12 Let Me (or Don’t Let Me) Songs features songs courtesy of Ariana Grande, Brett Young, The Chainsmokers, Zara Larsson, and ZAYN among others.

LET ME or DON’T LET ME – “That is the question!” Truthfully, that wasn’t really what was going down in Hamlet, but likely there weren’t evergreen articles or playlists back in the 1600s either.  Anyways, the latest curation on hand selects songs that feature the phrase “let me” or “don’t let me” – it’s really that simple.  Keeping it contemporary, all of these songs were recorded by their respective artist no later than 2015.  There is a cover song that originates in the ancient 2000s, but, it counts because the cover arrived in 2016.  Get over it.  Without further ado, here are 12 Let Me (or Don’t Let Me) Songs.  Featured artists include Ariana Grande, Brett Young, The Chainsmokers, Zara Larsson, and ZAYN. 

1. ZAYN, “Let Me”

Writers: Anthony Hannides, Khaled Rohaim, Michael Hannides & ZAYN « Producers: Khaled Rohaim & MakeYou KnowLove

RCA • 2018

“Sweet baby, our sex has meaning.” Ooh la-la ZAYN. It’s certainly not shocking that the urban-pop star addresses sexon his 2018 single, “Let Me”. Compared to his former number onse single, “Pillowtalk,” “Let Me” is less explicit, smoother, and much more tasteful. The backdrop is smooth, urban-pop at its best.  It’s incredibly uncluttered, with ample space for the production to ‘breathe’ you might say. ZAYN delivers some superb vocals, particularly when he sings in falsetto. Further amplifying the excellence of “Let Me” are the lovely vocal harmonies on the chorus.

2. Jorja Smith, “Let Me Down” (Ft. Stormzy)

FAMM • 2018

20-year old English R&B artist Jorja Smith compels on ballad, “Let Me Down”. “Let Me Down” commences moodily, fashioned as a piano-driven ballad.  Smith delivers pure, radiant, and expressive vocals, possessing a distinct tone, particularly the cracks and nuances. The first statement of the chorus amplifies the emotional intensity, growing more dynamic.  Smith pushes more, providing more oomph and punch during the chorus though never over-sings or ‘forces the issue.’ Stormzy, who appears on the second verse, helps usher in the ‘build-up,’ key to the progression of this number.  By the second chorus, the production is more developed, highlighted by the addition of strings.  It’s followed by a gorgeous bridge where Smith sounds pure and radiant as opposed to serving up gospel histrionics.

3. Aaron Carter, “Let Me Let You Go”

Writers: Aaron Carter, Jon Asher, Melanie Fontana, Michel Schulz & Taylor Helgeson « Producers: Aaron Carter & Michel “Lindgren” Schulz

LØVË • Sony • 2018

Sleek, impressive production work is a major selling point of “Let Me Let You Go,” the eighth track on the long-awaited, Aaron Carter comeback album, LØVË. Like the majority of the album, the script is familiar: blemish-free electronic production work and romance with an inescapable sensual vibe. An enjoyable, respectable number, “Let Me Love You” is the type of record where vibe supersedes everything else.  Everybody loves a good vibe, right?

4. Sabrina Claudio, “Don’t Let Me Down” (Ft. Khalid)

Don’t Let Me Down – Single • SC Entertainment • 2018

Two marvelous voices join forces on “Don’t Let Me Down” – Sabrina Claudio and Grammy-nominated American Teen, Khalid.  Claudio, a rising member of the alternative R&B movement, sings with incredible sweetness, almost cooing.  Her sensual performance is simply too tempting to resist.  Khalid contrasts Claudio’s lush soprano with his deep, robust baritone. The vocal chemistry is superb to the nth degree.

5. Action Bronson, “Let Me Breathe”

Blue Chips 7000 • Atlantic • 2017

Action Bronson kept things brief on “Let Me Breathe”, the promo single for his proper sophomore album, Blue Chips 7000.  Noticeably, the production work on “Let Me Breathe” is slicker than the majority of his debut album (Mr. Wonderful), if still trailing the modern script.  Action Bronson continues to show off his big personality and a savvy flow. There is little to no substance, but the flex-fest is undeniable. Lyrically and thematically it’s more cliché than groundbreaking.

