10 Intriguing Measurement, Quantification Songs | Playlist 🎧

1. YEBBA, “Distance”

“Distance” • RCA • 2020

Unit of Measurement/Quantification: Distance (unspecified)

“Take me back to the distance / Late night cooking in my kitchen /… Dirty dancing in my room / … Sending my love all over to you.”  Abbey Smith, best known as YEBBA earned her first Grammy years prior to releasing her debut album. She showcases her prodigious musical talent on “Distance”, the promo single from her debut album.

“Distance” plays to Smith’s strengths – it doesn’t compromise her eclecticism or versality.  While it falls under the umbrella of pop, this classy record has elements of R&B/soul, jazz, and singer/songwriter.  YEBBA sings with incredible refinement, never under nor over-singing in the least.  Her sense of balance and control is nothing short of amazing to the nth degree.  Besides a classy vocal, she gets a production assist by one of the best of the best, Mark Ronson.  Given Ronson’s hand in the production, “Distance” gets retro cues that only amplify its awesomeness – who doesn’t love to hear horns?

As far as the songwriting, the form of the song is a bit unconventional, yet maintains both order and stability.  There is only one true verse, which doesn’t arrive until after a chorus and a refrain, both of which follow it in reverse order.  Yeah, it’s different, yet works perfectly.  The most dynamic section of this love-driven joint is the outro, where YEBBA becomes even more potent, yet still barely breaks a sweat.  “I’ll be sending all my love,” she sings, continuing, “You’re the only one that I’ve been dreamin’ of, it’s true.” “Distance” is a beautiful, chill, must-hear single from this rising star.

2. Luke Combs, “Six Feet Apart”

“Six Feet Apart” • Sony Music Entertainment • 2020

Unit of Measurement/Quantification: Distance (Feet)

“I miss my mom, I miss my dad / I miss the road, I miss my band / Giving hugs and shaking hands…” Social distancing, post COVID-19, is likely to be a word many of us would like to forget.  Country superstar Luke Combs also explores social distancing on “Six Feet Apart”, which arrived officially May 1, 2020.

As the except from the chorus, the centerpiece of “Six Feet Apart,” shows, Luke Combs is perturbed, much like the world is, about the effects that the coronavirus pandemic has had on everything. He continues:

“…It’s a mystery, I suppose
Just how long this thing goes
But there’ll be crowds and there’ll be shows
And there’ll be light after the dark
Some day when we aren’t six feet apart.”

Combs looks toward the hope that the new normal will eventually return to the ‘normal’ that we are used to.  Backtracking, on the first verse, he reflects on spring, and how this wonderful time has been diminished because of COVID-19.  ‘Springing forward,’ on the second verse, he thinks about plans once things open back up – “First thing that I’m gonna do / Slide on in some corner booth / And take the whole damn family out / Buy my buddies all a round / Pay some extra on the tab.” You knew beer was going to be mentioned, surely.  Anyways, his thinking isn’t far-fetched from anyone who longs for everything that’s been taken by COVID-19.

With so much focus on the lyrics (Combs, Brent Cobb, and Rob Snyder), it should be noted that Combs sounds commanding and expressive as he sings these lyrics from the heart. Furthermore, the sound is country through and through – true to Combs’ roots and not some ill-suited pop experiment.  Along with Chip Matthews, they assemble a fitting backdrop that’s heavy on guitar.  The end result is the perfect pandemic song that speaks to the uncomfortable times, despite being at home, and looks towards the recovery. “Six Feet Apart” previously appeared on the playlist, Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2.

3. Tame Impala, “One More Year”

The Slow Rush • Island / Modular Recordings Pty Ltd • 2020

Unit of Measurement/Quantification: Year

“I never wanted any other way to spend our lives / I know we promised we’d be doing this ‘til we die,” Kevin Parker sings on the chorus of “One More Year,” the opener from The Slow Rush.  The Slow Rush marks the fourth studio album by Australian alternative collective Tame Impala and their first new album in five years (Currents, 2015). Parker continues singing on the chorus, “And now I fear we might / Ooh, now I fear we might.” “One More Year” definitely qualifies for the measurement-driven, quantitative nature of this list.

