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“11 Songs Filled with Overwhelming Worries” features BJ the Chicago Kid, Bobby McFerrin, Ellie Goulding, Jhené Aiko & Shawn Mendes.

In 1987, The Winans, assisted by Anita Baker, expressed to the world, “‘Ain’t no need to worry’ / What the night is gonna bring / It’ll be all over in the morning.” Approaching 20 years later, in 2005, Grammy-winning R&B artist Anthony Hamilton would sing, “Ain’t Nobody Worryin’ / When the kids die young and the mothers are sufferin’…” Then, in 2013, Lil Wayne, assisted by Detail, totally had “No Worries” whatsoever. What do all of these non-related songs have in common? Well, each song features some form of the word WORRY in their respective song title.

For the playlist at hand, 11 SONGS FILLED WITH OVERWHELMING WORRIES, the word ‘worry’ in some form DOES NOT necessarily have to be featured in the song title.  In some instances, this particular collection of songs uses synonyms or words closely related to worry. Regardless, the ends are quite similar, even if the means is a bit different – for the most part. Musicians with songs featured on 11 SONGS FILLED WITH OVERWHELMING WORRIES include BJ the Chicago Kid (“Worryin’ Bout Me”), Bobby McFerrin (“Don’t Worry Be Happy”), Ellie Goulding (“Worry About Me”), Jhené Aiko (“None of Your Concern”), and Shawn Mendes (“Nervous”) among others.  Without further ado, it’s time to dig into these totally worrisome songs!

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1. Ellie Goulding, “Worry About Me”

Ft. blackbear

“Worry About Me” • Polydor • 2020

Grammy-nominated pop artist, Ellie Goulding, sounds terrific, as always on “Worry About Me”, her first single of 2020, featuring blackbear. Despite the fact that she hasn’t released an album since 2015 (Delirium), her voice sounds as unique as ever.  She’s particularly potent on this urban-pop joint, set in a minor key, and filled with attitude, nuance, and ample personality.  The production by Ilya is incredibly sleek, particularly the keyboard/synths, and the hip-hop sensible beat.

While Goulding is clearly the star, and needs no further support, blackbear brings a welcome contrast, with his distinct melodic/pop-rap and sung vocals.

“She said, ‘Why you gotta hit me on some I don’t know shit?
I am not your property; who led you to that notion?
Action speakin’ louder than whatever you been smokin’
You don’t gotta try and fix somebody that ain’t broken.”

The songwriting is memorable and well-rounded.  No, “Worry About Me” is by no means the deepest song ever written, but it’s enjoyable and relatable. “I thought I need you to feel safe,” she sings on the first verse, “But now that I’ve been through it, I’m stuck in a good place.” The chorus, in all its repetitive simplicity, is terrific.

“You can worry ‘bout this
You can worry ‘bout that
You can worry ‘bout she…” 

All in all, worrisome or not, “Worry About Me” is another bop for Ellie Goulding.  It checks off boxes in regard to vocals, production, and songwriting as far as relatability and interesting subject matter.  Furthermore, it fits the criteria for this playlist considering its use of the word and theme, worry.

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2. Bobby McFerrin, “Don’t Worry Be Happy”

Simple Pleasures • Capitol • 1988

The first song appearing on this particular list, “Worry About Me”, arrived in 2020.  The second song on this list, “Don’t’ Worry Be Happy,” arrived 22 years prior.  Even so, the Bobby McFerrin gem from Simple Pleasures (1988) remains a classic – not even the least bit debatable! The song won three Grammy awards, for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male.

“Don’t Worry Be Happy” is classic for a variety of reasons.  A novel number, blending jazz and reggae, it’s a totally infectious, minimalist, a cappella record.  Yes, Pentatonix have done wonders with a cappella music in particular, but still, more often than not, accompaniments with instruments rather than merely voice is what’s expected.  Of course, Bobby McFerrin does wonders with his voice, and few will deny, as far as mainstream music, this is among the best a cappella songs of all time.

