Month: December 2017

New Music Monday review of “The Good Parts” by Andy Grammer

Andy Grammer’s “The Good Parts” from his new album released December 1, 2017, with the same title addresses romantic relationship vulnerability through transparency. Grammer’s lyrics express a not-often heard request in this adult pop song; the programmed drums and percussion offer a simple rhythm providing listeners no impediment to this well written melody. And though the song doesn’t need more help in accessibility, Grammer’s smooth and intimate vocals lend to the song’s dynamics.

Grammer repeats his desire for a vulnerable relationship in the chorus: “Show me where it hurts and give me something real,” acknowledging that “the words [will] burn when they leave your mouth.” And, isn’t this the truth: when we vocalize our past failures and hurts, we revisit and, consequently, awaken the pain of the emotional wounds. But Grammer adds another element of painful discovery when he requests, “And lead me to the part of you that never really heals.” And the irony in these moments of emotional transparency continues to be that these are “the good parts.”

In contrast to the wonderful idea of intimacy being found in vulnerability, there remains a hang-up in the expectations, because the interest is in the partner only discussing previous emotional hurts: “Could not care less about your day job, the gossip, or ordinary stress.” Yes, some do hide behind the “weather and the news,” but shouldn’t all of someone’s life be meaningful, even the mundane parts?

Despite the shortcomings of the relationship expectations, Grammer offers a vocally and musically satisfying track as well as an interesting idea of “the good parts” in relationship intimacy.

Share This: