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“11 Incredibly Intriguing, Totally Black Songs” features music courtesy of Bad Religion, Carrie Underwood, Denzel Curry, Greyson Chance, and Slipknot.

“I see a red door and I want it painted black / No colors anymore, I want them to turn black.” Fair enough Mick Jagger.  You and The Rolling Stones have a pretty awesome rock gem with “Paint it Black.” AC/DC turned up, asserting “‘Cause I’m back, yes, I’m back / Well I’m back /… Yes, I’m ‘Back in Black’.” Amy Winehouse didn’t do too shabby herself, years later, singing, “And I tread my troubled track / My odds are stacked, I’ll go ‘Back to Black’.” The keyword, rather, the key color is black.  If you hadn’t figured it out, this playlist – 11 INCREDIBLY INTRIGUING, TOTALLY BLACK SONGS – features songs that reference the color black.

The Musical Hype is no stranger to different colors.  In 2018, we released a set of Golden Songs (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2).  In 2019, we dropped 14 Songs Characterized by Colors, as well as the split playlist, 12 Songs That Are Either Black or White.  Naturally, a few songs from that particular playlist make their way on 11 Incredibly Intriguing, Totally Black Songs, but was also add some newbies to the mix. 11 Incredibly Intriguing, Totally Black Songs features music courtesy of Bad Religion (“Big Black Dog”), Carrie Underwood (“Two Black Cadillacs”), Denzel Curry (“BLACK BALLOONS | 13LACK 13ALLOONZ”), Greyson Chance (“Black on Black”) and Slipknot (“Nero Forte”) among others.

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1. Slipknot, “Nero Forte”

We Are Not Your Kind • Roadrunner • 2019

Fans had to wait five years for Grammy-winning Nü metal collective Slipknot to release their sixth studio album, We Are Not Your Kind (2019). Long hiatuses between studio albums have become the norm for the Des Moines, Iowa band, with the longest gaps occurring between All Hope is Gone (2008) and .5: The Gray Chapter (2014). Of course, sadly, bassist Paul Gray (“The Pig”) died of an overdose in between those two albums in 2010.  With ample background, “Nero Forte,” an Italian phrase that translates as ‘strong black,’ is an epic way to commence this playlist of black songs.

 “Nero Forte” is preceded by a compelling interlude, “Death Because of Death.” “Death Because of Death” maintains the eeriness and depressed sensibilities established early-on on We Are Not Your Kind. In other words, it’s an awesome preface to the main attraction that is “Nero Forte.” “I haven’t felt like this in years / Not much left, so uprooted,” singer Corey Taylor shouts, continuing, “Fists clenched tight in the pockets of my hoodie / And I know where I need to go / But the voice of reason can’t say no / It’s in the eyes and heart / Just the latest psycho off the charts.” Once more, in the context of We Are Not Your Kind, Slipknot presents a brilliant mix of the melodic, shouted, and absolute, utter darkness.

2. Greyson Chance, “Black on Black”

Portraits • GCM / AWAL • 2019

Eight years after releasing his debut full-length album (Hold On ‘Til the Night, 2011), Greyson Chance returned in 2019, as a grown-ass man, with his sophomore LP, Portraits. Yes, Chance has come a long way from being that cute freckled-faced kid who appeared on Ellen, now living ‘out and proud’ – definitely no more “Cheyenne” (“I know every girl’s searchin’ for romance / And I’m wonderin’ if you’d take a chance / On a guy like me with a girl like you”). Enough small talk, let’s move on to the first of two Greyson Chance songs to grace this list, “Black on Black.”

In the context of portraits, an interlude, “Lights” (referencing strip clubs), perfectly foreshadows the sexually tinged “Black on Black.” Safe to say, Greyson Chance embraces his status of being a red-blooded adult man eager to have some fun.  He’s suggestive up until the bridge, where his horniness reaches new fucking heights you might say:

“California kid, you’re a nasty punk
Smoking them cigs, smoking all them blunts
M6 riding and you got that cash
Rock that black on black
California kid, you’re a fucking sleaze
But damn, boy, you got me fucking on my knees
M6 riding, making out in the back
Rock that black on black on black.”

