Make the Grade - Jack Conte

[@igavemytreeasweater]

Make the Grade is my favorite Jack Conte song, but Long Long Time Ago is a close second! All of his songs are just amazing to be completely honest.

[@machimaru]

kitchen fork is also quite swell ^^

[@applez130]

So is off with his head

[@cipher1336]

a very good song indeed, also i'm glad to see another jojo fan

[@bassetts1899]

Hi Jack. I was subbed to you since Flavors. When you released this song, I was anorexic. This song was my recovery anthem for over a year. "The whale bones, so pretty" is like the obsession with bones that anorexics can have. I used to be obsessed with my collar and hip bones, watching them become more visible. My body wasn't making the grade for me. The song sounds so twisted and bittersweet, which is how my brain felt. "Somewhere at the bottom of my brain I just don't care and I don't want to, but I do anyway", about my weight. Eventually I did recover, and I'm a healthy weight and managed to fight off any signs of relapse. But honestly, this song got me through somehow. It was like you took my messed up anorexia brain out of my head and put it in a song haha. So thanks!

[@ghostburry6960]

im proud of you :)

[@cyxx414]

You're the best!

[@MikeDaigle_Music]

those chords in the bridge........ On of my favorite chord progressions I have ever heard After learning 7 years of music theory, I found your choice of notes and chords fascinating

[@chixmix758]

ok i know im late but what are the chords i wanna play this song on the guitar

[@toomanydum4084]

@@chixmix758 man, same... yo lets start a guitar club

[@silaswarner2053]

You seriously go from song to sing with nice and happy and then just a shitstorm of yelling. Love your work jack!

[@haleighdavismusics890]

Qeuey same

[@regularguy8888]

I will make sure you go down in history to some degree, my kid will be raised on this music. Love your face when your playing the drums

[@SouperPug]

regularguy8888 SKREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@noctuadiscipulum9715]

Only if you wanna be a villain number 1

[@hogcranker1984]

technically he already has! he's a co-founder of patreon!

[@goodolmeplant5809]

when you didnt pass your math test

[@ANDYPK_]

LMAO mood

[@viridian_draws]

good o'l me plant if this isn’t the biggest mood

[@furiamon2587]

fr

[@xxvenus_viperxx4826]

I legit used to listen to this when I was sad over not understanding math lmao

[@williamafton1376]

Relatable still haven't passed it and I'm a grown adult

[@jellyjam9331]

it's a bad idea to listen to this while sad makes it sm worse but I still love it♡

[@calvii_boi]

I made that mistake last night, it's so catchy though, how can I not?

[@Maya-ft4dn]

SAAAME i listen to it when I'm depressed and then remember what kids said to me

[@rawegg2810]

god i cant agree more, i feel painfully nostalgic and sobbed some

[@goodolmeplant5809]

Jelly Jam it's the opposite for me

[@thoseradstars]

Same. But it’s all good.

[@levi3497]

this makes me think about The ORIGINAL little mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson. Like after she dies and floats out into the sea turning into foam or what ever.

[@Snugglestalker]

Whitney Jommie yeah she becomes part of the sea foam after she dies.

[@stroof-is-tired]

That sounds like it would go very well with this song

[@rawegg2810]

doesnt she get a spirit at the end though?

[@Alvinsch2]

Jack, your new album is beautiful, it isn't as furious as the Jack Conte I'm used to, but still, it's mellow sadness blew my mind. I'm glad to hear new music from you. I'm a big fan.

[@imann3]

Did anyone else notice the change from B&W to soft color at the beginning? Freaking brilliant!

[@---yj1un]

Isaac White Holly shit TRU!

[@Jackconte]

@particularlylazy - I run it through an Electro-Harmonix reverb pedal called the cathedral. I usually put it on Hall setting, and I crank the dampening so it cuts out the high frequency stuff. What's left is this kind of wallowing dreamy bell thing. The Cathedral is definitely the best EHX reverb pedal - I prefer it to the Holy Grail. It's got more variety, and a woofier tone.

[@soulshadonix8580]

BEST MUSIC I HAVE EVER HEARD IN MY LIFE! I CRIED WHEN I SAW HOW OLD IT WAS

[@FruitSeedBug]

I love how deep and calm this song is. Every little bit of it makes me feel like I'm drifting through a warm sea, watch fish swim by me as I slowly drift down into the deep dark abyss... Such a beautiful song, keep up the good work! I hate how I never found any of your work sooner Q.Q

[@Olivexmoon]

I have come back to this video more over the past 13 years than any other video on this website

[@Jackconte]

@Simplepeepee Thanks! feels so good to be back....

