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“11 Thankful Songs to Show Gratitude For” features songs by Anna of the North, Ariana Grande, Ice Nine Kills, ROLE MODEL & YBN Cordae.  

Manners are incredibly important.  Saying thank you for something and showing gratitude comes second nature to many, though there are some rude peeps in the world.  For the late, great John Denver, he once gave thanks to God. Why? Well, because he’s a country boy (“Thank God I’m a Country Boy”).  For Mariah Carey, 98º, and Joe (Yeah, “Stutter” Joe), they also thanked God.  Why? Because “I found you / I was lost without you” (“Thank God I Found You”).  And, joining those who are thankful is none other than Drake, years later, who didn’t thank God but rather himself – apparently from the perspective of other.  He raps, “You could thank me now, go ‘head / ‘Thank Me Later’, yeah, I know what I said / but later doesn’t always come so instead / It’s okay, you could thank me now.”

If you couldn’t already figure out the gist of this playlist, it’s all about thankful songs.  Sure, this playlist will intentionally be published on Thanksgiving, but honestly, besides the YBN Cordae song that appears on this list, it’s not specific to the holiday.  The key criteria for any song to be featured on 11 THANKFUL SONGS TO SHOW GRATITUDE FOR is that it must feature some form of the word ‘thank’ or relate in some respect to gratitude.  Artists appearing on this thankful playlist include Anna of the North (“Thank Me Later”), Ariana Grande (“Thank U, Next”), Ice Nine Kills (“Thank God It’s Friday”), ROLE MODEL (“Thank You for Coming”) and YBN Cordae (“Thanksgiving”). Without further ado, let’s show some much deserved gratitude for these thankful songs!

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1. Ariana Grande, “thank u, next”

Thank U, Next • Republic • 2019

“Thank U, Next”, the title track from Thank U, Next, the fifth studio album by Grammy-winning pop singer Ariana Grande, created quite a buzz when it arrived as an advance single.  “Thought I’d end up with Sean / But he wasn’t a match / Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and almost laugh.” Grande reflects on her relationships, also adding more recent exes like the deceased Mac Miller and Pete Davidson to the mix. She continues to focus on her exes on the first pre-chorus and chorus, profanely proclaiming, “Thank you, next / I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex.”

On the second verse, Grande focuses on herself – her own well-being. She flips the script on the second pre-chorus, focusing on her own excellence. On the bridge, she anticipates marriage, but ultimately plans to “make that shit last.” Ultimately, “thank u, next” is an honest, therapeutic record that finds Grande reflecting on life, love, and bettering herself.

2. YBN Cordae, “Thanksgiving”

The Lost Boy • Atlantic • 2019

“Mac and cheese up in the oven, grandma finished cookin’ / Thanksgiving ‘round the corner, need banana pudding…” So, is “Thanksgiving” by rapper YBN Cordae actually about Thanksgiving?  To a certain extent, but the chorus, which the aforementioned lyrical excerpt hails from, expands to ‘matters of the heart.’ “Thanksgiving” hails from the rapper’s 2019 debut album, The Lost Boy.

The rest of the chorus plays out a little something like this:

“…Brought you home to mama even though you said I shouldn’t
Might not make it to Christmas
But I’m hoping and I’m pushing for a better day
A good day in the making, but you never stay
I could say that you fakin’ on the real, huh, nigga
Why you fakin’ on the real?”

Naturally, the verses explore the relationship as opposed to the holiday.  YBN Cordae provides a smooth delivery, backed by a soulful, hella smooth backdrop.  There are a number of intriguing, memorable lyrical moments, such as a gem from the first verse:

“Promise that I got you, didn’t bring you here [Thanksgiving with the family] for nothin’
Know we fightin’, plus the arguments just lead into fucking.”
There’s more greatness, courtesy of the end of the second verse:
“We on the block where Jenny stays
Honey backed ham with Henry glaze
Abraham inheritance, shawty, we plenty paid
Bonnie Clyde high speed chase, a renegade…”

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3. Iggy Azalea, “Thanks I Get”

In My Defense • Bad Dreams / EMPIRE • 2019

In My Defense was merely an okay project from Iggy Azalea – can’t emphasize that enough.  However, by criticizing the album, it likely only provides more fuel for the fire.  Iggy is already feeling unappreciated and lacking the credit she deserves, evidenced by the opening record, “Thanks I Get.” From the start, the rapper is charged up to the nth degree.

