11 Memorable Songs You Are Sure to Remember | Playlist

“11 Memorable Songs You Are Sure to Remember” features songs courtesy of blink-182, Chance the Rapper, Lady Gaga, Laura Daigle, and Thomas Rhett.

Adele asked, back in 2011, “But Don’t You Remember? / Don’t you remember?” Lesser known, a year later, in 2012, another British artist, Daley, sang, “Remember Me / I’m the one who loved you, loved you.”  The sleek pop/contemporary R&B bop saw the talented singer collaborating with Jessie J on one of the best cuts of his EP, Alone Together.  Backtracking to 2007, Keyshia Cole informed the world, “I Remember when my heart broke / I remember when I gave up loving you / My heart couldn’t take no more of you.”

 The common thread of the three aforementioned songs? The word REMEMBER.  None of the three songs are further explored on 11 MEMORABLE SONGS YOU ARE SURE TO REMEMBER, but this playlist is just scratching the surface in regard to the number of songs that feature some form of the word, REMEMBER.

That said, 11 MEMORABLE SONGS YOU ARE SURE TO REMEMBER features songs courtesy of blink-182 (“Remember to Forget Me”), Chance the Rapper (“Do You Remember”), Lady Gaga (“Always Remember Us This Way”), Laura Daigle (“Remember”), and Thomas Rhett (“Remember You Young”) among others.  Without further ado, let the remembering begin!

1. Thomas Rhett, “Remember You Young”

Center Point Road • Big Machine • 2019

“Remember You Young” appears as the 12^th track from Center Point Road, the fourth studio album by Grammy-nominated country singer, Thomas Rhett.  Worth noting, the title track and album were named after a place where Rhett lived (Center Point Road in Hendersonville, Tennessee).  Focusing on “Remember Your Name,” the highlight commences with a lovely piano introduction. Eventually, bass, guitars, lush strings, and a drum groove fill out the production. Rhett delivers a well-rounded, reflective performance.

The chorus serves as the centerpiece:

“And no matter how much time goes by
And no matter how much we grow up
For worse or for better, from now ‘til forever
I’ll always remember you young.”

Prior to the chorus, the verses focus on adulthood and the present.  On the first verse, Rhett sings, “Hey, buddies that I grew up with / All strait-laced and married up now,” while on the second, he sings, “And hey, babies, crawlin’ on the carpet / No, you won’t be that little for long.” Besides focusing on present things, Rhett also explores the past and the future. All in all, “Remember You Young” is a fine mid-tempo country ‘ballad.’

2. Chance the Rapper, “Do You Remember”

Ft. Death Cab for Cutie

The Big Day • Chance the Rapper • 2019

“Do You Remember” appears as the second track on The Big Day, the debut album by Grammy-winning rapper, Chance the Rapper.  It’s interesting that The Big Day ends up being a debut album, considering Chance has had the mixtape game on lockdown for a minute.  Of course, it was his 2016 tape, Coloring Book, that earned him one of his Grammys. But focusing on the song at hand, Chance The rapper enlists an unlikely, unexpected vocal collaborator, Ben Gibbard.

If you stay ‘in the know,’ particularly alternative music, you’ll know Ben Gibbard is the lead vocalist of Death Cab for Cutie. On “Do You Remember,” he does a fantastic job singing the memorable chorus:

“Do you remember how when you were younger
The  summers all lasted forever?
Days  disappeared into months, into years
Hold that feeling forever.”

Beyond Gibbard, Chance the Rapper delivers plenty of intriguing moments, with his references being quite the selling point.  Chance mentions Gwyneth Paltrow, Balto, The Lion King, and drops the brilliant line, “My family The Sopranos, these n***as is altos.”

3. Ed Sheeran, “Remember the Name”

Ft. Eminem & 50 Cent

No.6 Collaborations Project • Atlantic • 2019

Anytime that Ed Sheeran releases an album, it is DEFINITELY a big deal.  The Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter returned in 2019 with No. 6 Collaborations Project. Not only does No. 6 Collaborations Project serve the capacity as his fourth studio album, it also follows up his little-known 2011 EP, No. 5 Collaborations Project.  As the title suggests, this is a big pop album chocked-full of superstar collaborations.  That’s hurts the cohesiveness of the project – it feels more compilation than accomplished album – but, there are enjoyable moments throughout the course of the LP. “Remember the Name,” the eighth track, is among those enjoyable moments.

“Remember the Name” enlists Eminem (their second collaboration, following “River” from Revival) and 50 Cent for the assist.  The record thrives off its groove, infectiousness, and swagger.  Sheeran raps the first verse, commencing with the line, “Yeah, I was born a misfit.” Fair enough!  Eminem takes the reins on the second verse, reminiscing on his come up (“From Taco Bell to TRL”), while 50 Cent arrives on the final verse (“Bitch, we be ballin’ out, the king bring you 50 bottles”). The best part of the record is the chorus, hands down – it easily gets stuck in one’s head!

