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“11 Captivating Songs About Firsts” features music courtesy of Andy Grammer, Chris Stapleton, Future, James Morrison, and Monica.

“The first time, ever I saw your face / I thought the sun rose in your eyes /… And the first time, ever I kissed your mouth / I felt the earth move in my hands.”  Those memorable lyrics hail from the oft-covered classic, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” most memorably recorded by Roberta Flack on her 1969 album, First Take. The keyword? First.  Didn’t you know, “The first cut is the deepest / Baby, I know, the first cut is the deepest.” The Cat Stevens (Yusuf)-penned classic was originally released by P.P. Arnold, though notably covered by Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow among others.  The keyword? Why, first, of course.  Finally, “And you know she ain’t wearin’ her ring / When she starts playin’ little games / Comin’ in late from work / You better put that woman first.”  That of course is Jaheim and his 2002 hit, “Put That Woman First” (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 ‘first.’ It’s not always the case, but more often than not, it is.  Musicians appearing on 11 CAPTIVATING SONGS ABOUT FIRSTS include Andy Grammer (“First Time”), Chris Stapleton (“Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning”), Future (“First Off”), James Morrison (“Feels Like the First Time”), and Monica (“The First Night”) among others.  Without further ado, give it up for the firsts!

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1. Future, “First Off”

Ft. Travis Scott

Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD • Epic • 2019

“First 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 takin’ off and I ain’t stoppin’, no.” Okay, that’s pretty drippy – well save for the ammo reference! After a two-year hiatus between proper ‘solo’ 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.  Yeah, that’s what you call prolific! But enough about the album – we’re looking for ‘firsts’ on this list! What better than the song “First Off” featuring Travis Scott.

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

2. Andy Grammer, “First Time”

Naïve • S-Curve • 2019

Andy Grammer has experienced some success here and there, most notably with his breakthrough hit “Honey, I’m Good.”  In regard to his albums, well, success has been much harder to come by.  In 2019, Grammer quietly released his fourth studio, Naïve, which managed to debut in the top 30 of the Billboard 200.  Despite the fact that sales and streams are lackadaisical at best, Mr. Grammer gives us the perfect, fitting ‘first’ song, “First Time.”

“First Time,” deep within the Naïve track list (appears as the 9^th track out of 13) keeps the length brief, clocking in well under the three-minute mark.  This minimal, slickly produced (Rabbit), modern pop cut is all about heartbreak.  Yes, the means that the ‘first time’ that Andy Grammer is singing about is the “first time watching a heart break.”  The ‘heart break watching,’ rather viewing, seems to come from the male perspective (“Deep down, knew it was never gon’ last / And you took her heart, now you’re giving it back”). On the centerpiece, the chorus, he sings:

“At first, she’ll get quiet, feel the air change
She will not cry, but the color will run from her face
And you’ll never be ready, never be the same
Never forget your first time, first time
Watching a heart break.”

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3. James Morrison, “Feels Like the First Time”

You’re Stronger Than You Know • Stanley Park • 2019

“Every time that you hurt me so bad / I tell myself I can’t do it no more / Each time is the last time, every time is the last time…” Hmm, isn’t this supposed to be a ‘firsts’ list? Anyways, one of the truly distinct, underrated voices in the music industry, soulful British pop singer/songwriter James Morrison is truly awesome.  Over the years, Morrison has blessed music listeners with gems like “You Give Me Something” (Undiscovered, 2006) and “You Make It Real” (Songs for You, Truths for Me, 2008).  After a four-year hiatus, Morrison returned in 2019 with his fifth studio album, You’re Stronger Than You Know.  Thankfully, Morrison managed a brilliant ‘first’ song from the album, fourth track “Feels Like the First Time.”

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

4. 3OH!3, “My First Kiss”

Ft. Kesha

Streets of Gold • Photo Finish • 2010

3OH!3 make some of the dumbest music in the entire music industry.  Yeah, I said it, and honestly, I highly doubt that either Nathaniel Motte or Sean Foreman would take issue with my assertion.  The Colorado frat boy hip-hop act has dropped some dumb shit, including the likes of “My Dick” (“Every time I look at my dick, I’m like, ‘Holy shit, that’s a big dick’”) and years prior to that, “House Party,” where they so intelligently assert, “I’m gonna have a house party in my house.” What the actual fuck? Anyways, “House Party” appears on the childish duo’s 2010 album, Streets of Gold. That’s also where our first song at hand, “My First Kiss” appears.  Adding to the utter ridiculous fuckery, Ke$ha assists (bridge).  Note, this was before Kesha dropped that ridiculous dollar sign and released the mature, personal record “Praying” – just saying.