The bridge reappears as the outro of the song as well.  Can you knock Chance for embracing the pleasure? It’s a pleasing, stimulating listening experience as well. “Black on Black” previously appeared on the split, colorful playlist, 12 Songs That Are Either Black or White.

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3. Anderson. Paak, “Jet Black”

Ft. Brandy

Ventura • Aftermath • 2019

“Jet black hair, baby, jet black hair / Matte black jeep with the Rubicon grill / Ooh, it’s been a while, baby, don’t go there / Ooh, it’s been a while, baby, come here.” Grammy-winning R&B artist Brandy joins Grammy-winning hip-hop/R&B artist/producer Anderson .Paak on “Jet Black,” the ninth track from his fourth album, Ventura (2019).  Notably, Paak Released two albums within months of each other. Oxnard (2008), had more of a hip-hop identity, while Ventura embraced more of an urban contemporary, R&B identity.

In the context of Ventura, “Jet Black” keeps groove and soul at the forefront.  Brandy does a fine job of backing up Paak, particularly on the chorus. Interestingly, despite the R&B vibes that characterize Ventura generally, Paak opts for hip-hop this round – go figure!  The aforementioned excerpt from the first verse is a perfect example, with similar happenings on the second verse. That said, Paak does sing the third verse/bridge:

“And the coldest part is I’m not even there
I watch your feed, but I don’t feed into that
Just give me the news
I miss all the parties, but I’m still the best dressed, clean.”

4. Bad Religion, “Big Black Dog”

Age of Unreason • Epitaph • 2019

“The father daughter devil and son / They deal in art / The art of deal / They sing Sieg Heil(s) in aisles of high heels.” Wow, that’s pretty scathing, right? In 2019, veteran punk-rock band Bad Religion returned with a new studio album, Age of Unreason. The band has always been politically and socially ‘woke’ you might say.  Of the album, guitarist/songwriter Brett Gurewitz tweeted, “AoU [Age of Unreason] is mainly about defending enlightenment values.” Very, very interesting.  Of the song at hand, “Big Black Dog,” Gurewitz went on to explain, “The ‘black dog’ of the song is a metaphor for counter-enlightenment ideas or what, in another song, I called the ‘endarkenment.’” That’s deep!

“Big cyber-weapon, little traitor in chief
He’s got a big black dog on a leash.”

Clearly, Bad Religion aren’t fans of President Donald Trump (understatement), hatred, or racism.  They characterize him as a bully, and criticize a lack of empathy, particularly for the less fortunate.  Some other notable happenings on “Big Black Dog” include an awesome guitar solo and the key outgoing lyric, “I’ll be right here when I disappear.” For just a little over two minutes in duration, Bad Religion does big things.

5. Psycroptic, “Beyond the Black”

As the Kingdom Drowns • Prosthetic • 2018

Nothing is more fitting on the ‘black’ portion of 11 Incredibly Intriguing, Totally Black Songs than some death metal, right? Damn right! So, Psycroptic brings some total hellishness to the table with “Beyond the Black,” the sixth track on their 2018 LP, As the Kingdom Drowns.  Expectedly, the guitars are jagged AF, the drums totally pummeling, and the vocals are stretched to the nth degree with their infernal angst.  Literally, it sounds like you’re a participant in hell… totally damning.

As is the expectation with death metal, the lyrics are darkly poetic, filled with doom.  A prime example: “Millions tremble as the oceans rise / The endless tide never to recede /… Trying to overcome is pointless / Engulfing this world with flames.”  Yeah, find some optimism there.  And if that’s not enough hell for you, check out the chorus:

“As time draws nearer – darkness surrounds your soul
And the shadows march beyond
Born into chaos – the night will be here to stay
Can’t travel beyond the black.”

Again, poetic, but also, again, damning, like… DAMN! “Beyond the Black” previously appeared on the split, colorful playlist, 12 Songs That Are Either Black or White.

