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“11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in April 2019” features music courtesy of AJR, Lauv, Lizzo, ScHoolboy Q, and Taylor Swift among others. 

Ah, we continue to be ‘tickled’ monthly on The Musical Hype.  In March, I selected 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy, including standouts from Ben Platt (“In Case You Don’t Live Forever”), Billie Eilish (“Listen Before I Go”), Cage the Elephant (“House of Glass”), and Lizzo (“Tempo”).  Now, post-April 2019, we do the same with 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in April 2019. All of the songs on 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in April 2019 were released as singles or as an album track in April 2019. Musicians that made our ears perk up in the month of April include AJR (“Birthday Party”), Lauv (“Drugs & The Internet”), Lizzo (“Cuz I Love You”), ScHoolboy Q (“Attention”), and Taylor Swift (“ME!”) among others.  Without further ado, here are 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in April 2019.

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1. Taylor Swift, “ME!”

Ft. Brendon Urie

ME! • Big Machine • 2019

Yes, April 2019 officially kicked off Taylor Swift season! Swift returned with a hot new single, “ME!” assisted by Panic! At the Disco frontman Brendon Urie. “ME!” commences with sleek harmonized vocals by Swift, before she jumps right into the first verse. Fueling her fire is military-styled percussion, which consistently keeps the energy at an all-time high. Sure, Swift shows control and poise on the first verse – she doesn’t exactly ‘come out swinging’ per se – but there’s always that sense that she’s going to kick into that next gear. Indeed, she does once she reaches the chorus, which is catchy AF and infectious to the nth degree with its nonsensical “he, he, he” and “ooh, ooh, oohs.”

Brendon Urie enters the mix on the second verse, providing brilliant contrast to Swift. As awesome as Urie sounds, Taylor Swift smartly performs portions of the second verse, so she’s not upstaged by one of the most gifted vocalists in the music industry.  The chemistry between the two is notable, as they join forces on the pre-chorus (Urie sounds louder in the mix), before blessing listeners with ultra-sunny chorus. On the bridge section, Swift’s vocals are mixed louder, as is the case heading towards the dynamic closing of “ME!” Ultimately, “ME!” Is a bop that you’ll be sure to blast all summer long.  Swift and Urie have the personalities to sell this irresistibly fun record, intact with all the schmaltzy, tongue-in-cheek goodness.

2. ScHoolboy Q, “Attention”

CrasH Talk • Interscope • 2019

ScHoolboy Q catches our ‘attention’ with one of the best songs from his 2019 studio LP, CrasH Talk.  That’s right, CrasH Talk concludes with “Attention,” which deserves attention with its robust bass line, trunk-rattling kick, and Q rapping about working with various rappers and producers, as well as the hardships of his life.  One of the most memorable lyrics: “Got the devil on my side while the Lord been pushin’ me over / I can finally understand why my uncles was never sober.”  CrasH Talk is by no means Q’s best album, but “Attention” represents one of the must-hear moments from the album.

3. AJR, “Birthday Party”

Neotheater • BMG Rights Management • 2019

AJR (Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met), comprised of three brothers from New York, makes quite the interesting collective.  AJR delivers their own unique brand of pop – yep, it’s definitely alt-pop that’s a bit more left-field than many of the songs gracing the Top 40. “Birthday Party,” which appears on the trio’s third album, Neotheater, brings the clarinet to a modern pop record… that’s quite unique in its own right.

Besides the recurrent, jazzy clarinet lick, the production on “Birthday Party” shines.  This incredibly sleek cut is produced by Ryan Met (all three brothers abbreviate their last name btw), sounding exuberant, optimistic, and robust in sound.  The most robust moment occurs during the chorus, which is also the catchiest moment of the song:

“So, thank you,

For coming to my birthday party

I am one-minute-old today

And everything is going great (oh)

Thank you,

For coming to my birthday party

I am one-minute-old today

And my minute’s been going great

And I hope it stays that way.”

Of course, beyond the chorus, there are the sometimes-cheeky and clever lyrics of the verses, which capture that millennial-pop characterization associated with AJR.  Maybe it’s not for everybody, but all in all, this “Birthday Party” is pretty intriguing.  Notably, “Birthday Party” appeared on the playlist, 15 Must-Hear Songs to Celebrate Your Birthday.

4. Lauv, “Drugs & The Internet”

Drugs & The Internet [Single] • Lauv • 2019 

“I sold my soul / And all I got / Likes from strangers, love on the internet.” Rising pop musician Lauv shares his experiences with anxiety, depression, and the plight of fame on his superb new single, “Drugs & The Internet”.  “Drugs & The Internet” opens abruptly with smooth falsetto by Lauv, accompanied by piano. He sounds particularly expressive here.

On the first verse, he depicts depression he’s experienced:

“Another life, another story

She walked out; said I was boring…

Shit, I said I’m never trying

‘Til the bitter end, but now every now and then

I wonder what it feels like to be more than I am.”

