If you know me in the smallest sense, then that means that you know I love Lady Gaga, or as to put it in millennial terms, I stan her. Because of this, I often get asked, "So, Pat, what if Lady Gaga never existed? Who would you stan then?" The answer to that question would be Walk the Moon. Now maybe that would perhaps surprise some people, since Walk the Moon and Gaga are almost completely different genres of music.
How I got into Walk the Moon is actually a pretty odd story because I first saw them without even knowing that they were performing. They were the opening act for the band Fun., whom I saw at Summerfest in Milwaukee in 2013. At the time, I really didn't pay attention to them since I was waiting for Fun., so it wasn't until their song "Shut Up and Dance" blew up where I finally realized I saw them live. I know, I'm such a smart person, right?
After that epiphany, I thus began getting into their music, especially their new record What If Nothing, which dropped this past October, and on January 26, 2018, I finally had the opportunity to attend one of their OWN shows, the Press Restart Tour, headlining the legendary Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. See, I often call the band members my "sons" because I watched them grow from a band that had a little following to headlining the Madison Square Garden of indie music here in Chicago (maybe that's a bit too much stanning, don't you think?). Anyways, here's a list of some of my favorite Walk the Moon songs in honor of that invigorating concert.
1. Tightrope
This was one of the first songs that I've heard from Walk the Moon as I began to get more into them. If you know anything about the indie scene from 2013 into 2014, this song was the textbook definition of that time. Unique opening that lingers throughout the song, chorus that reflects the "millennial whoop", and lyrics about the challenges of maintaining a complicated relationship. For me, this is a blast from the past of my generation's golden age of music, and that's why I admire this song so much.
2. Portugal
I think "Portugal" is my favorite song from the band's sophomore album, "Talking is Hard", because it just strikes a chord of nostalgia within me. It talks about how despite that some people might be physically away from you, their impact they have on you emotionally and personally goes a long away, and no long distance can change that. This especially was the case for me when this record dropped in 2014, when I lost a family member earlier in the year and was reeling from a time where I felt alone. Plus, the anthemic rhythm makes this a great song for commuting or long road trips where looking out the window is bound to happen. I'm telling you, it's a euphoric experience with this song.
3. Down in the Dumps
Sometimes I think that God puts childish people in my life as a test for me to grow, and unfortunately I often succumb to these annoyances and enter this funk of self-doubt and anger (what's worse is that I'm an Aries too). This song is essentially a middle finger to all of those who bring you down. Moreover, if you want to be even pettier than those who disrespect you, you can hire a dance company to stage a flash mob to the musical-like vibes of this song. *sips tea*
4. Headphones
If you say you've never had a karaoke session alone in a room with a hairbrush as a kid, then you're a liar. This song reflects that atmosphere, just a song that you jam out to and whip your head to. I also like it because it's such a great song to channel any anger or energy you might have storing inside you. Just press play and let the song do the explanation. Crank it up!
5. Press Restart
Walk the Moon's new album "What If Nothing" is different from the band's previous two albums because it dives into more spatial and electronic rhythms. While this may be the case, this song, the first on the album, incorporates this but still maintains the band's traditional indie vibes that could be heard in their first album. Perhaps this is a pun on the meaning of the song, in which sometimes in life you just got to hit the restart the button and turn over a new leaf. Given what songs follow this one in the rest of the album, needless to say this is a tune that definitely deserves a spot on your playlist.
