How We Imagined Pop Music Would Evolve

[@TheSeeking2know]

This is the most excited Rick has ever been about any modern pop music. Good work Willow and her collaborators!

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

I do think he would really appreciate Kali Uchis, although it's obvious Willow is aiming even way higher.

[@mackenzieclarkson8322]

This is not pop

[@wolfgangwalk337]

She should ring up Jacob Collier. Sounds like a perfect match.

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

@@wolfgangwalk337 Not really, she is interested in making complex music in an accessible way, Jacob is interested in making complex music even more complex 😅

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

@@mackenzieclarkson8322 It actually is. Pop is anything that can be commercialized for the masses. Sinatra and Armstrong were both jazz AND pop, while most jazz musicians are the opposite of "marketeable". The Beatles, Elvis, the Stones and The Beach Boys were both rock AND pop too, while someone like Zappa is definitely not, f.i.

[@custum18]

I give her credit for really working to improve and not just cruise on her name and simple pop/punk music.

[@Kasino80]

I'd completely forgotten she's a Smith.

[@minmogrovingstrongandhealthy]

@@Kasino80 Hopefully the ego wont take over like the rest of them. Everyone in that family is mentally off ... she maybe the last hope.

[@pensivepenguin3000]

Yeah, I mean to be fair, if she was feeling the pop punk music and that was authentic for her, more power to her. This, however, is something that actually catches my interest

[@pensivepenguin3000]

@@Kasino80 right? I would be less hesitant to engage with this admittedly good music if it didn’t have that name on it. I just cannot stand that family, but she does deserve the chance to be evaluated on her own merits, so I’m trying to stay open minded

[@ItsSomeDeadGuy]

Her pop punk music wasn't that simple, though. Some really interesting song structures and progression. And it's not like that's all she's been doing.

[@franklopez4028]

One of things that blows me away about this song is how they fit all of this into an incredibly clear and focused mix.

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

She is very clever. Most of her songs go right to the point: they clearly display all of their innovative and interesting musical elements in a concise way (a minute and a half on average). She really is onto something here, she is creating an effective gateway from pop into jazz (something guys like Stevie Wonder or D'Angelo tried but failed to do imo). Maybe George Benson already did it, but in a more direct and less "daring" way. (He is still the singer/guitarist GOAT for me. 😅)

[@WhiteDove73-888]

That’s tiny desk

[@franklopez4028]

@@WhiteDove73-888 I was talking about record but 💯 to TD as well.

[@patientmental875]

@@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266 She is really onto something or is the person who wrote, arranged & produced it onto something?

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

@@patientmental875 She is too. It's true producers have tremendous input in their artists' direction, but one can really tell apart those who input their own artistry in their stuff (Willow, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, George Benson, Michael Jackson, The Beatles) from those that only follow orders or hire others to do the heavy lifting (Taylor Swift, Drake, Milli Vanilly, all the modern K-Pop groups). If we discredit musicians for following directions from producers, then we would have to discredit bands like The Beatles, Queen or Pink Floyd too. Most musical artists aren't total auteurs like Zappa or Prince in the first place, they are the exception.

[@ChrisEldridgeKino]

If there's one thing Rick loves it's non-standard and unpredictable chord progressions

[@christianmcesar]

😂😂 facts💯

[@RCAvhstape]

Because it makes music fun to listen to, not boring like so much mainstream garbage out there.

[@ChristopherPhillips]

He must love Radiohead 😅

[@InventorZahran]

⁠@@ChristopherPhillipsThanks to Radiohead, I-III-IV-iv is not so uncommon anymore.

[@knaz7468]

Him and Adam for sure!

[@Jack_Simpson]

Trilling with the break of your voice while staying in tune is actually insane and takes soooo much control and awareness. She’s something special

[@scifiwriter98]

That's why I don't think it's really her singing.

[@Jack_Simpson]

@@scifiwriter98 Given the recordings of live performances of her I’ve seen, my money’s on it being her.

[@EtymTV]

@@scifiwriter98that was tiny desk concert which is absolutely live

[@AbaMiguel]

@@scifiwriter98 what makes you say that? She's been singing her whole life

[@joohara1985]

here here 💓

[@TheLYagAmi]

This song really is a hidden gem. The isolated piano sounds absolutely heavenly. Rick makes songs so much richer with these deep dives.

[@DangleSan]

Bro let's stop fooling ourselves, A bunch of Berkeley musicians are using a Hollywood child for popularity, I can't believe Rick praised willows singing🤦🏽 Well he couldn't recognize the AI voices but his wife and son could so this says something she's mid at best, She's like someone doing an impression of a really good singer gets way too crazy with her vocal ad libs it's CRINGE

[@zentekno]

@@DangleSan Yep. It's better than Whip My Hair, at least. Rick should check out Haitus Kaiote if hasn't already, that's the stuff.

[@TheCWasson12]

@@DangleSan lol "doing an impression of a really good singer" convincingly is just really good singing. sure, nepotism got her foot in the door, and she needs some live mic etiquette experience, but she's for sure talented.

[@DangleSan]

@@TheCWasson12 What I mean is that she tries vocal inflections and other type of vocal ad-libs, For example her viral "woah woah" after the line in her song I think I left my conscience on your front door step Is a classic example of a vocalist doing too much, She's a decent singer but when you have a band of Berkeley musicians behind you almost anybody's gonna sound good

[@TheCWasson12]

@DangleSan lol I think it just might not be your taste. If anything her voice is a little nasal in that song, but embellishments like that are super common in modern RnB and rap, which have had a lot of influence on modern pop.

