11 Captivating Songs to LEAN Into

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11 Captivating Songs to LEAN Into features music courtesy of Al Green, Club Nouveau, HAIM, Key Glock, and Kirk Franklin.

“Lean, lean into it / Give me all that you got now.” That’s right, Joe – “Lean Into It”! About ten years earlier, Dem Franchize Boyz encourages us all to “Lean wit it, rock wit it”. Of course, many rappers have referenced lean a lot – we see you Kirko Bangz with that “Drank in My Cup”. This playlist, 11 Captivating Songs to LEAN Into, focuses on the word lean in various contexts. Honestly, it was one of the musical compendiums that sort of came out of the blue. 11 Captivating Songs to LEAN Into features music courtesy of Al Green, Club Nouveau, HAIM, Key Glock, and Kirk Franklin among others. So, prepare to lean into these captivating lean songs, won’t you?!

1. Club Nouveau, “Lean On Me”

Life, Love & Pain • Tommy Boy Music, LLC • 1986

“Sometimes in our lives / We all have pain / We all have sorrow / But if we are wise / We know that there’s always tomorrow / Lean on me.” Indeed, indeed, Bill Withers. The late, great musician penned and performed a masterpiece with “Lean On Me”, which has been covered many, many times. Perhaps the best cover of this timeless classic was by R&B collective Club Nouveau on their 1986, platinum album, Life, Love & Pain. While Club Nouveau preserves the sanctity of the melody throughout the course of “Lean On Me,” they transform the third track of Life, Love & Pain into a high-energy dance track that’s idiomatic of the 1980s through and through. “Lean On Me,” in their hands, spent two weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was certified gold by the RIAA. Furthermore, the collective was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Performance for a Duo or Group with Vocal. Notably, Withers went on to win a Grammy as the songwriter of “Lean on Me” for Best Rhythm & Blues Song.

The Club Noveau rendition of “Lean On Me” begins traditionally, sounding much like an updated version of the 1970s classic. Prior to the first verse, the tempo increases, led by those signature, high-energy, 80s boxy drums. Even if, by today’s standards, the drum programming is dated, there’s something charming and truly special about it. Beyond the drums, the keys and synths are ear-catching, radicalizing the soul classic. The rhythm is insane – in the most positive way possible! Those keys bite – they are in your face! With the melody intact, as previously stated, among the most interesting, different sections of this take incorporates some reggae vibes: “We be jamming / We be jamming.” Fo’ sho’! All told, Club Nouveau transform “Lean On Me”, among the best songs of all time, into their own legitimate hit.

Appears in :

Club Nouveau, Lean On Me: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 185 (2023)

2. Key Glock, “Lean Habits”

Glockoma 2 • Paper Route EMPIRE • 2023

“Ayy, y’all go some more ice?” Memphis rapper Key Glock needs that ice for his lean, of course. Why? He’s got “Lean Habits”! “I got lean habits / I got kinfolk in the trenches, never seen a Patek / Yeah, I was raised by my granny, barely seen my pappy / Yeah, now I’m paid, I got bitches callin’ me daddy.” Come-up and flex ! “Lean Habits” appears as the seventh track on his 2023 album, Glockoma 2. Besides asking for ice, drinking sound effects can be heard during the intro as well – not surprising! Of course, lean is referenced multiple times, including his assertion he has a “Baby bottle full of syrup with no baby, baby,” and later, admits, “I was sixteen, sippin’ lean when I started rappin’, nigga.” With ample lean in the mix, “Lean Habits” also encompasses drip, money, sex – the shallower things in life.

Key Glock keeps those habits brief, at least in terms of the song. Two-and-a-half-minutes is ample time for him to mention those fast whips, shooters, Wilt Chamberlain (obligatory baller reference), and I quote, “can’t put my trust up in these bitches, these hoes janky.” WOO! Besides the hip-hop clichés via Glock’s compelling, easygoing yet assured flow, the production ( RamyOnTheBeat and Oh Ross) fuels the fire. It’s those keys, the warm vocals, and the stuttering drums. Notably, a sample – “Friday” by Laura Groves – ups the ante. Who says trap can’t be classy? At least the instrumental! Lean = BAD while “Lean Habits” = BANGER.

