“ENG 101 Playlist” Review
Rating : 6/10
Austin Hoeskstra’s new playlist “ENG 101 Playlist” is a collection of high energy songs crowded with deep emotional meaning. The playlist consists of mostly punk rock, alternative rock, and some Christian pop tracks. This playlist is perfect for anyone in the mood for some serious head banging, but is also ready and willing to get emotional.
Even with all the high energy songs, Austin provides a few calmer paced songs to cut the intensity. Although I thoroughly enjoyed Austin’s songs individually, the layout of the overall playlist doesn’t have the flow that it desperately needs.
Austin’s playlist starts off with a seemingly simple song “Fireflies” by Owl City, but the playful melody distracts from the deeper meaning of the song. Adam Young’s lyrics clearly suggests he is wanting reality to be different than it is. “Please take me away from here,” Young sings, desperately wishing he could escape back to the simpler, more innocent time of childhood. Austin’s next song “It’s Time” by Imagine Dragons, isn’t the typical sad mopey breakup song. Its empowering, bold and utterly freeing. The song resonates with the motivational message to simply be yourself, be proud of who you are, and never give anyone the power to change you.
The disorienting playlist continues with “King” by Lauren Aquilina and “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls which contrast with the previous upbeat, cheery songs. Both songs are dramatically different than the rest of the album, and their placement within the album isn’t ideal. “King” is arguably the fight song for the self-doubting over-thinkers of the world: “Rid of the monsters inside your head, put all your faults to bed.” Aquilina is pleading with herself to not make life so hard. Stop worrying, stop complaining and just be grateful. “Iris” was actually a written track for the movie City of Angels.
The movie is essentially about an angel falling so hopelessly in love with a mortal that he is willing to give up absolutely everything just to be with her: “And I’d give up forever to touch you.” Because it was specifically designed for the movie, “Iris” isn’t as mysterious in its overall meaning as the other songs on the playlist, but it’s still a touching song none the less.
The middle of the playlist jolts you into a heavier rock dominated section with songs form Rise Against and Thousand Foot Krutch, but the star of this entire section is “Satellite” by Rise Against. This song is a true battle cry of the generation. In the lyrics, there is evidence of a rebellion, “But at night we’re conspiring by candlelight.” However, this isn’t your typical rebellion, this is an escape plan full of secrets and careful plotting. Most rebellions end in fighting to the death, but in this song the rebellious few escapes through the back door. But instead of continuing with this string of rock ballads, Austin throws you for another loop. I’m starting to get dizzy and it’s not from the head banging.
The ending of the playlist is where there is absolutely no cohesion present on Austin’s part. The conclusion of the album begins with “Galaxies” by Owl City. This song ties in the vast universe with religion, evoking a feeling of being lost in life but never truly being alone because God is always there, guiding you along your way. Then Austin immediately turns around and plays yet another Owl City song, “Dreams Don’t Turn to Dust.” This song has a simple beat to match a fairly simple meaning, to never let go of your dreams. There’s not much more to this song than a repetitive message, to go along with the repetitive artists.
The second to last song, “Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men is a conversation between two lovers, he has died leaving his lover missing him terribly. The conversation endures throughout the song, with his ghost rationalizing with her: “Some days I don't know if I am wrong or right. Your mind is playing tricks on you, my dear.” The playlist abruptly changes moods once again right before the ending with “Desperate” by Fireflight. This song is a call for help, begging for God to see them and hear their cries for salvation. This last section of Austin’s playlist leaves me more confused than Jackie Chan.
From the beginning to the end, there is no question that this playlist has good quality songs from rock to Christian. But there is undeniably an issue with the layout and the flow of the entire collection. I feel slightly car sick after listening to this album; it should come with a warning to take Dramamine thirty minutes before hand. However, this is still some solid songs that are enjoyable but maybe in a different order.