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6. Denzel Curry, “BLACK BALLOONS | 13LACK 13ALLOONZ”

Ft. Twelve’len & Goldlink

TA1300 • Loma Vista • 2018

“Hot pink, Valentine red / Black balloons, over my head / Let it float, let it float, let it float, let it float.” From the jump, Denzel Curry offers an intriguing listening experience on “BLACK BALLOONS | 13LACK 13ALLOONZ,” the second track off his ambitious 2018 album, TA1300.  Curry sings the lush, aforementioned chorus alongside R&B singer Twelve’len, before rapping the first verse.

“Sky is the limit, I could die in a minute
Got my mind in a skillet, suicide not a mission
See the vibe very timid, I’m very timid and very sad.”

Despite how lush the production is, and how soulful the groove is, Denzel Curry seems to be recovering from a bad spot in his life.  When verifying his lyrics to Genius, he asserted, “I was very sad when I was creating this album and I was trying to find my happiness… We wasn’t able to make this song until I was actually in a good place.” One of the best lyrics from his verse arrives at the end: “Soon black balloons pop / Let it be the day the pain stop.” Beyond Curry, Goldlink delivers the second verse, reflecting on life, haters, success, and such.  He closes his verse with a bang:

“And they hate you ‘cause you’re right, give me hell then, shit
Take your turn to fire and to pitchfork, bitch.”

7. David Bowie, “Blackstar”

Blackstar • Columbia • 2016

The exceptionalness of the Grammy-winning Blackstar, the final studio album by icon David Bowie, showcases the just how brilliant he was.  Even past his prime Bowie recorded an album that easily exhibited more ambition than most by artists half his age. Although much of the attention surrounding Blackstar focused on “Lazarus” (even more so following his death), it “Blackstar” that is the centerpiece – the tour de force.

“Blackstar” is the most ambitious song on the album, hand down. David Bowie truly outdoes himself.  Dark, enigmatic, and chilling, it grips the listener from the start despite its ten-minute duration. Even when “Blackstar” has ‘happier’ moments with major chords, it remains overwhelmingly dark, twisted, and hellish. Possibly, “Blackstar” was written about ISIS, but of course, it’s unconfirmed. Despite its utter ‘blackness,’ “Blackstar” has a beauty about it, thanks to Middle Eastern musical cues coupled with elements of jazz and soul.  It’s a ‘delightful’ 10 minutes by all means. “Blackstar” previously appeared on the split, colorful playlist, 12 Songs That Are Either Black or White.

8. Kendrick Lamar, “The Blacker the Berry”

To Pimp a Butterfly • Interscope • 2015

“The blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice / The blacker the berry, the bigger I shoot.” Damn, what a telling line about the unnecessary unrest that blacks face.  The line appears from the crowning achievement of To Pimp A Butterfly, the 2015 Grammy-winning rap album by Kendrick Lamar.  Honestly, it still stings that To Pimp a Butterfly failed to win Album of the Year.  Moving on though…

“The Blacker the Berry” is a song about stereotypes and misconceptions on African Americans and being upset about violence towards them. Kendrick Lamar is passionate and brutally hones throughout the course of the record. Notably, the key lyric throughout the song is “I’m the biggest hypocrite of 2015,” which appears at the beginning of the three verses he spits.  The last iteration, on the third verse, is the key as he finishes the line stating, “When I finish this if you listenin’ then sure you will agree.” He’s a hypocrite because “So why did I weep when Trayvon Martin was in the street? / When gang banging make me kill a nigga blacker than me? / Hypocrite!”  Safe to say, “The Blacker the Berry” is one of the most powerful records of the 2010s of any genre.

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9. Death Cab for Cutie, “Black Sun”

Kintsugi • Atlantic • 2015

“How could something so fair be so cruel / When this black sun revolved around you?” Alternative rock band Death Cab for Cutie brought the heat with “Black Sun,” a highlight from their 2015 album, Kintsugi.  That said, the sunshine isn’t particularly sunny on “Black Sun.”