Appears in :

Key Glock, Lean Habits: Bangerz N Bopz No. 15 (2023)

3. HAIM, “Leaning on You” 

Women in Music, Pt. III • Columbia • 2020 

“I might forget to turn out all the lights / But you can take care of me when I have to leave at dawn.” Sweet, sweet, sweet! Women in Music Pt. III is an incredibly well put-together album by Grammy-nominated soft-rock sister trio, HAIM – among the crème de la crème of 2020. “Leaning on You” appears on the second half of the LP, specifically the ninth track.  Like the songs that precede and follow, it’s top-notch.  There are plenty of things to sink one’s teeth into, whether it’s the gorgeous vocal harmonies, the rhythmic and rousing production ( Danielle Haim, Rostam Batmanglij, Ariel Rechtshaid), the colorful instrumental bridge, and songwriting that is clearly on-point (HAIM and Rostam). The chorus, embracing, leaning on that special person, is the centerpiece, intact with a f-bomb! F’ing A! 

“It takes all that I got 

Not to fuck this up 

So, won’t you let me know 

If I’m not alone?  

Leaning on you.”  

Appears in :

Leaning: 3BOPS No. 5 (2021)

4. Terror Squad, “Lean Back” (Ft. Fat Joe & Remy Ma)

True Story • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2004

“I said my niggas don’t dance / We just pull up our pants and, do the rockaway / Now lean back, lean back / Lean back, lean back.” WOO! In 2004, Terror Squad dropped a rap banger that kicked some substantial ass in “Lean Back”. Fat Joe and Remy Ma brought the heat on this Grammy-nominated, gold-certified, no. 1 hit on the Hot 100 from the album, True Story. Featuring malicious, minor-key production from a red-hot Scott Storch, “Lean Back” was a banger for the ages. The chorus is the most memorable part of the record, though the attitude contributed by both Fat Joe and Remy Ma also goes a long way. Joe delivers his fair share of memorable, hard-nosed bars, including his opening assertion, “I don’t give a fuck about your faults or mishappens / Nigga, we from the Bronx, New York, shit happens.” Oh, snap! The rapper has been criticized for his use of the n-word, given the fact that he is Latino, not black. Furthermore, he drops the f-slur in the third verse (“These faggot niggas even made gang signs commercial”). Not a good look these days. The f-slur was more prominent in rap years ago, which was unfortunate. It’s one of those words you should avoid like the plague. Anyways, as for Remy, she’s “R to the Ezzy, M to the Yzzy / My arms stay breezy, the Don stay flizzy.” Yessir! Well… yes, ma’am! “Lean Back” was a banger to the nth degree, and aside from some controversial word choices, still holds up today.

5. Young Dro, “Shoulder Lean” (Ft. T.I.)

Best Thang Smokin’ • Atlantic • 2006   

“Let me see you bounce right to left and let your SHOULDER lean / Let your shoulder lean, just let your shoulder lean, just let your shoulder lean.” Some musicians only muster up one big hit in their careers (and some have none as well).  Young Dro qualifies in this category.  In 2006, the southern rapper had a big-time hit with “Shoulder Lean,” which appears on Best Thang Smokin’. Dro gets a big time assist from T.I., who was one of the biggest rappers that year – King ranked among the year’s best, NO CAP! Why was “Shoulder Lean” so successful? Well, going back to the dominance of T.I. himself, southern rap had a great year.  The sound appealed to the mainstream, opening the door for a lesser-known rapper to carve out success. “Shoulder Lean” checks off all of the boxes of an aughts southern rap hit. Dro is cocky and confident, keyed-in on drip and sex.  Furthermore, the production is hard-hitting, intact with a sick beat and synths, set in a minor key.  Of course, it’s T.I. that gets the best part of the song, the chorus, excerpted at the top.  

Appears in :

13 Utterly Compelling Shoulder Songs (2020)

6. Al Green, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”

I’ll Rise Again • Hi / Fat Possum • 1983

“What a fellowship, what a joy divine / Leaning on the everlasting arms / What a blessedness, what a peace of mind [Note: peace is mine in the hymnal] / Leaning on the everlasting arms.” Ah, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” aka “What A Fellowship” – one of those truly great hymns of the church. Al Green, firmly planted in gospel music post-Memphis soul, released this Elisha Albright Hoffman (lyrics) + Anthony Johnson Showalter (music) penned hymn on his 1983 album, I’ll Rise Again. Keeping things short and sweet, Green’s take runs under three minutes. Even so, the legendary musician gives this inspirational song a Memphis soul makeover. Even four decades later, Green’s version remains fresh.

