11 Solitary Songs That Are Totally Alone | Playlist 🎧

11 Solitary Songs That Are Totally Alone” features Carrie Underwood, Five Finger Death Punch, Hayley Williams, NCT 127 & The Weeknd.

Michael Jackson, assisted by the pen of R. Kelly, once sung, “You are Not Alone,” a number one hit from his controversial HIStory – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE – BOOK I (1995).  Notably, back in 1987, Jackson also graced us with “Leave Me Alone.” Drake, on arguably the best album of his career, Take Care (2011), rapped how he “Hate(s) Sleeping Alone.” I concur, Drizzy, I concur! Marshmello has a pretty popular song where he’s totally alone (“I’m so alone, nothing feels like home”), fittingly titled – wait for it – “Alone.”  Surely, after using three different examples, you totally get that this playlist is comprised of songs that are totally alone, right? I hope so!

11 SOLITARY SONGS THAT ARE TOTALLY ALONE isn’t the first time The Musical Hype has ever tackled loneliness. Back in 2019, we served up quite the lonely playlist, 13 Captivating Songs About Being Alone or Lonely.  The current list is quite similar, with a focus merely on songs featuring ‘alone’ in their title, as well as not overlapping with the previous list.  So, if you’re wonder why gems like “Alone” (Halsey), “Cry Alone” (Lil Peep), or “Never Alone” (Tori Kelly) are MIA, that’s because they’ve already had their moment in the sun. 11 SOLITARY SONGS THAT ARE TOTALLY ALONE features songs courtesy of Carrie Underwood (“Drinking Alone”), Five Finger Death Punch (“To Be Alone”), Hayley Williams (“Leave it Alone”), NCT 127 (“Not Alone”) and The Weeknd (“Alone Again”) among others. Without further ado, be prepared for the utterly loneliness that is 11 SOLITARY SONGS THAT ARE TOTALLY ALONE.

1. The Weeknd, “Alone Again”

After Hours • Republic • 2020

After more than a three-year-hiatus between full-length projects, three-time, Grammy-winning R&B artist The Weeknd returned in 2020 with his fourth studio album, After Hours. Prior to its release, Abel Tesfaye released three compelling singles (“Heartless”, “Blinding Lights”, and the title track), all of which prefaced what would end up being a truly intriguing, notably featureless fourth LP.  For the purposes of this playlist, 11 Solitary Songs That Are Totally Alone, none of those excellent, aforementioned singles fit the criteria. No worries – “Alone Again” meets the mark! 

“Take off my disguise / I’m living someone else’s life / Suppressing who I was inside…” “Alone Again,” the opener from After Hours, sets the tone, commencing in incredibly moody, enigmatic fashion.  Clearly, narratively, The Weeknd is in a compromised state, a combination of loneliness (“I don’t know if I can be alone again / I don’t know if I can sleep alone again”) and drug use (“Check my pulse for second time / I took too much, I don’t wanna die”). Excess is key here, as he’s willing to pay for sex to atone for loneliness and overdosing on drugs. His loneliness is clearly pronounced.

2. Hayley Williams, “Leave It Alone”

Petals for Armor • Atlantic • 2020

Hayley Williams is best known as the front woman of Paramore, a band that has had ample success critically and commercially. Paramore even did something that only a select few bands can tout – a Grammy win! Even with the success of the collective, Williams had a solo project in the works, hence, Petals for Armor.  In advance of the EP, Williams released a couple of singles including debut solo single, “Simmer”. “Simmer” doesn’t fit the solitary, totally alone criteria for this particular playlist, but another song from the EP does – “Leave It Alone.”

“If you know love / You best prepare to grieve.” The thoughtfully penned “Leave it Alone,” produced by Taylor York, finds Hayley Williams totally consumed with grief.  The record has an extremely somber tone from the onset, instrumentally and lyrically. On the first verse, she sings, “‘Cause now that I want to live / Well everybody around me is dying / Now that I finally wanna live / The ones I love are dyin’.” Thinking about family members dying – people you care about leaving you – is totally depressing and overwhelming.  On the second verse, she’s further ‘triggered,’ providing a specific example of loss:

“You don’t remember my name somedays
Or that we’re related
It triggers my worry
Who else am I gonna lose before I am ready?
And who’s gonna lose me?”

