11 Riveting, BLUE Songs | Playlist

11 Riveting, BLUE Songs features music courtesy of Andreas Wijk, Bebe Rexha, boygenius, Kali Uchis, and Vampire Weekend. 

“Your heart fits me like a glove ,” Madonna sings, continuing, “And I’m gonna be true blue, baby, I love you.” The keyword of the day, rather, this music compendium, is BLUE. The 11 songs that appear on 11 Riveting, BLUE Songs are as – wait for it – blue as they come.  Musicians appearing on this colorful playlist include Andreas Wijk, Bebe Rexha, boygenius, Kali Uchis, and Vampire Weekend among others. Whether you are as “True Blue” as Madge is, or not quite as blue, there’s something blue for everybody on 11 Riveting, BLUE Songs. 

1. Surfaces, “Baby Blue”  

“Baby Blue” • Surfaces Music • 2023  

Surfaces – Forrest Frank and Colin Padalecki – makes feel-good, innocent, inoffensive pop.  On the brief “Baby Blue”, the duo drops a pleasant, respectable pop song.  Here, those baby blue eyes are kind of a big deal. Forrest sings most of the song, including the chorus, which appears at the top of the song: “She’s got that baby blue, eyes you can sink into / Heatwaves in Malibu, she’s got that (wait), she’s got that.” In the verses, both he and Colin characterize her specialness.  In the first verse, Forrest asserts, “I, I was hoping we’d be more than just friends / Ah, it’s like an ocean and she’s pulling me in.” As for Colin, in the second, he sings, “And she’s a vacay for my mind, almost every night, from nine to five / Don’t want this dream to ever end, so she won’t ever leave my head.” Ooh-wee.  Backed by exuberant production (Colin, Forrest, and Simon Oscroft), it’s all good vibes as they desire her company (“Hope we can rendezvous…”).  While “Baby Blue” won’t change your life, mind you, it should provide your playlist with a summery lift anytime of the year. 

2. boygenius, “True Blue” 

the record • boygenius / Interscope • 2023  

“And it feels good to be known so well / I can’t hide from you like I hide from myself.” Emotional, thought-provoking lyrics from the chorus of a five-minute-long gem , “True Blue”. “True Blue” arrives as the fourth track from boygenius’ critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated LP, the record. Boygenius is comprised of three gifted singer/songwriters: Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker, and Phoebe Bridgers . Fittingly, the three talented ladies, who also happen to be part of the LGBTQ+ community , penned and produced “True Blue.” We wouldn’t have it any other way for this bop!    

Lucy Dacus does the heavy lifting on “True Blue. She sings marvelously from the onset on this guitar -driven record, anchored by a strong drum groove.  The vocal harmonies only up the ante. The songwriting is on-point, beginning in the first verse: “You were born in July ’95 / In a deadly heat / You say you’re a winter bitch / But summer’s in your blood / You can’t help but become the sun.” Dacus was born in 1995 herself but not in July (May). The second verse is intriguing too, including a popular, albeit explicit phrase: “When you don’t know who you are / You fuck around and find out.” Ah, the perfectly placed f-bomb FTW.  In the third verse, Dacus also cleverly circles back to heat: “Breakin’ a sweat on your upper lip / And gettin’ pissed about humidity .” So, matters of the heart come into play in the chorus, performed by all three ladies. Extended following the first iteration, boygenius assert, “I remember who I am when I’m with you / Your love is tough, your love is tried and true-blue / blue.” That love is lit , considering it’s true blue, plus, it happens to be the titular lyric. In the bridge, Dacus + Bridgers mention a sole instance of a lover doing them wrong, concluding “Who won the fight? I don’t know / We’re not keeping score.” In other words, it doesn’t matter – their love is stronger than the petty stuff. The goodness of “True Blue” speaks for itself.  

Appears in : 

• boygenius, True Blue: Bangerz N Bopz No. 10 (2023) 

3. David Guetta & Bebe Rexha, “I’m Good (Blue)” 

Bebe • Warner / What A DJ Ltd. • 2023 

“I’m good, yeah, I’m feelin’ alright / Baby, I’ma have the best fuckin’ night of my life.” Ooh-wee! FCK YEAH! The f-bombs are flying, and the night is lit ! Scintillating dance cut “I’m Good (Blue)” appears as the sixth track on Bebe, the 2023 studio album by Bebe Rexha. The Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter collaborates with Grammy-winning, veteran French DJ and producer, David Guetta.  “I’m Good (Blue),” released in the summer of 2022, was a huge hit for both artists, eventually peaking at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and being certified multiplatinum by the RIAA .   

