83 Matching Annotations
  1. Nov 2024
    1. Summer is Over: A Deeper Dive into Drake's Interludeby Obinna Njoku

      Obi, your project on Drake’s musical style and emotional themes was incredibly well done and engaging!

      Your attention to detail in replicating the authentic elements of Drake's style, both lyrically and musically, shines throughout. Lines like “How do I adjust to the season when I've never stepped foot inside of a cold state” effectively capture Drake's introspective and emotional depth, drawing on themes of loss, transition, and isolation that resonate strongly in his work. Additionally, the choice of a solemn beat and its alignment with the lyrical content allows the song to fully immerse the listener in its melancholic mood. This emotional atmosphere is further supported by your thoughtful musical choices, like the replication of piano chords and the use of pauses, which add layers of reflection and depth.

      I think there are a few areas where minor adjustments could enhance the impact of your project even more. Certain areas like the extra information in parenthesis, while helpful, may detract from your argument. These tangents could be revised and reduced to potential notes at the bottom of the page to give readers more insight.

      Structurally, while the project effectively blends musical analysis and performance, a more organized layout around the cover of your song could make it easier for readers to follow your points and better understand the progression of your analysis. This structure, including a short introduction to the inspiration behind your song, followed by a transcript, would break down the complexity of the project into manageable parts, making it more accessible for the audience to do their own lyrical analysis.

      Overall, this project is a powerful blend of analysis and creative expression, capturing Drake’s unique style with depth and precision. Personally, I think the cover was extremely well done and very refreshing to listen to, the pacing was great and the lyrics were even better.

      Great job Obi!

    1. MUSIC 1701: Bohemian Rhapsodyby Youyou Xie Contents of this path: 1 2024-10-29T09:17:01-07:00 Youyou Xie 3de7345bdbd24e87def13c8895a982e4f1d00d9f Introduction: The Enduring Legacy of “Bohemian Rhapsody” 8 The Enduring Legacy of “Bohemian Rhapsody” plain 1558818 2024-11-06T23:21:01-08:00 Youyou Xie 3de7345bdbd24e87def13c8895a982e4f1d00d9f

      Youyou, I think your project on “Bohemian Rhapsody” provides a really insightful analysis that effectively captures the musical and emotional impact of Queen’s work.

      Your breakdown of the song’s structure, from its genre-blending of ballad, opera, and rock to the way each section mirrors Freddie Mercury’s inner conflicts, is great. By exploring how these shifts in musical style contribute to a unique listening experience, you highlight the song’s experimental and bold nature, which reflects Mercury’s own artistic vision. The connections you draw between Mercury’s personal life, his Zoroastrian beliefs, and the song’s themes of identity and self-acceptance add further depth, offering readers a fresh perspective on the song. Also, using quotes from sources like Winahyu’s analysis supports your interpretation well, grounding the project in strong academic research.

      Structurally, while your analysis is thorough, the project could possibly benefit from a more defined layout. Dividing it into sections that cover "Historical Context," "Lyric Analysis," "Musical Composition," and "Cultural Impact,” all at once which would make it easier for readers to follow each point. This structure would also make the project feel more accessible, allowing readers to navigate through complex arguments more comfortably.

      Additionally, while your project covers the lyrics in great detail, incorporating more analysis of the musical composition would add another layer of depth. Describing specific instrumental choices, vocal techniques, and how each section’s sound contributes to the song’s narrative could help readers appreciate “Bohemian Rhapsody”’s innovation from a musical standpoint. Including brief comparisons with other rock operas or groundbreaking tracks could also provide useful context for readers that are less familiar with the genre.

      In terms of content, your project does an amazing job linking the song’s themes to Mercury’s personal struggles. Maybe, expanding slightly on how “Bohemian Rhapsody” influenced future artists and genres could add even more richness to the cultural impact section. Moreover, exploring how its genre-blending inspired later musicians could also help with the analysis of its lasting legacy.

      Overall, great job Youyou!

    1. WINTER BREAK

      Overall, I think presenting your analysis of Drake’s work in the form of a song cover is brilliant and creative. It not only showcases your interpretation but also lets readers experience your insights in a new way, adding layers of depth and originality to your project. Great job Obi!

