“11 Honest, True, or Truthful Songs” features honest and true music courtesy of Ben Platt, BTS, MARINA, Sammie, and Sara Bareilles among others.

“Honesty is the best policy,” or so the proverb says. “The truth will set you free,” or so John 8:32 asserts, if you’re into ‘The Good Book.’ On this colorful playlist comprised of 11 songs, our favorite number for most playlists, the criteria require honesty and truth, specifically in some form on the songs’ respective titles.  That said, what more really needs to be said when describing 11 Honest, True, or Truthful Songs? It’s self-explanatory, right? Right.  11 Honest, True, or Truthful Songs features honest and true tunes courtesy of Ben Platt, who is an “Honest Man”, BTS (“The Truth Untold”), MARINA, who is “True” to self, Sammie (“Truth Is…”), and Sara Bareilles (“Saint Honesty”).  There are no lies on this playlist, only truth!

1. Sara Bareilles, “Saint Honesty”

Amidst the Chaos • Epic • 2019

Throughout the course of her career, pop singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles has delivered some superb records including gems such as “Love Song”, “King of Anything”, and the uplifting “Brave”. Yep, there’s definitely a reason she’s been nominated for seven Grammy awards including the prestigious nomination for Album of the Year for her fourth LP, The Blessed Unrest.  She returned with a bang in 2019 with her brilliant sixth studio album, Amidst the Chaos, contrasting her earlier discography.  Contributing to the contrast is the production by multi-Grammy-winning producer T-Bone Burnett, which definitely pays off.

In the context of Amidst the Chaos, penultimate record “Saint Honesty,” like “Someone Who Loves You” that precedes it, is a slower and softer number for the most part.  Even so, it’s also quite the tour de force, with simple, but highly effective production, comprised of spare instrumentation (piano, guitar, acoustic bass, drums, and percussion).  More than “Someone Who Loves You,” Sara Bareilles amplifies the grit and oomph as the record progresses, eventually showcasing the sheer power of her instrument.  Lyrically, it’s among the most beautiful songs of Amidst the Chaos.

2.Ben Platt, “Honest Man”

Sing to Me Instead • Atlantic • 2019

“It’s easier for us to hide / If you come out, then so will I / Promise that I’ll meet you halfway…”  Broadway actor (The Book of Mormon and Dear Evan Hansen), singer, and songwriter Ben Platt ‘shines bright as a beacon’ on his authentic, well-rounded debut album, Sing to Me Instead.  Sing to Me Instead comprises of some truly well-written songs that encompass love and open up about his sexuality, as well as captivating vocal performances. Although not SURPRISINGLY not cited as a ‘gem’ in my album review (linked above), “Honest Man” is one of the better songs from Sing to Me Instead. Notably, sexuality plays a role, as Patrick Ryan (USA Today) writes in his article, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ star Ben Platt opens up about the men he’s loved on ‘honest debut album, “‘Honest Man’ was inspired by one of Platt’s exes who wasn’t fully out of the closet.”

Ryan goes on to quote Platt regarding “Honest Man”:

“It was his first real relationship and he had a lot of self-hatred issues that rubbed off on me… He would try to make me feel embarrassed about doing nice things for him and wanting to tell people about us, so the song is about refusing to put up with that.”

“Honest Man” commences with piano accompaniment, played in a soulful, gospel-tinged style.  After Platt establishes the tone of the record, more instrumentation enters in, and his runs grow more liberal.  Once more, his voice sounds authentic and powerful to the nth degree.  Among the more impressive accomplishments of “Honest Man” is Platt’s incredible falsetto and the catchy, memorably-penned chorus:

“I am an honest man
Why can’t you take my hand?
I’m not what you planned, but I’m a safe place to land
I am an honest man.”

3. MARINA, “True”

LOVE + FEAR • Atlantic UK • 2019

“‘Cause you don’t need nobody else / When you are true, true to yourself / You’re skin and bone, you’re full of fear / But you are just a human being (No matter what they do).” MARINA drops the name Marina and the Diamonds (Marina Diamandis) for her 2019 studio album, LOVE + FEAR.  Initially, the Welsh pop singer released LOVE only, from which our song at hand, “True” hails as the sixth track.  Safe to say, “True” is one hell of a groovy joint, produced by Swedish songwriter and producer Oscar Görres aka OZGO. In addition to the beat, the synths are quite alluring as well.

