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ā€œ11 Captivating Songs About Firstsā€ [Photo Credits: Arista, Atlantic, Capitol, Epic, McGraw Music, Mercury, Pexels, Photo Finish, Pixabay, Republic, S-Curve, Sony, Stanley Park]ā€œ11 Captivating Songs About Firstsā€ features music courtesy of Andy Grammer, Chris Stapleton, Future, James Morrison, and Monica.

ā€œThe first time, ever I saw your face / I thought the sun rose in your eyes /ā€¦ And the first time, ever I kissed your mouth / I felt the earth move in my hands.ā€Ā  Those memorable lyrics hail from the oft-covered classic, ā€œThe First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,ā€ most memorably recorded by Roberta Flack on her 1969 album, First Take. The keyword? First.Ā  Didnā€™t you know, ā€œThe first cut is the deepest / Baby, I know, the first cut is the deepest.ā€ The Cat Stevens (Yusuf)-penned classic was originally released by P.P. Arnold, though notably covered by Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow among others.Ā  The keyword? Why, first, of course.Ā  Finally, ā€œAnd you know she ainā€™t wearinā€™ her ring / When she starts playinā€™ little games / Cominā€™ in late from work / You better put that woman first.ā€Ā  That of course is Jaheim and his 2002 hit, ā€œPut That Woman Firstā€ (Still Ghetto). Once, more, the keyword? First.

This list compiles 11 Captivating Songs About Firsts. Firsts gets some liberties, some leeway, but many of the songs are about first experiences or doing something ā€˜first.ā€™ Itā€™s not always the case, but more often than not, it is.Ā  Musicians appearing on 11 CAPTIVATING SONGS ABOUT FIRSTS include Andy Grammer (ā€œFirst Timeā€), Chris Stapleton (ā€œLast Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morningā€), Future (ā€œFirst Offā€), James Morrison (ā€œFeels Like the First Timeā€), and Monica (ā€œThe First Nightā€) among others.Ā  Without further ado, give it up for the firsts!


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1. Future, ā€œFirst Offā€

Ft. Travis Scott

Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD ā€¢ Epic ā€¢Ā 2019

Future, Future Hndrxx Presents: The Wizrd [Photo Credit: Epic]ā€œFirst off, you get the ammo, then you cock it / First off, we had to blast off like a rocket / I put the Patek water on, but I got options (Yeah) / PJ takinā€™ off and I ainā€™t stoppinā€™, no.ā€ Okay, thatā€™s pretty drippy ā€“ well save for the ammo reference! After a two-year hiatus between proper ā€˜soloā€™ albums, Future returned in 2019 with the enjoyable, well-rounded Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD. Despite the hiatus between solo albums, Future has released at least one project each year since 2014.Ā  Yeah, thatā€™s what you call prolific! But enough about the album ā€“ weā€™re looking for ā€˜firstsā€™ on this list! What better than the song ā€œFirst Offā€ featuring Travis Scott.

Interestingly, within Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD, ā€œFirst Offā€ marks only the second and ultimately, the final record to feature a guest.Ā  For most of the LP, Future holds things down without assistance.Ā  On ā€œFirst Offā€ though, Travis Scott proves to be a perfect match for Future ā€“ two distinct hip-hop personalities you might say.Ā  Arguably, the crowning achievement of the record is the pre-chorus, where Future asserts, ā€œYeah, Iā€™m back on the Forbes, shit crazy / I make more than Dwayne Wade, baby.ā€ That said, the above-mentioned chorus is pretty sweet.Ā  Basically, the record is all about drip.


2. Andy Grammer, ā€œFirst Timeā€

NaĆÆve ā€¢ S-Curve ā€¢ 2019

Andy Grammer, NaĆÆve [Photo Credit: S-Curve]Andy Grammer has experienced some success here and there, most notably with his breakthrough hit ā€œHoney, Iā€™m Good.ā€Ā  In regard to his albums, well, success has been much harder to come by.Ā  In 2019, Grammer quietly released his fourth studio, NaĆÆve, which managed to debut in the top 30 of the Billboard 200. Ā Despite the fact that sales and streams are lackadaisical at best, Mr. Grammer gives us the perfect, fitting ā€˜firstā€™ song, ā€œFirst Time.ā€

