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11 Stranger Songs Totally Worth Spinning [Photo Credits: Astralwerks, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Island, Loma Vista, The Musical Hype, More is More, Pexels, Pixabay, Republic, Sony, Virgin]ā€œ11 Stranger Songs Totally Worth Spinningā€ features music courtesy of Adam Lambert, Halsey, Marilyn Manson, Niall Horan, and Sam Smith.

Back in 1995, the late, great Michael Jackson felt ā€œlike a Stranger in Moscow / Lord have mercy.ā€ The album which ā€œStranger in Moscowā€ hails from, HIStory ā€“ PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE ā€“ BOOK I, is by far the iconic musicianā€™s most controversial.Ā  Even so, the aforementioned ballad is relatable, even if everyone doesnā€™t relate to it in the same way as say Jackson.Ā  The key reason for using ā€œStranger in Moscowā€ is simply the fact that it features the keyword that propels this playlist ā€“ STRANGER.

On 11 STRANGER SONGS TOTALLY WORTH SPINNING, the word ā€˜strangerā€™ can be used in a variety of ways.Ā  A stranger can be used as a noun (i.e., a person or thing that is unknownā€¦), or, slightly less frequently, as an adjective. 11 STRANGER SONGS TOTALLY WORTH SPINNING features music courtesy of Adam Lambert (ā€œStranger You Areā€), Ā Halsey (ā€œFinally // beautiful strangerā€ and ā€œStrangersā€), Marilyn Manson (ā€œKilling Strangersā€), Niall Horan (ā€œArms of a Strangerā€), and Sam Smith (ā€œDancing with a Strangerā€) among others.Ā  Without further ado, donā€™t be a STRANGER ā€“ acquaint yourself with this intriguing playlist!

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1. Adam Lambert, ā€œStranger You Areā€

Velvet ā€¢ More is More ā€¢Ā 2020

Adam Lambert, Velvet [Photo Credits: More is More / EMPIRE]ā€œNow Iā€™m rockinā€™ Versace with my dog / In my shades, Iā€™m a slay one day, yā€™allā€¦ā€ Slay on Adam Lambert ā€“ slay on! The pop musician is locked-in on ā€œStranger You Are,ā€ the third track from his hella funky, fourth studio album, Velvet (2020). Worth noting, Velvet arrives nearly five years after unleashing the great, but underrated The Original High (2015).

Although fierce (ā€œBut Iā€™m 6ā€™3ā€, baby, with boots onā€¦ā€), ā€œStranger You Areā€ isnā€™t necessarily the ā€˜crowning achievementā€™ from Velvet. Still, itā€™s another consistent, incredibly enjoyable moment from this electrifying LP. Throughout the record, Lambert exhibits mad personality, high-flying vocals, and some truly decadent ear candy. ā€œStrangerā€ hearkens back to the past for its inspiration, which means expanded instrumentation that includes horns.Ā  Ah, thereā€™s nothing like horns!


2. Halsey, ā€œFinally//beautiful strangerā€

Manic ā€¢ Capitol ā€¢Ā 2020

Halsey, Manic [Photo Credit: Capitol]ā€œBeautiful stranger, here you are in my arms and I know / That beautiful strangers only come along to do me wrong /ā€¦ But I think itā€™s finally, finally, finally, finally safe / For me to fallā€¦ā€ On her third studio album, Manic, ā€œFinally // beautiful strangerā€ gives alternative pop artist Halsey a pop/rock, singer/songwriter cut.Ā  It also happens to be a love song, confirmed by the aforementioned chorus. The rich, robust rhythmic guitars (production by Greg Kurstin once more) are a bit unexpected, given the abundance of electronic sounds usually associated with Halseyā€™s music.

Besides superb production courtesy of Greg Kurstin, the songwriting is strong.Ā  Vocally, she sounds alluring, giving a relatively balanced performance, yet also bringing a bit more oomph on the chorus.Ā  The songwriting is strong, as she sings lovingly of her boo with an assortment of charming and descriptive lyrics: ā€œYou got hips like Jagger and two left feetā€ (verse one) and ā€œUsed to think that loving meant a painful chase / But youā€™re right here now and I think youā€™ll stayā€ (verse two). In addition to the memorable chorus, and lyrical highlights from the two verses, the pre-chorus is pretty sweet as well, particularly as she sings, ā€œIā€™ve never seen a mouth that I would kill to kiss / And Iā€™m terrified, but the truth is thisā€¦ā€ Considering this is supposedly the first love song sheā€™s ever written, itā€™s a truly accomplished one. ā€œFinally//beautiful strangerā€ previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in December 2019.


