“11 Songs That Are Blind to a Certain Degree” features songs courtesy of AB6IX, As I Lay Dying, Gucci Mane, Sheryl Crow, and Tamar Braxton.

For the adjective BLIND, Merriam-Webster provides a few notable definitions.  The first is simply being sightless.  Yep, that’s accurate.  Of course, other definitions include “[being] unable or unwilling to discern or judge” and, “having no regard to rational discrimination, guidance, or restriction.”  Given the greatness of the word, there have been a number of songs that have explored it.

In 1968, the late, great Etta James declared on her album, Tell Mama, “I’d Rather Go Blind”.  More than 40 years later, in 2009, Alicia Keys, on her fourth studio album, The Element of Freedom, asserted, “Love is Blind.”  Five years later, West Coast rapper ScHoolboy Q, assisted by Raekwon, would spit about “Blind Threats.”

While none of the three aforementioned songs getting extensive analysis on this playlist (no blurbs), there are 11 songs that do!  Those are the 11 SONGS THAT ARE BLIND TO A CERTAIN DEGREE.  11 SONGS THAT ARE BLIND TO A CERTAIN DEGREE features songs courtesy of AB6IX (“Blind for Love”), As I Lay Dying (“Blinded”), Gucci Mane featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie (“Blind”),  Sheryl Crow featuring James Taylor (“Flying Blind”),  and Tamar Braxton (“Blind”) among others.  Without further ado, let’s get blinded by these songs that are B-L-I-N-D to a certain degree, shall we!

1. As I Lay Dying, “Blinded”

Shaped by Fire • Nuclear Blast • 2019

“Have you ever been blinded by the pain? / Blinded, blinded by the pain.” If you ever need a ‘blind’ song that rocks hard as hell, well, As I Lay Dying have one for you, courtesy of “Blinded.” “Blinded” appears on the long-time, heavy metal band’s 2019 album, Shaped by Fire.  Tim Lambesis handles the majority of the vocals, though bassist and clean vocalist Josh Gilbert joins him on the chorus section, providing a more melodic sound. But, let’s not get ahead of ourselves!

From the jump, you could describe “Blinded” as an ‘adrenaline rush.’ The tempo is lightening quick, while the energy is on another level. Some characterizing factors include jagged, totally badass guitars, pummeling drums, and of course, shouted, angst-filled vocals (Lambesis).  The spirit of rock and roll is alive and well. After an initial, ‘manic as hell’ burst, As I Lay Dying, as suggested earlier, the listener is able to ‘catch their breath’ temporarily on the more melodic chorus.

“Have you ever been blinded by the pain?
Losing yourself inside the heartache.”

Even so, Tim Lambesis is ‘turned the F’ up throughout the course of the record.

2. Gucci Mane, “Blind”

Ft. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie

Delusions of Grandeur • Atlantic • 2019

“Bitch, it’s President’s Day, I’m the president.” Good to know Gucci Mane, good to know.  The ever-prolific southern rapper is known to release multiple projects in the same year.  Delusions of Grandeur marked his first album of 2019, featuring a song that fits this blind-centric playlist.  Guess what the name of that joint is? “Blind” of course, and Gucci enlist another ubiquitous rapper for the assist, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie.  Hoodie SZN? Of course, it is!

Focusing on “Blind,” Gucci Mane and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie have a hella smooth backdrop to work with.  That’s exactly what you get with Zaytoven behind the boards.  Zay fuels Gucci’s fire, as he shows off an excellent flow, sounding relatively agile with a clear delivery. Of course, the man is drippy AF – “I need a towel ‘cause I’m drippin’ colder, Klondike Bear (Well damn).” As for A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, he first brings his uniqueness to the chorus:

“Hah, she know my pockets is swollen
She worried ‘bout the wrong things, yeah
Ninety-nine pair of Balmains, yeah
And she be actin’ like she know me…”

Beyond the chorus, Hoodie SZN continues on the second verse, in all its quirkiness. Boogie opts for his pitched, melodic approach, which works well on this particular record. That said, we’re almost ‘blinded’ by him – it’s a hearty helping of ABWDH to say the least. He dominates the record following the compelling performance by Gucci Mane initially.