“Everybody tells us what to do, do, do,” MARINA sings on the opening line of the first verse, later continuing, “We know they don’t really have a clue clue, clue.” “True” is a record that’s ultimately about staying true to self, despite what others tell you to do.  This is an empowering record of self-esteem, self-love, and self-truth. The aforementioned pre-chorus touts the strength of self-truth, and essentially ignoring the critics, haters, and skeptics.  On the golden chorus, the Welsh standout delivers the savviest, truest punch of the record.

“Always said we’re gonna be true
We will never change, we will never change
They could never do it better
Than when we are, are together.”

4. Sammie, “Truth is…”

Everlasting • Star Camp Music / EMPIRE • 2019

In 2017, underrated contemporary R&B artist Sammie returned with a long-awaited, comeback album, Coming of Age. After the lengthy hiatus, he proved that he still had vocal chops and plenty of pros to bring to the game.  Sure, Coming of Age was overlooked, but nonetheless, he sounded damn good.  The same could be said of his sexually-charged promo single, “Times 10” (featuring Lil Baby), from his 2019 LP, Everlasting.  As fun as it would be to talk about this restricted record, it definitely would be honest, true, or truthful in the context of this playlist.  “Truth Is…,” the 10^th song from Everlasting, fits the bill.

“Thought I was good; thought I was over you / ‘Til I saw you pull up with your new boo.” “Truth Is…” is a rhythmic, mid-tempo ballad about a popular topic in R&B music, and life: LOVE.  Here, Sammie is keeping it 100, being honest about missing his “homie,” “wife,” and his “best friend.”  On this lushly-produced joint, he’s totally regretful (“I really hate the fact I did you wrong”), reminiscent on the good times, and ultimately wants her back.  Yeah, it’s been done a million times, but does this type of song ever grow old? Never.

“Baby, I still want you
Hope that you want me too
Baby, I still want you
I fight to tell the truth, truth, truth is
I just want my girl back
I miss the days when we could roll and we would slide, yeah
Since you left me, all is wrong and nothing’s right, yeah
Baby, I still want you
Hope that you want me too
Baby, I still want you
I fight to tell the truth, truth, truth is…”

5. Weezer, “I’m Just Being Honest”

Weezer (Black Album) • Atlantic • 2019

Weezer is one of those bands that have been criticized given their assimilation ‘to the times’ you might say. While there have been and are several arguments to be made that the alternative collective is well past their prime, Rivers Cuomo and company deserve credit for continuing to hustle, even with assimilation involved. Ultimately their second album of 2019, Weezer (Black Album) has its fair share of memorable and respectable moments.  Was “I’m Just Being Honest” ranked among the gems when reviewing Black Album? No, but hey, sometimes when you’re assembling a playlist you simply go with what you got.  This is one of those instances.

In the context of Black Album, “I’m Just Being Honest,” the sixth of ten total songs, has a bit more of a bite, leaning on driving guitars more that the last couple of tracks.  There’s also some lyrical bite, as evidenced by a colorful first verse:

“Walk into the venue, you slipped me your CD
Asked me if I’d listen, give you my critique
I listened to it, but halfway through it
I had to quit, your band sounds like shit.”

Well damn, that’s honest.  The scenario changes on the second verse, but the sentiment is the same.  Like much of Black Album, “I’m Just Being Honest” is completely inoffensive, even if isn’t as high-flying as the true crème de la crème.  That said, as always, Cuomo sings well, and the writing is respectable.  The chorus is definitely entertaining:

“So, here we go
Don’t get mad at me, I’m just being honest
I should have lied
Now you’re mad at me, I’m just being honest
How ‘bout from now on you’ll write the script, I’ll read the lines
So, here we go
Don’t get mad at me, I’m just being honest (I’m just being honest).”