On the chorus of the brief, biting number, Azalea asserts, “I’m the one that kept it cool with all you bitches / I’m the one that’s ‘bout to school all of you bitches.”  Charming.  Basically, the ‘defense’ commences at the top of the album, and Azalea certainly has a banging beat to spit over courtesy of J. White Did It.  Still, much like my own criticism, does anyone really buy the argument that she’s presenting? Exactly, hence, the “thanks that she gets” or lack thereof.

4. Tyler, the Creator, “Gone, Gone / Thank You”

IGOR • Columbia • 2019

Tyler, the Creator has come a long way – understatement. His career has been filled with controversy, including ample examples of homophobia.  Interestingly, beginning with his 2017 album Flower Boy, Tyler, the Creator began to open up about his own sexuality… hmm.  This is something that continued on the most ambitious and unexpected album of his career, IGOR.  No, Tyler still doesn’t come right out and say what everybody is thinking about him sexually, but undoubtedly sexuality plays a pivotal role in this relationship, romance-driven, non-traditional rap album.

“Gone, Gone / Thank You,” the tenth track from IGOR, earns the honors as the longest song, clocking past six minutes. Even so, there’s plenty to love about the colorful record. “Gone, Gone” is quite ear-catching with its energetic, major-key production.  CeeLo Green arrives as yet another uncredited guest appearance, singing the chorus.

“Whether it’s rain or shine, I know I’m fine for now
My love’s gone; my love’s gone…
Or maybe it’s just a dream that I can’t seem to wake from
My love’s gone; my love’s gone…”

Even so, rather than hearing the expected robust, soulful vocals from the R&B singer, it’s almost hard to believe it’s him because of the variety of effects used.  Even prior to “Thank You,” the second part of the song and the main reason why “Gone, Gone / Thank You” earns a spot on this list, the third verse of “Gone Gone,” performed by Tyler, has a different sound and feel.  It signals the change that occurs on the slower “Thank You,” which is only comprised of choruses, a bridge, and an outro.  The one constant with this lengthy number is the sound – the production is on-point.  On the chorus of “Thank You,” Tyler sings:

“Thank you for the love
Thank you for the joy
But I don’t ever wanna fall in love again
Thank you for the time
Thank you for your mind, mind
But I don’t ever wanna fall in love again.”

5. Sasha Sloan, “Thank God”

Self Portrait • RCA • 2019

“Yeah, I’ll admit / I’ve had sex before marriage / I’ve smoked hella weed / And then I shared it.” Singer/songwriter Sasha Sloan doesn’t hide her sins from the world.  Instead, as evidenced on the first four lines of “Thank God,” she’s brutally honest and embraces what’s she’s done.  Later, on the first verse, she adds, “I’ve scrolled through Pornhub / I’ve had impure thoughts / And acted upon them.” Amen?

“Thank God” appears as the second track on Sloan’s 2019 EP, Self Portrait.  The sound of this particular track has some elements of old-school, blue-eyed soul.  Sloan sings in calm, cool, and collected fashion, yet, still packs a punch thanks to the unapologetic nature of the lyrics.  The lyrics, as exemplified by the aforementioned first verse, list Sloan’s flaws, imperfections, and sins. After the verses, the pre-chorus references heaven (“So if the pearly gates / Won’t open for me”).  It is the centerpiece of the record, the chorus, where Sloan is gracious to God… for “Making a hell…”

“Thank God
Thank God for making a hell
Thank God for making a place full of fire
And greedy-ass liars
Where I’m just like everyone else
Thank God for Hell.”

