Kudos to those who openly admitted their inclination towards IWPYH. This decision was actually difficult for me. IWPYH has always been one of my favorite songs on Narrow Stairs, and it is amazing, but I think Trans. is just a bit stronger in the crescendo and in the emotion, not to mention the fact I can relate to it very well. Both are very strong songs.

Trans no doubt... the songs are not very similar at all though, lyrics wise, Trans is more emotional, sure he repeats "i need you so much closer" like 12 times... but its not nearly as repetitive as "you gotta spend some time love"
dont get me wrong, IWPYH is an awesome song, but not nearly as powerful as Trans. Who can honestly say they cried listening to I will possess your heart?
Trans is different though, it is literally one of the most emotional songs ever written, especially the end "Come on" wow!

also im with Interpolarity in that i also lost a love to the Atlantic ocean... The distance between two people is by far a more powerful subject then a, well, stalker

For all of you that voted for IWPYH - watch this. You will IMMEDIATELY regret your decision.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-IwqztSLjLE

I know that Transatlanticism is awesome live, and much of me thinking the song is pretty vague is probably connected to the fact that i have never seen it live... but honestly both musically and lyricwise it could just as well have been written by Coldplay.

EDIT: Jon Buckland could, however, never have written those guitar lines and the production wouldn't have been as tight on a Coldplay record... but still...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kasper,

lyrically, really? especially comparing the two, Trans is infinitely better than IWPYH lyric wise, no doubt...

and I agree with Zaidomoon, I don't think I could cry to IWPYH, but I have cried several times to Trans.

It's not like I would even compare the two, and it's not like i really like I Will Possess Your Heart, i just never listen to Transatlanticism. It has none of the qualities that i like in a good Death Cab song, it's a total departure and it's a pompous, theatrical, precious and borderline affected effort from a band that is otherwise so good at balancing the melodrama. They cross the line with that song... several minutes of "i need you so much closer"... Jason banging away at the cymbals in a straight 4/4 beat while a choir of almost gospel-like proportions cries out "come on"... it's a goddamn whiner's fest. I can understand why a lot of teenagers have felt emotionally attached to this song, or even cried to it, but that just makes it even more sticky imo.

It works live where you get it blasted into your face by a sweating four man band, not on record.


EDIT: I know this might come off as a very extreme opinion. I do not exactly hate the song, it's just that everyone here seems to think it's the greatest thing a human being has ever accomplished so you have to take to extreme measures to counteract that.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kasper,

Good shout Kasper.. though I love it live, it's definitely too whiney and melodramatic.

Can't wait to hear IWPYH live.. that's gonna be phenomenal!

Not even a competition. Transatlanticism is better hands down.

theres a reason why they end their concerts with transatlanticism

The happiest I've been upon hearing I will possess your heart was the first time I've heard it. I still enjoy listening, but I was just more excited about the album than actually about how much I liked the song.

Transatlanticism is pure beauty and it affects me EVERY time I hear it. It's one of those songs you can never, ever skip on your playlist. I can listen to it in any mood and I still relate every time I hear "I need you so much closer."

I don't think you can compare songs and say which one is better. It's like comparing your kids and saying you like the oldest girl better.

A lot of people are going to say Transatlanticism because of the "relatability" factor it has. Many people can relate to a distant relationship (whether it's physical or mental). Not that many people can relate to the desperate pleas of someone who is so clingy and borderline psychotic.

Lyrics: I like both for what they are saying. Both songs are written beautifully and have lyrics that keep you singing after the song is done.

Musically: Both are very dramatic songs -- with the music swelling. Trans has that drumbeat and the chorus of the ending that makes you feel optimistic. IWPYH has that long intro and that haunting melody that makes you feel kind of dark and moody.

So while I love both songs, it is very unfair for me to choose which one I like better.

watch (any) live performance of transatlanticism (the whole thing)... and then you'll realise the importance of the build up.

havent seen a live I will possess anywhere yet, but i get the feeling the intro is more of a 'jamming session' than necessity to build anything up, but that's what they enjoy i guess...

i don't like transat much on the record.

I really don't like IWPYH. I think it's wayyyy too repetitive, and kind of dumb. (No offense)

It can't match with Trans, I'm sorry. But they're not even close to the same.

trans grows. I will possess your heart doesn't need to be any longer than the single cut.

BRAND NEW TRANSATLANTICISM COVER


Listen Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oZTEHQ_Q9M
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