“11 Energetic, Powerful and or Strong Songs” features music courtesy of 6 Dogs, Adam Lambert, Beyoncé, Grimes, and Zack Villere.  

“They hate on me… / Probably ‘cause we got that good energy.”  You can thank 6 Dogs for that energetic lyric (“Energy”).  How about this one: “Don’t give a fuck, ‘cause I’m gonna take back / my superpower.” Those lyrics, my friends, hail from the absolutely fabulous Adam Lambert (“Superpower”). How about one more? “And I could cry power (power) / … Nina cried power / Billie cried power / Mavis cried power…” That’s Hozier, assisted by Mavis Staples on “Nina Cried Power.”

So, let’s make sense of the aforementioned, shall we? Two of the aforementioned songs feature ‘power’ in their titles, while one features ‘energy.’ That’s because this list isn’t focused strictly on one word, but synonyms and words related to POWER.  So, 11 ENERGETIC, POWERFUL AND OR STRONG SONGS features songs with titles featuring the words (or forms of the word) energy, power, and strength, as well as an exception or two that’s closely related.  11 ENERGETIC, POWERFUL AND OR STRONG SONGS features music courtesy of 6 Dogs (“Energy”), Adam Lambert (“Superpower”), Beyoncé (“Superpower”), Grimes (“We Appreciate Power”) and Zack Villere (“Superhero Strength”) among others.  Without further ado, let the energy, power, and strength totally consume you!

1. Grimes, “We Appreciate Power”

Ft. HANA

Miss Anthropocene • 4AD Ltd • 2020

Question: “What will it take to make you capitulate?” Good question HANA, good question!  The lyrics hail from “We Appreciate Power”, which appears as the 11^th track off of the deluxe edition of Miss Anthropocene, the fifth studio album by Grimes.  It should go without saying that Grimes exemplifies the characterization ‘one of a kind’ artist.  She enlists HANA for the assist on the chorus and bridge sections. “We Appreciate Power” could be described as a mix of pop, metal, and industrial. Billboard described the record, upon its release in 2018, as “a dystopian, aggressive dive into a more rock-leaning sound.” The sound of the record yields no shortage of power, with its hard-hitting drums, aggressive guitars, and colorful keyboards/synths/programming.

If the actual sound of the record weren’t enough to set it apart from almost everything else, what about the concepts, themes, and the lyrics?  That “dystopian” characterization? The bridge is particularly key:

“And if you long to never die
Baby, plug in, upload your mind
Come on, you’re not even alive
If you’re not backed up on a drive.”

Certainly, compelling to say the least. Here’s another interesting observation about “We Appreciate Power.” Grimes delivers a much subtler performance against a more powerful, hardnosed backdrop.  On the first verse for example, she sings in a whisper, which is both weird yet totally intriguing (“God’s creation, so misunderstood / Pray to the divinity, the keeper of the key / One day everyone will believe”).  Comparatively, HANA is more aggressive, popping out more, quite obvious when she assists Grimes on the second half of the bridge. Honestly, one could write an entire essay about this powerful record.

2. 6 Dogs, “Energy”

“Energy” • 6 Dogs • 2020

“Energy, energy, energy / I can’t stand that energy / They hate on me, they hate on me, they hate on me / Probably ‘cause we got that good energy.” Two years ago, I reviewed the single, “Off the Gas” by then teenage Atlanta rapper 6 Dogs (Chase Amick). In the track review I highlighted his melodic, deadpan, relatively nonchalant approach, specifically characterizing him as low energy. Sort of ironic that the rapper, now in his 21^st year, drops a joint called “Energy” in 2020 that has no shortage of it.

On the three-minute banger, 6 Dogs gets some sweet production work from Pretty Pacc. Maybe ‘sweet’ isn’t quite the right word – those drums definitely hit hard! Regardless how one characterizes it, it’s one of the biggest, most ENERGETIC selling points of this single. Still melodic, 6 Dogs uses the backdrop as fuel for the fire, well, contextually…  Much like “Off the Gas,” 6 Dogs is true to self: incredibly melodic, never gets ‘too high,’ yet still manages gives listeners an interesting, chilled-out listen.  Most of his energy is dripped out, as you might expect: “On my neck is frozen rocks, kinda look like Colorado…” K… The chorus is potent:

“Money guap, money guap, money guap
I be counting knots, yeah, I be counting big knots
Money talk, money talk, money talk
Guap got a big mouth, guap like to talk about
Energy, energy, energy
I can’t stand that energy
Money talk, money talk, money talk
My money got a big mouth, my money like to talk a lot.”

3. Adam Lambert, “Superpower”

Velvet • More is More • 2020

“Don’t give a fuck, ‘cause I’m gonna take back / my superpower.” Adam Lambert exhibits ample attitude on the unapologetic “Superpower,” the second track on his his hella funky, fourth studio album, Velvet (2020). Worth noting, Velvet arrives nearly five years after unleashing the great, but underrated The Original High (2015). People, if you haven’t purchased or streamed the entire album, you’re totally missing out – Adam Lambert is on autopilot.

