It was about three weeks ago, I think, when Melanie texted to tell me about a new game called SongPop. Normally I’m slow to warm up to new games (I like to stay a solid six to twelve months behind the trends), but since I was unloading the dishwasher at the time, I was totally in the mood for a diversion. I found the app, downloaded it – and almost immediately began playing rounds of a 21st century Name That Tune-type game with Melanie (who almost always wins), Travis (who almost always wins), and my husband (who almost always wins). Every so often I squeak out a victory, but for the most part I lose by thousands of points. My only sliver of SongPop-related pride is that one time I beat a certain worship leader in the Christian / Gospel music category, and I’m sure you understand that my victory left me no choice but to engage in some lively post-game trash talking and no small degree of gloating.
It just seemed like the right thing to do.
I even considered making myself some sort of commemorative plaque.
By and large, though, I’m terrible at the game. Mainly I just enjoy playing against my friends, and I recognize that our obsession will probably be a short-term deal. Last week, in fact, Melanie hit the nail on the head when she predicted that we’ll all play the game with great intensity for a little while and then never play it again, but that is okay. Even short-term obsessions can bear some fruit. After all, I’ll never forget how Melanie used her gift at Pathwords for the Lord’s great glory back in late-2008 and early-2009.
Some of you probably have similar gifts at Words with Friends or Typing Maniac. Maybe even Angry Birds or Where’s My Water.
Don’t hide your game-playing light in a bushel, y’all.
The world needs to see you shine.
Yesterday I found out that a younger relative of mine is also playing SongPop, so I immediately texted him my username and made some promises to challenge him in 80s music since HE WASN’T EVEN ALIVE THEN AND CLEARLY I AM ANCIENT. He promised that he, in turn, would challenge me in Modern Rap, and we had a good laugh because I don’t think I’ve ever listened to more than a 30-second snippet of a rap song (other than something by the Sugar Hill Gang, of course). It’s a generational thing as much as anything else; I was out of college when rap went mainstream, so I’ve never paid much attention to it. Plus, the language makes me a little (lot) uncomfortable and blah blah blah blah blah.
So last night B and I played a few rounds, and most of our games were utterly predictable. I’d win 80s, 90s, and Love Songs; he’d win Modern Rap, Modern Country, and Today’s Hits. This morning I saw that he’d started another game, but it was early in the afternoon before I had a chance to sit down and play. When I saw that he’d challenged me AGAIN in Modern Rap, I grinned, because I knew that I was toast. No way I would win. What with never really listening to rap music and all.
But.
Lo and behold.
Listen. I have no idea what happened. I don’t know if I’ve committed SongPop clips to memory during other rounds. I don’t know if I was just unusually accurate in my guesses. Either way, there’s no question that the win is a fluke. And sort of hilarious. And mildly perplexing considering my age, not to mention my general ignorance regarding rap music.
But we’ll just pretend that I’m very hip and with it and now. Totally in touch with what the kids are listening to.
Sure thing.
You betcha.
I’m enjoying playing SongPop with you right now! Good fun.
I’m loving SongPop! My husband always beats me, plus this girl I knew in high school, but for the most part I have been WHIPPING my competition (in the form of random challengers that I don’t know).
But I have a secret to share. In some of these cases I choose the genre based on my challengers name. There aren’t a lot of Joyce’s under the age of 25. Stats I make up in my head tell me that. So I challenge them to Today’s Hit. Me: 20115 Joyce: 512
BAM.
:D
This game wore me out after about a week because I am a stress case on the most relaxing of days, the necessity for speed sent my blood pressure through the roof. I did the same thing, though, during my short tenure: Suddenly began recognizing clips from other games and kicking all sorts of virtual bootay in categories like Modern Rap and Today’s Hits.
Oh that is good! Currently the hubs and I are playing Scramble with Friends, which sounds a lot like Pathwords used to be. It is a competition for sure.
Do you play Scramble on your phone or where?
I’ve got to get Hubs to play SongPop! He is sooooo good at naming a tune in the ’70s and ’80s songs. Sounds like fun!
I miss pathwords so much! It was pretty much the only thing I liked on Facebook. Why did they take it away?!?! I guess I need to give songPop a chance.
Thanks for making me laugh by your second sentence into the post! Why you so funny?!!!
You crack me up.
There is no such thing as “rap music”. It’s not music at all in my book. What kind of oldies are this generation going to listen to when they are old and gray? lol
Good job though on the “rap” win. I wouldn’t know any of them besides Kanye West and we all know what he was kinda famous for. Well that and dating a Kardashian.
Hugs from Minnesota
Marie
This is in no way related to SongPop, but I had to let you know that I bought the last 2 containers of Metholatum from my local Walgreens. I’ve never used the product before, but you and your readers convinced me to give it a try.
Metholatum should send you some swag! :)
FYI – I’m reading through all of your Ecuador posts in preparation for my own trip to Ecuador with Compassion in T-Minus 32 days. Your experiences are giving me an idea of what to expect, pack for, fear and look forward to. Thank you for documenting all of this for us!
Also, I’m not sure how that comment ended up on this post because I was so confident I was on a post about Ecuador at the moment. Oh boy.
Yo, Boo, fo sizzle! ;-)
Oops…shizzle. Auto writer isn’t hip!
Thanks for introducing me to songpop. I downloaded it, and immediately had my husband download too. My children may not eat for awhile :)
I want to play! What’s your username?