Playlist 11 Songs Centered Around Lines” features music courtesy of Christina Aguilera, Keith Urban, and ODESZA among many others.

Starting things off right, we consult good ole Merriam-Webster for guidance.  Question: What is a line? Line can have numerous meanings, including (1) “a length of chord or cord-like material,” (2) “a horizontal row of written or printed characters,” (3) “something that is distinct, elongated, and narrow,” or (4) “a straight or curved geometric element that is generated by a moving point …”  That’s only scratching the surface, sigh.  This isn’t an English lesson, so, we’ll address lines through song – 11 songs to be precise. Our playlist at hand, “11 Songs Centered Around Lines” features music courtesy of Christina Aguilera, Keith Urban, and ODESZA among many others. Music lovers, you better “fall in line.” 

1. Christina Aguilera, “Fall in Line”

Ft. Demi Lovato

Liberation • RCA • 2018

“Fall in Line”, the third advance single from Liberation, features a grinding, soulful, six-eight groove, perfect fuel for the fire for Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato. Aguilera gets to work with controlled, but nuanced vocals on the first verse.  The message, aimed towards girls, is pitch-perfect:

“Little girls, listen closely…

…in this world, you are not beholden

You do not owe them

Your body and your soul.”

Aguilera’s beastly vocals begin to appear on the pre-chorus, letting her pipes rip on the chorus (joined by Demi Lovato). Lovato takes the lead on the second verse, similarly maintaining composure and poise, before spreading her wings and flying on the chorus. The true magic occurs throughout when these two join forces, particularly the second and third iterations of the chorus. Clearly, empowerment is the central message.

2. Keith Urban, “Parallel Line”

Graffiti U • Capitol Nashville • 2018

Keith Urban has never been the most ‘country’ country artist – understatement.  His 2018 album, Graffiti U, is a perfect example of this.  With so many eclectic moments that explore beyond country, “Parallel Line” is one of the more ‘countrified’ moments regarding sound. “Parallel Line” can best be described as a straightforward country ballad. Still, the ‘straightforward ballad’ isn’t chocked full of twang either… It’s Keith Urban, remember?

3. Lucius, “Right Down the Line”

NUDES • Mom+Pop • 2018

Indie rock/pop collective Lucius, comprised of Jess Wolfe, Holly Laessig, Dan Molad, and Peter Lalish, released a new album in 2018.  Calling the album ‘brand-new’ might be an overstatement, as the band describes NUDES as “a collection of acoustic songs: new, from our back catalog – reimagined, and covers.” One of the highlights from NUDES fits the criteria of this line-centric playlist. As original as “Right Down the Line” might sound in the hands of Lucius, the record is a Gerry Rafferty cover. Ah, the power of a mesmerizing, vibe-laden interpretation.

4. ODESZA, “Line of Sight”

Ft. WYNNE & Mansionair

A Moment Apart • Counter • 2017

“And I don’t learn, no I don’t learn / It’ll all be fine this time / And I don’t learn, no I don’t learn / Cos you always seemed so kind.” Electronic duo ODESZA (Catacombkid and BeachesBeaches) concocted a gem in 2017 with Grammy-nominated dance record “Line of Sight”, featuringWYNNE and Mansionair. “Line of Sight” is a highlight from their Grammy-nominated sophomore album, A Moment Apart.

“Line of Sight” has a brilliant ambient, enigmatic quality that initiates the record.  The groove is superb as well. The tone of the lead vocal (WYNNE) is marvelous. The first verse has a pleasant nebulousness, contributing to the enigma initially. The chorus, excerpted above, is catchy and well-rounded. The breakdown section is well executed, following the chorus, while the second verse is more stable. By this point, the record has become firmly established, anchored by drums, warm synths, and continually appealing vocals. The outgoing section of “Line of Sight” serves as one of its finest moments.

“Help me out, don’t let me down

I could learn from you

I could learn from you.”

5. The National, “Empire Line”

Sleep Well Beast • 4AD • 2017

The National wowed with their 2017, Grammy-winning album Sleep Well Beast, their first LP in four years.  While “Empire Line” wasn’t the centerpiece, nor necessarily the elite of the elites, it is another enjoyable and respectable piece of the puzzle. “Empire Line”continues to focus on relationship issues in the context of Sleep Well Beast.  While clear thematically, it’s uniquely executed, as frontman Matt Berninger references a commuter train in relation to the relationship.

