11 Songs That are Purple Through & Through | Playlist 🎧

1. Snoh Aalegra, “Violet Skies”

💿 Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies • 🏷 Artium Recordings / Roc Nation • 📅 2021

“My world was all upside down / Wish I knew you’d come around, wish I knew / If you’d say violet skies were right in front of our eyes / I would doubt you.” 🎵 “Violet Skies,” which hails from the 2021 album, 💿 Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies, is a record soul and neo-soul enthusiasts can get behind.  It’s old-school, yet also, refreshing. R&B singer/songwriter 🎙 Snoh Aalegra is experiencing anxiety regarding her relationship, getting in her head and unsure if she can totally trust her lover.

Aalegra asserts, on the pre-chorus:

“If I could go back in time
I’d tell you get out your mind
I’d tell you get out your head
Everything’s gonna be alright.”

Her anxiety and doubt are relatable to both men and women.  Why? Well, both men and women have commitment and trust issues – it’s not gender-specific.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Purple: 3BOPS No. 60 (2021)

2. Skrillex & Rick Ross, “Purple Lamborghini”

💿 Suicide Squad: The Album • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 2016

“Ain’t no mercy, a-ain’t no mercy / Got that purple Lamborghini, purple Lamborghini lurkin’.” On 🎵 “Purple Lamborghini,” 🏆 Grammy-winning DJ/producer extraordinaire 🎙 Skrillex teams up with 🏆 Grammy-nominated rapper, 🎙 Rick Ross.  “Purple Lamborghini” serves as one of the best moments from 💿 Suicide Squad: The Album.  The production is electrifying, while ‘The Bawse’ is true to self.

By true to self, I mean that Rick Ross loves his foreigns.  Honestly, that point can’t be articulated enough! A prime example of him living up to his nickname:

“Biggest boss and I’ve been the trill-est
I’m a bigger problem when I click with Skrillex
Murder on my mind, it’s time to pray to God
My revolver’s not religious, the revolution’s born.”

Skrillex, of course, ‘does his thing’ as well, giving Ross that energetic, malicious backdrop to spit over.

3. YEBBA, “Paranoia Purple”

💿 Dawn • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2021

“And this paranoia purple turns to green / And nothing is as simple as it seems / What’s happening to me?” Good question, 🎙 YEBBA (Abbey Smith). 🎵 “Paranoia Purple” appears as the 12^th and final track from 💿 Dawn, the debut album by the 🏆 Grammy-winning singer/songwriter. The West Memphis, Arkansas musician doesn’t disappoint in the least!

“Paranoia Purple” commences ambiently and enigmatically, providing an incredible, ear-catching listening experience.  Melodically and harmonically, the record isn’t nearly as predictable as so many pop, R&B (or alternative pop/R&B) records, which is terrific.  Of course, it’s not merely the instrumental or musical underpinnings that make “Paranoia Purple” awesome – what about those vocals? Again, Yebba NEVER disappoints, blessing our ears with her celestial tone.  What is she singing about and referencing exactly? Her deceased mother, Dawn.  “Say now, I feel my color show how,” Yebba sings from her mom’s perspective, “I think it’s almost time for me to go now.” “Paranoia Purple” is a chilling closer on Dawn.

4. J Balvin, “Morado”

💿 Colores • 🏷 Universal Music Latino / UMG • 📅 2020

Colombian reggaeton superstar 🎙 J Balvin delivers a brief, entertaining, and colorful sixth studio album, 💿 Colores.  On the 2020 LP, all 10 tracks have song titles featuring colors (exclusively Spanish).  Among the crème de la crème of Colores is 🎵 “Rojo” (“Red”), 🎵 “Negro” (“Black”), and 🎵 “Blanco” (“White”).  While the purple song at hand, 🎵 “Morado”, doesn’t top the list of gems, it’s worth spinning regardless.

“Dance, so that your butt bounces.” Ooh la la! On “Morado,” Balvin’s girl is wild to say the least.  “I ordered a drink, and she ordered the whole bottle,” he sings on the chorus, characterizing her personality.  That personality translates into the bedroom, too – shocker, right? “Girl, I’m sure you were the first to…” Ultimately, “Morado” is enjoyable and sexy.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Purple: 3BOPS No. 60 (2021)

5. Ty Dolla $ign, “Purple Emoji”

Ft. J. Cole

🎵 “Purple Emoji” • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 2021

The best way to characterize 🎙 Ty Dolla $ign is as a rapper, singer, and songwriter.  He shows off his artistic versatility on 🎵 “Purple Emoji”, assisted by 🏆 Grammy-winning rapper, 🎙 J. Cole. 🎵 “Purple Emoji” may be brief, but it’s alluring, nonetheless.  🎛 MXXWLL gives Ty a lift with a soulful backdrop that exemplifies the neo-soul/contemporary R&B sound.  Credit the old-school sensibility to 🎙 Take 6, whose 🎵 “More Than Ever” is prominently sampled.