Furthermore, thematically, “Don’t Worry Be Happy” thrives off of its positivity.  Despite a number of unfortunate situations, such as “The landlord say your rent is late / He may have to litigate,” McFerrin urges us to embrace and embody the phrase, “Don’t worry, be happy.” He has a point, though still, an eviction is bound to happen… Even so, how can you listen to this song and not feel a sense of optimism and happiness?

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3. Jhené Aiko, “None of Your Concern”

Ft. Big Sean

Chilombo • Def Jam • 2020

Ah, concern – a word that is a synonym for the main attraction of this playlist, worry.  Jhené Aiko brings one concerning song to the table: “None of Your Concern.” “None of Your Concern” appears on her third studio album, Chilombo, released in 2020.  Of the album, Aiko told Carl Lamarre of Billboard, “In a sense, I am a like a volcano and this album is an eruption.” Fair enough.  While the album, as a whole, ends up being too long Aiko does a nice job of expressing feelings in the aftermath of a breakup, healing, and ultimately, working towards moving forward.  “None of Your Concern,” which features her ex-boyfriend, Big Sean, marks one of the key moments from Chilombo.

Worth noting, the second song on Chilombo, “Triggered (freestyle),” which precedes “None of Your Concern,” has been speculated to have been directed towards Big Sean.  Regardless, keeping our eye on the prize, there’s no doubt whatsoever that Aiko and Sean address their now defunct relationship and moving beyond on “None of Your Concern.” Obviously, from Aiko’s perspective, “It’s none of your [his] concern anymore,” considering they’re not an item anymore.  As for Sean, he cites his problems, the electrifying sex they once had, and states, “I only want the best for you, movin’ forward.”

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4.Shawn Mendes, “Nervous”

Shawn Mendes • Island • 2018

In 2018, Canadian pop heartthrob Shawn Mendes returned with his third studio album, Shawn Mendes. The self-titled album marks Mendes’ best work yet. Still only 19 at the time of the release, the wunderkind built up the buzz with four compelling singles, including the Grammy-nominated crown jewel, “In My Blood”. “In My Blood” could’ve fit the bill for this worrisome playlist, given the anxiety Mendes showcases.  But, there’s an even better fit – “Nervous.”

First things first, the word nervous is considered a synonym, or minimally, closely related to the word, worry.  Because of this, “Nervous” easily earns a spot on this totally worry-driven music list. Moving on to the song itself, like on “In My Blood,” Mendes is honest about his feelings throughout the course of the record. In a nutshell, this groovy, pop-soul cut finds the singer “stressed out” about a girl.

“I saw you on a Sunday in a café
And all you did was look my way
And my heart started to race
And my hands started to shake, yeah…”

With masterful falsetto, he takes us on an adrenaline-filled, anxious, self-conscious journey that is relatable to both adolescents and adults. The crowning achievement should come as no surprise – the chorus!

“I get a little bit nervous around you
Get a little bit stressed out when I think about you
Get a little excited
Baby, when I think about you, yeah
Talk a little too much around you
Get a little self-conscious when I think about you
Get a little excited
Baby, when I think about you, yeah
Yeah, when I think about you, babe.”

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5. BJ the Chicago Kid, “Worryin’ Bout Me”

Ft. Offset

1123 • UMG / Motown • 2019

“Worryin’ Bout Me” appears as the penultimate record on 1123, the Grammy-nominated, 2019 sophomore album by R&B artist BJ the Chicago Kid.  On “Worryin’ Bout Me,” BJ effectively embraces the hip-hop influenced R&B sound of the 2010s.  Earlier cuts on 1123 amplify soul more (“Time Today,” “Too Good,” or even “Playa’s Ball”), but his versality on “Worryin’ Bout Me” is undeniable.  The chorus, of course, is the centerpiece.

“Worryin’ ‘bout me ain’t never made you no money (Money)
Worryin’ ‘bout me ain’t never made you no money
Yeah, I got a bag, I know you mad though…”

Basically, BJ the Chicago Kid tells the haters to stop ‘worrying’ about what he’s doing – it’s not benefitting them.  At the same time, he flexes as well.  “My mind’s on my money, and my money’s always on my mind / Either love me or / Stay in your lane,” he asserts on the third verse and the beginning of the pre-chorus.  As for Offset, he doesn’t bring anything new to the table, but his presence feels like the right fit for cut.