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6. ROLE MODEL, “Thank You for Coming”

Oh, how perfect (EP) • Interscope • 2019

“Thank you all for coming / I’d be nothing without you / Don’t tell yourself you’re sorry / ‘Cause it’s hardly ever true.”  Have truer words ever been spoken? Those thoughtful lyrics hail from singer/songwriter Tucker Pillsbury, best known by the name ROLE MODEL.  Prior to the aforementioned lyrics, Pillsbury reflects on the past – adversities that have greatly affect him. Unsurprisingly, it’s people who serve as the adversaries.

“I made friends
With some kids who used to hate me
‘Cause they’re the ones who made me
Exactly who I am.”

Wow.  The second verse offers even more.

“One last dance with the girl who’s way too good for me
‘Cause somehow it felt good to me
You notice who I am.”

Tortured, tortured soul.  That said, what ROLE MODEL sings about is incredibly relatable.  Among his best moments is the bridge, where he flips the script on “Sticks and stones may break my bones,” ending it with, “But words just make me stronger.” In addition to the great songwriting, relatable and thoughtful messaging, and superb, emotional vocals by Pillsbury, the production is pretty sweet as well.  Initially simple, led by guitar, it grows more expansive as “Thank You for Coming” progresses.

7. Anna of the North, “Thank Me Later”

Dream Girl • 300 Entertainment • 2019

“I got this to show how much I appreciate ya / If you wanna, you can thank me later.” Fair enough! Norwegian singer Anna of the North makes her first appearance on The Musical Hype with “Thank Me Later.” “Thank Me Later” can be characterized as a gorgeous, electro-pop record.  The production work exemplifies ear candy, with its bright, potent synths and sleek supportive beat. In regard to the vocal performance, Anna never over sings, delivering a respectable, cool yet confident performance without question.

Clearly, on “Thank Me Later,” Anna of the North plans to have a good time with her lover.  “Grab what you need ‘cause we’re not coming back / No, not ‘til we’re sober” she sings on the first verse.  On the second verse, she shares her sheer adoration, singing, “Give me those nights when I’m trippin’ with you / No one else takes me the places you do / Get so hazy on ya.” Yep, matters of the heart dominate Anna’s mind, and continue on the pre-chorus and chorus.  The chorus, which was excerpted at the beginning of this write-up, plays out as follows:

“You know tonight, I’ll make you mine
And not just ‘cause you’re pretty, baby
Something ‘bout you makes me crazy
I’ll pay, you won’t, put your money away
I got this to show how much I appreciate ya
If you wanna, you can thank me later.”

8. Logic, “Thank You”

Ft. Lucy Rose & The RattPack

YSIV • Def Jam • 2018

“I coulda never imagine that this shit here could happen / Went from the basement to thirty million just off of rappin’.” Safe to say, Grammy-nominated rapper Logic has experienced a ‘come up.’ It’s also pretty safe to say that he has no lack of confidence, even as he expresses gratitude on “Thank You,” the opener from his 2018 LP, YSIV.  Logic is assisted by Lucy Rose and The RattPack on the seven-minute-plus opener.

“Thank You” kicks off YSIV soulfully, anchored by dusty, rhythmic drums and lush, old-school vibes. Like many Logic albums, it begins with a skit which closes out with Thomas saying, “Let’s get back to this boom bap shit.”  Throughout YSIV, Logic is all in on boom bap, dropping sensational rhymes.

“We know he do that
Bitch, I got the flame, who dat?
I’m the new Kanye when they was like ‘Who Kanye?’
I got that fire in my soul to make these classics, ayy.”

Assisted by Lucy Rose on the thankful chorus, a number of fans of the rapper share their gratitude for his artistry. Again, while he’s confident, he’s also thankful for his many blessings, fans, and support.

