“11 Songs Where the ‘Before’ is Key” features intriguing music courtesy of Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Mason Ramsey, and XXXTentacion.  

One word: BEFORE.  Before is indeed ‘key’ on this particular playlist, 11 Songs Where the ‘Before’ is Key.  It comes down to this simplicity – every song title must feature the word before, period.  No exceptions whatsoever – this is ‘cut and dry’ people! Musicians providing ‘the before’ for our listening pleasure includes Beyoncé (“Before I Let Go”), Billie Eilish (“Listen Before I Go”), Lady Gaga (“Before I Cry” from A Star is Born), Mason Ramsey (“Before I Knew It”) and the late XXXTentacion (“Before I close my eyes”) among others.  Without further ado, 11 SONGS WHERE THE ‘BEFORE’ IS KEY!

1. Billie Eilish, “Listen Before I Go”

When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? • Darkroom / Interscope • 2019

“Take me to the rooftop / I wanna see the world when I stop breathing.” Hmm, well that’s incredibly morbid. Some background first! After a slow, but steady ascent, including an EP and numerous singles, 17-year old alt-pop singer/songwriter Billie Eilish finally released her major-label debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, in March 2019.

“Listen Before I Go,” the 12^th track from When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, is lethargic-paced and heavy to the nth degree.  How is it heavy exactly? Well, it references suicide… ouch. “Sorry can’t save me now,” Eilish sings on the chorus, later adding, “Sorry there’s no way out / But down.” What is fueling the suicidal thoughts that cross the protagonist’s mind? Depression, it seems. What isn’t sad is the top-notch quality of this dark standout from an equally brilliant debut album. “Listen Before I Go” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Awesome Songs that Tickled My Fancy in March 2019.

2. Mason Ramsey, “Before I Knew It”

Twang (EP) • Big Loud / Atlantic • 2019

“Before I knew it, I was holdin’ all the doors, holdin’ your hand / Gettin’ off of work just as fast as I can / Callin’ you up, askin’ what you’re doin’ / Girl, before I knew it.” Don’t ever underrate children, period.  Mason Ramsey is a prime example, exhibiting some incredibly musical abilities as a 12-year old (as of the publication date). After impressing on his 2018 debut Famous EP (as an 11-year old mind you), the viral ‘yodeling kid’ returns with his second EP, Twang.  Twang is where we get our marvelous ‘before’ song, “Before I Knew.”

 Judging by the excerpted lyrics from the chorus, the song is a bit ‘older’ for Mason Ramsey – he’s still a kid mind you. That said, he is ‘working’ as a professional musician, and, and in the same token, it’s fun and tongue-in-cheek record suiting his youthfulness.  Even if everything isn’t realistic or completely believable at this stage in the youngin’s life, the fact that the pre-teen is eyeing girls isn’t far-fetched writing by Corey Crowder, Jonathan Pardi, or Tyler Hubbard in the least.  The chorus, the centerpiece, continues as follows:

“Before I knew it, I was spendin’ my time, spendin’ my paycheck
All around you, girl, I gotta say, this
Whole love thing, I thought I’d never do it
But that’s before I knew it, that’s before I knew it.”

3. Lady Gaga, “Before I Cry”

A Star is Born (Soundtrack) • Interscope • 2018

“I can’t believe the things you said / Right now, I wish that you would try / Try to stay near me / Try to be near me / Before I cry…” A Star is Born was nothing short of a phenomenon in 2018 – understatement.  Furthermore, the soundtrack wasn’t “kind of a big deal,” but rather DEFINITELY “a big deal.” If we get specific, the big attraction on the Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper fueled soundtrack was “Shallow”, a song nominated for multiple film and music awards.  That said, the soundtrack has more gems beyond “Shallow,” some of which have appeared on other playlists (“Black Eyes” and “Hair Body Face” come to mind).  The song that fits this before-themed playlist is “Before I Cry.”

“‘Cause I’m gonna cry if you say you don’t need me
I’m gonna cry if you act like you don’t care
Promise me, baby, you know I can’t fake it
Why don’t you hold me?
Tell me you love me
Before I cry.”

“Before I Cry” appears deep in the soundtrack – it’s the 30^th track to be exact! Even so, it’s one of the better moments. A sleek contemporary pop cut, Lady Gaga delivers truly expressive, powerful vocals.  The songwriting is thoughtful, the form straightforward and easy to follow, while the above-mentioned chorus is the crowning achievement.  During the chorus, Lady Gaga reaches the highest of heights with her voice.  That said, she also has great moments on the pre-chorus leading up to the chorus, as well as the transitional bridge.  “Before I Cry” features co-writing and co-production by Lady Gaga, Mark Nilan, Jr., Nick Monson, and Paul “DJWS” Blair aka DJ White Shadow.

