11 More Songs Fueled by NOTHING

Reading Time: 12 min read

11 More Songs Fueled by NOTHING features music courtesy of Billy Preston, Madison Beer, MGMT, Sinéad O’Connor, and Whitney Houston.

Ah, the power of NOTHING – it can’t be overstated? Or can it? Well, whether it can or can’t be overstated, we are stating loud and clear on this playlist entitled, 11 More Songs Fueled by NOTHING. 11 More Songs Fueled by NOTHING is a long-awaited follow-up to the 2018 playlist, 13 Songs Fueled by ‘Nothing’. With some newbies and some oldies that didn’t make the original musical compendium, 11 More Songs Fueled by NOTHING features music courtesy of Billy Preston, Madison Beer, MGMT, Sinéad O’Connor, and Whitney Houston among others. So, without further ado, if you have NOTHING else to do, why don’t you partake of the nothingness that is something-ness on 11 More Songs Fueled by NOTHING – or something like that!

1. Billy Preston, “Nothing From Nothing” 

💿 The Kids & Me • 🏷 A&M • 🗓 1974

“Nothing from nothing leaves nothing / You gotta have something if you wanna be with me.” Woo, so true, Billy Preston! The iconic musician extraordinaire had a surefire pop hit on his hands with “Nothing From Nothing” in 1974 (The Kids & Me).  The brief, but funky, potent classic spent one week atop the Billboard Hot 100. It marked Preston’s third and final no. 1 hit overall (his second as the lead artist).  Preston penned “Nothing From Nothing” alongside Bruce Fisher.  He produced the record himself.

Musically, “Nothing From Nothing” is one of the funkiest records of all time, PERIOD. The keyboard work is awesome, as to be expected from a keyboardist as gifted and elite as Preston was.  Furthermore, “Nothing From Nothing” is masterfully arranged and orchestrated from the tightness of the rhythm section to the horns.  The musical canvas which Preston gets to sing over is celestial – R&B/soul/funk heaven if you will!  The lyrics are fun, capitalizing on nothingness. Notably, beyond the famous, infectious chorus, there is one terrific verse:

“I’m not trying to be your hero 

‘Cause that zero is too cold for me 

I’m not trying to be your highness 

‘Cause that minus is too low to see, yeah 

Nothing from nothing leaves nothing 

And I’m not stuffing, believe you me 

Don’t you remember I told ya 

I’m a soldier in the war on poverty 

Yeah, yes, I am.” 

It’s hard to believe “Nothing From Nothing” is pushing 50 years old.  This old-school soul joint still sounds fresh in the 2020s – truly timeless.

Appears in 🔻:  

2. Taylor Swift, “Sweet Nothing”

💿 Midnights • 🏷 Taylor Swift • 📅 2022

“Sweet Nothing” is indeed a sweet penultimate track (on the standard edition) of the 2022, Taylor Swift album, Midnights. Just like sweet nothings themselves, “Sweet Nothing” finds Swift celebrating true love. Essentially, it feels real this time and she wants NOTHING to destroy it. One of my favorite moments occurs on the bridge, where Swift criticizes the industry, who are hungry for profit and disregard her as a person: “And the voices that implore, ‘You should be doing more’ / To you, I can admit that I’m just too soft for all of it.” Notably, she wrote “Sweet Nothing” with then boyfriend, actor, Joe Alwyn. Even though their love has since expired, “Sweet Nothing” remains another well-rounded song from the critically acclaimed, Grammy-winning superstar.

3. MGMT, Nothing to Declare 

💿 Loss of Life • 🏷 Mom+Pop • 🗓 2024

“Nothing to declare / Not in the bags under my eyes.” Word. “Nothing to Declare” marks the third single, and sixth track from Loss of Life, the fifth studio album by Grammy-nominated alternative duo, MGMT – Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser. “Nothing to Declare” runs just north of three-and-a-half-minutes in duration.  It was produced by the duo alongside Patrick Wimberly. “Nothing to Declare” commences with folksy vibes. VanWyngarden serves up cool, calm, and collected vocals.  He does a marvelous job bringing tuneful melodies to life. Furthermore, the lyrics are compelling too, with both verses beginning with the titular lyric. There are two choruses, each contrasting. Even so, the chorus serves as the centerpiece: “If you let me go / I’ll fall as far as I can fall / Starlight ain’t never gonna bring me home…” Other notes regarding “Nothing to Declare.” As it progresses, the psychedelic touches enter the mix – it wouldn’t be MGMT without them, right? Also, what about that drum groove? It marks another win, complementing the rhythm guitar superbly. I do declare that MGMT brings the musical heat on the fine “Nothing to Declare”. 