“You’ve been sleeping for miles

So, what did you see?

… There’s a line that goes all the way from my childhood to you.”  

6. Dustin Lynch, “State Lines”

Current Mood • Broken Bow • 2017

“You know that I’ll keep on lovin’ you, I’ll be lovin’ you all night / If it wasn’t for these state lines.” Dustin Lynch wasn’t a country traditionalist on his 2017 album, Current Mood.  Indeed, his ‘current mood’ at the time was a number of stylistic influences, like many of his country brothers (and some of his country sisters too). Perhaps that’s why “State Lines” has a clear R&B influence, particularly the groove. That said, the urban sensibilities of the record don’t override the ‘country sensibilities.’ Vocally, Lynch is dedicated to his roots, while the chorus amps up the guitars.  Oh, and him and his bae are separated by state lines apparently…

“Twelve hundred miles, and only three days to go
The speed limit signs, the stars on a desert road, yeah
Can’t keep from tryna taste your goodbye kiss, so good
I’d travel to the future for ya, baby if I could.”

7. Foo Fighters, “The Line”

Concrete and Gold • RCA • 2017

“The Line” is a type of record possessing many superb characteristics but doesn’t deliver a knockout punch as the final product. Like much of Foo Fighters’ 2017 album Concrete and Gold, the guitars are amped up to the max, particularly on the chorus. Dave Grohl is commanding, even if his backdrop is sometimes overloaded.  The chorus gives “The Line” more memorability to accompany those edgy guitars.  If nothing else, the spirit of rock and roll thrives. The biggest rub compared to the crème de la crème of Concrete and Gold is the lack of infectiousness, particularly melodically.

8. dvsn, “The Line”

SEPT 5^TH • OVO Sound / Warner Bros. • 2016

According to Daniel Daley (of dvsn), “We’ve crossed the line tonight, tonight.”  Usually, if you cross a line, it has a negative connotation.  On “The Line,” the sense is that the lovers have reached a milestone in the relationship.  Rather than merely sex, the line crossed is more ‘in line’ with a true, committed relationship.

9. Lupe Fiasco, “Dots & Lines”

Tetsuo & Youth • Atlantic • 2015

Tetsuo & Youth was an incredibly ambitious album from Lupe Fiasco.  Throughout his career, the rapper has oscillated between being complex and “dumbing it down,” just like he raps about on his song, “Dumb it Down” from The Cool.  Anyways, “Dots & Lines” is one of many winning performances from Tetsuo & Youth.  Not only does Lupe reference mathematics, but he also references religion/spirituality, and being in a vulnerable, unfamiliar position.

“The mind fears what the blinds hide

But I’m here on the blind side.”

10. Linkin Park, “A Line in the Sand”

The Hunting Party • Warner Bros. • 2014

“Another day, your truth will come / You’re gonna pay for what you’ve / You’re gonna pay for what you’ve done.” On The Hunting Party, Linkin Park clearly came to rock. After a couple of less stellar albums, The Hunting Party was a refreshing listening experience from the band.  Arguably, it’s the last truly good album from the band featuring Chester Bennington (One More Light, his last before committing suicide, was sketchy). The lengthy “A Line in the Sand” concludes the album.This is a foreboding, mysterious, and ambitious number.  While “A Line in the Sand” isn’t necessarily the ‘championship winner,’ it’s an interesting record.

“Today, I looked for a sign

With flames in my hands

A line in the sand

Between yours and mind

And it came like fire from below

Your greed led the call

My flag had to fall

But little did you know.”

11. Robin Thicke, “Blurred Lines”

Ft. T.I. & Pharrell Williams

Blurred Lines • Interscope • 2013

“I’m gon take a good girl / I know you want it … / You’re a good girl / Can’t let it get past me / You’re far from plastic / Talk about getting blasted…” “Blurred Lines” is something else.  A freaking infectious record, even years later, the Grammy-nominated Robin Thicke joint has had its share of controversy, ‘plagiarism’, and critical divisiveness. “Blurred Lines” is a gimmicky, novelty cut you should write off, but it’s simply too good to do so. Worth noting, Pharrell and T.I. guest.  Still, Robin is the star.

Photo Credits: 4AD, Atlantic, Broken Bow, Capital Nashville, Counter, Interscope, Mom+Pop, OVO Sound, RCA, Warner Bros.