The reflective “One More Year” commences The Slow Rush with a bang.  The production is absolutely amazing, with the infectious groove, programming/synths, and unique vocal samples. The sound blends the psychedelia Tame Impala is known for with electronic pop.  Ultimately, it’s an epic way to kick off an album, particularly your first album in five years.

4. AJR, “100 Bad Days”

Neotheater • BMG Rights Management • 2019

Unit of Measurement/Quantification: Days (> 3 Months)

“Woah, when all is going wrong and you’re scared as hell / … Maybe a hundred bad days made a hundred good stories / A hundred good stories make me interesting at parties.” One of the biggest pros for “100 Bad Days”, a stand out from the 2019 AJR album, Neotheater, is the sick production work.  Groovy from the onset, “100 Bad Days” is chocked-full of awesome sounds, including the anthemic, brassy chorus.  During this same section, Jack Met sounds incredibly passionate vocally, dropping the strongest section of the record.  Interestingly, the final two lines of the pre-chorus (excerpted above) kicks off the chorus, which continues, “…Yeah, no I ain’t scared of you / No, I ain’t scared of you no more.”

On the verses, Jack Met highlights ‘bad’ happenings exemplifying the ‘millennial’ tilt.  On the first, he sings, “Remember when we all got drunk? / I ended up with two broke thumbs.” On the second, matters of love have him feeling bad – “Remember when she broke my heart / Waitin’ for the waiter to return my card?” But, as the chorus made crystal clear, Jack and company are turning bad into good, or something along those lines.  “100 Bad Days” previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Songs from 2019 That Go Strictly by the Numbers.

5. Ella Mai, “Shot Clock”

Ella Mai • 10 Summers / Interscope • 2018

Unit of Measurement/Quantification: Seconds – 24 to be precise

On her self-titled debut album, Grammy-winning British R&B singer/songwriter Ella Mai shines like a beacon, including the record at hand, “Shot Clock.” On “Shot Clock,” Mai does wonders with a basketball reference, not to mention awesome production by DJ Mustard.  Notably, “Shot Clock” samples the Drake song, “Legend” (from If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late).

The pre-chorus from “Shot Clock” is nothing short of superb:

“When that nigga pull up on me, tell that nigga back, back
Don’t you know all of these niggas wish that they could bag that?
I’m just saying, boy, you’re playing, you’re gon’ let it wind down
You got 24 seconds and it’s starting right now.”

“Shot Clock” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs Where Distance, Time, or Tempo Are Clearly a Factor.

6. Logic, “100 Miles and Running”

Ft. John Lindahl & Wale

YSIV • Def Jam • 2018

Unit of Measurement/Quantification: Distance (Miles)

“New York to L.A., Hawaii, and Japan / I’m the motherfuckin’ man, ‘least I’m feelin’ like I am / Got the whole wide world in the palm of my hand / But don’t give a goddamn, I’m Sam, I am.” Grammy-nominated rapper Logic enlists Wale and John Lindahl for the grooviest song from his 2018 LP, YSIV, “100 Miles and Running.” Here, both distance (“100 miles”) and tempo (running is a fast action, duh) are clearly a factor.

Safe to say, on “100 Miles and Running” that Sir Robert Hall goes off, delivering his most agile rhymes of the LP.  Wale doesn’t do too shabby for himself either, eating the beat alive during his guest verse (“Been the talk of the town, nigga, Virginia, Maryland / Did it all for the capital, hope you haven’t forgot”). As for Lindahl? His falsetto is fierce to the nth degree.

“And it’s on now
Everybody know that it’s on now
Get in the zone now
Oh, no, no, no.”

“100 Miles and Running,” like “Shot Clock” that precedes it, previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs Where Distance, Time, or Tempo Are Clearly a Factor.

7. Mariah Carey, “The Distance”

Caution • Epic • 2018

Unit of Measurement/Quantification: Distance

“They’ll never find a way to make us fade away / Our love won’t fade away…” On “The Distance”, Mariah Carey remained relevant upon the release of her 2018 album, Caution. On Caution, Carey was 48 – no longer the youthful 20-year old who wowed the world in 1990.  Age aside, Carey sounds youthful on this super-sleek, synth-driven R&B ballad.

Fast-paced, hip-hop infused melodic lines remain Carey’s best friend, as they have for years.  Most notably, her voice – THE VOICE – remains potent.  “The Distance” doesn’t find Carey performing nearly as many vocal aerobics as she did in the past, but her tone remains pure and untouchable.

