‘Better Things’ by Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings: Starbucks Single of the Week

Starting out with energetic, but slowed down rhythm and indistinct voices in the background, “Better Things” by Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings makes you wonder for the first minute whether or not there will be any lyrics at all. When the words finally appear, the song turns out to be a great positive affirmation for strong women who are falling out of love.

Stressed by saxophone accompaniment, the melody leads the listener, who is a bit distracted by background talking, to the first line that strikes you with the strength and power of Jones’ voice. Her pitch switches from low to high smoothly and naturally, which shows how well the singer can maneuver her voice. Instead of the indistinct murmur there are now piano keys sounding brightly in the background, giving Jones’ voice even more energy.

While the voice is outstanding, the words are quite simple. What to do if a love affair does not work out? As Jones repeats over and over, “I got better things to do than remember you,” which is all one should get out of the song. These repetitions may remind of one of the techniques Rhonda Byrne recommends in The Secret: if you want to believe in something, repeat it to yourself as many times as you can. This is what Jones seems to be doing in “Better Things.”

Even though the lyrics are unpretentious, they send clear messages to both men and women. The former should realize that losing them is not the end of the world for strong women with beautiful voices like Jones’.

The latter should remember that though parting always hurts, there are always better things to do, like listening to a good song, which this, of course, is.