6. Brett Young, “Memory Won’t Let Me”

Writers: Brett Young, Justin Ebach & Steven Dale Jones

Brett Young • Big Machine • 2017

Brett Young seems to fit easily into a variety of playlists. The California country singer has appeared on multiple lists curated by The Musical Hype, mostly with the ‘big guns’ from his 2017 self-titled debut album.  Again, a lesser-known, deeper cut from Brett Young gets the nod on 12 Let Me (or Don’t Let Me) Songs. The rhythmic, banjo-driven “Memory Won’t Let Me,” the tenth track on Brett Young, finds Young still stuck on the memory of his ex.  Just IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW, Young is totally a hopeless romantic.

7. Marc E. Bassy, “Let Me Rock”

Writers: James Hau, Marc Griffin & William Mosgrove « Producer: James Alex Hau & William Mosgrove

Gossip Columns • Republic • 2017

“I can be bad all by myself.” Marc E. Bassy– known for moderate hit “You & Me”– quietly released his debut album, Gossip Columns, in the Fall of 2017.  The song at hand, “Let Me Rock” exhibits a bright sound, set in a major key.  Despite this musical optimism, Bassy clearly has some demons, specifically drugs, which are referenced throughout.

“Let me rock

We got Xans, got percs, got rocks…”

8. Zara Larsson, “Don’t Let Me Be Yours”

Writers: Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid, Steve Mac & Zara Larsson « Producer: Steve Mac

So Good • Epic • 2017

Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson was just 19 years old when she released her debut album, So Good in 2017.  Among the highlights was “Don’t Let Me Be Yours,” which has a classic scenario.  Zara wants this guy, but she knows it’s a mistake – she totally shouldn’t go there.  After a night of fun, Larsson essentially asks, what happens after hooking up?

9. Ariana Grande, “Let Me Love You” (Ft. Lil Wayne)

Writers: Ariana Grande, Jeremy Felton, Lil Wayne, Matthew O’Brien, Steven Franks, Thomas Brown, Tricon Markous Roberts & V. McCants « Producers: Steven Franks & Tommy Brown

Dangerous Woman • Republic • 2016

On her third album, Dangerous Woman, Ariana Grande become pronouncedly naughtier.  The 2016 album represented that coming of age project, finding her transitioning into more adult territory.  “Let Me Love You” exemplifies the darker vibe of the album, set in a minor key and firmly planted in the urban-pop idiom. Grande sings rhythmically in a breathy, cool, and sensual fashion.  Lil Wayne is tamer than usual, but certainly ‘no angel.’

10. The Chainsmokers, “Don’t Let Me Down” (Ft. Daya)

Writers: Andrew Taggart, Emily Warren & Scott Harris « Producers: Gino “Farrago” Barletta & The Chainsmokers

Collage – EP • Columbia • 2016

The Chainsmokers became Grammy winners thanks to Top-five, Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Don’t Let Me Down.” The same can be said for Daya, who was merely 17 years old when “Don’t Let Me Down” arrived on the scene.  Lyrically, as is the case with most electro-pop/dance records, “Don’t Let Me Down” leaves more to be desired.  That said, this record is catchy AF, and there’s simply no way you’ll ever forget the title – it’s repeated a bajillion times.

11. Chris Lane, “Let Me Love You”

Writers: Kameron Houff, Scott Storch & Shaffer Smith « Producer: Joey Moi

Girl Problems • Big Loud • 2016

Rising country artist Chris Lane took a risk on “Let Me Love You,” a standout from his 2016 debut album, Girl Problems.  The risk paid off, as his countrified interpretation of the 2004 Mario hit is much better than expected.  Lane doesn’t supplant the former number one hit, but he definitely does it justice by all means.

12. DJ Snake & Justin Bieber, “Let Me Love You”

Writers: Ali Tamposi, Andrew Watt, Austin Roser, Brian Lee, Edwin Pérez, Justin Bieber, Louis Bell, Lumidee Cedeno, Steven Marsden, Teddy Mendez & William Grigahcine « Producer: DJ Snake

Encore • Interscope • 2016

“Say, go through the darkest of days

Heaven’s a heartbreak away

Never let you go, never let me down.”

Sigh, it’s safe to say that the 2016 hit “Let Me Love You” was truly a COLLABORATIVE effort.  Take a look at the number of songwriters – geez Louise! Regardless, DJ Snake and Justin Bieber – the two main attractions – make sweet music together on this memorable dance/electro-pop gem.  As Bieber says it best, “Don’t you give up, nah, nah, nah.”