11 Captivating Songs About the Earth – Well – Some of Them | Playlist 🎧

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“11 Captivating Songs About the Earth – Well – Some of Them” features Declan McKenna, Easy Life, Grimes, Michael Jackson & ODESZA. 

“I feel the earth / Move / Under my feet / I feel the sky tumbling down…” Ah – “I Feel the Earth Move” is definitely a classic by legendary, singer/songwriter extraordinaire, Carole King (Tapestry).  15 years later, Belinda Carlisle told the world, “They say in heaven love comes first / Well make heaven a place on earth.” “Heaven is a Place on Earth,” apparently. 20 years after that, in 2007, Prince (R.I.P.) delivered “Planet Earth,” singing, “Just like the countless bodies / That revolve around the sun / Planet Earth must now come into balance with the one…” That one? God, of course.  He continues, “Then we’ll see His kingdom come / So shall it be written, so shall it be sung.”

Any of the aforementioned songs would’ve been a perfect fit for 11 CAPTIVATING SONGS ABOUT THE EARTH – WELL – SOME OF THEM. However, I opted for 11 other songs, including at least one regrettable choice, to compile this list.  It’s no coincidence that this playlist debuts on Earth Day 2020 – April 22, 2020.  That, of course, doesn’t mean all of these songs celebrate preservation of Earth, but, all 11 songs do indeed feature earth in their respective title.  11 Captivating Songs About the Earth – Well – Some of Them features music courtesy of Declan McKenna (“The Key to Life on Earth”), Easy Life (“Earth”), Grimes (“So Heavy I Fell Through the Earth”), Michael Jackson (“Earth Song”) and ODESZA (“Corners of the Earth”) among others.  Without further ado, let’s celebrate earth!

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1. Ricky Dillard, “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Choirmaster • Motown Gospel • 2020

Gospel standout Ricky Dillard joined by a mass choir and an anointed countertenor (Thomas Allen), delivers a record for ‘times like these’ with “Let There Be Peace on Earth (Live)”, an advance from his 2020 album, Choirmaster. 2020 has proven to be quite the turbulent year – not the way anyone anticipated commencing a new decade.  The biggest shocker has been the heartbreaking and deadly COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the entire world. What better time, hence, to petition for ‘peace on earth?’

Dillard’s rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth” yields amazing results. Honestly, you don’t have to be a believer to arrive at that takeaway.  The mass choir rendition finds the spirit is lofty, led by the compelling, technically sound Thomas Allen. The arrangement also deserves recognition, opting against merely being tried and true version, expanding beyond. If you’re in need of music to help assuage and sooth anxiety, doubts, and troubles, particularly given the turbulence of 2020, “Let There Be Peace on Earth (Live)” is definitely worth adding to your listening rotation. Worth noting, “Let There Be Peace on Earth” was featured as the third track for Somber Sunday, which appears in the weekly playlist, Weekly Gems No. 3: Week of 4-13-2020.

2. Grimes, “So Heavy I Fell Through the Earth – Art Mix”

Miss Anthropocene • 4AD • 2020

Alternative artist Grimes is a ‘one of a kind’ musician, period.  In 2020, she returned with Miss Anthropocene, her first new album since Art Angels (2015). “We Appreciate Power”, which appears on the deluxe edition of Miss Anthropocene graced the powerful 11 Energetic, Powerful and or Strong Songs. Now, on this earth-driven playlist, we turn to Grimes to supply us with another relevant number, “So Heavy I Fell Through the Earth.”

What stands out most about “So Heavy I Fell Through the Earth” is the sound and the vibe.  The production is comprised of sleek synths, pads, guitar, and of course, a potent groove. Lyrically, it’s incredibly simple with few words.  Notably, there are no verses, with the song built on a refrain, pre-chorus, chorus, and outro. The lyrics all deal with ‘weight’ and ‘heaviness,’ with Grimes singing in lush, legato fashion.  Her vocals are heavy on reverb as well, further contributing to the vibe. Does “So Heavy I Fell Through the Earth” sound the least bit terrestrial? Not by my estimations, but that’s a good thing.

“Yeah, oh
So heavy, I feel through the earth
Yeah, oh
‘Cause I fucking love
Yeah, oh
So heavy, I fell through the earth
Yeah, oh
‘Cause I’m full of love from you.”

