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“11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in July 2019” features music by Alec Benjamin, Beyoncé, Bon Iver, Rich Brian, and Sam Smith.

Ah, we continue to be ‘tickled’ monthly on The Musical Hype.  In June, I selected 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in June 2019, including standouts from Bastille (“Nocturnal Creatures”), Kevin McHale (“James Dean”), Kygo & Whitney Houston (“Higher Love”), Lil Nas X (“Panini”), and Prince (“Holly Rock”).  Now, post-June 2019, we do the same with “11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in July 2019.” All of the songs on 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in July 2019 were released as singles or as an album track in July 2019. Musicians that made our ears perk up in the month of July include Alec Benjamin (“Jesus in LA”), Beyoncé (“Brown Skin Girl”), Bon Iver (“Faith”), Rich Brian (“Kids”), and Sam Smith (“How Do You Sleep?”) among others.  Without further ado, here are 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in July 2019.

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1. Bon Iver, “Faith”

I,I • Jagjaguwar • 2019

“Fold your hands into mine / I did my believing / Seeing every time.” Hmm, perhaps the key portion of that lyrical excerpt from the bridge of “Faith”, an advanced single from the album, i, i, is “I DID my believing.” Why is that key you ask? Well, it’s signifies that Grammy-winning collective Bon Iver (led by Justin Vernon) clearly doesn’t believe in the traditional, Christian sense anymore. On the gorgeous, high-flying “Faith,” his faith has clearly shifted.  Yes, he still has faith, but he’s no proponent of “⁷For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7) or the Christian concept of Faith is Seeing the Unseen.

“Faith” has everything you expect from a Bon Iver record.  The production by Vernon, Brad Cook and Chris Messina is marvelous.  The sound naturally embraces indie-folk, constructed by layered acoustic guitars, as well as piano.  Of course, it’s not only indie-folk, with the signature alternative-electronic piece remaining in play, with unique vocal effects, synths, and pads.  With such awesome music occurring, being bored by “Faith” simply isn’t a possibility.

The nods to religion, rather anti-religion, run rampant.  On the second verse, Justin Vernon asserts, “I should’ve known / That I shouldn’t hide / To comprise and to covet,” continuing later, “There is no design / You’ll have to decide / If you’ll come to know, I’m the faithful kind.” The fourth verse is arguably the crowning achievement, where Vernon flat out denounces faith in God:

“This is for my sister
That for my maple
It’s not going the road I’d known as a child of God
Nor to become stable
(So, what if I lose? I’m satisfied).”

Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with the beliefs of Bon Iver, “Faith” itself is an absolutely fantastic record.  It’s well-written, well-produced, and a fabulous, ear-catching gem. What really shines about this record is the fact that it makes you think – it’s a deep, philosophical piece of art.

2. Beyoncé, SAINt JHN, WizKid & Blue Ivy Carter, “Brown Skin Girl”

The Lion King: The Gift • Sony • 2019 

“Brown skin girl / Your skin just like pearls / The best thing in the world / Never trade you for anybody else.” “Brown Skin Girl,” which has a case for the crowning achievement of Lion King: The Gift.  The Lion King: The Gift is truly a ‘gift’ from Beyoncé and the various artists inspired by the culture of African, and the storylines and wisdom from The Lion King itself. “Brown Skin Girl” finds Yoncé collaborating with SAINt JHN, Wizkid, and none other than her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.

What makes the record a true gem is brilliant production, the continual embrace of all things African, and the appreciation for and adoration for black women.  This is an extension of Simba’s love for Nala – certainly more transcendent and applicable to real life.

“Pose like a trophy when Naomis walk in
She need an Oscar for that pretty dark skin
Pretty like Lupita when the cameras close in
Drip broke the levee when my Kellys roll in.”

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3. Sam Smith, “How Do You Sleep?”