    2. WINTER BREAK

      Maybe including a lyrics transcript could help listeners better engage with the song. It would allow listeners to engage more deeply with the song, encouraging them to analyze and connect with the lyrics on a personal level.

    3. WINTER BREAK

      I think the deliberate pauses that you have incorporated are very effective. They add emotional weight and give the listener a moment to reflect, which mirrors the introspective nature of the song’s themes and gives a Drake-like feel.

    4. WINTER BREAK

      Again, the replication of the piano chords is a great choice, as it resonates with Drake’s stylistic tendencies while adding a melancholic tone that enhances the track’s mood. I love how this instrumental touch brings a sense of familiarity to the song.

    5. WINTER BREAK

      I think the idea of adding an introduction about the inspiration behind the lyrics would really help the listener. It could provide listeners with a richer context, helping them to appreciate the personal and thematic layers before diving into the song.

    6. WINTER BREAK

      I love how everything is so cohesive, the beat’s solemnity aligns wonderfully with the emotions conveyed in the lyrics. This synergy between rhythm and sentiment really immerses the listener, enhancing the emotional impact of the song.

    7. WINTER BREAK

      The line "How do I adjust to the season when I've never stepped foot inside of a cold state" is beautifully poetic, especially since I can relate to this personally. This seamless blending of imagery with introspective emotion adds a powerful layer, making the lyrics feel both universal and deeply personal.

    8. WINTER BREAK

      You’ve done an excellent job crafting a song that feels true to Drake’s style. This makes the piece not only recognizable as a Drake-inspired work but also allows listeners to connect with the familiar production of his music.

    1. Funny enough, Snoh fantasizes about enjoying a seemingly warm environment with her lover (“We can get away/Palm trees, beach views/Ordinary day” ) to reiterate how pleasant things would be if they united.*

      This sentence does a good job capturing Snoh’s longing for warmth and unity with her lover. However, the phrase “funny enough” might be slightly informal here and could detract from the reflective tone of the analysis. Using the word "notably" could potentially be a stronger pick.

    2. However, by the end of my selection, I hope the listener is able to process their emotions: what summer meant to them, and understand that although the good days of summer may be over, there are plenty more good days to be had in the seasons to come.

      I like how you encourage listeners to reflect on “what summer meant to them,” you invite a personal connection to the music, making the experience feel introspective and meaningful. Great work!

    3. Now, when it comes to grieving a special time, memory, or opportunity that one can never get back, this becomes especially hard.

      I think this sentence does a great job of capturing the unique difficulty of grieving intangible losses. By acknowledging the challenge of letting go of a “special time, memory, or opportunity,” you make the emotional weight of these non-physical losses more relatable. Maybe adding a line about how these moments often feel irreplaceable or how they shape one’s sense of identity could help add to its emotional impact.

    4. The last song on this playlist is “Good Days”, and it is a symbol for the final (and arguably most important) stage of the grieving process: acceptance. Again, a heavy part for choosing this song and it’s placement after “Glimpse Of Us” comes from how well the messages meld together; Joji had just sang about how reminiscing about ‘summer’ prevented him from being happy in the new season—however, SZA is making the claim that one can think about the ‘good days’ and still manage to live in the present, without holding onto bitter feelings: “Half of us chasing fountain of youth but it’s in the present”.

      This reflection on "Good Days" is beautifully crafted and provides a nice conclusion to the playlist. I think your choice of this song as a representation of acceptance is insightful, and your explanation of why SZA’s perspective on “good days” contrasts with Joji’s makes the transition feel really seamless for the reader. I love the use of the quote too to support your argument!

    5. While there is a plethora of “sad” music one could have chosen from, I appreciate this song not only for how well it sonically fits the category (minimalistic piano combined with echoes of Joji’s downcast voice), but for how well it’s message ties in with the the previous song: Snoh was upfront with the desire and trying to convince her lover—and now Joji is upfront with his inability to move on without his lover.

      I wanted to highlight this sentence because you give readers a sense of the song’s atmosphere and emotional weight, making the selection feel purposeful. Additionally, your observation about the song’s thematic connection to Snoh’s yearning in the previous track adds depth and continuity within the playlist. Great work!