In the thrilling chorus, Rexha continues singing, “And wherever it takes me, I’m down for the ride / Baby, don’t you know I’m good, yeah, I’m feelin’ alright.”  There’s a good chance that “I’m Good (Blue)” will sound incredibly familiar – it samples the 1998 Eiffel 65 gem , “Blue (Da Ba Dee)”.  Notably, the chorus lifts the melody, while the production (Guetta and Timofey Reznikov), also incorporates elements of the 90s highlight.  Rexha sounds fantastic singing with her husky voice over the minor key backdrop.  In addition to the chorus, Bebe sings it best in the verse: “You know I’m down for whatever tonight / I don’t need the finer things in life / No matter where I go, it’s a good time.” Again, we say FCK YEAH when it comes to “I’m Good (Blue)”. 

Appears in : 

• David Guetta & Bebe Rexha, I’m Good (Blue): Bangerz N Bopz No. 11 (2023) 

4. Lana Del Rey, “Blue Jeans ” 

Born to Die – The Paradise Edition • Interscope • 2012  

In 2011, the world was introduced to Lana Del Rey, a talented musician with quite a distinct voice on her hands. Eventually, Del Rey would be a Grammy-nominated musician, consistently improving upon her craft. Born to Die (originally released in 2011) featured a key early gem from Del Rey, “Video Games”.  The song at hand, “Blue Jeans,” another Born to Die single, isn’t quite as big, but is another worthwhile listen. This three-minute record was penned by Del Rey, Emile Haynie, and Dan Heath, with production by Haynie.  The backdrop supporting the singer fits her overall aesthetic –  it’s a vibe. Vocally, she indulges in her rich, robust tone and for the most part, we wouldn’t have it any other way.  Perhaps, the performance could use more pizazz – more oomph – but, if nothing else, it is pleasant, particularly the chorus:  

“I will love you till the end of time 

I would wait a million years 

Promise you’ll remember that you’re mine 

Baby, can you see through the tears? 

Love you more than those bitches before 

Say you’ll remember, oh baby 

Say you’ll remember 

I will love you till the end of time…”  

Appears in : 

• Jeans : 3BOPS No. 19 (2021) 

5. BabyJake, “Blue Cellophane” 

Don’t give me problems, give me wine • SRV LabelCo • 2020  

BabyJake (Jake Herring) captivates with his honest, emotional single, “Blue Cellophane” ( Don’t give me problems, give me wine). Best described as a pop record, “Blue Cellophane” also incorporates rock influence.  The production is a selling point, additionally adding a refreshing retro element.  Also, accentuating and headlining the distinctness of “Blue Cellophane” are colorful, nuanced vocals by Herring. During select moments, he gets a lift from soulful, harmonized backing vocals, further heightening the overall aesthetic.

“When I come down / I can’t feel a thing inside except my bones…” Those are some pretty honest lyrics right there.  Later, in the second verse, it begins similarly: “When I come down / I don’t ever feel okay, I feel afraid.” Damn. With the production and vocals serving as major pros of “Blue Cellophane,” the songwriting certainly can’t be ignored. Herring clearly experiences legit pain. In the chorus, the centerpiece, he fully unleashes the extent of emotions, searching for an escape, while ‘blue cellophane’ providing temporary relief:  

“If I’ll ever be painless 

If I lessen my dose 

Man, I wanna go places 

That most people don’t go 

Blue cellophane, my own escape, I’ll be fine till it’s gone 

Will I ever be painless?  

Or will I go on?” 

Appears in : 

• Cellophane: 3BOPS No. 34 (2021) 
• 13 Ear Catching Songs About Plastic (2021) 

6. Kali Uchis, “Blue” 

Red Moon in Venus • Geffen • 2023

“When you treat me like a stranger / How do you get cold so fast?” Kali Uchis loved extremely hard on “Blue,” the 12th track on her 2023 album, Red Moon in Venus.  Beyond the lyrical excerpt from the first verse, the Grammy-winning Colombia -American singer asserts in the second, “See, I’m praying God will send me an angel / Will the angels bring me back to you? / Every single second missin’ you is painful / I know I could go and find someone new.”  Uchis is surprised her ex seemed to cool off so quickly post-relationship while she is utterly blue .  In the chorus, she goes so far as to say, “‘Cause what’s the point of all the pretty things in the world if I don’t have you.” As always, Uchis sounds utterly sublime.  Making this blue song sound rad is the production of  Josh Crocker and Yussef Dayes.  Sure, Kali is blue, but the listener won’t be hearing this smooth, jazzy, contemporary R&B musical excellence !  

7. Andreas Wijk, “Blue Ribbon ” (Ft. Jimi Tents) 

Season 1 [Episode 01-14] • Andreas Wijk • 2018

“Blue ribbon ️, come and get what you’ve been missing, yeah.” Yeah! Absolutely, Andreas Wijk! The Swedish singer is there for her on “Blue Ribbon,” which appears on his 2018 album, Season 1 [Episode 01-14]. According to Wijk, “I’ll be the reason that you fall in love.” Looking at the handsome pop artist, I would venture to say his take is accurate .  “I’ll be your painter / I’ll come and paint the pain away,” he asserts in the second verse.  Yes, yes, yes! He even gets spiritual in second pre-chorus, singing, “Pray, Lord, I want her, want her now.” The infatuation is through the roof.  Vocally, Wijk possesses a distinct instrument, which makes it unsurprising why he secured a major record deal early in his life, though it panned out and ended up being a thorn in his side.  Since releasing this slickly produced pop record ( Anton Göransson), which also features a rap courtesy of Jimi Tents, it is worth noting that Wijk has embraced being queer, led by his 2022 single, “If I Was Gay”.   