3. Niall Horan, ā€œArms of a Strangerā€

Heartbreak Weather ā€¢ Capitol ā€¢Ā 2020

Niall Horan, Heartbreak Weather [Photo Credit: Capitol]ā€œWhen I was on my knees in the darkness / Yeah, youā€™d be there to break my fall / But now, Iā€™m lyinā€™ so helpless / But somehow, I just still want more.ā€ Sigh, ā€œArms of a Strangerā€ ranks among the highlights of Heartbreak Weather, the 2020 sophomore album by Niall Horan. Here, Horan realizes his relationship is over and done with, but heā€™s still coping, trying to figure out his next, meaningful move.

The emphasis is on ā€˜meaningfulā€™ as Niall doesnā€™t feel the same way about the ā€˜strangersā€™ heā€™s associating with in order to move on from ā€˜true love.ā€™ Ā Clearly, he was dedicated to his ex, so much so that on the first verse he asks, ā€œIf weā€™re not gonna do this honestly / Baby, wonā€™t you give me back what you took apart?ā€ Horanā€™s pain is authentic on the epic chorus, as he sings vulnerably, ā€œYou left me with nothing / Now Iā€™m lyinā€™ in the arms of a stranger / But why do I think of you?ā€ Sigh, it feels so wrong for listeners to be ā€˜tickled fancyā€™ by Horanā€™s pain ā€“ oh, the schadenfreude!


4. Sam Smith & Normani, ā€œDancing with a Strangerā€

Love GoesĀ ā€¢Ā Capitol ā€¢ 2020

Sam Smith, Love Goes [šŸ“· : Capitol]Grammy-winning British pop musician Sam Smith collaborates with former Fifth Harmony standout Normani on the marvelous ā€œDancing with a Strangerā€. Ā ā€œDancing with a Strangerā€ features sleek production work with a driving groove and warm synths.Ā  Smith serves up compelling vocals on the first verse, including their signature, masterful falsetto.Ā  They goes on to shine on the memorable chorus: ā€œLook what you made me do, Iā€™m with somebody new / Ooh, baby, baby, Iā€™m dancing with a stranger.ā€

Normani contrasts Smithā€™s vocals on the second verse with huskier, sultry pipes. She asserts, ā€œBut, boy, I need to get you off of my mind.ā€ She later sings alongside they on the second iteration of the chorus.Ā  Short and sweet, ā€œDancing with a Strangerā€ is pretty straightforward, well-rounded record thatā€™s highly effective. ā€œDancing with a Strangerā€ was selected among the 51 Best Songs of 2019 (#32).Ā  ā€œDancing with a Strangerā€ appears on Smithā€™s 2020 album, Love Goes.


5. Vampire Weekend, ā€œStrangerā€

Father of the Bride ā€¢Ā Sony ā€¢Ā 2019

Vampire Weekend, Father of the Bride [Photo Credit: Sony Music]ā€œI used to freeze on the dance floor / I watched the icebergs from the shore / But you got the heat on, kettle screaming / Donā€™t need to freeze anymoreā€¦ā€ Thatā€™s niceā€¦ I think.Ā  Anyways, Ezra Koenig and Danielle Haim (HAIM) make a formidable team. Haim makes multiple appearances on the Grammy-winning alternative album, Father of the Bride.Ā  Her three credited appearances are opener ā€œHold You Nowā€, ā€œMarried in a Gold Rushā€ (perhaps the best of the trio), and ā€œWe Belong Together.ā€ While sheā€™s credited thrice, she also contributes to the country-tinged, alt-rock gem at hand, ā€œStranger.ā€ Ā 

Ultimately, ā€œStrangerā€ is another fine moment from Father of the Bride.Ā  Ezra Koenig delivers another well-rounded vocal, thereā€™s a strong anchoring groove, and once more, it possesses that Vampire Weekend eclecticism.Ā  The main reason why ā€œStrangerā€ didnā€™t have more buzz ā€“ thereā€™s simply more distinct songs on the album, plus, it appears near the end.Ā  Here, the context of ā€œStrangerā€ isnā€™t an unfamiliar, non-acquaintance as is the scenario on most of the songs on this list, but rather, oddness, weirdness ā€“ STRANGENESS.Ā  Look no further than the chorus, performed by Koenig and Haim:

ā€œI-I-I, things have never been stranger
I-I-I, things are gonna stay strange
I-I-I-, I remember life as a stranger
I-I-I, but things change.ā€

6. Sigrid, ā€œStrangersā€

Sucker Punch ā€¢ Island ā€¢Ā 2019

Sigrid, Sucker Punch [Photo Credit: Island]ā€œStrangersā€, which appears on the 2019 album, Sucker Punch, delivers quite the vibe before its rising Norwegian star, Sigrid ever sings a note.Ā  Calling the record moody would be an overstatement, but thereā€™s a curiousness; a mysteriousness. Vocally, Sigrid is poised ā€“ cool, calm, and collected ā€“ on the first verse (ā€œJust like in the movies / It starts to rain and we / Weā€™re the broken beauties / Blindfolded minds collide, and we fallā€).

By the chorus, the production grows more dynamic and intense. Similarly, the lead vocals also grow more dynamic and intense, with Sigrid exhibiting more punch and emotion.Ā  In regard to the overall sound, ā€œStrangersā€ can be described as danceable, characterized by its electronic palette.Ā  Even as Sigrid digs in more on the chorus, she doesnā€™t break too much of a sweat, never overreaching. ā€œStrangersā€ previously appeared on the playlist 12 Friends & Strangers Songs.


7. Jonas Brothers, ā€œStrangersā€

Happiness Begins ā€¢Ā Republic ā€¢ 2019

Jonas Brothers, Happiness Begins [Photo Credit: Republic]On ā€œStrangers,ā€ the longest song from the comeback, Jonas Brothers album, Happiness Begins, apparently, the strangers already know each other. Yes, itā€™s far-fetched logistically, but the point the Jonas men are making is about chemistry, true love, and passion.Ā  Sure, that passion likely encompasses pleasure too, but the Nick Jonas pre-chorus focuses on chemistry ā€“ perhaps the elusive ā€˜love at first sight: ā€œTime stand still and itā€™s only us / What we fell started way before we ever touched.ā€

Where Nick takes the reins on the pre-chorus, Joe Jonas takes over on the chorus, where we learn about the strangers being acquainted ā€“ or something like that.

ā€œI just saw the lightning strike
Knew it right then when I looked in your eyes
And I said to myself, ā€˜itā€™s no surprise we ainā€™t strangersā€™
Strangers tonight
Must be from a different life
Been here before and it just feels right
No, this ainā€™t the first time for you and I, we ainā€™t strangers
Strangers tonight.ā€

Fair enough, I supposed. While this Greg Kurstin-helmed joint wasnā€™t the biggest attraction from Happiness Begins, revisiting it, itā€™s pretty fun. Ā Itā€™s quite sound with a clear-cut form, thrilling vocal harmonies, and high energy level.


8. Kali Uchis, ā€œJust a Strangerā€

Ft. Steve Lacy

Isolation ā€¢Ā Virgin ā€¢ 2018

Kali Uchis, Isolation Ā© Virginā€œSheā€™s a hurricane, feel the earth shake / If the devil was asleep, sheā€™d knock him wide awake.ā€ Woo! Kali Uchis released a fantastic debut album in 2018 with Isolation.Ā  Much of Isolation is chocked-full of retro vibes, highlighting soul music and nostalgic vibes.Ā  Thatā€™s the case with the third track from the album, ā€œJust A Stranger.ā€ Steve Lacy (The Internet) co-produces, as well as sings on the gem.

ā€œJust A Strangerā€ is groovy, continuing the vintage script of the album without a hitch.Ā  The crowning achievement is undoubtedly the catchy, if repetitive and simple chorus. ā€œShe wants my hundred-dollar bills, she donā€™t want love.ā€ Uchis does a fantastic job of characterizing herself, rather the character she plays ā€“ sheā€™s all about the money.

ā€œGo and say what you want, you are just a stranger
Watching from the bleachers ā€˜cause you canā€™t take the danger.ā€

ā€œJust a Strangerā€ previously appeared on the playlist, 12 Friends & Strangers Songs.