The centerpiece of the record is the chorus, where “The truth’s a killer / But I can’t leave it alone…”

3. NCT 127, “Not Alone”

NCT #127 Neo Zone – The 2^nd Album • SM Entertainment • 2020

Sigh, it’s no secret that K-pop has become ‘kind of a big deal’ in the United States, particularly in the mid-10s and into the 20s.  NCT 127 is another Asian boy group (K-pop and J-pop) that’s earned a fair share of attention, though not to the same degree as BTS.  Speaking to their success, their 2020 album, NCT #127 Neo Zone – The 2^nd Album (Neo Zone for short), debuted at no. 5 on the Billboard 200, with 87,000 equivalent album units (83,000 copies sold).  Enough background though – let’s dive into the real reason NCT 127 is on this playlist.  That would be thanks to the song “Not Alone,” which appears as the 12^th song on Neo Zone.

The penultimate track from Neo Zone is a smooth, mid-tempo cut, nearly synonymous with an American urban-pop cut.  Listening to the record from a musical standpoint, producers Soo Man-Lee and Nicki Adamsson could easily helm any number of American pop, R&B, or hip-hop records without a hitch.  The keyboards/synths and drum programming are on-point.  The main contrast with this K-pop record compared to American pop? The language honestly, considering “Not Alone” is almost exclusively sung in Korean. Even so, there are select lines that are sung in English, which is pretty cool to say the least.  Language aside, thematically, “Not Alone” is quite familiar – love; matters of the heart; togetherness.

4. Five Finger Death Punch, “To Be Alone”

F8 • Five Finger Death Punch / Better Noise Music • 2020

Metal collective Five Finger Death Punch have been around since the mid-aughts, releasing their debut album, The Way of the Fist, in 2007.  Up until the release of their eighth studio album in 2020, F8, the band had appeared on the label, Prospect Park.  F8, however, arrives via Better Noise Music. According to guitarist Zoltan Bathory (via Blabbermouth), F8 represents a rebirth. Given the fact that this here playlist is comprised of ‘solitary songs that are totally alone,’ well, the seventh track from F8, “To Be Alone,” is a perfect fit.

As is the expectation from a Five Finger Death Punch song, “To Be Alone” is quite heavy.  From the beginning, the guitars are turned up, while the drums pummel.  “To Be Alone” is set in a minor key and more often than not, avoids major chords (there are very few).  Given the darkness tilt of loneliness captured, front man Ivan Moody is equally aggressive vocally, singing with conviction throughout.  Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, where the question of loneliness is posed:

“So tell me, how does it feel to know no one is coming?
No one is running when you hit the ground (You hit the ground)
How does it feel to know that no one’s around you?
No one will be there when you hit the ground (You hit the ground)
How does it feel?
How does it feel to be alone?”

Answering the question Ivan, I’d say pretty FKN lonely, sigh.

5. The Amity Affliction, “Aloneliness”

Everyone Loves You… Once You Leave Them • Pure Noise • 2020

“You tie the knot, I’ll start the fire / Here’s to loneliness, my friend.” Thank you, Ahren Stringer… so… um… uplifting.  When your band’s name is The Amity Affliction, empowering or uplifting are some of the last words that come to mind in all honesty.  The lyrics excerpted from the chorus of the brief “Aloneliness” kind of affirm that.  Even so, the band manages to deliver a ‘happy’ ode to loneliness on the highlight from their 2020 album, Everyone Loves You… Once You Leave Them.  Quite a pessimistic but honest album title.

On “Aloneliness,” it is Ahren Stringer (clean vocals) who handles the majority of the vocal duties. No worries though – Joel Birch plays a key role as well.  That said, most of the vocals are generally cleaner on this particular record, including Birch’s gritty delivery. It’s actually an interesting dynamic, given the pessimistic vibes. “Aloneliness” manages to be aggressive and energetic (guitars remain ripe, drums pummel) while opting for a major key and a sense of optimism.  Go figure.

6. NF, “Leave Me Alone”

The Search • Capitol • 2019

NF (Nate Feuerstein) experienced a huge come-up in 2017.  His third studio album, Perception, debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200.  Furthermore, the platinum-certified album spawned the biggest hit of the Michigan rapper’s career with “Let You Down”. It’s no surprise that The Search ended up being highly anticipated, once more earning NF  no. 1 on the Billboard 200.  Even given his breakout success, as depicted on The Search, Nate was depressed.  His pain, quite relatable, is our listening pleasure.  A prime example where NF’s respective issues rear their ugly head? “Leave Me Alone.”