Take 6 sings the entirety of the initial chorus:

“I need you, more than ever
More than ever
I need you, more than ever
I know that I’m in trouble...”

Ty has plenty of moments, sounding confident and assertive on the first verse, showing off his robust, unique singing vocals.  He joins along with Take 6 on the second chorus, before ceding the reins to J. Cole. Cole’s bars are fire, including referencing the title at one point: “Purple emojis with horns on it / Like the devil, but ain’t nothin’ devilish, babe…”

6. Mansionair, “Violet City”

💿 Shadowboxer • 🏷 Glassnote • 📅 2019

“Wide awake in this violet city / Where it washes over me / It hurts to say that I want you with me / Just draped across my frame.” Sigh, 🎵 “Violet City” is a sleek record that arrives as the seventh track on 💿 Shadowboxer, the debut album by 🏆 Grammy-nominated Australian trio, 🎙 Mansionair (🎙 Lachlan Bostock, 🎙 Alex Nicholls, and 🎙 Jack Froggatt). Mansionair first caught my eye courtesy of the ODESZA record, 🎵 “Line of Sight”. On “Violet City,” the Aussie collective ‘tickles my fancy’ once more – in a purple sort of way!

What makes “Violet City” so flipping awesome?  The vocals are lovely, particularly their commanding nature and the pureness of the falsetto.  Additionally, the production is epic, characterized by rhythmic intensity, carried by the beat and a barrage of synthetic sounds.  The lyrics aren’t too shabby either, even as it’s easy to get lost in the vibe Mansionair has assembled.  The chorus is sweet as well:

“Ooh, I can’t help myself, the moment that I let it go
Is when I find I’m in control, in control
Ooh, I need something else, the moment that I let it go
Is when I find I’m in control, I’m in control.”

“Violet City” is a phenomenal way to conclude this purple miniature list.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 14 Songs Characterized by Colors
🔗 🎧 30-Day Song Challenge 🎶: The Complete Playlist
🔗 🎧 Purple: 3BOPS No. 60 (2021)

7. Hayley Williams, “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris”

💿 Petals for Armor • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 2020

“I have seen your body / And I have seen your beauty / They are separate things / Pretty, pretty, pretty things…” 🎙 Hayley Williams is best known as the front woman of 🏆 Grammy-winning rock band, 🎙 Paramore, released her debut solo album, 💿 Petals for Armor, in 2020. Among the best moments on the album is the ‘flowery’ 🎵 “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris.”

“Roses, roses, roses, roses / Show no concern for colors of a violet / Lotus… / Hope it won’t spark envy in your irises…” Brilliant chorus! Anyways, “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris” features an enigmatic intro that eventually settles into another Grade-A groove and unshakable stability on Petals for Armor. The magnificent backdrop never crowds Williams’ vocals, always making her the focal point. Furthermore, there are many instrumental highlights: the rhythm and prominence of the bass line, impressive drumming, subtleness of the guitar, and various spare synths and ‘accoutrements.’ That doesn’t even shout out great background vocals from 🎙 boygenius (🎙 Julien Baker, 🎙 Lucy Daucus, and 🎙 Phoebe Bridgers). Maybe most important is how lit the girl power is on “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris.” A prime example comes on the second verse:

“Think of all the wilted women
Who crane their necks to reach a window
Ripping all their petals off just ‘cause
‘He loves me now, he loves me not’
I myself was a wilted woman
Drowsy in a dark room
Forgot my roots
Now watch me bloom.”

