11 Songs Where, When It Rains It Pours (Pt. III)

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11 Songs Where, When It Rains It Pours (Pt. III) features Ann Peebles, DMX, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, Taylor Swift & Yung Gravy.

Get prepared folks – we have more RAIN 🌧 in the musical forecast to the tune of 100% precipitation! It first rained on The Musical Hype in 2020, in the form of 🎧 13 Songs Where, When It Rains It Pours (Pt. I). Then in 2021, it rained once more with 🎧 13 Songs Where, When It Rains It Pours (Pt II). My, my, my! Now, in 2022, it’s raining again, this time, to the tune of 🎧 11 Songs Where When It Rains It Pours (Pt. III)!

🎧 11 Songs Where, When It Rains It Pours (Pt. III) features 🎙 Ann Peebles, 🎙 DMX, 🎙 Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, 🎙 Taylor Swift, and 🎙 Yung Gravy among others. Just among that list of artists, we have a dollop of pop, classic soul, tropical music, and rap. So, grab your umbrella ☔ – well, check the real weather forecast I suppose – and prepare for the musical rain as it pours and pours and P-O-U-R-S!

1. Ann Peebles, “I Can’t Stand The Rain”

💿 I Can’t Stand The Rain • 🏷 Hi / Fat Possum • 📅 1974

Eight words: “I can’t stand the rain against my window.” In soul music circles, those lyrics are immortal. 🎙 Ann Peebles famously performed 🎵 “I Can’t Stand The Rain”, which was released in 1973. Fittingly, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” appeared on Peebles’ album – wait for it – also titled, 💿 I Can’t Stand The Rain, which arrived in 1974. As you’d expect, this marked the biggest hit of Peebles’ career, peaking at no. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100. As is the case with many soul classics, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” performed stronger within its own genre chart, peaking at no. 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (also Peebles’ highest charting song on that chart).

Unfortunately, I Can’t Stand The Rain (the album) wasn’t a success, settling for a tepid peak at no. 155 on the Billboard 200. Ouch! Despite this, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” (the song) is a triumph. It is a prime example of the Memphis soul sound, cultivated by the late, great producer, 🎛 Willie Mitchell, who was famous for collaborating with soul icon, 🎙 Al Green. Peebles penned this classic alongside 🎼 ✍ Bernard Miller and 🎼 ✍ Don Bryant. It’s safe to say the songwriting is elite, as Peebles expresses heartbreak: “Hey windowpane, do you remember / How sweet it used to be? / … Now that we’ve parted / There’s just one sound / That I just can’t stand.” Rain often receives a negative connotation and in the case of this ended union, the rain gets a bad name once more. Also, the empty pillow in verse two isn’t Peebles’ friend either because that’s “Where his head used to lay.” Sigh. The best moment, of course, is none other than that beloved chorus, a big reason why 🏆 Grammy-winning artists like 🎙 Tina Turner and 🎙 Seal have covered this gem. Also, another 🏆 Grammy winner, 🎙 Missy Elliott sampled the classic for her own renowned joint, 🎵 “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”.

“I can’t stand the rain against my window

Bringing back sweet memories

I can’t stand the rain against my window

‘Cause he’s not here with me.”

Appears in 🔻:

2. Yung Gravy, “Dancing In The Rain”

💿 Marvelous • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2022

“Dancing in the rain, I cannot refrain / From sliding in your dame, I get change / Dancing in the rain, can’t fuck with these lames / I cannot complain, I get change.” Woo! The Midwest is in the house! Better yet, 🎙 Yung Gravy (Matthew Hauri) is in the house! Backed by slick production work courtesy of 🎛 dwilly and 🎛 Nick Seeley, Hauri smoothly delivers his sugar honey iced tea on 🎵 “Dancing in the Rain” (💿 Marvelous, 2022) – like G-R-A-V-Y, baby!

After a soulful, feel-good intro, the knocking beat enters, making this a surefire rap banger. As previously stated, Yung Gravy brings smoothness to his rhymes. He’s chill and easy-going yet has no shortage of personality – he’s entertaining to the n^th degree! “Bitch, I’m dead fresh, I might pull up in the hearse truck / Gravy been a dog, Lisa Ann was my first love.” Oh, $hi†! It doesn’t stop there of course: “Juice, sauce, little bit of guala / Oops, just, super soaked your momma.” Gah-day-um! The chorus, of course, is where the bread is truly buttered – infectious as hell!

“50k for a show, and a hunnid for my wrist

Hundred fifty for my skrrt

Couple milli at the crib

Ain’t your baby, baby

You can keep the gravy out your lips

Ain’t no way that Baby Gravy gonna change the way he live.”