    6. “Pain 1993” is the third song on my playlist, and represents the second stage of grief: anger.  The song is also penned by Drake, but this time he enlists a VERY different type of feature artist: Playboi Carti. This gives hints to the vibe of the song; anyone familiar with Carti’s work and persona would be aware that he strays towards bouncy, dark snare beats with echoing synths—and that’s exactly what he and Drake did on this song.

      I think your transitions are very effective, providing continuity in the emotional journey. Maybe adding a short reflection on how the previous stage leads into the next one. For example, before introducing “I Want You Around,” you could briefly mention how anger often gives way to yearning or attempts to bring back what’s lost. This would strengthen the flow between each stage.

    7. “4eva” is the second song on the playlist, and is also early on the original album on which it was released. It is meant to represent the first actual stage of grief: denial. Everything about this song screams summer: from the signature up-tempo Pharell beat to the bright splashy colors on the song cover, it’s basic role was to be a late-night-pool-party mid-summer anthem. In doing so, it portrays the stage of denying that summer is actually over. In fact, it goes a step further to indicate that summer actually can last “forever” (play on the song title, “4eva”). Rather than properly gearing up for the colder months to come, or the daunting tasks ahead now that the good times have passed, playing this song means that one is still choosing to purposefully ignore the change of seasons, and act as if summer never left.

      I think you have done an excellent job using each song to represent a stage of grief, adding depth by linking the lyrics and sound to the corresponding emotional state. When discussing “4eva” as the denial stage, you might consider giving a short lyric example that emphasizes the denial of change or attachment to the “forever” idea. This could help reinforce the connection between the song and the denial stage for the reader. But overall, great work!

    8. Losing anything of value is hard. Learning how to deal with the loss is even harder. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross had detailed five stages to the process of recuperating from loss in 1969, in her book “On Death and Dying”: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

      Your introduction provides a solid foundation, connecting Kubler-Ross’s five stages of grief to everyday forms of loss, which sets a reflective tone for the playlist. Maybe briefly defining each stage within the opening paragraph could help set up a clear roadmap for readers as they follow your playlist journey. Great work!

    1. Another pillar of the song that ties into the narrative of fame’s price is change.

      I really like how this sentence supports your structure, introducing the theme of change as a central element of the song, and connecting it well to the broader narrative of fame’s impact. Framing change as a “pillar” works nicely to emphasize its importance. However, to make the transition smoother, you might consider briefly referencing the previous theme of loss to help bridge ideas.

    2. The idea of change in this song is most easily identifiable by its placement on the album tracklist—it is labeled specifically as an interlude.

      This sentence does a great job of introducing the concept of change through the song’s placement as an “interlude.” Since "interlude" might not be a familiar term for all readers, providing a brief definition could potentially add some clarity. For instance, you could add a short explanation like, “it is labeled specifically as an interlude, a transitional segment in an album meant to provide a pause or shift in theme.”

    3. Take Taylor Swift for example, whose fanbase perceives her as a deity of sorts and the ramifications it has had on her ability to make her own choices (ex: her love life, specifically the Matt Healy situation) without thousands if not millions of people having their own little comment about it.

      I like the comparison to being perceived “as a deity of sorts," which vividly illustrates the pressure and expectations placed on her. To enhance your clarity, maybe you could rephrase the parenthetical section into a following sentence without parenthesis.

    4. I believe that, writing “Summer’s Over Interlude”, Drake was not giving “summer” a celebratory sendoff–rather he was mourning it for what it was and what will never be.

      I really enjoy this perspective and how it shows an understanding of the subtle emotions Drake weaves into his music, suggesting that he views "summer" not just as a season, but as a metaphor for something precious and lost. Great job!

    5. Everything—from the tempo of the drums to the voice of Majid Al-Maskati—is purposefully tranquil and hazy, much like the titular season of the song. Drake is most notable for his sampling practices (interpolating old songs in various forms and using this newer version as the backtrack to his recording).