How Do You Sleep? [Single] • Capitol • 2019

“I’m done hatin’ myself for feelin’ / I’m done cryin’ myself awake.” Hmm, that sounds typical of the heartbroken sentiment that accompanies much of the music of Grammy winning, British pop artist, Sam Smith.  The lyrics, excerpted from the first verse, appear on his single, “How Do You Sleep?”, continuing as follows: “I gotta leave and start the healin’ / But when you move like that, I just wanna stay.” While lyrically, thematically, and vocally Smith is true to self, “How Do You Sleep?” does finds him singing over a sleeker, more modern-pop, EDM-infused backdrop, a contrast to his work on either In the Lonely Hour (2014) or The Thrill of it All (2017).

Even with more of an electronic sound behind him (produced by Ilya Salmanzadeh), Sam Smith still does a fine job of singing about matters of the heart.  While the verses are well executed, it is the pre-chorus and chorus where Smith’s bread is buttered.  On the catchy pre-chorus, Smith asks himself, “What have I become now / Lookin’ through your phone / Oh now, love to you is just a game…” After continuing to build up the case against his lover (or whatever he is), he drops the crowning achievement, the chorus:

“Baby, how do you sleep when you lie to me?
All that shame and all that danger
I’m hopin’ that my love will keep you up tonight
Baby, how do you sleep when you lie to me?
All that fear and all that pressure
I’m hopin’ that my love will keep you up tonight.”

Adding to the modern vibes, there’s a post chorus that exemplifies electronic pop and EDM. “How Do You Sleep?” does mark a change of pace for Sam Smith, he still sounds very much like the incredibly talented, Grammy-winning musician that he always has.  It’s a must-hear bop.

4. A$AP Ferg, “Floor Seats”

Floor Seats [Single] • RCA • 2019

“Floor seats for the Knicks / Couple models gon’ kiss / They don’t even want a pic / Wanna lick up on the…” East Coast rap standout A$AP Ferg shines on the ‘short, but sweet’ banger, “Floor Seats”. While “Floor Seats” should be predictable, it’s actually much more intriguing than expected. One of the biggest selling points about “Floor Seats” is the production work (Roofeeo) highlighted by a The Prodigy sample (“Smack My Bitch Up”) which elevates the record to the next level.  So, Ferg has inspiration from a kickass music backdrop.

That said, A$AP Ferg kicks some ass himself with his confident rhymes and ever compelling flow.  In addition to the aforementioned lyrical excerpt from the first verse, he goes on to say at the end of the verse, “Didn’t know that I’d be doing this / Went to school for paintin’ pics / Now I paint the bigger pic / See, I’m really with the shits.”  On the second verse he throws in ‘drip’ (“Tiffany store on Fifth /… Waterfall, not the drip”), sex (“Montage with a bitch / Massage with her tits”), and the utmost confidence (“I was born in this shit / I’m the don of this shit”). As great as the verses and his flow are, perhaps the most intriguing moment occurs on the chorus, with its left of center in its delivery.  After a relatively easy-going flow on the verses, the chorus is quicker and totally unexpected.

“We all grinded for the floor seats
Now all the pretty girls, they know me
I’m on a jumbotron, you can’t ignore me
Just look at my seats, I’m sittin’ cozy.”

Floor seats may be a familiar topic in rap and hip-hop, but A$AP Ferg definitely makes it sound creative and fresh.  Fancy successfully tickled.

5. Why Don’t We, “I Still Do”

I Still Do [Single] • Signature / Atlantic • 2019

On “I Still Do”, boy band Why Don’t We (Corbyn Besson, Daniel Seavey, Zach Herron, Jonah Marais, and Jack Avery) straddles that “thin line between love and hate.” “There is no better view / Than watching you strip down after we argue,” Marais sings on the first verse.  That particular line depicts an instance of sexiness – make-up sex if you will – following an argument.

On the pre-chorus, the break-up is explored, but ultimately, the falsetto-laden chorus exemplifies the ‘power of love’ you might say:

“I still do
Love you, hate you
I still do
Hate to love you
I still do want you to want me
Like I’m wanting you, oh I still do.”

The second verse (Seavey) continues to explore the hate, while also cleverly highlighting the power of the sex – “‘Cause you got the upper hand now that I’m lonely / And I feel the past pulling my body.” The bridge further confirms the desire on this well-produced, pleasant, sexy pop joint.  Fancy has been tickled.