Following a slower, more relaxed opening verse, a sick groove and more aggressive sound kicks in on the chorus. Interestingly, this change of pace wasn’t necessarily expected, but it ends up being a pleasant surprise and keeps “Drugs & The Internet” interesting.  On the memorable chorus, he sings:

“I traded all my friends for drugs and the internet

Ah shit, am I a winner yet?

Look quick, is he a winner yet?

Mom’s back home with a drink and a cigarette.”

The vocal production on the chorus is superb, not to mention the overall production work by Jon Bellion, Johnny Simpson, and of course, Lauv himself. The second verse retains the newfound tempo of the chorus, while still speaking to Lauv’s anxiety and depression: “So now I’m laying in my bed / And I can’t get out my head / It’s all because, all because.” Ultimately, “Drugs & The Internet” gives Lauv one of the best singles of career.

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5. Lizzo, “Cuz I Love You”

Cuz I Love You • Nice Life / Atlantic • 2019

“Never been in love before / What the fuck and fucking feelings, you? / Once upon a time, I was a ho / I don’t even wanna ho no mo’.” Rapper, singer, and songwriter Lizzo ‘kills it’ on “Cuz I Love You”, the opener and title track from her majordebut and third overall album, Cuz I Love You. “Cuz I Love You” perfectly suits Lizzo. The production, handled by alternative rock collective X Ambassadors, is robust, chocked-full of soul.  This neo-/retro-soul tinged backdrop allows Lizzo to be dramatic and over-the-top with her emotions.

Furthermore, vocally, Lizzo has the ‘fuel for the fire’ to totally ‘let ‘er rip’ – totally ‘kick ass and take names.’  The premise is that she’s put aside her old ways, has found a man she’s truly in love with, and it’s made her crazy, excited, and all the range of feelings attached to L-O-V-E.  Ultimately, “I’m cryin’, ‘cause I love you.”  There it is.

6. Blake Shelton, “God’s Country”

God’s Country [Single] • Ten Point Productions, Inc. / Warner Bros. • 2019

“The devil went down to Georgia, but he didn’t stick around / This is God’s country.” Veteran country musician Blake Shelton returned with a superb, moving, and powerful hit with “God’s Country”. “God’s Country,” set in a minor key, has a darker, more enigmatic quality compared to many songs that Shelton has released in the past, not to mention the country music that dominates the radio these days.  Perhaps what truly makes “God’s Country” stand out is that it hearkens back to the outlaw sound of old.

Even with vintage vibes tapped, “God’s Country” still sounds fresh, and even incorporates some modern cues within its production to give it that extra oomph.  Where the ‘bread is buttered’ is the songwriting, which features underrated California country singer/songwriter Devin Dawson as a co-writer.  The crowning achievement lyrically comes on the big-time chorus, where Blake Shelton is turned-up and locked-in to the nth degree:

“I saw the light in the sunrise

Sittin’ back in the 40 on the muddy riverside

Gettin’ baptized in holy water and shine

With the dogs runnin’

Saved by the sound of the been found

Dixie whistled in the wind, that’ll get you Heaven bound

The devil went to Georgia, but he didn’t stick around

This is God’s country.”

Shelton deserves ample credit for one of the grittiest performances I’ve personally heard from him.  He perfectly captures the pride he and the citizens have for the United States, as well as the awesomeness of who ultimately created it.

7. P!nk, “Hustle”

Hurts 2B Human • RCA • 2019

“So, don’t hustle me / Don’t hustle me / Don’t fuck with me / And don’t hustle me.” “Hustle” proves to be another satisfying addition to the P!nk collection. Honestly, it’s a badass way to kick off her eighth studio album, Hurts 2B Human.  From the onset, the groove instantly drawing the listener’s attention, initially established by a bass (or bass-favoring synth).

The sound embraces retro-pop with a dash of soulfulness.  This soulfulness really comes full-throttle on the biting chorus where the song is at its most robust.   Here, the throwback horns help to amplify the infectious, irresistible ear candy.  Contributing to the soulfulness and overall ‘ear-catchiness’ is the crowning achievement – surefire, high-flying, big-time vocals.

8. Sara Bareilles, “Saint Honesty”

Amidst the Chaos • Epic • 2019

Perhaps one of the best albums of 2019 that deserves more attention hails from Grammy-nominated pop musician Sara Bareilles.  If you haven’t heard Amidst the Chaos, well, you’re totally missing out on a gem.  Among the best songs from Amidst the Chaos doesn’t arrive until near the end – that would be the penultimate record, “Saint Honesty.”

In the context of the album, “Saint Honesty” is another slower and softer number for the most part.  Even so, it’s also quite the ‘tour de force,’ with simple, but highly effective production, comprised of spare instrumentation (piano, guitar, acoustic bass, drums, and percussion).  Also, more so than “Someone Who Loves You” that precedes it, Bareilles increases the grit and oomph as the record progresses, eventually showcasing the sheer power of her instrument.  Lyrically, it’s among the most accomplished and beautiful songs of Amidst the Chaos.

