12 Unique Songs Loosely Associated with the Moon | Playlist 🎧

1. Roddy Ricch, “Moonwalkin”

Ft. Lil Durk

Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial • Atlantic • 2019

21-year old Roddy Ricch had a breakout year in 2019. He had a hit with Mustard on the single, “Ballin’”, which appeared on the album, Perfect Ten.  More notably, the Compton, California rapper’s debut studio album, Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial, debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200. Given the fact that this playlist is all about the moon, it’s the perfect place opportunity to highlight “Moonwalkin,” featuring Lil Durk. “Moonwalkin” appears as the fifth track on Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial.  Fabio and Sonic serve as the producers.

“Say she wanna fuck another bitch, I made it happen / Felt like Michael Jackson moonwalkin’ / Smooth Criminal, smooth criminal talkin’, yeah…” Um, Question: How much is “Moonwalkin” associated with the moon itself? Answer: Not very much to be honest.  The title is a reference to Michael Jackson’s signature dance, the moonwalk. In Roddy Ricch’s hands, moonwalkin’ is drenched in confidence, swagger, drip, and most of all, sex. “Hit that booty on the trip and make her pussy drip,” Ricch raps on the chorus, continuing, “Pussy designer, she fuck with fifth / She like to ride ‘round on top the dick.” As for Lil Durk, he’s also quite horny, opening the second verse with the lyrics, “I see that pussy through your panty, oh / I fuck on the back, I put my thumb in her –.” Wow.  Durk goes on later to say, “We havin’ sex and I don’t like to brag,” but I have my doubts about the fact he doesn’t enjoying bragging – there’s plenty of it on “Moonwalkin’.”

2. Harry Styles, “Canyon Moon”

Fine Line • Columbia • 2019

Sly & The Family Stone once asserted, “Everybody is a Star”. That said, every boy band typically has ONE star. Within One Direction, despite a degree of success with multiple members, in my opinion, Harry Styles is that star. After a promising debut with his 2017, self-titled album, he returned at the end of 2019 with his sophomore album, Fine Line. An intriguing, eclectic effort, Styles lands on this moon-centric list thanks to the 10^th track from the album, “Canyon Moon.”

“Gotta see it to believe it, sky never looked so blue / … So, I keep thinking back to a time under the canyon moon.” “Canyon Moon” is an incredibly groovy, folk-rock record that suits Harry Styles particularly well. Styles showcases his love of old-school music, which includes musical cues such as harmonized lead vocal melodies, rhythmic acoustic guitars, and how the keyboards are used.  The result is a beautiful record that’s arguably a bit anachronistic as we begin the 2020s, yet, simultaneously, a refreshing ‘blast of the past.’

3. Ali Gatie, “Moonlight”

YOU • LISN / Warner • 2019

“You’re the reason I believe that love is real / Ain’t nobody make me feel the way you make me feel.” Ah, love! Safe to say that “Moonlight,” a smooth ballad, appears as the second track on YOU, is a prime example of song that exhibits being in your feelings.  That’s what Ali Gatie says about writing the song from his debut project – It was this late night, in my feels, 3 a.m., I was in my bed and I had that first line come.  Gatie, a pop/R&B/rap singer-songwriter based in Toronto, was born in Yemen.

To reiterate, “Moonlight” is a smooth ballad, produced by Adrian “Adriano” Allahverdi.  Adriano is also credited as the co-writer with Ali Gatie.  Stylistically, “Moonlight” is best characterized as R&B or at the least, embodying the style.  Where does the moon come into play with this one? Well, it’s not the most scientific explanation, but Gatie manages to relate romance and sex with it.  “You remind me of the moon,” he sings on the bridge, continuing, “‘Cause every night, you’re coming back.”  On the second verse, he asserts, “Since you left me, every night, I go stare at the moon / Wishing it was you and I, that’s something we would do.”  So, essentially, the moon reminds him of her – fair enough.

4. Black Pumas, “Black Moon Rising”

Black Pumas • ATO • 2019

“Shoot me down and break my heart / It’s the black moon rising / You brave the sight, I paint the picture / And you want to do it…” If you haven’t heard the Grammy-nominated duo Black Pumas, well, you’re totally missing out.  Singer Eric Burton, and guitarist/producer Adriana Quesada kept soul and funk alive and well on their self-titled debut album.  Black Pumas commences with a moon song, the terrific “Black Moon Rising.”

