So this is a song based on a Stevie Wonder song called "Pastime Paradise." Both songs deal with situations that the singers have encountered in their own lives and the places they have seen. Gangster's Paradise pulls into question the 'gangsta' lifestyle and some of the tough choices that are made on the streets.
The music for this song is what really makes it an epic song. An orchestra and chorus lend to the hard rapping style that Coolio brings to the song. The message and the music work together to make the message stand out. Definitely a great song.
The Parody-Amish Paradise
This song takes the difficult life of the streets and turns it on it's ear. I'm not really sure how the conversation on this song went down. I can imagine Al sitting there with the band and saying "You guys know that Coolio song? I think we should do a parody that talks about how rough Amish life can be." It seems like the perfect idea now that it's been done, but I can't imagine trying to see it working without seeing it.
The video is what really makes this song work. Weird Al dressed in black with the big beard is classic. He came up with a lot of great visual gimmicks to sell the idea too. Amish men stomping on electronic devises, churning butter, and an Amish girly magazine all give an idea of the difficulties of the Amish life. The really interesting part of the song and the parody is that both the gangster and Amish lifestyles are a choice made by the individuals. (There aren't many outside options, but there is still a choice being made.)
Check out both songs and if you have any comments, leave them below.
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