11 Songs That Make You Wanna Try

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11 Songs That Make You Wanna Try features music courtesy of Aaliyah, Darren Haynes, Jason Aldean, Kirk Franklin, and Macy Gray.

You know what is most important? That you T-R-Y, try! The 11 songs that appear on 11 Songs That Make You Wanna Try all feature the word try in their respective title. That, my friends, is the only parameter of this playlist. So, with no need to deliver some wild, whacky intro, 11 Songs That Make You Wanna Try features music courtesy of Aaliyah, Darren Haynes, Jason Aldean, Kirk Franklin, and Macy Gray among others. This list features some R&B, some LGBTQ+ ️‍ pop, controversial country , contemporary gospel , and a one-hit-wonder among other ear-catching happenings. So, let’s TRY hard to get into these 11 Songs That Make You Wanna Try!!!

1. Jason Aldean, “Try That In a Small Town”

Highway Desperado • Macon Music, LLC • 2023   

Conservative country musician Jason Aldean ignited a firestorm with the biggest hit of his career,  the unlikely Billboard Hot 100 no. 1, “Try That in A Small Town” ( Highway Desperado).  The song is NOT explicitly controversial, at least without dissection.  The intent seems to be about the beauty of the small town – morals, togetherness, and a lack of controversy.  Aldean sings well, furthermore, the sound of the record is idiomatic of country music.  Without the music video, a huge source of controversy, or digging deeper to decode lyrically, “Try That in A Small Town” isn’t so bad, right? 

“Try That In A Small Town” does raise eyebrows sans the video. It begins with “Sucker punch somebody on a sidewalk,” which, morally, most would agree this is wrong.  However, that lyric, referencing the knockout game, unveils an urban myth statistically –fear mongering with a “racially motivated history” per Insider. Later, Aldean sings, “Cuss out a cop, spit in his face / Stomp on the flag and light up / Yeah, ya think you’re tough.” He speaks about the importance of respecting the men in blue and honoring the flag. Those lyrics don’t sound malicious but, it should be noted, coupled with the video, the lyrics write-off protest, which for many Americans, is an important means to enact change. The music video highlights protest footage, painting it in a negative light, hence, discounting what cause people are fighting for.  There are more examples of problematic elements within the song, including internal justice and exclusivity as opposed to inclusivity (close-minded-ness). “Try that in a small town / See how far ya make it down the road,” he threatens, adding, “‘Round here, we take care of our own / You cross the line, it won’t take long / For you to find out, I recommend you don’t.”  

thinking emoji The biggest issues with “Try That In A Small Town” is the video. The worst part is the dark history that Aldean conjures up with the video: Black Lives Matters protests projected on a Tennessee courthouse where a black teen was lynched in 1927.  Not cool.  To be fair, Aldean was likely unaware of this.  However, showing Black Lives Matter scenes in a negative light makes some question if he is racist. Notably, given the lack of clearance for the footage, the Black Lives Matter scenes were edited out. A host of folks have cancelled Aldean given the protest/police brutality footage, and CMT removed the video. Even so, Aldean’s song has been a huge success, a prime example of doubling down and the fact that controversy sells. “Try That in A Small Town” has earned its place in controversial tune history.  The music video carries the brunt, however, Aldean is not absolved – he’s had his share of controversy.   

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2. Macy Gray, “I Try”

On How Life Is • Sony BMG Music Entertainment • 1999

“I believe that fate has brought us here / And we should be together, babe / But we’re not.” Macy Gray carved out her place in music history with one big hit, “I Try”. “I Try” appears as the fourth track on her 1999, multiplatinum debut album, On How Life Is. While the record qualifies as 1990s song, it first charted as a single in 2000. “I Try” would chart for 27 weeks, and peak at 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Another accolade earned by this joint, which has become a pop culture gem, was a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance Female, beating out a Britney Spears classic ( “Oops!…I Did It Again”). Notably, it was also nominated for Grammys for Record and Song of the Year.

So, what made “I Try” such a big deal? Regarding sound, this record is a fine blend of pop and neo-soul – the best of both worlds. The production work ( Andrew Slater) is superb, with the rich sounds of keyboard, organ, guitars and strings. Something else that makes “I Try” endearing is the distinct voice of Macy Gray, who truly is one of a kind. Her instrument is incredibly raspy, but also quite expressive. The best moment of the song – the crowning achievement – is the chorus, DUH!