“Panic-stricken, handle business, not a joke, yeah / Manners missin’, travel different, no control, yeah / … I went from nobody to kinda famous / Hide my plaques inside the closet, I just can’t explain it.” In the context of The Search, “Leave Me Alone” maintains the energy established by the title track preceding it, while also extending the duration beyond the five-minute-mark.  Even so, “Leave Me Alone” ends up being a stronger record, thanks to the rapper’s continued authenticity and adding truly hooky pre-chorus and chorus sections.

“Hold up my balloons and cover up my face
I can feel them weighin’ on me every day
I should let ‘em go and watch ‘em float away
But I’m scared if I do, then I’ll be more afraid…
Ayy, yeah
Quiet, quiet, quiet, quiet, ayy (yeah), leave me alone!”

Feuerstein continues to exhibit a mad flow, dropping top-notch rhymes.  He’s definitely one of the most skilled ‘Christian rappers’ in the game. 

7. FINNEAS, “Die Alone”

Blood Harmony (EP) • OYOY • 2019

FINNEAS (Finneas O’Connell) gets the most accolades for producing his sister’s (Billie Eilish) breakthrough, debut album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?.  He deserves such accolades for that project – the production was definitely innovative and Grammy-worthy. Still, as an artist in his own right, O’Connell deserves more credit. His song “I Lost a Friend” from his 2019 EP, Blood Harmony is a total bop.  I ‘hearted’ the record so much that it appeared on the playlist, 11 Compelling Songs That Are Totally Lost.  Unfortunately, “I Lost a Friend” doesn’t fit LONELY SONGS THAT ARE TOTALLY ALONE, sigh. That said, “Die Alone,” the seventh and final cut from the same EP, does meet the criteria!

“I wrote this song in Texas last November – L.A. was on fire at the time and I was wishing I was there anyway to be with my girl,” FINNEAS tells Billboard regarding “Die Alone.” That certainly lines up with so many of the devoted lyrics, such as “I wasn’t lookin’ for you / But you found me…” (verse one), or more directly, the pre-chorus (“You asked me, ‘Do you wanna die alone / Or watch it all burn down together?’”).  Of the second verse, O’Connell shared, it’s “…More about moving out of my parents’ house… You could call it a metaphor for adulthood, I suppose.” Clever songwriting, by all means.

“Die Alone” earns the distinction of being the longest record on Blood Harmony, approaching four-and-a-half-minutes in duration. Vocally, FINNEAS delivers a beautiful, expressive performance, never forcing things, yet packing the right amount of punch. In addition to his gorgeous tone, the vocal production itself is exceptional.  In regard to the overall production, it’s also elite, characterized by the use of keyboards and of course, sounds O’Connell recorded in various places.  “I Lost a Friend” is still my personal favorite, but “Die Alone” is quite thoughtful, and to reiterate, quite clever.

8. Dave East, “Alone” (Ft. Jacquees)

Survival • Def Jam • 2019

Rapper Dave East quietly released a new album in 2019, Survival. The album is filled with featured guests including Gunna, Rick Ross, and Teyana Taylor. On “Alone,” the song that best fits the criteria of this list, East is assisted by R&B singer, Jacquees.  Additionally, East is lifted by sampling an R&B classic, “Feenin” (Jodeci).

“Alone” is definitely a much smoother joint than we normally associate with the hard-nosed, tough-minded rapper.  The production is beautiful; incredibly lush.  The Jodeci sample is certainly the centerpiece of the backdrop, but a production team comprised of Major Seven, BNJMN, Dylan Graham, and BoogzDaBeast also add some additional, shimmering touches.  The beat knocks, anchoring things down.  Jacquees sounds incredibly sexy, soulful, further fueling East’s fire.  And of course, there’s the ‘man of the hour,’ East, who expresses his, um ‘longings’ (“Her body got me in the zone”).