      I love this sentence's content, but the frequent use of information in parentheses can slightly disrupt the flow. While the parenthetical details about Drake’s sampling practices are interesting and super informative, they might be more effective if woven directly into the sentence.

    6. This is in reference to the song’s minimalist nature: it only really consists of three main instrumentals: a heavy electric guitar, a rudimentary drum kit, and the vocals by lead singer of Majid Jordan (interestingly, Drake himself is not on the track at all, which could be seen as another step to reduce it’s grandiosity).

      Fantastic job capturing the song's minimalist essence and thoughtfully interpreting the absence of Drake’s own vocals. By breaking down the instrumentals, you give readers a clear sense of the song's stripped-down nature, and the observation that Drake’s absence adds is really insightful. Nice work!

    7. When looking at the song’s composition, there are a couple things that stand out—or technically, a lack of things.

      I think you capture the minimalist nature of the song well, highlighting its stripped-down quality as an intentional artistic choice. Maybe to make this section more vivid, you could provide a specific example of a different Drake song that incorporates sampling, contrasting it with "Summer Over Interlude."

    8. The song is able to do so via its composition and lyrical content, which, while great within themselves, also stand out for how they add perceived layers of complexity to the idea of rising to fame.

      Structurally, I think this introduction effectively sets up the core analysis by framing the song’s themes around fame and transition. This is a great way to outline your thoughts and to keep your analysis organized. Great job!

    1. Along with this, it is brought up in the text that as Drake was developing his penmanship skills, the Degrassi executives had simultaneously made his character more involved in rap music---some of Drake’s earliest writing experience was used for the show itself (Higgins, 30).

      I think this sentence does a nice job showing how Drake’s early writing skills were shaped through his role on Degrassi, creating a fascinating link between his acting and music careers. Although, minor grammatical change, there is an extra space after this sentence. Overall, great job!

    2. What lends further credibility to the author’s story are the quotes from Drake himself, which either served as context for what his fellow Degrassi workers thought of him or were just general quotes about how he felt doing what he was doing at that time.

      I think this sentence does a great job of highlighting how quotes from Drake add credibility and authenticity to the narrative. Maybe including specific examples of Drake's quotes, like a memorable line where Drake reflects on his transition to music or his struggles with fame may strengthen your argument.

    3. Being that the chapter focused on his rise to and from Degrassi, the people referred to in this segment are mainly those who Drake had to work with on the set (various co-stars and executive producers).

      Nice job providing context by introducing the people surrounding Drake during his early career, particularly those from Degrassi. You could potentially include media examples or brief descriptions of key figures, such as a well-known co-star’s role or a producer’s contribution to Degrassi a little more context.

    4. For much time, Drake’s background has been under scrutiny because many believe that despite being successful, he acks authenticity in his music as he did not experience many of the things he sings/raps about---that he grew up a privileged actor and was essentially handed his current position in the music world.

      You close with a thoughtful reflection on how Higgins’ narrative stands the test of time, adding a relevant layer to the analysis. I also really liked how you introduced a point of criticism which helps ground your argument. Great job!

    5. Such has become a hot subject as of late when considering the battle that consumed present day media for about 3 months, wherein Drake and Kendrick Lamar were feuding through released and un-released songs.

      Great job making the topic relevant to today’s context, this connection adds depth to your analysis. Structurally, it might be clearer to introduce the relevance of Drake’s background sooner, so that the feud with Kendrick feels more directly tied to the main narrative of Drake’s early career.

    6. Higgins keeps the arrangement of information relatively simple, in that it is meant to follow a timeline of sorts: how Drake’s acting career took off, how he started leaning towards rap music, and how his acting career would feed into his rapping career, especially because a lot of his early music fans were pure fans of the show that he was on: “ ‘At the end of the day we have a fanbase off the show’ conceded Drake” (Higgins, 29).

      I like the content of this sentence but it could benefit from splitting the ideas up after the list of what Higgins said. The in text citation may also be redundant since you mention Higgins at the start of the sentence.

    7. In chapter 2 excerpt, Higgins relies mainly on quotes from people that surrounded Drake in his early days--along with some direct quotes from Drake himself—to establish the story behind Drake’s (at the time) burgeoning acting turned music career.