3. AB6IX, “Blind for Love”

6IXENSE • BRANDNEW MUSIC • 2019

“Blind for Love” appears as the second song off of 6IXENSE, the 2019 album AB6IX.  Who is AB6IX? Great question! AB6IX is one of many South Korean groups (K-pop) to bow in 2019.  This particular K-pop group is comprised of five members: Youngmin, Woong, Donghyun, Woojin, and Daehwi.  As is the case for the majority of K-Pop, “Blind for Love” is exclusively in Korean, with select phrases in English.  Yeah, we may not completely understand the full impact of the blindness, but we definitely feel the vibe… or something like that!

“Blind for Love” is an incredibly groovy joint, characterized by energetic, rhythmic, hard-hitting drum programming.  The production is quite ornate – as sleek as they come.  As for the vocals, as is the expectation for any boy band or K-pop collective, they’re are smooth, further aided by superb vocal production.  Every note is accounted for to say the least! In addition to some sick pop vocals (intact with falsetto), there’s some impressive rapping as well, characteristic of modern pop and of course, K-Pop.

4. PRETTYMUCH, “Blind”

Blind [Single] • Simco / Syco • 2019

“When I close my eyes / All I think about is you / All I think about is / You (I’d be better off blind).”  Hmm, that’s debatable PRETTYMUCH.  Actually, it’s not EVEN debatable, but I appreciate the boy band being open and totally ‘in their feelings.’  “Blind” arrived as a standalone single (didn’t appear on an EP) by the pop collective, comprised of Zion Kuwonu, Brandon Arreaga, Edwin Honoret, Austin Porter, and Nick Mara.

Much like K-pop group AB6IX that precedes them on this playlist, PRETTYMUCH gets a lift thanks to sleek production work, characterized by its electronic sensibilities.  Those ‘electronic sensibilities’ are synths and of course, drum programming.  PRETTYMUCH as a unit ‘pretty much’ bring ample swagger to the table, blending sung and pop-rapped moments.  Basically, not only are the boys ‘in their feelings,’ but they also seem to be ‘feeling themselves’ – there’s a confidence.  Honestly, they sell their infatuation well. The desire and dedication seem legit to the nth degree.  Of course, the aforementioned chorus is pretty epic, if overblown, backed by robust production (mammoth drums), and featuring exaggerated falsetto.

5. Sheryl Crow, “Flying Blind” (Ft. James Taylor)

Threads • Big Machine • 2019

“Every morning I wake up, stare into my coffee cup / Never know what I’ll find / Every day’s a brand-new day / I’m just tryna find a way to leave the other ones behind.” Reflective, to say the least there Sheryl Crow! Back in the 1990s, Crow was among the biggest pop/rock artists in the game. The Grammy winner was ubiquitous to say the least.  Things have cooled down since then for Crow, but honestly, what does she have to prove? Nothing.  In 2019, she quietly released a new album, Threads, which clocks in at 74 minutes! Lengthy, near the end of the album, on this star-studded collaborative project, she enlists the legendary James Taylor for a duet, “Flying Blind,” which she co-wrote with – wait for it – Chris Stapleton.

“‘Cause I’m flying blind / I got no net to catch me when I fall / And I don’t mind ‘cause I am only human after all.” Very true.  Anyways, “Flying Blind” is a nice fit for Crow.  The record has a folk-rock/country/Americana sensibility, something that she’s has always been able to execute without a hitch. The production (Steve Jordan) is brilliant, blending acoustic and electric guitars, and an excellent drum groove.  She sounds compelling vocally, blending remarkably well with James Taylor when they sing together.  Furthermore, the often-subtle Taylor also packs a suitable punch when he inherits lead vocal duties, though it is Crow that is the main attraction.

6. Alice in Chains, “Deaf Ears Blind Eyes”

Rainier Fog • BMG Rights Management • 2018

Throughout the years, Alice in Chains has endured a lot – it’s never easy losing your frontman (Layne Staley). There was a fourteen-year gap between studio albums with 1995’s self-titled album and 2009 comeback Black Gives Way to Blue, the first post-Staley album.  Fifth studio album The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here arrived four years later.  Despite the lengthy hiatuses between singles and albums, Alice in Chains has proven it knows how to make an unforgettable impression.  Once again, the Grammy-nominated band doesn’t disappoint on Rainier Fog.