Appears in 🔻:

Yung Gravy, “Dancing In The Rain”: Rap BNGRZ 🔥 26 (2022)

3. Taylor Swift, “Midnight Rain”

💿 Midnights • 🏷 Taylor Swift • 📅 2022

“He wanted it comfortable, I wanted the pain / He wanted a bride, I was making my own name.” Interesting! 🎵 “Midnight Rain” is a surprising record from 💿 Midnights, the electrifying 10^th studio album by 🏆 multi-Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, 🎙 Taylor Swift. What makes “Midnight Rain” surprising, you might ask? Well, it’s thanks to its use of pitch shift and its liberal use of synths. The vocal effects are ear catching, contributing to the vibe.

Fittingly, on “Midnight Rain,” midnight plays a key role in the song: “And I never think of him / Except on midnights like this.” Here, Swift seems to take responsibility for the end of a previous relationship, one where she was changing and searching for her own success and fame while he has more modest, traditional moves in mind. She continues singing in the chorus, “Chasing that fame, he stayed the same / All of me change like midnight.”

4. DMX, “Walking in the Rain” (Ft. Nas, Exodus Simmons & dEnAun)

💿 Exodus • 🏷 Def Jam • 📅 2021

Sadly, the world lost a musical icon in 2021. Earl Simmons, best known as gruff-voiced, East Coast rapper 🎙 DMX, passed away at the age of 50 on April 9, 2021. Yes, Simmons was ‘rough around the edges,’ but the sheer talent and influence he brought to the game, as well as his tremendous faith, is undeniable. With the release of 💿 Exodus, an album that was in the works prior to his tragic death, the world gets to hear him one final time. Among the best songs from the album is the thoughtful 🎵 “Walking in the Rain.”

“Let the dirt you go through, change you (What?) / Don’t forget, even Satan was an angel.” The production (🎛 SHROOM, 🎛 Swizz Beatz, and 🎛 dEnAun) of “Walking in the Rain” is smooth, soulful, and jazzy – quite classy and refined. 🎙 Nas appears, joined by 🎙 Exodus Simmons and dEnAun. Exodus performs in the intro (a prayer) and the outro (“Walkin’ in the rain”) with his dad. dEnAun sings alongside DMX on the chorus, one of the nice touches of this particular record.

“Huh, walkin’ in the rain

Walkin’, walkin’, walkin’

Huh, walkin’ in the rain

Walkin’, walkin’, walkin’.”

Denaun also sings fabulously on the bridge (“I know we all got our share of trials and tribulations, yeah / But I done rode for some of y’all”). Nas is true to self in the second verse, fitting perfectly over the ear-catching backdrop. Of course, it is X who is the main attraction, superbly reflecting on life and faith (“You can’t go through life walkin’ blind / Gotta not only speak your heart but talk your mind”). RIP DMX.

Appears in 🔻:

15 Incredible Walk Songs

5. Meghan Trainor, “Rainbow”

💿 Takin’ It Back • 🏷 Epic • 📅 2022

“You’re as colorful as a rainbow / You’re as bright as the moon / Everyone can see your halo /Everybody but you,” 🏆 Grammy-winning pop artist 🎙 Meghan Trainor asserts on 🎵 “Rainbow”. “Rainbow” appears as the eighth track on her fourth studio album, 💿 Takin’ It Back, released in the fall of 2022. In the inspiring chorus on this retro pop cut (regarding the sound), Trainor continues singing, “Go and show ‘em all your rainbow / You’ll feel better when you do / Come on out when the rain goes / ‘Cause this world’s gonna love you.” “Rainbow” was written by Trainor, 🎼 ✍ Andrew Haas, 🎼 ✍ Ian Franzino, and 🎛 Teddy Geiger. Geiger produces alongside 🎛 Gian Stone and 🎛 Afterhrs.

In the first verse, Meghan sees this person struggling. Despite the fact that the people – the world – doesn’t understand such struggles, she plays the role of encourager, making it crystal clear, “But you ain’t alone / No, no, when it’s getting dark / I’m a light you up, my love.” Similarly, in the second verse, she uplifts them despite their doubts and self-esteem issues. “‘Cause you beautiful, you intelligent / You emotional, but you the baddest bitch,” she sings, continuing, “Ain’t no one compared, so why you care / Whatt anybody says about you?” She has a point. Ultimately, it leads to the crowning achievement, the rainbow-laden chorus, as well as the post-chorus, where Meghan makes it crystal clear, “They gonna love you.” “Rainbow” is both uplifting and sweet, sweet music to the ears.