Appears in 🔻:  

Bops That Pop: January 2024

4. Whitney Houston, “I Have Nothing”

💿 The Bodyguard – Original Soundtrack Album • 🏷 Arista • 📅 1992

“Share my life, take me for what I am / ‘Cause I’ll never change all my colors for you.” Ah, such beautiful lyrics! It’s rare a soundtrack wins the prestigious Grammy for Album Of The Year. The Bodyguard – Original Soundtrack Album, is one of few that have taken home the top prize. Of course, six of its twelve songs were performed by the late, great Whitney Houston. Notably, her remake of “I Will Always Love You” earned two Grammys itself. While “I Will Always Love You” is and will always be Houston’s ‘ace in the hole,’ she had another epic song from The Bodyguard too: “I Have Nothing”. The ballad was written by Linda Thompson and David Foster, who also produces the adult contemporary R&B gem. Another top-five hit for Houston, this humongous ballad, featuring multiple modulations (key changes), peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It takes a big voice to even think about covering this one!

Whitney Houston slays vocally – PERIOD. She delivers both tender and dynamic moments, as she sings about those matters of the heart. “You see through, right to the heart of me,” she sings in the second verse, continuing, “You break down my walls with the strength of your love.” At the end of the second pre-chorus, she sings, “I can’t run from myself, there’s nowhere to hide / Your love, I’ll remember forever,” before killing it on the centerpiece, the chorus:

“But don’t make me close one more door

I don’t wanna hurt anymore

Stay in my arms if you dare

Or must I imagine you there

Don’t walk away from me

I have nothing, nothing, nothing

If I don’t have you.”

In addition to the high-flying, once in a lifetime vocals, memorable lyrics, and tuneful melodies, the supporting instrumental is terrific too. Foster serves up a refined backdrop that packs a mean punch during the chorus. “I Have Nothing”, a multiplatinum single easily sits near the top of Whitney Houston catalog.

Appears in 🔻:

Whitney Houston, I Have Nothing: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 17 (2024)

5. Madison Beer, “Nothing Matters but You”

💿 Silence Between Songs • 🏷 Epic / Sing It Loud • 📅 2023

“I don’t know how I survived before I met you / Watchin’ you through glassy eyes, sinkin’ into blue.” Ooh-wee, Madison Beer feels some type of away about her lover on “Nothing Matters but You.” “Nothing Matters but You” appears as the sixth track on her 2023 sophomore LP, Silence Between Songs. Sadly, Silence had a short stay on the charts, peaking at a mediocre no. 86 on the Billboard 200. Despite a lack of charting singles on the Billboard Hot 100, Beer has nabbed some gold and platinum singles. Focusing on “Nothing Matters But You,” this sub-three-minute record is stellar. It’s ear-catching thanks to the radiant, lush strings appearing at the onset, and an intentional, dreamlike sound (Beer, Fred Ball, and Leroy Clampitt produce) that sounds ‘dedicated.’ Beer’s lead vocals are dedicated too, passionate regarding H-I-M. She also gets lovely support courtesy of background vocals. Of course, the crowning achievement is the chorus which is simple yet passionate: “Nothing matters but you /… You make a girl think the world’s only spinning for you.” There’s nothing wrong with “Nothing Matters but You!”

6. Father John Misty, “Nothing Good Ever Happens at the Goddamn Thirsty Crow”

💿 I Love You, Honeybear • 🏷 Sub Pop • 📅 2015

“I may act like a lunatic / But if you think I’m fucking crazy, you’re mistaken / Keep moving.” Damn! “Nothing Good Ever Happens at the Goddamn Thirsty Crow” marks another exceptional song from I Love You, Honeybear, the 2015 masterpiece of an album by Father John Misty (Josh Tillman). Tillman’s powerful, earthy voice shines here, rising above the country/folk-tinged production. Additionally, there are glorious strings (arranged and performed by Paul Cartwright), and clarinet (Brian Walsh)! The sound emulates that of the bar of which it’s set in. The best lines come at the end (the second chorus) as Tillman sings, “Why the long face, jerk-off? / Your chance has been taken – good one / You may think like an animal, but if you try that cat-and-mouse shit, you’ll get bitten / Keep moving.” Oh, snap! To sum up the song and title, a bar is the perfect place for good things to get messed up, PERIOD! Nothing good happens there!