“I try to say goodbye and I choke

I try to walk away, and I stumble

Though I try to hide it, it’s clear

My world crumbles when you are not near.”

classic Beyond the chorus, the songwriting – Gray, Jinsoo Lim, Jeremy Ruzumna, and David Wilder – is enjoyable and well-rounded. Musically, another triumphant moment for this one-hit wonder is the key change. While Gray doesn’t have a voice characterized by a wide range, she shines on the ad-libs, singing in all her ultra-distinctive glory. All told, “I Try” exemplifies one-hit wonderfulness!

3. Kirk Franklin, “Try Love”

“Try Love” • Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA • 2023

“This is your day love / This is your day that you can’t get away / I been waiting all day love (How ya doin’ love) / Waiting for your embrace love…” Grammy winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin delivers ample love and inspiration on “Try Love”, written alongside Andy Morris, Ian Owen Devaney, and Lisa Stansfield. Franklin produces this gem with Devin Morrison and Maxwell Stark. At the onset, the choir provides amorous, exuberant vocals in the eventual chorus, setting the tone. “Try Love” is filled with positivity, emphasizing the power of love: “Get out and touch somebody / Love somebody / Hold somebody / Don’t you know that you just may be the only Jesus that they see.” As far as sound, “Try Love” features sweet melodies and a solid, highly effective harmonic scheme. Also, there are delightful vocal harmonies, always a pro. While the chorus is the section to beat, the bridge is notable, providing a distinct change of pace, following the brief second verse. The tempo is quicker, while the message of love remains constant: “Love on the cross You paid the price (C’mon) / That’s why I trust You with my life, and I take the chance and try love / Don’t say goodbye love.” As always, Franklin plays the role of encourager, minister, preaching L-O-V-E. All told, “Try Love” has a great message that believers and non-believers can get behind ️ ️ ️.

Appears in :

Try: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 70 (2023)

4. Shakira, “Try Everything”

Zootopia (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • Disney Enterprises, Inc. • 2016

“Birds don’t just fly, they fall down and get up.” Do not underrate the power of song from a Disney soundtrack! Zootopia (2016) has a marvelous song that both children and adults can learn from: “Try Everything” performed by Colombian superstar, Shakira. Written by Sia, who has penned her fair share of uplifting tunes, and StarGate, who also produce, “Try Everything” dented the Billboard Hot 100 at no. 63.  Regardless whether you’ve seen Zootopia, this soundtrack cut stands alone from the film. “I messed up tonight, I lost another fight / I still mess up, but I’ll just start again,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “I keep falling down, I keep on hitting the ground / But I always get up now to see what’s next.” Basically, we all make mistakes, but the key is to get up and try again, not give up.  In fact, in the bridge, she asserts, “I’ll keep on making those new mistakes / I’ll keep on making them every day / Those new mistakes.” Why? Because we are only human and imperfect.  Mistakes help us to learn and become stronger.  Because the song touts a spirit of fearlessness, in the chorus, Shakira makes the proclamation, “I won’t give up, no I won’t give in / ‘Til I reach the end and then I’ll start again,” later encouraging us to “Try everything!” WOO!

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5. Father John Misty, “Just Dumb Enough To Try”

God’s Favorite Customer • Sub Pop • 2018 

Heavy piano chords at the onset serve as the backdrop for Father John Misty (Josh Tillman) on stunning ballad “Just Dumb Enough to Try” from God’s Favorite Customer (2018). Tillman delivers beautiful, nuanced vocals, firmly in command as always. After a short span as a piano ballad (verse one), drums and rhythmic guitar join the piano (verse two). In the first verse, Tillman sings about being aloof regarding love.  In the second, he sings about his ability to write a song and compel his audience, but he knows very little about ‘her.’ On the third and final verse, he ‘knows women,’ but sort of suggests he’s ‘easy’ and simple.  The chorus, which first follows the second verse, is the centerpiece.  

“Oh, but I’m just dumb enough to try 

To keep you in my life 

For a little while longer 

And I’m insane enough to think 

I’m gonna get out with my skin 

And start my life again.”  

