11 Marvelous Songs Filled with Life

Reading Time: 13 min read

11 Marvelous Songs Filled with Life features music courtesy of Brent Faiyaz, Evanescence, Lil Durk, Nicki Minaj, and PinkPantheress.

LIFE is beautiful. Yes, it can be arduous – rough and tumble – but ultimately, it’s a gift. Many times, on The Musical Hype, the theme of musical compendiums has involved life. Why? Because many musicians have tackled the topic – it’s popular and thought-provoking. 11 Marvelous Songs Filled with Life serves as a follow up, of sorts to, 13 Incredible Life, Live & Living Songs (2023). In most instances, on this list, the word life appears specifically in the song titles, with one exception – looking at you, Omar Apollo, you fine, talented human (live appears instead, BTW)! Anyways, 11 Marvelous Songs Filled with Life features music courtesy of Brent Faiyaz, Evanescence, Lil Durk, Nicki Minaj, and PinkPantheress among others. So, without further ado, let’s embrace the beauty and marvelousness that is LIFE!

1. Tiësto & FAST BOY, “All My Life”

🎵 “All My Life” • 🏷 Musical Freedom • 🗓 2024

Dutch DJ/producer Tiësto and Berlin brother duo FAST BOY (Felix Hain and Lucas Hain) join forces for a brief, but surefire bop: “All My Life”. This record, written and produced by Tiësto, FAST BOY, Krutsch, and Sebastian Bliem, is exuberant and quick paced. The production is dynamic, jubilant, and in your face. The synths are hella slick, while that beat hits you in the chest. The rhythmic, chordal piano keys are a standard part of the dance script, but they never sounded better on “All My Life.” It comes down to more than just the instrumental, of course. The vocals and vocal production are on-point. The tone is stunning, while the vocal effects only amplify the glory of this futuristic sounding joint. The lyrics are simple and repetitive. The chorus serves as the centerpiece: “All my life, all my life / I’ve been runnin’ around, I’ve been tryin’ to find.” Word. Besides the chorus, another tuneful section comes by way of the refrain: “Are you the one to free my heart? / Are you the spotlight in the dark?” Well, are you? There is one ‘verse’ that separates itself from the rest of the sections of the song: “I wanna know if someone’s out there (Save me) / Could you be, could you be mine? / If we ain’t got love, then we got nothing (We got nothing) / Then we got nothing.” “All My Life” = #WINNER!

2. Brent Faiyaz, “Moment of Your Life” (Ft. Coco Jones)   

💿 Larger Than Life • 🏷 ISO Supremacy / UnitedMasters LLC / High Standardz / Def Jam Recordings • 🗓 2023   

“You lookin’ better than you ever did,” Brent Faiyaz (Christopher Brent Wood) sings in the first verse of “Moment of Your Life”, a highlight from his 2023 album, Larger Than Life. He continues, “If you told me the secret, I would spread that shit to every girl that I meet.” Hmm, and why is that, Brent? “So, they would know how to be / That shit tastes fresher than a peppermint.”  The big takeaway from the excerpted lyrics of this contemporary R&B joint is L-O-V-E. On “Moment of Your Life,” he taps the talented Coco Jones for the assist. Produced by Mannyvelli, Sparkheem, and Dpat, “Moment of Your Life” samples the 1998 Nicole Wray song, “Boy You Should Listen”.  In fact, that’s where those ‘old-school,’ rhythmic, 90’s R&B sounds originate.  Furthermore, melodically, “Moment of Your Life” lifts off the 90s tune, which is a win for both Brent and Coco.  Following his smooth performance in the first verse and the chorus, Coco Jones takes the reins in the second verse, wowing with her rich, robust pipes (“Tonight, baby boy, you lookin’ better than you ever did / I’ll show you my secrets, can you handle it?”).  The chemistry when both artists perform is incredible, including harmonized vocals and trading lines (the bridge).  Even the contrast between the two is fabulous, particularly how Jones’ ad-libs cut more than Brent’s – she delivers more grit in the final chorus.  The chorus, of course, is the crème de la crème – that realization of love:       

“And I got every other thing that I need and want but you   

And I’ve been wantin’ you, so what you wanna do tonight?   

Make this the moment of your life.”     

“Moment of Your Life” is a fantastic R&B duet.    

