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Musicians providing the tunes for “11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in March 2019” include Ben Platt, Billie Eilish, Cage the Elephant & Lizzo. 

Most playlists served up on The Musical Hype have a concept – a theme.  In this case, the concept for the playlist is merely the date.  All of the songs on 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in March 2019 were released as singles or as an album track in March 2019.  Pretty simple, right? Right.  With that said, a no extra analysis or explanation necessary, musicians providing the soundtrack for this ‘favorites’ playlist include Ben Platt (“In Case You Don’t Live Forever”), Billie Eilish (“Listen Before I Go”), Cage the Elephant (“House of Glass”), and Lizzo (“Tempo”) among others.

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1.Billie Eilish, “Listen Before I Go”

When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? • Darkroom / Interscope • 2019

“Take me to the rooftop / I wanna see the world when I stop breathing.” Hmm, well that’s incredibly morbid. Some background first! After a slow, but steady ascent, including an EP and numerous singles, 17-year old alt-pop singer/songwriter Billie Eilish finally released her major-label debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, in March 2019.

“Listen Before I Go,” the 12^th track from When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, is lethargic-paced and heavy to the nth degree.  How is it heavy exactly? Well, it references suicide… ouch. “Sorry can’t save me now,” Eilish sings on the chorus, later adding, “Sorry there’s no way out / But down.” What is fueling the suicidal thoughts that cross the protagonist’s mind? Depression, it seems. What isn’t sad is the top-notch quality of this dark standout from an equally brilliant debut album.

2. Ben Platt, “In Case You Don’t Live Forever”

Sing to Me Instead • Atlantic • 2019

Broadway actor (The Book of Mormon and Dear Evan Hansen), singer, and songwriter Ben Platt ‘shines bright as a beacon’ on his authentic, well-rounded debut album, Sing to Me Instead.  Sing to Me Instead comprises of some truly well-written songs that encompass love and open up his sexuality, as well as captivating vocal performances. Among the best of the album is ballad “In Case You Don’t Live Forever.”

“In case you don’t live forever, let me tell you now / I love you more than you’ll ever wrap your head around.” Contextually, within Sing to Me Instead, Ben Platt continues to be totally ‘in his feelings’ on the ultra-sincere ballad. The feelings actually go beyond a boyfriend, as Platt pays ode to two important men in his life, his father, as well as his late uncle, who like Ben, also happened to be gay. A stunning record, Platt asserts on the bridge, “I have a hero whenever I need one / I just look up to you and I see one / I’m a man ‘cause you taught me to be one.”

3. Lizzo, “Tempo”

Ft. Missy Elliott

Cuz I Love You • Nice Life / Atlantic • 2019

“Slow songs, they for skinny hoes / Can’t move all of this here to one of those / I’m a thick bitch, I need tempo / Fuck it up to the tempo.” Unapologetic and unafraid are two ways you can characterize Lizzo, who releases her debut album, Cuz I Love You, April 19, 2019.  On the short, but hella sweet and feisty “Tempo”, the Minneapolis pop/hip-hop singer (she’s a bit hard to pin down stylistically) enlists a legend for the assist – Missy Elliott.

“Tempo” shines from the tip.  The production is awesome, incorporating a hard-hitting hip-hop beat, slinky-sounding synths, as well as some cool, unexpected musical interjections.  As great as the production is, it is the performance by Lizzo herself that sells “Tempo.” She’s on autopilot as she flaunts and touts her big, beautiful body, throwing ample swagger and sex game at the boys.  Key vocabulary to remember – ass, kitty cat, wet, jack, cake, icing.  Beyond her own stellar, hyper-sexual performance, the legendary Missy Elliott ‘brings the heat’ on the third verse, sounding as if she’d never been on an extended hiatus.  As usual, we get some terrific sound effects from Elliott to go alongside being the hype woman for the plus-sized crowd – “I’m big-boned with nice curves.” All in all, Lizzo kills it – absolutely slaughters it – on “Tempo.”  This is an ultra-fabulous, infectious banger that is equal parts shallow and equal parts deep.

4. Anderson .Paak, “King James”

Ventura • Aftermath / 12 Tone Music • 2019

Grammy-winning rapper, singer, and producer Anderson .Paak is returning sooner than later.  It was only in late 2018 that Paak released his third studio album, Oxnard.  However, the follow-up, Ventura, arrives April 12, 2019, less than a year later. Leading the charge on the 11-track affair is the promo single, “King James”. On “King James” he delivers a respectable message and flaunts his superb musicianship.