First and foremost, it is those marvelous, distinct vocals by the pastor that makes “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” superb. His tone is truly anointed. It’s easy to lean on every lyric Green sings, thanks to his incredible musicianship. Al sings with ease. Even so, he is potent without ever forcing things. Furthermore, it’s amazing how he infuses those soul chops into this beloved hymn.

“Leaning, leaning

Safe and secure from all alarms;

Leaning, leaning

Leaning on the everlasting arms.”

Beyond the pitch-perfect vocals and lyrics, the soulful backdrop makes “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” the ‘musical lift’ that it is. The sound doubles as being characteristic of southern gospel, yet fits the Memphis soul aesthetic, which the reverend is best known for, from the 1970s. “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” is an example of an ‘oldie’ that never, ever grows old. Both the performance, and the message, resound over and over and over!

Appears in :

Al Green, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms: Music Lifts No. 62 (2023)

7. Lil Peep, “Leanin’” 

Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2 • Columbia • 2018 

“Leanin’ back in my seat / Got me thinkin’ bout my life now (Life now) / I wish that I could see you right now (Right now) …” “Leanin’” appears as the fifth track from Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2, the first posthumous album by Lil Peep. Lil Peep, of course, died at the age of 21 in November 2017, just when his career was picking up steam. Tragic.  Focusing on the song at hand, Peep seems to go down a dangerous, downward spiral. It’s quite chilling considering he’s no longer living.  From the beginning, he discusses his lifestyle, which includes “Poppin’ pills.” Even more eyebrow raising are lyrics such as “Bury me with all the lights out” (eerie) and “I was trying to die last night, survived suicide last night / Woke up surprised / Am I really alive?”  

Appears in :

Leaning: 3BOPS No. 5 (2021)

8. Daniel Caesar, “Please Do Not Lean” (Ft. BADBADNOTGOOD) 

NEVER ENOUGH • Hollace Inc. / Republic • 2023

“Please do not lean on me, I’m unstable / You’re all you need, I’ve seen it, you’re able.” Daniel Caesar gives “Sweet Emily, my bride to be” a fair warning on “Please Do Not Lean”.  The Grammy winner collaborates with the always talented BADBADNOTGOOD, conjuring up a brilliant, contemporary soul cut, which ultimately appears on his 2023 album, NEVER ENOUGH. Safe to say, “Please Do Not Lean” is incredibly pleasing to the ears. Caesar, being unfit for her is an awesome means to drive the narrative; it keeps things interesting.  The fact that he isn’t shy about his shortcomings is awesome. Of course, it comes down to more than just theme and lyrics.  Caesar offers up a soulful, refined brand of vocals, showcasing his talent.  Furthermore, he has an incredibly beautiful backdrop supporting him. The boys of BADBADNOTGOOD put in some serious work behind the boards, and of course, performing on their respective instruments. I heart the harmonized vocals during the chorus. Here, the production grows in scope. Notably, there’s a stellar change of pace following the second chorus including some instrumentation changes, with rhythm guitar leading the charge.  It’s an awesome way to conclude an awesome record.  

Appears in :

13 Please Songs That You Must Listen To (2023)

9. Aaron Frazer, “Leanin’ on Your Everlasting Love” 

Introducing… • Dead Oceans / Easy Eye Sound • 2021 

Aaron Frazer of Durand Jones & The Indications, stepped out on his own in 2021 with his debut album, Introducing…. Throughout the retro-soul LP, he makes the best of a soulful backdrop and his ability to croon like an absolute boss.  He concludes Introducing… with its most triumphant moment, the gospel/blues-infused ballad, “Leanin’ on Your Everlasting Love.” While Frazer delivers a calm, cool, and collected vocal, on “Leanin’ on Your Everlasting Love,” contextually within Introducing…, he brings more oomph and punch.  Maybe it’s the passion, coupled with the best production Dan Auerbach serves up on the entire album.  If you can’t feel the passion in this one, well, you must truly have a heart of stone!