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3. Yo Gotti, “H.O.E. (Heaven on Earth)”

Untrapped • Epic • 2020

With Yo Gotti, you pretty much know what you’re getting – sex, sex, and even more sex.  Many times over, the Memphis rapper has exhibited confidence, cockiness, and of course horniness.  His 2020 banger, “H.O.E. (Heaven on Earth)” (Untrapped), hence, sounds quite familiar.  Sure, Lamont Porter (EZ Elpee) and Mark Davon give him a sick backdrop to spit over, but the script is familiar to say the least.  Of course, “H.O.E. (Heaven on Earth)” has nothing to do with Earth Day or conservation. It’s all about ‘getting it in.’

The song title pretty much reveals Gotti’s cards. “Oh, I’m rich-rich, shawty thick-thick / We fuck her friend together, that’s my bitch-bitch,” Gotti brags at the beginning of the first verse.  Again, it’s exactly what we’ve come to expect from him. He’s objectified women throughout his career, so why would “H.O.E.” be any different.  The second verse offers more of the same, including a reference to DMs (of course): “I’m Mr. Slide-in-the-DM, flay and go and see ‘em / Work her out like a trainer, but this is not a gym…” Again, Gotti leaves little to the imagination. At least give him credit for admitting what HE is on the centerpiece, the chorus:

“I’m a ho, I know I’m a ho
But don’t you call me that, lil nigga, that shit come with the smoke
I’m a ho, got bitches galore
How many Instagram models I done fucked on before?”

“H.O.E.” is a banger but the question becomes, when will Gotti expand the script? Will his hoe-ish ways ever disappear and evolve into, um, I dunno, monogamy or at least, more meaningful, transcendent rhymes?

4. Declan McKenna, “The Key to Life on Earth”

Zeros • Tomplicated • 2020

Declan McKenna has proven himself to be wise behind his years.  In 2015, he released the accomplished single, “Paracetamol”, a stunning socially conscious record surprisingly coming from a 16-year old.  He wouldn’t stop there, eventually releasing a brilliant EP, Liar (2016) before unveiling a superb but totally underrated full-length debut album, What Do You Think About the Car? in 2017. What Do You Think About the Car? arrived via Sony, while his 2020 sophomore album, Zeros, arrives independently via Tomplicated Records.  After compelling with the promo single, “Beautiful Faces”, McKenna impresses once more on “The Key to Life on Earth”.

“The Key to Life on Earth” excels across the board.  First and foremost, Declan McKenna is a star, delivering bright, expressive, and energetic vocals. McKenna possesses a degree of rawness, which easily cuts through the production.  He’s also assisted by some pretty sweet, multitalented background vocalists: Nathan Cox (also keyboards, xylophone, and bass), Isabel Torres (also guitar), and Gabrielle King (also drums). The production is bright and shimmering, bursting with energy.  Like Declan’s vocals, the enthusiasm level is high.  What stands out specifically is the tone color and timbre, particularly the keyboards and guitar.

The vocals are great, and the instrumental is great too, so, that leaves lyrics and theme.  As expected, Declan McKenna brings in some socially conscious elements.  He sings about young people in England:

“Holy smokes
You kids and your jokes
Asking where we got our jeans and where the hell we found our coats
‘Cause dirty streets these days are graced by Nikes of black and green
And headstrong boys in chinos barely grasp what that could mean.”

Also, he references being ‘trapped’ because, “They’ve got it in for me”:

“We’ve been held back for after-school meetings
They’ve got it in for me
For all it’s worth
The key to life on Earth
Jokers, happy go xenophobe locals
Have got it in for me
For all I’m worth
The key to life on Earth.”

The outro is quite a treat too. Honestly, Declan McKenna is ALWAYS a treat, and “The Key to Life on Earth” is a prime example. #Winning.

5. Easy Life, “Earth”

Junk Food • Island • 2020

According to their Facebook page, Easy Life describes their genre as ‘non-binary.’ That’s definitely cool.  Based on the song at hand, “Earth,” which appears on Junk Food (2020), I definitely agree with their characterization.  Of course, if we must label the Leicester band led by Murray Matravers with a musical style, how about we go along with iTunes’ characterization of alternative. If it weren’t by chance (thanks YouTube), “Earth” probably wouldn’t have earned a spot on this 11 CAPTIVATING SONGS ABOUT THE EARTH – WELL – SOME OF THEM list.  I’m so glad I partook of the “Earth” music video, which is embedded below.