6. BTS, “The Truth Untold”

Ft. Steve Aoki

Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ • Bighit Entertainment • 2018

Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’ gave K-pop band BTS a  historic no. 1 album on the Billboard 200.  Yeah, it wasn’t ‘kind of a big deal,’ it was DEFINITELY a big deal.  Upon its arrival in 2018, the biggest attraction was “FAKE LOVE”, a record synonymous with urban-pop or hip-hop-infused R&B in the US.  That said, we already included “FAKE LOVE” on the playlist 13 Songs That Denounce the Fake, plus, “FAKE LOVE” doesn’t fit here.  Luckily, BTS bestowed another gem upon us from Love Yourself 轉 ‘Tear’, “The Truth Untold.”

Steve Aoki guests on the gorgeous ballad. The question is, what exactly, thematically-speaking, is “the truth untold?” The select lyrics that are performed in English (“But I still want you”) suggest a longing – a desire for someone special.  Translated, the lyrics reference the garden – specifically flowers.  For whatever reason, the protagonist, who’s in love and desires this person, can’t reveal himself or ultimately fulfill his desires.  While it starts relatively poised, “The Truth Untold” eventually grows more dynamic.  Even where language is a barrier, the beauty of this truthful record is indisputable.

7. Bazzi, “Honest”

Cosmic • Bazzi • 2018

“Girl, it hurts me to do this / But I’m not looking for excuses / I deleted all your info / ‘Cause I heard about the info.” Hmm, that doesn’t sound too good… Eclectic is a great way to describe Bazzi, a rising urban-pop artist from Michigan, based in California. Andrew Bazzi is young and chocked-full of confidence and swagger. His breakout moment comes by way of single, “Mine”, among the best moments from his intriguing debut album, Cosmic.  As honest and truthful as Bazzi is on “Mine,” it just doesn’t fit 11 Honest, True, or Truthful Songs.  But, “Honest,” another single from COSMIC, does fit the parameters – we’re good.

“Honest” finds Bazzi expressing his disappointment that his ex is now dating his friend.  The As the aforementioned lyrical excerpt from the first verse confirms that Andrew is not happy in the least. Naturally, he reflects back to the best parts of their relationship and ponders why things didn’t work out.

“Remember
Late night, smokin’, we under star projectors
Looked in my eyes, said, ‘Will this last forever?’
I think we both know what was up, where this was goin’
But the sex was too good, we got caught up in the moment
Now you took my best friend and turned him into my opponent.”

Like another notable album cut, “3:15”, and COSMIC in general, Bazzi wears his feelings on his sleeves.

8. The Chainsmokers, “Honest”

Memories…Do Not Open • Disruptor / Columbia • 2017

In 2017, The Chainsmokers did what many musicians do, released a studio album.  That’s right, Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart dropped their debut album, Memories… Do Not Open.  For whatever reason, scripture feels appropriate now, so I want you to go back to the very first book of the Bible, Genesis.  Specifically, Genesis 1:31 tickles my fancy: “And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good…” Okay, what in “bloody ‘ell” does Genesis 1:31 have to do with The Chainsmokers’ Memories … Do Not Open? Well, nothing, except, that God was being truthful in describing his creation as good (especially if you’re Christian I suppose), and if we are being truthful and honest regarding Memories… Do Not Open, well, it wasn’t a very good album… Just being “Honest.” “Honest” happens to be song selected from the LP for this playlist.  Yeah, that sort of worked… sort of…

“Honest” continues the situational, narrative-driven approach of Memories…Do Not Open.  Arguably, the authenticity may be questionable, but Andrew Taggart paints a picture encompassing fame/career, a shaky relationship, and potential, empty hook-ups.

“It’s 5 A.M. and I’m on the radio
I’m supposed to call you, but I don’t know what to say at all
And there’s this girl, she wants me to take her home
She don’t really love me though, I’m just on the radio.”

It’s deep, yet it isn’t…well, it mostly isn’t to be honest, if you’ve subjected yourself to Memories…Do Not Open (bleh!). Perhaps the main quibble with authenticity is the vocal doesn’t quite provide a T.K.O.  It’s sound, but still a shade too light.