“Just Dumb Enough to Try” is another triumph for Tillman, though it doesn’t eclipse one-two punch of the opening duo.  

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6. Aaliyah, “Try Again”

Aaliyah • Blackground • 2001

“It’s been a long time (Long time) / We shouldn’t have left you (Left you) / Without a dope beat to step to / Step to, step to, step to (Step / Step to, step to, freaky-freaky.” Fr, Fr ! Timbaland (Timothy Mosley) exhibits plenty of personality himself on the intro of “Try Again”, the biggest hit of the late, great Aaliyah. “Try Again” appears as the 15th and final track on her 2001 self-titled album. Timbaland produced the no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, which includes picturesque synths and, of course, his ‘futuristic’ beats. Mosely is also credited as a writer alongside Wayne Hector and Steve Garrett. With awesome production, and solid songwriting, the main part of the equation that earned “Try Again” success is… you guessed it, AALIYAH!

“And if at first you don’t succeed (Oh) / Then dust yourself off and try again / You can dust it off and try again, try again.” That’s right, Aaliyah ! She delivers cool yet energetic vocals that are perfectly suited for Timbaland’s ornate backdrop. Her instrument sounds utterly sublime – angelic if you will. Of course, she’s at her best on the chorus, which is incredibly catchy. Even on the verses, however, she’s locked-in and on-point. The quick melodic lines are ear-catching given her sweet pipes. It’s devastating that Aaliyah only lived to be 22 years old but, in her short life, she left some awesome music, including the creme de la crème, “Try Again”.

Appears in :

Aaliyah, Try Again: FIERCE Pop + Rock No. 39 (2023)

7. Darren Haynes, “Let’s Try Being in Love”

Homosexual • Powdered Sugar Productions Ltd. • 2022

“Am I five decades? Am I twenty-four /… Teenage passion, middle-aged despair / All the pregnant thoughts linger in the air,” Darren Hayes sings on the single, “Let’s Try Being in Love”, from his 2022 album, Homosexual. Woo, it’s hard to believe that the Savage Garden heartthrob is in his 50s ! Hayes, who is openly gay (and married) never mentions sexuality explicitly on “Let’s Try Being in Love,” BUT it sounds very queer, and the accompanying music video is – wait for it – G-A-Y!  

pride heart burst From the onset, the record draws you in with its hypnotic beat (production courtesy of Matthew Rowbottom).  Danceable and groovy, Darren Hayes runs with it, emphasizing L-O-V-E.  The desire is legit, as Hayes sings in the first verse, “It’s in the air, bergamot and humidity / I’ve seen it before in your eyes, adolescent dreams.” Woo! In the second verse, the sensuality is lit too, as Hayes asserts, “I absolve all my responsibilities / If I take your hand in my mouth will I taste the sea? / Eros evolves by the pool, skin inviting me.” It all leads to the centerpiece, the chorus, where Darren states, “Let’s try being in love.” Interestingly, the second time Hayes sings the chorus, he ascends an octave – a welcome musical touch.  As referenced earlier, the bridge finds Hayes reflecting, playing into the theme of the song but also extending, referencing his age, etc.  Hayes may be in his 50s, but he proves he’s ‘still got it’ on “Let’s Try Being in Love”.   

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8. Alicia Keys, “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart”

The Element of Freedom • Sony Music Entertainment • 2009 

“Even if you were a million miles away / I could still feel you in my bed / Near me, touch me, feel…” Clearly, for Alicia Keys, this man, no longer in her life, was truly special. His absence has affected her tremendously.  Despite her infatuation, she also makes it clear he was NO GOOD (“And all the time, you were tellin’ me lies”). In the chorus of the chill but emotional “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart,” a highlight from her 2009 album, The Element of Freedom, Keys asserts, “So tonight, I’m gonna find a way to make it without you /… I’m gonna hold on to the times that we had tonight /… Have you ever tried sleeping with a broken heart?” Notably, Keys sings coolly with a beautiful tone, complementing a more modern brand of R&B lying somewhere between pop and contemporary soul.  Written alongside Jeff Bhasker and Plain Pat, Bhasker produced this intriguing gem.     