      Great job pointing out Higgins’ use of direct voices; this highlights his commitment to authenticity. Maybe rephrasing “early days” to “early career,” could be slightly stronger in this sentence.

    8. The source I chose to examine was “Far From Over: The Music and Life of Drake, The Unofficial Story”, written by Dalton Higgins.

      I enjoy how this is a solid introductory line that clearly sets the stage for the analysis. Mayvbe you could briefly mention why this source is relevant for your project, adding a personal connection like “because of its insights into Drake’s early career.”

    1. Hence, we delve into how and why summer is over by responding likewise: through song.

      I love how this sentence serves as a thoughtful transition and clear break before the core analysis. Starting with "Hence" neatly ties things together and using the word "we" helps readers feel more engaged. Amazing work!

    2. Majid leans into the less hyper masculine side of R&B almost akin to Frank Ocean or the Weeknd [Dhaenes and DeRidder, 2016].

      I really liked the reference to other artists as it draws a clear comparison that deepens the reader's understanding of Majid’s style. By mentioning Frank Ocean and the Weeknd, you provide a clear benchmark on Majid’s style in Summer’s Over Interlude. Great job!

    3. The instrumentals (or lack thereof) supplement the mood of yearning for what has been lost, and Majid’s voice, while clearly affected using some sort of technology, also manages to ground the listener in the simple reality that what’s gone is gone.

      I wanted to highlight this sentence because it describes the song’s atmosphere beautifully here, capturing both the tone and its emotional depth. You could maybe provide a snippet of the song's audio to help the readers grasp a better idea.

    4. In fact, as argued in my "End of Summer” Playlist, the song itself can be used as a focal point for the topic of loss— the loss of what once was and knowing that such a thing could never return (with summer representing this “lost” item).

      I really appreciate how you use the playlist to emphasize the song’s theme of loss, adding a personal touch to the analysis. To avoid possible confusion, you might want to briefly explain what the “End of Summer Playlist” refers to in a sentence, helping readers understand how it fits with the analysis.

    5. The conflict lies in his inability to come to terms with his feelings of loss, which affects him going forward.

      I think this line does a great job summarizing the internal struggle within the song. You could maybe expand slightly to illustrate how this feeling impacts his life, like “...which affects his sense of self and outlook.” This could offer a bit more insight into the consequences of his unresolved conflict.

    6. He was the biggest rapper in the world at that time, a great shift that even he had struggled to adjust to when he switched up from acting [see Drake’s Rise].

      I really enjoy how you set the structure, conveying both Drake's rapid rise to fame and the challenges he faced along the way. By starting with "He was the biggest rapper in the world at that time," you immediately establish the scale of his success, setting up the transition. Great job!

    7. Drake did an interview with Zane Lowe not too long after the song had been released, where he explained its purpose as an interlude to be representative of the constant change in seasons within his hometown of Toronto, and how this in turn correlated to people’s change in mood.

      I think the inclusion of Drake’s interview adds valuable context, linking the song to his personal experiences. I would maybe provide a snippet of the transcript to help strengthen your argument.

    8. Unfortunately, in this life, nothing can be permanent. At some point, good things must come to an end, and it is natural to feel a sense of loss when this finally happens.

      This opening is a thoughtful way to introduce the theme of impermanence and sets a reflective tone for the essay. I also enjoy how you begin with an existential thought for the reader to keep in the back of their mind.

    1. Even today, it continues to influence each of us in various ways, encouraging us to pursue our truest selves.

      I like how this line brings a powerful and personal touch, making the song’s impact feel universally relevant. Additionally, I love the use of the word "us" since it fosters a sense of unity when searching for our "truest selves."

    2. This highlights how such an environment can foster creativity and encourage artists to break free from conventional norms.

      This sentence does a great job summarizing the paragraph’s theme! For a stronger conclusion, you might want to specify “Mercury’s legacy” instead of “such an environment” to tie the impact more directly to him.

    3. In terms of society, the song has played a crucial role in changing perceptions around significant social issues regarding AIDS.

      I really appreciate this shift towards societal impact. Especially about issues regarding AIDS since previously you go in depth on Mercury's lasting impact on artists. Nice job!

