11 Compelling Songs That Are Totally Lost | Playlist

1. Tame Impala, “Lost in Yesterday”

The Slow Rush • Island • 2020

“And if it calls you, embrace it / If it holds you, erase it / Replace it.” “Lost in Yesterday” delivers the expected cues from a Tame Impala (Kevin Parker) record; idiomatic to the nth degree.  How so? Colorful production, and of course, those potent tenor pipes from Parker, particularly the falsetto.  He floats atop the busy backdrop, that also includes a driving, infectious groove that kicks some serious ass. Songwriting and theme also make the fourth single and eighth track from The Slow Rush (2020) captivating. “Lost in Yesterday” speaks to the power of the past and moving forward into the future.

Parker’s philosophy regarding the past is best summed up on the pre-chorus, where he sings: “So, if they call you, embrace them / If they hold you, erase them.” The key seems to be releasing the bad memories, and not letting them destroy you. Further confirmation of moving beyond the past occurs on the chorus, where Parker scolds all of us who keep returning to, well, YESTERDAY:

“And you’re gonna have to let it go someday
You’ve been diggin’ it up like Groundhog Day
‘Cause it might’ve been somethin’, don’t say
‘Cause it has to be lost in yesterday.”

2. Brent Faiyaz, “Lost Kids Get Money”

Fuck the World • Lost Kids • 2020 

“Money get lost when you don’t chase it / What you lookin’ at me for? Should be lookin’ at bankroll.” As the title of the song suggests, “Lost Kids Get Money” is all about money – the drip is real you might say. While it’s actually the penultimate track, “Lost Kids Get Money” serves as the final ‘full-length’ song on Fuck the World (killer title, right), the 2020 album by Baltimore, Maryland R&B artist Brent Faiyaz (Christopher Brent Wood).

“Lost Kids Get Money” is produced by Faiyaz and L3GION.  The sound can be described as contemporary R&B overall, with its fair share of soulful sensibilities.  Still, “Lost Kids Get Money” also has a hip-hop vibe, particularly with its drippy lyrics, and agile melodic lines.  A prime example:

“I just pull up in this bitch
In the function with my clique
I stay in the back, big thing on my hip
Fuckin’ in the back, I stay with a bitch
Smellin’ like a lick, smellin’ like Margiela
Seein’ is believin’, I don’t seer none of you fellas (Stevie Wonder) …”

Even with his flow, Faiyaz maintains more of a singing approach as opposed to, say, rapping melodically. All in all, the results are quite effective, clichés and all (“Better grab your girl ‘cause I’ma fuck her (I will) / She chose up, I do it like no other, no”).

3. FINNEAS, “I Lost a Friend”

Blood Harmony (EP) • OYOY • 2019

FINNEAS (Finneas O’Connell) gets the most accolades for producing his sister’s (Billie Eilish) breakthrough, debut album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?.  He deserves such accolades for that project – the production was definitely innovative and Grammy-worthy. Still, as an artist in his own right, O’Connell deserves more credit.  Case in point, “I Lost a Friend” from his 2019 EP, Blood Harmony.

“I lost a friend / Like keys in a sofa / Like a wallet in the backseat / Like ice in the summer heat / I lost a friend.” Lyrically, “I Lost a Friend” latches the first time you hear it.  FINNEAS describes a fallout of a childhood friend from him past, and how much it has affected him to this day. This is best exemplified on the incredibly catchy chorus, where O’Connell sounds absolutely marvelous vocally:

“I lost my mind, and nobody believes me
Say, ‘I know that he don’t need me
‘Cause he made a little too much money to be twenty and sad’
And I’ll be fine without him
But all I do is write about him
How the hell did I lose a friend I never had?
Never had.”

Adding to the allure of the lyrics is the production, which is, well, FINNEAS’ ‘ace in the hole.’ Like his work for others, he crafts a stellar musical backdrop, which perfectly suits his voice.  Again, let me emphasize, more people need to get on the FINNEAS train as his own, legit artist.  “I Lost a Friend” is a certified bop in its own right.

