11 Excellent Songs You’ll Totally Believe In | Playlist

1. Fleet Foxes, “Can I Believe You”

Shore • Anti- • 2020 

Seattle indie-folk collective Fleet Foxes returned in 2020 with their fourth studio album, Shore.  Shore arrives three-years after the complex but utterly superb Crack-Up, released in 2017.  Overall, the band’s fourth album feels less complex than Crack-Up, yet remains true to the ever-thought-provoking Robin Pecknold.  Among the songs you can definitely believe in on Shore is “Can I Believe You,” which keeps the album on an upward trajectory.

Robin Pecknold provides listeners with marvelous production and songwriting, both instrumentally and lyrically speaking.  His lead vocals are commanding yet never overindulgent.  The lush, choral vocal are sure to give you goosebumps, adding an additional color to the overall sound.  The record is quite accessible, as Pecknold is reflective, singing about his own personal changes and trust.

2. Keyshia Cole, “Trust and Believe”

Woman to Woman • Geffen • 2012

There’s nothing worse than a woman scorned. Keyshia Cole nails this down on “Trust and Believe,” a key track from her 2012 album, Woman to Woman. Honestly, Cole is ‘mad as hell’ at her ex-BF (feel free to supplant ‘hell’ with a stronger swear if you wish).

“You pushed me far, you brought me to this,” she sings emotionally, continuing, “You had my heart, but then you blew it.”  Clearly, the man is in the doghouse to the nth degree, at least in her eyes. She goes on to really “bring it on home” on the chorus, singing, “Trust and believe me, you’re gonna need me / Trust and believe me, she’ll never be me.”  Hey, even guys should be able to enjoy this rad ‘woman scorned’ gem!

3. Meek Mill, “Believe”

Ft. Justin Timberlake

“Believe” • Atlantic • 2020

Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill started 2020 on fire.  Despite the fact that he wasn’t victorious at the 62^nd Annual Grammy Awards, he did manage his first Grammy nomination, for Best Rap Album (Championships, 2018).  He continued his ‘victory lap’ after releasing single “Letter to Nipsey” (featuring Roddy Ricch) with “Believe” featuring Justin Timberlake.

The positive results start with the production, produced by Timberlake and Rob Knox.  Despite the fact that “Believe” is set in a minor key, there’s still a sense of optimism, conveyed by the keyboards and synths.  Adding to the grandeur are the strings, arranged and conducted by Larry Gold.  Returning to that sense of optimism, Timberlake confirms the uplifting vibes on the soulful chorus:

“You know I still believe, still believe in you and me
‘Cause every night I go to sleep, go to sleep
I can see it like a movie in my dreams
Put my face in the dirt on the ground
Still, I raise up to take back the crown, yes
You can break my body
But you can’t lock the soul of a man down.”

Meek Mill is naturally on fire on both verses.  On the first, he urges the audience to “Follow your dreams, not your addictions.” He speaks about adversity and his come-up and being relentless.  On the second verse, he thoughtfully spits:

“Play your part, got some brains like the scarecrow
Let’s play it smart, ‘cause we ain’t playin’ checkers, this is chess, play your pawns
Sit back like a king, when they move, make your mark
And never ever let your competition take your heart.”

“Believe” is definitely a record that anyone who hears it can totally believe in.  The production is superb, the vocals by Timberlake are strong, Meek is on autopilot, and the messaging on-point.

4. PARTYNEXTDOOR, “Believe It”

Ft. Rihanna

PARTYMOBILE • OVO Sound / Warner • 2020

“Hey / Best make me believe it / Best make me believe it / Believe you won’t deceive me.” HEY! “Believe It” appears as the 10^th track on PARTYMOBILE, the third studio album by Canadian R&B artist, PARTYNEXTDOOR.  Among the highlights from PARTYMOBILE, PND secures a big-time assist from Grammy-winner, Rihanna, who sings the aforementioned, catchy chorus from the record.

Rihanna is a big reason for the success of “Believe It” but there are other things to believe in as well.  The production (Bizness Boi, Cardiak, and Ninetyfour) is pretty sweet.  Of course, PARTYNEXTDOOR deserves acknowledgement – he’s the lead artist on the track after all!  Basically, he spends his verses trying to convince Rihanna to trust and believe him.  He definitely has a lot to prove.  Worth noting, at the end of the album, on my personal favorite song, “Savage Anthem”, PND admits, “I’m not shit.” Now that I do believe!

5. Imagine Dragons, “Believer”

Evolve • Interscope • 2017

The script “Believer” (Evolve) plays true to the identity established by Imagine Dragons.  The drums are gargantuan, packing a mean punch. Front man Dan Reynolds delivers overt vocals, with a serious bite.  He also employs a mean falsetto which is key here, particularly during the chorus.

Rhythmically, the melody of the pre-chorus is quick paced, incorporating a dash of hip-hop sensibility. The chorus – the crème de la crème –is anthemic, with a strong urban influence.  All in all, it’s tough NOT to be a firm BELIEVER in “Believer.”