9. Tove Lo, “True Disaster”

Lady Wood • Universal • 2016

“Pretty boys, they didn’t teach me things I didn’t know / They don’t have the thing I need, but they don’t know they don’t.” Sigh, Swedish alt-pop singer Tove Lo lived up to the hype and anticipation preceding her sophomore album, Lady Wood.  Arguably the biggest gem from Lady Wood was its promo single, “Cool Girl”.  “Cool Girl” can’t fit everywhere unfortunately (we slotted it into our 11 Incredibly ‘Cool’ Songs That Aren’t the Least Bit Cold playlist), but thankfully, ole girl came through with “True Disaster.”

Contextually, “True Disaster” keeps Lady Wood afloat, finding Tove Lo favoring ‘unusual suspects’ you might say.  As the aforementioned excerpt from the first verse suggests, Tove Lo wants someone different, who doesn’t fit the mold to be her boo.  She also seems to suggest who she wants is surprised that she wants him, which adds another interesting dimension to “True Disaster.”

“Keep playing my heartstrings faster and faster
You can be just what I want, my true disaster.”

Hey, at least Tove Lo is honest, and this playlist is all about honesty, truth, and the true!

10. The Avett Brothers, “True Sadness”

True Sadness • Republic • 2016

“But I still wake up, shaken by dreams / And I hate to say it, but the way it seems / Is that no one is fine / Take the time, to peel a few layers / And you will find true sadness.” True Sadness just sounds dreary.  No, not the album itself, but rather the title. Nonetheless, The Avett Brothers aren’t nearly as melancholy as the title suggests, delivering a fine effort with their latest LP.  Yeah, there’s some moments where melancholia is exhibited, but what listener would mind shedding some tears for art’s sake? Of course, title track “True Sadness” is one of those moments, and it fits the ‘true’ parameter of this honest, truth-laden playlist.

In the context of True Sadness, “True Sadness” returns the LP to a more familiar place following the experimentation of “You Are Mine” and the devilishly superb “Satan Pulls the Strings.” The Avett Brothers sing about various arduous situations throughout the course of the song, whether it’s financial instability on the first verse (“You were a friend to me when my wheels were off the tracks / And though you say there is no need / I intend to pay you back”), addiction, such as alcoholism on the second verse (“Full grown, I’ve been known to lean on a bottle”), or various evils on the third verse (“Just know the kingdom of God is within you / Even though the battle is bound to continue”). Perhaps “True Sadness” doesn’t reinvent the wheel but it finds The Avett Brothers flexing… at their alternative-folk craft that is.

11. The Weeknd, “True Colors”

Starboy • Republic • 2016

“So, if I love you / It’d be just for you / So, when I’m touching you / Can I trust in you? / Can I trust in you? Oh babe.” After earning two Grammys for his sophomore album Beauty Behind the Madness, Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, would earn a third Grammy for his 2016 LP, Starboy.  While it was unsurprising that The Weeknd was in contention for the award that evening, it was a bit of an upset to the Childish Gambino album, “Awaken, My Love!”, that was among the Album of the Year nominees.  Anyways, that’s not really integral to this playlist, so lets cut the bull and jump right into “True Colors,” the final entry on this honest, true, and most truthful playlist.

In the context of Starboy, “True Colors” arrives timely, slackening the pace following two rollicking dance tracks (“Rockin’” and “Secrets”).  “True Colors” marks a return to form The Weeknd essentially. Fanboys and fangirls of “The Hills” or “Wicked Games” should definitely be onboard once this joint commences. That said, there’s something missing with “True Colors” compared to the aforementioned staples – it’s one of the least profane songs of Abel Tesfaye’s career.  Even without being adorned with f-bombs, it’s quite effective.  What does Abel want from his woman on “True Colors”? The chorus says it best:

“Girl, come show me your true colors
Paint me a picture with your true colors
These are the questions of a new lover
True colors, true colors
Girl, come show me your true colors
Paint me a picture with your true colors
These are the confessions of a new lover
True colors, true colors.”

[Photo Credits: Atlantic, Bazzi, Bighit Entertainment, Columbia, Disruptor, EMPIRE, Epic, Pexels, Pixabay, Republic, Star Camp Music, Universal]