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“11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in June 2019” features music by Bastille, Kevin McHale, Kygo & Whitney Houston, Lil Nas X, and Prince. 

Ah, we continue to be ‘tickled’ monthly on The Musical Hype.  In May, I selected 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in May 2019, including standouts from include Joyner Lucas (“Isis”), Luke Combs (“Beer Never Broke My Heart”), Mary J. Blige (“Thriving”), Thomas Rhett (“Center Point Road”), and Tyler, The Creator (“New Magic Wand”). Now, post-May 2019, we do the same with “11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in June 2019.” All of the songs on 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in June 2019 were released as singles or as an album track in June 2019. Musicians that made our ears perk up in the month of June include Bastille (“Nocturnal Creatures”), Kevin McHale (“James Dean”), Kygo & Whitney Houston (“Higher Love”), Lil Nas X (“Panini”), and Prince (“Holly Rock”) among others.  Without further ado, here are 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in June 2019.

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1. Kygo & Whitney Houston, “Higher Love”

Higher Love [Single] • RCA • 2019

“Bring me a higher love / Where’s that higher love I keep thinking of?” The late, great Whitney Houston sees a previously unreleased cover of a Steve Winwood song, “Higher Love” – a bonus track in Japan only – remixed by Norwegian DJ/producer Kygo. In its original ‘cover’ form, “Higher Lover” was recorded in 1991. The Kygo remix features some of the cues we’re accustomed to hearing from his production style/music including vocal loops, bright synths, keyboards, and an anchoring, danceable beat.  Furthermore, there are some pitch-shifted vocals, used in moderation as a cool effect.

What’s great about this recording is that it sounds like classic Whitney Houston, while also sounding like what she might’ve sounded like in 2019.  Houston of course passed away at the age of 48 in 2012. Clearly, “Higher Love” showcases Houston at her peak. Her voice sounds amazing – high-flying as it did during her heyday. All in all, “Higher Love” is an energetic, upbeat, uplifting song; definitely a feel-good pop-soul record.

2. Looseleaf, “CONFETTI”

CONFETTI [Single] • Looseleaf • 2019

“…We are the moisture on your tongue after a throwback of Kentucky bourbon. Rounded, mellow beats and dreamy harmonies will take you to a place you’ll want to lose yourself in. LOOSELEAF is YOU… e l e v a t e d.” Colorful electronic, art-pop duo Looseleaf, comprised of “engayged” couple Anthony Marone and Wesley Edwards, dropped a truly, amazing distinct single in celebration of Pride month, “CONFETTI”. “CONFETTI” is exactly what any and everybody needs to brighten up summer as well as your music rotation. The premise of the aesthetically pleasing single is quite simple; in addition to celebrating pride, it also celebrates love and community.

From the jump, it’s clear that the celebration is on, in all its major key glory. As aforementioned, “CONFETTI” sounds incredibly bright, featuring shimmering production work that’s ‘charmingly quirky’ with its infectious, danceable groove, chopped, gimmicky vocals, and clever use of autotune.  Even with the liberal amount of vocal processing, the vocal performance itself is well-rounded – the tone quite alluring and beautiful.  As you hear the singing, the ears sense that Marone and Edwards are beaming – it’s a definite selling point.  “CONFETTI” is definitely a song that’s much more innovative than so much of the pop you hear currently on the radio.

Check Out: Getting to Know… Looseleaf | Interview #35

3. Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello, “Señorita”

Señorita [Single] • Island • 2019

“I love it when you call me señorita / I wish I could pretend I didn’t need ya / But every touch is ooh-la-la-la / It’s true, la-la-la / Ooh, I should be runnin’…” On standout single “Señorita”, Grammy-nominated pop musicians Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello bring Latin-tinged, summertime vibes. “Señorita” certainly has ample pros that make it a roaring success; it’s another win for the dynamic duo of Mendes-Cabello.

Camila Cabello shows off her upper register, something that made hit single “Never Be the Same” a surefire winner.  As always, Shawn Mendes compels with his beautiful vocal tone, one of the best in the game in my opinion.  He ups the ante even more when he breaks into vocal harmonies.  This being a duet, chemistry is incredibly important between both vocalists and sure enough, they mesh well, most notably on the sexy, incredibly catchy chorus, excerpted above. Also, worth noting, is the memorable melody on the verses, in addition to the centerpiece chorus, and well-rounded production (watt, benny blanco, and Cashmere Cat) that blends Latin cues/sensibilities and pop music superbly.

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4. Taylor Swift, “You Need to Calm Down”

Lover • Big Machine • 2019

“You are somebody that I don’t know / But you’re taking shots at me like it’s Patrón…” Taylor Swift returned in June 2019 with “You Need to Calm Down”, the second single from her highly-anticipated seventh studio album, Lover (August 23, 2019).  “You Need to Calm Down” is bright, irresistible, and sunny in sound, set in a major key.