7. Kanye West, “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”

💿 Graduation • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. • 🗓 2007 

“La, la, la-la / Wait ‘til I get my money right.” Kanye West is POLARIZING to the nth degree and has said lots of messed-up things. Still, musically, the Grammy-winner is innovative, consistently challenging the boundaries of hip-hop.  A personal favorite song arrived on his Graduation album, released in the Fall 2007, “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”. This magnificent single helped West secure another no. 1 album. He produced this banger alongside DJ Toomp. Notably, it samples “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” (Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth) and “I Got Money” (Jeezy). These repurposed joints help shape “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” into the elite rap cut it is. It only peaked at no. 41 on the Billboard Hot 100, but the quadruple-platinum single has stood the test of time.  

The crème de la crème – the crowning achievement – is the chorus.  West exudes ample personality – he’s confident AF.  But, even if he has an ego, this quasi-melodic hook is potent:   

 “La, la, la-la  

Wait ‘til I get my money right  

La, la, la-la  

Then you can’t tell me nothing, right?  

Excuse me, was you saying something?  

Uh uh, you can’t tell me nothing  

You can’t tell me nothing  

Uh uh, you can’t tell me nothing.”

Beyond the timeless chorus, Kanye flexes, flexes, and then, he flexes some more in the verses.  There are vintage one-liners like in the first verse where he asserts, “I had a dream I could buy my way to heaven / When I awoke, I spent that on a necklace.” Another gem comes in the second when he spits, “But homie, this is my day / Class started two hours ago, oh, am I late? / No, I already graduated / And you can live through anything if Magic made it.” There’s also the bullet in the third verse: “Life is a–uh–depending how you dress her / So if the Devil wear Prada, Adam Eve wear nada / I’m in between, but way more fresher.” WOO!   

Appears in 🔻:   

8. Pink Sweat$, “Nothing Feels Better”

💿 Pink Moon • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 2022

“When the world is over, I’ll wait here for you / Through space and time, I’ll still adore you.” Now that is some dedication, and I’m here for it! In 2021, Pink Sweat$ (David Bowden) dropped a surefire, contemporary R&B joint with “Nothing Feels Better”, which appears on his 2022 EP, Pink Moon. “I Feel Good” has an inviting, chill, and relaxed vibe.  Part of that inviting sound comes from the primary accompaniment instrument, guitar.  Throughout the song, soulful guitar does the heavy lifting. Later, beginning in the second verse, a tasteful groove is added, providing timely and welcome contrast.  Furthermore, in the second chorus, a bass line adds more oomph to the production (Pink Sweat$, Dante Bowden, Geoffro Cause, and Ruffin), which plays to to his strengths.  Pink Sweat$ vocals are fantastic – his tone is marvelous.  Furthermore, as far as songwriting, he has solid writing and a tuneful melody to work with.  The centerpiece is the chorus, where the dedication is at an all-time high:    

“Oh, nothing feels better than you, ooh-ooh 

Nothing feels better than you, ooh-ooh 

All those kisses and hugs, wake me up in the morning 

Forever, I’m yours, just know that I’m all in 

Nothing feels better than you, ooh-ooh, ooh.”    

All in all, Pink Sweat$ kills it on this brief but feel-good, vibe-laden gem!

9. Cigarettes After Sex, “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” 

💿 I. (EP) • 🏷 Cigarettes After Sex • 🗓 2012 

“Whispered something in your ear / It was a perverted thing to say.” Perverted, huh? Greg Gonzalez, the front man of dream/ ambient pop Cigarettes After Sex continues, “But I said it anyway / Made you smile and look away.”  While saying something perverted could be a potential problem, in the case of “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby”,  the vibe is these are two people who like/love one another.  On this highlight from I. (EP) released in 2012, Gonzalez makes it clear he won’t do anything to hurt her; he’ll protect her at all costs!  