Appears in 🔻:   

Moment: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 71 (2023)  
Awesome Songs: September 2023  
11 Songs Where the Moment is Key (2023)  
51 Best Songs of 2023

3. Lil Durk, “All My Life” (Ft. J. Cole)

💿 Almost Healed • 🏷 Alamo / Sony Music Entertainment • 📅 2023

“Hard times don’t last, ‘member when cops harassed / Talkin’ out my ass, boy, you ain’t shit but a bitch with a badge.” WOAH! And the best track from the 2023, Lil Durk album, Almost Healed, goes to… “All My Life”, of course! “All My Life” was released as a promo single and appears as the fourth track on the LP. Notably, the Grammy-nominated melodic rapper is assisted by Grammy-winning rapper, J. Cole on the intro and second verse. Dr. Luke serves as the producer, bringing warm backdrop set in a major key. In addition to writing credits for Lil Durk, J. Cole, and Dr. Luke, there are five other songwriters credited. There may be lots of cooks in the kitchen, but the result is a rap song that is as delicious and scrumptious as they come!

The melodic rap verse by Lil Durk are terrific. His flow is running on all cylinders here. Furthermore, what he raps about is on-point. “Some said I’d never be a superstar, but I know I’m different,” he asserts, continuing, “I’m The Voice, but the system ain’t give me a choice.” Deep! Also, the conclusion of the verse stands out too: “I know some kids wanna hurt theyself / Stop tryna take drugs, I refer to myself / Tryna better myself, tryna better my heath.” I love the contrast that J. Cole brings in the second verse with mostly un-pitched rhymes (he does dip into his melody briefly). Like Durk, he’s charged up, dropping numerous lyrical gems, whether it’s, “If you ain’t never posted a rapper when he was alive / You can’t post him after he get hit,” and “Fuck ‘em all like I’m goin’ through a ho phase / Young nigga shoot out the whip like road rage / I pray all of my dawgs say so paid / and the only thing that kill ‘em is old age.” Woo! With all the electrifying bars, the best moment from “All My Life,” hands down, is the chorus, which features a choir:

“All my life

They been tryin’ to keep me down

All this time

Never thought I would make it out.”

A glaring omission from 51 Best Songs of 2023, this Grammy-nominated song is nothing short of stellar.

Appears in 🔻:

4. Nicki Minaj, “My Life”

💿 Pink Friday 2 • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2023

“Ayo, these bitches lucky that I still ain’t find a nanny / All of them is my juniors, Sammy, uh.” You bitches better watch out – Nicki Minaj is in the house! “My Life” appears as the 18th track on Pink Friday 2, the 2023 studio album by the Grammy-nominated rapper. The record was produced by Don Cannon and Sean Momberger. Notably, it’s anchored by a percussive groove which is the first thing heard. Also notable is the fact that “My Life” samples the 1978 Blondie classic, “Heart of Glass”. Lyrically, the familiar Blondie vocals come through in the pre-chorus (“Once I had a love and it was a gas”), followed by the lyrical response by Minaj (“Tried to play me but I shitted on ‘em first”). Charming, right? In the chorus, Minaj serves up a melodic performance, something common on Pink Friday 2, contrasting the tougher, un-pitched raps of the verses and pre-chorus. In the chorus, she makes it crystal clear, “I don’t need no more drama in my life.” Do any of us need drama? No, we don’t! Shouting out the verses, she lands some ear-catching lines, such as “A bitch hot, come fan me / A-and that ass still sittin’ so I know they can’t stand me” from the second verse. Ooh-wee, Nicki! Better yet, MY, oh MY!

Appears in 🔻:

13 Possessive Songs Featuring the Adjective, MY

5. K-Ci & JoJo, “All My Life”

💿 Love Always • 🏷 Geffen • 📅 1997

Picture it, rather, hear it: a gorgeous, lush string-filled intro that’s incredibly sophisticated. Ask yourself this question: What better way to be fueled and gassed up then by celestial strings? This, my friends, is how R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo (Cedrick “K-Ci” Hailey and Joel “JoJo” Hailey) commence their once in a lifetime song, “All My Life”. Following the superb instrumental feature, things settle in with the iconic lyrics, “Baby, baby, baby, baby.” The duo doesn’t get in a rush in the least with “All My Life”, which runs an ambitious five-and-a-half minutes. Why should be in a rush and do anything but milk it – this song is the stuff. It was penned by JoJo and Rory Bennett and produced by the duo. Notably, it spent three weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s parent album, Love Always was certified triple platinum.