[@Stallagmite]

She actually goes deeper than people realize by incorporating Persian and Middle Eastern vocal techniques when she adds those fast vocal breaks, sometimes by kind of beating her chest. The beauty of it is that it fits so well you almost can't tell it's from another singing tradition.

[@tminus21]

wow, now i wanna listen to the album more

[@kumarvikramaditya9636]

Sounds more Indian

[@havenjamatia]

Indian actually, she's actually heavily influenced by Indian culture.

[@Stallagmite]

@@havenjamatia yah, that influence is clear that in he melodic ornaments 😉 but the specific vocal break technique, where the voice rapidly starts and stops is developed particularly in Persian and Middle Eastern singing traditions. If you're up for it listen to a few well known Persian singers and I think you'll see what I mean ✌

[@miqueasvalentinhernandez3998]

When you talk about this, I am thinking about mugam music.

[@Keverember]

I didn’t have Willow Smith putting out a catchy jazz-influenced pop song in 7 on my 2024 bingo card.

[@Cloudbuster1987]

You better listen to the album, it's great. Not just this song.

[@C.SchitzPopinov]

😆

[@i-never-look-at-replies-lol]

But does she really have anything to do with it? The music industry just attaches name to other people's work.

[@Keverember]

@@i-never-look-at-replies-lol she’s credited as a writer, but you never know. But I do know that executing that melody is extremely impressive regardless.

[@junkandcrapamen]

Actually, she's released two. Check out "Big Feelings". Also in 7 and also fire.

[@willbaskin700]

This feels like the equivalent of painting with new colors. She made the complexity feel cool and good and accessible to an everyday audience

[@johnlone141]

Like Flying Lotus / ThunderCat.

[@peachmelba1000]

Kind of brings to mind aspects of Joni Mitchell, Fiona Apple, Ivana Santilli, Tori Amos

[@lostinmybackyard2006]

And Ian Anderson. I swear it's like listening to 1972 Jethro Tull.

[@retrovelcro]

I was just thinking it'd be cool to hear Tori Amos cover this

[@leorduran]

YES!!!!

[@Ruirspirul]

your forgot the originator of them all. Kate Bush😊

[@lafemmevocale1040]

@@Ruirspirul Exactly! The piano riff is very similar to Kate's "Snowflake" from album '50 words for snow'

[@mortonwilson795]

Those first few piano bars just grab you and then there's no escape . . . wow, what a song, singer, band. There's hope, then!

[@pensivepenguin3000]

I agree. Some in the comments are saying it’s more of an intellectual exercise and that it has no hook, but I find it immediately gripping - and trust me, I don’t want to! I really don’t like the Smith family lol but this is too good to deny

[@cooldebt]

That opening piano sounds a bit like the intro of Message in a Bottle

[@nath9233]

​@@cooldebt 100% the same

[@jamesgulapa7219]

There's hope... that's what i said as well

[@pauloandrebonifacio4788]

Don't we all? I absolutely love when the music escapes the obvious. Lately, all we can hear in the radio is 4 chords songs. Bit sad and boring! Glad there's some new and exciting things still happening around.

[@Tanshanomi]

As a musical dunderhead, I so appreciate someone who points out the specific elements I should be appreciating but don’t know enough to pick out or understand on my own.

[@ianfoster670]

If ever there was a band waiting to be discovered, The Musical Dunderheads is it, priceless.

[@eadred9164]

You're a dunderhead in general, no need to include music.

[@Tanshanomi]

@@eadred9164 Ah, so we’ve met.

[@eadred9164]

@Tanshanomi I'm omniscient.

[@rome8180]

Can you really not tell when a song sounds unique? Like, I get not knowing this is in 7/4. But surely, you don't need Rick to point out how different this sounds from a Justin Bieber song, right?

[@liquidsolids9415]

David Bennet Piano has two videos on this song, including an interview with the piano player where he talks about the chord voicings. Cool song!

[@LukasVlcek]

This needs to be the pinned comment.

[@lawsonj39]

Yep. In one, he interviews the pianist who helped write the song; apparently a team put the chords and rhythms together then handed it over to Willow to create the melody and lyrics. Sounds a lot like the descriptions I've heard of Taylor Swift's process, but the end product here is way different.

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

​@@lawsonj39Yup, but it's actually a totally different proccess. The Beatles did the same as Willow, they worked with a group of genius producers and session musicians, but they thenselves had the musical ability to discern what to use and how to combine it with their songwriting, same thing for The Rolling Stones (in their early days) or The Beach Boys (Brian Wilson actually had huge creative input in the whole process, but he did use tons of session musicians to his advantage) or even more recently Michael Jackson. What Taylor does is: she pays Max Martin to do EVERYTHING FOR HER, to discern the simplest shortcut to go viral and, that's it. She is the antipode of musical creativity in a way.

[@jwallaby7895]

@@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266if she gels with the musical process i think its a bit harsh to call her the antipode of creativity lol. She probably deserves to be thought of as a session vocalist at worst. But i figure most pop" artists" just dont deserve all the credit...literally look at the credits of most songs....its anywhere between 5 and 13 ppl on average.

[@liquidsolids9415]

@@LukasVlcek Thank you!