“Said we couldn’t go the distance, yeah
Look at us, we’re going the distance
They just wanna be us
They don’t see us going the distance
For laughs, for laughs, la di da
Said we couldn’t go the distance
For life, for life, la di da
Look at us, we’re going the distance
The distance, oh.”

Featured guest Ty Dolla $ign doesn’t play a huge role here.  That said, he doesn’t need to – Mimi’s got this! Something that is neat is how his unique vocal ad-libs are used throughout to accentuate the production, much like an instrument.

8. Jay-Z, “4:44”

4:44 • Roc Nation • 2017

Unit of Measurement/Quantification: Duration; Time (Minutes, seconds) 

In 2017, Jay-Z returned following a four-year hiatus! Prior to 4:44, he’d release Magna Carta Holy Grail in 2013. While Magna Carta Holy Grail had its moments, it was one of his weakest, least memorable albums.  The same can’t be said of 4:44, which lacked clear-cut radio hits, but is better for it due to being personal with more substance than the majority of of the albums in his discography.

“4:44” features one of the most awesome samples of the album, courtesy of British soul singer Hannah Williams & the Affirmations (“Late Nights & Heartbreak”).  Notably, Kim Burrell provides additional vocals, which fit seamlessly into the music. Interestingly, the title track was conceived at 4:44 A.M. There that measurement piece: Four minutes and 44 seconds of song, and 4:44 in the morning. While the production and overall sound are radiant, the message is truly ear catching.  Jay-Z apologizes to Beyoncé for his infidelity – starting from the opening tip.

“Look, I apologize, often womanize
Took for my child to be born, see through a woman’s eyes
Took for these natural twins to believe in miracles
Took me too long for this song, I don’t deserve you.”

Ultimately, “4:44” is the crown jewel – the crème de la crème.

9. Beyoncé, “6 Inch”

Ft. The Weeknd

Lemonade • Sony • 2016

Unit of Measurement/Quantification: Height (Inches)

“Six-inch heels, she walked in the club like nobody’s business / Goddamn, she murdered everybody, and I was her witness.” Well, the woman that is the subject of “6 Inch” is confident AF to say the least – fierceness exemplified.  “6 Inch,” of course, appears on the superb Grammy-winning Beyoncé album, Lemonade, which arrived in all its illustrious glory in 2016.  The most fascinating part of “6 Inch” is the aforementioned sultry chorus, sung in her low register over an Isaac Hayes sample (“Walk On By”). Also, worth mentioning, she enlists The Weeknd for the assist.  Safe to say, he’s a perfect match.

“She stack her money, money everywhere she goes / She got that Sake, her Yamazaki straight from Tokyo,” Beyoncé sings ono the second verse, continuing, “Oh baby you know, she got them commas and them decimals / She don’t gotta give it up cause she professional.” Clearly, this woman is on the grind, working hard for her money.  Of course, all said and done, it’s the ‘inch’ that earns “6 Inch” a spot on this measurement-driven, quantification list.

10. The Weeknd, “Six Feet Under”

Starboy • Republic • 2016

Unit of Measurement/Quantification: Depth (Feet)

“Ask around about her / She don’t get emotional / Kill off all her feelings / That’s why she ain’t approachable.” On “Six Feet Under,” the 10^th track Starboy, the girl whom The Weeknd sings about wants money at any cost: “Six feet under she gon get that fucking paper.” He goes on to emphasize that she’s totally independent – a badass if you will.  Much like the references to social distancing earlier, the unit of measure is feet, with the exact specification being six feet. The phrase, of course is short for buried six feet underground, or the depth of a grave. Adding the Urban Dictionary spin, ‘six feet under’ is “a more poetic way to say someone is dead.”  Also, worth noting, it was an HBO series.

Refocusing on “Six Feet Under” the song, notably, Future guests on the record, but plays a minimalist role on the hook and the outro.

“Six feet under she gon’ kill me for that paper
Not the type to fuck around, gonna turn that ass around.”

Slickly produced, “Six Feet Under” is in line with hip-hop and modern R&B.  Vocally, The Weeknd sounds as tender as ever, yet still packs a punch.  “Six Feet Under” previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Songs That Go Under.