12 Totally Intriguing, ONLY Songs

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12 Totally Intriguing, ONLY Songs features Adele, Joshua Bassett, The National, Nicki Minaj & Patti LaBelle.

good vibes only

There’s ONLY one requirement of the musical compendium, 12 Totally Intriguing, ONLY Songs. Every song must feature the word ONLY in their respective title. Plain, simple, and straightforward – no frills! This is, indeed, and ONLY list!!!

12 Totally Intriguing, ONLY Songs features music courtesy of Adele, Joshua Bassett, The National, Nicki Minaj, and Patti LaBelle among others. That means, folks, we have alternative, pop, rap and R&B/soul covered, with those five musicians alone. Plus, there’s even more musical goodness were that came from! So, without further ado, let’s get right into this ONLY-ness!

1. Joshua Bassett, “Only a Matter of Time”

Joshua Bassett – EP • Warner • 2021

“And when did you stop bein’ kind? / You twisted your words like a knife…” Connotation = negative. The lyrics hail from “Only a Matter of Time”, a gorgeous if ‘troubled’ song from actor/singer Joshua Bassett, from his debut EP, Joshua Bassett (EP). What shines most about “Only a Matter of Time” is the lofty musicianship. This is a simple record, focused more on the lyrics than the production. That said, the production (Bassett and Jake Gosling) is a selling point, particularly the use of piano. There are other sounds, but the rhythmic piano chords are the main driving force.

Vocally, Bassett sings radiantly, pouring his heart out in his speculated response to the Olivia Rodrigo megahit, “drivers license”. He gives us middle and upper register, with his falsetto coming off incredibly sweet. Of course, the biggest draw is the lyrics. There’s nothing incredibly complex or otherworldly, just emotionally fueled, honest lyrics. The chorus is the centerpiece, but the contrasting bridge might be the most intriguing section. What’s not to like about this ballad? This is a surefire bop.

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2. Lecrae, “Only Human” (Ft. BJ The Chicago Kid)

Restoration • Reach • 2020

“Only Human” appears as the sixth track on Restoration, the 2020 studio album by Grammy-winning rapper Lecrae. On “Only Human,” he taps Grammy-nominated R&B artist, BJ The Chicago Kid, for the assist. The Kid’s soulful pipes is the first voice we hear. He sounds phenomenal on the repentant chorus.

“Please forgive me if I mess up

Knowing that you watch is so much pressure

Still, God, I thank, I’ll never let up

So, every day when I see the sun come up, I’ma say,

Get it done, every day…”

Lecrae, of course, holds down the verses on “Only Human.” He proclaims at the beginning of the first, “Ain’t no prescription for my brokenness, no pills for hopelessness,” ultimately coming to the realization he must embrace God. His flow, lyricism, and honesty impress, continuing onto the second verse. “I ain’t wanna live, my babies need me live / Come too far to shut my eyes,” he raps in the second verse, continuing, but all this pain, I can’t survive / But God said, ‘Hol’ up, I got it, I got it, I do this.” “Only Human” is the exemplification of being human, going through struggles, and fighting through adversity. In this instance, Lecrae has a higher power on his side.

Appears in :

13 Marvelous Human Songs

3. Taylor Swift, “Only the Young”

“Only the Young” • Taylor Swift • 2020

Taylor Swift keeps things short and sweet on “Only the Young” from her Netflix documentary, Miss Americana. Written and produced with Joel Little, “Only the Young” is a politically charged pop record. The Grammy-winner addresses the controversial 2016 presidential election (“The game was rigged, the ref got tricked”), the muted voices of the youth (“you were outnumbered this time”), and school shootings/gun control (“So every day now / You brace for the sound you’ve only heard on TV/ You go to class, scared / Wondering where the best hiding spot would be.”

Ultimately, Swift uses unfortunate situations to empower the youth to drive change. This is best exemplified in the chorus, which highlights the titular lyric. Beyond the chorus, on the post-chorus/bridge, she further encourages the young to be resolute:

“Don’t say you’re too tired to fight

It’s just a matter of time.”

#ONLYTHEYOUNG!

Appears in :

13 Songs Bound to Make You Feel Young Again

4. The National, “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness”

Sleep Well Beast • 4AD • 2017

Ah, “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” – a song title featuring seven words. The National frontman, Matt Berninger, describes “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” as, “An abstract portrait of the weird time we’re in”. That explains the odd vibes of the record. In the first verse, lyrically, Berninger is disappointed and arguably, deceived.

