“11 Incredibly ‘Cool’ Songs That Aren’t the Least Bit Cold” features music from Chloe x Halle, Jonas Brothers, Ski Mask the Slump God, Tove Lo & Zack Villere.

No need for a big-time, clever introduction that I definitely DON’T have in my writer’s arsenal! Oops – did I just expose myself? Anyways, don’t get it twisted folks – this playlist is not copycatting a previous playlist, 12 Songs That Are Truly ‘Cold’… for the most part. Sigh, there’s not a ‘cold’ song on this playlist… they’re all ‘cool’ songs instead.  And if you didn’t know, cool can be used in a variety of contexts.

With that disclaimer so eloquently stated, 11 Incredibly ‘Cool’ Songs That Aren’t the Least Bit Cold is written in a similar vein to the aforementioned list, as well as that red hot, muy caliente list, 11 Songs That are Totally Hot.  Musicians providing the ‘cool’ tunes include Chloe x Halle (“Cool People”), Jonas Brothers (“Cool”), Ski Mask the Slump God (“I’m the Coolest Monkey in the Jungle”), Tove Lo (“Cool Girl”), and Zack Villere (“Cool”).

1. Jonas Brothers, “Cool”

Cool [Single] • Republic • 2019

“Lately, I’ve been feelin’ so cool / Top to the bottom, just cool / Every little thing that I do / Dammit, I’m feeling so cool.” On “Cool”, Jonas Brothers do their respective jobs of making “Cool” a ‘short, but incredibly sweet’ pop record.  How so?  Fresh pop production (drum programming, guitars, keys), popping vocals (falsetto included), and entertaining, tongue-in-cheek songwriting. Nick Jonas shines from the onset, delivering a confident vocal performance, and even throwing a dash of profanity in on the intro, the eventual chorus (aforementioned).

Worth noting, Jonas Brothers would’ve never gotten away with uttering ‘dammit’ during their Disney or ‘A Little Bit Longer’ days. Joe Jonas contrasts his younger bro on the second verse, as well as delivering that ‘damn cool’ chorus himself.  Following a bridge by Nick, all of the Jonas Brothers get into the action on the final chorus because “dammit, [they’re] feeling so cool.” “Cool” may not reinvent pop or come off as particularly innovative but it features fresh pop production, popping vocals by both Nick and Joe, and entertaining, tongue-in-cheek songwriting (“Oh, I feel like Post Malone when I get home / Sittin’ there, winning like it’s Game of Thrones”).  That’s pretty f!$king cool if you ask me.

2. Ski Mask the Slump God, “I’m the Coolest Monkey in the Jungle”

Ft. SahBabii

Beware the Book of Eli • Republic • 2018

“I’m the coolest monkey in the jungle / I’m the coolest monkey in the jungle / Sauce that you had, you been fumbled / And tell the white supremacist to lick my big toe.” Floridian rapper Ski Mask the Slump God arguably lays claim to the quirkiest, most bizarre record on this playlist with “I’m the Coolest Monkey in the Jungle.” “I’m the Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” hails from the rapper’s 2018 mixtape, Beware the Book of Eli. He gets the assist from another southern rapper, SahBabii.  It should also be noted, Beware the Book of Eli closes with a uniquely-titled number, “Bukkake.” We’ll leave that at that…

Focusing on “I’m the Coolest Monkey in the Jungle,” over the course of his two verses, Ski Mask the Slump God focuses mostly on sex.  A perfect example comes from the third verse, where he spits, “Spin on my nuts, 6-1-9 like Mysterio / She said my nuts taste like honey, no Cheerio / It be no biggie, though, fuck European ho / How does she greet you, though? She be like, ‘Cheerio!’” Beyond the sex, there are references to racism, specifically related to the H&M ‘coolest monkey in the jungle’ hoodie.  As for SahBabii, in addition to sex (“I got my thumb in her butthole”), he also references guns and violence (“Sawed off shotgun, call it Lil Pump”).  Both rappers flex hard when it’s all said and done, even with just about two-and-a-half minutes to work with.

3. Chloe x Halle, “Cool People”

The Kids are Alright • Parkwood / Columbia • 2018

“When you hold my hand it just reminds me how / There’s still cool people in the world.” Chloe x Halle had one of the quieter album rollouts of 2018 with the release of The Kids are Alright.  Nonetheless, the Atlanta Grammy-nominated sister duo (Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey), signed to Beyoncé’s Parkwood label, has proved time and time again that they’re definitely an act to watch.  On “Cool People,” the 14^th track on The Kids are Alright, both girls celebrate the fact that despite all the bad plaguing the world and its people that there are still “cool people.”

