Written and arranged by Spartacus Jones
Additional vocals by SingTrece
Recorded and mixed by Will Russell at Electric Wilburland Newfield, NY
Not gonna fall in line
Not gonna get in step
I’m gonna speak my mind
And I don’t care who likes it.
Not gonna go along
Just to get along
When I know it’s wrong
And I don’t care who likes it.
I know you claim only want to help
But I can do my thinkin’ for myself
And I’m not here to please somebody else
And I don’t care who likes it.
Not gonna take your bribe
Not gonna join your tribe
As long as I’m alive
And I don’t care who likes it
I understand your plan
I know it’s all a scam
And I don’t give a damn
And I don’t care who likes it.
I know you claim only want to help
But I can do my thinkin’ for myself
And I’m not here to please somebody else
And I don’t care who likes it.
My forefathers were fighters
And I pray they passed to on to me
They all went down swingin’
And that’s how I want be
Not gonna play your game
Not gonna take the blame
I’m gonna use my brain
And I don’t care who likes it.
Not gonna wear your brand
Or follow your commands
I’m gonna make a stand
And I don’t care who likes it.
I know you claim only want to help
But I can do my thinkin’ for myself
And I’m not here to please somebody else
And I don’t care who likes it.
Composer-arranger and multi-genre singer Spartacus Jones returns with another brilliantly detailed and accomplished track that fuses jazz, funk, blues, and pop together in brilliant fashion, culminating in a melodically exciting and texturally rich song that is full of both style and personality. "I Don't Care Who Likes It" is a fantastic love letter to the classic days of jazz fusion, with its deep sense of melody, accomplished performances, and sophisticated nature.
Both melodically and harmonically, there is a great deal going on in "I Don't Care Who Likes It" which results in a continually exciting arrangement, and because there are elements from a number of different genres, whether it'd be the funk-infused rhythmic qualities of the track to the jazz tinted vocal style, there is a great mix of styles on display and Spartacus Jones strikes a great balance between genres very well.
I also would like to highlight the interlude that occurs in the middle of the track which creates an interesting contrast to the rest of the song and serves as a momentary departure from the song's main jazz flavor, opting for a military-inspired snare roll and more subdued pace that whilst unexpected does work resoundingly well in this context.
There is an undeniably strong and poignant message at the heart of "I Don't Care Who Likes It", and through his irrefutable lyrical prowess, Spartacus Jones touches upon some extremely relevant themes that are brilliantly expressed via an assured and unapologetically strong-willed vocal performance that has a particular sense of immediacy to it, instantly grabbing your attention and effortlessly holding it from the very first word to the very last.
The threat to freedom of speech, the continual push of hidden agendas, and the menace of forced conformity are such areas that are commented on and Spartacus Jones makes it crystal clear that he is making a firm stand against such perils by holding tightly onto the strong values that define his moral code.
About The Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K.