“My first kiss went a little like this / And twist and twist…” Oh brother, what an intro/bridge.  Beyond the bridge, the verses and chorus aren’t any deeper.  Sean doesn’t care about his education, but rather the fact “I got a kiss under the bleachers, hoping that nobody looks.” Of course, he doesn’t stop there, as he goes on to ask, “Excuse me miss, but can I get you out your panties?” Predictable.  Nathaniel is no better – “At the foot of the stairs with my fingers in your hair / Baby, this is.” Hmm, wonder what he’s ever getting at…  Maybe the most overconfident part comes courtesy of the chorus:

“She won’t ever get enough once she gets a little touch
If I had it my way you know that I’d make her say
Ooooooh…”

SMDH.

5. Monica, “The First Night”

The Boy is Mine • Arista • 1998

Ah, it’s awesome when a soul sample is used brilliantly in a contemporary R&B song.  Jermaine Dupri brilliantly samples the Diana Ross classic “Love Hangover” on “The First Night,” one of the best songs by Grammy-winning contemporary R&B artist Monica.  “The First Night” appears on the 1998 album, The Boy is Mine, which was stacked with hits including the title track, “Angel of Mine”, and “For You I Will”.  Of course, our focus is “The First Night” – it’s the ‘first’ song of the LP.

“I knew it was wrong for feeling this way / Especially the thought of getting in on the first date / Couldn’t let go, it stayed on my mind / At the end of the night, I had to decide / I was thinking.”  Hmm, essentially on “The First Night,” Monica was totally feeling her date, and even though she knows she shouldn’t entertain the idea, she at least considers making love… “the first night” of course.  The chorus is the best part:

“I should make a move but I won’t
I know you’re probably thinking something is wrong
Knowing if I do that it won’t be right
I don’t get down on the first night.”

The bridge is pretty sweet as well:

“(If) If you want me
You got to know me
And if you want my love
You gotta win my love
Hey baby
That’s the way it’s got to be, yeah
Get to know me, get to know me
So we can do this.”

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6. Zak Abel, “You Come First”

Ft. Saweetie

You Come First [Single] • Atlantic • 2018

“Let me go down, down, down, down / You know that it makes me happy / Hearing you loud, loud, loud, loud / When you feel my love.” Hmm, doesn’t take too much thinking to realize that Zak Abel is referencing that pleasure often referred to as sex on single “You Come First”, featuring Saweetie.  It’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, “You Come First” isn’t all about what Zak Abel enjoys doing. He seems to genuinely care about his girl being treated selfishly – “If only your walls happened to talk / They’d say you had a lot of selfish lovers.” Still, the sexual innuendo is pretty damn ripe, capped off by the chorus which isn’t exactly the script of your chivalrous love song.

“Darling, yo-o-ou come first
Let me give you what yo-o-ou deserve
If I’mma love you, make you
Feel like you’re the only one
Then yo-o-ou come first, uh.”

Sure, give the guy credit for putting himself out there, but still, isn’t that what many guys, including those “selfish lovers” want from their respective partner? Similarly, the second verse continues to ‘amp-up’ the sex game, while Saweetie makes an appearance on the third verse.  Referring to herself as a ‘bitch’ a couple times (assuming a ‘bad’ one), she makes it clear, “Understand you ain’t dealing with no basic bitch,” and “I be running up a check, watch a bitch work / Try and keep up baby, but I finish first.” The sex is ‘out of control’ on “You Come First,” but it’s an enjoyable, well-rounded pop record when it’s all said and done.

7. Sam Smith, “Say it First”

The Thrill of it All • Capitol • 2017

“Say It First” is a mid-tempo ballad, clearly in the wheelhouse of Grammy-winning pop musician, Sam Smith.  What is shocking is that his 2017 sophomore album from which “Say It First” hails, The Thrill of it All, failed to be nominated for any Grammys – WTF? Regardless, the album is another strong effort from Smith, and while “Say It First” isn’t the best of the best of the album, it’s definitely a well-rounded record.

Compared to some of the other songs on The Thrill of it All, “Say it First” is more positive regarding love.  Essentially, Sam Smith needs to know where his lover stands regarding a potential relationship.  Smith doesn’t want to be the one to say “I love you” first; he doesn’t want to be in that position.  The chorus brilliantly captures this relatable sentiment:

“Come on baby, say it first
I need to hear you say those words
If I’m all that you desire, I promise there’ll be fire
I need to hear you say it first
Come on, baby, do your worst
I know you’ll take me higher
So come on, darling
If you love me, say it first.”

