Aaron's entry this week is an 80's power pop anthem squarely in the "Hit Homewrecker" genre. "Your Love" by The Outfield explores the tension between youth's bravado and insecurity. Lyrics depicting a young man's selfish, destructive tendencies hide behind a sparkling facade of slick, upbeat 80s production perfection. The crew discuss this tension and what value can be gleaned from songs like this.

Andrew presents a number jam-packed with melodramatic angst. "Just a Man" by The Classic Crime is a hard-driving soul-bearing song that grapples with the doubts and difficulties that arise from examining evangelicalism's dissonance. The music is intense, and at times off-balance, mirroring the discomfort of weathering a crisis of faith.

Jonathan brings us a soulful song from Sara Bareilles. "Once Upon Another Time" is a remembrance of the freedom and possibilities we experience on the threshold between childhood and adulthood. The arrangement is spare and measured, showcasing Sara's skillful vocalization, and the lyrics deftly balance broad nostalgia and personal introspection without ever straying into the cliché.

Rob brings us "The Distance" by Cake. Cake's trademark in-your-face style is firing on all cylinders here with bombastic lyrics, crunchy guitars, and a bassline that just won't quit. Thoughtful themes of overwork and misplaced priorities rumble just beneath the ridiculous surface, but that does nothing to quench the frantic power of this song.

Aaron brings us "What Would I Do Without You?" by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors. The song's familiar singer/songwriter style helps the vulnerable lyrics go down easy. The song is honest and straightforward with relatable themes of self-doubt, dependence and the security of weathering life together with someone who loves you.

Andrew brings us Samson, a poignant song from Regina Spektor's 2006 album: Begin to Hope. Samson draws on biblical themes and characters to tell a story of love, betrayal, intimacy, and regret. The song is musically spare, highlighting Regina's voice and piano. It feels at once beautiful but tinged with sadness, immediate but also nostalgic.

Jonathan brings us Starmachine2000 - an instrumental track from the Swedish band Wintergatan. It's a brilliant marriage of acoustic found sound and electric instrumentation. The arpeggiating synths and thick analog bass will make you feel like a kid playing mario in the basement. The acoustic sections will transport you right out to a mountainside under the stars. Wintergatan hand-builds many of their instruments (acoustic and electric), and that dedicated craftsmanship shines through in this song.

Rob brings us Stranger from Vampire Weekend's Grammy award-winning album Father of the Bride. Stranger goes down easy; it's upbeat, maybe even a little corny at times, but it has some great symbolism and even some uncomfortable sensibilities. It has a timeless musical style and lyrics focused on the excitement and discomfort of knowing and being known. Did Aaron figure out a way to reference Sartre? Yes, yes he did.