“Superpower” is incredibly funky, but also incorporates rock-n-roll sensibility complementing such funk. Groove is Adam Lambert’s best friend, as are a couple of colorful words.  Besides failing to “give a fuck,” Lambert also asserts, “I know I’m not the only one / Who thinks this shit ain’t okay.” Yep, fair enough.  Vocally, he takes some welcome risks, reminding us of why he’s such an accomplished and gifted musician.  Channel your own superpowers, or minimally, the power of your digital/streaming retailer of choice and give “Superpower” a whirl ;).

4. Zack Villere, “Superhero Strength”

Cardboard City • aritech • 2020

“Cool / Yeah, can you tell me that I’m cool? / I’ve always wanted to be cool / But I’m not that cool, that cool.” Perhaps Zack Villere isn’t ‘cool’ in the traditional sense, but as an eclectic, left-field pop musician, he’s incredibly cool.  Much like his song “Cool” (Little World, 2017) that graced the playlist 11 Incredibly ‘Cool’ Songs That Aren’t the Least Bit Cold, Villere is incredibly distinct on “Superhero Strength,” which appears on his 2020 album, Cardboard City. Is Villere really a superhero on this opener, lyrically and thematically? Um… not precisely… read on.

Some of the characteristics of “Cool” included monotone-styled vocals and quirky, jazz harmonies. “Superhero Strength” is more accessible overall, but still possesses the power of quirkiness.  Villere certainly isn’t the most exuberant, sunny-sounding vocalist, but he’s quite alluring given his unique approach.  Harmonically, I’d call “Superhero Strength” pretty standard, but not without some unexpected, more colorful chords thrown into the mix.  As far as where the “Superhero Strength” actually comes into play, it’s merely on the first verse:

“I had superhero strength in a dream
I woke up and it was afternoon…”

Okay… well then.  Superhero strength or lack thereof, basically, “Superhero Strength” is a song about Zack being infatuated with a girl.

“You looked at me and then you started to smile
Don’t think I’ve ever looked at your eyes.”

5. Hozier, “Nina Cried Power”

Wasteland, Baby! • Columbia • 2019

“It’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’ / It is the groundin’ of a foot uncompromisin’ / It’s not forgoin’ of the lie / It’s not the openin’ of eyes / It’s not the wakin’, it’s the risin’.” Hozier commences Wasteland, Baby! powerfully with “Nina Cried Power”. He’s in full-on soul mode (think gospel), fitting given his legendary collaborator, Mavis Staples.

Both artists pay ode to various musicians who were unafraid to protest via their songs including legends like Nina Simone, James Brown, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and John Lennon.  The chorus, with names changing, is the crème de la crème of the record.

“And I could cry power (power)
Power (power)
Power, lord
Nina cried power
Billie cried power
Mavis cried power.” 

“Nina Cried Power” has appeared on multiple playlists: 13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs, 100 Best Songs of 2018 (#2), and 13 Contemporary Protest Anthems.

6. Sofi Tukker, “Energia”

Treehouse • Ultra • 2018

Sofi Tukker (Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern) came out swinging with numerous singles in 2017.  The boldest of the bunch was “Fuck They”, which unsurprisingly, was tailormade for 25 Colorful Songs, Clearly For Under Consent of the King (Yes, it is indeed a list comprised of songs with f-bombs gracing their titles).  It’s hard too top a song with the f-bomb, but 2018 did bring the infectious “Batshit” – now that’s some shit right there.  Okay, okay – time to get serious!  Between the release of “Fuck They” and “Batshit,” and prior to the release of the album, Treehouse, Sophie and Tucker dropped “Energia” (“Energy”).

“Energia” is completely sung in Portuguese – clearly a departure from “Fuck They” or “Batshit.” Anyways, Portuguese lyrics are one of things that make Sofi Tukker unique, keeping things fresh and compelling. According to Hawley-Weld via Coveteur, “I think [Portuguese is]  really sexy and I love the way it sounds in music. I learned the language so that I could sing in it, actually…” Fittingly, the vibe of the track is Latin throughout its course.  That said, there’s still plenty of electronic, dance cues, anchored by the Latin-infused dance beat. Even if you don’t understand a single word that Hawley-Weld is singing, it’s hard to knock the level of energy on this one!

7. Judas Priest, “Firepower”

FIREPOWER • Sony UK • 2018

“Firepower / Taking lives / Firepower / Neutralize.”  Judas Priest certainly seem to have the spirit of metal on lockdown on “Firepower,” which appears on their 2018 album, FIREPOWER.  “Firepower” certainly isn’t light stuff y’all – this is heavy, heavy metal by all means.  And honestly, would we expect any less from a record handpicked for a powerful, energetic playlist such as this one?

“With weapons drawn we claim the future
And then seep out through every storm
Bring in the foe to be defeated
To pulverize from dusk to dawn.”

Damn. The guitars are jagged and turned-up, the drums pummel, and Rob Halford sounds remarkable as he inches closer to 70. #ROCK TF ON!

“Empty the chamber
Lock and reload
This world thrives of danger
It’s bound to explode.”

