12 Powerful Songs About the Wind | Playlist

12 Powerful Songs About the Wind features Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Kansas, Ludovico Einaudi, SZA & Tyler, The Creator.  

“The wind and the rain shall obey thy will / Peace be still, peace be still!” Those are powerful lyrics from one of the most powerful hymns in the game – I mean the church.  That said, “Peace Be Still” has little to do with this 34^th compendium published in the year of our Lord, 2022, save for referencing the keyword, WIND . That’s right! This list is all about wind, defined by Merriam-Webster as “a natural movement of air of any velocity.” Say that Merriam!

12 Powerful Songs About the Wind features an eclectic crop of musicians – you know how we do at The Musical Hype! The artists with those powerful songs featuring WIND in their title include Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Kansas, Ludovico Einaudi, SZA, and Tyler, The Creator among others. So, let’s see, there’s some Midwest rap, rock, classical, R&B, and alternative rap. Compelling! So, without further do, let’s get this WIND on these 12 Powerful Songs About the Wind !!!

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1. Ludovico Einaudi, “Wind Song”

Underwater • Ludovico Einaudi / Decca • 2022

Often, I’ll commence a compendium with a surefire bang.  Instead, how about an unexpected vibe? Sometimes, a ‘vibe’ can be instrumental.  Italian pianist Ludovico Einaudi certainly serves up an instrumental vibe on “Wind Song.” “Wind Song” arrives as the eighth track on Einaudi’s 2022 album, Underwater.

There may be no words to direct the narrative of “Wind Song,” but the moody, minor key and gorgeous piano lines sufficiently do the job.  Einaudi never overplays, providing a simple, tuneful melody and ample repetition.  Even though it’s set in a dark, minor key (B minor precisely), “Wind Song” is incredibly tranquil, perfect background music for any occasion.

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2. Tyler, The Creator, “Hot Wind Blows” (Ft. Lil Wayne)

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST • Columbia • 2021

“We just landed in Geneva / Yeah, that’s in Switzerland.” DJ Drama announces those lines on “Hot Wind Blows,” another elite number from CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST. For those keeping score, CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST marks the third straight masterpiece by Grammy-winning rapper, Tyler, The Creator.  Keeping the album star-studded, Tyler enlists  “Weezy the GOAT,” aka fellow Grammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne for the assist.  

Lil Wayne drops bars, following the first verse by Tyler.  For good measure, Tyler remains in character within the context of CMIFYGL (Tyler Baudelaire), asserting, “We boated here, it’s Tunechi and Tyler but call me Baudelaire, yeah.”  Also, he keeps the production on-point, no cap, sampling “Slow Hot Wind” by Penny Goodwin and “Senile” by Young Money. As for Weezy, he’s true to self, whether it’s mentioning lean, exuding ample confidence, or flexing.

Appears in : 

• Wind: 3BOPS No. 46 (2021)

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3. SZA, “Doves in the Wind” (Ft. Kendrick Lamar)

Ctrl • Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA• 2017

“Doves in the Wind” packs the biggest punch of Ctrl.  For some context, Ctrl is the 2017 debut album by Grammy-nominated R&B artist, SZA.  Notably, the song at hand, which enlists Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar for the assist, focuses on – wait for it – pussy.  According to SZA, “Real niggas do not deserve pussy.” Woo! Also, cleverly, she references K-Dot’s “These Walls” (“Meaning it’s more, you see right through walls”) and Forrest Gump (“Come with me, Forrest Gump had a lot goin’ for him / Never without pussy, y’know, Jenny almost gave it all up for him”).

It doesn’t end there for SZA, who later asserts “Your [beep] is weak buddy / It’s only replaced by a rubber substitute.” Yikes – analyze that one for yourself.  The big takeaway is she’s disgusted by the shallowness of men.  Women, specifically their private parts, should be respected, not merely objectified or avenues of pleasure for men whenever they desire. Kendrick Lamar expounds on p-power on the second verse, uttering the word at least 17 times.

“You overcompensate too much for the pussy

You like to throw all kinda shade for the pussy

See, that’s what pussy niggas do.”

Kendrick makes a valid point there.

Appears in :

• Wind: 3BOPS No. 46 (2021)

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4. Kansas, “Dust in the Wind”

Point of Know Return • Sony • 1977 

“I close my eyes / Only for a moment and the moment’s gone / All my dreams / Pass before my eyes, a curiosity.” When you think of Kansas (the band), what’s the first song that comes to mind? Likely, it’s “Dust in the Wind”, the band’s biggest hit.  “Dust in the Wind” marked the band’s sole top-10 hit, peaking at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Worth noting, the Grammy-nominated band did not receive their sole nomination for “Dust in the Wind,” their ace-in-the-hole.  No, they received a Grammy nom for “Crossfire” … I’ll leave it at that.

“Now, don’t hang on

Nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky

It slips away

And all your money won’t another minute buy.”