Even though Junk Food wasn’t released until January 2020, “Earth” had been around since summer 2019.  What makes “Earth” so otherworldly is, well, just about everything.  The record is anchored by a dusty, soulful groove, straight from old-school hip-hop.  Adding to the marvelousness of the sound are the detuned, hazy-sounding guitar, and the bright, ‘in your face’ synths, and of course, Murray’s distinct vocals.  One thing that makes his vocals shine is the heaviness of his accent – at least as a listener from the United States.  He sings, busts a rhyme, and most of all, compels.

While “Earth” is left of center, Easy Life does a nice job of providing structures – a clear form.  The chorus is unleashed from the jump in all it’s glory:

“And yet another crash landin’
I need a little understandin’
Don’t feel at home on this planet (Earth)
But I’ll be lookin’ so candid
Yeah, still I look so candid
And yet another crash landin’.”

From there, we get some colorful lyrics at the hand of Murray. Notably, he makes reference to the many problems plaguing the planet:

“It’s intergalactic, I can’t see through the static
And we breathe in the fumes, fill the oceans with plastic
Then we fill up with junk food and ruin the classics
But look at me, I’m just so fucking attractive.”

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6. MARINA, “End of the Earth”

Love + Fear • Atlantic • 2019

“But I’ll give my love, I don’t care if it hurts / ‘Cause I’ll love you ‘til the end / I’ll love you ‘til the end of the earth.” Now that is dedication! Welsh pop singer MARINA dropped the name Marina and the Diamonds for her 2019 studio album Love + Fear.  “End of the Earth” appears on the Love side of the album, as the eighth and final track.

As the excerpt from the chorus states, MARINA is willing to do whatever to be in love with her lover (whoever they may be). “Love can never be what you want it to be / But I’d still follow you down,” she sings at the first verse.  On the second verse, she speaks about taking the risk to – you guessed it – experience love:

“Do you ever think how this life could’ve been?
If you never took the chance
A leap of faith and dance
With losing it all.”

Clearly, she’s not going anywhere, with further evidence arriving on the bridge.  As far as the music, James Flannigan gives MARINA a sleek, electronic-tinged production to sing over.  Besides the impressive synths, there’s also gorgeous, warm keyboard patches.  Of course, MARINA sounds marvelous.  The vocal production is also quite stunning.

7. Lil Dicky, “Earth”

“Earth” • Commission Music • 2019

Sometimes, a song that I take objection to actually ends up on several playlists – kind of crazy.  What I’m saying is, don’t interpret the appearance of the Lil Dicky record. “Earth”, on this playlist as a sign I’m a fan of the song. I should note, however, the original playlist “Earth” hailed from was 11 of the Absolute Worst Songs of 2019.  Guess where it ranked among the abysmal? Number one, baby!

“Earth” isn’t intended to be taken seriously – it’s a comedy rap song – but it’s also atrocious to the nth degree. If you had to give this unforgivable atrocity one pass, the pop-oriented production by A-listers Cashmere Cat and benny blanco is respectable.  Beyond that, “Earth” is total shit, and yet, it appears on 11 CAPTIVATING SONGS ABOUT THE EARTH – WELL – SOME OF THEM. Sure, it’s neat that Lil Dicky assembled so many celebrities to appear on this song, but still, it’s a total disaster! 

Justin Bieber arrives as a baboon in the music video for crying out loud, singing that his “anus is huge” – ugh! Shawn Mendes (rhino) asserts, “We’re just some rhinos, horny as heck.” Lil Jon appears, loudly shouting, “What the fuck? I’m a clam.” Lil Yachty is “HPV, don’t let me in.” To his credit, Lil Dicky drops a verse aiming to be transcendent – well, to some extent:

“All these shootings, pollution, we under attack on ourselves
Like, let’s all just chill, respect what we built.”

Of course, later, he references sex, so that kind of throws transcendence out the window. Did I mention this song was total shit?

8. Of Mice & Men, “Earth & Sky”

EARTHANDSKY • Rise • 2019

“This is definitely the most experimental song on the record in terms of musicality – it takes you through a trip of different time signatures and tempos,” Of Mice & Men front man Aaron Pauley expresses to Rock Sound regarding the adventurous “Earth & Sky.” “Earth & Sky” appears as the seventh track on the California rock band’s 2019 album, EARTHANDSKY.  Yeah, it’s the title track, just stylized a bit differently.

The sound of “Earth & Sky” is heavy, but as Pauley states, its musical – opts for a degree of that rarity thing called innovative spirit.  What is crystal clear is that Pauley and Of Mice & Men aren’t backing down.  On the chorus, he sings:

“I won’t run, I won’t turn away
I won’t let you get the best of me
I won’t fall in your gravity
Open your eyes
You’re the earth and I’m the sky.”

