We are like Thanos, and his infinity stones.

Once upon of time, in a galaxy far far away, Ethan , aka. Thanos, controlled all the 6 infinity stones.

First we have John, the Space Stone. He fills in the space that we have in between (actually he is trying to fill the empty space in his heart).

Then, we have Yi Yang, the Time stone. We never find him free in time at all times.

Next, we have Rooney, the Mind stone. I don't know what this guy is thinking so much about.

On the Reality stone, we have Jia Ming. We still don't know why is he here. He wants nothing to do with music.

Coming next, we have Quinton, on the Power stone. He just has too much aura.

Lastly, we got Nicholas, the Soul stone. He connects all of ours souls just by existing. His sole existence brought us together in the first place.

With Ethan controlling us, the Infinity Stones,

We are 6 men and 1 saxist.

• Glenn Fredly Deviano Latuihamallo (30 September 1975 – 8 April 2020) also known as Glenn Fredly, was an Indonesian RnB singer-songwriter and producer. He was known for his smooth, soulful voice and heartfelt ballads (Meezer, LLC., 2025). Glenn grown up in a musically gifted environment and was exposed early to different style of music, which influenced his later musical works.

• Glenn Fredly started his career as a lead vocalist in a band called Funk Section in early 1990s. (Meezer, LLC., 2025).

  
  

• In 1998, he left the band and started his solo career as a RnB singer. In that same year, Glenn released his debut solo album GLENN (1998) (The Jakarta Post, 2020) .

  
  

• 2000s - 2010s : Glenn Fredly released Kembali in 2000s which landed him an Indonesian Music Award (AMI) award for Best Alternative Artist and Best Alternative Songwriter for 'Kasih Putih' in 2002 (The Jakarta Post, 2020). His second album is also what what catapulted him to national fame. Glenn Fredly also expanded into music production, experimenting with different musical styles while maintaining his signature style. According to Glenn Fredly (n.d.), he contributed to film soundtracks 'Cinta Silver (2006)' and more.

• Late career : Continued releasing hits and performing live.

• 2020 : Passed away at 44.

• In both these songs, the keyboards played an important role of filling the empty spaces in the songs

• synth lines were used in order to highlight certain important lines in the songs. For example: sine wave leads were used

• In addition, organs were used to thicken the songs

  
  

Guitars:

• The guitars played a vital role in this song as they had many important lines

• First in the introduction, they played the "what about me" line, teasing its entry later at the end of the song. Next in the verse, the guitar carried the band by playing the 24k magic vamp. Throughout the song, there are many lines that the guitar plays in betweens parts too that make the song catchier as compared to the original 24k magic.

Drums:

• The drums is one of the main instrument that carries the whole energy of the song.

• In the verses and chorus the drums would keep the pocket and hold the groove. Playing simple leaves room for the music to build and elevate in later sections.

• As the genre of this song, the drums played a lot of gospel chops and filled up most of the space in the breakdown and bridge section.

This song is a rearrangement by Mccoy music. They rearranged it in a way that is nice because they do not add too many unecessary ideas and they do not stray far away from keeping its original identity.

Arrangement

• This song stays mostly the same throughout the song. However, in order to make it catchier, they add catchy hooks and lines here and there to make the song sound more appealing. The additional lines and different chords brings a different energy to the song, making it sound more fun and appealing

• For example in the first chorus of the song, the guitars and lead synths were playing the main hook from Snarky Puppy's "What about me (2014)". This fits surprisingly well with the vocals as it is not too distracting or loud.

• In addition, reharms were also done in this arrangement. Instead of using the normal 1 and 4 minor, which is Fm7 and Bbm7, they reharmed certained parts to make it sound different and more exciting. This technique - substituting tension chords before resolving to the tonic - aligns with the jazz practices described by Levine (1995). For example, in the first chorus, when the vocals sings "24k magic in the air" on the word air, instead of the normal Fm7, they created tension with the Dm7add 9 and 11 and then resolved it to the Db^7 before going to the 5 (C7 alt) and the 1 (Fm7)

• Another obvious change they made was in the last chorus where they played the main hook of Snarky's "What about me". However in this song, it is not the same speed as compared to when Snarky played it. All in all it is still an interesting element for them to add

Keys:

• In this song, it starts off with these ambient pads that fill up the room and set the tone in the room.

• After this, the song starts by playing its main hook of the song. The sine wave lead plays the melody along with the sax. The sine wave lead is used for its naturally smooth and soft tone, it blends well with the saxophone to create soulful melodies.

