11 Intriguing Songs All About Humans | Playlist

“11 Intriguing Songs All About Humans” features human songs courtesy of The-Dream, Highly Suspect, MARINA, Rag’n’Bone Man, and Robyn.

“If they say why, why / Tell them that it’s human nature.” Okay Michael Jackson – totally will do.  The key word featured in the lyrical excerpt from his 1982 classic from Thriller is “human.” Why? Well, this playlist is titled 11 Intriguing Songs All About Humans, so, the central theme is humans – duh! Each song features not only features human in the song title, but also seems to embrace what it means to be human, so on and so forth.  Musicians providing these human-centric tunes include sexed-up R&B artist The-Dream (“Human Beings”) rock band Highly Suspect (“My Name is Human”), Welsh pop artist MARINA (“To Be Human”), English alternative singer/songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man (“Human”), and Swedish pop sensation Robyn (“Human Being”).

1. MARINA, “To Be Human”

LOVE + FEAR • Atlantic UK • 2019

“I like to think about how we all look from afar / People driving fancy cars look like beetles to the stars / The missiles and the bombs sound like symphonies gone wrong / And if there is a God, they’ll know why it’s so hard … “To Be Human.”  Wow, those are some truly powerful, thoughtful words, as sung on the bridge of the record at hand.  MARINA (Marina Diamandis) drops the name Marina and the Diamonds for her 2019 studio album, LOVE + FEAR.  Initially, the Welsh pop singer released LOVE only, from which single “To Be Human” lands as the penultimate, seventh track.

MARINA sounds absolutely flawless on “To Be Human.” Her tone is haunting, particularly as she sings in her upper register on the verses.  A contemporary politically-charged, socially-conscious anthem, MARINA is the voice of all the people in the world, not just the so-called elite. On the first verse, she references amazing places, as well as historically checkered pasts.  Notably, on the first pre-chorus, she references America, singing, “There were riots in America / Just when things were getting better,” clearly a shot at the polarizing presidency of Donald Trump compared to former president Barack Obama. The second verse, as well as the second pre-chorus are similarly patterned.  The chorus is the uniting centerpiece:

“All the people living, living in the world today
We’re united by our love, we’re united by our pain
All the things that I’ve done, and I’ve seen
Still, I don’t know, don’t know what it means
To be human.”

Also, somewhat off-topic yet worth mentioning, MARINA’s faith, rather lack thereof, comes into play on the bridge (“And if there is a God, they’ll know why it’s so hard …”).  In a BBC article Marina and the Diamonds: ‘Co-writing is killing pop music’, written in 2015, she states, “My songwriting’s always been peppered with stuff that could be connected with Christianity but I don’t know why because I wasn’t brought up Christian. I don’t believe in God.”

2. Muse, “Something Human”

Simulation Theory • Warner Bros. • 2018

“My circuits have blown / I know it’s self-imposed / And all I have shared, and all I have loved / Is all I’ll ever own…” Matthew Bellamy sings in relatively restrained fashion on the first verse of “Something Human”, clearly perturbed. “Something Human” hails from Simulation Theory, the 2018 eighth studio album by the Grammy-winning alternative rock collective, Muse. During the promotional campaign for the album, the band dropped a number of unique singles, dabbling in pop and interestingly, the 80s.

“Something Human” was among those singles, even if initially, it was one of the more underwhelming offerings. Ultimately, there’s plenty to like about this somewhat uncharacteristic record from Simulation Theory. It commences with a mix of electronic production ideas and acoustic guitar. Again, it’s something of a departure from most of Simulation Theory, yet, nonetheless, there’s still a driving groove providing rhythmic intensity.  Bellamy exhibits a bit more oomph on the second verse, while he yearns for home on the pre-chorus.

“Ten thousand miles left on the road
Five-hundred hours ‘til I am home
I need something human, human
Human, human.”

Worth noting, “Something Human (Acoustic Version)” is a superb addition to the deluxe edition of the album.

3. Robyn, “Human Being”

Ft. Zhala

Honey • Konichiwa / Interscope • 2018

“I’m a human being / And so are you…” Phew, at least we’ve got that cleared up! Prior to the release of Honey, Swedish pop singer Robyn had been MIA for a whopping eight years! Single “Missing U” would begin her critically-acclaimed comeback. Yup, just check out the link to the Metacritic page for the album, and the critics went absolutely gaga. “Human Being” is part of that experience, appearing as the second song on the nine-track affair. Robyn gets an assist from Swedish ‘cosmic pop’ singer Zhala.

“Human Being” is a rock-solid, grooving dance-pop record.  The production by Joseph Mount is one of the biggest selling points.  It’s minimal yet feels like perfect fuel for the fire for Robyn.  Robyn delivers a super cool, calm, and collected performance, yet still manages to pack a punch. What’s the premise of “Human Being”? Robyn tells Jason King (Pitchfork), who prompted her about the “robotic sensibility” of the song that “I wrote the song as if [Artificial Intelligence (AI)] had taken over the world and human beings were the minority.  AI will do everything better than us, maybe even have emotions.” Knowing that, it makes sense when Robyn sings lyrics like “These emotions are out of date / I know it’s hard / no peace of mind, but don’t shut me out / You know we’re the same kind / A dying race.”

