The theory of everything
The Secret Life Of Songs review
Rating – 
As you probably know by now, when I’m not working or writing this blog, I’m a musician. I love music. Almost all music. My album list on my phone runs the gamut of 1970s Japanese jazz, North African folk music, death metal, psytrance and dark ambient. As I read that back I realise it scans like one of Donald Trump’s tweets, so I apologise for that. I do love music though.
When I received a message on Facebook from a musician going by the name of Sky Coloured, pitching his Podcast for review, I was intrigued. Unfortunately, I’ve had a slew of shows to get through recently, and in a concerted effort not to let this one slip by unnoticed, I listened to the first three episodes. Then the entire first and second series in one go.
So what’s it about?
The Secret Life Of Songs is really just that. Each episode is a deep dive into an influential pop song from history. I know, there are a lot of shows that talk about famous songs, but this one is different. Rather than just a bio of the artist and their influences, this podcast delves into why these songs feel the way they do. Analysis of chord progressions and western music makes this show very theory heavy, but in an easy to understand way.
Series one covers mainly music from the 50s and 60s, and explains how the underground popularity of Blues and other “mongrel music” deemed corrupting by the segregated conservative values of America, slowly changed the face of popular music.
Series two (as far as it’s got) is concentrating on the 70s and 80s, with the influx of electronic instruments, cold war paranoia and urban decay.
It’s so much more than a retrospective, and that makes it pretty much unique in the genre. The host, Anthony is exceptionally knowledgeable, and very engaging as he explains quite technical aspects of music. He also manages to keep the episodes at under 45 minutes, which no doubt helps to stop them feeling too heavy going.
Is it any good?
It never gets boring (and that comes from someone who stopped learning music as soon as I possibly could). Even to a luddite like me, I find the psychological responses to certain notes or chords fascinating. The choice of words in the lyrics is examined too. Songs that influenced the artist, ideas that were adapted, and emotions conveyed certain ways all make certain songs legendary, rather than just great.
If I’m being super critical, I could mention that due to (I assume) licensing constraints, he reproduces the songs himself, this is a bit weird, but he has more than enough skill to carry it off. Besides, I like his slightly prog rock singing voice. It reminds me a bit of Justin Hayward, and a bit of Peter Hamill from Van Der Graaf Generator.
The fact that I binged the whole lot in a day should tell you all you need to know. Series two is my favourite so far, mainly because it’s “my era” and the analysis of I Feel Love by Donna Summer is incredible.
Final thoughts
Despite my statement in the preamble to this review that I am a musician, and a great lover of most music, I have almost no knowledge of musical theory. There is a saying that “there are no bad pupils, only bad teachers”. I take some solace from this, and I must point out that my musical endeavors have usually been in spite of, rather than because of music teachers and peers.
You can get The Secret Life Of Songs here:
For more great reviews, I recommend GreatPods