“I own everything / Whine all set on eleven / I own everything / Cries a soul on fire.” Okay… In the context of Rainier Fog, the ‘blind’ song at hand, “Deaf Ears Blind Eyes,” has a tough act to follow. “Drone,” which precedes it, is pretty epic.  Even if “Deaf Ears Blind Eyes” fails to supplant, it maintains the consistency of Rainier Fog.  The form is standard, with three verses, followed by a chorus (aforementioned).  There is also a bridge that precedes the third verse.  As for the lyrics, well, they are definitely dark.  A perfect example? The second verse:

“Hurt does surround you
Blinded and tied on
Numbness engulfs truth
Let bygones be bygones.”

7. Lil Xan, “Color Blind”

Ft. Diplo

TOTAL XANARCHY • Warner Bros. • 2018

“I’ve been so color blind / And I’ve been so color blind.” Deep… said NO ONE ever! Latino, Cali rapper Lil Xan is incredibly polarizing – UNDERSTATEMENT.  His godawful, 2018 debut album, Total Xanarchy, only confirms this.  Total Xanarchy is an album that is totally devoid of even the slightest smidge of substance.  I’m not exaggerating – FACTS! The rhymes are incredibly simple and based on – wait for it – HIP-HOP CLICHÉS! Making things even worse is an overabundance of ad-libs. Yuck, better yet, the word that rhymes with yuck.  And yet, “Color Blind” from the aforementioned godawful album appears on this blinding playlist.  Apparently, I must be blinded by the utter mediocrity that is Total Xanarchy to include it on this list.

Being slightly more positive, “Color Blind” marks one of the better moments from Total Xanarchy, remembering that such moments are ‘few and far between.’ It’s all about being contextual! Diplo is the featured guest, and his co-production, alongside Boaz van de Beatz and Picard brothers gives the often-uninspired Lil Xan and Total Xanarchy a boost and welcome contrast.  Well, maybe a BOOST is pushing it with a cringe-worthy rhyme like “They used to call me Diego / My favorite drink is Faygo.” Ugh. Still, he admits to some degree of arrogance while referencing religion, so there’s that. To quote Jay-Z, “On to the next one.”

8. Atreyu, “Blind Deaf & Dumb”

In Our Wake • Spinefarm • 2018

“This shit’s contagious like a fucking disease / Infecting every stupid person that’s in front of me / Goddamn / How blind are we / To only see the differences in everything?” Explicit, explicit, explicit!  That said, it seems like Alex Varkatzas has a legitimate point!  In 2018, Varkatzas, the frontman of Orange County, California metalcore band (+ alternative metal, screamo, punk metal) dropped their seventh studio album, In Our Wake.  Among the songs appearing on that album and certainly pertinent to this particular list, is “Blind Deaf & Dumb.”

 Besides the liberal profanity, there are plenty of other things that make “Blind Deaf & Dumb” stand out. First and foremost is the energy, which is incredibly infectious.  Alex Varkatzas takes us on a ride, and it is pretty R-A-D to say the least. The aforementioned excerpt from the first verse is a perfect example of the epic nature of this joint from In Our Wake.  ‘The second verse is like unto it,’ with Alex keeping it 100 – brutal honesty:

“Your ignorance, it isn’t a gift

But you keep it, love it, nurture it …

It feels like the end, are you sick of it?”

The best part of the song, in addition to the hard-hitting, kickass, guitar-fueled backdrop is the chorus, which is as intense AF:

“Blind, deaf, and dumb

Hopeless and happily numb

Wearing a smile as we create our own hell

We’re at an all-time low

Can you get that through your skull?

How can we fix the world if you can’t fix yourself?”

Quite a sermon Alex, quite a sermon, indeed!

9. Tamar Braxton, “Blind”

Bluebird of Happiness • LoganLand • 2017

It’s safe to say, during the 1990s, the Braxton family had one clear star: Toni. “Un-Break My Heart” was enough to cement her legacy.  However, in the 2010s, Tamar Braxton has proven that there’s more than one star within the family.  On her fourth studio album, Bluebird of Happiness, Tamar remains a vocal force, beastly throughout the course of 11 songs.  One of the best songs from the album is “Blind,” which is a perfect fit for this sightless playlist (see what I did there?).

