LogFAQs > #957087215

46. Talking Heads Once in a Lifetime (1980)
from the album Remain in Light

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR0jgT9UX0Q

Key lyrics:
Same as it ever was, same as it ever was

I have known and loved Once in a Lifetime for over a decade now, yet I still have no idea how to put it into words. Part of the joy of New Wave music was seeing a bunch of artists really exploring what music could do, and none quite approached a limit like this one. Its odd, because Once in a Lifetime is about as ubiquitous as music comes. Talking Heads in collaboration with Brian Eno tapped into some unusual combination that nevertheless resonated with the masses, a track that has endured for its indescribable quality one can dive into the apparent Afrobeat influences, but the final result exists in its own sphere.

The effect it has on me is easier to describe. The looping instrumental elements are hypnotic, pairing well with David Byrnes ramblings about the ceaseless passage of time. The sonic elements trickle just a step above ambience, giving enough space that one could easily zone out to it if not for Byrnes vocals. Which, this is all to say that Byrnes psychotic preacher persona ties everything together. As he rambles off odd phrases, the lack of immediate meaning is overshadowed by his delivery. This is a man trying desperately to sell you something, and you might just buy it despite not knowing what it is. Unusual exclamations like this is not my beautiful wife resonate for the bizarre imagery they generate. Could it be possible we are all watching our time slip away with only half our attention? Or are all of his words meaningless fluff to get us hooked on this singular groove? Either way, I am all ears.

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My top 100 games (with write-ups): https://foolfantastic.com/top-100-video-games-project/