Also Appears On 🔽:
🔗 🎧 13 Marvelous Songs About Roses
🔗 🎧 An Engaging, Unorthodox Soundtrack to Spring

8. Jimi Hendrix, “Purple Haze”

💿 Are You Experienced • 🏷 Sony • 📅 1967

“Purple haze all in my brain / Lately things, they don’t seem the same.” 🎵 “Purple Haze” appears as the opener on 💿 Are You Experienced, the 1967 album by iconic musician, 🎙 Jimi Hendrix. “Purple Haze” is undoubtedly among the most instantly recognizable rock songs of all-time – a surefire classic.  What makes this 1967 classic the juggernaut that it is? Well, it all starts with Hendrix’s untouchable, bloody brilliant guitar playing.

The riffs used throughout “Purple Haze” are awesome.  This, obviously, includes the guitar, but isn’t limited to it – the other instruments have superb moments. While the instrumental aesthetic and vibe solidifies the iconic, legendary status of this record, the vocals by Hendrix are sweet too.  “Purple haze all around,” he sings on the second verse ofJimi is aggressive and commanding in his performance, which is the cherry on top of this timeless purple gem.

9. Coldplay, “Violet Hill”

💿 Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends • 🏷 Parlophone • 📅 2008

“Was a long and dark December / When the banks became cathedrals / And a fox became God…” Say what? Anyways, damn, it has to suck to ‘play second fiddle!’ What do I mean exactly? Well, the biggest song on 💿 Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, the excellent, 2008 studio album by 🎙 Coldplay was 🎵 “Viva La Vida”.  Don’t get me wrong, the former no. 1 hit is a terrific song – epic! That said, 🎵 “Violet Hill” has a legitimate argument as the crowning achievement from, in my humble opinion, 🎙 Chris Martin and company’s last elite album.

“Violet Hill” is a striking record. It sounds different compared to other Coldplay songs – distinct.  Sure, the band has recorded songs in a minor key previously, but this one ‘hits different.’  Part of the reason is owed to the timbre of the guitars, which are used prominently. The guitar solo is also sweet. Of course, as always, Chris Martin is a beast, wowing with his compelling voice, particularly that falsetto.  The best part of the song lyrically? While the verses are marvelous (as excerpted), the chorus is the most memorable, of course: “If you love me, won’t you let me know?” The 🏆 Grammy-winning band shined on this one.

10. Sheb Wooley, “The Purple People Eater”

💿 The Purple People Eater • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. • 📅 1997

🎙 Geto Boys asserted, 🎵 “Damn it Feels Good to be a Gangsta”.  Sure, that’s fine and good, but I’d say, ‘Damn, it must feel great to be a timeless, novelty song!’ That has a ring to it too, right? Right! That novelty song is a Halloween gem: 🎵 “The Purple People Eater”, of course! This 1958 🎙 Sheb Wooley joint ranks near the top among the beloved Halloween songs.  It’s in awesome company along the likes of 🎵 “Monster Mash” and 🎵 “Werewolves of London”.

“Well, I saw the thing comin’ out of the sky
It had a-one long horn and one big eye
I commenced to shakin’ and I said, ‘Ooh-eee!
It looks like a purple people eater to me.”

Of course, the lyrics of “The Purple People Eater” are utterly ridiculous.  That, ladies and gentlemen, is part of the charm. The chorus may ‘go dumb’ but it’s infectious dumb!

“It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater
One-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater
A one-eyed, one-horned, flyin’ purple people eater
Sure looks strange to me.”

Indeed Sheb Wooley, indeed!

11. Prince and the Revolution, “Purple Rain”

💿 Purple Rain • 🏷 Warner • 📅 1984

In its updated 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, Rolling Stone dubbed 🎵 “Purple Rain,” the 🎙 Prince and the Revolution classic, the 18^th best song.  That’s high praise, no doubt, but even that feels low for the biggest song in the 🎙 Prince catalog.  Simply put, songs like “Purple Rain” come merely once in a lifetime, and “Purple Rain” more than ‘kicks ass and takes names.’

It’s rare that extended length songs are as successful as “Purple Rain” was for the late musician.  It failed to reach no. 1 on the Hot 100, but no. 2 ‘ain’t bad,’ particularly for a near-nine-minute juggernaut.  Worth noting, “Purple Rain” (the song) won Prince an 🏆 Academy Award (Best Original Song) and a 🏆 Grammy. Throughout the course of the song, Prince gives us some of his best vocals, EVER.  None soar higher than his ripe falsetto, sigh.  Of course, the crowning achievement is the chorus, among the greatest, most memorable, and most recognizable of all time:

“Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only want to see you
Only want to see you in the purple rain.”

Also, shout out to Prince’s prodigious guitar skills! R.I.P. legend!