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9. MARINA, “To Be Human”

LOVE + FEAR • Atlantic UK • 2019

“I like to think about how we all look from afar / People driving fancy cars look like beetles to the stars / The missiles and the bombs sound like symphonies gone wrong / And if there is a God, they’ll know why it’s so hard …‘To Be Human.’”  Wow, those are some truly powerful, thoughtful words, as sung on the bridge of the record at hand.  MARINA (Marina Diamandis) drops the name Marina and the Diamonds for her 2019 studio album, LOVE + FEAR.  Initially, the Welsh pop singer released LOVE only, from which single “To Be Human” lands as the penultimate, seventh track. Notably, “To Be Human” appeared on a playlist, published April 16, 2019, 11 Intriguing Songs All About Humans.

MARINA sounds absolutely flawless on “To Be Human.” Her tone is haunting, particularly as she sings in her upper register on the verses.  A contemporary politically-charged, socially-conscious anthem, MARINA is the voice of all the people in the world, not just the so-called elite. On the first verse, she references amazing places, as well as historically checkered pasts.  Notably, on the first pre-chorus, she references America, singing, “There were riots in America / Just when things were getting better,” clearly a shot at the polarizing presidency of Donald Trump compared to former president Barack Obama. The second verse, as well as the second pre-chorus are similarly patterned.  The chorus is the uniting centerpiece:

“All the people living, living in the world today

We’re united by our love, we’re united by our pain

All the things that I’ve done, and I’ve seen

Still, I don’t know, don’t know what it means

To be human.”

10. Jonas Brothers, “Cool”

Happiness Begins • Jonas Brothers Recording LLC / Republic • 2019

“Oh, I feel like Post Malone when I get home / Sittin’ there, winning like it’s Game of Thrones.” The Jonas Brothers (Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas), “feeling so cool,” continued their impressive comeback campaign with the ‘short, but sweet’ single, “Cool”.  “Cool” appears as the second cut on their highly-anticipated album, Happiness Begins (June 7, 2019).  There’s nothing belabored or drawn out, as “Cool” doesn’t even reach the three-minute mark.   That’s no problem, as Jonas Brothers do their respective jobs of making “Cool” an incredibly sweet pop record.  How so?  Fresh pop production (drum programming, guitars, keys), popping vocals (falsetto included), and entertaining, tongue-in-cheek songwriting.  

Nick Jonas shines from the onset, delivering a confident vocal performance, and even throwing a dash of profanity in on the intro, the eventual chorus:

“Lately, I’ve been feelin’ so cool

Top to the bottom, just cool

Every little thing that I do

Dammit, I’m feeling so cool.”

Joe Jonas takes over lead vocal duties on the second verse, providing contrast, as well as delivering the ‘damn cool’ chorus himself.  Following a bridge by Nick, all of the Jonas Brothers get into the action on the final chorus because “dammit, [they’re] feeling so cool.”

11. The Black Keys, “Eagle Birds”

“Let’s Rock” • Nonesuch • 2019

“See twin eagle birds up / In the tree / One for you and there’s / One for me.” Despite being a brief record, The Black Keys pack quite a mean punch on “Eagle Birds”, the second single from the highly-anticipated album, “Let’s Rock.” “Let’s Rock” arrives after a five-year hiatus by Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. Regardless of the wait that fans had to endure, they make up for it on this two-minute-and-forty second gem.

 “Eagle Birds” begins with a compelling drum groove by Patrick Carney, adorned with distorted, old-school rock guitars. Dan Auerbach sounds rock solid, maintaining his composure, yet delivering an effective, expressive performance (there’s still distortion on his vocals btw). Lyrically, The Black Keys keep things simple; there are a limited number of lyrics in each verse. The first verse is excerpted above, while on the second, Auerbach sings: “…All night long I / Had you on my mind / Flying high.” Later, there’s also a third verse, which brings the eagle/birds into the picture: “…Eagle bird I / Heard you fly on by / Late last night.”

Between each verse is a chorus, which is extended following the second and third verses.  It plays out, at its most basic as, “Don’t nobody wanna be lonely / Everybody oughta be loved sometime…” Also, worth noting, a superb guitar solo follows the chorus after the second verse. It can be described as bluesy, turned-up, and perfectly suited to this alternative rock cut. All in all, “Eagle Birds” is nothing short of awesome.

11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in April 2019 [Photo Credits: Atlantic UK, Big Machine, BMG Rights Management, Epic, Interscope, Jonas Brothers Recording LLC / Republic, Lauv, Nice Life / Atlantic, Nonesuch, Pixabay, RCA, Ten Point Productions Inc / Warner Bros.]

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