Yeah, he’s higher up – #Clouds! Well, sort of… Providing further insight, Pauley tells Rock Sound about a number of things the band sought to capture on this particular record including antithesis, connection despite anthesis, and reflecting on life as an experienced musician as music and the faces performing music continue to change. Ultimately, he shares, “So, this song is about me talking to myself and my self-doubts as much as it is something other people can relate to.”

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9. Mac Miller, “Come Back to Earth”

Swimming • Warner • 2018

“My regrets look just like texts I shouldn’t send / And I got neighbors, they’re more like strangers / We could be friends / I just need a way out of my head / I’ll do anything for a way out / Of my head.” Talk about a mood, “Come Back to Earth” kicks off Swimming in a mellow, yet ‘heavy’ fashion.  Clearly, prior to his tragic death, Mac Miller was in the midst of a storm, filled with regret about the mistakes he’s made.

“Oh, the things I’d do
To spend a little time in hell
And what I won’t tell you
I prolly never even tell myself.”

“Come Back to Earth” is a terrific opener that superbly sets the tone for Swimming. Sadly, you wish that something could’ve been done to prevent such a talented individual from dying at such a young age.  This particular earth song previously appeared on the playlist, 9 Songs About the Planets and Pluto Too.

10. ODESZA, “Corners of the Earth”

Ft. RY X

A Moment Apart • Counter • 2017 

“Tonight, we run / We run into the sun / We run into the corners of / The love we choose to make.” ODESZA, comprised of Catacombkid and BeachesBeaches, is an electronic production duo based in Seattle, Washington.  On September 8, 2017, the duo released their second studio album, A Moment Apart.  In advance of the project, they issued five promo singles, including “Corners of the Earth”, featuring RY X, the closing track on the album.

“Corners of the Earth” features absolutely stunning, gorgeous production work.  This is showcased from the jump, giving off an ambient sound.  Once the vocals by RY X enter, the ambience and enigma grow even more pronounced.  RY X makes the sole explicit mention of Earth on the third verse:

“Tonight, we’re golden
We fall towards each other
We fall to the edges of the earth
We burn tonight as one.”

Vocals and music mesh exceptionally well, creating quite the captivating artwork. Initially, the listener gets the sense of the thoughtfulness and careful conception of this particular song. “Corners” has few rubs if any. It’s lengthy, exceeding past five-minutes with slow pacing, but regardless, it’s quite stunning ear candy.

11. Michael Jackson, “Earth Song”

HIStory – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE – BOOK I • Epic • 1995

There are few better ways to conclude any playlist than with the Michael Jackson song, “Earth Song.” “Earth Song” hails from The King of Pop’s most controversial album, HIStory – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE – BOOK I.  Even so, that doesn’t stop this ballad from being among the most powerful of his career.  Here, Jackson gives listeners a bit of everything – pop, rock, R&B, and gospel.  Throw in the music video, and you’ve totally checked off the boxes of Gesamtkunstwerk. No, “Earth Song” isn’t nearly as beloved as those untouchable gems from Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), or Bad (1987), but in my opinion, the way that this seven-minute single is assembled is nothing short of EPIC.

What makes “Earth Song” so awesome.  Michael Jackson, first and foremost – duh. Jackson absolutely sings the hell out it.  He shows incredible emotion whether he’s singing more coolly and plaintively on the verses, or when he ratchets things up on my favorite section, the breakdown. On the breakdown, Jackson gets a marvelous assist from Andrae Crouch’s Choir.  Between the two, we get stunning, high-powered call and response bridging the spirit of rock and the soulful, uplifting sensibilities of gospel.

“What about yesterday? (What about us?)
What about the seas? (What about us?)
The heavens are falling down (What about us?)
I can’t even breathe (What about us?).”

Adding to the epic nature of “Earth Song” is how WOKE it was, and still is today.  Michael Jackson speaks on the treatment of the earth (of course), as well as issues of humanity (“What about killing fields? Is there a time?”), as well as faith (“What about all the peace that you pledge your only son?”).  There was no way that “Earth Song” wouldn’t appear on 11 CAPTIVATING SONGS ABOUT THE EARTH – WELL – SOME OF THEM.

“11 Captivating Songs About the Earth – Well – Some of Them” [Photo Credits: 4AD, Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Commission Music, Counter, Epic, Island, Motown Gospel, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Rise, Tomplicated, Warner]

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