Appears in 🔻:

6. The Temptations, “I Wish It Would Rain”

💿 I Wish It Would Rain • 🏷 Motown • 📅 1967

“Sunshine, blue skies, please go away / My girl has found another and gone away.” That’s a bummer for sure, 🎙 David Ruffin! Ruffin sings lead on 🎙 The Temptations’ top-five pop hit (peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100), 🎵 “I Wish It Would Rain”. He continues singing grittily on the disheartened verse, “With her went my future, my life is filled with gloom / So, day after day I stay locked up in my room / I know to you, it might sound strange / But I wish it would rain.”

“I Wish It Would Rain” finds The Temptations at their best. 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Norman Whitfield and 🎼 ✍Barrett Strong cook up a surefire classic, with Whitfield also locking down the production. This is 60s soul gold with its exceptional backdrop, high-flying lead, and supporting vocals. You can feel the love pain that Ruffin is experiencing with this dynamic performance. Furthermore, the lyrics just put it out there:

“‘Cause raindrops will hide my teardrops

And no one will ever know that I’m crying (Crying, crying, crying)

Crying when I go outside

To the world outside my tears, I refuse to explain.”

Men cry too.

Appears in 🔻:

7. Ashanti, “Rain On Me”

💿 Chapter II • 🏷 M.I. • 📅 2003

“I don’t wanna be this woman the second time around / ‘Cause I’m waking up, screaming, no longer believing that I’m gonna be around…” Once upon a time, 🎙 Ashanti was ‘kind of a big deal,’ when it came to contemporary R&B. A 🏆 Grammy winner, Ashanti had a fine run, beginning with her Grammy-winning debut album (💿 Ashanti) and continuing with her sophomore LP, 💿 Chapter II. One of the highlights from her platinum-certified sophomore album is 🎵 “Rain On Me,” a nearly five-minute juggernaut.

“Rain On Me” features slick production work courtesy of the controversial 🎛 Irv Gotti and 🎛 Chink Santana. What fuels this incredible backdrop? How about the brilliant use of two samples: 🎵 “The Look of Love” (🎙 Isaac Hayes) and 🎵 “G’z Up, Hoes Down” (🎙 Snoop Dogg). Those hip-hop soul vibes, likewise, fuel Ashanti. Her vocals are pleasant. She’s a bit more of a modest singer but definitely possessed a great instrument back during her heyday. “I’m tossing and turning and thinking ‘bout burning down these walls,” she sings in the second verse. It’s the chorus that is the centerpiece:

“Rain on me

Lord, won’t you take this pain from me?

I don’t wanna live, I don’t wanna breathe

Baby, just rain on me

Lord, won’t you take this pain from me?

I don’t wanna live, I don’t wanna breathe, babe.”

Clearly, the pain is legit for Ashanti. Her pain is our listening pleasure, in the form of smooth, harmonized vocals, as well as sweet Ashanti ad-libs.

8. James Taylor, “Fire and Rain”

💿 Sweet Baby James • 🏷 Rhino • 📅 1970

“I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain / I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end,” 🎙 James Taylor sings in his classic, 🎵 “Fire and Rain”. “Fire and Rain” appears on Taylor’s 1970 album, 💿 Sweet Baby James. The thoughtfully penned record is the most popular record from Sweet Baby James. Furthermore, it’s one of Taylor’s most beloved hits, peaking at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 (Only 🎵 “You’ve Got a Friend” performed better, topping the charts). “Fire and Rain” was nominated for three 🏆 Grammys, including Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and a now defunct category, Best Contemporary Song. Notably, Sweet Baby James was also nominated for the prestigious Album Of The Year. So, with so many accolades, what makes “Fire and Rain” so exceptional?

The sound of the record and the production are beautiful. The piano and guitar accompaniment suits Taylor’s singing and songwriting superbly. Furthermore, the addition of strings further accentuates the color and the vibe. Nerding out regarding the timbre, the sound of the drums is pretty sweet, particularly as the rhythm intensifies. Another big selling point is Taylor, who delivers chill, easy-going vocals. Historically, he’s never been a vocalist to get too high, something that plays true on “Fire and Rain.” Let’s not forget the lyrics, which find James being authentic, honest, and vulnerable. “Just yesterday morning, they let me know you were gone / Suzanne, the plans they made put an end to you,” he sings in the first verse. In the second, he petitions to Jesus, singing, “You’ve got to help me make a stand / You’ve just got to see me through another day.” Then there’s the third verse where, “Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground” references a previous band of which he was a member, 🎙 The Flying Machine (not to be confused with a British band). The chorus, as to be expected, is the crowning achievement – the crème de la crème ( “I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend / But I always thought that I’d see you, baby, one more time again, now”). Listening to “Fire and Rain,” the big takeaway is how classy it sounds; there’s an incredible amount of finesse in this 1970 classic.