[@JonManos]

Nice to hear new pop music going completely over my head for a change

[@muzikgod]

It's not pop music which is why it went over your head!

[@InventorZahran]

@@muzikgodIt's too advanced to be pop!

[@chuckamok12]

@@muzikgod of course it's pop, it has a catchy melody and a solid beat - it's pop.

[@OdaKa]

I feel like normal pop music goes over most heads

[@muzikgod]

@@OdaKa Do you think this song is pop music?

[@GT-mq1dx]

Melancholy yet uplifting, poppy but progressive. That was something new to my ears that I wish there would be more of in this day and age. There are a lot of gems out there, I guess you just have to be looking for them. This reminds me of two songs from a long time ago; Seal’s Kiss from a Rose and Peter Gabriel’s Games Without Frontiers. Both of them beautiful, each in its own right.

[@gregheckman]

Even if she isn't your thing... You HAVE to recognize the genius and sheer ingenuity of her music. Never mind the fact she is writing REALLY catchy modern jazz. Love it.

[@neiladlington950]

Yeah, the modern jazz part was a surprise. I don't listen to pop music as I usually prefer anything but... And the last time I heard anything from Willow it was that "whip my hair" thing? But damn, that girl has come a long way and you don't get there without some serious commitment and practice. I can listen to this.

[@alex24mamba]

Not my style at all, but I respect her voice, talent, and damn those musicians killed it.

[@KenBreadbox]

@@neiladlington950 Thank you for that bit of context. I absolutely DETEST that "whip my hair" crap. Hard to believe it's the same person.

[@TheGnuisancev3]

she's a rich kid who's been a pop rapper, then pop punk rocker and now this. she's grown up in Hollywood, a truly privileged life and I'd be curious how much of this was constructed by people around her. Great song and I wish pop would go this way. but there's nothing ground-up or organic about her.

[@gregheckman]

​@@TheGnuisancev3you really need to read the credits a bit better. The early stuff (which I don't care for) war written and produced for her. The newer records? All her. That's a musical genius pushing through. Just sayin.

[@sleven8013]

I’m a prog metal/rock kind of guy with a bit of 90s grunge love sprinkled with jazz fusion and this really tickles my fancy. Didn’t know modern pop could sound this good. Bangin!

[@mdav30]

Rick just hopes this is the future of pop because he loves jazz. No way. This is jazz, will remain not "pop" for that reason.

[@geepike]

@@mdav30 in an ideal world music like this, Fiona Apple, Eryka Badu, Joni Mitchell etc could kick off again in a big way as a knee jerk 180• of whats going on in pop a la The Grunge scene in the 90s. Not likely, but not impossible. Im confident noone was betting on the “Whip My Hair” Smith daughter putting THIS out, so…theres always hope haha

[@harimathur2191]

It's not really modern. It's old school genX type song. Very 90s piano, Seal-like... bass line is dead 90s. Beats are 90s.

[@thomasluby1754]

I give your comment an "F". Could you be any more specific?

[@davidherdman5549]

Me too and me too

[@poppolooii8000]

Her band is definitely a group of musical talented and passionate people who love the art

[@thekatemeda]

And 2 grammy-award winning producers

[@lloydgush]

And omnission is not in it...

[@giovannimontagnana6262]

She is the daughter of Will Smith and of course they give her top notch producers and musicians. A new artist coming from nothing definitely would not have this opportunity

[@stephenroth3299]

This is why I love today's new wave of Emo coming out. Jazzy, mathy, and beautiful choruses with heart breaking lyrics

[@ericnowak9497]

What artists are spearheading this wave?

[@stephenroth3299]

@@ericnowak9497 arm's Length, Ben Quad, Carly Cosgrove, Hot Mulligan

[@stephenroth3299]

@@ericnowak9497 oh, and Sweet Pill

[@rodrigoodonsalcedocisneros9266]

Nice to know. The good kind of emo 😅

[@shaunfogarty5744]

This is NOT EMO!!! Good GOD!!! Wrong Label dude... Let Willow be Willow.

[@rudebuddha4895]

I heard Willow's "Meet Me At Our Spot" a few weeks ago because someone used a clip of it on a "short" YT video showing how to clean a dogs ears. I got out my phone and Shazam'd it. I was blown away watching the official artist video and wondered how this was released two years ago and just now heard it. Stange times for discovering new music and their non-traditional ways of getting sun in the dense forest of new artists and music. So I'm thrilled to see Rick highlighting her exceptional talent.

[@limer4330]

Meet me at our spot is a cool tune.

[@tetianadmytrenko6089]

Oh God, cleaning dogs' ears😅 this is a modern way of discovering the music.

[@BlakeH..888_]

The only songs I've heard from her are Meet Me at Our Spot and Wait a Minute and I enjoyed both of them a lot even though they're not what I usually listen to.

[@lynnestong7286]

I’m a 60 year old Grandmom that mainly likes rock music & When I heard “Meet Me at Our Spot” (the live version on KZbin) for the first time, I was in love with it. For some reason it gives me a strong feeling of nostalgia. (longing for my youth I guess lol) And then I heard her song “ Wait A Minute”. And I liked it too 😮. I surprised myself because I was always just about rock n roll…She has a beautiful & unique voice and style.

[@theoldkidrocker]

I forgot about that song "Meet Me At Our Spot" I heard it when Kelly Clarkson did a Kellyoke of it when it came out so I looked up Willows Original and really liked it... I saved it to a list this time lol great tune and her talent was shining then.....