4. H.E.R., “Lost Souls”

Ft. DJ Scratch

I Used to Know Her • RCA • 2019

H.E.R. is special – understatement.  In a time where R&B hasn’t necessarily seen the level of notoriety it once enjoyed, she’s been one of the artists propelling the genre.  The accomplishments this young Grammy-winner has earned over two Grammy cycles (61^st and 62^nd Grammy Awards) is impressive.  Sure, she walked out empty handed during her second Grammys cycle with I Used to Know Her, but the fact that she was nominated twice consecutively in the big categories – awesomeness exemplified.  One of the standouts from I Used to Know Her not named “Hard Place” is “Lost Souls,” featuring DJ Scratch.   

The brief “Lost Souls” has Lauryn Hill written all over it.  For one, it samples Hill’s classic, “Lost Ones” from her 1998 masterpiece, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.  Besides the prominence of the sample, and that vintage 90s hip-hop sound, H.E.R. emulates Hill lyrically and in regard to how she performs the song.  “Confusing self-conscious with self-confidence,” she raps with attitude on the first verse, continuing, “So you monogamous, but body positive / Post pills you swallowing for a following / What he got to offer? He don’t see the kids that he fathering.” Like Ms. Hill, H.E.R. is woke AF lyrically.  It’s summed up brilliantly with the titular lyric, which appears on the chorus:

“A lost soul can’t lead the people, no
A lost soul can’t lead the people, nah
A lost soul can’t lead the people, no
A lost soul can’t lead the people, uh.”

5. Gesaffelstein, “Lost in the Fire”

Ft. The Weeknd

Hyperion • Gesaffelstein / Columbia • 2019

Just in case you are unaware, Gesaffelstein is a French techno artist and DJ. Gesaffelstein has collaborated with Grammy-winning Canadian R&B artist, The Weeknd on several songs.  The Weekend served as the lead artist on two such collaborations – “I Was Never There” and “Hurt You” – both from his 2018 project, My Dear Melancholy, (EP)).  Gesaffelstein is credited as the main attraction on the song at hand, “Lost in the Fire”, from his 2019 effort, Hyperion. Focusing on Gesaffelstein first, the production is sleek, warm, and alluring to the nth degree, intact with driving rhythm. The warm synths are a perfect backdrop for The Weekend to sing over.  As always, he sounds superb vocally, flaunting his upper tenor vocals. Gesaffelstein gets an ‘A.’

“I wanna fuck you slow with the lights on
You’re the only one I’ve got my sights on
Type of sex you could never put a price on
I’ll take it off, you’re the one I’ll roll the dice on.”

As for the lyrics, the record isn’t without plenty of sex, but more notably, controversy.  What rubbed the people the wrong way about this song? It’s oversimplifying lesbianism as a phase that he can fix via sex. Case in point, the second verse:

“You said you might be into girls
Said you’re going through a phase…
Well, baby, you can bring a friend
She can ride on top your face
While I fuck you straight.”

Not the finest moment for The Weeknd; it sort of hurts the otherwise pleasant urban-pop joint.

If you are able to excuse the horrid representation of lesbianism, then “Lost in the Fire” is a surefire bop.  Worth adding,  that lesbian reference doesn’t even tackle another dimension of “Lost in the Fire” – a possible Drake diss (“And I just want a baby with the right one / ‘Cause I could never be the one to hide one”).  Personally, I like the song, don’t like the gay reference, and I find the Drake connection interesting.  Again, let me remind you, this is a Gesaffelstein song, and he isn’t the main talking point on this ‘lost’ song.

6. Lewis Capaldi, “Lost on You”

Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent • Universal • 2019

“Lately, I’m getting lost on you / You got me doing things I never thought I’d do / Never spent so long on a losing battle / But lately, giving up don’t seem to matter.” Scottish singer/songwriter Lewis Capaldi flaunts expressive, powerful vocals throughout his debut LP, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent.  Capaldi sings like an angel – and it’s not debatable! While the album features a number of memorable songs, including the likes of “Fade” and of course, no. 1 hit “Someone You Loved”,  the biggest selling point is the incredibly distinct and gifted Capaldi himself.  That said, the song “Lost on You” is noteworthy, particularly given the theme of this playlist!

