The Shins’ song “New Slang” has been a classic for decades now. Its catchy hooks and lyrics have made it one of the most beloved indie rock songs around. I’ve always been mesmerized by the song’s poetic lyrics and captivating melodies. As I listen to the song time and time again, I can’t help but be reminded of the profound messages and heartfelt sentiments that are hidden in its lyrics. In this article, I’ll be taking a closer look at the Shins’ song “New Slang” and exploring the powerful emotions and messages it conveys.
The Shins’ New Slang
The Shins have been a beloved indie band since their debut album, Oh, Inverted World, in 2001. Since then, they’ve released five more albums and have had many songs featured in popular films. One of their most popular and beloved songs is “New Slang” from their 2001 album. This song has become an indie classic and is even listed at #37 on Rolling Stones’ “Best Indie Rock Songs of All Time” list.
The song’s lyrics are written by lead singer James Mercer and explore the idea of a “new slang” that can be used as a form of communication among those who are in the same situation. The lyrics talk about how life can be difficult and lonely, but there’s still a silver lining if one can learn to communicate and empathize with others. The lyrics are poetic and thought-provoking and create a meditative mood.
The song has been covered by many singers and bands, and the original music video features the band playing in a unique setting. The video was directed by Zach Braff and has been viewed over 45 million times on YouTube. The song has been featured in many films and TV shows, and it was even part of the soundtrack for the indie film, Garden State.
“New Slang” is a perfect example of The Shins’ ability to create thoughtful and meaningful music. The song has stood the test of time and continues to be beloved by fans old and new. It shows that music
Meaning Behind Lyrics
The Shins’ song “New Slang” is a classic indie rock anthem that has stood the test of time. It was first released in 2001 and continues to be a favorite for many music fans today. Its lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of nostalgia and the bittersweet memories we all have of the past. The song’s title, “New Slang”, can have multiple meanings. On one level it could be a reference to the fact that language, and the way we use it, constantly evolves over time. On another level, it could be an allusion to the idea of reinventing oneself and becoming something new.
The lyrics of “New Slang” are full of references to the past, including images of faded photographs and old letters. These images are used to convey the idea that life is fleeting and that memories, both good and bad, are powerful. The song also touches on themes of loneliness and searching for meaning in a world that often seems empty and meaningless. These themes are further emphasized by the song’s somber and melancholic melody.
The “New Slang” lyrics are not only poetic, but they also contain interesting metaphorical references. For example, the line “This faded chaise lounge, it memories and me” could be interpreted as a metaphor for how memories can become a part of us and linger in our minds. The song also makes references to the idea of “brand new language” as a way to express oneself and connect with others
Storytelling
The Shins, a critically acclaimed indie band from Albuquerque, New Mexico, have produced some of the most beloved and creative songs of the 2000’s. One of their standout hits is “New Slang”, from their 2001 album “Oh, Inverted World”. The song has become famous for its powerful storytelling. Lead singer/songwriter James Mercer masterfully lays out a narrative of an isolated young person whose life is suddenly changed by a chance encounter with a friend.
“New Slang” was the breakthrough hit that propelled the Shins to the top of the indie rock scene, and is now widely regarded as one of the most influential songs of the decade. The song has been featured in numerous television shows, films, and commercials, and continues to be covered by various artists. It was also named one of the best songs of the decade by Rolling Stone magazine in 2010.
The song’s success can be attributed to Mercer’s songwriting talents. He uses vivid imagery and clever wordplay to paint a picture of a young person struggling with loneliness and looking for something to believe in. His lyrics are deeply personal, but also connect to the listener on a larger level. The chorus of “New Slang” serves as a rallying cry for outcasts everywhere to find solace in music.
The song’s impact is still felt today. In 2020, “New Slang” was included in the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry as one of the most culturally
Musical Style
Since the release of The Shins’ 2001 debut album, Oh, Inverted World, the indie-rock quartet has established themselves as a staple of the genre. Their single, “New Slang,” was a breakthrough hit, with its dreamy, poppy sound and catchy lyrics. The song was praised by critics and fans alike, helping to cement The Shins’ place in musical history.
The music for “New Slang” has a unique blend of folk, alternative rock, and indie pop influences. Throughout the track, The Shins use a combination of acoustic and electric guitars, as well as synthesizers and drum machines. This creates a dreamy, atmospheric sound that is both familiar and fresh. The song also features singer-songwriter James Mercer’s signature lyrical style, blending personal insight with clever wordplay.
