Track Spotlight – Rock & Star (Fourth Nattawat)

deforestedmusic

Aug 2

Nobody talked about one of the best rock songs of the year, and so here I am.

Let's see what we have here!

Have you felt that teenage angst, ignorance, dread, hope, and belonging? I certainly am in awe of how certain songs that comeby just happen to capture the magic of growing up in a highly accelerated world as today. Living and growing up in the 2000s is certainly full of hope, sadness, and dreams but also with ever changing demands for new stuff like technology, the internet, and the harsh dogma of "survival of the fittest". Rock & Star places you in a time where you wouldn't even expect to feel close at all. It situates you to the emotions of the youth, the youth that is lost, but is optimistic.

Rock & Star serves as the opening salvo of episodes 10 through 12 of the Thai boys' love series, My School President. My School President talks about school council politics, love, acceptance, and coming of age. Unlike any other Thai BLs, My School President is extremely fluffy and yet does not get lost on delivering authentic school life troubles. While the focus on BLs may stem from convoluted and overly drawn out conflicts, My School President does not do that, and relies on the chemistry and the naturally open-mindedness and juvenile thinking of the characters.

The lyrics of Rock & Star are raw and honest, reflecting the emotions of the youth, who are full of hope, but at the same time, feel lost and misunderstood. The lyrics situate the audience as the rock, and their dreams are stars, and as such even if it is physically impossible, technically speaking the rock can be with the stars. The upbeat melody, coupled with Nattawat's powerful vocals, creates a perfect blend that makes the song feel like a burst of energy. It's a great anthem for anyone who's ever felt like an outcast, but also for those who are trying to find their place in the world. The track's instrumentation is also noteworthy, with the guitar riffs and drums adding depth and texture to the song, creating a fantastic rock feel.

Rock & Star reminds me of many rock hits in the radio during the 2000s in the Philippines. Before the Philippines may be known as the land of P-Pop, rock music has a foothold in the country. Many gems that we have grown to listen include emphasis on that Avril Lavigne style of pop-rock. It's a feeling equated with hopefulness, sadness and yearning. Truly, Rock & Star has managed to top that, and provide us a very technical song. So, I urge y'all to listen to this masterpiece.