4. Randy Newman, “In Germany Before the War”

Little Criminals • Warner Bros. • 1977

“In German before the war / There was a man who owned a store / In nineteen hundred thirty-four / In Düsseldorf…” Randy Newman is a marvelous musician through and through.  While his distinct, expressive voice is fantastic in itself, his songwriting is arguably his best attribute.  One of his most beautiful songs is “In Germany Before the War,” appearing on his 1977 album, Little Criminals.  Unfortunately, the source of inspiration for the record isn’t beautiful.

Newman based this particular song on the crimes committed by a serial killer in the 1931 film M.

However, part of the inspiration behind the film was a real-life German serial killer named Peter Kürten (1883 – 1931). Kürten has been nicknamed The Vampire of Düsseldorf as well as the Düsseldorf Monster.

“A little girl has lost her way
With hair of gold and eyes of gray
Reflected in his glasses
As he watches her
A little girl has lost her way
With hair of gold and eyes of gray…
We lie beneath the autumn sky
My little golden girl and I
And she lies very still.”

“In Germany Before the War” has appeared on numerous playlists including 33 Great, If Disturbing Songs About Serial Killers.

5. Beyoncé, “Before I Let Go”

Homecoming: The Live Album • Sony • 2019

“You know, I thank God sun rises and shines on you / You know there’s nothing, nothin’, nothin’ I would not do…” If you are a longtime R&B enthusiast, likely, when you heard “Before I Let Go” from the superb Beyoncé album Homecoming: The Live Album you knew that the record wasn’t brand-new.  That’s because Beyoncé covered a R&B courtesy of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.   

Of course, Tay Keith didn’t produce the original “Before I Let Go,” so the signature ‘Tay Keith, fuck these niggas up’ represents a contemporary record.  Indeed, Keith gives Beyoncé an updated backdrop to work with, best suited for her brand of urban contemporary.  On the penultimate bonus cut, as expected, and characteristic of Homecoming, Bey delivers well-rounded vocals, never over-singing but always packing the right amount of punch.   The second verse in particularly finds Knowles-Carter making “Before I Let Go” her own:

“I pull up to Coachella
In boots with the goose feathers
I brought the squad with me
Black on black bandanas, I
Dussé and Champagne
I did the damn thing…”

6. XXXTentacion, “before I close my eyes”

? • Bad Vibes Forever / EMPIRE • 2018

“Before I lay me down to sleep / I pray the lord my soul to keep / I hope it’s not too late for me, whoa.” The late XXXTentacion took a minimalist approach to his music generally, particularly regarding form.  The brief “Before I close my eyes,” which appears as the final track on ?, is comprised of a chorus (aforementioned), which occurs twice, with a bridge appearing in between.

Worth noting, during the last year of his life, XXXTentacion had moved beyond merely being characterized as a rapper.  “Before I close my eyes” is exclusively sung and feels more like an alternative song as opposed to hip-hop or urban contemporary.  The chorus lifts off of that classic children’s prayer so many of us learned, giving a musician not necessarily associated with religion, let alone God, a spiritual moment.  The bridge is even more minimal:

“Difference, changing in the distance
Time consumes the image, whoa.”

Give the late rapper credit for his philosophical perspective on “Before I close my eyes.”

7. Carrie Underwood, “Before He Cheats”

Some Hearts • 19 Recordings • 2005

“And he’s thinking that he’s gonna get lucky / Right now, he’s probably dabbing on / Three dollars’ worth of that bathroom cologne / Oh, and he don’t know…” Uh-oh – Carrie Underwood is about to ‘set it off!’ Following her win on American Idol (season four), Underwood would become one of a select few alums of who was able to transcend the television show itself.  Underwood has won seven Grammys (as of publication date), including a win at the 50^th Annual Grammy Awards for the song at hand, “Before He Cheats.” “Before He Cheats” appeared on her 2005 debut album, Some Hearts, which has been certified octuple platinum.

There’s no question why Carrie Underwood was able to lock down a Grammy for “Before He Cheats.” She delivers an energetic vocal performance that’s feisty as hell, chocked-full of ‘that attitude.’ There’s nothing worse than a woman scorned, and Underwood exemplifies it through and through.  The best example is the centerpiece, which serves as more than enough of a reason why The Recording Academy couldn’t deny Underwood:

“Oh, that I dug my key into the side
Of his pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive
Carved my name into his leather seats
I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights
Slashed a hole in all four tires
Maybe next time, he’ll think before he cheats.”

8. The Voidz, “Think Before You Drink”

Virtue • RCA • 2018

“So, before the final slaughter / Please stop and think / You can lead a horse to water / But you cannot make it drink.”  Interesting lyrics for sure. The Voidz, fronted by Julian Casablancas (most known for fronting The Strokes), have appeared on multiple playlists.  The songs hail from the alternative collective’s 2018 album, Virtue. Once again, with a playlist focused on the ‘before,’ we are able to tap The Voidz for “Think Before You Drink,” the eighth track from Virtue.