    4. The song’s expression of Freddie Mercury’s own journey and struggle encourages contemporary artists to explore themes of authenticity and self-acceptance.

      I love how you connect Freddie Mercury’s personal journey to a wider movement of authenticity and self-acceptance among artists. Maybe adding a brief example of specific themes Mercury tackled, such as “personal identity” or “individual freedom,” could help the reader.

    5. According to rock historian Paul Fowles (2009), the song is “widely credited as the first global hit single for which an accompanying video was central to the marketing strategy”.

      Including a quote from a rock historian is a great way to support your argument with authoritative evidence. Maybe adding some visual evidence could strengthen your quote regarding its status as a global hit single.

    6. However, Queen stood themselves out by being the pioneer of using the music video as a primary tool for promoting their music.

      I love how this statement effectively underscores Queen’s pioneering role! Maybe changing it to “Queen stood out as pioneers in using the music video as a primary promotional tool” might make the sentence easier to read by removing “themselves” and making it a bit more concise.

    7. In the 1960s, television began to enter households, and although it was not common, music videos started to stream on this new platform.

      You do a good job of providing historical context here! Since the paragraph’s main focus is on "Bohemian Rhapsody", you could maybe remove this background sentence or condensing it to avoid shifting focus.

    8. When people talk about the greatest ever Queen songs, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is always one of the first songs that come to their mind. Without doubt,  it has become an icon for the band.

      I really like this introduction's structure and how it opens with a relatable observation about public opinion. Following this, the phrase “without doubt” adds emphasis and sets up a natural transition to the statement about the song’s iconic status. Although there is an extra space between "doubt" and "it" in the second sentence. Overall great opening sentence!

    1. However, the analysis would benefit from also considering the song’s complex musical compositions.

      I love how this sentence gently suggests an improvement to the analysis. By mentioning that “the analysis would benefit from also considering the song’s complex musical compositions,” you offer a constructive addition without diminishing the existing work. Great job!

    2. This approach could also potentially reveal additional dimensions of his emotional and psychological state that are not fully explored in Winahyu’s analysis.

      I think this sentence nicely hints at the untapped layers of Freddie Mercury’s emotional and psychological depth. It’s a thoughtful way to acknowledge what’s missing without being overly critical, which strengthens your argument.

    3. Given that "Bohemian Rhapsody" is also renowned for its complicated musical composition, incorporating an analysis of the song’s musical elements, such as its shifts in style, would offer a more comprehensive interpretation.

      I think sentence does a great job pointing out how Bohemian Rhapsody's musical complexity adds another layer to the song. By mentioning its unique style shifts, you suggest a deeper look into what makes the song so special. Including more on the music itself would definitely help give a fuller picture of Freddie Mercury’s artistic choices.

    4. By evaluating Winahyu’s argument, I find his use of Freddie Mercury’s religious beliefs to explain his inner conflicts quite compelling and convincing.

      I think this sentence adds to your effective structure that immediately shows your perspective as the writer, which is a great way to engage readers. Starting with "By evaluating Winahyu’s argument" highlights that your analysis is grounded in thoughtful examination, making the following statement feel informed and well-considered. Nice job!

    5. The word “joy” suggests that Freddie is neither afraid of being gay nor troubled by the feelings of fear or sadness associated with being different from others.

      I think this sentence does an excellent job of interpreting the significance of the word "joy" in relation to Freddie's feelings. It is super insightful and clearly conveys a more nuanced understanding of his emotional state.

    6. The information in Winahyu’s article is organized by explaining the title and lyrics of the two songs line by line and connecting their meaning to Freddie’s personal life and even religious beliefs.

      I appreciate how you outline Winahyu’s approach to analyzing the lyrics here. Maybe removing the phrase “the information in Winahyu’s article” and beginning directly with “Winahyu organizes his article by explaining…” could help keep the focus directly on his methods rather than the structure.

    7. According to Winahyu (2019), “Love of My Life” expresses Mercury’s longing for normal love back, which means his heterosexual love with Mary Austin, even though Freddie’s sexuality has caused their separation. However, in “Bohemian Rhapsody”, the lyrics due to Winahyu actually mean “Freddie’s denial of his sadness and fear which found him to be gay” (p. 810).

