"The Song Rude by Magic" The song "Rude" by Magic is a catchy and popular tune that was released in 2013. It became an instant hit and reached the top of the charts in several countries. The song is known for its upbeat and reggae-influenced sound, combined with meaningful lyrics. In "Rude," the singer narrates a story about a man who is seeking permission from his girlfriend's father to marry her. However, the father disapproves of their relationship and rudely rejects the man's request. Despite facing rejection and adversity, the man remains determined and promises to marry his girlfriend regardless of her father's objections.
Can we bring this back? This feeling? This music? This vibe. The world needs more of this.
The obvious exception in 2023 is Oliver Anthony, the lightning-rod Americana singer who came out of nowhere, dropped a massively impactful earworm, and may or may not disappear off the face of the planet in the near future. What s more crucial is that we can also see that Atweh is Palestinian, and his girlfriend is a Caucasian blonde, and that the dad looks like Mitt Romney.
Despite facing rejection and adversity, the man remains determined and promises to marry his girlfriend regardless of her father's objections. The lyrics of the song convey a powerful message about love, determination, and standing up for what you believe in. It's a story of resilience and not letting obstacles get in the way of pursuing happiness.
Music Theory for the 21st-Century Classroom
Now we will examine contrast in recent popular music. Here is the musical example of the texture from the reggae section of this song, as seen in the previous chapter.
In Verse 1 there is no bass drum, snare drum, or electric bass. All we hear are the voice part and the two guitar parts from the top two staves in the example above. There are fewer voices occurring on the vertical plane, creating a light texture.
Figure 15.3.1 . Verse 1 of “Rude”The bass guitar and drum groove enter in Verse 2, thickening the texture and adding the backbeat of the snare drum.
Figure 15.3.2 . Verse 2 of “Rude”In the pre-chorus, the guitars and bass have legato half notes and quarter notes while the drummer plays cross-stick eighth notes (if one is counting in a slow \(\begin4\\4\end\)). Without the snare drum backbeat, the texture lightens.
Figure 15.3.3 . Pre-Chorus of “Rude”The chorus has approximately the same accompaniment as Verse 2 but the voice parts are in a higher register, repeating a 2-measure subphrase containing the “hook.”
Figure 15.3.4 . Chorus of “Rude”The post-chorus emphasizes a (3+3+2)+(3+3+2) rhythm on all instruments (guitars, bass, and the bass drum, snare drum, and hi-hat of the drum set).
Figure 15.3.5 . Post-Chorus of “Rude”Below is a formal diagram of the first five sections of “Rude.”
Figure 15.3.6 . First 5 Sections of “Rude”This five-section unit repeats again with Verse 3, Verse 4, the Pre-Chorus, Chorus, and Post-Chorus.
When you listen to the entire piece, you hear how the musicians designate the form using the elements of articulation, rhythm, texture, and dynamics. One element that changes very little during entire song is the chord progression, which we examined in the chapter on harmonic progression, and is a rotation of the 50s progression.
While you are likely aware of successful songs in the which very few musical elements change, it is worth considering how you can articulate the form of your compositions and arrangements using the elements of music.
Here’s another thing about “Rude”: It has crazy legs. Way crazier than you probably imagine. If I may speak in the parlance of “Rude”: The streaming numbers truly put the song in “another galax-saay!” On Spotify, “Rude” has been streamed 1.2 billion times. The figures on YouTube are even more astronomical — people have watched the music video for “Rude” 2.4 billion times, and left more than 251,000 comments.
Musically, "Rude" is characterized by its infectious reggae beat, catchy hooks, and engaging melodies. The song's uplifting and positive vibe makes it incredibly popular at parties and gatherings. It's a feel-good anthem that encourages listeners to remain hopeful and optimistic, even in the face of challenges. Magic, the Canadian reggae-pop band, gained international recognition with the release of "Rude." The band members bring their unique musical talents to the song, with lead singer Nasri Atweh's smooth vocals and the band's tight instrumentation. Overall, "Rude" by Magic is a thoroughly enjoyable and meaningful song that has resonated with audiences worldwide. Its blend of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics make it a timeless hit that continues to be played on the radio and enjoyed by fans of all ages..
Reviews for "Magic's "The Song Ruse": Breaking Boundaries in Music"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Song Ruse" by Magic. The song lacked a catchy melody or memorable lyrics, and it just felt like a generic pop tune that you would hear on the radio. The vocals were bland and did not evoke any emotions. Overall, I found it quite forgettable and it did not leave a lasting impression on me.
2. David - 1 star - I didn't enjoy "The Song Ruse" by Magic at all. The production quality was poor, and the instrumentals sounded messy and uncoordinated. The lyrics were cliché and lacked any depth or originality. The lead singer's voice was grating and didn't harmonize well with the music. I found it hard to listen to the entire song without feeling the urge to skip it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "The Song Ruse" by Magic was a major letdown for me. The song felt overproduced and had too many unnecessary elements, making it sound cluttered and chaotic. The repetitive chorus became tiresome after a while and the verses lacked substance. Overall, it just didn't resonate with me and I won't be adding it to my playlist.
4. Alex - 2 stars - I was expecting a lot more from "The Song Ruse" by Magic, but it fell flat for me. The melody was too predictable and lacked any originality. The lyrics were generic and didn't offer anything new or thought-provoking. Additionally, the production felt lackluster and didn't do justice to the potential of the song. Overall, it was a forgettable track in a sea of similar pop tunes.
5. Jessica - 3 stars - "The Song Ruse" by Magic was just okay for me. It had a catchy beat and the vocals were decent, but it didn't stand out from other similar songs. The lyrics were forgettable and the overall composition felt formulaic. While it's a pleasant enough song to listen to, it didn't leave a lasting impression.