOAD, they are so good, it was so funny to see your face expressions 😄, you are usually so soft and cute, is like these songs brought a different side of you. Have you gone back and watch yourself? I’m sure you laughed too

[@gaelpache6776]

Great voice , excellent band, this album regularly plays on my head set.

[@TheSp3cial0ne]

You've gotta do a reaction to Hypnotize. It's beautiful and almost haunting at times in the song.

[@СтаньоКоновски]

What can i say , i knew it , insta like. I wish when i was a kid and listened to this, to have a guys like you , to listen with me. Thank you

[@neuromancer13]

So powerful but so relaxing at the same time!

[@3runjosh]

such a badass song. SOAD is always going to give me the skin crawls.

[@michaelw.9724]

You are so beautiful when you smile and the light plays with your hair.

[@anantraja13]

I grew up listening to these ICONIC bands.... SOAD, Linkin Ppak(My All Time FAVOURITE), Metallica, Creed, Limp Bizkit etc etc... and I dont know how I stumbled upon yours reaction video..... But I must say that you really and honestly React to every single beat and melody in the track.... i loved watcing your reaction to the track which are my favs... Thank You... Lot and Lots of good Vibes sending your way and and humble blessing... ps. wish I can meet you some day in person and let you hear all my fav. tracks till date.....and to record your first reactions of all those tracks... Namestey

[@jeffafa3096]

This song has sooo many good memories for me...

[@takeyourheart1]

When you hear Daron’s “father” vocals without everything else it is SO much more unhinged.

[@antonseleznev728]

I like Bethany (am I right?) reacting. Quite naturally, ingenuously, no overacting, no pausing four times per minuite to just say "oh, there's so much going on." And she seems often impressed by videos, when there's anything to be impressed with. It's good, otherwise why don't react to audios.

[@morghoulmutilera2996]

ok sure,,,,But what a fucking beast behind the drum kit!! WHAT A FUCKING BEAST

[@Castle_E]

The way you look at music is beautiful! I wonder if they’re actually meaning to do what they do? Or if they are just jamming lol!

[@Millsx97]

you must react to Aerials, Serj's vocal range is forever set in history

[@TheWayTeller]

Great reaction to a truly awesome song.

[@AnabolicSpudsman]

I’m thankful that you’re able to appreciate all types of music, even though I’m sure this isn’t something you’d choose to listen to on your own. I’m curious if you play any instruments yourself? I love how you appreciate composition.

[@seanstevenson9891]

The piano at the end is just stunning.😊

[@johnnydoe3319]

Soad are genious, all those tempo changes and vocalists fill eachother plus awesome drum n bass. Plus Malakians guitar sounds easy but its not even close Their one of my top bands

[@bruninhooliveira9371]

I use to to listen since my daghter was 2yo. She always asked to play when I was leaving her at school. Still doing it.

[@bigchungus540]

You have some great takes on awesome band thank you

[@diceythings]

One thing I'm always curious about, is what you think about the songs after you've heard them more, a week, a month, several months later. I'm sure you have noticed additional things or have more to say about it. I'd love to see that. You could even compare songs and note trends and themes, or even compare artists. I'd also love to see you do more non-English music. Lots of interesting and varied vocal and musical styles out there. Love your channel.

[@bluetoughguy]

Tool is another group that has INCREDIBLE transitions.

[@PotemkinDogpack]

Please do Sugar next! It's even crazier than this one!

[@danielkunzmann1587]

i always give you a thumb up before watching because I know it will be awesome ;)

[@rustydmartini]

I ❤ your analyses & reactions! Also, you are BeAuTiFuL!🥰 Would you ever consider the genre of Red Dirt Country/Country Punk? Example: Lucero, Chris Knight, Hank lll, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ray Wyley Hubbard.

[@u2tipsy]

This feels like when you are listening to your favorite song by way of headphones and your mom barges into your room every 10 or 15 seconds to remind you of things you need to get done that day. (SOAD August 2024 Golden Gate Park 🔥).

[@CazhTuber]

I just watched your analysis of Toxicity by SOAD and I'm loving this channel

[@Warbeast5593]

Lots of credit goes to the drums for keeping time and signaling transitions.

[@paulinhosasuke11]

Serj and Daron's voice are made for each other...

[@takeyourheart1]

I’m convinced this is a perfect song.

[@alexnav85]

These videos are awesome. Love me some Serj. I just subscribed in hopes you do a video on Wheatus - Teenage dirtbag. The best one is Live at the Chapel here on KZbin. Keep up the awesome work!!!

[@triverbike1368]

Talking about harmonies, may I propose the fifties Italian group "Quartetto Cetra", especially the song "Crapa Pelada"? You're going to love it... (it was featured in the Breaking Bad series too)

[@Rembrant65]

We love to have our expectations knocked about. It shows in a lot of the art we create. The plot twist. Magic. The underdog victory. FYI Snap, crackle pop would be a trademark issue. They like any positive exposure so you're fine as long as you don't try to use it to sell anything.

[@malloryshappee3957]

Ego Brain is one of my favorites by them. I think you'd like it too!

[@heikopohl9719]

Ich mag die Ausdrucksweise deines Gesichtes wenn du Metall hörst. Man kann dir genau ansehen was du fühlst. Mach weiter so. Gruß aus Deutschland 🙏

[@thisguy1890]

This song, man. Its just something else. Is it perfect? Yeah maybe it is.