      Great explanation here, it gives a clear and interesting insight into Mercury’s emotional connection to Mary Austin. If the focus is on inner conflicts, you could consider trimming or rephrasing the phrase “which means his heterosexual love with Mary Austin,” as it might feel somewhat redundant after mentioning his “longing for normal love.” This could keep the focus more on the conflict itself.

    8. I will examine Sri Kusuma Winahyu’s “Author’s inner conflict in the songs ‘Love of My Life’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’”, a peer-reviewed article that explores the inner conflicts of Freddie Mercury, the vocalist of English band Queen, through examining the background stories and lyrics of “Love of My Life” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” which are two songs Mercury wrote.

      This introduction does a great job of setting up Winahyu’s article and its focus on Freddie Mercury! Since you mention both the background stories and lyrics, you might consider focusing on one of these elements to streamline the sentence.

    1. Together, the arrangement and lyrics of “Bohemian Rhapsody” make it exist in a world of its own.

      I really like the structure of this concluding sentence! It's concise and impactful, capturing the song's unique place in music history without needing many words. It also gives the reader some room for interpretation on how it exists "in a world of its own." Amazing work!

    2. Ultimately, the unique blend of deeply personal lyrics, rich storytelling, and Mercury’s emotional honesty not only enhances the song’s impact but also sets it apart from other songs.

      This sentence does a beautiful job capturing the uniqueness of "Bohemian Rhapsody", especially by highlighting Mercury's emotional honesty. However, maybe focusing a bit more on the lasting impact of this blend could make it even stronger.

    3. Winahyu further explores Mercury’s Zoroastrian beliefs, which resonate with his internal struggle.

      Maybe this transition could benefit with stating what Zoroastrian belief Winahyu further explores to narrow your analysis. Although, I love this turn towards Mercury's internal struggle, rather than solely talking about the lyrics of "Bohemian Rhapsody."

    4. Sri Kusuma Winahyu (2019) focused on this topic in his paper which specifically explained his interpretation of the lyrics of this song.

      It is excellent that you bring in external research here! To remove the redundancy of the word "of" maybe try “In a 2019 paper, Sri Kusuma Winahyu explores his interpretation of the song’s lyrics."

    5. Fun fact, when listening with headphones, the dual tracks make you feel music bouncing back and forth between your ears.

      I really appreciate how you added this fun fact, since this is a really keen observation of the track's sound. Maybe adding a sample of the sound above this text could add convenience to the reader's experience.

    6. At the time of its release, the reception of “Bohemian Rhapsody” was quite mixed.

      I really enjoy the structure behind the context. Talking about how the song's initial reception was mixed really emphasizes the song's nature, breaking barriers and pushing norms. Great work!

    7. So, what makes this song so beloved by audiences?

      I love how you address the reader specifically with these strings of rhetorical questions. Great way to get the reader thinking!

    8. As a middle school student, I experienced this phenomenon firsthand when I watched the film in the theater.

      It is wonderful how you share a personal connection here, making your analysis more relatable! Maybe rephrasing it slightly could make it sound smoother. For example, changing it to “I experienced this phenomenon firsthand as a middle school student watching the film in the theater."

    1. Freddie’s

      I found the use of his first name throughout the Playlist Guide quite interesting, setting a more informal and authentic tone. However, this may cause confusion with the reader since the use of "Freddie" and "Mercury" is not consistent with the introduction.

    2. Listen carefully to the piano-based composition of this song and the heart-resonating lyrics written from personal experience, you can feel his deep expression of emotions as if echoing the complex and delicate emotional world shown by Freddie in “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

      I think you did an amazing job outlining what specific components of the songs I should listen to. Maybe splitting this sentence into two shorter ones could improve its readability.

    3. On the other side of the earth in Japan, the band THE YELLOW MONKEY, formed in 1988, has been greatly influenced by Queen.

      I really like how you introduce this global connection as it adds further depth and breadth to the discussion! Maybe rewording the start to “Across the world in Japan” instead of “On the other side of the earth,” may make it more concise.