• These 2 instruments are basically the foundation of indon Rnb as it can be heard in many Indon records. For example,

• In addition to keys' sounds, another iconic sound Indonesians really like to use, is the piano layered with the ep along with some bells. This can be seen in another song called "Januari" (Sony Music Entertainment Indonesia, 2013) which is also written by Glenn Fredly

Saxophone:

• Next, the saxophone is also used a lot in this genre mainly because of its smooth sounding tone. Many artists like Pamungkas, Ardhito Pramono, Kaleb J, or Rizky Febian use it in their music

• It does a good job highlighting the melody or just playing a supportive role to fill in any gaps or empty spaces

• For example, in the beginning of the song, the saxophone sort of takes a mini solo to fill in the empty spaces and by doing this, it makes the atmosphere warmer. Hence, adding a lot of warmth to the song

Guitar and bass:

• For the guitars, it acts as more of a supportive element as compared to usually being in the spotlight. It supports the band by just strumming chords and playing tasteful lines here and there

• Same goes to the bass. The bass player is not doing anything extra and knows the range that he is supposed to play between to give the other instruments the spotlight.

• The only prominent line that they both play is the vamp at the beginning

Drums:

• The drums holds a simple groove throughout the song. Although its simple yet it plays a very important role in this song.

• The drums plays fill ins appropriately in order to build up

Born to gurlie pawp, forced to whack drums.

I am the key

Never give up on your dreams, keep sleeping.

VERSE:

Bersamamu
Kulewati
Lebih dari seribu malam

Bersamamu
Yang kumau
Namun kenyataannya tak sejalan

Translation:

With you,

I’ve gotten past
More than a thousand nights

I want to be with you
But reality doesn’t go the same way

Explanation:

Being longed together in a relationship, but reality/fate pulls them apart.

BRIDGE:

Tak sanggup bila harus jujur
Hidup tanpa hembusan nafasnya

Translation:

I can’t bear, if I have to be honest,
To live without the breath of her life

Explanation:

The despair he feels without having her in a part of his life.

(LAST) CHORUS:

Tuhan, bila waktu dapat kuputar kembali
Sekali lagi untuk mencintanya
Namun bila waktuku telah habis dengannya
Biarkan cinta ini (biarkan cinta ini)
Hidup untuk sekali ini saja

Translation:

God, if time could turn back,
Once more, I’d love her again.
But if my time with her has ended,
Let this love (let this love)
Live for just this once.

Explanation:

Hoping that he could go back in time to change fate, but he accepts that time cannot be reversed. Thus, he finds peace knowing that their love existed, even if it's just this once (Sekali Ini Saja).

sup ali

Born to 飆高音, forced to 🎸🧹

Bruno Mars shows his versatility by going back in time with each of his album releases. His first album “Doo-Wops & Hooligans” (2010) is a modern pop album. His second album “Unorthodox Jukebox” (2012) features 90's style genre such as full, soul, reggae, and ballads (Cohen, 2012). His third album “24K Magic” (2016) goes back to the 80's with heavy R&B influence. His fourth album “An Evening with Silk Sonic” (2021) is a 70's inspired old school, Motown, R&B and soul album.

Why are there only 3 vocalist in cohort 18?

“24K Magic” is Bruno Mars’ flashy, party-like anthem celebrating style, success, and self-assurance, a swaggering party anthem that channels the luxurious vibe of '80s and '90s funk and R&B (Rolling Stone, 2016). The “magic” refers to the golden aura around Bruno and his crew — a metaphor for their success, charisma, and the good life they embody. The “24K” (24 karat) symbolizes pure gold — the highest quality — implying that everything about their vibe, from fashion to energy, is top-tier and at the highest quality. The lyrics tend to be straight forward and simple, showing a carefree energy and feel, by using old school western slangs, such as words like “hustlers” and “gangsta’s”.

INTRO

Tonight

I just want to take you higher

Throw your hands up in the sky

Let’s set this party off right

This intro immediately sets the tone about escapism and celebration. He invites everyone to join in the atmosphere of excess and joy.

Chorus 

Players, put yo’ pinky rings up to the moon!

Girls, what y’all tryna do?

24 karat magic in the air

Head to toe so player

Uh, look out!

The words “24 karat magic in the air” captures that luxurious, almost supernatural feeling — the song’s central metaphor for pure confidence and shine and the phrase “Pinky rings up to the moon” uses jewelry as a symbol of wealth and confidence.

Verse 1 

Pop pop, it’s showtime (showtime)

Showtime (showtime)

Guess who’s back again?

They don’t know? (Go on, tell ‘em)

I bet they know soon as we walk in (showin’ up)

Wearing Cuban links (ya), designer minks (ya)

Inglewood’s finest shoes (whoop, whoop)

Don’t look too hard might hurt yourself

Known to give the color red the blues 

This verse is all about confidence and old school swag. It’s all about how Bruno’s reputation proceeds him, showing his confidence in what he does using fine shoes and designer minks as a representation of his class and value. 