[@ailo.møøn]

Someone animated to your song!Her name is Minty Bryn, i found your song through that

[@whiterat1927]

Rose Jr Same!!

[@starjumper]

Rose Jr same

[@anerocing4334]

Rose Jr same!Now I love this song :3

[@megasocky]

they like to animate a lot of Jack Conte's songs his songs are super good though

[@oni8848]

Rose Jr omg me too

[@Jackconte]

@Kahonez07 - i get super heady about my compositions. my ear is OK, and sometimes i just hear stuff, but a lot of the time, i think my way through a song. it's not necessarily the best option, but if you're not born with Paul McCartney's ears, you have to make do somehow. sometimes i get lucky and just hear something, sometimes i craft the melody intentionally.

[@olderendirt]

I'm listening to some of this older songs and I'm much older than you, but what I'm hearing is screaming McCartney/Lennon only with your own spin on them. I'm diggin' it.

[@SuperBigchain]

remember hearing this song at work thru pandora.. didnt really think much of it until the melody would play over and over in my head. Im a huge fan now!!

[@muffindrawzz]

I still come back to listen to this masterpiece

[@Jackconte]

@Dannoneusk91 - 2 overheads (Neumann TLM 103 and an EHC2) hard panned left and right. I also had a D112 on the kick for some extra punch. Then I EQ as needed and compress like there's no tomorrow.

[@stickymallet]

No one talks about how this song could be about ADHD? I have ADHD (Yes, it's diagnosed and I'm not making shit up). He talks about not being able to find a good idea ("Somewhere in the basement I once had, a good idea but I can't find it."), as if he forgot it. He also talks about losing motivation ("Somewhere at the bottom of my brain, I just don't care and I don't want to.") and then he says ("But I do, anyway...") Because, even though he want to give up before "making the grade", he still has to do it. Even if it's work, even if it's hard to think of doing. ("My mind is drawing blanks to fill the page") is also something common for me (since I'm going off of my experience with adhd). And then you can think of the ocean parts of the song as if it was a daydream. Alot of people with ADHD have an overactive imagination and they daydream. . In fact, I could go as far to say that this entire song is about a child in school who struggles with ADHD and is failing their grades.

[@Markzuckfuckerburg]

Tobio Tenma deep shit.

[@lasttear5638]

Okay einstein calm down now I'm gaining brain cells

[@Tysoneko]

As another child with diagnosed adhd, I was like “Why does every lyric in this song relate with me?” So uhhh

[@kleptophrenia4125]

I got diagnosed with adhd after failing and dropping out of high school for not doing anything. Couldn't focus, just was stuck in my head.

[@Tysoneko]

Kleptophrenia shit dude that sounds terrible, thank god ive gotten diagnosed early enough that I’ve been able to get proper medication so that I can function

[@Jackconte]

@acoustechtony HAHAHAH!! you caught me. I have no faith in my voice, and i do a lot of takes before i'm happy usually. sometimes it's quick, but i did quite a few takes for this song...

[@mikefalzone]

NEW ALBUM!

[@greempaste3270]

I like to listen to this song when I have anxiety

[@antonluvs]

SkyeLovesCookies Me too.

[@lilac_berrys79]

SkyeLovesCookies same

[@fiothefanartist5721]

I can't like this comment enough I have a small anxiety disorder and SAME

[@saintsaltine3909]

So many people have animated with your song it's beautiful

[@S1ncerely_sam]

first listened to this as a child when I was in a very abusive household and everything, it was a song that still holds my heart and my identity/self confidence and curiosity closer then intertwined thread. from 5 years later, I have became something that kid me wanted to be so much earlier, from being a unstable child to a confident and strong person that finally has the guts to stand up and speak up. anyone who sees this comment and are/used to be in a abusive household, relationship, or anything that causes any kind of ptsd. just know that you're a strong person no matter what, whether you're a emotional mess or not. learning new things about yourself is something that reminds you again and again in life, just know that looking back on the stuff you used to love might ground you even more. sincerely, Samson Rosewood. 💙✨

[@applez130]

Not only the most beautiful song I've ever heard, but one of the only ones I've never gotten bored of.

[@toomanydum4084]

YOOOOOOOO HE STARTED PATREON AND SINGLEHANDEDLY UPLIFTED SOOOOO MANY CREATORS HECK YEAH BRO

[@TheeMrShtinker]

MY DAY WAS MADE !!!!! I've been waiting for you to come back and blow my mind. Can't wait to purchase the album. EAST COAST TOUR!!!???!!!

[@jakobbarger1260]

This song is comparable to the very best of Elliott Smith. Some of the highest praise I can bestow.