[@nielkrugercg]

As someone who listens to a lot of progressive rock/metal, this song is very satisfying to listen to. It’s now on my favourites playlist

[@acason4]

Willow Smith is a A++ vocalist. Her album “Coping Mechanism” is really incredible. The vocal melodies & half the songs on the album are bangers!

[@kennethhwilliams3350]

I'm gonna go and check it out!!!

[@acason4]

@@kennethhwilliams3350 Check out: Curious/Furious No Control Maybe It’s My Fault Split Why Coping Mechanism All incredible tracks & the vocal work (melodies & harmonies) is some of the greatest vocal work I’m ever heard. The album is kind of like Deftones meets “pop/punk” which might sound strange, but damn does she pull it off. I was really blown away. Hope you like it.

[@kuntbae3773]

wrong, it’s awful

[@acason4]

@@kuntbae3773 Nah, you’re wrong.

[@neladesign]

Her capability of sing other rhythms including rock (hard one) shows her habillities to do whatever what she would like to do, because its a grean musician and impresive singer, not all pop singers could do that!

[@eximusic]

Almost all the artists on tiny desk concerts are amazing. It's a good gauge of the quality of music coming out today. No shortage of brilliant artists in 2024. Funny how NPR, public radio, and public radio listeners all know this, but no one else seems to.

[@rksnj6797]

I love Tiny Desk Concerts!

[@Smitty_Werbenjagermanjenson]

KEXP is a great source too, especially for alt

[@Iantrypsk]

@@Smitty_Werbenjagermanjenson both have some stinky music because is really diverse and is a good thing, brings you out of the algorithm bubble. You can create some powerful bubbles online.

[@paulwooton4390]

NPR has some quality programs (case in point). Their news division isn't one of them...tedious sjw crusaders when an honest reporter would suffice.

[@eximusic]

@@paulwooton4390 Ok, not the topic. Kind of hard to reply to generalizations with no specifics.

[@richardleveille3254]

My 16 year-old son introduced me to Willow a couple of years ago. She is awesome! One of the few “new” pop artists I regularly listen to.

[@DeeNeuro]

reminds me of Esperanza Spalding.

[@jerryp3148]

That's exactly what I was thinking...very interesting stuff.

[@destinationsunnyside250]

👍

[@tyrone2k]

yes. My thoughts exactly.... which is good.

[@tulp_graphics]

Also a bit of Lianne la Havas.

[@blessing291]

same thought too while watching her tiny desk performance ✋🏼

[@descendingforth]

That whole Tiny Desk performance is just amazing. It truly blew me away!

[@iiwi758]

The people behind Tiny Desk have excellent taste and a good sense for what fits their format. Nearly all performances they put together are interesting in some way.

[@theoriginalheartstrummer]

Seriously? Willow sounds like Yoko Ono to me. No-technique caterwauling; just that empty hot-air that passes for emotion typical of the expression of most "woke" people her age. The rhythm and harmony may have more going on than a lot of modern pop, but so what? That doesn't make it exceptional by any means. OMG it's in SEVEN! Big deal. Just because Rick thinks it's "cool" doesn't mean anything to me. It just sounds so fake and plastic. I WISH it had substance, but why would I expect that from Willow Smith?

[@descendingforth]

@@theoriginalheartstrummer but surely you have to respect the musicians that are playing in the video??? I was talking about the tiny desk performance not Willow Smith as a musician🤦‍♂️

[@descendingforth]

@@theoriginalheartstrummer What a boring take as well. Its a well put together performance and it sounds great why can't you just admit that?

[@andrewthompson7707]

​@@descendingforthit's just fast-paced passages put together there's no Unforgettable hook or Rift there

[@aaronorjohnson]

The guitarist doin' some Jonny Greenwood stuff on that guitar and it adds such an effect to the song without overpowering other instruments.

[@viceshark]

There are sounds that force me to tears. I truly can't do a thing about it. This performance is absolutely one of them.

[@Itsleakim]

Glad to see Rick excited about contemporary music again. There is so much cool new music being made. You just have to look for it and stop being annoyed at what's on the charts. Because let's be honest, was there ever a time when you liked the majority of the top 10 songs on the charts? (except for when ya'll where 14 years old?) A lot of our all time favourite songs never made it into the top 10, so why do we expect to find our new favourite songs there?

[@pensivepenguin3000]

Thank you! Some welcomed words of wisdom around here. I don’t know why Rick grumbling about top 40 music has become so popular on the channel, but it is low effort, insulting to the intelligence of his audience and undermines his own open-mindedness. Much rather see him elevating the positive

[@mar7838]

I agree. Been saying this for a long time. There is so much amazing (pop) music being made right now. More than ever. My theory is that the new generations have all this great information available. And use it to make some amazing stuff. I think it's always more productive to praise the good artist than complaining about the boring songs in some Spotify Top 10. So I want to give credit to Rick. He made this video. And has made others where he speak to and about new artists who make great music. So we should really thank him to introduce his audience to Willow Smith. Hope we will hear more of her.

[@stoneysdead689]

We don't- and you're missing the point. We don't expect to find what we like, but we expect to find something with at least some complexity and depth to it. Not two chord, pop culture, bubble gum that sounds like it was written on the way to the recording session. When I was a kid I hated pop music- but the stuff that was popular, was complex and difficult to play or figure out- the ppl who were performing it had obvious talent- even if it wasn't my kind of music. I can't say that any longer- nor can I even trust that this really is a popular song- the streaming services lie. The highest bidder gets their song at the top of the list- whether it's any good or not. Well- either the highest bidder or- their new AI artist. Think about the impact that's already having on the music scene. Think about the impact it has on our culture. It's not good.