One of the things that makes Black Pumas’ music cool in general is the ambience – the V-I-B-E!  Here, on “Black Moon Rising,” the backdrop is retro to the core, with electrifying soulful guitars (Quesada), keyboards, and strings.  The harmonic progression is more adventurous than most contemporary pop or urban contemporary progressions, stretching the ear more without being incredibly ‘left of center.’ Eric Burton sounds incredible, showcasing both a nuanced, full-voiced approach, as well as some absolutely decadent, colorful falsetto.

Beyond all the music elements that makes this psych-soul record awesome, there’s also the lyrics. “Black Moon Rising” is certainly awesome in its own right.  Besides the afore-referenced, excerpted chorus, Eric Burton sings about his desire for his “sunshine,” a woman he’s infatuated with, to return. At the end of the first verse, he sings:

“Every time you get dressed in black
You give a grown man a heart attack
I pray that good Lord will bring you back
You’re my sunshine.”

Of course, it is the numerous references to the titular lyric that help solidify the greatness of “Black Moon Rising.”

5. Luke Combs, “Moon Over Mexico”

What You See is What You Get • River House Artists LLC / Sony Music Entertainment • 2019

The ascent of country singer Luke Combs is pretty amazing.  Looks don’t dictate success and certainly not talent, but if you judged “the book by its cover,” Combs isn’t your prototypical male country artist.  Perhaps that’s part of the charm with Combs, not to mention he has a sensational voice, seems to understand his artistic niche, and has a knack for writing some great songs.  “Moon Over Mexico,” which hails from his sophomore album, What You See is What You Get, is no exception to that rule.

“Moon Over Mexico” appears as the fifth track on Combs’ former no. 1 album.  This is a gorgeous country ballad that finds Luke Combs reminiscing on an unforgettable experience with a woman he felt some type away about.  “I can still see your blue sky-blue eyes hangin’ on a mango kiss,” he sings on the opening line of the first verse.  Later, on the second verse, he’s regretful, singing, “The second I left, I was kickin’ myself / ‘Cause I knew I should’ve stayed.” The centerpiece, of course is the catchy, memorable, and well sung chorus:

“Under a moon over Mexico
Holdin’ onto you as the low tide rolls
Whatever that buzz was, I ain’t felt it since
But I can’t seem to let it go
And there was a shine in the dark, a flame from a spark
And a lime in a Pacifico
Under a moon over Mexico…”

6. Bruce Springsteen, “Moonlight Motel”

Western Stars • Bruce Springsteen • 2019

Prior to the release of Western Stars in 2019, it had been five years since a new album from the legendary Bruce Springsteen.  The wait was well worth it at least as Springsteen comes in with some solid material on Western Stars.  No, he doesn’t reinvent the wheel on the Western-tinged conceptual affair (there’s also a film by the way), but he certainly reminds us why he’s among the greatest rock musicians to ever grace the earth.  The song that secures Mr. Springsteen a spot on this moon-centered list is “Moonlight Motel.”

Of course, “Moonlight Motel” has nothing to do with the moon itself – shocking, right? Nonetheless, the record concludes Western Stars enjoyably.  The album itself is filled with narrative driven songs and “Moonlight Motel” is no exception. “I poured a bottle of Jack out of a paper bag,” ‘The Boss’ sings, continuing, “Pour one for me and one for you as well / Then it was one more shot poured out onto the parking lot / To the Moonlight Motel.”  Again, this only makes this playlist because it features the word ‘moon’ in the title.  It is what it is!

7. Brantley Gilbert, “Man That Hung the Moon”

Fire & Brimstone • Big Machine • 2019

Even a male country artist that’s rough around the edges can surprise you sometimes.  By rough, I paint a visual of a man that enjoys being outdoors and just might have his fair share of tattoos. Believe it or not, it’s not always about a “Small Town Throwdown” for the hella successful Brantley Gilbert, if you couldn’t tell who I was characterizing.  In 2019, the good ole, Georgia outlaw released his fifth studio album, Fire & Brimstone.