Frontman Benjamin Gibbard delivers a clear, highly effective, relatively no-frills vocal performance over a rhythmic, minor-key backdrop.  There are some terrific guitar riffs, a stellar drum groove, and some tasteful electric keyboard/synths to spice things up.  Amplifying the awesomeness of “Black Sun” are the poetic lyrics, matching the dark tilt of the production.

“There is whiskey in the water
And there is death upon the vine
There is fear in the eyes of your father
And there is ‘yours’ and there is ‘mine’.”

10. 5 Seconds of Summer, “Jet Black Heart”

Sounds Good Feels Good • Capitol • 2015

“‘Cause I’ve got a jet black heart / And there’s a hurricane underneath it / Trying to keep us apart…” Okay… In between referencing American Apparel underwear (“She Looks So Perfect”) and embracing more modern pop sounds (“Youngblood”), Aussie boy band 5 Seconds of Summer had a “Jet Black Heart.” “Jet Black Heart” appears as the fifth track off the band’s 2015 sophomore album, Sounds Good Feels Good.  The aforementioned chorus continues, “I write with a poison pen / But these chemicals moving between us / Are the reason to start again.” Again, okay…

“Jet Black Heart” explores a topic that is certainly cliché to some extent.  Why? Well, bands have delivered the ‘I’m a flawed person / Accept the imperfections’ record many times. Still, it’s hard to resist or deny the energy and overall investment of 5SOS here. There are some incredibly nice, relatable moments throughout.  Michael Clifford doesn’t lie when he sings, “Everybody’s got their demons / Even wide awake or dreaming.” Luke Hemmings also speaks on his issues as he sings, “Maybe there’s nothing after midnight / That could make you stay.” One of the best lyrics, however, comes at the hands of Calum Hood on the bridge:

“The blood in my veins is made up of mistakes
Let’s forget who we are and dive into the dark
As we burst into color, returning to life.”

11. Carrie Underwood, “Two Black Cadillacs”

Blown Away • 19 Recordings Limited / Sony • 2012

“And the preacher said he was a good man / And his brother said he was a good friend / But the women in the two black veils didn’t bother to cry…” Carrie Underwood is at her best when she’s able to exhibit ‘that attitude.’ While the song at hand, “Two Black Cadillacs” doesn’t get the same love of the likes of “Jesus Take the Wheel”, “Before He Cheats”, or “Last Name,” in my personal opinion, it ranks among the crème de la crème of her catalog.  The narrative-driven number appears as the third track on her excellent fourth studio album, Blown Away (2012).

From the onset, “Two Black Cadillacs” sounds magical, instantly engaging the listener. There is a mysteriousness and sketchiness about the production, which sets the tone before Carrie Underwood sings a note. There is a clearly defined rhythmic groove, but it’s understated which bodes well. Of course, the narrative of the song is utterly superb with Underwood setting things up perfectly the first verse:

“Two black Cadillacs driving in a slow parade…
One is for his wife
The other for the woman who loved him at night
Two black Cadillacs meeting for the first time.”

Later, the second verse expounds upon what went down – “His wife called the number on his phone / Turns out he’d been lying to the both of them for oh so long…” Of course, on the bridge, it’s clear the women secretly conspired, “Shared a crimson smile and just walked away / And left the secret at the grave.” Regardless, the centerpiece is the chorus, excerpted at the beginning of the blurb. It continues, depicting the feelings of the two women:

“…Yeah, they took turns laying a rose down
Threw a handful of dirt into the deep ground
He’s not the only one who had a secret to hide
Bye bye, bye bye, bye bye.”

Fitting way to close a black playlist, right? Right!

“11 Incredibly Intriguing, Totally Black Songs” [Photo Credits: 19 Recordings Limited, Aftermath, Atlantic, AWAL, Capitol, Columbia, Epitaph, GCM (Greyson Chance Music), Interscope, Loma Vista, Pexels, Pixabay, Prosthetic, Roadrunner, Sony]

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