ā€œFirst Time,ā€ deep within the NaĆÆve track list (appears as the 9th track out of 13) keeps the length brief, clocking in well under the three-minute mark.Ā  This minimal, slickly produced (Rabbit), modern pop cut is all about heartbreak.Ā  Yes, the means that the ā€˜first timeā€™ that Andy Grammer is singing about is the ā€œfirst time watching a heart break.ā€Ā  The ā€˜heart break watching,ā€™ rather viewing, seems to come from the male perspective (ā€œDeep down, knew it was never gonā€™ last / And you took her heart, now youā€™re giving it backā€). On the centerpiece, the chorus, he sings:

ā€œAt first, sheā€™ll get quiet, feel the air change
She will not cry, but the color will run from her face
And youā€™ll never be ready, never be the same
Never forget your first time, first time
Watching a heart break.ā€

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3. James Morrison, ā€œFeels Like the First Timeā€

Youā€™re Stronger Than You Know ā€¢ Stanley Park ā€¢Ā 2019

James Morrison, You're Stronger Than You Know [Photo Credit: Stanley]ā€œEvery time that you hurt me so bad / I tell myself I canā€™t do it no more / Each time is the last time, every time is the last timeā€¦ā€ Hmm, isnā€™t this supposed to be a ā€˜firstsā€™ list? Anyways, one of the truly distinct, underrated voices in the music industry, soulful British pop singer/songwriter James Morrison is truly awesome.Ā  Over the years, Morrison has blessed music listeners with gems like ā€œYou Give Me Somethingā€ (Undiscovered, 2006) and ā€œYou Make It Realā€ (Songs for You, Truths for Me, 2008).Ā  After a four-year hiatus, Morrison returned in 2019 with his fifth studio album, Youā€™re Stronger Than You Know.Ā  Thankfully, Morrison managed a brilliant ā€˜firstā€™ song from the album, fourth track ā€œFeels Like the First Time.ā€

First and foremost, no, ā€œFeels Like the First Timeā€ is not a Foreigner cover.Ā  This is an original co-written by James Morrison with Mark Taylor and Patrick Mascall.Ā  Furthermore, Taylor handles the production.Ā  The sound is the soul-drenched pop that Morrison has excelled at throughout his career. Ā Clearly, the sound is influenced by 60s and 70s R&B, with its guitars, keyboards, and horns, particularly the baritone sax.Ā  Per usual, Morrison ā€˜puts his allā€™ into his vocal performance, with his ā€˜one-of-a-kindā€™ pipes shining as he recollects ā€œWhen you let me back inside, still feels like the first timeā€ ā€¦ they fell in love, of course.Ā  Essentially, the song is about the ups and downs of love.Ā  Ultimately, the love ā€“ the bond between the two ā€“ is stronger than any of the turbulence that occurs.


4. 3OH!3, ā€œMy First Kissā€

Ft. Kesha

Streets of Gold ā€¢Ā Photo Finish ā€¢ 2010

3OH!3, Streets of Gold [Photo Credit: Photo Finish]3OH!3 make some of the dumbest music in the entire music industry.Ā  Yeah, I said it, and honestly, I highly doubt that either Nathaniel Motte or Sean Foreman would take issue with my assertion. Ā The Colorado frat boy hip-hop act has dropped some dumb shit, including the likes of ā€œMy Dickā€ (ā€œEvery time I look at my dick, Iā€™m like, ā€˜Holy shit, thatā€™s a big dickā€™ā€) and years prior to that, ā€œHouse Party,ā€ where they so intelligently assert, ā€œIā€™m gonna have a house party in my house.ā€ What the actual fuck? Anyways, ā€œHouse Partyā€ appears on the childish duoā€™s 2010 album, Streets of Gold. Thatā€™s also where our first song at hand, ā€œMy First Kissā€ appears.Ā  Adding to the utter ridiculous fuckery, Ke$ha assists (bridge).Ā  Note, this was before Kesha dropped that ridiculous dollar sign and released the mature, personal record ā€œPrayingā€ ā€“ just saying.