“Dust in the Wind” arrives on the band’s 1977 album, Point of Know Return.  Acoustic driven, notably, the sound of the record is quite different than the rest of the catalog.  Compare it to their other popular songs, as well as “Crossfire” and it’s clearly ‘a change of pace.’ Way to go out of character, Kansas!  One of the biggest things that stands out about “Dust in the Wind” is that signature, picked acoustic guitar line.  Also selling points: warm lead vocals, vocal harmonies, the strings, and of course, the lyrics.  This reflective record packs a mean punch considering how gentle it is.

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5. Pharrell Williams, “Gust of Wind”

G I R L • Columbia • 2014 

“When I first saw you, I got excited / Tried to keep my composure, tryna hide it / But I didn’t know / I didn’t let go.” Ooh wee! Pharrell Williams easily made one of the best R&B albums of 2014 with G I R L.  The 13x Grammy winner even managed to beat Beyoncé’s self-titled visual album for the Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album.  That category has since been renamed to Progressive R&B album, but the point is, it was a bright spot in 2014 for an often-struggling genre.  One of the best songs from G I R L not named “Happy” is the windy “Gust of Wind.” He’s assisted by Daft Punk who co-wrote the record.

“When I open the window / I wanna hug you / Cause you remind me of the air / I said yeah.” Woo!  “Gust of Wind” features exceptional production work (by Williams, of course), driven by its groove. Pharrell’s vocals are clear, soulful, and nuanced.  Williams is chivalrous here, dedicated to the one he loves.  He’s clearly infatuated, evidenced by pre- and post-choruses, and most of all, the head honcho, the chorus!

“Like a gust of wind

You head me off sometimes

Like a gust of wind

You push me back every once in a while

Like a gust of wind

You remind me there’s someone up there

Who ushers in

The air I need to power my sail.”

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6. Tori Kelly, “Colors of the Wind – from Pocahantas”

We Love Disney • Disney • 2015

There’s no way around it. Pocahontas is one of Disney’s most controversial animated films.  The main reason is the historical liberties taken, of course. If the film weren’t based on history, well, there’d be far few problems.  Even though Pocahontas, an important part of the Disney Renaissance has its issues, those issue don’t include the animation, voice acting, or the soundtrack. The soundtrack, composed by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, is exceptional, particularly the crowning achievement, “Colors of the Wind.”

On the We Love Disney compilation, Grammy-winning pop/Christian singer Tori Kelly is tasked with covering the 1995 classic sung by both Judy Kuhn and Vanessa Williams for the film.  As expected, Kelly kills it – in the most positive way possible!  She showcases poise in the verses, showing off the sheer beauty of her voice and the melody of this iconic Disney record.  Even in the first chorus, Kelly never forces things, accompanied by guitar and lush strings.  Notably, in the second verse, we get more instrumentation and tastefully harmonized vocals.  Waiting for Kelly to let loose? No worries, the big moment happens after the bridge.  She doesn’t stay there, but she shows just how gifted and soulful she is vocally.  Bravo!

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7. Alec Benjamin, “Must Have Been the Wind”

These Two Windows • 2020 

“Must Have Been the Wind” arrived early during the These Two Windows release cycle. Backtracking a bit, These Two Windows marked the official debut album of sweet-voiced pop singer/songwriter, Alec Benjamin.  With a compendium in need of windy songs, there was no way that “Must Have Been the Wind” could be left out of the fold!

The penultimate track from These Two Windows finds Benjamin imparting a story. A heavy record, “Must Have Been the Wind” is about domestic abuse and about the role that a friend of someone who has suffered such abuse has.  “I knew somebody who was in a situation like that, and I wanted to help them out,” he tells Apple Music, “But they weren’t ready to talk about it.  That’s a tough situation to be in as a friend…”  While “Must Have Been the Wind” covers a tough subject, it’s a brilliant heart-on-the-sleeves, thoughtful record tailor-made for Alec.

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8. Elton John, “Candle in the Wind – 1997”

“Candle in the Wind – 1997” • Mercury • 1997

Tragedy affects and changes everything.  The world was shocked and saddened in August 1997 when Diana, Princess of Wales died following a car accident at the age of 36.  I can remember being 11 years old, waking up to the news that she hadn’t survived the accident. Even being from the United States and not England, the impact of the loss of Diana was heavy.  “Candle in the Wind – 1997” was released in her memory by Elton John, who performed the song at her memorial service. Of course, longtime lyricist, Bernie Taupin, rewrote the lyrics for the incredibly sad occasion.

“Goodbye England’s rose

May you ever grow in our hearts

You were the grace that placed itself

Where lives were torn apart.”

Ah, such moving, memorable lyrics Bernie! Of course, John sang it marvelously. Unsurprisingly, when released as a single alongside another Elton favorite, “Something About The Way You Look Tonight”, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100… for 14 weeks!  I can remember being excited as an 11-year-old to purchase it (this was before iTunes, streaming, etc.). Apparently, the perception of this single is more polarizing for some… 

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9. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, “Wind Blow”

Strength & Loyalty • Interscope • 2007

Sampling is an amazing thing.  Sure, some folks have their criticisms but personally, I think it offers ample possibilities and reintroduces classics to a new generation.  On “Wind Blow,” Bradd Young and Pretty Boy marvelously repurpose a Fleetwood Mac classic, “The Chain”. Grammy-winning Midwest darlings Bone Thugs-N-Harmony totally eat that shit up (“Ayo, we ain’t always been accepted like this / Till a nigga got that Grammy”)!