The dedication is lit from the first verse, where the proclamation is made, “I will never find another lover / Sweeter than you / Sweeter than you / And I will never find another love / More precious than you / More precious than you.” Oh, the feels, the feels, the feels! In the second verse, the duo adds, “You’re all I’m thinking of / I praise the Lord above / For sending me your love.” The centerpiece, of this tuneful, ultra-memorable, Grammy-nominated classic is the chorus: 

“And all my life 

I prayed for someone like you 

And I thank God 

That I 

That I finally found you 

Cause all my life, I prayed for someone like you 

And I hope that you do love me too 

And I hope that you feel the same way too.”  

Even beyond the stunning, dedicated verses and the iconic chorus, the bridge shines too. All told, songs the caliber of “All My Life” with super elite vocal performances are hard to come by in R&B anymore. These two, talented brothers had something extra, extra special with this gem from Love Always.

Appears in 🔻:

K-Ci & JoJo, All My Life: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 9 (2024)

6. PinkPantheress, “Another Life” (Ft. Rema)

💿 Heaven knows • 🏷 Warner UK • 📅 2023

“You melt up my body and all my heart / At least now we’ll get all the time apart / Guess I’ll see you in another life / I guess I’ll see you in another life.” Woo! “Another Life” serves as the opener on Heaven knows, the debut album by English pop artist, PinkPantheress. The record is ear-catching from the onset, thanks to the distinct use of pipe organ. Soon enough, more pop elements are integrated in, including a hella rhythmic groove, active bass line, and keys/synths. When PinkPantheress begins singing, she barely breaks a sweat – if she even thinks about breaking a sweat. Her vocals are cool, calm, and collected. Furthermore, they’re chill and light, but also, beautiful and potent. In addition to the memorable chorus (excerpted above), the singer delivers plenty of other alluring moments, including her fear of her lover’s death in the first verse (“Now you’re scarin’ me, your alarm’s on / Are you sleepin’? Because it’s been so long / Guess you died today? And I can’t believe it”). Notably, she’s assisted by Nigerian rapper, Rema, on this colorful, pleasant number. Rema appears in an interlude, most of the second verse (“What the, uh, I think someone spiked my shit / You could call me Nirvana and yeah, yeah, you my bitch, uh-uh”), and select moments in the chorus. His appearance provides contrast and helps elevate ‘the vibe.’ “Another Life” is L-I-T, lit 🔥!

7. Harry Styles, “Love of My Life”

💿 Harry’s House • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2022

“I don’t know you half as well as all my friends / I won’t pretend that I’ve been doin’ everything I can / To get to know your creases and your ends.” “Love of My Life” concludes Harry’s House, the Grammy-winning, third studio album by Harry Styles. Notably, regarding sound, “Love of My Life” embraces synths. No worries folks – it’s not a dance cut, or uncharacteristic song. Beyond the power of those keys and programming (Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson produce), we get solid, expressive vocals by Styles.  No, it’s not a “Sign of the Times” level performance, but he sounds authentic, firmly invested, and nuanced. “Love of My Life” showcases dedication and ample love, despite separation.  Interestingly, this ‘love’ is directed to Styles’ native country, England.  The chorus sums it up brilliantly:

“Baby, you were the love of my life, woah

Maybe you don’t know what’s lost till you find it

It’s not what I wanted, to leave you behind

Don’t know where you’ll land when you fly

But, baby, you were the love of my life.”

8. Evanescence, “Bring Me to Life” (Ft. Paul McCoy)

💿 Fallen • 🏷 The Bicycle Music Company • 📅 2003

“Wake me up / Wake me up inside / I can’t wake up / Wake me up inside / Save me / Call my name and save me from the dark.” “Bring Me To Life” appears as the second track on Fallen, the debut album by Evanescence. Notably, it is one of three top-10 hits by the band, who won two Grammys. One of those two Grammys happens to be for Best Hard Rock Performance for the multiplatinum song at hand. Of Evanescence’s top-10 hits, “Bring Me To Life” performed the best, peaking at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, Fallen is one of those rare, diamond certified albums – definitely a big deal. Joining Amy Lee on vocals is Paul McCoy, who appears in the choruses and third verse.

“Bring Me to Life” is set in a minor key, giving the record a darker sound, fitting the gothic sensibilities of Evanescence. It commences in enigmatic fashion, setting the tone for an epic record. Lee’s vocals are both radiant and haunting. “How can you see into my eyes / Like open doors?” Lee sings in the first verse, continuing, “Leading you down into my core / Where I’ve become so numb.” Notably, the verses are tuneful, while the chorus is even more tuneful – the centerpiece, hands down. In the chorus, excerpted at the top, Lee adds, “Bid my blood to run /… Before I come undone / Save me from the nothing I’ve become.” Once “Bring Me to Life” begins to percolate, the instrumental becomes bolder, with fierce guitar, and the bass and drums anchoring things down. More than two decades after its arrival, “Bring Me to Life” remains a hard rock gem.