“Blind” looks to the past for inspiration, specifically Etta James’ classic, “I’d Rather Go Blind”. This particular record exceeds the five-minute mark yet makes its length worth the listener’s while by all means. Braxton’s lead vocals are ‘out-of-this-world,’ amplified further by superb background vocals.

10. Niall Horan, “Seeing Blind” (Ft. Maren Morris)

Flicker • Capitol • 2017

Following their 2015 album Made in the A.M., and down ZAYN, it just felt like One Direction was ‘en route’ to an indefinite hiatus. Sure enough, said indefinite hiatus occurred, and the solo singles and solo albums began to arrive.  Zayn spread his wings first (Mind of Mine), followed by Harry Styles (Harry Styles), and then, the sole Irish member of the collective, Niall Horan.  Horan released his debut album, Flicker, in 2017, buoyed by the success of “This Town” and “Slow Hands”.  While both of those are noteworthy songs, neither fits the parameters of this playlist.  “Seeing Blind,” featuring Grammy-winning country musician Maren Morris does fit however.

“I have seen, seen it all in paper dreams / Watched it unfold on the screen / But I never understood…” Ah, matters of the heart – love.  From a cursory listen, from the onset, “Seeing Blind” seems destined for success.  The production is driven by an acoustic sound, treading light as opposed to being heavy. The sound is heavier on the chorus, which is more intense and thrilling.

“Oh, my, my, you just took me by surprise

And I can’t believe my eyes

Oh, I. must be seein’ blind

Oh, no I, you’re too good to be all mine

Now I’m lookin’ in your eyes

Oh, I must be seein’ blind.”

While Maren Morris is an unexpected collaborator for Horan, she ends up being a ‘match made in heaven.’  “Seeing Blind” is folk-pop, and honestly, not too far-fetched from country, particularly given the songwriting.

“Seeing Blind” previously appeared on the playlist, Songs That Require Sharp Sight to See, Vol. 2.

11. Beast in Black, “Blind and Frozen”

Berserker • Nuclear Blast • 2017

“Once I touched your heart / Held you in closed arms / Built a haven for your love…” “Blind and Frozen” arrives courtesy of Finnish heavy metal band Beast in Black (Anton Kabanen, Yannis Papadopoulos, Kasperi Heikkinen, Mate Molnar, and Atte Palokangas).  “Blind and Frozen” sounds like a heavy metal record that would have fit perfectly in the 1980s.  The production is a bit sleeker mind you, but the core, retro sound is fully intact.

“Blind and Frozen” has EVERYTHING that you expect from a heavy metal, arena rock cut.  The vocals are outlandish, especially amped-up on the irresistible chorus.  After initially being centered in E minor, by the end of the chorus, “Blind and Frozen” concludes on the relative major key (G). Lead vocalist Yannis Papadopoulos sings:

“God, I miss you like hell
I was wrong I can tell
For the heart can be blind and frozen
Now I live with the pain
Every night, every day
As I read those letters you wrote me
How I long for the time
When your lips would kiss mine
And the promise was still unbroken
I will wait for tomorrow
That may never come
I will wait in the name of love.”

Also, worth noting are the lyrics beyond the chorus such as “My forlorn heart faintly beats / Your absence makes me weak” which appears on the second verse.  Beyond the lyrics and the high-flying, overblown vocals, the music is also dramatic to the nth degree.  There are bright, exuberant horns, pummeling drums, and jagged, incredibly rhythmic electric guitars. Additionally, the keyboards, synths, and programming add another dimension – more excellence.  “Blind and Frozen” is pretty flipping awesome, so I stole it from a previous playlist, 11 Songs That Reference Ice.  To quote Elton John, “I hope you don’t mind…”

11 SONGS THAT ARE BLIND TO A CERTAIN DEGREE [Photo Credits: Atlantic, BRANDNEW MUSIC, Big Machine, BMG Rights Management, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, LoganLand, The Musical Hype, Nuclear Blast, Simco, Spinefarm, Syco, Warner Bros. ]