“Thank you, thank you
For letting me speak my mind
And putting it all on the line
Through the sunshine and the rain
Through the good times and the pain
And never staying the same…”

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9. Ice Nine Kills, “Thank God It’s Friday”

The Silver Scream • Fearless • 2018

“We’ve all been laid to rest / Our epitaph reads, ‘Mommy knows best’ / A word of warning from beyond the grave / That must be understood / Throats get slit in this neck of the woods.” What An unsettling verse to say the least! “Thank God It’s Friday” arrives as the second cut on The Silver Scream, the fifth studio album from metalcore collective Ice Nine Kills.  The majority of the album is steeped in horror, including songs titled “The American Nightmare,” “Stabbing in the Dark” and among the most colorful, “Merry Axe-Mas.”

“Thank God It’s Friday” features unclean, shouted vocals on the verses and pre-chorus.  In addition to those unclean vocals, the music itself is incredibly intense – understatement.  Even for the gritty nature of the song, there are plenty of melodic moments.  A prime example is the memorable chorus:

“He drowned in all our sins
He drowned in our mistakes
Fueled by the flood, we pay in blood
The curse of Crystal Lake
He’s down there deep within
We’ve found there's no escape
You just scratched the surface of the curse of Crystal Lake.”

So, what is this curse of Crystal Lake mentioned in the chorus? Well, a unique, cinematic soundbite following the second verse provides insight:

“Did you know my son drowned in this lake?
He should’ve been supervised
But the counselors were off having filthy sex
His name was Jason
And today is his birthday.”

Interesting to say the least.  Continuing on, “Thank God It’s Friday” continues to balance melodic and more raucous moments.  For example, half of the bridge is melodic, before embracing raucousness prior to the breakdown section.

10. India.Arie, “Give Thanks”

SongVersation: Medicine • BMG Rights Management • 2017

“Give Thanks” is a perfect example of depth in spite of a lack of depth.  Huh? India. Arie approaches “Give Thanks,” a highlight from SongVersation: Medicine (2017), like a Contemporary Christian (CCM) song, with repeated lyrics on the verse.  There are few lyrics, yet, her messaging is prudent and ultimately, transcendent.

At the end of “Give Thanks,” Arie brings together the few lyrics, successfully capping things off.

“There will never be another day just like this
So, let’s give praise now
We give praise, and ase
Say love, namaste
We give praise, for all that is.”

“Give Thanks” previously appeared on the playlist, 10 Songs Incorporating Thanksgiving Words, published in November 2017.

11. Blood Orange, “Thank You”

Ft. Ava Raiin

Freetown Sound • Domino • 2016

“Thank you for the promise of your faith / Thank you for all your praise / Even if you promise me away / Out of your gaze.”  That’s the chorus that Ava Raiin (the featured guest) sings on “Thank You,” which appears late on the track list of Freetown Sound.  Freetown Sound is the 2016 album by Blood Orange (Devonté Hynes).  What stands out about the chorus besides the gratitude are the spiritual references – faith and praise specifically. Is God, ‘The Most High’ the focal point, or is it all metaphorical? “That is the question!” What’s not questionable is the gratitude, which is why “Thank You” was selected for this playlist in the first place.

Hynes takes the reins on the sole verse and pre-chorus of this smooth, inspirational number.  “I’m used to thinking about the high state of God,” Devonté Hynes sings on the verse, continuing, “And how we can break down, and what it’s all about.” So, there’s some spirituality for sure. On the pre-chorus, the keyword is anything, which appears on four of the six lines.  Does the spiritual sensibility remain? Arguably, but “Thank You” is written with a degree of abstractness, so it’s a bit harder from this passage to determine exactly what Hynes is going for.  Throw in a socially charged sample at the end, and there’s even more complexity added to the mix:

“Let me tell you what it’s all about
A skin not considered equal
A meteor has more right than my people.”

11 THANKFUL SONGS TO SHOW GRATITUDE FOR [Photo Credits: 300 Entertainment, Atlantic, Bad Dreams, BMG Rights Management, Brent Faulkner, Columbia, Def Jam, Domino, EMPIRE, Fearless, Interscope, The Musical Hype, RCA, Republic]

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