Besides the sound and vibe, Swift manages a super catchy chorus (shocker) which plays out a little something like this:

“So, oh-oh…
You need to calm down, you’re being too loud
And I’m just like, oh-oh…
You need to just stop, like can you just not step on my gown
You need to calm down.”

Adding to the allure of the chorus is the use of vocal layering.  On the surface, if you examine the lyrics, Taylor Swift seems to be doing something she does often – write songs about those who have perhaps wronged her.  But, actually, this is an anthem that notably encompasses love and respect for the LGBTQ+ community.  This is most explicitly shown in the second verse, with references to GLAAD, as well as a key lyric, “Sunshine on the street at the parade / But you would rather be in the dark ages / Makin’ that sign must’ve taken all night.”

Naturally, the reaction to Taylor Swift’s purported support for the LGBTQ+ community has drawn criticism, particularly given how pronounced it is as of late.  Christina Cauterucci (Slate) calls it “… A Teachable Moment About How Not to Be an Ally”.  Of ‘queer-baiting’, Amelia Abraham (The Guardian) asserts it “leaves [her] cold”. Specifically, referencing the video for “You Need to Calm Down,” she writes:

“We jest, but the video for ‘You Need to Calm Down’ is not very funny, despite being intended as a campy celebration of queer culture. If singing ‘shade never made anybody less gay’ was meant to be Swift’s idea of allyship, the bad execution and cynical timing with Pride month make this video feel more like empty virtue signalling – and it’s not particularly virtuous, in my opinion, to caricature the homophobes in the video purely as ‘hillbillies’, as if only those people can be bigoted.”

So, a song that both tickles one’s fancy has also managed to open a giant can of worms.  Glamour and The Atlantic also had criticism regarding “You Need to Calm Down.” Regardless, in my opinion, this song is worth mentioning if for no other reason than the fact that it is the catalyst for discussion, and discussion is powerful.

5. Kevin McHale, “James Dean”

Boy (EP) • Kevin McHale • 2019

“I like this boy, right / I said I like this boy, right.” Romance and intimacy are the M.O. of “James Dean”, and the results are incredibly sexy.  Kevin McHale (not the basketball player), is probably best known for playing Artie Abrams on Glee.  Beyond that, McHale was a member of a boyband (NLT).  McHale, showing off his musicianship once more, released a five-song EP, Boy, featuring the aforementioned musical selection. It should be mentioned that McHale is gay, if the opening lyric from “James Dean” failed to clarify such. 

Kevin McHale is quite playful with his performance, amplifying the innuendo and comes off incredibly authentic.  Personality is one of the biggest selling points, shining throughout the song, especially on the descriptive chorus:

“Your breath smells a little bit like a cigarette
Your sin covers your sins like a silhouette
But your kiss is the softest thing I’ve ever felt before
Wearing thrift store James Dean jeans, you’re made for sex
Used to spend the nights alone on the dark internet
And now you spend the nights instead with me in bed you know.”

Adding to the excellence is a slow tempo and excellent production work in a pop/urban contemporary style. Throw in a steamy music video accompanying “James Dean,” and McHale definitely has a progressive, must-hear pop hit on his hands.

6. Bastille, “Nocturnal Creatures”

Doom Days • Virgin • 2019

“We’re nocturnal creatures, we own the night / And we don’t need no reason if we lose our minds.” Like the majority of Doom Days, the highly-anticipated third studio album by Bastille, “Nocturnal Creatures” shows the English alternative collective’s knack for clever songwriting.  It not only stays within the concept, but also gives Bastille another carefree, party-driven song, following gem, “Million Pieces.”

That seems to be the effect that the band was going for, per Billboard: “[‘Nocturnal Creatures’]  was sort of about throwing yourself head-first into the night with somebody and feeling that slightly ridiculous, naïve, indestructible feeling, that feeling that you can outwit the sunrise…” Ultimately, “Nocturnal Creatures” gives frontman Dan Smith and company another triumph by all means.  As for us, we have another song that totally tickles our fancies from the month of June.

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7. Prince, “Holly Rock”

Originals • Warner Bros. • 2019

The excellence and awesome musicianship of the iconic, late, great Prince continues to shine on the compilation, Originals. It’s quite alluring hearing Prince’s ‘original’ versions of these hit songs with the impression given that he would’ve had even more hits on his hands if he were truly selfish. With Originals coming off as an incredible project, one of its finest moments arrives via “Holly Rock.”

“‘Cause I’m bad, good god / And if you got a big enough stick / Come on over, baby, to the holly rock / Don’t you wanna learn a new trick?” “Holly Rock,” penned for Sheila E., arrives as the lengthiest song on Originals.  Even so, it ranks among the crème de la crème, arguably, the crowning achievement.  Prince showcases his more eccentric, wilder side on this high flying, funky as hell gem.