“You know it ain’t my time to call it a day
I got rap locked and I’m already paid
But it’s ‘bout time you remember the name
Ayy, ayy.”

4. Sturgill Simpson, “Remember to Breathe”

SOUND & FURY • Elektra • 2019

Prior to the release of his 2019 album, Sound & Fury, Sturgill Simpson could never be boxed in as merely a country artist.  His Grammy-winning country album, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, notably included a cover of the 1991 Nirvana classic, “In Bloom.” How many country artists are tapping into rock? Only a select few, of course.  Sound & Fury found the Kentucky-born artist fully embracing rock, captured perfectly on the remembering song at hand, “Remember to Breathe.”

“So, peel it off, pull ‘em down / Let me see it, turn around / Just lay back, let it happen / And remember to breathe.” Ah, “Remember to Breathe” appears as the second song off Simpson’s 2019 LP.  Set in a minor key, “Remember to Breathe” features a superb, rocking groove.  Simpson gives a balanced vocal performance.  His vocals pack a respectable punch, yet at the same time, he never over sings. Of course, the best moment of “Remember to Breathe” is the aforementioned chorus.

5. Wallows, “Remember When”

Nothing Happens • Atlantic • 2019

“I remember when we ran from the pool / … And I couldn’t find the right words to use / But I knew that you know…” Actor Dylan Minnette, (Clay Jensen on the polarizing, yet thrilling Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why), serves as the frontman of alternative rock band Wallows.  Minnette, along with fellow members Cole Preston and Braeden Lemasters, dropped their debut album, Nothing Happens, in 2019.  The song at hand, “Remember When,” appears near the end of the album as the ninth track.

“I can still see you at the place out there when I close my eyes / Do you remember when we felt like the only two alive?” Wallows keeps it short and sweet on “Remember When” – a mere two-and-a-half minutes in duration.  Duration is only a number, and the rollicking pace, complemented by a sick groove and some marvelous synth action are definite selling points.  The topic of choice for the boys is relationships.

6. blink-182, “Remember to Forget Me”

NINE • Viking Wizard Eyes, LLC / Columbia • 2019

Blink-182 continues to soldier on with the absence of Tom DeLonge for a second consecutive LP. At least the pop-punk, pop/rock collective managed to ‘stay together’ – guess they did it for the kids! Of course, those kids have long grown up, considering Blink-182 have peaked in the popularity in the 00s.  Still, there’s a fanbase, and many of them indulged in the trio’s 2019 LP, NINE.  Also, worth noting, blink-182 gives us a ‘remember’ song to add to our playlist, “Remember to Forget Me.”

“Remember to Forget Me” appears as the fifteenth and final cut on NINE.  Here, Mark Hoppus and Matt Skiba split vocal duties.  Hoppus performs the first verse and pre-chorus, while Skiba sings the second verse, as well as the outro.  Lyrically, the verses are brief, but reflective.  The Hoppus pre-chorus is quite interesting, as he addresses the lyrics as a son to a mom who has left from home. Both Hoppus and Skiba join forces on the centerpiece of the record, the chorus:

“You left pieces of me along the side of the road
Right after you said you’d never leave me alone
Found myself on the wrong side of the door
I’ll come in if you let me
I got a song in my head you played me over the phone
Left the light on upstairs, but there ain’t nobody home
All the nights that you end up all alone
Remember to forget me.”

7. Lady Gaga, “Always Remember Us This Way”

A Star is Born (Soundtrack) • Interscope • 2018 

“So, when I’m all choked up and I can’t find the words / Every time we say goodbye, baby, it hurts…” Sigh! In the film A Star is Born, a star was literally born with Ally, played brilliantly by Lady Gaga.  There is definitely a ‘crowning achievement’ from the soundtrack and film – “Shallow” – duh! But the A Star is Born soundtrack seems to be the gift that keeps on giving, at least to The Musical Hype playlists! Besides the untouchable “Shallow,” other songs that have appeared on various lists include “Black Eyes,” “Hair Body Face,” and “Before I Cry.” Add “Always Remember Us This Way.”

So, remember when I said that a star is actually born on A Star is Born? Well, it definitely happens with this powerful, Ally/Lady Gaga solo record, “Always Remember Us This Way.”  This is a well-written pop/rock/soundtrack number, co-written by Gaga with Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, and Natalie Hemby.  Those are some stellar songwriters right there – FACTS!  Of course, Lady Gaga kills it with a thrilling, top-notch vocal performance.  The chorus, partially excerpted above, is the main attraction.  It continues as follows:

“When the sun goes down
And the band won’t play
I’ll always remembers us this way.”