Each sister sings their own respective verse and chorus.  Halle starts things off, singing about becoming disillusioned with trust and love.  “I’ve been down on the regular,” she sings, continuing, “I’ve seen things with my retina / These old days I don’t feel that much.” As for Chloe, she focuses on a new, more optimistic perspective, singing, “So now I’ve been good on the regular / I’ve seen things even clearer.” She continues, “These new days I’ve been lifted up / High.” The duo combines on the bridge, singing about the strength of love previous unexperienced, before singing the final, moving chorus together.  All in all, this is one, pretty sweet song.

4. Felix Jaehn, “Cool”

Ft. Marc E. Bassy & Gucci Mane

I • Virgin • 2018

Early on in his career, German DJ and producer Felix Jaehn has released music that possesses a bright, energetic quality. Jaehn shines as ‘bright as a beacon’ on “Cool”, the opening gem from his debut album I. “Cool” finds the DJ/producer serving up bright, sunny, and smooth production work with some serious vibes. He isn’t alone in his energetic journey. He’s assisted by urban-pop singer Marc E. Bassy as well as the mush-mouthed, ubiquitous Southern rapper, Gucci Mane.

Bassy delivers soulful, tropically-infused vocals showcasing his beautiful tone.  He further accentuates things with tasteful ad-libs and controlled, but soulful runs.  He gets the honors of dropping the centerpiece of “Cool,” the chorus.

“And now you’re not who you used to be

I don’t know what you’re dying to prove

So, hit me up when you’re over being cool

Your new friends will say anything

But if you wanna know the truth

Hit me up when you’re over being cool.”

As for Gucci Mane, he drops ‘characteristic,’ southern rap rhymes on the third verse.  He’s accompanied by Jaehn’s sunny-sounding, triumphant horns.

5. Imagine Dragons, “Cool Out”

Origins • Interscope • 2018

“I’m standing on your front porch saying, ‘Don’t go’ / You were lookin’ at me wild saying, ‘Just go home.” Grammy-winning alternative rock band Imagine Dragons’ fourth studio album, Origins (2018), was ‘okay’ at best, but nothing ‘earth shattering’ by my estimations.  There were critics who completely panned it (theneedledrop gave them the ‘Not Good’ treatment), while AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine was more generous in his review (3 ½ stars).  Hmm, very, very interesting.  Moving beyond the predictable, polarizing affair as a whole, there were a couple of bright spots, such as the song at hand, “Cool Out,” which shows a slightly different side of the band.

“Cool Out” seems to hearken back to the pop of old – or at least the 80s. The production is a huge reason for the success of this record, which easily ranks among the crème de la crème of Origins. Vocally, Dan Reynolds successfully exhibits poise, showcasing the beauty of his instrument without over-singing. The chorus is essential to the track’s overall success.

“Cool out, ‘cause baby, I don’t think I’m the one for you

So just cool out, ‘cause baby I don’t think I’m the one for you

So, cool out, stay high, stay fresh, play nice

And just, cool out, ‘cause baby, I don’t think I’m the one for you

So, cool out.”

6. Zack Villere, “Cool”

Little World • aritech • 2017

“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.” Zack Villere, I totally feel that brother – the ‘not-being-cool’ thing that is.  Even as ‘not cool’ as the eclectic pop musician may or may not be, “Cool” is in the running for the most badass song on this list.  Take that Zack! That’s right folks, there’s nothing the least bit ‘cold’ about “Cool” with its intentional, deadpan, monotone-styled vocals, quirky, jazz harmonies, and overall embracement of all things nerdy and left-of-center.

At just over two minutes, the listener doesn’t get a robust amount of coolness from Villere.  However, he makes the two minutes worthwhile, playing up the un-cool, non-conformist persona. “So, I think I might go to this party / That this girl invited me to,” he sings on the sole verse of “Cool,” later doubting himself once again.

“I look at myself in the mirror

And I say, ‘Oh no’ / Is that what I really look like? I don’t want to be me

But that’s only half of the time

‘Cause inside I know I’m cool, so cool.”

That’s some self-esteem right there.

7. Tove Lo, “Cool Girl”

Lady Wood • Universal • 2016

“I’m a cool girl, I’m a I’m a cool girl / Ice cold, I roll my eyes at you, boy.”  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” is a slickly produced record, incorporating elements of EDM and urban-pop.  Danceable, the groove is infectious as albeit.

Making “Cool Girl” even cooler is the fact that it is inspired by a scene from the film Gone Girl, according to Rolling Stone.  What is Tove Lo’s M.O.? She is trying to do whatever it takes to win him over. On the verses, she employs low-key, cool vocals. Naturally, the voice expands more beginning on the pre-chorus.  The aforementioned chorus is simple, but hella catchy.

8. Troye Sivan, “Cool”

Blue Neighbourhood • Capitol • 2015

“I was just trying to be cool / I was just trying to be like you / I’m a spark and you’re a boom / What am I supposed to do?” Throughout his 2015 debut album, Blue Neighbourhood, South African born, Australian-bred pop musician Troye Sivan showed off indisputable talent as well as an authentic peek into his world.  Among the highlights from Blue Neighbourhood, which references his walk as a gay man, is “Cool.”