Appears in 🔻:

Evanescence, Bring Me to Life: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 3 (2024)

9. Omar Apollo, “Live For Me”

💿 Live For Me (EP) • 🏷 Omar Apollo / Warner • 🗓 2023

“How you feel about the way your life is goin’? / And tell me why you’d wanna go through it alone…” What Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Omar Apollo sings in the pre-chorus of “Live For Me,” the second track from his 2023 EP, Live For Me, is legit.  In the chorus, he goes on to sing, “Won’t you live for me? / Or could I live for you? / There’s nothing I won’t carry / So you don’t have to.” Aww! From the onset, you can sense his authenticity, delivering expressive, powerful vocals. He sounds particularly soulful during the chorus as his vocal runs are magnificent. Additionally, the harmonies are marvelous, while the melodies are sweet as well. Also sweet on this emotional song –  the production work with synths, keys, and a subtle, but potent drum groove (Sir Dylan). The production expands later, with touches of organ, and a repetitive, rhythmic synth. Omar wrote and produced this fabulous record alongside John Shanks. 

Appears in 🔻:

15 Songs Focused Only on ME (2024)

10. Whitney Houston, “You Light Up My Life” 

💿 Just Whitney • 🏷 Arista • 🗓 2002 

The late, great Whitney Houston was one of the best making hits out of songs originally recorded by others.  In 2002, Houston found herself taking the old –“You Light Up My Life”, the 1977, Grammy-winning hit by Debby Boone – and making it new and her own.  The Houston rendition of  “You Light Up My Life” appears as the ninth and penultimate track on her platinum-certified LP, Just Whitney. Ballads are where Whitney was at her best and “You Light Up My Life” is no different.  It begins with that stellar voice – the signature tone – which remained intact at this point. Houston provides a balanced performance, not showing all her cards early on in the first verse.  Even so, Houston treats each note of the melody with incredible care and expression. Of course, by the chorus, she shows off the commanding nature and power of her instrument.  Again, each note of the melody sounds elite, refined, and truly remarkable. Of course, some of the most impressive moments of Houston’s career are the melisma, riffs, and runs, which she executed like no other.  These ad-libs and playful moments that extend beyond the melody show up and show out towards the close of this liberal, one-of-a-kind take that easily distinguishes itself from the original.  The arrangement and production (Rickey Minor and Babyface) of Whitney’s take on “You Light Up My Life” required tweaks for the sake of contrast.  The refined adult contemporary R&B sounds bodes well. Houston ‘makes it do what it do, baby’ on a stunning cover that sounds original and refreshing.   

Appears in 🔻:  

11. Andráe Crouch, “I Came That You Might Have Life”

💿 Classic Gold: Best of Andrae: Andrae Crouch and the Disciples • 🏷 Light • 📅 2003

¹⁰The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). The follow-up (John 10:11), puts a cap on it: ¹¹ I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. These verses fuel the fire on the Andráe Crouch gospel classic, “I Came That You Might Have My Life”. Crouch ministers through about Jesus, the ultimate good shepherd, sacrificing himself – his life – for the world. “I come that you might have life more abundantly / I come that you might have life through eternity,” Andrae Crouch and the Disciples sing early on.” Crouch, singing solo, follows up with Jesus’ assertion, “I didn’t come to condemn the world / Nor shame you for your wrong / But I came to mend your broken heart and give your heart a song.” Breathtaking and inspiring!  Crouch and company proceed to speak of the importance of having Christ because without Him, IT’S BAD!!! Reiterating, the message focuses on Jesus being the ultimate good shepherd, one you should definitely follow because He won’t ever leave, fail you, or lead you astray.  AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS 📰?!

Appears in 🔻:

Andrae Crouch, I Came That You Might Have My Life: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 53 (2023)

11 Marvelous Songs Filled with Life (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, The Bicycle Music Company, Def Jam Recordings, Geffen, High Standardz, ISO Supremacy, Light, Musical Freedom, Omar Apollo, Republic, UnitedMasters LLC, Warner, Warner UK; ]

11 Marvelous Songs Filled with Life | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on February 9, 2024February 9, 2024