4.The-Dream, “Human Beings”

Ménage à Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3 • Radiokilla • 2018

“And you can tell by the way we make love / This just aint sex / Always like our first time, even in the worst time.” Well, when a sex tape comes to mind, one envisions the music being slow and sounding risqué and sketchy AF. The-Dream (Terius Nash) accomplishes this sensibility on his triple mixtape, Ménage à Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3.  While The Musical Hype never reviewed the two-and-a-half-hour-long Ménage à Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3,  we included “Drop Some New Shit,” from the third disc (Vol. 3) of the project on the utterly ‘shit-filled’ 13 Songs with Every Kind of Poo Imaginable.  But that’s not appropriate here, so we settle on “Human Beings.”

The lethargic-paced “Human Beings” isn’t angelic (“How the fuck can you deal with a nigga like me?”), but it’s also not quite as sexed-up as some of The-Dream’s songs – “Pussy”, “Sex Intelligent” or “Put it Down” to name a few.  Don’t get it twisted – “Human Beings” still fits the sexual vibe (shout out to Stephen Puth) of Ménage à Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3, but The-Dream examines more of the ups and downs of the relationship.  For example, “You always pick the right fights, you pick the right fights / But only the make-up parts I like…” The chorus is where the ‘bread is buttered’:

“I break your love, but we always come back
Come back and put it together again
You, ooh, break my love, ooh...”

5. She Drew the Gun, “Human”

Revolution of Mind • Skeleton Key • 2018

“And we’re only human / Yeh, we’re only human / Don’t bow your head too long.” England’s She Drew the Gun gives us less than two-and-a-half minutes of humanness on “Human,” the closing cut from her 2018 album, Revolution of Mind.  Even so, Louisa Roach definitely delivers a nuanced, well-crafted performance that checks off most of the boxes of the self-described “Impassioned, hypnotic, and darkly ornate psych-pop” label.  Why just ‘most’ and not all? Well, perhaps “Human” isn’t quite as ‘ornate’ given its stripped status.

That said, the lyrics are certainly ‘ornate’ by all means – definitely artful, poetic, and thoughtfully-penned.  From the start, the “impassioned, hypnotic, dark” qualities shine through:

“Filled with content with the treasure you won
You can’t see if it shines till the cutting is done
If the task takes you right back to where you begun
Know somethings are just meant for the re-run.”

After that, we’re treated to the simple, but equally moving, aforementioned chorus.  Then, after that, more brilliant lyricism from the talented, proudly queer musician.

6. Shinedown, “The Human Radio”

ATTENTION ATTENTION • Atlantic • 2018 

“We march, we fight, we live / We scream, we die, we give / We want the world to know / We are the human radio.” Frontman Brent Smith and Florida hard rock band Shinedown are energetic to the nth degree on “The Human Radio”,the second single from their sixth studio album, ATTENTION ATTENTION. “The Human Radio” commences with a sick, rhythmic bass line.  The foundation, the rest of the record is built upon its robust glory.  By the chorus, the drums, guitars, and vocals are gargantuan – overblown in typical, hard rock fashion.  Amazingly, Smith is able to show some poise and restraint on the verses, despite continuing to exhibit attitude.

Lyrically, he kicks things off with his middle fingers to the skies:

“I gotta four letter word for ‘I don’t care’
A whole lotta drive, to get me there
I’ve seen a whole lotta wrong, to say the least
Spent a whole lotta time, staring down the beast.”
After bottling it in for so long, he eventually unleashes the ferociousness on the chorus.
“I’m reaching out to the human radio
Taking a chop on ‘em, I reach hard on ‘em
Get the money, throw the tantrum
The human radio is playing your anthem.”

While the hard rock idiom is firmly in play, “The Human Radio” isn’t without its fair share of modern trickery.  There are some vocal effects, as well as keyboards (synths).  Neither take away from the record stylistically – the spirit of rock and roll is alive and well.

7. George Ezra, “Only a Human”

Staying at Tamara’s • Columbia • 2018

“Winner’s just a word, loser’s just one too / Oh, forever dreaming lullaby.” Interestingly, only song record from Staying at Tamara’s earns British singer/songwriter  Ezra George (“Budapest”, “Cassy O’”, and the infectious “Listen to the Man”) the parental advisory explicit lyrics tag. Yes, that would be “Only Human,” and of course, knowing that profanity’s involved, we had to find a way to feature the song – just kidding… sort of.

Despite its profaneness, “Only Human” is actually Staying at Tamara’s most thoughtful effort.  And you know why it’s so thoughtful? That colorful, successful f-bomb on the chorus that seals the deal… again, just kidding… sort of.

“You can run, you can jump, might fuck it up
But you can’t blame yourself, no, you’re just human
Come on, come one
No, you can’t blame yourself, you’re just human
No, you can’t blame yourself, you’re just human.”