“King James” is a heavy-grooving, mid-tempo gem thrives off its blend of the West Coast sound (G-Funk included) and of course, a soulful, funky breed of R&B.  Vocally, Paak continues to impress with his distinct, truly ‘one of a kind’ pipes. Thematically, Paak sings about the hard work and hustle it takes to succeed, patterned after the one and only Lebron James.  At one point, during the second verse, he sings, “And we salute King James for using his change / To create some equal opportunities.” In addition to the hustle, Paak highlights working beyond barriers, particularly racial barriers on the way to attaining success.

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5. Sabrina Carpenter, “Pushing 20”

Pushing 20 [Single] • Hollywood • 2019

“You got a way, you’re messing with my faith / You’re tryna paint a picture but you’re running out of paint / You had your say ‘til I took it away / Out of yours in my controlla…” Actress and pop singer Sabrina Carpenter released a fierce, sleek new single, “Pushing 20” in advance of both her 20^th birthday and forthcoming album, Singular: Act II.

Sabrina Carpenter checks off all boxes on the brief but utterly satisfying “Pushing 20.”  As aforementioned, this is one totally sleek single, thanks to production courtesy of Oak, known for his urban production work.  A hard-nosed beat, sharp synths, and a rebellious, youthful spirit are all captured within Oak’s backdrop.  Carpenter eats it up, singing swagger-laden lyrics, heavily influenced by hip-hop culture, and giving off ‘that attitude’ you might say.  The centerpiece is definitely the unapologetic chorus that portrays Carpenter as one fierce, nearly 20-year old:

“I’m pushing 20, got no time for others

I’m pushing 20, got no time for others

Who ain’t on the same wave, yeah, on the same page

Tryna tell me what to be, yeah. Tell me what to think.”

6.Louis Tomlinson, “Two of Us”

Two of Us [Single] • 78 Productions Limited / Simco Limited / Sony Music • 2019

“So, I will keep you, day and night, here until the day I die / I’ll be living one life for the two of us / I will be the best of me, always keep you next to me / I’ll be living one life for the two of us.” Louis Tomlinson, of One Direction fame, delivered his best and most meaningful single as a solo artist with “Two of Us”, dedicated to his late mum.

“Two of Us” is a ballad that is built on authenticity, realness, and sincerity as opposed to how many f-bombs can be thrown in to toughen up the sound.  As always, Tomlinson sounds expressive, his best attribute being his angelic, boyish tenor.  Even though he sounds much younger than his 27 years, he convincingly sells this dedicatory ballad.  “You’ll never known how much I miss you,” he sings on the first verse, continuing, “The day that they took you, I wish it was me instead.”  Of course, the aforementioned chorus is the moving, incredibly thoughtful centerpiece of “Two of Us.”

7. The National, “You Had Your Soul with You”

I Am Easy to Find • 4AD • 2019 

“You had your soul with you, I was in no mood…” The National returned ‘sooner than later’ with “You Had Your Soul with You”, the alluring promo single from their forthcoming LP, I Am Easy to Find. “You Had Your Soul with You” commences uniquely with a couple of measures of biting, glitching electronic sounds, before gaining stability with a full-fledged rock groove.  Beyond the groove, “You Had Your Soul with You” evolves into more of a traditional sound, while still incorporating some creative, accentuating cues.

Frontman Matt Berninger sounds as compelling as ever, diving right into the first verse with his distinct baritone.  Behind him is a busy backdrop that’s never dull, incorporating ample rhythm between the drums, guitars and strings. Regarding the form of the record, there is no true chorus – only verses (three).  That said, the aforementioned lyrics are reiterated following the third verse. Notably, “You Had Your Soul with You” features guest vocals courtesy of Gail Ann Dorsey.  On the third verse, she sings two lines of lyrics as a solo, before being joined by Berninger. The results are nothing short of marvelous.

“I have owed it to my heart, every word I’ve said

You have no idea how hard I died when you left.” 

8. Lennon Stella, “BITCH (takes one to know one)”

BITCH (takes one to know one) [Single] • RECORDS, LLC / Columbia • 2019

“You do the things you do, oh God / You know what they say / It takes a bitch to know a bitch / It takes a bitch to know a bitch.” Never underestimate the power of shock value.  Without context, a record like “BITCH (takes one to know one)” sounds totally risqué to the nth degree, thanks to its reference to a ‘female dog.’ But Lennon Stella isn’t being intentionally risqué or setting to her own sex back through the use of the infamous five-letter word, but rather she exhibits female power.

