As a “music writer,” I tend to have a high-falutin ‘ opinion of myself, as if I’m using my accumulated years of scribbling experience to dissect and decipher the secrets of music, championing the things I deem important and worthy, wielding wit and wisdom to tell others what matters, making the world a better place one goth insight or dream-pop conclusion at a time. What a load of tosh, as proven by the fact that now and then I fall for the most commercial piece of pop going. This time it is Camille K’s “Stuck.”
Some would defend their actions by using terms like “guilty pleasure” and “crossover single,” but why should anything that brings pleasure make you feel guilty? No, my pompous bubble is burst by something much more straightforward…it’s a damn good song, one that earworms its way effortlessly into my brain. And that, of course, is pop’s not-so-secret weapon.
Spacious, seductive and unbelievably infectious, “Stuck” runs on simple beats and bubbling electro-basslines, liquid synths and the most engaging of vocals. It isn’t trying to be clever or cool or considered; it is just trying to have a good time sonically, and in doing so take us, the listener, along for the ride. It is colorful, creative, humorous and contagious…not a bad mix if you ask me.
But there is a more serious side to the song, and that is found in the lyrics, a story of a one-sided relationship, one where the guy doesn’t appreciate the girl but keeps coming back because it’s just easier for him. For her part, she puts up with it because she is totally smitten by him and loves playing the games. We all know couples like that! Hey, we’ve probably even been there ourselves.
So there it is, me knocked off my high horse thanks to the most chart-ready slice of commercial pop doing the rounds. Whodathoughtit?
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