8. Lauren Daigle, “Remember”

Look Up Child • Centricity Music • 2018

“In the darkest hour when I cannot breathe / Fear is on my chest, the weight of the world on me / Everything is crashing down, everything I had known / When I wonder if I’m alone.” Those are some introspective lyrics Lauren Daigle. The lyrics hail from “Remember,” which appears as the 10^th song on Look Up Child, the Grammy-winning Contemporary Christian Music LP by Daigle. If you didn’t already know, the CCM/Christian pop artist was DEFINITELY a big deal in 2018, and her ascent continued into 2019.  Focusing on “Remember” itself, as expected from an inspirational number, “Remember” has plenty of uplifting vibes to totally pick you up.

On the first verse, excerpted above, Daigle is experiencing tribulation, so much so that she feels like she’s totally alone with no assistance.  That pessimism is short lived of course, evidenced by the chorus that follows:

“I remember, I remember
You have always been faithful to me
I remember, I remember
Even when my own eyes could not see
You were there, always there.”

She doesn’t mention ‘the man upstairs’ explicitly, but we all know that Daigle is leaning on her faith in God.  When she’s friendless and going through, he’s her friend.  The second verse shows no doubt, contrasting the fear of the first.  Why? She remembers his goodness, and on the bridge, she “Can’t stop thinking about / Your goodness.” Again, that would be G-O-D.

9. NF, “Remember This”

Perception • Capitol • 2017

“Yeah, handouts create lazy people I’m not impressed with / You want something in life, then why don’t you go and get it? / Actions speak louder than words do, it’s pretty quiet, isn’t it? / Look at the world we live in, defined by comment sections…” #Real Talk! Perception marked the breakout album for rapper NF (Nate Feuerstein).  Although characterized as a Christian rapper, Feuerstein isn’t boring or the least bit square.  Amazingly, the lack of swear words and avoiding un-Christian secular matters doesn’t hurt Perception in the least.  Yes, “Let You Down” is the crown jewel of the album, but Feuerstein has something to say on the record, “Remember This,” as well.

“Remember This” focuses on maturity – grinding hard in a number of respects.  NF focuses on immersing himself in his music, a topic he previously tackled on the album. He humanly acknowledges that he (and people in general) can’t mask their problems and shortcomings.  He has his music to help, but continues to be a ‘work in progress’:

“I’ve always had a problem with relationships
But that’s what happens when you see the world through a broken lens
Mistakes can make you grow, that doesn’t mean you’re friends
Who you are is up to you, don’t leave it up to them, no.”

10. Jennifer Hudson, “Remember Me”

Remember Me [Single] • Epic • 2017

Academy Award and Grammy winning actress/singer Jennifer Hudson possesses one of the most powerful voices in the game.  In 2017, following nearly a three-year hiatus, she returned with a new single, “Remember Me”.  The name itself was a bit puzzling – not far off from a previous song and album title, “I Remember Me”.  Of course, they are two, separate, ‘remember’ songs.

The sound of “Remember Me” is idiomatic of adult contemporary R&B.  There are some touches that add more personality, including the danceable groove of the chorus and soulful backing vocals, but all in all, the sound is familiar.  Naturally, Hudson is able to showcase her prodigious instrument with the backdrop. Her voice, of course, is clearly where her “bread is buttered,” so much so that she makes the record more memorable than it probably should be. Initially slightly tamer than usual, when she breaks through, she’s ferocious.  Expectedly, the chorus is the selling point, particular the final iteration where she soars.

“So, do you, remember me
In those moments just before you sleep
I know you, remember me
Swear to me the memories that I see
Promise me, that it doesn’t make your heart beat
Doesn’t make your heart beat.”

11. Mac Miller, “REMember”

Watching Movies with the Sound Off • Rostrum • 2013

“You had a girl, I kinda wish you knocked her up / So I could meet your son and talk you up…” Don’t worry – context coming! The late, Grammy-nominated rapper Mac Miller (1992-2018), dropped a creatively titled sophomore album in 2013, Watching Movies with the Sound Off.  Watching Movies with the Sound Off outpaced his 2011 debut album, Blue Slide Park, despite the ‘ballsy,’ risqué cover art.   Miller stepped up his game lyrically, as well as musically. Among the better moments from the album is the song at hand, highlight “REMember.”

“I hope you’re proud of me, dude I grew up to be / Ingenuity influenced by your eulogy / Going through movies like they were movie scenes.” Miller is incredibly ‘thoughtful’ on “REMember.”  The song is dedicated to a friend he lost. Somber and emotional, he proves there’s more to life than fame, sex, and drugs:

“This life moves fast, I never knew that
You wouldn’t have lasted
The dirt hitting your casket, like raindrops…”

11 MEMORABLE SONGS YOU ARE SURE TO REMEMBER [Photo Credits: Atlantic, Big Machine, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Centricity Music, Chance the Rapper, Columbia, Elektra, Epic, Interscope, The Musical Hype, Pixabay, Rostrum, Viking Wizard Eyes, LLC]