 Ultimately, the singer/songwriter asserts that everyone makes mistakes – “you’re just human.”  That’s about the size of it.

8. Rag’n’Bone Man, “Human”

Human • Sony Music UK • 2017

“Maybe I’m foolish, maybe I’m blind / Thinking I can see through this and see what’s behind / Got no way to prove it, so maybe I’m lying.”  One of the more thoughtful songs of 2017 that also happened to be a crowd-pleaser came courtesy of Rag’n’Bone Man.  “Human” was definitely a breakout hit for the robust, distinct-voiced, English singer/songwriter, appearing as the opener on his debut album, Human.  Stylistically, the record can be characterized as a mix of alternative and contemporary soul.  Superb production by Two Inch Punch definitely amplifies this gem to even loftier heights.

The big takeaway is best exemplified on the refrain where Rag’n’Bone Man asserts, “‘Cause I’m only human after all / You’re only human after all / Don’t put the blame on me / Don’t put the blame on me.” This imperfect sentiment continues on the chorus, where the singer dramatically speaks of people who are devastated, yet, he’s unable to fix their problems.  You can easily figure out why he’s unable to do so…

“Some people got the real problems
Some people out of luck
Some people think I can solve them
Lord heavens above
I’m only human after all
I’m only human after all
Don’t put the blame on me
Don’t put the blame on me.”

9. Highly Suspect, “My Name is Human”

The Boy Who Died Wolf • 300 Entertainment • 2016

“I’m feeling the way that I’m feeling myself / Fuck everyone else.” Safe to say, Highly Suspect frontman Johnny Stevens truly gives zero fucks.  If one f-bomb wasn’t enough, Stevens offers more later, on the second verse of the band’s standout song, “My Name is Human”: “I’m ready for love, and I’m ready for war / But I’m ready for more / I know that nobody’s ever been this fucking ready before, hey.” “My Name is Human” kicks off The Boy Who Died Wolf, the sophomore album by Grammy-nominated rock band magnificently. It features enigmatic opening production, which percolates into a truly dark quality.  Throughout the course of “My Name Is Human,” it features a religiously skeptical message (“Get up off your knees, girl / Stand face to face with your God / And find out what you want”).

Stevens delivers rhythmic vocals possessing a hip-hop-sensibility without compromising rock in the slightest. The lyrics are biting, and the vocals are incredibly aggressive. The chorus – varied in a couple of instances – represents the best moment of “My Name Is Human”:

“I’m up off my knees, girl
I’m face to face with myself
And I know who I am
(Hello, my name is human)
I stole my power from the sun
I’m more than just a man
no longer disillusioned).”

10. Christina Perri, “Human”

Head or Heart • Atlantic • 2014

“I can dance and play the part / If that’s what you ask / Give you all I am / I can do it.” Okay Christina Perri, okay. Name the first Christina Perri song that comes to mind.  For many, it’s likely her haunting 2011 hit, “Jar of Hearts” from her debut album, lovestrong.  What a great song that is, sigh! The thing is, the pop singer/songwriter has released music since lovestrong, including Head or Heart from 2014.  Her sophomore album is where the soaring, human ballad on hand, “Human” hails from.

“Human” possesses all the things that makes an adult contemporary pop ballad glorious. Christina Perri begins singing with incredible poise, gradually building to that fever pitch where she the emotions are at an all-time high.  The verses are more ‘cool, calm, and collected,’ while each chorus gains more steam, through higher dynamic levels and bigger, more powerful vocals.  The chorus is the selling point, where all the humanness shines… something like that.

“But I’m only human
And I bleed when I fall down
I’m only human
And I crash and I break down
Your words in my head, knives in my heart
You build me up and then I fall apart
Cause I’m only human.”

11. The Killers, “Human”

Day & Age • Island • 2008

Question: “Are we human, or are we dancer?” Honestly, that ungrammatical lyric by The Killers on “Human” (Day & Age ) ranks among their most memorable.  “Human” is the oldest song on this particular playlist, arriving back in 2008.  2008 isn’t that old mind you, but with this list being published in 2019, it does make the song 11… Enough about that though.  It’s the quality and overall memorability of this record that makes it a certified, relatively-contemporary alternative rock classic… something like that.

There’s ample focus on the aforementioned opening lyric of the chorus, but that’s not the only reason why “Human” is great. The production is superb, thanks to legendary Madonna producer, Stuart Price.  The sound blends dance, New Wave, and, well alternative rock seamlessly. Guitars and synths coexist soundly with one another, sigh.  Frontman Brandon Flower delivers his typical brand of expressive, well-rounded vocals, sitting atop the rhythmic background like “The Man” that he is – “USDA certified lean” baby!  But also, there’s the other lyrics as well – they’re “kind of a big deal” too! The second verse is particularly poetic:

“Pay my respects to grace and virtue
Send my condolences to good
Give my regards to soul and romance
They always did the best they could.”

[📷: 300 Entertainment, Atlantic, Columbia, Interscope, Island, Konichiwa, Pexels, Pixabay, Radiokilla, Skeleton Key, Sony, Warner Bros.]