I keep a mixed CD that I titled “Night Lights” in my car. It’s playlist contains songs that, to me, are perfect nighttime driving, designed with particular backdrops in mind like the Hartford skyline via I-91. Such was the case tonight, coming home from East Hartford, even though I ended up not driving through those particular Hartford lights, but the music fit the mood and the ride nonetheless.
The playlist contains songs that, like I said, have a feel for the night, whether it explicitly is about the night or perhaps lights shown at night like Kanye West’s “All of the Lights” to “Dancing in the Moonlight” to Maxwell’s “Lifetime.” It’s an eclectic list.
In case you miss the meaning, it’s a self empowering and encouraging song that you can be your own star and you don’t have to let others tell you what you can or can’t do or what you are and aren’t capable of doing. Early on, I felt that the song, or even the whole 6 song album, or Stump himself, was a less eccentric looking male version of Lady Gaga… when it comes to self empowerment and “be yourself” attitude.
I wasn’t expecting to see all artists involved that contributed to this song, but that would’ve been awesome. I was glad to see their names in shiny blinking lights by the end. I already know Rihanna’s wardrobe might be subject to discussion. As a guy, I’m fine with it. I recently read something somewhere about putting a stop to this “suspenders look” that seems to be trending at award shows and photo shoots. And I may not be a huge fan of her music, but she is nice to look at. Kid Cudi continues the trend of being filmed from behind. And of course there’s Mr. West doing his thing and on top of a police car with all it’s lights… as the song suggests.
