Sia has emerged after a long and successful career as a pop force to be reckoned with. Successful careers might be a more accurate phrase. She started in experimental jazz at 17. Then she got her first solo deal in more electronic music. Then she was reborn as the voice of Zero 7, a musical duo where she wasn't actually a member of the creative duo. She continued her solo career and began another successful track as a songwriter for everyone from Christina Aguilera to Flo Rida. The difference between Sia and a lot of other pop artists is intelligence and wit. There are smart songwriters who never find crossover success and there are pop singers who do nothing more than sing what's given to them without a second thought. Sia has carved her niche with thoughtful music that's easy to listen to with a much deeper message.
Take "Titanium," her collaboration with David Guetta. The song is catchy. It builds really well. At its core, it hinges on a message of empowerment in the face of adversity. The metaphor is stated in such an aggressive manner in the chorus, "You shoot me down/but I won't fall/I am titanium" that you believe it. Pop songs can be empowering, but very few can become an anthem like that for anyone who needs a strong guiding voice.
"Chandelier" really ups the ante on catchy and intelligent songwriting. It is a banger. This straight up party song is already getting massive airplay in Top 40/CHR and Hip Hop markets. It's in that same mode (but not the same style) as the minimalist electronic music that turned teenage Lorde into a multiple Grammy Award-winning pop superstar. I can't imagine any DJ willing to toy with electronic beats not mixing Sia's "Chandelier" into their sets in a matter of days.
But what is "Chandelier" actually about? Let's take a look at those intentionally slurred opening lyrics:
Party girls don't get hurt Can't feel anything, when will I learn I push it down, push it down
Lorde toyed with a similar concept in her smash hit "Royals," but here's where you see the difference experience makes. Sia's conceit isn't a condemnation of the destructive party lifestyle; Sia is offering a hand to anyone who is trying to escape the pain in their lives with destructive behavior. There is no judgment here. It's pure empathy.
The way radio personalities are talking about this song, you'd think it was just a party anthem. It is. It's just not the party anthem they're assuming it is.
"Chandelier" is a far more interesting artistic experiment than "Titanium," but both songs riff on the same theme of self discovery through adversity. The person in "Titanium" has found the strength to carry on no matter what is happening around them. The person in "Chandelier" is begging for help to reach the same level.
And I'm holding on for dear life, won't look down won't open my eyes Keep my glass full until morning light, 'cause I'm just holding on for tonight Help me, I'm holding on for dear life, won't look down won't open my eyes Keep my glass full until morning light, 'cause I'm just holding on for tonight
The only stability this person has in her life is partying. The escape of "1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, DRINK" is a dangerous cycle to fall into but a comforting one in this context. The alcohol flows through the system, slowly numbing away any pain, anxiety, or fear that is drawing this person to the club night after night. The only solace is knowing that being around all those people every night, "shame" and all, is what helped her get to the next morning.
Something has to give for this person Sia is writing about, and that something could start to come out through a song like "Chandelier." Get hooked on the song for the amazing production values; keep listening to the song for the excellent storytelling and nuance of a masterful lyricist.