“Every day, I’m a slave to the heartache / And you’re wasting away every night / I don’t wanna leave you lonely / But I’ve run out of love this time.” Matters of the heart fuel Lewis Capaldi’s fire on “Lost on You.” After he picked up the pace on the preceding record, “Hollywood,” the BPMs decrease once more on “Lost on You.”  The big takeaway is that “Lost on You” is another expressive and incredibly sweet ballad, which is where Capaldi’s ‘bread is buttered.’ The expressive nature of the performance is pretty flipping awesome.

7. Logic, “Lost in Translation”

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind • Def Jam • 2019

There are lots of things to like about Grammy-nominated rapper, Logic, at least in my opinion.  Chief amongst them is his potent, lightning quick flow.  Many times, an impressive, speedy flow.  Many times, an impressive, speedy flow can atone, or pseudo-atone for less than stellar rhymes.  Logic can deliver some knockout punches mind you, but 2019 wasn’t necessarily his year – again, in my opinion. Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, the better of the two albums Bobby Hall released in 2019, had its moments, but also disappointed.  While the Logic flows are intact with all their prodigiousness, the rhymes themselves are lacking. Still, despite the mediocrity of one of rap’s brighter stars, he did manage to deliver the playlist worthy “Lost in Translation.” 

“Chillin’ with my homies and we vibin’ / All this potion that I’m sippin’, I ain’t drivin’,” Logic spits on the chorus, continuing, “Life a motherfucker, but we still survivin’ / Colored people time, but nigga, we still arrivin’.” Yep, that’s Logic to a T. “Lost in Translation” concludes Confessions of a Dangerous Mind interestingly, with production switches, reflective rhymes, a variety of punchlines, and another heaping dose of that ‘Bobby’ swagger.

“‘Fuck you’ like CeeLo, buck it then I reload
Sippin’ Pellegrino, shoot the shit like Tarantino
…I’m Bruce Wayne terrorizin’ Gotham, I’m batshit
I’m Kim Kardashian with a hatchet
…Far from evil, I’m kinda like Spike Spiegel…”

Like most of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, “Lost in Translation” doesn’t change the game.  Still, it’s one of the fresher moments, thanks to being ‘all over the place.’ 

8. Shawn Mendes, “Lost in Japan”

Shawn Mendes • Island • 2018

“Let’s get lost tonight / Let’s get lost tonight / Baby, you and I can’t seem to get you off my mind.” Shawn Mendes released the best album of his young career in 2018 with Shawn Mendes. The crowning achievement, unsurprisingly is the Grammy-nominated pop/rock single, “In My Blood”, where Mendes masterfully exhibits vulnerability, resolve, and soulfulness. Still, another advance single, “Lost in Japan”, gives the Canadian pop heartthrob another impressive moment by all means.  Furthermore, it fits the ‘lost’ criteria of this playlist!

“I could feel the tension / We could cut it with a knife / I know it’s more than just a friendship / I can hear you think I’m right.” First and foremost, Mr. Mendes continues to flaunt his prodigious pipes on “Lost in Japan”.  Released shortly after “In My Blood,” “Japan” served as a stark contrast.  Contextually, it connects to “Nervous” regarding the more pronounced pop-soul sound than we’ve been accustomed to from Shawn.  This is a groovy, danceable joint, characterized by superb production comprised of cool synths, a robust bass line, and tasteful piano.  The chorus is best part of the record – the celebrated centerpiece.

“Do you got plans tonight?
I’m a couple hundred miles from Japan, and I
I was thinking I could fly to your hotel tonight
Cause I-I-I can’t get you off my mind
Can’t get you off my mind
Can’t get you off my mind.”

9. Ruth B., “Lost Boy”

Safe Haven • Columbia • 2017

Cutting straight to the chase, Ruth B. is best known for one big hit: “Lost Boy.”  “I’m a Lost Boy from Neverland / Usually hanging out with Peter Pan and / And when we’re bored, we play in the woods / Always on the run from Captain Hook.” As you can gather from the chorus, the Canadian pop singer/songwriter relies on elements of Peter Pan to fuel her fire.  The result is one truly electrifying piano ballad, which ultimately appeared on Ruth’s 2017 album, Safe Haven.  That said, “Lost Boy” actually arrived back in 2015.