[@lzbgenna]

My thoughts exactly. Happy that Rik is starting to discover or at least showcase a bit of the amazing music currently being produced. Hope this trend continues on the channel.

[@seanbeadles7421]

@@stoneysdead689the only time this was true was during the Tin Pan Alley days, and I bet you’re not 120. For example, every do-wop song in the 50s and 60s is basically one chord progression. There’s about a dozen different blues songs that have the Johnny b. Goode intro.

[@johnskilly]

Happy to see you are covering this, I saw this tiny desk show on my feed some months ago and was blown away by Willow´s performance.

[@ButterWilliam]

The future of pop is Joni Mitchell, love it

[@rundoetx]

I agree.

[@maxzape9003]

Beat me to it! Joni would be proud.

[@ScottsGuitar]

Funny I was at Tori Amos but yea, same lineage lol

[@davidlee5580]

@@ScottsGuitarYeah the piano had me thinking of Tori

[@RobBaartwijk]

You took the words.... *grin*

[@titanicsinclair]

It's so cool to see Chris Greatti finally getting the praise he deserves as a writer/producer. I've had the pleasure to work with him a lot over the years. He's a genius producer and musician.

[@thankyouforyourcompliance7386]

Everyone is a genius in today's US media. What about some humble approach and hard work.

[@krusher74]

Rick is such a flailing fangirl in this. Did not mention the writer producer once.

[@seanandben]

@@krusher74 The song was written by Willow, Chris Greatti & Brad Oberhofer, and produced by Chris Greatti. It seems like more of a Chris Greatti song that just happens to be sung by Willow - (an undoubtedly talented singer) - but that seems to be the way things are done with a lot of artists these days - multiple songwriters and in some cases multiple producers on hit records. Symptom of Life was released on March 12th, 2024, and until I saw Rick's over excited video today - June 17th - I never heard of Willow or the song.

[@TheMister123]

@@seanandben David Bennett Piano did an interview with Brad Oberhofer over on his channel, published just a few days ago. Brad outlines who contributed what to the song. I haven't memorized the credits for the whole album yet, but I think Willow wrote some of the album on her own.

[@writemeyers]

@@TheMister123thank you! I'll go check that out. The previous replies insinuating that Rick isn't crediting people or that this is only the result of multi-producers, seems to forget that most of that output is empty pablum.

[@ericepperson8409]

My daughter grew up with "Whip my Hair" as one her favorite fun songs just to silly dance around to. A little bit ago she had me listen to some of Willow's recent stuff and I was surprised how good it was. Then I saw the Tiny Desk performance. I hope she continues making this kind of music pushing pop forward. I think it would be great Rick if you would do a video on your thoughts about Tiny Desk production.

[@Cosmoborracho]

It's giving me a "If Tori Amos wrote Kiss From A Rose" vibe but at this point, that's blasphemous because it's in a whole 'nother universe of cool. Absolutely loving this!

[@richardgreenwoodjr5263]

Was getting Tori Amos vibes as well- glad I'm not the only one lol.

[@nilsbauer6994]

Oh that's actually a very good parallel / comparison. It's obviously it's own thing, but Toni Mitchell, Tori Amos and Kiss From A Rose definitely feel familiar to this. Loving it

[@RoryRonde]

that is actually a very good description!

[@NRG2]

Noooooo. Do not put the spawn of Will Smith in the same sentence as Tori Amos. The world is afflicted by every breath they take.

[@jeffwolinski2659]

Ha, great analogy, I totally hear that!

[@junkandcrapamen]

Was waiting for you to catch on to this awesomeness. The entire album "Empathogen" is fire.

[@Albatross-365]

cover looks weird. her natural smile would look better

[@JimmyNuisance]

Watched the tiny desk concert as well. That is one the best drummers I've heard in recent memory. The ability to play complex and serve the song is extremely impressive to me. It's like the drums are singing along.

[@soundproductionandadvice]

The Pocket Queen on Drums. Last saw her with Greg Philanganes doing an Omnisphere live demo. She's superb.

[@Tom-dv6ei]

Her and the bassist in that Tiny Desk video...Such a pleasure to watch them bounce of each other. They are so on it! and you can see they're truly enjoying what they're doing.

[@krusher74]

I thought Rick would know who she is, but no..........

[@TimDaleMusic]

Agreed, she was awesome on that Spectrasonics demo

[@marshac1479]

​@@krusher74 Indeed. He could have looked on the Tiny desk website to find out who she is and namechecked her. She's a great drummer.

[@bobboberson2024]

Willow really knocks this out. A very cool jazzy vibe - with a vocal line Al Jarreau would be happy with. But it’s not something you walk out humming.

[@pdkett1]

..not recommended for Swifties unless accompanied by an adult when listening.

[@arachnidiscs]

Yeah, I’d say this is not a pop song and is not the future of pop music. It’s an art song and sits comfortably in the grand tradition of Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos (though a bit funkier like if they’d had the Headhunters backing them).

[@TheSeeking2know]

That syncopated repeated section is definitely memorable to me.