“Firepower” first appeared on the playlist, Experience the Fire of These 13 Songs, published in September 2018.

8. Ryan Beatty, “Powerslide”

Boy in Jeans • Boy in Jeans • 2018

“He gave me pleasure underneath the water / And it felt so good / Now we’re power sliding till the flood spurts stop us…” Wow, the lust – or more accurately, the pleasure – is real for Ryan Beatty on “Powerslide,” a standout from his stellar, eclectic 2018 debut album, Boy in Jeans. The openly gay, former teen-pop artist is honest about love and sex throughout the album.  The Fader says it best – “Ryan Beatty writes really good pop songs about boys.”

“Powerslide” plays up the soulful summer, West Coast vibes. It screams infatuation and sex, including the aforementioned ‘pool job’. On the second verse, he’s playful with words, while being explicit at the same time:

“Now we share a couple of cigarettes before we go to bed and you
Got the plastic
That’s fucking fantastic.”

Clearly, the relationship between Beatty and his boyfriend is LIT.  Also, pretty ‘lit’ is the fact that “Powerslide” has appeared on multiple playlists, including the powerful 10 Songs Overflowing with Power, the lustful 21 Songs That Dabble in Lust & Carnal Matters, and the PRIDE-filled A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs.

9. Jake Miller, “Superhuman”

Overnight (EP) • Warner • 2016

“I wish I was superhuman, I wish I was ten feet tall / I wanna be cold like you / When you act so cool and you don’t care at all…”.  Zack Villere isn’t the only musician veering into the realm of escapism on this energetic, powerful, and strong playlist.  Jake Miller actually beat out Villere by about four years with “Superhuman,” which appears on his 2016 EP, Overnight. “Superhuman” initiates with mean sounding synths as well as an instance of For Under Consent of the King – “Fucking with the rules of gravity.” Potty mouth!

Despite flirtations with a minor key and toughness, “Superhuman” is relatively light.  Addressing the escapism (that’s what we’re here for, right?), Miller looks to transcend merely being a mortal. It’s far-fetched, but that’s the beauty of escapism. Furthermore, the song is quite enjoyable. He relates his desired ‘superhuman’ qualities to love, a prevalent theme on the EP Overnight.

“I wish I was superhuman, I wanna have strength like God
I wouldn’t feel no heartbreak
I would kiss that pain so it don’t hurt at all.”

“Superhuman” has appeared on two previous playlists: 13 Songs That Feature Elements of Escapism and 13 Compelling, Totally ‘Super’ Songs.

10. Beyoncé, “Superpower”

Ft. Frank Ocean

BEYONCÉ • Sony • 2013 

One of the biggest records to arrive in 2013 was BEYONCÉ, the ‘visual album’ by Grammy-winning R&B superstar Beyoncé.  Yes, Bey had long established her brand by 2013 as a member of Destiny’s Child and her own solo albums, but BEYONCÉ marked the boldest album of her career to date.  The hits were abundant, with “Drunk in Love” and “Partition” among the crème de la crème.  Speaking to the quality of BEYONCÉ, a well-rounded number like “Superpower” didn’t get the same buzz despite being another marvelous part of the album.  No worries; it fits the energetic, powerful, and strong vibes of this particular playlist!

“When the palm of my two hands hold each other / That feels different / From when your hands are in mine / That’ just the way it is… / I guess I didn’t see myself before you…” “Superpower” features fellow Grammy-winner Frank Ocean on a truly compelling duet.  Very modern sounding (Pharrell Williams and BOOTS handle production duties), this compound-duple meter ballad makes fine use of vocal sounds as part of the production background.  The result is one of the most interesting backdrops of the album.  In regard to having a superpower, well, Yoncé and Ocean decide “…Nothing I know can break us down / they can’t break us down.”  So, LOVE is indeed an unbreakable superpower.  “Superpower” previously appeared no the playlist, 13 Compelling, Totally ‘Super’ Songs.

11. Kanye West, “Power”

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy • Roc-A-Fella • 2010

“No one man should have all that power, with clocks ticking I just count the hours/stop tripping or tripping off the powder…” Damn, what an effective, powerful hook. Kanye West is a walking ‘hit machine’ – or at least he was at one time.  One of the best moments from his 2010 album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, as well as one of his career highlights, is “Power.” “Power” first appeared on the power-focused playlist, 10 Songs Overflowing with Power, which was published in August 2018 – how time flies!

Throughout Power, Kanye West has some punch lines that are raunchy, but pretty great.  A perfect example:

“Fuck SNL and the whole cast
Tell them Yeezy said they can kiss my whole ass
More specifically they can kiss my asshole
I’m an asshole? You niggas got jokes.”

The production work is a selling point, brilliantly lifting off a King Crimson sample (“21^st Century Schizoid Man”).  Gotta love the use of strings and piano towards the end (“Now this would be a beautiful death”).

11 Energetic, Powerful and or Strong Songs [Photo Credits: 4AD, 6 Dogs, aritech, Boy in Jeans, Brent Faulkner, Columbia, More is More, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Roc-A-Fella, Sony, Ultra, Warner]