[@BrentReynoldsvsm]

Jack dude I’ve always had a metaphorical finger on your videos and energy and music and ventures as a main touchstone for yyyyears. It’s been a long time. I never comment or say anything but it’s happening. All on the inside. Big fan. Keeps me making music.

[@giansagario4188]

oh hello

[@thetruthisdead]

OMG! I've been waiting for so long! So worth the wait!

[@mcampbell598]

Love the acoustic guitar with effects

[@clichegirl15]

HE'S ALIVE!!!!!!!!!! So amazing, as always.

[@sofiateshe5421]

The first time I listened to this song I didn't know english, it's been 7 years, wow.

[@yeetwoods9367]

just remembered this song existed again i absolutely love it

[@joshwoodward]

Yikes. This is really fantastic, Jack. Thanks for making the FLACs available, they sound beautiful.

[@cupino182]

i''ve been waiting soooooooooo long

[@Exzeluke]

This type of discordant song can be so tricky, but you have composed a beautiful, haunting melody - great success!! Cheers, exzeluke

[@RichardHBlumberg]

Jack Folds!! HEEE HEEE! They say imitation is the best form of flattery, but this really is your voice, and your voice alone! Bravo!!

[@yuppitsbrendan]

Jack, seriously never stop making music. I love all of the Pomplamoose songs but your solo stuff is seriously otherworldly.

[@Treehamallama]

I'v listened to your music since youtube first started, I'v never heard this song, this is one of my favourites by you now. I absolutely love it.

[@dianabookworm5694]

This is by far my favorite song of yours, I wish you'd do more of the soft kind

[@herrincardia]

I agree with a lot of the others - I was really excited to discover that you had come out with a new album. I bought all your stuff a few months ago and listen to it constantly. I like your effort and your concern for what you do, and I think it's definitely something to be hugely proud of.

[@GaragebandandBeyond]

Sooo good. I love the stereo sound on the drums. The snare sounds delicious!! Thank you!

[@mytwosense]

Could not be more excited to hear that there is a new Jack Conte album out!! This is what we've been waiting for!

[@thing2be]

i listened to this song on spotify one time when having a breakdown and i instantly connected to it, since then ive been listening to a bunch of your music and have become a bit of a fan. love the music thank you for sharing it with us :]

[@bassetts1899]

i waited 7 months for this!!! just ordered the physical version, listening to the album now, it's so fab jack! well worth the wait!

[@DKmetallic]

cant wait for the songs!! :)

[@GullyRooster]

I didn't fully realize it but I've missed you so much Jack. I'm so glad you've got as much creative initiative as you do, and look forward to frequent doses of Conte.

[@andrewjudahmusic]

Bought the wav download. I would buy again. Twice. Awesome. Favorite album of the year so far.

[@JoshGoessler]

It's been an incredible experience to watch you grow and mature as an artist. I wish you the very best and hope you continue to see the success you rightfully deserve.

[@DanceCoheedDance]

this song is so beautiful. I absolutely adore all your songs but this is possibly my favorite out of all of them.

[@Hew91]

Wow, so this song actually sums up my life right now... You tend to have this way of doing that.....releasing songs that just hit me at the right time Thank you good sir, because if my life had a soundtrack.....you would take up most of it

[@TheLegalImmigrant05]

Pure awesomeness.

[@limitlesscondition]

Always come back

[@MrSynapse2]

He reminds me if jack stauber with how he moves while playing. It just shows how much he feels the song.

[@dezidk]

i found this song by the animation on Flipnote Hatena, and all i've gotta say is that this is great and that you kinda look like LordMinion777 during the video.

[@honeyboy2090]

Still one of my favourite songs to this day. A true masterpiece Thank you for making such a wonderful piece of art ❤

[@ehohnke]

The shear dedication to the music is so awesome. If I could be half as passionate, I think that life would be swell.

[@MUSICbySCAN]

jack, this just made my year. thank you for your incredible work and being a constant source of inspiration.

[@LeoVader]

Oh my god. I had almost given up hope of this. Thank you sir.

[@PaulPistore]

I bought VS4 the day you released this. Just wanted to check back to say... I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!! Just a fantastic album, funny, sad, up, down and gorgeous. The mix is Amazing, some of your best work. Just about the best money I've spent, ever.

[@dolnop6824]

this music gives me so much comfort

[@valientsupercow]

I've waited my entire life for a new song! Gosh, I'm happy.

[@babygirlalaura]

always coming back to this song whenever I think of school and I ain't even in there right now-

[@haleighdavismusics890]

this gives me chills because your voice is so calming and flowy. its very catchy and amazing. :)

[@IHeartLegendaryFrog]

Jack, you seriously just made my day. I can honestly never get enough of your music. As well as Nataly's. (:

[@ominousicity]

it's been a long time Mr. Conte. So glad you came back to us. Headed to the website to look into the full CD. Come on out to wintry Minnesota!