9. Carrie Underwood, “Drinking Alone”

Cry Pretty • Capitol Nashville • 2018

Throughout the latter half of the 00s, Carrie Underwood was one of country music’s hottest commodities.  The victor of the fourth season of American Idol proved herself to be the total package – looks, voice, and artistry.  Once more Underwood brought the heat on her sixth studio album, Cry Pretty, released in 2018.  The crowning achievement is the title track, which reflects upon the aftermath of facial surgery Underwood underwent following a bad accident, and coping with insecurity.  Still, beyond “Cry Pretty”, the album has a number of excellent songs, including the one that perfectly fits this playlist, “Drinking Alone.”

Carrie Underwood incorporates soul alongside her biting vocals on the high-flying balladry of “Drinking Alone,” the seventh track from Cry Pretty.  Underwood is always at her best when she’s assertive, exhibiting attitude and feistiness.  That’s what the listeners gets on “Drinking Alone,” where a minor-keyed, dark, and dramatic backdrop totally fuels her fire.  Early on it’s clear Underwood came to slay: “Let me make one thing clear / You can buy me a beer, but you ain’t taking me home.” Say that, Carrie, say that! On the second verse, she gets specific about the drink: “It starts with a bottle of good Reposado / And ends with a shooter or two.” Of course, continue listening, and the drink leads to inevitable trouble:

“…Tonight’s the night that never was
Baby, just forget my name
Won’t be your one and only
But just ‘cause we’re lonely, don’t mean that we should.”

Of course, the crème de la crème is the chorus, particularly when Underwood begins riffing and incorporating those gritty runs.

“We should be drinking alone, together
Drownin’ the pain is better
With somebody else who got problems
We ain’t gonna solve ‘em
But misery loves company
Tonight all I need is a stranger
Lips with a whiskey chaser
And a corner booth kiss to make me forget that he’s gone
Oh, we should be drinking alone
We should be drinking alone, together.”

10. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, “Jesus Alone”

Skeleton Tree • Bad Seed Ltd • 2016

“Jesus Alone” sets the tone for Skeleton Tree, the 2016 studio album by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. “Jesus Alone” commences the LP eerily and enigmatically.  Despite its unsettling tenor, the record is indisputably gorgeous. It served as the first reaction by Nick Cave towards the tragic death of his son Arthur.

Throughout “Jesus Alone,” Cave uses his poetic gifts to express his grief.  Even when he’s not explicit in imparting his own situation, there’s the sense he’s being figurative; metaphorical.

“You’re a young man waking
Covered in blood that is not yours
You’re a woman in a yellow dress
Surrounded by a charm of hummingbirds.”

The chorus is reverent, yet grave: “With my voice / I am calling you.” Ultimately, “Jesus Alone” is as eerie as hell, even as Nick Cave calls upon Jesus. This record is unsettling and absolutely gorgeous simultaneously. “Jesus Alone” previously appeared on the playlist, Secular (or Not So Secular) Songs About Jesus 2.0, published in December 2017.

11. Daley, “Alone Together” (Ft. Marsha Ambrosius)

Days & Nights • Republic • 2014

America has been blessed with a number of incredibly talented ‘British imports.’ By British imports – this being a music site and all – I am referring to British artists impacting us in America.  One of those awesome musicians who comes in quite underrated but shouldn’t’ be is Gareth Daley, better known as simply Daley.  His tenor pipes are nothing short of beautiful, something that shines like a beacon on his 2014 debut album, Days & Nights. “Alone Together,” which first appeared on Daley’s EP, Alone Together (2012) is an awesome way to close out this list of LONELY SONGS THAT ARE TOTALLY LONELY sigh.  Also worth nothing, “Alone Together” was previously featured on the playlist, 11 Songs That Embrace Togetherness, published in September 2019.

“I can’t help but think that this doesn’t add up
I’m trying to separate the facts from all the fiction
We’re living in a world of contradictions
And if baby you’re the truth when I’m lying next to you.”

“Alone Together” ranks among the crème de la crème of Days & Nights.  Daley is paired with fellow British R&B singer Marsha Ambrosius, formerly of Floetry notoriety, not to mention being a formidable solo artist. The vocal chemistry between the two is top-notch, particularly on the bridge: “You’re the desert sand, I’ll be your water and you’re the perfect plan I never thought of…” Can you say ‘power duet’ – methinks.

11 Solitary Songs That Are Totally Alone [📷: Atlantic, Bad Seed Ltd., Better Noise, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Capitol Nashville, Def Jam, Five Finger Death Punch, The Musical Hype, OYOY, Pixabay, Pure Noise, Republic, SM Entertainment]