    4. This connection highlights how the band expertly blended complex arrangements and storytelling, making the song unreplicable.

      I really like this further specificity on the sound behind Queen and how their evolution contributed to how "Bohemian Rhapsody" is "unreplicable."

    5. Starting with “Killer Queen” by Queen, this song marks the first style change of Queen from more heavy metal and rock to an innovative theatrical style.

      I wanted to highlight this sentence because, structurally, I think having each video being followed with a quick explanation with further context is super helpful. Great job!

    6. This interplay between generations adds depth to the musical landscape, revealing the creativity that spans decades and connects diverse voices.

      I enjoy how you talk about the connections between "diverse voices." Maybe you could add certain names or examples that could support your statement to strengthen your argument.

    7. You might wonder if there are any other songs, aside from those by Queen in the album A Night at the Opera, worthy of being in the same playlist with it.

      I wanted to highlight this sentence because I think the use of the word "You" is a great artistic choice, addressing the reader's thoughts personally and preemptively.

    8. Around fifty years ago, an extraordinarily innovative genre-blending six-minute-long song, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, caused a huge stir in the music world.

      I really like this introduction to the song! Structurally, it helps set the tone for later discussion when talking about how it "caused a huge stir."

    1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” exemplifies Queen’s innovation and Freddie Mercury’s artistry. This project highlights the song’s unique musicality as key to its timeless appeal, its connection to Mercury’s personal journey which added emotional depth, and its lasting influence which inspired countless artists to push creative boundaries. Ultimately, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is an enduring legacy that continues to challenge and inspire the younger generations.

      I really appreciate this structural addition to conclude but also set a foundation for later analysis, giving the reader a hint towards how they should be thinking about "Bohemian Rhapsody."

    2. Ultimately, the legacy of “Bohemian Rhapsody” lies in its ability to challenge norms and inspire new generations of artists to push the boundaries of musical expression.

      I enjoyed how you specified one significant point on its legacy and how it "challenge[s] norms" to "push the boundaries of musical expression." Great concluding sentence to the influence of Mercury's piece.

    3. In addition to the musicality and story, the influence of “Bohemian Rhapsody” has extended far beyond its initial release, spreading throughout various musical styles and inspiring many artists across generations and nations.

      Really enjoyed hinting the locational aspect rather than solely a generational analysis when referring to the impacts of "Bohemian Rhapsody." Nice touch.

    4. The film illustrates how Mercury’s experiences of love, loss, and acceptance shaped his artistry.

      I liked how this sentence was concise and straight to the point of how Mercury's personal emotions contributed to his artistic style.

    5. Written by Queen’s lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, “Bohemian Rhapsody” reflects a complex combination of personal conflicts and artistic expressions and serves as a window into his inner turmoil and creative genius.

      I love how you lay out all the different factors Mercury touches on in "Bohemian Rhapsody." Maybe simplifying this by using the word "and" less may make it easier to read.

    6. In this site, I examine the musicality of the song itself, the stories behind Freddie Mercury, and the influence left by the song.

      I really like the addition of Mercury's influence and legacy when talking about the musicality of the song. I think replacing “In this site” with “In this analysis” or “In this project” could better suite a more academic tone.

    7. But overall, the unique arrangement and the fluid transitions between various musical styles elevated the musicality of this song, highlighting why “Bohemian Rhapsody” remains an unmatched masterpiece in music history.

      I really like this clinching sentence's content, but I think starting with “Overall,” rather than “But overall,” would make the sentence sound more assertive.

    8. Winahyu (2009) notes the shift of Mercury’s longing for a conventional love to the denial of his sadness and fear associated with being homosexual.

      I love how you are more specific on what his inner conflict is. Maybe rephrasing the sentence could improve its out loud readability like "Winahyu (2009) notes Mercury’s journey from longing for a conventional love to a struggle with sadness and fear related to his sexuality.”

    9. Further, Mercury’s Zoroastrian background also plays a significant role in understanding the layers of meaning in this song.

      I think this is a very important sentence to add when introducing the idea, but maybe you could rephrase it to “Mercury’s Zoroastrian background adds further layers of meaning to this song” to improve the flow.