Appears in :

Sleep: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 11 (2023)

9. Travis Scott, “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD”

ASTROWORLD • Epic • 2018 

“Stop tryna be God Almighty / Fuck the money, never leave your people behind, yeah / It’s never love, no matter what you try.”  “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD” definitely ranks among the crème de la crème of ASTROWORLD.  Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott is totally team anti-god-status/anti god-complex, which have been prevalent in the hip-hop community.  At one time, god-status was ‘trending’ in hip-hop music.  It hasn’t disappeared, but rappers have also moved to other things.  Kid Cudi and legendary  Earth, Wind & Fire singer  Philip Bailey appear in the pre-chorus and chorus (“Hmm, hmm / Stop tryna be God”).  Arguably the best uncredited guest feature (lots throughout ASTROWORLD) comes courtesy of James Blake. He sounds fantastic as he sings the inquiring bridge.  “Is it the complex of the saint / That’s keepin’ you so, so still?”  Also, there’s a Stevie Wonder feature (harmonica primarily). 

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10. George Michael, “One More Try”

Faith • Sony • 1987 

“‘Cause teacher / There are things that I don’t want to learn / And the last one I had / Made me cry.” The timeless “One More Try” was a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from Faith, the biggest album of George Michael’s career, ultimately winning the Grammy for Album Of The Year at the 31st Annual Grammy Awards. Had Michael never released another album, Faith was enough to cement his legacy. “Now I think it’s time / That you let me know / So, if you love me / Say you love me / But if you don’t / Just let me go.” “One More Try,” an utterly sublime ballad, plays to his strengths, allowing him to flaunt his gorgeous tone.  Running nearly six minutes in duration, Michael milks this gem for all it’s worth, and who can blame him! Even better than Michael’s ravishing good looks was his marvelous instrument.  Regarding production, “One More Try” is firmly planted in the 80s. The backdrop, fueled by electric keyboard (the patch, pads, and synths) sounds little like the music of the aughts and beyond.  Despite lacking flashiness or pizzazz, the sound feels right. Beyond the vocals, shout out Michael’s songwriting skills. The result is a personal, authentic song that shines thanks to simplicity and sheer artistry.  The chorus is the centerpiece, thriving off love and heartbreak:  

“And teacher 

There are things that I still have to learn 

But the one thing I have is my pride 

Oh, so I don’t want to learn to 

Hold you, touch you 

Think that you’re mine 

Because there ain’t no joy 

For an uptown boy 

Who just isn’t willin’ to try.”    

All told, “One More Try” is a classic that remains potent approaching 40 years later.  

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11. Teddy Pendergrass, “Can’t We Try”

TP • Sony Music Entertainment • 1980

Breaking up is hard to do. Truer words have never been spoken. On the 1980 soul ballad, “Can’t We Try”, Teddy Pendergrass (1950 – 2010) is struggling to end things with his significant other.  The breakup is inevitable, but he hates to see this result. “Come lay your head on my heart / Soon it’ll be apart, stay here to the touch of morning.” Regardless, the couple is ending things as friends, but still, it is S-A-D.  “In case I don’t see you again,” Pendergrass sings in the second verse, “Really wish you well, baby, this is hell.” Indeed, indeed.  

The crowning achievement of this gem from TP, lyrically, is the chorus.  Teddy Pendergrass is a master at balladry and “Can’t We Try” ranks among his best.  It is a shame it only managed to peak at no. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100! Anyways, he sings, lovingly:  

“Can’t we try 

Love was never born to say goodbye 

Just another helpless fool in love is what I am 

But I don’t give a damn 

Sorry, I forgot myself 

I guess that I’m just not myself.” 

classic Of course, TP is not himself – he’s breaking up with his baby ! Even though it is a sad day for him, it is sweet music to our ears.  That music is amplified by lush production, courtesy of Teddy and Jack Faith (who arranges).  Who penned this sheer excellence? Why, that would be Ronald Miller and Ken Hirsch. Kudos fellows! Of course, the star of the show that is “Can’t We Try” is the late, great, sexy baritone himself, Mr. Teddy Pendergrass.  

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11 Songs That Make You Wanna Try (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Blackground, Disney Enterprises, Inc., Epic, Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA, Powdered Sugar Productions Ltd., Sony Music Entertainment, Sub Pop; ]

11 Songs That Make You Wanna Try | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on September 13, 2023September 13, 2023