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6. Badflower, “x ANA x”

OK, I’M SICK • Big Machine • 2019

“I can’t feel my toes or my fingertips / My chest if pounding so fast I can’t keep up with it / I’m losing it – fuck! I just want to quit it.” Front man Josh Katz and Badflower are in a bad spot to say the least, thanks to “x ANA x” (a stylization of ‘Xanax,’ the sedative), the second single from the band’s full-length, debut album, OK, I’M SICK (2019). Clearly, the effects of anxiety (and the Xanax as well), have Katz down. According to Web MD, “everyone feels anxious now and then.” Worth noting, the organization goes on to differentiate between anxious emotions and anxiety disorders. Of course, addressing the emotion anxiety, well, the word itself is considered to be a synonym of worry, the theme of this particular list.

On “x ANA x,” Josh Katz is profane, dropping multiple f-bombs, as he suffers. Notably, he emphasizes the ‘ANA’ portion of the word, almost approaching Xanax like it’s a relationship.  On the first verse, he memorably states, “Judging my fucking sex ANA x ANA x / And I’m faking just to stay in my body / I’m nervous, I can’t fucking stand it.” The lyrics, throughout the course of the song, reflect Katz’s anxiety, while the high-energy, instrumental backdrop also matches the anxiousness.  As the song continues, the listener is invited more and more into the suspect mindset of the protagonist, particularly at the end of the second verse.

“The kind of sick that makes an atheist pray for Jesus
The kind of sickness that turns your power into weakness
I’m sick of being sick for this whole fucking place to witness
And I’m living a sick life that most people call privilege
And they’re kinda right
But I’m still sicker than I can cope with.”

“x ANA x” is an energetic, honest, and well-rounded single that goes beyond the traditional script.  Josh Katz definitely has the personality to sell this anxiety-driven single superbly. “x ANA x” has appeared on a variety of playlists including 13 Awesome Songs That Highlight Mental Health, Fill Your Prescription with These 11 Medicine Songs, and 10 Songs Fueled by Xanax.

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7. Rich Brian, “No Worries”

The Sailor • 88rising / 12Tone Music • 2019

At age 16, Rich Brian went viral, offending people with the controversial single “Dat $tick”.  What made “Dat $tick” controversial was his use of the n-word (“Rogue wave on you niggas…”).  A misstep, he’d rebound with a host of other singles, a promising debut album (Amen), and an alluring, eclectic sophomore album, The Sailor.  The Sailor serves as the source of the brief, but worrisome song gracing this playlist, “No Worries.”

 “No Worries,” like some of the songs throughout The Sailor, incorporates singing (chorus), as well as Rich Brian’s specialty, rapping.  On the chorus, moving past the adverse side of matters of the heart, Brian expresses, “Call my friends over to kick it, we don’t need hoes / The game is on, the beers are cold.”  On the first verse, he ‘counts his blessings’ and reflects on his life: “I’m bad at socializin’, that’s what homeschoolin’ did for me / It also got me money and a whole new identity.” Notably, the second verse is longer, and there’s a ‘change of pace,’ keeping things fresh.  Brian digs into his rhymes more, taking an edgier approach.  A prime example:

“Bitch, shut the fuck up, go sip your Starbucks
Don’t play with me, ‘cause you gon’ fuck up your karma
Don’t fuck with hoes, I’d rather fuck up my commas
Your life ain’t good if it don’t come with no problems.”

#No Worries!

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8. The Neighbourhood, “Nervous”

Hard to Imagine the Neighbourhood Ever Changing • Columbia • 2018

The Neighbourhood – led by Jesse Rutherford – returned with their third full-length album, The Neighbourhood, in 2018. The song at hand, “Nervous,” appears on the LP, as well as the expanded version, Hard to Imagine the Neighbourhood Ever Changing. To reiterate, the word nervous is considered a synonym, or minimally, closely related to the word, worry, hence why  “Nervous” earns a spot on this worrisome music list.

