Week 11: Jump

     


     This week I chose to listen to "Jump" by Van Halen because I really like it. It is such a classic 80s song and I grew up hearing it. The song was released December of 1983 as the lead single from their album 1984. This is Van Halen's most successful single that reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. "Jump" has such a recognizable sound that makes me able to identify the song within the very first second. The synth keyboard chord progression is such a big part of this song and really sets the overall tone of the piece. 

     "Jump" has such a fun energy that makes me want to dance, or rather jump ;), with all my friends at a big party. I love the carefree attitude of the song. This is reflected in the lyrics such as, "I get up and nothin' gets me down" and "You got to roll with the punches". The style of singing is almost talk-singing at some moments with a bit of a raspy edge to it. I think the vocals fit very well with the song. "Jump" also has a great instrumental break with a guitar solo, a hallmark of rock music. The song ends by gradually fading out. I've always though this is an interesting choice for any song because there's never a definitive ending. Anyways, I really like this song and the complete 80s feeling it has and I enjoyed listening to it.

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