Verse 2 

Second verse for the hustlas (hustlas), gangstas (gangstas)

Bad bitches and ya ugly ass friends (haha)

Can I preach? (Uh oh)

Can I preach? (Uh oh)

Gotta show ‘em how a pimp get it in

First, take your sip, do your dip

Spend your money like money ain’t shit (whoop, whoop)

Despite his confidence and style in this song, Bruno’s keeps it inclusive even to the outcasts, signifying this verse is for everyone and anyone who Is ready to have fun. He uses a lot of chants as a way to get the listeners in and involved with this, further emphasising on how he keeps this inclusive. 

Bridge

Everywhere I go they be like

Ooh, so player!

Everywhere I go they be like

Ooh, so player!

Repetition reinforces his effortless confidence — it’s not forced; it’s natural. “Player” here is about smoothness and self-assured cool and aura. 

Outro

24 karat magic, magic, magic

Come on now!

24 karat magic in the air

A final chant of the repetitive phrase and title, creating a celebrate and communal energy, signifying how everyone in the song’s universe is glowing with that same “24k Magic” 

I play keys by the way

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/08/09/glenn-fredly-get-ready-welcome-new-glenn039.html

Gultom, I. (2020, April 9). Glenn Fredly, penyanyi dan pencipta lagu paling romantis. Antara News Sumsel.

https://sumsel.antaranews.com/berita/456454/glenn-fredly-penyanyi-dan-pencipta-lagu-paling-romantis

Glenn Fredly. (n.d.). Glenn Fredly.

https://glennfredly.com/https://glennfredly.com

RecentMusic.com. (n.d.). RecentMusic - Glenn Fredly new releases. https://recentmusic.com/artist/4rUYk0fV0Z4pOtwVbEAyK9/

The Jakarta Post. (2020, April 11). Glenn Fredly, loved for his R&B hits and activism, dies at 44.

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/04/11/glenn-fredly-loved-his-rb-hits-activism-dies-44.html

Coconuts Jakarta. (2020, April 9). Indonesia mourns passing of R&B artist, activist Glenn Fredly. Coconuts. https://coconuts.co/jakarta/lifestyle/indonesia-mourns-passing-of-rb-artist-activist-glenn-fredly/

https://yourguitaracademy.com/courses/bruno-mars/lessons/how-to-play-24k-magic-by-bruno-mars-guitar-lesson

Levine, M. (1995). The Jazz Theory Book. Sher Music Co.

Meaning of “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars - Song Analysis & Interpretation | SongSense. (2016, November 17). SongSense.

https://songsense.io/bruno-mars/24k-magic

Meaning of ’24K Magic’ by ‘Bruno Mars’ – Sound sifter music. (n.d.). https://soundsifter.com/meaning-of-24k-magic-by-bruno-mars

Bauer, & Pat. (2025, October 4). Bruno Mars | Biography, Songs, Albums, Grammys, Silk Sonic, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bruno-Mars

Neaupane, S. (2021, July 21). Bruno Mars Learnt about Music from His Dad — A Look into His Ethnic Background. Hollywoodmask. https://cdn.hollywoodmask.com/entertainment/bruno-mars-parents.html

Bauer, & Pat. (2025b, October 4). Bruno Mars | Biography, Songs, Albums, Grammys, Silk Sonic, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bruno-Mars

Sandy, C. (2012, December 10). Music Review: Bruno Mars expands genre-hopping retro pop on 2nd album, 'Unorthodox Jukebox. Times Colonist.

https://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/music-review-bruno-mars-expands-genre-hopping-retro-pop-on-2nd-album-unorthodox-jukebox-4568309

https://www.anaksenja.com/2022/04/arti-dan-makna-sebenarnya-di-balik-lirik-lagu-rossa-sekali-ini-saja.html

Modulation:

• In this intro, it plays a lot with the concept of relative key modulation. It first starts of in the key of A minor. After, the intro is played in the key of C major. The reason why this works, is because A minor and C major are relative keys as they have the same key signatures. However, when it goes into the verse of the song, it modulates into the key of Eb by using the chords Fm7 and Bb which is a 2-5-1 chord pattern.

• The intro played is also the melody of the chorus, which is a cool teaser to tease the melody of the chorus

• Throughout the song, it also modulates quite a bit. For example in the verse, it starts of in the key of Eb then throughout the verse it goes into Cm7 by playing the 5 chord of C minor which is G7.

Attacks:

• This song also uses attacks to build the song dynamically. For example

• Another example would be an attack after the bridge. This attack is to emphasise the climax of the song. It attacks on the 1 and then rests to attack again on the 2and beat.

  
  

chill ass guy

Thien Yi Yang- Comparison for the 2 songs

Rooney Chin Seng Yuan - Analysis on ‘Sekali ini Saja’ lyrics

Nicholas Cheong Mingze - Analysis on “24k Magic” lyrics

Low Jia Ming - Reference check on each section and citation

John Thien - Bruno Mars' introduction