[@nowondr]

@@TheSeeking2know yeah the harmonies are complex, but the main melodic stuff is pretty easy on the ears and memorable to me too. been stuck in my head

[@VampireHeart518]

First off, I disagree, I find it quite ''hummable''. Secondly... what's with the 'but'? What do you mean? (is it about pop?)

[@bencrozier]

Rick’s authentic passion for music is contagious! He’s like the uncle I wish I had that I could go to and learn from!

[@ChristChickAutistic]

She's legit good, really good. Best thing to come out of that family, imho. Gives me hope that music isn't dead.

[@Brucetheguitarist]

Thank you 🎉

[@ChristChickAutistic]

@@Brucetheguitarist Um, you're welcome? I'm sorry, I just don't understand why you're thanking me, lol! 😁

[@Brucetheguitarist]

@@ChristChickAutistic haha my bad I was meaning like thank you for saying this. A lot of hate comments on this post so it’s good to see some good ones

[@ChristChickAutistic]

@@Brucetheguitarist I just don't see the point in all that, lol! I'm old school, I was raised that "if you can't say nothing nice, don't say anything", lol! More folks should learn that. She put out a banger song, period, she should have her flowers for it.

[@djsa6218]

Of this era you mean. Her father's songs i rocked a lot. By the way listen to her Will Smith's latest single....i think you will 😂

[@kennethhoneycutt4513]

Not to mention Dey-base on bass is killing it

[@NikZ500]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXeudqyVh7yqh80si=k1f5XDgAoh7plWgU Check her insane solo almost 10-12 years back

[@scootaymildo1070]

I was wondering if that was her. I've only been aware of her for the last month or so and my god, what a player!

[@MrJohnnyAOA]

She did not play the bass on the record. Still kicks a$$ on the tiny desk performance though

[@kennethhoneycutt4513]

@@MrJohnnyAOA No, if you go back and look up tiny NPR Tiny desk, you will clearly see her. I don't know who played bass on the studio cut.But rick biano was Playing a clip from n p r along with the studio

[@kennethhoneycutt4513]

@@scootaymildo1070 There is a show that I watch it's called NPR Tiny desk, that's the clip. He was, she was in her band on that. But I was just informed on here that that wasn't her in the studio cut.

[@RobertSkipwith]

There really are some amazing tracks on this album. Pain for Fun jumped out to me as well. The structure of some of these songs almost feel like Radiohead in how they can change chords and count within a song. Great stuff.

[@johngulak5721]

wow... she sings the hell out of that and the band is killer. Rick, this must be giving you some serious hope for the future...lol

[@coolbluerecharge]

Not gonna lie, this has me whipping my hair back and forth.

[@AlicePBrigole]

Best

[@vishnupillai2864]

Is it just me or this songs reminds me of Stings - Message in a Bottle? Or Tigran Hamasyans - What the waves brought in? 0:35

[@romeDCfc]

I could listen to that over and over again. I'd struggle to categorize this as Pop, but that's another thing to me that makes the song interesting.

[@yvltc]

I agree, I can't say this is pop

[@amylaw3416]

Ya this is jazz. The future of jazz. Glad jazz is coming back into the mainstream. I LOVE Jazz pop.

[@vanessaseymour2634]

The entire album, Empathogen, is categorized as alternative jazz/pop.

[@TheSeeking2know]

Jazz was once the pop of it's day. The pop of the future is going to be a fusion of influences moving slightly away from the just the dance and R&B influences that have dominated.

[@vanessaseymour2634]

​@georgewoolf6300Meshell Ndegeocello is appearing on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert this June for Black Music Month.

[@Steve_ATL]

I came across this Tiny Desks the other day and was blow away. I am glad Willow is getting more complicated music out to the pop listeners.

[@paulsevilla2355]

I've had this song on repeat for weeks. So glad you found it, Rick! The whole album deserves attention. It's amazing. Award worthy for sure.

[@ScentlessSun]

A song in 7! That is awesome. And they rocked it. Such a great vocal flow by Willow live.

[@SidAlienTV]

"Tom Sawyer" and "Whitin you without you" entered the chat.

[@davidjohnmorse]

It's good to see you excited about new music Rick! Thanks for turning us onto this artist, she's awesome.

[@robertchapman89]

I just found the new songs by Willow and was so happy to see you geeking out too. it's the most exciting music that Ive heard in a long time. So incredibly beautiful in every way.

[@WitchKing99]

I daydream about a world where sophisticated and ridiculously progressive music is the mainstream. This looks like one step closer to that world and it makes me happy! :D

[@Whitestripe71]

I was hoping you'd do a video about this song - I've barely stopped listening to it since it came out! I love it. Everything about it, every tiny detail, is so perfectly and tastefully done - it sounds fresh and futuristic in the best possible way. A phenomenal song, and a great video as always, Rick.

[@PaulMaselli]

Ok, when someone expresses themselves best they can or creatively and gets admired, acknowledged, appreciated! Connecting, putting it out there…

[@LSchulz1414]

There are a lot of special things going on (time signature, note choices, chords) and it still flows. Amazing balance between simplicity and complexity.

[@pensivepenguin3000]

Did you maybe mean “complexity”?

[@LSchulz1414]

@@pensivepenguin3000 yeah, now it makes a bit more sense. Thank You!

[@TeijeWijnterp]

Rick! The quality of great new - for me - music I've found here is staggering. As are your insights that you share. THANK YOU!