In the first verse, we get straight heat from Layzie Bone, with contributions from Krayzie Bone and Wish Bone.  The Fleetwood Mac sample also plays a crucial role, emphasizing the lyric, “Listen to the wind blow.” The chorus is a treat, featuring only the sample, performing the beloved refrain from “The Chain.”  The rest of “Wind Blow” is patterned similarly, with more agile flows from Layzie, Krayzie, and Wish Bone and of course, that classic rock being repurposed masterfully on this under-appreciated 2007 rap banger from Strength & Loyalty.

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10. Orville Peck, “Winds Change”

Pony • Sub Pop • 2019

“Ride, ride the wind.” Indeed, Orville Peck! The gay South African country artist based in Canada is truly fascinating – an UNDERSTATEMENT.  He first impressed the world on his 2019 debut album, Pony.  There, he unveiled the windy record, “Winds Change.”

Peck pens “Winds Change” alongside Duncan Hay Jennings.  As always, he blesses the listener with his rich, masculine vocals.  The man sings with such expression – I could listen to him sing all day . I’m in love, I’ll admit it! Anyways, speaking of my love for Peck, “Winds Change” explores the topic. Right off the bat, Peck sings in the first verse, “Had a lover but I lost my patience / gonna get a song on a radio station.” Hmm, I guess his focus shifted – go get that money Orville.  He references ‘love’ again in the second verse, though merely briefly: “Met a lot of men who would call me pretty.” Regardless of the ultimate importance of the line to the song, it finds him flexing his muscles bringing a colorful, queer element that I’m (and plenty others) are totally here for in his music.  The winds may change Orville but please, don’t you ever change – I beg you, you gifted fringe-masked South African Canadian talent, you!

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11. Marvin Sapp, “Fresh Wind”

Here I Am • Verity • 2010

“I feel the presence of the Lord moving in the atmosphere,” Grammy-nominated gospel singer, Marvin Sapp asserts at the beginning of “Fresh Wind”.  He continues singing, “Like on the day of Pentecost, they were all with one accord / And a sound came from heaven like a rushing mighty force.” A rushing might force, huh? Of course, that force is The Holy Spirit, which, if you believe in Trinity, it all comes down to The Most High, GOD.

“Fresh Wind / Fill the house / Fill the house with Your presence.” The Your is key – merciful, all-powerful, and omniscient.  On this highlight from his 2010 album, Here I Am, the premise is simple yet requires faith. Sapp speaks about the greatness of God – his abilities to perform miracles. He constantly references The Day of Pentecost, hence why he cites “The Bible as a witness” to “Feel Him in the air.” Sapp did not write this inspiring song – that was Jonathan Dunn – but him, assisted by choir, do a marvelous job of performing  and highlighting the importance of the text and message.  Long-time Sapp collaborator Aaron Lindsey produces this spiritual affair which sounds just a fresh as it did upon its arrival in 2010.  Don’t we all need a fresh wind? Yes, yes, YES, we do!

Appears in :

• Marvin Sapp, “Fresh Wind”: Music Lifts 1 (2022)

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12. Bette Midler, “Wind Beneath My Wings”

Beaches • Atlantic • 1988

Question: “Did you ever know that you’re my hero / And everything I would like to be?” Just hearing those famous lyrics give me chills! Bette Midler is undoubtedly an icon.  Her career as an award-winning actress and singer is truly amazing and ‘once in a lifetime.’  Among her most iconic moments was her recording of the oft-covered, much beloved song, “Wind Beneath My Wings.”  No, Midler was not the first to record this Jeff Silbar and  Larry Henley penned hit. Doesn’t matter because her version, which appeared on the soundtrack for the film Beaches, has become the definitive, most decorated version of the song.

Few would deny that “Wind Beneath My Wings” is the perfect song.  The music and lyrics – incredibly thoughtful and poetically penned – are awesome. “It must’ve been cold there in my shadow,” the first verse commences, continuing, “To never have sunlight on your face.” So, so, gorgeous! Add those expressive vocals by Midler, along with a heaping dose of authenticity, and this record is nothing short of a juggernaut.  The chorus, excerpted at the top (the centerpiece of this masterpiece), continues as follows:

“I can fly higher than an eagle

For you are the wind beneath my wings.”

Appears in :

• Take Flight with These 11 Wings Songs
• Wind: 3BOPS No. 46 (2021)

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12Powerful Songs About the Wind [: Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Columbia, Decca, Disney, Galvão Menacho, imustbedead, Interscope, Kat Smith, Ludovico Einaudi, Mercury, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Polina Kovaleva, RCA, Ron Lach, Sony, Stephen Francis, Sub Pop, Suparerg Suksai, Suraj Gangoni, Top Dawg Entertainment, The Lazy Artist Gallery]

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