“Maybe I listen more than you think

I can tell that somebody sold you

We said we’ve never let anyone in

We said we’d only die of lonely secrets.”

Such deception continues on throughout the chorus section. Likewise, the second verse finds Berninger surprised by the condition of things, approached like a relationship. As stacked as Grammy-winning album Sleep Well Beast is, “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” is the crowning achievement.

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5. Adele, “One and Only”

21 • XL Recordings Ltd. • 2011

“I dare you to let me be your, one and only / Promise I’m worth it / To hold in your arms.” 21, the critically acclaimed, 2011 album by Adele has no shortage of hits. “One and Only” definitely stands out on a truly deep, masterfully crafted album. Just to refresh your memory, 21 would go on to win six Grammys including the highly coveted Album of the Year.

Even as great as “One and Only” is, the likes of “Rolling In The Deep”, “Someone Like You”, or “Set Fire to the Rain” are often mentioned prior to it. Worth noting, all of those songs were (1) singles and (2) no. 1 singles. That said, this rousing, bluesy, gospel-infused ONE record can’t be denied – period! Adele wrote the record with Dan Wilson and Greg Wells. Notably, Rick Rubin produces. Hallelujah ! The robust nature of Adele’s voice is simply masterful on this emotionally charged, commitment-driven affair. Love always wins, right? Right!

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6. Nine Inch Nails, “Only”

With Teeth • Interscope • 2005

“There is no you / There is only me / there is no fucking you / There is only me / Only.” Thanks for making that crystal-clear Trent Reznor! “Only” is a definite standout from With Teeth, the 2005 album by industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. Of course, Reznor is the most important, notable piece of NIN.

Focusing on the song at hand, this mysterious joint finds Trent feeling ‘some type of way,’ and we aren’t referring to romance. “Sometimes I think I can see right through myself.” Whoa! It should be noted, earlier on With Teeth, Reznor asks, “Don’t you fucking know what you are?”

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7. Nicki Minaj, “Only” (Ft. Drake, Lil Wayne & Chris Brown)

The Pinkprint • Cash Money • 2014=

“Yo / I never fucked Wayne, I never fucked Drake / On my life, man, fuck’s sake.” Well now… It’s safe to say that Nicki Minaj commences her 2014 single, “Only”, with a bang. She continues on the risqué, unapologetic banger from The Pinkprint, “If I did, I’d menage with ‘em / And let ‘em eat my ass like a cupcake.” Holy shiitake mushrooms, Nicki! Minaj cusses like a sailor and keeps it . Also, she mentions guys chasing her because of “Big titties, big butt too.”

While Nicki is the main, brash attraction on “Only,” she gets help from Drake, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown. Brown handles the chorus only, touting “Nothing but real niggas only, bad bitches only / Rich niggas only, independent bitches only…” Drake takes the second verse, confirming he’s never had sex with Nicki, but has objectified her (“She was sitting down on that big butt, but I was still staring at the titties though”). He doesn’t stop there, mentioning his type are “BBW / Yeah, the type that wanna suck you dry and then eat lunch with you / Yeah, so thick everybody else in the room is so uncomfortable.” It shouldn’t be a shock that Lil Wayne is true to self, including his assertion, “I piss greatness, like goldish yellow,” and the fact that he’s, “Got two hoes with me, masked up, they got smaller guns.” The key with a song like “Only” is to take it with a grain of salt. Nicki Minaj is at her best when she’s sexed TF up, and “Only” is a prime example. Her colleagues all fall in line, contributing to this outlandish, raunchy banger. Nicki says it best: “And tell them bitches blow me / Lance Stephenson.”

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8. Jonas Brothers, “Only Human”

Happiness Begins • Jonas Brothers Recording / Republic • 2019

Following a one-two punch of “Sucker” and “Cool” is a tall task. Of course, both songs served as promo singles (and the opening duo) of Happiness Begins. Backtracking a bit, Happiness Begins was the 2019 comeback album by Jonas Brothers, following a decade-long hiatus! The ska-infused pop of “Only Human” proves to be quite satisfying, with Shellback producing.

This ska sound doesn’t work for everybody, but surprisingly, the Jonas Brothers have the ‘swagger’ to pull it off, surprisingly. Notably, “Only Human” references the album’s title lyrically:

“You got all my love to spend, oh

Let’s find a place where happiness begins.”

Appears in :

13 Marvelous Human Songs

9. Sam Smith, “I’m Not the Only One”

In The Lonely Hour • Capitol • 2014

“You and me, we made a vow / For better or for worse…” Uh-oh – where are you going with this Sam Smith? “I can’t believe you let me down / But the proof’s in the way it hurts.” Ah, on “I’m Not the Only One,” we’ve got a case of cheating. The Academy and Grammy-award-winning singer superbly expresses their anger and pain on this standout from his 2015 tour de force, In The Lonely Hour.