8. Myylo, “I Can’t Help but Look”

I Can’t Help but Look [Single] • Myylo • 2019

“Something about choosing joy feels revolutionary. I hope that songs like this can give people a respite from everything, even if it’s only for a moment.”  Post-I’m a Nice Boy (EP), independent LGBT Myylo (Michael Myylo Lewis) returned with an awesome new single, “I Can’t Help but Look” – “a vibrant, tongue-in-cheek bop!” “I Can’t Help but Look,” co-written with Dillon Deski and Kell Egan, is charming from the get-go.  The premise is pretty clear-cut – Myylo is totally checking out a total hottie, and the resultant ear candy is ‘on-point.’

Apparently, “I Can’t Help but Look” has wide influences: Cardi B indirectly (chord structures from Invasion of Privacy), boybands (melodies), and Eminem (nasal delivery, Dr. Dre “sonics”).  Cool! Whether or not those specific, self-described characterizations are keenly perceptible, what is perceptible is how eclectic and unique his approach is – he’s ‘woke AF.’ While the music is terrific, it is the vocals by Myylo and of course, the lyrics that make “I Can’t Help but Look” shine incredibly bright.  It’s not every day one manages to reference David Beckham and kombucha of all things! Then, there are blessed moments of sexual innuendo such as “…Sippin’ Sunny D, you need them calories / I need that Vitamin ‘D’.” But, ultimately, it totally works because you envision Myylo beaming as he sings, totally sneaks a peak, and constructs such an elaborate, but relatable fantasy in his mind. “I Can’t Help but Look” is incredibly fun from start to finish.

9. Lil Nas X, “Panini”

7 (EP) • Columbia • 2019 

You hear the name Lil Nas X and the first thing that comes to mind is “Old Town Road”, his big-time, Billboard Hot 100 no. 1 hit.  “Old Town Road,” in original and remixed forms, brief set up Lil Nas X for success, hence the release of the 18-minute 7 (EP).  While “Old Town Road” is the crown jewel, “Panini” is pretty sweet as well.

“Ayy, Panini, don’t you be a meanie / Thought you wanted me to go up / Why you tryna keep me teeny?” Lil Nas strikes gold on the brief, melodic “Panini” which references the Cartoon Network TV series Chowder.  “Panini” is a success because it’s also ‘novel’ like “Old Town Road” if slightly less pronounced.  Also, adding to excellence, is a hella catchy chorus: “Just say to me what you want from me.” Of course, Nirvana (“In Bloom”) deserves a shout out, if you catch my drift 😉

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10. Clairo, “Closer to You”

Immunity • Fader • 2019

“You called me late at night, I pick up every time / Wish that I could rewind, get some peace of mind.” On 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in May 2019, rising alternative singer/songwriter Clairo (Claire Cottrill) was featured with “Bags”, the promo single for her highly-anticipated debut album, Immunity (August 2, 2019).  Once again, Clairo appears, one month later, with “Closer to You” arriving as the second single from Immunity. Co-written by Cottrill and Rostam Batmanglij, Rostam also produces this compelling gem which features excellent, electro-/alt-pop production cues. Yeah, “Closer to You” does pretty well in regard to its use of synths and drum programming.

“Closer to You” deals with matters of the heart, as evidenced by the aforementioned excerpt from the first verse.  On the second verse, Clairo sings, “Know I’m standing here by choice / And I can’t hear the background noise anyway.” Throughout, Cottrill delivers lovely vocals, even with some vocal effects in play.  Speaking of those vocals, harmonies enter into the mix beginning on the pre-chorus. The following chorus provides Cottrill with another well-executed, memorable section. Further amplifying the ear-catching excellence is the thoughtful addition of guitar. Honestly, “Closer to You” sounds like a hit the first time you hear it – simple enough, but highly effective.

11. Julian Daniel, “Supernova”

Supernova [Single] • Julian Daniel • 2019

“You’re my first supernova / You’re my first but I hardly know you…” Hmm, what does that even mean? According to up-and-coming Canadian pop artist Julian Daniel, on his single “Supernova”, he’s referencing his first one-night stand.  The new life experience for the young singer gets a truly thrilling, ear-catching treatment to say the least. One will be hard-pressed to find something amiss about “Supernova.” Julian Daniel seems to cross every ‘T’ and dot every ‘I.’ The listener is blessed with intriguing production work – decadent ear candy comprised of colorful synths, and a driving, rhythmic groove.

Julian Daniel delivers expressive, nuanced vocals, while his runs stand out on the chorus especially.  The chorus is catchy (the opening lyrics hail from it), backed by alluring, busy production work. Furthermore, the emphasis placed on the titular line is brilliant and so fitting. Daniel truly pulls you into his sexual experience, ‘sound-tracked’ by the dark, minor key, gimmickry within the vocal performance, and the playful, sexy approach.  Also, worth mentioning, is are the guest female vocals on the second verse, which provide a fine contrast to Daniel’s own awesome pipes.  All the boxes are checked off with “Supernova” – strong vocals, personality, songwriting, and production.

“11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in June 2019” [Photo Credits: Big Machine, Columbia, Fader, Island, Julian Daniel, Kevin McHale, Looseleaf, Myylo, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Virgin, Warner Bros.]

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