Throughout the course of “BITCH,” Lennon Stella seems to be totally disgusted by the behavior men can exhibit.  It begins with the first line of the first verse, where Stella criticizes his tasteless humor – “Driving through the canyon, you said it like a joke / … I know you won’t apologize / You sent me down the river to see if I would float away.”  Her disdain continues on the second verse, where it’s clear that she’s still pissed off, despite him brushing it off.

“You walk into the party, you’re laughing with our friends

You make it look so easy, but I just can’t pretend

How can you act like everything’s alright…?

Somebody take this weight away.”

Ugh, the bro totally messed up, and Lennon Stella takes matters into her own hands – get it girl! Musically, “BITCH (takes one to know one)” is respectably produced, and Stella sings well.  Still, it’s the messaging, sort of a bold means of female empowerment, that serves as the crowning achievement of this pop joint.

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9. Vampire Weekend, “Sunflower”

Ft. Steve Lacy

Father of the Bride • Sony • 2019

Grammy-winning alternative collective Vampire Weekend shows off superb musicianship on the short, but sweet single “Sunflower” featuring Steve Lacy.  “Sunflower” appears on the band’s highly-anticipated, long-awaited fourth studio album, Father of the Bride.

The first thing that stands out about “Sunflower” is the groove, which is pivotal to the success of the record.  “Sunflower” is instantly a feel-good record to the nth degree thanks to the brilliance of the backdrop.  Yes, it definitely reminds you of the sheer radiance of a sunflower. That backdrop is comprised of a kickass bass line, slick melodic guitar lines, and agile, nonsensical, syllabic vocals.  Musically, this is quite the showcase that catches the ear from the very first listen.  Furthermore, it’s not even two-and-a-half-minutes long! The lyrics are worth mentioning, but again, the sound and vibe of this particular offering is what makes it special. Ezra Koenig and company showcase ample personality, particularly the tongue-in-cheek sensibility captured via the nonsensical, syllabic vocals, not to mention the fast-paced, agile instrumental lines.

10. Cage the Elephant, “House of Glass”

Social Cues • RCA • 2019

“Climb into my corner, my self-inflicted coma / Stand up, lay down, repeat in the same order…” Grammy-winning alternative collective Cage the Elephant released a brief, electrifying second single, “House of Glass” in advance of their fifth studio, Social Cues (April 19, 2019).

“House of Glass” runs just over two-and-a-half minutes in duration.  Even so, duration “ain’t nothin’ but a number.” The alt-rock collective packs a mean, hella energetic punch on this distinct, utterly wild record. From the jump, “House of Glass” is driving, characterized by its rhythm.  Furthermore, frontman Matt Shultz shows off mad personality, exemplified on the aforementioned lyrics, superbly selling the tongue-n-cheek, ambitious nature of the record.  The pre-chorus and chorus are an absolute blast:

“(The house is glass) The house is glass

(The house is glass) The house is glass

It’s an illusion, this admiration

Of mutilation, my isolation…”

The production is awesome, embracing an old-school, garage-rock styled sensibility, while still sounding fresh.

11. Arcade Fire, “Baby Mine”

Dumbo (Soundtrack) • Walt Disney • 2019

“Baby mine, don’t you cry / Baby mine, dry your eyes / Rest your head close to my heart / Never to part, baby of mine.” Grammy-winning Canadian alt-rock band Arcade Fire delivers a terrific reinterpretation of “Baby Mine”, the end title from Disney’s 2019 live action version of Dumbo.  This is a terrific performance which thrives off of awesome vocals from Régine Chassagne and Win Butler, as well as superb production work.

 “Baby Mine” totally works – totally.  Following a lovely, lush intro (choral vocals, some rocking guitar, a brief drum groove), Régine Chassagne delivers haunting, warm vocals on the first verse, excerpted above.  She maintains the lullaby sensibility of the record, while still bringing some of the left-of-center charm that makes Arcade Fire cool. Some of that ‘charm’ includes “old guitars, harp, Theremin, and triangle” apparently. Her hubby, Win Butler, arrives for the second verse, and the remainder of the song, accompanied by a smooth, alternative/retro-rock-tinged backdrop. Even incorporating the indie-rock vibes into the mix, “Baby Mine” stays idiomatic of a theatrical, authentic Disney soundtrack. Perhaps it’s the strings?

[Photo Credits: 4AD, 12 Tone Music, 78 Productions Limited, Aftermath, Columbia, Darkroom, Hollywood, Interscope, Nice Life, Pixabay, RCA, RECORDS LLC, Simco Limited, Sony, Walt Disney]

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