“Nervous” begins nervously, better yet mysteriously. Jesse Rutherford delivers honest, reflective lyrics, while his vocals reflect a similar sentiment. Although “Nervous” sports a bit of a self-indulgent vibe, Rutherford and company deserve respect for revealing and speaking about insecurities.  Each of the three verses tackle issues and self-worth. With all the weight of the verses, things are summarized on the chorus.  It’s ‘heavy’ too, but definitely catchier and more accessible.

“You've got me nervous to speak
So, I just won't say anything at all
I've got an urge to release
And you keep tellin’ me to hold on
You've got me nervous to move
So, I just won't give anything to you
You got me turnin’ all around to be who you need me to.”

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9. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Anxiety”

The Nashville Sound • Southeastern • 2017

“Anxiety” is nothing short of epic, which is fitting for an equally epic musician like Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.  The lengthiest song off of The Nashville Sound, “Anxiety” is worth every bit of its seven minutes. The title explains it all – Isbell can’t get past his anxiety, which is considered a synonym for worry, which is central focus/theme of this particular list.  There – justification to the nth degree!

On the chorus, Jason Isbell passionately sings:

“Anxiety
How do you always get the best of me?
I’m out here living in a fantasy
I can’t enjoy a goddamn thing.”

What causes Isbell’s anxiety? Life itself.  On the first verse, he’s worried about losing his family, which is his world.  On the second, he starts it off with “It’s the weight of the world.” The music on this particular song is awesome, particularly the instrumental at the end. “Anxiety” previously appeared on the mini-playlist, Songs Where the Anxiety is Real.

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10. How to Dress Well, “Anxious”

Care • Domino • 2016

How to Dress Well is in a state of anxiousness throughout the course of “Anxious,” the eighth song off his 2016 album, Care. Despite his frantic state, the tempo is quick, the music incredibly groovy, and the vocals, sung in falsetto, are ripe to the nth degree. Nonetheless, Tom Krell asks a number of questions about his state of mind – “Why am I so pathetic?” “Wonder why I feel so vacant and wake up so anxious?”  Safe to say, there is ample WORRYING going down!

“This is only happening / Because something has to happen babe / You’re only panicking / ‘Cuz you thought you could have changed something…”  So, what exactly is Tom Krell anxious about? Likely a number of things but love certainly seems to be involved as well.

“…If I don’t want anything
Could I merge into the shadows baby?
But it’s all shadows babe
Bodies dreaming in the dark.”

“Anxious” previously appeared on the mini-playlist, Songs Where the Anxiety is Real.

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11. Tedeschi Trucks Band, “Do I Look Worried”

Made Up Mind • Sony Music Entertainment • 2013

If you have yet to experience the greatness of the Grammy-winning blues-rock collective Tedeschi Trucks Band, well, you’re totally missing out. The two key names of the collective are singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi, and her husband, guitarist Derek Trucks. The band made up of Tedeschi, The Derek Trucks Band, and additional musicians, won their sole Grammy to date for the 2011 album, Revelator.  Sadly, their terrific 2013 album, Made Up Mind, wasn’t even nominated.  That’s where the incredibly soulful song at hand, “Do I Look Worried” hails from.

The crowning achievement of “Do I Look Worried” are Susan Tedeschi’s powerhouse vocals. Simply put, she sings the absolute hell out of the record.  Of course, her most expressive moments come on the chorus when she asks the titular question, “All I say / Do I look worried to you? / Oh, do I look worried.”  Of course, Tedeschi isn’t the sole reason “Do I Look Worried” is awesome to the nth degree.  The musicians are totally locked-in – definitely ON-POINT.  The arrangement and production are top-notch, comprised of biting horns, prominent right-hand piano, and the cherry on top, a killer guitar work, particularly the cooking solo by Derek Trucks.  There’s no better way to close out a worrisome playlist with a song that’s not worrisome in the least!

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11 Songs Filled with Overwhelming Worries [Photo Credits: 12Tone Music, 88rising, Big Machine, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Columbia, Domino, Island, Motown, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Polydor, Sony Music Entertainment, Southeastern, UMG]

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