11 Crazed, Crazy & Insane Songs | Playlist

11 Crazed, Crazy & Insane Songs” features crazy, insane songs from artists including Janelle Monáe, Lil Pump, and Sofi Tukker.

Ah CRAZY– defined by Merriam-Webster as “not mentally sound,” among other meanings. CRAZED would be an adjective, of course, defined by good ole Dictionary.com as “insane; demented.” That leaves us with INSANE, an adjective which Merriam-Webster describes as “exhibiting a severely disordered state of mind: affected with mental illness” or “unable to think in a clear or sensible way.” This playlist, 11 Crazed, Crazy & Insane Songs, features songs that embody the aforementioned words, plain and simple.  Artists appearing on this playlist include Janelle Monáe, Lil Pump, and Sofi Tukker.

1. Janelle Monáe, “Crazy, Classic, Life”

Dirty Computer • Bad Boy • 2018

Eclectic R&B artist Janelle Monáe simply wants to ‘live her truth’ and be ‘true to self’ on “Crazy, Classic, Life,”the second track from her critically-acclaimed third album, Dirty Computer.  Anchored by contemporary, hard drum programming, “Crazy, Classic, Life” has roots in the 80s, exemplified by the synths.

2. Sofi Tukker, “Batshit”

Treehouse • Ultra • 2018

From the get-go, the Sofi Tukker hit “Batshit” is chocked-full of fun.  It’s danceable, infectious, and undoubtedly irresistible. Is it “batshit crazy?” A little bit.  Notably, Tucker Halpern has a much more substantial vocal role compared to other songs from the duo.  Sophie Hawley-Weld also gets in on the action, with arguably the most important part of the song – drum roll please – the titular lyric! Yes, Hawley-Weld holds “batshit” down like a champ, while Halpern follows-up with “I’m batshit crazy.” Notably, “Batshit” incorporates an interpolation of the narcissistic classic, “I’m Too Sexy”.

3. Sam Smith, “Baby, You Make Me Crazy”

The Thrill of it All • Capitol • 2017

“Baby, You Make Me Crazy” is a fine mid-tempo soul cut from The Thrill of it All, the 2017 sophomore album from soulful pop singer Sam Smith. Among the highlights of this joint where his bae makes Smith cray-cray are his signature falsetto, and the appearance of the famed The Dap-King Horns. Smith’s vocal tone is simply gorgeous here, particularly on the pre-chorus and chorus.

4. Grace VanderWaal, “Insane Sometimes”

Just the Beginning • Columbia • 2017

“Insane Sometimes” is one of few records on Just the Beginning – the debut album by Grace VanderWaal – that doesn’t rely on ukulele.  Nonetheless, there’s the sense that producers have ensured that this record fits her artistry, capitalizing on what makes her a special, youthful talent. “Insane Sometimes” features a touch of the modern pop script – specifically electronic – but the familiar, simple, acoustic sound still remains alive and well.

5. Lil Pump, “Crazy”

Lil Pump • Warner Bros. • 2017

“Gucci gang, Gucci gang, Gucci gang”! Beyond his biggest hit, the beat goes on for teen rap sensation Lil Pump.  “Crazy” is driven by one key lyric: “Jump in this bitch and go crazy, ooh.” Besides the repeated lyric, there are few others as the song is comprised of just one verse.  Lil Pump feels like his audience should know exactly what a nameless woman is doing to him sexually.  That is certainly crazy.

6. Panic! At the Disco, “Crazy = Genius”

Death of a Bachelor • Fueled by Ramen • 2016

“…If crazy equals genius / Then I’m a fucking arsonist / I’m a rocket scientist.” Brendon Urie, the sole original member of the Grammy-nominated alternative band Panic! At the Disco, has always been one of kind.  It wouldn’t be far-fetched to call him an eccentric genius.  Here, his craziness and genius shines fusing big band, pop, and rock.

7. K. Michelle, “Crazy Like You”

Kimberly: The People I Used to Know • Atlantic • 2017

On “Crazy Like You,” gifted R&B singer/songwriter K. Michelle balances contemporary and soul soundly.  The melodic lines are quick, incredibly rhythmic, and at times, half-rapped. The third verse is all rap, and bold rap for that matter. She’s got bars. All in a day’s work for Michelle, sigh.  She ‘brings it on home’ on the soaring chorus.

8. Korn, “Insane”

The Serenity of Suffering • Roadrunner • 2016

“Insane” begins The Serenity of Suffering insanely.  The sounds are hellish – malicious to the nth degree.  This is the tone setter, suggesting Korn are engaged without a doubt this round. Expectedly, the chorus is epic:

“Beaten down, dominated by its sound

Growing deep within my head

Softly dying, its soul is shed

Eating me all up inside

This cancer finds everything I hide

Living my life horrified

Nothing will keep this pacified and out my life

That’s not right out insane!”

9. 50 Cent, “Crazy” (Ft. PnB Rock)

Crazy – Single • G-Unit • 2018

Despite struggling with relevance within the 10s after dominating the 00s, 50 Cent continues on the grind, evidenced by the release of single “Crazy” in 2018.  “Crazy” features nice, old-school, soulful East Coast production. The best part of the backdrop are the dusty, soulful drums, which are perfect fuel for the artists’ fire. PnB Rock drops the brief sung intro and a relatively catchy chorus. 50 Cent gets to work, over the course of three verses.  On the first, he references family issues and dysfunctions, not to mention suicidal thoughts and mental health issues.  On the second, family issues continue, including a lack of relationship with his son, as well as former G-Unit associate, Lloyd Banks.  On the third and final verse, he mentions Eminem, Proof, and a variety of emotions.

10. Bastille, “World Gone Mad”

Bright: The Album • Atlantic • 2017

“If half the world’s gone mad / The other half just don’t care, you see.” Among the highlights of the soundtrack Bright: The Album is “World Gone Mad”, a song performed by British alternative band, Bastille. “World Gone Mad” opens with acoustic guitar accompaniment.  As always, frontman Dan Smith blesses the track with his robust vocals, heavy in British accent.  He beams with British pride, asserting on the pre-chorus, “You don’t want to fuck with us / British to the very last.” His falsetto is ripe during the pre-chorus section, providing some sweetness to his profane assertion that shows incredible resolve.  The chorus is signature Bastille:

“When it feels like the world’s gone mad

And there’s nothing you can do about it

No there’s nothing you can do about it.”

The second verse amps up the production – drums, lush strings, and more beauty.  Beyond the second chorus, there’s another verse, as well as a contrasting bridge.

11. Jhene Aiko, “Maniac”

Maniac– Single • Def Jam • 2016

Jhene Aiko is known for her subtle approach.  Even so, her vocal restraint still manages to pack a punch, albeit a cool, calm, and collected punch.  On the urban-contemporary, hip-hop infused “Maniac”, Aiko is a horny, sex-obsessed maniac. Expectedly, she’s naughty to the nth degree.  On the first verse, she plays on the word head, hence also referencing  fellatio. On the second verse, she admits, “…I’m in love with your sex.” Later, on the chorus, she asks, “Have you ever f*cked with a maniac, maniac?”

Photo Credits: Atlantic, Bad Boy, Capitol, Columbia, Def Jam, Fueled by Ramen, G-Unit, Roadrunner, Ultra, Warner Bros.