New Recording 47: What It Used To Be
On What It Used To Be, a cappella collective New Recording 47 seemingly presents the question: “Where are we headed?” – a question apt for the current COVID-19 pandemic, where time appears to be caught in a standstill. The song begins with understated lush, choral harmonies, accompanied by deep voiced narration from vocalist Raimi Rusydi: “You know, life’s truly a blessing. But sometimes it feels like it’s passing by way too fast....”. As New Recording 47 beckon their listeners, one finds themselves inexplicably drawn to finding out what’s to come.
Starting off slow, the song transitions from a laid-back ballad to an infectious pop number, as beatboxed beats drop in. Lead vocalist Amanda Ong’s intertwining narratives stay on top of this transition, as she juxtaposes the excitement and joys of childhood (“Passing notes during class / "Do you like me?" Yes or No?”) with adulthood’s realities (“Now you're left on read, simply misled / All your friends, engaged and wed”). Exploring concepts of growth and change through its universal, relatable vignettes, What It Used To Be’s lyrics prove to be a potent mix of nostalgia. This, paired with the track’s uptempo grooves and delightful harmonies, keeps it an immersive listen. In an interview with Lion’s Den, Ong briefly discussed the song’s origins: “My initial draft was about technology, how the world has transitioned from a zero-tech to a high-tech space. But when we decided to adapt it for [New Recording 47], we wanted to make it more relatable to the laymen,” she said. By deciding to ground the song on a more personal level instead of larger-than-life concepts, the group imbue it with a keen earnestness.
In the song’s last quarter, its musical elements continue to mirror its narrative – transitioning from satisfying percussive vocal grooves to rich, laid-back harmonies. “From orange juices to screwdrivers / Lego bricks to Minecraft blocks / Graduation to job promotion / Trading cards to bonds and stocks,” Ong sings on the track’s bridge, before the track culminates in a deep sigh from all vocalists, an unexpected moment that drives home New Recording 47’s bittersweet relationship with change, as well as balance their nostalgia with a sense of humour.
In an appropriately reserved ending, Rusydi sings its refrain once more in a deep baritone over a soft hum, ending the track with hopeful resignation. By tackling the uncertain nature of growing up, What It Used To Be is a heartfelt ode to change that joyously celebrates the past, and remains cautiously optimistic for the future.