It is the storytelling that makes “Lost Boy” special. Sure, Ruth B. sings beautifully, and although minimal, the production is nice, but the biggest selling point are those Peter Pan-tinged lyrics.  “He sprinkled me in pixie dust and told me to believe,” Ruth sings on the second verse, later adding, “As we soared above the town that never loved me / I realized I finally had a family / Soon enough, we reached Neverland.” On the bridge, she references every character explicitly: “Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy Darling / Even Captain Hook, you are my perfect storybook.” While Ruth B. didn’t become a gargantuan star beyond the brilliance of “Lost Boy,” this song is absolutely phenomenal in all senses of the word.

10. Maxwell, “Lost”

blackSUMMERS’night • Columbia • 2016

Sometimes greatness takes time; it can’t be rushed.  Greatness perfectly characterizes Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Maxwell.  The man has no shortage of hits – “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” (Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite), “Lifetime” (Now), and “Pretty Wings” (BLACKsummers’night) among them. The thing about Maxwell is, well, it takes him a while to release new albums. After an eight-year hiatus between Now (2001) and BLACKsummers’night (2009), it took seven more years for Maxwell to release the second installment of his proposed trilogy, blackSUMMERS’night (2016). Luckily, it was well worth the wait, including the song at hand, “Lost.”

“Say that you’ll be with me / Don’t leave me out here in the rain / Cause I’ve been lost for too long…” “Lost” may not trump the ‘ace in the hole’ on blackSUMMERS’night (“Lake by the Ocean”), but it’s provides another consistent, memorable moment for Maxwell.  Here, he mourns love lost on the dramatic, minor-key, ‘pained’ number:

“When I see you from a distance
When I see how you ignore with resistance
And I know you’re happy
And your children are growing up
And your husband is loving you
I don’t know if I can go on
Because I’ve been so…
So, lost.”

He amazingly allows his voice to crack during his runs, amplifying the undeniable pain of love’s wilderness.  Maxwell is incredibly expressive and potent on “Lost.”

11. Frank Ocean, “Lost”

Channel Orange • Def Jam • 2012

Frank Ocean lay claims to one of the very best albums of 2012 regardless of genre.  The buzz around Channel Orange was nothing short of gargantuan. While Ocean and Channel Orange were given the label ‘urban contemporary’, Channel Orange isn’t merely a R&B album – there’s elements of pop, hip-hop, and of course, singer/songwriter.  The ‘ace in the hole’ for the project is “Thinkin Bout You”, a song that finds Ocean opening up about his sexuality.  That said, on a masterpiece like Channel Orange, a song like “Lost,” a perfect fit for this list, is also quite triumphant.

“She’s at a stove / Can’t believe I got her out here cooking dope / I promise she’ll be whipping meals up for a family of her own someday.” Wow, but apparently on “Lost,” today is not the day she’s cooking dinner, but rather helping to hustle for her drug dealing boyfriend! “Lost,” which appears as the 11th track on Channel Orange, continues to showcase Frank Ocean’s amazing, expressive voice, and maybe more notably, his songwriting prowess.  “Now You’re lost in the heat of it all / Girl you know you’re lost,” Ocean sings on the chorus, continuing, “Lost in the thrill of it all / Miami Amsterdam Tokyo Spain Lost…” Indeed, she’s quite lost, seemingly by negative stimuli when it all comes down to it.

Besides excellent vocals and amazing songwriting, there’s some other pros regarding “Lost.” Interesting, this soulful pop joint contains dialogue from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – pretty cool.  Also, the groove established from the onset, as well as the production overall, is a nice fit for Ocean. Looking back on Channel Orange, admittedly, I spent more time on “Thinkin Bout You”, “Super Rich Kids”, and “Pyramids” among others that “Lost” was sort of ‘lost’ in the mix.  It shouldn’t have been though.