ā€œMy first kiss went a little like this / And twist and twistā€¦ā€ Oh brother, what an intro/bridge.Ā  Beyond the bridge, the verses and chorus arenā€™t any deeper.Ā  Sean doesnā€™t care about his education, but rather the fact ā€œI got a kiss under the bleachers, hoping that nobody looks.ā€ Of course, he doesnā€™t stop there, as he goes on to ask, ā€œExcuse me miss, but can I get you out your panties?ā€ Predictable.Ā  Nathaniel is no better ā€“ ā€œAt the foot of the stairs with my fingers in your hair / Baby, this is.ā€ Hmm, wonder what heā€™s ever getting atā€¦ Ā Maybe the most overconfident part comes courtesy of the chorus:

ā€œShe wonā€™t ever get enough once she gets a little touch
If I had it my way you know that Iā€™d make her say
Oooooohā€¦ā€

SMDH.


5. Monica, ā€œThe First Nightā€

The Boy is Mine ā€¢Ā Arista ā€¢Ā 1998

Monica, The Boy is Mine [Photo Credit: Arista]Ah, itā€™s awesome when a soul sample is used brilliantly in a contemporary R&B song.Ā  Jermaine Dupri brilliantly samples the Diana Ross classic ā€œLove Hangoverā€ on ā€œThe First Night,ā€ one of the best songs by Grammy-winning contemporary R&B artist Monica.Ā  ā€œThe First Nightā€ appears on the 1998 album, The Boy is Mine, which was stacked with hits including the title track, ā€œAngel of Mineā€, and ā€œFor You I Willā€.Ā  Of course, our focus is ā€œThe First Nightā€ ā€“ itā€™s the ā€˜firstā€™ song of the LP.

ā€œI knew it was wrong for feeling this way / Especially the thought of getting in on the first date / Couldnā€™t let go, it stayed on my mind / At the end of the night, I had to decide / I was thinking.ā€Ā  Hmm, essentially on ā€œThe First Night,ā€ Monica was totally feeling her date, and even though she knows she shouldnā€™t entertain the idea, she at least considers making loveā€¦ ā€œthe first nightā€ of course.Ā  The chorus is the best part:

ā€œI should make a move but I wonā€™t
I know youā€™re probably thinking something is wrong
Knowing if I do that it wonā€™t be right
I donā€™t get down on the first night.ā€

The bridge is pretty sweet as well:

ā€œ(If) If you want me
You got to know me
And if you want my love
You gotta win my love
Hey baby
Thatā€™s the way itā€™s got to be, yeah
Get to know me, get to know me
So we can do this.ā€

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6. Zak Abel, ā€œYou Come Firstā€

Ft. Saweetie

You Come First [Single] ā€¢ Atlantic ā€¢ 2018

Zak Abel, You Come First [Photo Credit: Atlantic]ā€œLet me go down, down, down, down / You know that it makes me happy / Hearing you loud, loud, loud, loud / When you feel my love.ā€ Hmm, doesnā€™t take too much thinking to realize that Zak Abel is referencing that pleasure often referred to as sex on single ā€œYou Come Firstā€, featuring Saweetie.Ā  Itā€™s a popular topic in pop music, so, the British urban-pop standout is right at home expressing the desires of his nether… ha ha.

Okay, to be fair, ā€œYou Come Firstā€ isnā€™t all about what Zak Abel enjoys doing. He seems to genuinely care about his girl being treated selfishly ā€“ ā€œIf only your walls happened to talk / Theyā€™d say you had a lot of selfish lovers.ā€ Still, the sexual innuendo is pretty damn ripe, capped off by the chorus which isnā€™t exactly the script of your chivalrous love song.

ā€œDarling, yo-o-ou come first
Let me give you what yo-o-ou deserve
If Iā€™mma love you, make you
Feel like youā€™re the only one
Then yo-o-ou come first, uh.ā€

Sure, give the guy credit for putting himself out there, but still, isnā€™t that what many guys, including those ā€œselfish loversā€ want from their respective partner? Similarly, the second verse continues to ā€˜amp-upā€™ the sex game, while Saweetie makes an appearance on the third verse.Ā  Referring to herself as a ā€˜bitchā€™ a couple times (assuming a ā€˜badā€™ one), she makes it clear, ā€œUnderstand you ainā€™t dealing with no basic bitch,ā€ and ā€œI be running up a check, watch a bitch work / Try and keep up baby, but I finish first.ā€ The sex is ā€˜out of controlā€™ on ā€œYou Come First,ā€ but itā€™s an enjoyable, well-rounded pop record when itā€™s all said and done.