The Shins’ “New Slang” is a classic of the indie rock genre and has been widely sampled and covered by various artists. It has been featured in films such as Garden State and 500 Days of Summer, and has been used in television shows and advertisements. The song has also been performed live by artists such as Taylor Swift and John Mayer.
In a 2003 interview with The A.V. Club, Mercer discussed the inspiration behind “New Slang.” He said “I wanted to write something really simple and direct but also have a lot of layers, so no matter how many times you listen to it you’
Critical Acclaim
The Shins’ single “New Slang” was released in 2001 as part of their debut album, Oh, Inverted World. Since then, the song has been celebrated as a modern indie rock classic and has been highly acclaimed by critics and fans alike. For example, Pitchfork described it as “the kind of song that can practically redefine genres,” and Rolling Stone has named it one of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
The song’s success is attributed to its thoughtful lyrics, which explore themes of nostalgia, loneliness, and coming of age. From the opening line’s rumination on “love behind a fence” to the refrain of “it’s not what I asked for,” the lyrics offer an intimate and emotionally resonant narrative.
The song’s impact has endured over the years, with its influence being felt in multiple musical genres. In particular, it has been cited as a major influence on the emergence of indie folk bands like Fleet Foxes and Mumford & Sons. Additionally, the song’s legacy has translated to its performance on the charts, reaching number 22 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and number 60 on the Hot 100.
In spite of its release nearly two decades ago, the song continues to draw admiration from both fans and critics. As Pitchfork wrote in their 2011 review, “it’s not only a great song; it’s a song that changed the musical landscape of the 00s and impacted countless artists in the process.
Cultural Impact
The Shins’ song “New Slang” off their album Oh, Inverted World is often cited as one of the most iconic indie songs of the 21st century, gaining recognition for its aesthetics as much as its lyrical content. It has had a huge impact on the culture of indie music, with many artists citing it as an influence. It is one of the most streamed songs on Spotify with over 24 million listens and has even been featured in the 2004 movie Garden State.
The lyrics of the song focus on the idea of escapism and finding “a new way to talk” in order to move forward. It also touches on the idea of nostalgia and longing for simpler times. The song is known for its unique sound that blends together elements of folk, indie and pop music. The use of a banjo in the chorus gives the song a unique twist and has become a hallmark of the Shins’ sound.
Over the years the song has been covered by a variety of artists including Taylor Swift, Vampire Weekend and The National. It has also been featured in numerous popular television shows and films such as The O.C., Parenthood, and The Perks of Being A Wallflower. This has helped to broaden the song’s reach and cement its status as an iconic indie anthem.
The cultural impact of “New Slang” is undeniable. It has become an anthem for a generation of indie music fans and is a timeless classic that will continue to influence future generations of musicians. It
Music Video
The Shins’ “New Slang” is a beloved classic and has been featured in many popular films. The music video for the 2001 single was directed by Zach Braff and released on Sub Pop Records. The video is set in a small Midwestern town and follows a day in the life of young protagonist, Eddie.
The single was an instant success, peaking at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and it was ultimately certified Gold in US by the Recording Industry Association of America. The song, written by band front man James Mercer, has since been covered by a number of different artists.
The music video for “New Slang” features a cast of local Midwesterners, a unique set of characters, and a distinct visual aesthetic. Braff’s direction captures the spirit of the lyrics and the video lends an added layer of meaning to the song. It has become one of the most iconic music videos of the 2000s and has been praised for it’s storytelling, acting, and cinematography.
The music video for “New Slang” is a perfect accompaniment to the song. It helps to further illustrate the story of the song and brings out the emotion. The visuals are beautiful and capture the small town atmosphere. It has been viewed over 39 million times on Youtube and it is considered one of the most iconic music videos of the early 2000s.
“New Slang” is an instantly recognizable classic and the music video is a perfect visual
Conclusion
The Shins New Slang lyrics are an iconic representation of the indie rock genre. They offer vivid imagery, heartfelt emotion, and clever wordplay. By combining traditional folk music with alternative rock, the Shins created a sound that is uniquely their own. The lyrics to New Slang offer an intimate glimpse into the heart of the band and the struggles of growing up. It is a timeless classic that will be cherished for years to come. By listening closely to the words of these lyrics, we can find solace in knowing that no matter how hard life gets, there is always hope. Go ahead and give The Shins New Slang a listen, and you’ll see why it’s been an indie rock favorite for over a decade.