The chorus superbly sums up Smith’s feelings regarding infidelity:

“You say I’m crazy

‘Cause you don’t think I know what you’ve done

But when you call me baby

I know I’m not the only one.”

The solid, personal songwriting doesn’t stop there. Sam keeps it personal during the second verse, singing, “You’ve been so unavailable / Your heart is unobtainable / Even though Lord knows you kept mine.” Besides the theme and lyrics, the production and the soulful aesthetic are big selling points. There’s a marvelous gospel vibe, which reaches full fruition following the bridge.

Appears in :

11 Absolutely NOT Songs

10. Arctic Monkeys, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”

AM • Domino • 2013

Years before singing about an imaginary hotel and casino ( Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino), British alternative rock band Arctic Monkeys posed a very important question: “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” appears as the ninth song on their 2013 album, AM. “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” features an awesome groove and theme.

Alex Turner finds himself ‘trailing’ in the pursuance of the girl. “Somewhere darker, talking the same shite,” he sings in verse two, adding, “I need a partner, well are you out tonight?” Despite Turner’s lack of game, “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” totally rocks. The chorus is its crowning achievement of the song itself:

“Now it’s three in the morning and I’m trying to change your mind

Left you multiple missed calls and to my message, you reply

Why’d you only call me when you’re high?”

Appears in :

11 Songs Associated with the Phone
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ONLY: 5ive Songs No. 21 (2020)
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11. Amy Winehouse, “He Can Only Hold Her”

Back to Black • Universal Island • 2006

In a showdown for the ages, Amy Winehouse seemed a lock to win the highly coveted Album of the Year at the 50^th Annual Grammy Awards with the soulful masterwork, Back in Black. She was in what was perceived to be dead heat with Kanye West ( Graduation), but after winning five awards that evening, it seemed like a done deal. Of course, by now, everyone knows that arguably the biggest underdog ever, River: The Joni Letters by veteran jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, shocked the world (and him too). Regardless, Back in Black has easily cemented its place in musical history.

“He Can Only Hold Her” didn’t receive the same amount of attention as “Rehab”, “Back to Black”, or “You Know I’m No Good”, but it’s just as elite as those standouts. The production ( John P*Nut Harrison and Mark Ronson) is absolutely lit, fueled by a badass, vintage soul sample ( “My Girl (She’s a Fox)” courtesy of The Icemen). Unrequited in spirit, the love is one-sided. There are physical attributes mind you, but clearly Winehouse simply isn’t feeling him the same way he feels her or how she feels about her ex.

12. Patti LaBelle, “If Only You Knew”

I’m In Love Again • Philadelphia International / Sony BMG • 1983

“I must have rehearsed my lines / A thousand times / Until I had them memorized.” Ah, those famous opening lyrics hail from Patti LaBelle, specifically, one of her biggest, most renowned hits, “If Only You Knew”. “If Only You Knew” appears on her 1983, gold-certified album, I’m In Love Again. This ultra-smooth soul cut, amazingly, was merely a moderate hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no. 46 – #TRAVESTY! Of course, “If Only You Knew” performed better on the R&B charts.

So, why was Patti LaBelle rehearsing lines? Well, she needed to tell him her true feelings. Basically, it took her a while to “get up the nerve / To tell you the words.” Those words are, of course, finding LaBelle revealing her love. The classic chorus says it best:

“If only you knew

How much I do

Do love you

If only you know

How much I do

I do need you.”

Of course, LaBelle sings brilliantly, showing poise early on and ‘letting her rip’ as the record progresses. “If Only You Knew” was tailor-made for LaBelle. Penned by the talented team of Cynthia Biggs, Dexter Wansel, and Kenneth Gamble, it’s incredibly well written. LaBelle takes this love-driven gem and runs with it.

Appears in :

Patti LaBelle, “If Only You Knew”: Throwback Vibez 2 (2022)

12 Totally Intriguing, ONLY Songs [: 4AD, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Cash Money, Domino, Interscope, Jonas Brothers Recording, Meruyert Gonullu, The Musical Hype, Peassa, Pexels, Philadelphia International, Reach, Republic, Sony BMG, Taylor Swift, Tomas Toledo, Universal Island, Warner, XL Recordings Ltd.]

12 Totally Intriguing, ONLY Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on August 22, 2022August 22, 2022