I was poised to write that “Seconds” would certainly have been a standout song had it come out in the early eighties, but that is a bit unfair; it would have been, and indeed is, a standout song no matter what era we might find it in. Sure, for people like myself, those with long memories and even longer vinyl collections, I can hear a few echoes of my formative years – certainly The Police’s reggae-infused pop grooves – but what makes this song so great has little to do with nostalgia.
It has to do with brilliantly busy basslines and perfectly delivered vocals, coiling guitar riffs, chiming, choppy sonic waters, neat licks, energy… almost to the point of euphoria, bounce and drive and directness and infectiousness and addiction. All the things that have always made pop (indie-pop, pop-rock, call it what you will) great.
What also makes it great is that, having ensnared us with its musical charms and contagious ways, at precisely the three-minute mark, it doesn’t do anything as mundane as bow out gracefully or let us down gently; it just stops. It simply ceases to be. That’s it! You’ve had your lot, it says, our work here is done. It leaves us wanting more…and more …and more, much, much more.
What a great attitude. How can you not love an artist who not only knows how great their song is but also doesn’t pander to the whims and expectations of the listener? As it should be…I love it!
