Tom: Last time we covered a Scouting for Girls track, I gave this formula that fits every one of their tracks, and suggested they never break that mould:
Earnest vocals over inoffensive piano, guitar and drums; vocal harmonies in the background from half way through the song; quiet piano bridge ramping up to undeservedly triumphant final chorus.
Well, they’ve broken that mould.
Tom: And it’s terrible.
Tim: What? No it isn’t. It’s good, no?
Tom: Well, perhaps ‘terrible’ is too strong a word. It’s pop music, after all. It’s no INJU5TICE. But – backing ripped from an MIA track, chorus suggesting the Lovin’ Spoonful original “Summer in the City” but never quite getting there, lyrics that could have been written by an eight-year-old. It’s inoffensive pop and it probably won’t do badly, but it ain’t going to be a classic, that’s for sure.
Tim: Well, if you pull it apart like that then yes, you make it sound bad, and there’s not a whole lot I can disagree with (especially with regard to the lyrics). But you don’t mention it all coming together and fitting well enough to make a tune that I’m still humming two hours later.
Tom: Really? I can barely remember it at all. I’ve just got a nagging feeling of irritation.
Tim: Fair enough, and you’re right, it’s not a classic. But terrible? Absolutely not.