I downloaded “Unwritten” (the first time I heard it in the context of an independent song) as when I recall it it was one of the highlights of when I worked in a grocery store – it’s one of the best grocery+store songs, if you ignore the video. I wouldn’t call her generically beautiful, but rather an ordinary-looking girl all dolled up for the video, par for the course.

Listen to the song, the verses that are in contrast yet setting up to the chorus, and imagine the impact of the “release your inhibitions” on someone pushing their carts through the aisles. They’re not a gospel choir in the grocery store, but rather a hook, and in contrast to the verses. This isn’t just a 2000s girl-pop song, but a grocery store symphony. Think of it in that context, the highlight of a day slinging meat. Forget the video – in the store you don’t even realize it’s a gospel choir, just a hook. One of the great grocery-store songs ever:

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