There are several prerequisites for pop music to be effective, a number of tried and tested elements that have been the driving force since the form was first defined – beat, groove, hook, brevity, four-four time signature – all of which Andie Case uses to forge her latest single “Better Days”. But unlike most pop, although I guess this is closer to alt- or indie-pop, let’s not quibble, she offers more. Much more. Not only is this a song with so much sass, but it is also one with a real message…which is refreshing given that pop music and lyrical depth aren’t often found in the same space.
So, yes, the song is big, bright and brilliantly infectious, vocally anthemic, wonderfully dynamic and effortlessly groovesome; it is also the soundtrack to anyone leaving the past behind as they head towards a better place.
Informed perhaps by her own turbulent formative years, this is an anthem for those shedding the people, places and problems of the past, shrugging off their imposed opinions and hidden agendas, losing the baggage that others have burdened you with and striding into the blazing potential of a bright new future.
But of course it is first and foremost a pop song. So yes, it is contagious and cool, ebbing and flowing between big moves and more intimate grooves, dancefloor-filling impetuousness and fist-pumping punch, poise and power; it’s just that if you do want to dig a little deeper, you will find a timely and timeless message that succinctly says…just do it!
Pop with a purpose, how cool is that?
