Train, the band behind hits like “Drops of Jupiter,” has once again steered into contentious waters with their single, “Play That Song.” This track, instantly recognizable for its prominent sample of “Heart and Soul,” has ignited a flurry of reactions, ranging from amused acceptance to outright disdain. Examining the critical reception and musical choices of “Play That Song” reveals a band consciously or unconsciously leaning into their established identity as purveyors of what some might call ‘dad pop’ or, less kindly, ‘cornball rock’.
The immediate point of discussion, and often derision, is the song’s central hook: the unmistakable piano riff from “Heart and Soul.” Critics like Hannah Jocelyn point out the sheer oddity of sampling an 80-year-old song, comparing it to sampling “Chopsticks.” It’s a move so unexpected it borders on baffling. Is it a playful wink, a cynical grab for attention, or simply a lack of original melodic ideas? The search intent behind “Play That Song Train” often leads to discussions and reviews dissecting this very element, as listeners grapple with the unexpected interpolation.
Band Train appears unenthusiastic, mirroring critical reception of their song 'Play That Song'
Adding to the song’s polarizing nature are the lyrics. Will Adams succinctly labels the track “excruciating piece of cynical, base-covering, pandering shit-pop,” suggesting a calculated attempt at mass appeal that falls flat. Lines like “Hey Mr. Guitar/When you gonna strum it?” as highlighted by William John, are perceived as simplistic and even cringeworthy, especially coming from a band that once aimed for more mature themes. The lyrical content of “Play That Song” reinforces the ‘corny’ label often associated with Train, pushing it to new extremes. The search query “play that song train” in this context might reflect users looking for validation or shared opinions on the perceived lyrical shortcomings.
Musically, “Play That Song” doesn’t escape scrutiny either. Hannah Jocelyn critiques the “simplistic drum beat and horns that make absolutely no aesthetic sense,” contributing to an overall production that feels disjointed and, to some, unpleasant. Alfred Soto dismisses the use of a drum machine as a cliché, associating it with a lack of authenticity. These elements contribute to the perception of “Play That Song” as something less than serious artistic endeavor, and more of a calculated, perhaps cynical, product. The sonic landscape of “play that song train” becomes a point of contention for those searching for musical depth and innovation.
However, amidst the predominantly negative critiques, there are dissenting voices. Katie Gill, for instance, surprisingly admits to loving the song precisely because Train embraces their corniness. She argues that Train’s strength lies in “goofy lyrics and even goofier musical motifs,” and “Play That Song” is a full commitment to this identity. Scott Mildenhall, while acknowledging Train’s inconsistent hit rate, suggests that the song’s broad singalong quality is a deliberate and successful tactic, comparing it to past hits like “Drops of Jupiter” and “Drive By.” This perspective suggests that searching for “play that song train” could also indicate a listener open to embracing the song’s lighthearted and intentionally cheesy nature.
Brad Shoup offers a particularly cutting, yet insightful, take, calling Train the “connoisseur’s Sad Band.” He interprets the song as a “heel turn,” where Pat Monahan embodies a “perfect dirtbag” persona, harassing musicians to play a song for his girlfriend. This reading, while sarcastic, highlights a potential layer of irony or self-awareness within Train’s approach. The query “play that song train” could even be used by those seeking to understand this ironic or ‘so bad it’s good’ appeal.
Ultimately, “Play That Song” by Train stands as a divisive piece. Its reliance on a recognizable sample, coupled with lyrics and production choices deemed by many as simplistic or corny, has drawn considerable criticism. However, this very embrace of corniness, whether intentional or not, has also garnered a degree of ironic appreciation. The varying opinions surrounding “play that song train” underscore the band’s unique position in the pop landscape – a band that, for better or worse, consistently provokes strong reactions and continues to defy easy categorization.
