Choose one record from list A and one from list B at the bottom of this page. Building upon the same procedures for focused listening as the previous week, listen to the records and analyze your emotional responses. You may want to review the step-by-step instructions link below before you begin.
When you are done listening to the records, answer the following questions as they relate to the topic of artist intention:
1. What emotions do you feel in reaction to this record?
2. What do you feel the recording artist was intending to convey in this record?
3. How successful do you feel the recording artist was in conveying that intention?
4. Describe, in specific musical and sonic/technical terms, the elements that contributed to this. For example: “… after the syncopated, muffled piano chords in the prechorus, the four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern against the upbeat, open, bright hi-hats really made the choruses feel like an extremely energetic dance song!”
Each time we execute these focused-listening assignments, think about getting even better at getting in touch with your emotional reactions and your ability to focus on the record without distraction or prejudice.

Listening and Observation Guidelines
Write up the results of your listening sessions, and include the following information:
1. Your responses to the questions on the artist’s intention and their success in conveying what was intended.
2. A short statement speculating on the identity and vision of each artist, based solely on your experience with the record (in other words, you don’t need to do any additional research on this—just speculate).
List A
(Scroll down on the player to view the full list of songs)
Post Malone – Psycho
Radiohead – Idioteque
Stevie Wonder- higher Ground
List B
Prince – 1999
Bette Davis – Growing Older Feeling Younger
Katy Perry – Firework