“Think Before You Drink” has a simpler, slightly more stripped sound compared to other songs The Musical Hype tapped for playlists from Virtue.  Furthermore, Julian Casablancas and company maintain brevity – the record clocks in at under three minutes in duration.  As always, Casablancas delivers expressive vocals, remaining true to self.  Thematically, he sings about being ‘sheltered’ as a youngster, only eventually to be exposed “Where the teachers gave me poison / And I drank it like a fool.”  He prefaces his more sophisticated, independent thoughts with the more childish, gullible nature and impressionability of the past.  “They gave us all the facts / Explaining the economic war,” he sings, continuing, “And like a fool I listened / But I won’t listen anymore.”

The chorus, which doesn’t appear until the end of the song (excerpted at the top of the blurb), is particularly memorable and expressively performed.  It represents Casablancas’ independent thought, even after hearing the sketchy information (‘alternative facts’ if you will) others have fed him.

9. Plan B, “Heaven Before All Hell Breaks Looks”

Heaven Before All Hell Breaks Loose • 679 • 2018

“They sold us a dream, the one they know that won’t come true / And when we question what they tell us / They run right back out of view.” British alt-R&B/hip-hop musician Plan B (Ben Drew) brings mad soul and energy on “Heaven Before All Hell Breaks Loose.” Fittingly, “Heaven Before All Hell Breaks Loose” is the title track on his 2018 LP.

The premise of this record? Enjoy the heavenly aspects of life before things get hellishly bad, or something like that.

“Heaven before all hell breaks loose
Let’s just enjoy ourselves while we still got it good
Throwing heaven on Earth, it’s true
Be sure that hell is too.”

“Heaven Before All Hell Breaks Loose” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs That Explore the Afterlife.

10.Father John Misty, “Things It Would Have Been Helpful to Know Before the Revolution”

Pure Comedy • Sub Pop • 2017

On “Things It Would Have Been Helpful to Know Before the Revolution,” the third track from the Grammy-winning alternative album, Pure Comedy, Father John Misty (Josh Tillman) is sarcastic as he depicts a fictional tale of society.  Ultimately, it is satirical, but in some respects, there are clear truths within his assessment.  What makes this brilliant is Tillman’s ability to pen lyrics that are subject to multiple interpretations.

This includes the opening verse:

“It got too hot and so we overthrew the system
‘Cause there’s no place for human existence right here
On this bright blue marble orbited by trash
Man, there’s no beating that
It was no big thing to give up the way of life we had.” 

Is Father John Misty referencing physically taking care of the earth, or is he thinking bigger picture? Ah, that’s the beauty of Josh Tillman. In addition to the cerebral lyrics, the production and orchestration are utterly superb.

11. SuicideBoys, “That Time We Went to Wal Mart in Memphis to Steal Some Shit Before We Met Up with TA to Shoot His Video”

YUNGDEATHLILLIFE • G*59 • 2015

“That Time We Went to Wal Mart in Memphis to Steal Some Shit Before We Met Up with TA to Shoot His Video.”  Yeah SuicideBoys, you really dropped a song title comprised of 22 words (23 words if you don’t consider Wal-Mart as one word).  “That Time We Went to Wal Mart…” appears on the colorful duo’s 2015 project, YUNGDEATHLILLIFE.  Here, $crim (Scott Arceneaux, Jr.) appears as alter-ego YUNG CHRIST, while Ruby da Cherry (Aristos Petrou) appears as his alter-ego, YUNG MUTT.

“That Time We Went to Wal Mart…” appears as track two off of YUNGDEATHLILLIFE, clocking in less than two-minutes-and-twenty seconds in duration.  SuicideBoys rap over a truly menacing backdrop. YUNG CHRIST kicks things off, rapping unapologetically about weed on the first verse, closing things out with “Hangin’ out the Chevy screaming, ‘Motherfuck the law!’” Damn.  YUNG MUTT brings in the Walmart angle, lookin to “Maybe snatch a shady grey tee / Fuck a shopping cart / Put that bitch on, walk back to the car…” YUNG CHRIST takes back the reins for the third verse, focused on weed and other drugs (“I be that junkie motherfucker with that dope up in me”), with MUTT back in control for the fourth, playing off his fellow SuicideBoy (“TA askin’ if the blunt needs tightening”).  Honestly, that’s about the size of it: potent weed, thievery, and not, honestly, not giving a…

“11 Songs Where the ‘Before’ is Key” [Photo Credits: 19 Recordings Limited, 679, Atlantic, Bad Vibes Forever, Big Loud, Darkroom, EMPIRE, Interscope, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Sony, Sub Pop, Warner Bros.]