 ‘Trying too hard to be cool’ or trying to be something that you’re not seems to be Troye Sivan’s M.O. in “Cool.” On the aforementioned chorus, he seems to reference his own efforts to assimilate even if he’s totally uncomfortable doing so and it’s totally uncharacteristic of his personality.  Also, Sivan seems to highlight the perceptions and misconceptions of being rich and famous and assimilating to the ‘cool’ that is associated with status as well.

“When I’ve got that cigarette smoke

And Saint Laurent coat, but nothing is feeling right

I drink but I choke

I love but I don’t, yeah.”

9. Demi Lovato, “Cool for the Summer”

Confident • Hollywood / Island • 2015

“Tell me what you want / What you like / it’s okay / I’m a little curious too…I can keep a secret, can you?” Demi Lovato is an unapologetic pop star to say the least.  Understanding her open-mindedness (and how Confident she really is) makes the controversy surrounding “Cool for The Summer” unsurprising.  What makes the record bold (and cool) are references to bi-curiosity and lesbianism, as aforementioned.

The lustfulness is clear, with a reference to “cherry” fueling the same-sex tilt:

“Got my mind on your body and your body on my mind

Got a taste for the cherry, I just need to take a bite.”

The chorus continues the curiousness:

“Take me down into your paradise

Don’t be scared, cause I’m your body type

Just something that we wanna try

Cause you and I

We’re cool for the summer.”

“Cool for the Summer” brings light to the existence of a sexual spectrum “complicated multiple-choice question”(?). Since it’s only “cool for the summer,” Lovato considers this to be a fling. “Cool for the Summer” has made numerous appearances on The Musical Hype playlists, including 53 LGBTQ Songs That Beam With Pride and 13 Captivating Summer Songs.

10. Lana Del Rey, “Shades of Cool”

Ultraviolence • Interscope • 2014

“My baby lives in shades of blue / Blue eyes and jazz and attitude / He lives in California too / He drives a Chevy Malibu.”  Hmm, Chevy Malibu huh? It seems that on the memorable lyric from “Shades of Cool” she’s also referencing the city of Malibu, which is in California. Arguably, Ultraviolence, from which “Shades of Cool” hails, is the best Lana Del Rey album, at least to date. Regardless if it is or isn’t your personal favorite album by the enigmatic musician, the song “Shades of Cool” is among the crème de la crème of her career.

As is common with a Lana Del Rey song, the vibe is depressing.  No, “Shades of Cool” isn’t among the most ‘depressed’ numbers of her career, but, it’s definitely not optimistic… There are a number of unique lyrics on this minor-key gem.  On the second verse, Lana Del Rey speaks about not being the only woman in her ‘baby’s’ life for example: “He lives for love, for women too / I’m one of many, Bonnies blue.” Interesting – very interesting. Notably, on the chorus, Del Rey flaunts off her stunning upper register.

“‘Cause you are invincible

I can’t break through your world

Cause you live in shades of cool

Your heart is unbreakable.”

It should be noted that “Shades of Cool” appeared on a previous playlist, 7 Songs Where ‘Shade’ Plays a Role.

11. Phoenix, “Trying to Be Cool”

Bankrupt! • Glassnote • 2013

Alt-rock band Phoenix (Thomas Mars, Laurent Brancowitz, Christian Mazzalai, and Deck d’Arcy) grew substantially in popularity with the release of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix in 2009. Further elevating the French band’s stock was a Grammy win for Best Alternative Music album. Given the success of Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, naturally the band’s follow-up album, Bankrupt! had some anticipation behind it. Another fine LP by Mars and company, among the best songs from the album is the sleek “Trying to Be Cool.”

“Cool / I’m just trying to be cool / It’s all because of you / Some fanatic attitude / We’re both on.” Okay… “Trying to Be Cool” lives up to its title’s aspirations, not to mention the ‘cool’ nature of the chorus heading up this paragraph.  Drenched in an ‘80s vibe, “Trying to Be Cool” is incredibly bright in sound and lyrically clever. The chorus lyrics are the most straightforward of the song. Among the best lyrics that Mars sings at any point throughout “Trying to Be Cool?”

“They teach you suffer to resist

Too much intention Presbyterian

Mint julep testosterone

Tell me that you want me.”

or, maybe:

“Two dozen pink and white ranunculus

Why, what are the problems to solve?

To part-time holy bachelors

Tell them that you want me.”

Creative stuff, right? Right!

[Photo Credits: aritech, Capitol, Columbia, Glassnote, Hollywood, Interscope, Island, Parkwood, Pexels, Pixabay, Republic, Universal, Virgin]