“Pain! You made me a, you made me a believer, believer
Pain! You made me a, you made me a believer, believer
You break me down, you build me up, believer, believer, believer
Pain! I let the bullets fly, oh let them rain
My life, my love, my drive, it came from
Pain! You made me a, you made me a believer, believer.” 

6. Jessie J, “I Believe in Love”

R.O.S.E. (Empowerment) • Republic • 2018

“I Believe in Love” concludes the Empowerment, the final EP that comprises R.O.S.E., an album that Jessie J issued in four separate parts. “I Believe in Love” features fine production work that incorporates electric piano, synth horns, bass, and drum programming. The sound is an inviting blend of soul and contemporary gospel.  The runs and ad-libs by Jessie J stand out.  Even though she serves up some lovely nuances, she never over-sings, maintaining just the right balance.  Essentially, “I Believe in Love” is a strong closer as well as a fine addition to any belief-driven music list.

7. The 1975, “If I Believe You”

I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It • Interscope • 2016

“I’ve got a God-shaped hole that’s infected / And I’m petrified of being alone now / It’s pathetic, I know.” It’s no secret that The 1975 front man Matthew Healy isn’t a believer – he’s an atheist and humanist. The gorgeous “If I Believe You” features gospel music cues, yet questions putting faith and stock in God.

Think of “If I Believe You” as a “humanist’s skeptical petition to God / a higher power.”

“And if I believe you
Will that make it stop?
If I told you I need you
Is that what you want?
And I’m broken and bleeding
And begging for help
And I’m asking you Jesus, show yourself.”

“If I Believe You” previously appeared on 19 Atheistic, Agnostic & Highly Skeptical Songs.

8. Cher, “Believe”

Believe • 1998

One question, and it’s a big one: “Do you believe in life after love?”  That question and lyric serves as the most memorable moment “Believe.” “Believe” ended up being a late 90s dance hit by pop musician, Cher, who had long before this established herself as an icon.

“Believe” wasn’t just a hit – it was a legit no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999.  Even as it reached the top spot, Cher was nearly 53 years old, far older than the age most artists secure chart-topping hits.  Honestly, she made a believer in us all, including the Recording Academy. How so? Well, “Believe” earned Cher the sole Grammy of her career: Best Dance Recording.

9. Young the Giant, “Something to Believe in”

Home of the Strange • Fueled by Ramen • 2016

Alternative band Young the Giant returns with its third studio album, Home of the Strange.  Perhaps “third time’s charm” exceptionally characterizes Home of the Strange, an eclectic and entertaining album by all means. Simply stated, there’s not a bad song on the album. Young the Giant, led by front man Sameer Gadhia, outdo themselves.

“Something to Believe In” ranks among the crème de la crème of Home of the Strange; the band certainly embraces depth. Interestingly, even believing in the excellence presented by this record, it’s religiously skeptical! Arguably more agnostic than atheistic, Gadhia “has his doubts.” Despite his unbeliever status, he sings with incredible passion:

“I’ll give you something to believe in
Burn up a basement full of demons
Realize you’re a slave to your mind, break free
Now give me something to believe in.”

10. Fantasia, “I Believe”

Free Yourself • J • 2004

One of the greatest moments on American Idol arrived courtesy of its season three winner, Fantasia.  While the Grammy-winning R&B artist had already ‘put in work’ potentially securing the win, her awesome performance of “I Believe” sealed the deal, period. The night that she performed this Tamyra Gray co-write, she poured every ounce of herself and spirit into the performance.

“I Believe” can best be described as an adult contemporary R&B song with gospel influence. Gospel, of course, is entrenched in Fantasia’s blood, making her an incredibly dynamic performer. Clearly, “I Believe” will be remembered among American Idol’s best original songs if not it’s very best. “Love DEFINITELY keeps lifting me higher.” Notably, this inspiring no. 1 hit would win two Billboard Music Awards in 2004.

11. R. Kelly, “I Believe I Can Fly”

R.• Zomba • 1998

“If I can see it, then I can do it / If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it!” R. Kelly is as controversial and embattled as they come.  Honestly, it’s incredibly difficult to buy what the three-time Grammy winner is selling given his issues with SEX – I’ll leave at that.  Even as Kelly is ‘muted’ given his countless sins, there’s one particular record that remains timeless and unforgettable: “I Believe I Can Fly.”

The least problematic hit in his discography, R. Kelly can thank the uplifting gospel-tinged R&B number for his Grammys.  Also, if there’s any way the musician can save some face, it’s through this unifying anthem. The lyrics feel incredibly authentic and sincere, coupled with Kelly’s smooth vocals and eventually his dizzying runs.  In addition to the aforementioned pre-chorus, the chorus is simply perfect, giving you chills each and every time it’s performed:

“I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly.”

Of course, the spirit really hits with the backing choral vocals during the “I can fly” part, with Kells riffing.  Again, most of his career, Robert has embraced full-on salacious mode, but back in ’98 he delivered a sincere, ‘once in a lifetime’ gem.