7. Sam Smith, ā€œSay it Firstā€

The Thrill of it All ā€¢ Capitol ā€¢ 2017

Sam Smith, The Thrill of It All Ā© Capitolā€œSay It Firstā€ is a mid-tempo ballad, clearly in the wheelhouse of Grammy-winning pop musician, Sam Smith.Ā  What is shocking is that his 2017 sophomore album from which ā€œSay It Firstā€ hails, The Thrill of it All, failed to be nominated for any Grammys ā€“ WTF? Regardless, the album is another strong effort from Smith, and while ā€œSay It Firstā€ isnā€™t the best of the best of the album, itā€™s definitely a well-rounded record.

Compared to some of the other songs on The Thrill of it All, ā€œSay it Firstā€ is more positive regarding love.Ā  Essentially, Sam Smith needs to know where his lover stands regarding a potential relationship.Ā  Smith doesnā€™t want to be the one to say ā€œI love youā€ first; he doesnā€™t want to be in that position.Ā  The chorus brilliantly captures this relatable sentiment:

ā€œCome on baby, say it first
I need to hear you say those words
If Iā€™m all that you desire, I promise thereā€™ll be fire
I need to hear you say it first
Come on, baby, do your worst
I know youā€™ll take me higher
So come on, darling
If you love me, say it first.ā€

8. Chris Stapleton, ā€œLast Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morningā€

From a Room: Vol. 1Ā ā€¢ Mercury ā€¢ 2017

Chris Stapleton, From a Room: Volume 1 Ā© Mercuryā€œOh, the last thing I needed, the first thing this morning / Was to have you walk out on me.ā€ Sigh. Grammy-winning country musicianĀ Chris StapletonĀ remains consistent on his throwback, sophomore album,Ā From a Room: Volume 1.Ā From A RoomĀ is a brief affair, but superbly executed ā€“ understatement. Stapleton gets into someĀ lengthy song title actionĀ with the eight-word-titled, country classic,Ā ā€œLast Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning.ā€Ā Ā Yeah, ā€˜lastā€™ comes first, but our focus is ā€˜firstā€™ā€¦ something like that.

ā€œAnd I laid down beside you, and I wanted your loving

ā€˜Cause your love makes my life complete.ā€

ā€œLast Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morningā€ takes the vintage country sound to the next level, sounding anachronistic in 2017.Ā  It should be noted, ā€œLast Thing I Neededā€¦ā€ is aĀ Willie NelsonĀ cover, as opposed to a contemporary country record.Ā  Anachronistic is meant as no disrespect here. This record is chocked-full of character, led by Stapletonā€™s expressive, signature vocals, much ā€˜grittierā€™ than Nelsonā€™s take. ā€œLast Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morningā€ previously appeared on the playlist, 10 Songs Perfect for the Morning.


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9. Marc E. Bassy, ā€œMade Love Firstā€

Ft. Kehlani

Gossip Columns ā€¢ Republic ā€¢ 2017

Marc E. Bassy, Gossip Columns Ā© Republicā€œBefore I knew your maiden name or even had your picture framed / I knew your body told me thing, but shit, I shouldā€™ve picked your brainā€¦ā€ Kā€¦For many folks, the world was introduced to Marc E. Bassy in 2016, when he dropped his second EP, Groovy People.Ā  Difficult to classify or pigeonhole, Bassy proved himself to be eclectic.Ā  Stylistically, he incorporates pop, urban, and singer/songwriter cues into his music. This makes him quite the compelling artist. In 2017, Bassy released his enjoyable, well-rounded, full-length debut album, Gossip Columns, which includes our ā€˜firstā€™ song at hand, ā€œMade Love First.ā€

On ā€œMade Love First,ā€ Bassy ā€œgets a little help from his friend,ā€ Grammy-nominated urban contemporary artist, Kehlani.Ā  ā€œMade Love Firstā€ finds Bassy lamenting the fact that he and his girlfriend complicated their relationship by hooking up first before connecting emotionally. On the chorus, he regretfully sings:

ā€œI wish we didnā€™t make love first
You know that tore apart everything from the start
I wish we didnā€™t make love first
We know that body does claim that we fell in love
I wish we didnā€™t make love first
You know you let me hit, that donā€™t mean this is it, yeah
I wish we didnā€™t make love first
Baby our time was wrong, but as soon as you hear this song
I hope you let me.ā€

Well, with the cliffhanger of the final line of the chorus, naturally thereā€™s a post-chorus.Ā  Furthermore, itā€™s sexually charged: ā€œLet me hit it like the first night.ā€ The theme itself is a relatable one, particularly in a hook-up dominated culture.Ā  Both Bassy (verse one, chorus) and Kehlani (verse two) shine here.


10.Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, ā€œBreak Firstā€

The Rest of Our Life ā€¢ McGraw Music / Sony ā€¢Ā 2017

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, The Rest of Our Life Ā© Sony Nashvilleā€œSomebody said youā€™re here, but I ainā€™t gonna leave / Maybe Iā€™ll just act like youā€™re a strangerā€¦ā€ Okay Faith Hill, I see you! The Rest of Our Life (2017) marked the first collaborative album between Grammy-winning, long-time married country artists Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.Ā  The song at hand, ā€œBreak Firstā€, arrived as the third single, released in advance of the album. Following an enigmatic instrumental intro, Hill takes the reins initially, singing the first verse.Ā  Beginning in poised fashion, the energy level ascends beginning on the pre-chorus, hitting full throttle on the catchy chorus.

McGraw joins her on the powerful chorus, continuing a stellar vocal harmony game.Ā  The premise? Which of the two are going to give in first.

ā€œYou or me, baby, whoā€™s gonna break first?
You or me, baby, whoā€™s gonna break first?
Whoā€™s gonna walk up and say ā€˜hiā€™
Then lean in a little close to whose lips
Say, ā€œWhat the hell are we doinā€™?ā€™
You or me, baby, whoā€™s gonna break first?ā€

Later, both show off their powerful instruments on the bridge.

ā€œWhoā€™s gona say, ā€˜What were we thinkinā€™?ā€™
Whoā€™s gonna cut right through the tension
Whoā€™s gonna admit that they miss who worse?
Whoā€™s gonna tell who how bad it hurts?ā€

11. Troye Sivan, ā€œBITEā€

Blue NeighbourhoodĀ ā€¢ Capitol ā€¢ 2015

Troye Sivan, Blue Neighbourhood Ā© Capitolā€œDonā€™t you wanna see a man up close? / A phoenix in the fire.ā€ Throughout his 2015 debut album,Ā Blue Neighbourhood, South African born, Australian-bred pop musicianĀ Troye SivanĀ showed off indisputable talent as well as an authentic peek into his world.Ā Blue Neighbourhood masterfully captures his experiences as a gay male coping with being different. ā€œBITE,ā€ the song at hand, may not feature ā€˜firstā€™ in its song title, but it is about a ā€˜firstā€™ experience.Ā  Furthermore, ā€œBITEā€ literally has a ā€˜biteā€™ about it, sounding ā€˜suspectā€™ ā€“ more to come!

According to an interview with Pop Buzz, Troye Sivan stated, ā€œā€˜BITEā€™ is about my first time in a gay club.ā€ He goes on to describe the chaotic atmosphere, asserting he ā€œwanted to capture the chaosā€: ā€œā€¦ [I was] taken aback by the sticky floor, the shirtless men, and everything else.ā€ Lyrically, ā€œBITEā€ grows progressively sketchier.

ā€œThe rapture in the dark puts me at ease
The blind eye of the storm
Letā€™s go for a walk down Easy street
Where you can be reborn.ā€

ā€œBITEā€ is a statement about losing virginity in regard to a life experience. For Sivan, it marks a rite of passage in his life as a gay man ā€“ another part of his sexual awakening.


ā€œ11 Captivating Songs About Firstsā€ [Photo Credits: Arista, Atlantic, Capitol, Epic, McGraw Music, Mercury, Pexels, Photo Finish, Pixabay, Republic, S-Curve, Sony, Stanley Park]

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the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.