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6. Iggy Azalea, “Clap Back”

In My Defense • Bad Dreams / EMPIRE • 2019

From my perspective, In My Defense was merely an okay project from Iggy Azalea.  Honestly, it wouldn’t be surprising if any song from her sophomore album ended up making an appearance on this ‘tickled fancy’ playlist.  “Clap Back” does make the cut, mostly because it is interesting to hear Iggy address and defend herself against things that have been said about her.

This J. White Did It-produced joint finds the Iggy responding to accusations of cultural appropriation and racism:  “‘Cause I talk like this and my ass fat / They be saying Iggy tryna act black / Hatin’ broke hoes get laughed at / All they do is cap like snapbacks.” Naturally, her response is to “Clap back” including the opening lines from the second verse, “They call me racist / Only thing I like is green and blue faces.”

7. Post Malone, “Goodbyes”

Ft. Young Thug

Goodbyes [Single] • Republic • 2019 

“Me and Kurt [Cobain] feel the same, too much pleasure is pain…” Grammy-nominated hip-hop sensation Post Malone has stepped up his artistry as he’s progressed in his career.  His debut album, Stoney (2016) left much to be desired while his sophomore album, Beerbongs & Bentleys (2018) was quite the improvement and filled with hit singles “Rockstar”, “Psycho”, and “Better Now.”  His post-Beerbongs single “Wow.” was nothing short of a bop, and the same can be said about the follow-up, “Goodbyes” featuring Young Thug.

“I want you out of my head
I want you out of my bedroom tonight
There’s no way I could save you
‘Cause I need to be saved, too
I’m no good at goodbyes.”

“Goodbyes” is awesomeness exemplified.  Post Malone excels at pop-rap, taking it to another level with his melodic prowess.  His expressiveness shines over the course of two verses here, as well as a fantastic chorus.  Further amplifying the goodness that is “Goodbyes” is brilliant production work that’s dramatic – its rousing and quite decadent ear candy.  Also boding well in Malone’s favor is a respectable narrative, songwriting, and theme. Young Thug should be commended for a sensational collaboration.  He’s often ‘hit or miss’ in my eyes thanks to his idiosyncratic style but he’s perfectly suited here, given his own melodic sensibilities as well as how he contrasts Post.  All in all, Post Malone has a surefire bop on his hands with “Goodbyes.” It checks off all boxes. There’s really little to complain about; it’s a well-rounded, enjoyable offering.

8. Alec Benjamin, “Jesus in LA”

Jesus in LA [Single] • Alec Benjamin • 2019 

“And that is when I knew that it was time to go home / And that is when I realized that I was alone…” Jesus and Los Angeles – two things that don’t seem to go together.  Obviously, that’s not a true statement, but not the first city one associates with ‘The Most High.’  Honestly, the Alec Benjamin song “Jesus in LA” isn’t really about The Son of God, but ultimately, about a ‘Christ illusion’ of sorts.  The illusion for the Narrated for You pop singer/songwriter was finding happiness and success in L.A., which can be paralleled with Jesus.  Ultimately, Los Angeles was not his saving grace.  Surprising because it’s incredibly hard to imagine Benjamin  was dropped by a major label, particularly with his distinct, boyish voice.  “Jesus in LA” is another gem for him.

Throughout the course of “Jesus in LA,” Alec Benjamin does a stellar job incorporating religious imagery, beginning with the opening line of the first verse (“Well, I shook hands with the devil / Down on the south side…”).  The most interesting lyrics definitely hail on the pre-chorus and chorus sections.  On the pre-chorus, Benjamin sings:

“I’ve been looking for my savior
Looking for my truth
I even asked my shrink
He brought me down to his level
Said, ‘Son, you’re not special
You won’t find him where you think.’”

Essentially, success didn’t happen for Benjamin in Los Angeles, a place where so many go to become a ‘star,’ and few make it.  He continues on the chorus, from the perspective of the shrink:

“‘You won’t find him down on Sunset
Or at a party in the hills
At the bottom of the bottle
Or when you’re tripping on some pills
When they sold you the dream, you were just 16
Packed a bag and ran away
And it’s a crying shame you came all this way
‘Cause you won’t find Jesus in LA.”

