Cole purposefully writes lyrics that are meant to be perceived as flawed, such as his repetition of the word “again” at the end of two lines in the first verse as he attempts to apologize for rambling, a mistake that would be characteristic of the flustering that occurs when an individual believes they are making a bad impression of themselves and apologize for it. Cole’s lyrics for “Neighbors” center around a theme of authenticity to ensure that the full story is being told, and not only the emotions behind the experiences. However, the reverse keys sample enters one last time, and the percussion beat exits which allows for a mellow outro that eventually ends on the chirping birds sample, a representation of the suburbia that Cole discusses within the song. In the transition, the electronic keyboard reenters with the percussion beat, and as the bridge begins, the instrumentation of the second verse’s B section is revisited. ![]() The chorus then repeats, and is slightly extended to create a smooth transition into the bridge that is effectively an outro. In order to add further interest and tension to build up to the second chorus, Cole inserts a B section of the second verse that utilizes the melodic vocal track of the chorus and the song’s bassline. The second verse is similar to the first in that it also gradually introduces the reverse keys, but the bass is consistent throughout, and the electronic keyboard is no longer present. In continuation, the instrumentation of the second verse consists of all introduced non vocal elements of the song so far, excluding the electronic keyboard from the verse, in order to give the chorus a full feeling that clearly establishes it as the song’s focal point. Authenticity becomes a clear primary theme during the first chorus, with anxiously connoted adlibs appearing that are effective in helping to emphasize the disillusionment of the song, even when turned down in the mix, and in addition, Cole includes a melodic vocal track that resembles pleading with its repetitive nature. As the chorus enters, clear distinctions from the version within the intro are heard: the vocals are more desperate sounding, created by the layering of a higher pitched vocal track over a lower pitched vocal track. All changes are gradual, to ensure that the vocals are always supported and not distracted away from during the verse. After the listener experiences a period to adapt to the pace of Cole’s lyrics and rhythm, the reverse keys sample reenters, with the bassline following a few measures later. Cole’s thorough lyrical narrative, the verse’s instrumentation is initially simplified to only a continuation of the intro’s percussion beat and an electronic keyboard. In order to properly display the full extent of J. ![]() A section of the chorus vocals then enters, but in a much calmer tone than what is heard in later choruses, which allows the intro to function as a hint for the themes of nostalgia and disillusionment that are amplified throughout the song. The song’s intro consists of a percussion beat that includes eighth note hi-hat hits with a simple kick and snare, what sounds like a reversed keys sample, a stylistic yet elementary bassline, and a faint sample of birds chirping. The song was recorded by Juro “Mez” Davis at The Sheltuh, Dreamville, NC, and mixed also by Davis at The Sheltuh in collaboration with Beatriz Artola and Gosha Usov of Electric Lady Studios in New York. ![]() Additional drums were created by producer Elite and Rocnation’s Deputy. Jermaine Cole himself is responsible for the songwriting, production, vocal performance, and live bass of the song.
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