8. Chris Stapleton, “Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning”

From a Room: Vol. 1 • Mercury • 2017

“Oh, the last thing I needed, the first thing this morning / Was to have you walk out on me.” Sigh. Grammy-winning country musician Chris Stapleton remains consistent on his throwback, sophomore album, From a Room: Volume 1. From A Room is a brief affair, but superbly executed – understatement. Stapleton gets into some lengthy song title action with the eight-word-titled, country classic, “Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning.”  Yeah, ‘last’ comes first, but our focus is ‘first’… something like that.

“And I laid down beside you, and I wanted your loving

‘Cause your love makes my life complete.”

“Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning” takes the vintage country sound to the next level, sounding anachronistic in 2017.  It should be noted, “Last Thing I Needed…” is a Willie Nelson cover, as opposed to a contemporary country record.  Anachronistic is meant as no disrespect here. This record is chocked-full of character, led by Stapleton’s expressive, signature vocals, much ‘grittier’ than Nelson’s take. “Last Thing I Needed, First Thing This Morning” previously appeared on the playlist, 10 Songs Perfect for the Morning.

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9. Marc E. Bassy, “Made Love First”

Ft. Kehlani

Gossip Columns • Republic • 2017

“Before I knew your maiden name or even had your picture framed / I knew your body told me thing, but shit, I should’ve picked your brain…” K…For many folks, the world was introduced to Marc E. Bassy in 2016, when he dropped his second EP, Groovy People.  Difficult to classify or pigeonhole, Bassy proved himself to be eclectic.  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 ‘first’ song at hand, “Made Love First.”

On “Made Love First,” Bassy “gets a little help from his friend,” Grammy-nominated urban contemporary artist, Kehlani.  “Made Love First” 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:

“I wish we didn’t make love first
You know that tore apart everything from the start
I wish we didn’t make love first
We know that body does claim that we fell in love
I wish we didn’t make love first
You know you let me hit, that don’t mean this is it, yeah
I wish we didn’t make love first
Baby our time was wrong, but as soon as you hear this song
I hope you let me.”

Well, with the cliffhanger of the final line of the chorus, naturally there’s a post-chorus.  Furthermore, it’s sexually charged: “Let me hit it like the first night.” The theme itself is a relatable one, particularly in a hook-up dominated culture.  Both Bassy (verse one, chorus) and Kehlani (verse two) shine here.

10.Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, “Break First”

The Rest of Our Life • McGraw Music / Sony • 2017

“Somebody said you’re here, but I ain’t gonna leave / Maybe I’ll just act like you’re a stranger…” 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.  The song at hand, “Break First”, 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.  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.  The premise? Which of the two are going to give in first.

“You or me, baby, who’s gonna break first?
You or me, baby, who’s gonna break first?
Who’s gonna walk up and say ‘hi’
Then lean in a little close to whose lips
Say, “What the hell are we doin’?’
You or me, baby, who’s gonna break first?”

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

“Who’s gona say, ‘What were we thinkin’?’
Who’s gonna cut right through the tension
Who’s gonna admit that they miss who worse?
Who’s gonna tell who how bad it hurts?”

11. Troye Sivan, “BITE”

Blue Neighbourhood • Capitol • 2015

“Don’t you wanna see a man up close? / A phoenix in the fire.” Throughout his 2015 debut album, Blue Neighbourhood, South African born, Australian-bred pop musician Troye Sivan showed off indisputable talent as well as an authentic peek into his world. Blue Neighbourhood masterfully captures his experiences as a gay male coping with being different. “BITE,” the song at hand, may not feature ‘first’ in its song title, but it is about a ‘first’ experience.  Furthermore, “BITE” literally has a ‘bite’ about it, sounding ‘suspect’ – more to come!

According to an interview with Pop Buzz, Troye Sivan stated, “‘BITE’ is about my first time in a gay club.” He goes on to describe the chaotic atmosphere, asserting he “wanted to capture the chaos”: “… [I was] taken aback by the sticky floor, the shirtless men, and everything else.” Lyrically, “BITE” grows progressively sketchier.

“The rapture in the dark puts me at ease
The blind eye of the storm
Let’s go for a walk down Easy street
Where you can be reborn.”

“BITE” 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 – another part of his sexual awakening.

“11 Captivating Songs About Firsts” [Photo Credits: Arista, Atlantic, Capitol, Epic, McGraw Music, Mercury, Pexels, Photo Finish, Pixabay, Republic, S-Curve, Sony, Stanley Park]

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