“Nothing’s gonna hurt you baby 

As long as you’re with me you’ll be just fine 

Nothing’s gonna hurt you baby 

Nothing’s gonna take you from my side.” 

Considering its status as ambient, dream pop, “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You” has a calming, chill, and smooth vibe. Gonzalez sings with ease, never forcing things. This approach amplifies the sexiness as well as the pureness of this romance. In the second verse, things end freakily – “always ends in a hazy shower scene.” But there are also lighter moments, such as listening “To that silly 90’s R&B” and simply “laughing in the microphone and singing / With our sunglasses on to our favorite songs.”  Ah, to be in love!  Cigarettes After Sex deliver the perfect romantic and sexy song with “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby”.  There’s a hint of risqué but Gonzalez and company don’t cross the lines… too much. Perhaps characterizing it as classy is an overstatement, but there’s lots to like about this decade-old-plus gem.  

Appears in 🔻: 

10. Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., “Nothing Can Stop Me”  

💿 I Hope We Get to Love in Time • 🏷 Sony BMG Music Entertainment • 🗓 1976  

Soul duo + married couple Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. are best known for “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)”, an awesome 70s R&B classic that won a Grammy! This ace in the hole commences their 1976 album, I Hope We Get to Love in Time.  That said, there’s another marvelous gem from the same album,  🎵 “Nothing Can Stop Me”, that’s become a popular source for sampling. Notably, it was first recorded by The Dells in 1974, with a rendition by Cissy Houston following in 1975. Thematically, McCoo & Davis Jr. tackle love. In the centerpiece, the chorus, they lay it all out: “Nothing in the whole wide world can keep me from you / Nothing and nobody can stop me from loving you.” McCoo & Davis Jr. take turns professing their love for one another on the verses.  “If I have to climb a mountain / I’m gonna climb that mountain,” Davis Jr. sings in the first.  McCoo responds: “If I have to swim the ocean / I’m going to swim the ocean.” You get the idea, and it’s a total vibe.  While the songwriting is relatable and those vocals are buttery smooth and idiomatic of 70s soul, arguably the biggest selling point of “Nothing Can Stop Me” is the lush production work (Don Davis).  It’s beautiful with the refined sounds of horns, strings – that orchestral treatment! No wonder those riffs have been sampled, particularly the strings. “Nothing Can Stop Me” is a timeless classic that still sounds fresh in the 2020s. 

Appears in 🔻: 

11. Sinéad O’Connor, “Nothing Compares 2 U”  

💿 I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got • 🏷 Chrysalis • 🗓 1990

“It’s been seven hours and fifteen days / Since you took your love away.” Those iconic lyrics hail from the beloved, 1990 classic, “Nothing Compares 2 U” (I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got). “Nothing Compares 2 U” was written by the late, great Prince. Prince even recorded his own, absolutely terrific version.  Still, the version of the song that we all know and love hails from the one and only, Sinéad O’Connor.  Sadly, O’Connor is no longer with us, passing away from natural causes on July 26, 2023, at just 56 😢.  Despite death, the legacy of Grammy-winning the Irish singer/songwriter lives on via the fierceness of this no. 1 hit.   

Sinéad O’Connor made this cover truly sound like an original, PERIOD (more like exclamation).  Her tone is haunting and marvelous on “Nothing Compares 2 U.” A tuneful song, her expressiveness only amplifies the melody more. Furthermore, she does a superb job bringing out the emotions: “Since you’ve been gone, I can do whatever I want / … But nothing, I said, nothing can takeaway these blues.” Of course, she’s particularly electric on the chorus: “‘Cause nothing compares / Nothing compares to you.” Adding to the allure of this beloved gem, nominated for three Grammys itself,  is the production by O’Connor and Nellee Hooper. The sound, it’s just glorious – maybe it’s the keys, or is it the strings? Regardless, the world lost a magnificent artist in Sinéad O’Connor.  Her music and her legacy endure on, particularly on her ace in the hole, “Nothing Compares 2 U”. 

Appears in 🔻:  

11 More Songs Fueled by NOTHING (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M, Arista, Atlantic, Chrysalis, Cigarettes After Sex, Epic, Mom+Pop, Sing It Loud Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Sub Pop, UMG Recordings, Inc.; Sarah Richter from Pixabay]

11 More Songs Fueled by NOTHING | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on March 11, 2024March 11, 2024