Alec Benjamin came to realize he didn’t need L.A. to be his savior – he already had everything he needed with his family and within himself.

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9. Rich Brian, “Kids”

The Sailor • 88rising / 12Tone Music • 2019

“R.I.P. Nipsey, R.I.P. Mac / These inspirations always gon’ motivate me to rap / Let’s celebrate their lives and the people that they impact…”  That’s one of the notable bars that Indonesian rapper Rich Brian spits on “Kids”, the second single from his sophomore album, The Sailor. “Kids” features soulful production work with dusty drums and lush sounds including piano, robust bass line, horns, and synths. “Kids” is co-produced by Bekon, Brian Immanuel (aka Rich Brian), Craig Balmoris, Frank Dukes, and The Donuts. Even with a loop in play, the backdrop features contrasts that keeps things intriguing.

What’s notable about 20-year old Rich Brian is that he brings a bit more oomph to his performance. While he had a cool vibe before, it’s cool that he doesn’t sound monotone or the slightest bit deadpan. Brian also exhibits an excellent flow, riding the beat well: “Amazon Prime flow, you know I’ll always deliver…” Worth noting, there is no chorus; Brian drops straight bars for the most part, though a bridge section divides the first and second verses.  With plenty of notable bars, a favorite is:

“Generations to sacrifice, that we’ll always remember
It’s that circle of life shit, they hold me up like I’m Simba.”

10. Ed Sheeran, “Blow”

Ft. Bruno Mars & Chris Stapleton

No. 6 Collaborations Project • Atlantic • 2019 

“Locked, loaded, shoot my shot tonight / … Pull my trigger, let me blow your mind.” Wow, that’s some sexual innuendo to the max there. “Blow”, the closing joint from No. 6 Collaborations Project, gives Grammy-winner Ed Sheeran an uncharacteristic rock record, pairing him with Chris Stapleton and Bruno Mars, with generally positive results. It’s nice to hear Sheeran exhibit vocal grit on the first verse, for example, while Stapleton is ‘turned up’ as always on the second verse.

On Mars’ third verse, there are some sweet vocal harmonies, playing to the urban-pop style he’s generally known for. Also, the chorus, partially excerpted above, is energetic, fun, and certainly unforgettable. Sure, the songwriting isn’t deep and sounds potentially ‘overstimulated,’ while the chorus feels cliché, but all in all, it’s an attention-grabbing, crowd-pleaser worthy of spins that certainly doesn’t ‘blow’.

11. Daniel Caesar, “Entropy”

Case Study 01 • Golden Child Recordings • 2019

Grammy-winning, Canadian standout, Daniel Caesar had some missteps, socially and culturally, post-Freudian (2017). Regardless, musically-speaking, his 2019 sophomore album, Case Study 01, still yielded its fair share of worthwhile moments.  Also, interestingly, Caesar incorporates science, specifically physics, on “Entropy,” which appeared on the playlist, 13 Totally Captivating Songs That Reference Science. It’s not every album that features a song that references physics, particular a R&B album.

The concept of entropy can get technical, but in broad terms, it boils down to “chaos, disorganization, randomness”; a lack of order or predictability.  Within the soulful song, Caesar highlights the unpredictability of life and love.

“Oh, how can this be? I finally found peace
Just how long ‘til she’s stripped from me?
So, come on, baby, in time we’ll all freeze
Ain’t no stoppin’ that entropy.”

He even manages to fuse science and spirituality on the outro:

“Drifting towards the deep freeze
Thermodynamics, there’s no escape
The good Lord he gives, the Lord he takes
No life without energy.”

Technically, “Entropy” just misses the mark for July (Case Study 01 was released on June 28, 2019), but its close enough, right? Right.

“11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in July 2019” [Photo Credits: 12Tone Music, 88rising, Alec Benjamin, Atlantic, Bad Dreams, Capitol, EMPIRE, Golden Child Recordings, Jagjaguwar, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Republic, Signature, Sony]

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