[@VetBodGaming]

My first thought was, wow what an amazing singer, then you played the studio recording and I was completely blown away. Amazing song, amazing singer, amazing mix, amazing jam session. No notes, this is one of my all time favorite songs.

[@ApexCris]

Wow I love the studio version, but was a little lukewarm on the chorus, but she takes everything to another level live. Not the first time either, Meet Me At Our Spot was also better live than in studio. She's making some phenomenal music

[@pensivepenguin3000]

Right? The studio version caught my interest but this really moved me. It really opens up and comes alive in this live setting

[@marshac1479]

Meet at our spot is a fantastic song

[@nickgjenkins]

I was NOT expecting this. What a cool song!!!!!

[@kubace5398]

Fell in love with that song 2 months ago or so. To say that I share Rick's enthusiasm would be an understatement ;-) So grateful for this video!

[@sleepyzebras_]

I discovered this song few months back when David Bennett made a video on it. Such a unique pop song in today’s often copy of a copy musical landscape.

[@LetsGoBruins77]

Happy you covered this!

[@rasamalai]

The intro (or a motif that repeats) reminds me a bit of "What the waves brought", by Tigran Hamasyan. This is a really nice find, thank you for making this video!

[@relativetimeworx8459]

Touches of Tori, touches of Joni... and a unique flavor all its own. Super impressive.

[@douglasmorris81]

The piano and her voice made me think of Tori immediately

[@pensivepenguin3000]

I’ve been a Tori Amos fan since 1996 and I don’t hear anything particularly reminiscent of her music. Female vocals and there’s a piano in the mix, I guess? That’s a pretty tenuous connection at best

[@sdrc92126]

@@douglasmorris81 👍Looking for this comment

[@rebeccamarkey2760]

@@pensivepenguin3000 I looked for this comment because I heard T, as well.

[@abandonedbrain]

Yus! Tori for damn sure, but wow. I honestly didn't think I'd ever again hear someone come close to the songwriting chops of Tori, but then I thought the same of Kate Bush and I was wrong... Willow is damn impressive. Spanks EVERY singer/songwriter out there the past five years. Prog R&B in the '20s? Nice.

[@timangus]

Very reminiscent of Esperanza Spalding to my ear.

[@bolder2009]

I agree

[@nunnayabiz7911]

That's what I was thinking too.

[@mkatepaski9947]

Yes

[@kybernes]

Yes to some extent and to me that’s a huge compliment! And then there is much more… we shouldn’t reduce anybody to our references, right? I mean this gorgeous young lady is singing her heart out here! Wonderful!

[@pattir6628]

Wow! This is outstanding ! Thank you for sharing this with us, Rick, and breaking it down for us. This is such a cool, complex song. I’ve never heard of Willow Smith, but you can bet I’m going to my local record store today to try to pick this one up.

[@johnmurphy5739]

I hear message in a bottle in that progression and then tori amos/kate bush vibe. But man its way more interesting than 99% of radio these days

[@mikeryan2454]

Shit credit where due…she’s legit.

[@itsjim2875]

I'm glad to see Rick get this excited about an artist. I just heard Willow today (August 26, 20240 for the first time and am blown away by her sound. I generally listen to Jazz & Classical.

[@dplagoon]

I was just waiting for you to do a Willow song. I knew you would appreciate the complexity. There are so many good songs on that album too.

[@manuel_ao]

I learnt about her through Mariusz Duda (Riverside frontman) who was also amazed at a pop artist releasing such a song. Nice to see that you're also promoting her - in the age if IA, these are the artists who will stand out.

[@762nato1]

So glad you covered this. I've been listening to this entire album on repeat for weeks now. The WHOLE thing is amazing. She's so versatile...multiple styles of singing, incredible arrangements, awesome writing and production...I can't say enough. She deserves tons of recognition. She's everything Taylor Swift SHOULD be.

[@neladesign]

totally agree!

[@clarissagafoor5222]

This is fantastic. So glad that today`s music has such a great future! and everyone is having so much fun. And all those chord changes thrill my heart.

[@daraodonoghue9606]

Obviously influenced by Seals kiss from a rose chord structure but she took it somewhere else just reminded me of his song

[@thewhim8151]

"She's so talented but I don't like her because of her parents" is such an INSANE take, can y'all hear yourselves?!?!

[@franciskeys9810]

I wouldn't say it's insane. I have the same initial distaste: Will and Jada Smith have a repulsively dysfunctional marriage and they make all their business extremely public so they can try to monetize it. It's unlikely that I'll ever watch another movie involving either of them. In today's world there are far more options for entertainment than I can ever even glance at, so there's just no need to patronize actors this abhorrent. However, it's always important to recognize art on its own merits. This is a good song. Well done, Willow.

[@thewhim8151]

@@franciskeys9810 the insane part is thinking that Willow is in any way accountable for what he parents do. My parents are AWESOME, and even still i shouldn't have to take any responsibility for what they do

[@franciskeys9810]

@@thewhim8151 I guess you can argue that disliking the children of screwed up Hollywood stars is unfair, but do you think we'd know Willow Smith's name if it were not for Hollywood nepotism? I feel pretty confident saying that we would never have heard "Whip My Hair" without millions of dollars behind her. That song (if you can call it that) was trash and she's come a long way.