[@Jatokae]

I played this song on my campus radio station. Just wanted to give your new album some support from a Georgia college campus! Keep coming out with some good stuff!

[@tehee5889]

still listening to this in 2020, a fire ass song

[@elizziebooks]

This is amazing!

[@oyahthefirst]

Dang, this is a worldly song. Just get this out there.

[@sillysepia]

this song is so calming to me I love it

[@YouglyMusic]

I was listening to the album this morning and I told myself that something was missing. The video! I'm not used to listen to your music without seeing you playing it. Awesome song probably my favorite on the album. Thanks Jack.

[@honeyboy2090]

Came back to the video to say, that I still listen to this on a regular basis; it conveys a certain atmosphere I feel when I drink a cup of coffee on a balcony looking over the sea, and nothing can replace this song. ❤❤❤

[@davehasmates]

Keep coming back to this one, I think it is my favourite of yours. So great. x

[@esthophersframe]

WE LOVE YOU!!! So glad you're back. Can't wait to continue to spend all my money on everything you create :)

[@MrYippppy]

What a wonderful comeback, jack!! Such a wonderful sense of harmony!

[@vanmanivan]

Woo. We waited so long and you finally delivered, and delivered big! ♥

[@OxyeonBenreyJoe]

This song resonates with me greatly. Thank you.

[@grimmcorvid5713]

Heck I love your songs! Always helps me study! Thank you!

[@syMBloremoe]

I can't even begin to fathom what it would be like to have this kind of talent.. Hats off to you sir! I am officially envious.

[@itszahra7523]

I really like this song, it’s sounds kind of happy but then the minor chords come in and make you feel a certain way, really impressive 👌.

[@Seaton6017]

This is so great. I seriously can't stop listening to it. After hearing so much of Nataly's voice and not a ton of yours... I have to say that I was really surprised by your solo stuff. You have this (EVEN WIDER) diversity of talent that I wasn't even aware of! Your songs are amazing.

[@amethystaries9789]

Your music is beautiful. It's 2019 and I still love your voice.

[@livelydeadful]

This is soooooo great! finally a physical copy of your release, something I can hold and cherish all my lifes...

[@Ralastas]

I subscribed a few days ago because I loved your music from like 2 years ago, and somehow I timed it so you come back, RIGHT AFTER I SUBSCRIBE!!!! BEST. WEEK. EVER.

[@mollykay5003]

Where did he go? I only just found this beautiful music and I want so much more!!

[@atohs9123]

He is the CEO of patreon so... yeah

[@MichaelFaughn]

I bought this record and buy hardly any records anymore. Jack is just an inspiration. I hope my kids kick this much ass with whatever they do when they...grow up...without growing up.

[@RandomGuyDan]

I'm so glad you finally released more solo stuff. I love Pomplamoose and have bought all the various songs (and donated a book), but your solo work is terrific too and its great to know that it hadn't fallen by the wayside. I hope that you and Natalie find your way out to Chicago soon for some shows. Check out Mayne Stage it's a great small venue on the far North Side of Chicago that would be great for you.

[@Tugadorf]

Beautiful song + atmosphere + clear & simple shots + very nice editing = awesome videosong !

[@WorldMind]

11 years ago I watched this music video in amazement wondering how he did all this magic. 11 years later I happily can say I know how he did all of these visual effects. And I did in fact purchase many of your albums over the years.

[@Spintown]

Awesome as usual.

[@siwy3231]

wow, 2011. and here i am in 2018. this is like a party for my headphones. i love your music, everyone of them is so different yet they all have a good vibe from them. like how every flower is different in its own way yet it can smell sweet.

[@nowayjose20]

As a music major and music lover, I greatly appreciate your musicianship, Jack. I can't wait to hear your new album and buy your book with actual SHEET MUSIC and orchestrations in it. If you're ever in the Detroit area and need a cellist, get a hold of me!!

[@BrokenLie3]

This is the best birthday present (even if it'snot for me). coming home after a long day of singing choral music and finding this on my home page. fantastic. Jack your songs are amazing and huge inspiration for me. please don't even stop writing magnificent songs such as this one (this is by far my favorite though). Thank you for making my 16th birthday just a little more special. ~Riley

[@alistairs1923]

I love this song so much, I used to always listen to this when I was younger, it resonates so deeply with me even to this day! Def underrated

[@TheGomesTeam]

Welcome back :)

[@jamiefrey]

Ive been begging for this! haha Nice to have you back man!!!