Appears in :  

• Ribbon : 3 to 5 BOPS No. 25 (2023) 

8. Ellie Goulding, “Brightest Blue” 

Brightest Blue • Interscope • 2020 

“Everything is heightened now / It’s looking so much brighter now / I was lost and now I’m found /Fell off the merry-go-round.” WORD! Grammy-nominated pop musician Ellie Goulding concludes the main leg of her 2020 album, Brightest Blue, with – wait for it – “Brightest Blue”! The album’s title track is a bright record that showcases more optimism and positivity compared to preceding songs “Bleach” (she seems to be revisiting the past, wishes to move forward but simply can’t erase it) or “Flux” (realizes she shouldn’t relive the past regarding previous relationship(s)). “Brightest Blue” marks the direction where things should’ve gone earlier but thankfully, she arrives there, nonetheless.  The chorus keeps it simple: “The brightest blue, blue / Blue, blue / The brightest blue, blue / Tonight (blue, blue).”

9. Zuli, Jr., “Blue Sky”   

Stop It God. • Nurtured Ideas • 2021

Cutting straight to the chase, “Blue Sky” is an absolute bop from Zuli Jr. (Ryan Zuli Jr.). Written and produced by Zuli Jr., alongside Aire Atlantica, and TK the Architect, “Blue Sky” appears on his 2021 album, Stop It God.. The rhythmic nature of the production is one of the biggest selling points of the record, which has one foot in the door of the past, while simultaneously feeling fresh enough for the 2020s.  Adding to the allure is the song’s underpinnings; the harmonic progression gives the record a lift and a unique sound. The biggest reason why “Blue Sky” is rad is Zuli Jr, who possesses a radiant tone and an incredibly sweet falsetto.  Furthermore, the songwriting is excellent.  The best part is the chorus, which makes you feel like you’re experiencing a slice of heaven.       

“Stop selling me blue sky   

In a grey light   

Like the clouds won’t fill with rain   

Believing a white lie   

Like it’s divine   

And it holds my fall from grace…”     

Appears in :    

• Awesome Songs: March 2021   
• 15 Songs Characterized by Their Colors, Vol. II (2022)  
• 13 Thrilling Songs About the Sky (2023) 

10. Fantasia, “So Blue” 

The Definition of… • RCA •  2016 

“If these walls could talk here’s what they’ll say / I haven’t seen my man in about four days / He’s been missing and lost since he found out / I done brought another man up in this house.” Dynamic, Grammy-winning singer Fantasia delivered a BLUE highlight from her 2016 album, The Definition of…, “So Blue.” She’s “so blue” for obvious reasons: “If I could take it back, baby I would take it back / Cause see I want my man to stay / But then I see the facts, and this is how I react / I wish I handled it another way.”  “So Blue” thrives off its jazzy-soul groove, with an ‘old-school’ vibe written all over it.  Naturally, the diva excels in moments like these, showcasing a mean attitude where she’s confident and incredibly feisty.  The chorus says it best – “I’m so blue, so blue, so blue / Crazy and gone over you, over you…” “So Blue” was produced by Ron Fair. 

Appears in :  

• 14 Songs Characterized by Their Colors (2019) 

11. Vampire Weekend, “Big Blue”  

Father of the Bride • Sony • 2019 

“Big Blue” arrived as a brief, tight advance single to Father of the Bride, the 2019, Grammy-winning LP by alternative rock darlings, Vampire Weekend. Front man Ezra Koenig sings with ease from the onset, backed initially by an incredibly mellow, instrumental backdrop.  Interestingly, “Big Blue” has no verses, only choruses, iterated four times total:   

“Big blue, for once in my life I felt close to you 

I was so overcome with emotion 

When I was hurt and in need of affection 

When I was tired, and I couldn’t go home 

Then you offered protection 

So, am I learning my lesson?  

Or am I back on my own?”  

A little more than 30 seconds in, “Big Blue” gains more oomph with an expanded instrumental palette.  That palette includes rhythm and lead guitars and a choral vocal pad. All in all, the resulting sound is celestial, pleasant, and maintains a degree of simplicity, never growing overcomplicated.  In many ways, “Big Blue” has similar vibes to the comparably short single, “2021”.

Appears in :  

• 14 Songs Characterized by Their Colors (2019) 

11 Riveting, BLUE Songs (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Andreas Wijk, boygenius, Geffen, Interscope, RCA, Sony, SRV LabelCo, Surfaces Music, Warner, What A DJ Ltd.; András Matesz from Pexels;TheDigitalArtist from Pixabay]