[@thewhim8151]

@@franciskeys9810 she didn't choose her parents, that's all I'm saying

[@tminus21]

it is really sad but can't help it, they are her parents so that noise just follows suit everytime I hear about her i do listen to her songs

[@NickMach007]

Crazy. Rick, I watched the tiny desk concert and recognized Mohini from your interview with her. I went and listened to the whole willow Smith album right after. I'm so glad you covered it. I was really impressed with her. Previously i only knew her from her whip my hair back and forth song ;)

[@internnutt]

really dig the jazz/pop vibe and the vocals playing off the intricate rhythm are really impressive. Super cool and, to my long abused heavy metal ears, very pleasant and enjoyable to listen to.

[@reader1956]

Thanks, Rick. You just turned me on to a singer I've never heard of and who is amazing.

[@thatonedude1003]

I was watching Jason Marsalis (drummer) on a live he was doing…and he talked about this new album. I immediately checked it out…and loved it!! I am so glad she is making music like this…a great mix of pop, jazz, and blues!!!

[@franckgestin3371]

This is an amazing song and Willow is an incredible singer. Mixing groove, harmonic sophistication and lyrism in such a way while keeping it approachable and musical is pure talent! 🤘🏻🔥 I'm so glad there are artists like Willow whose music is something we can look forward to!

[@guilhermerochasampaio8760]

FINALLY LISTENING TO GOOD NEW POP SONGS. You could start to listen to AURORA, FKJ and japanese music too.

[@trillion42]

This gives me hope for the future of music

[@krusher74]

There are 120,000 songs uploaded to spotify a day its not about the music, its about the machine that picks which few of those songs get forced on the masses. Thats "pop music"

[@gracepdp]

I'm really happy you mentioned Willow Smith, because this album worth it. Yes, this is the future of pop. Now, let's find the future of listeners.

[@pj-light-glass]

Alright Willow! I hear a Joni Mitchell influence or similar delivery, taken to another level. Went for my earbuds for a close listen. Wonderful!

[@chrisc4264]

It's a welcome relief to hear something thats not auto tuned or severely AI enhanced. Vocal wise it reminds me of a mix of Joni Mitchell and Larry Hill. Thank you Rick for sharing. Gives hope for the future a bit.

[@LRubenSaravia]

It is very autotuned

[@chrisc4264]

@@LRubenSaravia No it's actually not

[@dougbarrett43]

Is anyone else getting Vince Guaraldi vibes from that piano progression?

[@apmartini70]

Good call.

[@slownsteady100]

100%

[@bar8393gm]

I do now.

[@sytsew]

Some Tori Amos too here

[@boomerbear7596]

Willow Smith is a breath of fresh air in what would otherwise be a landscape of musical sameness. She's got true talent!

[@BrunoCOHENstudio]

Thanks for opening listening doors for us, Rick!

[@glennlavertu3644]

Someone's been listening to Tori Amos. Also you may have coined the term Prog-Pop... maybe? It would be cool if that's the way things go.

[@glennlavertu3644]

Do an interview with Willow!

[@glennlavertu3644]

And Tori Amos.

[@spencerclark399]

And Fiona

[@Wuffskers]

Progressive Pop already exists, that's basically what artists like the Beach Boys and Kate Bush were doing

[@glennlavertu3644]

@@Wuffskers I don't think it was called that. Otherwise Johnny Rotten would've hated Kate Bush, instead of loving her as he does. And certainly the Beach Boys were never considered prog.

[@ilostabet9295]

Rick please do a video on the whole album. it's such a gem. i can hardly believe it was made today.

[@JavierHidalgo-lv7yo]

That entire album is going direct to my playlist. Amazing!!!

[@Guidussify]

They sound like competent pop musicians! Good to know such a thing still exists.

[@caprise-music6722]

Competent at any genre, but yes.

[@AutumnPrinceProductions]

This song is incredible. So much depth, so many layers and intricacies. Makes me wonder how a song like this doesn’t top ten.

[@humn_error]

A little too much going on for my simple brain... I can appreciate the musicianship of course, but personally, I prefer the beauty in simplicity. Great video as usual Rick!

[@ninod1502]

A lot of vocal acrobatics these days.

[@Domitianvs]

Maybe a slightly strange, but the 7/4 part to me has a really heavy Opeth-vibe that is extremely cool.

[@wiggy009]

Maybe the drum beat slightly

[@mattorlando415]

It's very opethy, especially their devils orchard album

[@waypapamuse8582]

Rick, spot on. I was completely blown away when I heard this track. Tbh I wasn't aware of Willow Smith. I don't pay close attention to pop culture, but this song absolutely grabbed me like few do.

[@valentinabouffier6544]

i was really hoping this video was made. its such a good sooooong!!

[@Fender420]

Bass Player is great

[@mkatepaski9947]

Check out Rick's interview with her ( Mohini Dey ) from about 3 or 4 months ago, it's a fun one.

[@f.kieranfinney457]

I actually wish we heard more from her in this piece. It’s a little rudderless.

[@choimdachoim9491]

Great and interesting piece of music that comes close to crossing the line into "Too complicated for easy, relaxing listening" country. Sometimes I like to analyze music and sometimes I just want to take a bath in it and not think about it at all. There will always be a place for Ms. Smith's stuff just the same as Bach. I don't see this music you showed us as the future but it will be a part of the future. Some of us want to know what's under the hood and some of us just want to ride. Your ear, once again, has impressed me a lot.

[@soph.b6054]

Been non-stop listening to this album since it's release- glad you finally gave it a listen!