9. Halsey, ā€œStrangersā€

Ft. Lauren Jauregui

hopeless fountain kingdom ā€¢ Astralwerks ā€¢ 2017

Halsey, hopeless fountain kingdom Ā© AstralwerksAlt-pop artist Halsey, who is bisexual, tackled a lesbian relationship on her 2017 hit, ā€œStrangersā€, which appears on her sophomore album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom. Its content is different from most of the songs featured on the album. Early on, it establishes itself as an LGBTQ song.Ā  On the first verse, she sings: ā€œShe doesnā€™t kiss me on the mouth anymore / ā€˜Cause itā€™s more intimate, than she thinks we shouldā€¦ā€

The chorus confirms the LGBTQ tilt:

ā€œSaid that weā€™re not lovers, weā€™re just strangers
With the same damn hunger
To be touched, to be loved, to feel anything at all.ā€

Lauren Jauregui, a member of Fifth Harmony (also bisexual), similarly shares her side of the story on the second verse. Both unite on the bridge:

ā€œI miss the mornings with you laying in my bed
I miss the memories replaying in my head
I miss the thought of a forever, you and me
But all youā€™re missing is my body.ā€

ā€œStrangersā€ has appeared on multiple playlists including 12 Friends & Strangers Songs, 12 Interesting Songs That Reference Bisexuality, and A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs.


10. DNCE, ā€œKissing Strangersā€

Ft. Nicki Minaj

ā€œKissing Strangersā€ ā€¢ Republic ā€¢Ā 2017

DNCE, Kissing Strangers Ā© RepublicLike previous records by pop bandĀ DNCE,Ā fronted byĀ Joe Jonas, singleĀ ā€œKissing Strangersā€Ā thrives off its groove.Ā  Rhythmically, the record is incredibly unified. Thereā€™s no escaping the one-two punch of the bass line coupled with the drums. The production work is slick AF, for lack of a better description.Ā  Musically, itā€™s sound, if not necessarily game changing.

ā€œKissing Strangersā€ isnā€™t far-fetched in sound or conception from the bandā€™s seminal hit ā€œCake by the Ocean,ā€ particularly given its nonsensical, carefree syllables.Ā  Like ā€œCake,ā€ this is incredibly tongue-n-cheek, evidenced from the jump. Lyrically, depth is NOT the M.O.Ā  Per the usual, ā€œKissing Strangersā€ is heavy on flirty andĀ liteĀ on nutrients and legit substance.Ā Ā Nicki MinajĀ doesnā€™t necessarily ā€˜up the anteā€™ on her guest verse ā€“ blame it on the quick tempo, or the shallowness of the song itself, sigh.

ā€œI got a boy that I kinda like
This is a kiss-kiss, tongue him down kind of nightā€¦
Drip, drip, with a kitty cat, put it in his lap
Sip, sip, on the tip, tip, lick on his lip-lip
I think he tryna hit young Nicā€™ like a quick pick.ā€

ā€œKissing Strangersā€ previously appeared on two playlists: 12 Friends & Strangers Songs and 17 Songs Where the Kisses are Everything.


11. Marilyn Manson, ā€œKilling Strangersā€

Killing Strangers ā€¢Ā Loma Vista ā€¢ 2015

Marilyn Manson, The Pale Emperor Ā© Loma Vistaā€œWeā€™re killing strangers / Weā€™re killing strangers, so we donā€™t kill the ones that we / Loveā€¦ā€ Wowā€¦ that shitā€™s disturbingā€¦ While ā€œKilling Strangersā€ (The Pale Emperor, 2015), Ā didnā€™t receive its own dedicated spot on 11 Wickedly Thrilling Songs About Weapons, I did used the eerie, totally unsettling Marilyn Manson song as a preface. Ā Again, just read the aforementioned lyrics and youā€™ll see why it was the perfect intro for a list of songs about weapons.Ā  Furthermore, honestly, couldnā€™t the spirit of the lyrics, particularly the fact that Manson references strangers, accurately portray the most repugnant, heartless members of society? Serial killers, mass murderers, and such?

Manson doesnā€™t stop there ā€“ I know youā€™re not the least bit shocked.Ā  Adding even more grit and toughness, Manson brings the weapons ā€“ guns ā€“Ā into the mix. On the bridge of this totally hellish, malicious number, he asserts, ā€œAnd we got guns, we got guns / Motherfuckers better, better run.ā€ Yeah, heā€™s not lying when he tells MFs to run! When you think about it, there are few weapons, or arguably things in general more frightening than guns. Ā Why? Just as aforementioned, guns in the wrong hands and the right aim can definitely cause a great amount of death. ā€œKillingā€ previously appeared a number of playlists including Ā 12 Friends & Strangers Songs and 5 Songs That Reference Gun Violence & Gun Control.



11 Stranger Songs Totally Worth Spinning šŸŽ§ [Photo Credits: Astralwerks, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Island, Loma Vista, The Musical Hype, More is More, Pexels, Pixabay, Republic, Sony, Virgin]

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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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