Music Analysis #2 by Trenton Woods


 Music Analysis #2


Break My Stride by Mathew Wilder

Overview: 

The song Break My Stride is was written by Mathew Wilder and Greg Prestopino. The two artist's wrote this song due to a failed relationship Wilder was going through and how he dealt with it. Wilder recored it at the studio owned by Spencer Proffer, using his own funds then submitted it to a label named A&R but heard nothing back. He had then contacted the label company and they replied with "Interesting song but not a hit". He then took the song around and finally got a deal with Private I Records who then published it putting the song at top 5 in the US and UK. If you ask me this relates to the song interpretation and how he never gave up on it which ultimately paid off. 

Break My Stride by Mathew Wilder is an upbeat song that gives you confidence and happiness as you listen. I chose this song because of the importance of happiness when things aren't going your way in life. Everyone has to go through a rough time in life and how you deal with it can reap many important benefits that will help you in the future. This song is about not letting negative things get in your way. Mathew Wilder says in this song "Ain't nothing gonna break my stride, Nobody gonna slow me down, Oh no I got to keep on moving". What Wilder is say is that he is not going to let anything or anyone get in his way of happiness and good vibes. Personally, this is exactly what this song did for me. I like to listen to this song when I am having a bad time to boost my vibe and give me more confidence. 


Elements:

Tempo, Form, Dynamics, Harmony, Melody. 

The tempo in this song is fast for the reason of a happy and light mood the song gives off. When Wilder starts the chorus it brings a fast tempo to maintain the upbeat vibe it shows. The form in this song is made to break down the problems in life while telling you how to handle then in an optimistic manner. Wilder says "the road behind was rocky, but now you're feeling cocky". By saying this he lays out the form portrayed in the entire song which is optimistic. Dynamics play a big part in this song by the loud noises present in the song. In order the keep a strong energy, Wilder must have a loud song to stick to the "feel good" song he sings. Harmony also plays a factor in this song by the interments selected. Dissonance is the harsh sounding harmonic nominations used by the interments in the background of Wilder's voice. Lastly, the disjunct melodies are jumpy and quickly executed following the harmony played. The drums, percussion and guitar are all make up the melodies backing up Wilder. 


Reviews:

"This is a great addition to my chemo therapy play list which includes "Hold on Tight to your dreams", "Staying Alive", and of course "Tubthumping" (The I get knocked down but I get up again song). These songs make my chemo session seem like only two hours instead of the actual four." 

This review is by an everyday person who is struggling with chemotherapy and how it improves her mood and helps her get through the hard times. These reviews by the regular person matter more in my opinion because that is who really matters. This song has an impact on every person in some way. 

(Rexroat, P, 2016) Amazon reviews. Retrieved from

 https://www.amazon.com/Break-My-Stride/dp/B003BMKW3O


"Interesting song but not a hit" 

This was Wilder's very first review on the song by Clive Davis who was Wilder's first Label who he tried to sell the song to. This review did not stop Wilder on his journey to success. Clive Davis was clearly wrong and I bet he regrets his decision on not taking the song. 


(Davis, C, 1983) Song facts. Retrieved from

https://www.songfacts.com/facts/matthew-wilder/break-my-stride



Comments

  1. Annelise FullertonFebruary 19, 2021 at 1:33 PM

    I love this song. I think it's great that amongst your reviews you included one of the cancer patient and what it meant to them. Creative. I totally agree that it's an upbeat, confidence instilling song. I also think you said it well when you mentioned that the song's pacing contributes to the light, happy, almost jaunty affect it has on the listener.

    ReplyDelete

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