Appears in 🔻:

James Taylor, “Fire and Rain”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 106 (2022)

9. New Edition, “Can You Stand The Rain”

💿 Heart Break • 🏷 MCA • 📅 1988

“Sunny days, everybody loves them / Tell me, baby, can you stand the rain?” Well, can you? 🎵 “Can You Stand The Rain” arrives courtesy of male R&B collective, 🎙 New Edition. “Can You Stand The Rain” topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart, though only peaked at no. 44 on the pop charts (Billboard Hot 100). The parent album, 💿 Heart Break, had more success. It peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard 200, spending 53 weeks on the chart, and was certified double platinum.

“Can You Stand The Rain” opens memorably with birds tweeting. The record possesses that quintessential 1980s R&B sound with the boxy drum programming. It features lush production work courtesy of the 🎛 Jimmy Jam and 🎛 Terry Lewis with the keys and guitars. Throughout, our ears are blessed with silky smooth, passionate vocals. 🎙 Johnny Gill sounds amazing handling the lead vocals in the two verses (“On a perfect day, I know that I can count on you / When that’s not possible / Tell me can you weather the storm”). 🎙 Ralph Tresvant provides incredible contrast in the pre-chorus section (“‘Cause I need somebody who will stand by me / Through the good times and bad times / She will always, always be right there”). Of course, the centerpiece is the incredibly memorable, tuneful chorus performed by the entire collective:

“Sunny days, everybody loves them

Tell me, baby, can you stand the rain?

Storms will come

This we know for sure (This we know for sure)

Can you stand the rain?”

“Can You Stand The Rain” is a #CLASSIC!

Appears in 🔻:

10. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, “Over the Rainbow”

💿 Alone In Iz World • 🏷 Mountain Apple Company HAWAII / Big Boy • 📅 2001

Once you hear that ukulele strum, you instantly recognize 🎵 “Over the Rainbow” as performed by late Hawaiian musician, 🎙 Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. “Over The Rainbow” in Brother Iz’s hands is nothing short of a vibe – angelic, celestial, and utterly radiant. His vocal tone is stunning – silky smooth. His ukulele skills are sublime. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime performances that compels you, even if Iz is reinterpreting one of the most-covered classics of all time.

This three-and-a-half-minute rendition appears on the posthumously released 💿 Alone In Iz World (2001). Sadly, the musician, who suffered from obesity throughout his life, passed away at just 38 years of age in 1997 😢. The version of “Over The Rainbow” released during his short lifetime appears on his 1993 album, 💿 Facing Future – 🎵 “Somewhere Over The Rainbow_ What A Wonderful World”. What a moving medley by a great musician! It’s worth noting that in 2021, Billboard reported that “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” reached 1 billion YouTube views.

Appears in 🔻:

Rainbow: 5ive Songs No. 66 (2022)

11. Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., “Let It Rain”

💿 Let It Rain • 🏷 Light • 📅 2003

“Open the flood gates of heaven, let it rain, let it rain.” Those are such powerful lyrics, penned by 🎼 ✍ Michael Farren and originally recorded by CCM icon, 🎙 Michael W. Smith. The words are simple but potent! Smith’s original version of 🎵 “Let It Rain” is glorious but 🎙 Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. transforms this simple CCM record into a powerful black gospel record.

He begins with ministry, before expressively singing those excerpted lyrics. When the lyrics are repeated for the third time, he’s joined by a choir (🎙 Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Women’s Mass Choir), enhancing, and elevating the spirit. Whether you are devout or have doubts about spirituality, it’s hard to deny the emotional impact – it touches the spirit. Smith and Morton deliver a message about letting the spirit of the Lord rain upon the world. Essentially, this record is an affirmation of faith – believing in the power of an all-knowing, omniscient, and merciful God. The refresh is real!

Appears in 🔻:

Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., Let It Rain: Sunday Refresh 🙏 28 (2021)

11 Songs Where When It Rains It Pours (Pt. III) [📷: Big Boy, Brent Faulkner, Def Jam, Epic, Fat Possum, Hi, Light, M.I., MCA, Motown, Mountain Apple Company HAWAII, The Musical Hype, Republic, Rhino, Taylor Swift, Cleyton Ewerton, Gil Ribeiro on Unsplash, janrye from Pixabay, kalhh from Pixabay, Lamar Belina, Marco Massimo from Pixabay, Norbert Tóth on Unsplash, PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay, Uzair Ali Khan]

11 Songs Where, When It Rains It Pours (Pt. III) | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on November 9, 2022November 9, 2022