Appears in :

10. Bill Withers, “Lean On Me”

Still Bill • Columbia • 1972

“Lean on me, when you’re not strong / And I’ll be your friend / I’ll help you carry on…” “Lean on Me”, the most ubiquitous Bill Withers (1938 – 2020) song, never grows old. The gold-certified standout from his 1972 album, Still Bill, is one of those rare, transcendent songs that bridges several different generations.  Why is it such a terrific song? It’s soulful, memorable, and relatively simple. Sometimes, the simplest songs from a musical standpoint carry the most weight.  The harmonic progression isn’t complicated, yet it’s one of the most memorable and recognizable ones ever.  The minute that you hear those ascending chord changes, you connect it with “Lean on Me.” The lyrics, poetically written, also uncomplicated, hearken back to more innocent, selfless, and thoughtful times.  The chorus is a prime example, though the verses and bridge are also ripe in promoting brotherhood:  

“Just call on me brother when you need a hand 

We all need somebody to lean on 

I just might have a problem that you’ll understand 

We all need somebody to lean on.”  

The final reason why “Lean on Me” is epic is its all-around soulfulness.  First and foremost, Withers was tailor-made to sing this. He delivers a smooth, easy-going performance that’s no less potent had he thrown in ample vocal runs.  He’s coolly soulful you might say. The production is equally stellar, led by the blend of acoustic and electric pianos, anchored by a robust bass line and drum groove, and accentuated by strings.  “Lean on Me” earned three weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. He’d win a Grammy in 1987 for Best R&B Song, thanks to popular a cover courtesy of Club Nouveau.

Appears in :

11. Kirk Franklin, “Lean On Me”

The Nu Nation Project • GospoCentric • 1998

“This is for that little child with no father / For that man that doesn’t have a place to stay / For that little boy living with AIDS…” Kirk Franklin is a gospel music icon.  In the 1990s, he was a true pioneer.  He showed a knack for making the genre alluring to a younger audience, incorporating hip-hop and R&B, while delivering inspirational and uplifting messages. His 1998 album, The Nu Nation Project, is epic – one of the finest gospel albums of the decade.  The biggest song from The Nu Nation Project was “Lean On Me”, which featured an all-star cast of musicians: R. Kelly, Crystal Lewis, Mary J. Blige, and Bono – yes that Bono of U2 ! “Lean On Me” is that rare gospel record that crossed over onto the pop charts – it peaked at no. 79 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Furthermore, “Lean On Me” – categorized as an R&B song – was nominated for three Grammys: Song of the Year, Best R&B Song, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.  Ultimately, The Nu Nation Project’s win for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album would secure Franklin with one of his 19 Grammys (to date). 

“Lean On Me” is a mighty musical lift ️‍️ thanks to  its encouragement, spirituality, and marvelous vocals.. R. Kelly, long before becoming disgraced, is the first singing voice heard, and he sounds stellar.  He paints a picture of a homeless man going through a great trial, concluding the verse with “And his blue skies are gone / Can’t you hear him cryin’ out.” Think to yourself – have you ever cried out to friends, family, and God? From there, Crystal Lewis provides the perspective of a girl, searching for someone to lean on, prefacing the powerful chorus, performed by the choir stupendously: 

“I, am here   

You don’t have to worry   

I can see, your tears  

I’ll be there in a hurry when you call  

Friends are there to catch you when you fall  

Here’s my shoulder, you can lean on me.” 

The “I” represents dedicated, true friends, with none bigger than The Most High, God.  Mary J. Blige arrives in the third verse, continuing to depict the scenario of folks in need.  Bono adds his unique, nuanced voice to the fourth verse, singing with the choir, and Kirk serving up his usual brand of ministry.  Later, the bridge marks a truly magnificent moment, with lines performed by Kelly, Bono, Lewis, Dalon Collins, and Kirk. It leads into the most dynamic, powerful chorus of them all, including a fitting key change.  Listening to “Lean On Me” the big takeaway is showing humanity, lending a helping hand, and of course, putting faith in an all-merciful God, who can do anything. 25 years later, this song remains a blessing .   

Appears in :  

11 Captivating Songs to LEAN Into (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Columbia, Dead Oceans / Easy Eye Sound, GospoCentric, Hi / Fat Possum, Hollace Inc., Paper Route EMPIRE, Republic, Tommy Boy Music, LLC, UMG Recordings, Inc.; Анна Хазова, Allan Mas, Filip Rankovic Grobgaard, Henry Altidor,
Trần Long from Pexels]

11 Captivating Songs to LEAN Into | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on December 13, 2023December 13, 2023