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Guess what our playlist entitled ‘10 Fruitastic, Fruity Songs About Fruit’ is about? If said ‘fruit,’ you aren’t totally wrong, but you’re also not totally right.

Cutting straight to the chase, this 10-song playlist is all about fruit! Pineapples, kiwis, lemons, cherries – fruit to the nth degree!  As fruity as it might sound, most of the songs actually aren’t about fruit in the least.  The main rule observed in constructing this list was the use of fruit in some form or fashion within the song title, or something related to fruit. Artists lending their fruit-loving musicianship to this list are Miguel, Gabriel Garzón-Montano, Harry Styles, N.E.R.D, Lana Del Rey, Rick Ross, Rex Orange County, and Tyler, the Creator. Get your fruit on!

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1. Miguel, “Pineapple Skies”

Album: War & Leisure

RCA, 2017 

On War & Leisure, “Pineapple Skies” keeps the momentum rolling.  Vocally, Miguel consistently exhibits exceptional energy, soulfulness, and swag. Artistically, he understands his musical identity and niche, continuing to excel without a doubt.  The smooth, soulful “Pineapple Skies” benefits from vintage pop and R&B cues. The eclectic script is alive and well here.

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2. Gabriel Garzón-Montano, “Fruitflies”

Album: Jardín

Stones Throw, 2017

The smoothness of Gabriel Garzón-Montano shines on “Fruitflies.” One of the most interesting features of “Fruitflies” is the harmonic progression which is non-standard, eliminating predictability.  This adventurous approach is something that R&B and music in general need more of. On “Fruitflies,” Garzón-Montano uses a dramatic ascending progression to build emotional intensity which complements the lyrics.

“But we can’t change the way the wind blows / Can’t find a way back home / We can’t change the way the wind blows / No, we can’t find the way back home.”

It should go without saying you shouldn’t eat fruit flies…

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3. Harry Styles, “Kiwi”

Album: Harry Styles

Columbia, 2017

Harry Styles keeps Harry Styles (imagine that) high-flying on “Kiwi.” On this fruity song, he’s aggressive and energetic as ever. Simply put, he’s on autopilot, singing ferocious line after ferocious line, killing it on the chorus:

“She’s driving me crazy, but I’m into it, but I’m into it / I’m kinda into it / It’s getting crazy, I think I’m losing it, I think I’m losing it / I think she said ‘I’m having your baby, it’s none of your business.’”

So, what exactly does this have to do with the delicious Chinese fruit? Nothing.

 

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4. N.E.R.D, “Lemon”

Ft. Rihanna

Album: No One Ever Really Dies

Columbia, 2017

“The truth will set you free / But first, it’ll piss you off.” Following the introductory statement, Pharrell then proceeds to go crazy, pop-rapping over the up-tempo, frantic backdrop of “Lemon,” the crowning achievement of No One Ever Really Dies. Following the unapologetic verse, he drops the refrain, for lack of a better description. It’s incredibly catchy and as bizarre as everything else. Following another high-flying verse, Pharrell steps aside for the real star of the show, Rihanna, who drops a badass, feisty chorus against a beat and production switch. Although bizarre, there’s nothing sour about “Lemon.”

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5. Lana Del Rey, “Cherry”

Album: Lust for Life

Interscope, 2017

It’s safe to say, on “Cherry,” Lana Del Rey loses her chill: “I fall to pieces when I’m with you.” Ultimately, the moody number finds her overcome with love for him.  Even so, she paints love as dangerous.  The chorus confirms such love, something most would consider positive, was ruined. “My cherries and wine, rosemary and thyme / And all of my peaches are ruined.”  Note: she’s not really talking about edible cherries.

 

 

 

 

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6. Rick Ross, “Apple of My Eye”

Ft. Raphael Saadiq

Album: Rather You Than Me

Epic, 2017

The soulful “Apple of My Eye” commences Rather You Than Me.  Rick Ross is assisted by Raphael Saadiq, who helps give the record that soulful edge.  Ross is reflective, commenting about his crew (“I told Meek, ‘I wouldn’t trust Nicki’ / Instead of beefing with your dawg you just give ‘em some distance’”), his come-up, and referencing 45 (“I’m happy Donald Trump became the president / Because we gotta destroy, before we elevate”).  He’s in his wheelhouse.  How much does this have to do with actual apples? Nothing.

 

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7. Rex Orange County, “Apricot Princess”

Album: Apricot Princess

Rex Orange County, 2017

“Apricot Princess” opens with lush production work, thanks to strings, vibes, and thoughtful orchestration.  Rex Orange County sets the tone, which is emotionally driven.  After professing his love over a slow tempo, things speed up.  Rex wants to show the world that she means and is the world to him.

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8. Miguel, “Banana Clip”

Album: War & Leisure

RCA, 2017

“Banana Clip” is the second fruit-titled Miguel song featured on our fruity playlist. It earns the arduous task of following up a formidable trio of hits within the context of War & Leisure: “Criminal,” “Pineapple Skies,” and “Sky Walker.” While it doesn’t surpass the crème de la crème, it holds its own, benefitting an optimistic sound, bright production work, and enthusiastic, soaring vocals. A banana clip isn’t edible…it just looks like a banana.

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9. Gabriel Garzón-Montano, “Sour Mango”

Album: Jardín

Stones Throw, 2017

Ah, another helping of fruit from Gabriel Garzón-Montano! Technically, it’s the first (“Fruitflies” merely has fruit in its title after all). “Sour Mango” serves as the first full-length record off of Jardín, following the brief “Trial.”  Groovy, it lays back on the beat, giving off truly chill vibes.  While Garzón-Montano flaunts his soulful abilities, he never forces vocally – no histrionics.  “Sour Mango” feels completely natural, yet, it’s not the least bit sour.

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10. Tyler, the Creator, “Droppin’ Seeds”

Ft. Lil Wayne

Album: Flower Boy

Columbia, 2017

We close this fruity playlist by cheating – rather stretching the rules. Fruits have seeds, so “Droppin’ Seeds” seems to fit the criteria…sort of.  The worst thing about “Droppin’ Seeds” is the fact that it only lasts one minute! Tyler, the Creator gets Lil Wayne to rap over a jazzy backdrop.  The results are nothing short of awesome.  The seeds just needed to last longer.

Photo Credits: RCA, Stones Throw, Columbia, Interscope, Epic, Rex Orange County

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