#1 - Music

 Andy Grammer - "These Tears"

When you hear a song or an artist's name, does it take you back to a specific time in your life? It's incredible how music can connect us to memories we didn't know we were making. Sometimes, it is a particular day or event, or you are simply reminded of a specific time in your life. For example, maybe you think of a high school dance or singing in the backseat when your parents drove you to school, or perhaps you are reminded of a person that has been prevalent in your life. When I think of singer Andy Grammer, I think of middle school. 

Andy Grammer's most famous song is "Honey, I'm Good," released in 2014; however, the first song I think of is his 2011 hit "Keep Your Head Up." Besides these songs that link my brain to a simpler time in my life, Andy Grammer is not an artist I have kept up with. While researching newly released songs this month, I came across a new piece of his titled "These Tears." 

My first reaction while listening to the song was that it is much somber than the songs I know him for; however, you can still hear his tone throughout the song. The song is about Grammer losing his late mother. The music video depicts him visiting a childhood home as he reminisces on times with his mom and acknowledges his need to move forward. 

I like the song's smooth beat, with a heavy message. Although the song is about grief, the music gives reassurance about losing a loved one and how grief is healthy.

According to Grammer's Instagram: 

"I wrote this song for everyone who is missing someone and learning how to let go. It's going to be alright."

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A post shared by Andy Grammer (@andygrammer)

The song isn't trending at the moment; however, a place I trust to receive honest reviews is the comments from the music video on Youtube. Instead of only finding reviews of the song, I found several hundred stories about losing loved ones. Many fans are pleased and claim that the song was released at the right time. Although these comments are difficult to read, I found myself scrolling through the many heartfelt comments to Grammer and what the song means to them as fans. 

The song has a strong message and a tune that gets caught in your head. The smooth melody and the statement "I'm gonna be alright" is the most memorable aspect. Sometimes, we need someone to tell us we will be okay, and this song accomplishes that while telling a story of a son and his mother. Although I wouldn't call myself an Andy Grammer fan, just someone familiar with his music, I enjoy this song, and it provokes memories of loved ones, similar to how songs can remind us of different times in our lives.