“Man That Hung the Moon,” like other songs on this playlist, isn’t really mindful of the satellite that orbits the earth. “Man That Hung the Moon” is built on an idiom.  In other words, this song has NOTHING to do with moon.  Here, Brantley Gilbert pays ode to his children.  “Lost my breath when I / Saw you take your first / My whole world stopped like that,” he sings paternally on the first verse.  On the second, he adds, “And I already know / You’ll probably be a Mama’s boy / It worked out fine for your dad / I hope I’m still your hero.”  The centerpiece, particularly considering that that’s where the idiom comes into play, is the chorus:

“You’re gonna think I hung the moon
You’re gonna think I made the sky
That the sun rises
And sets inside of my eyes
And it won’t be long
‘Til I hear, ‘Daddy’s home’ and
Footsteps running to
The man that hung the moon.”

8. Arctic Monkeys, “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino”

Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino • Domino • 2018

“Good afternoon / Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino / Mark Speaking / Please, tell me, how may I direct your call?” Not a chorus you hear every day to say the least! Most critics embraced Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino, the unique comeback album by British alternative band Arctic Monkeys, though some where more skeptical.  Personally, the album was intriguing and a refreshing change of pace from Alex Turner and company. Minor key title track “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” ranks among the crème de la crème, arguably the crowning achievement.  Of course, you’re probably wondering why a song that lacks the word ‘moon’ in the title makes this moon-themed list.  More on that to come!

“I’ve been on a bender back to the prophetic esplanade / Where I ponder all the questions but just manage to miss the mark…” Hmm, really Alex – fascinating! Weird to the core, “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” encompasses politics, philosophy, technology… it’s something. Turner sings about an imaginary hotel and casino (we think), possibly on the Moon. According to an EW interview, Turner, referencing the title track states, “…Whether we’re actually talking about a sort of hotel-casino complex on the moon or not is debatable.” Fair enough, but we’re going to cling to the possibility that Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino is on the moon.

Additionally, so many of the lyrics can be interpreted as literal or more figurative.  A perfect example is the bridge, where Turner sings, “And do you celebrate your dark side / Then wish you’d never left the house.” This not only represents the conscience, but also, in the conceptual element of Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino, it also references the moon itself.  Back up to the second verse, and Turner actually references the moon, along with technology and sex – interesting combo:

“Technological advances really bloody get me in the mood
Pull me in close on a crisp eve, baby
Kiss me underneath the moon’s side boob.”

9. Frank Ocean, “Moon River”

“Moon River” – Single • Blonded • 2018

On Valentine’s Day 2018, Grammy winning pop/R&B artist Frank Ocean released a gem, “Moon River”.  Moon River” is a well-known classic – a truly beautiful song. It doesn’t belong to Ocean as its been covered many, many times.  Of course, perhaps the most famous take arrives courtesy of the late, great traditional pop singer, Andy Williams.

That said, Ocean covers it superbly, infusing his own, distinct artistry, adding layered vocals, pitch-shifted vocals, ad-libs, and other effects, most notably reverb. The exemplification of the ‘one of a kind’ artist, Ocean shows why he’s special on this liberal take of a classic.

Also, worth checking out is the phenomenal Jacob Collier (and friends) performing a must-hear, acapella version with absolutely stunning, jazzy harmonies.

10. KYLE, “To the Moon”

Light of Mine • Atlantic • 2018

“Ooh, this is my shit, ayy / Ooh, this is my shit, ayy / That’s what all the girlies tell me when they play my hits, ayy.” Ayy! Hella likable Cali rapper, KYLE, shined on his 2018 debut album, Light of Mine. While Light of Mine wasn’t perfect, Kyle Thomas Harvey gave listeners plenty of reasons to adore him, with his signature laugh among those reasons. Another reason to like Super Duper Kyle? Why single, “To the Moon”, of course!

 KYLE, who is influenced by Kid Cudi, show such influence crystal clear on “To the Moon.”  He keeps things short, but absolutely, incredibly sweet! Opening with moody, minor key production work, a vibe is set from the jump. Adding to that mood and vibe is a slower, more relaxed tempo. Despite the pace, the drum programming keeps the rhythmic intensity on-point. Even against a darker backdrop, with the Cudi vibes kicking, KYLE remains a true ‘beacon of light.’  Of course, the best part of “To the Moon” is the infectious, incredibly memorable chorus:

“Mmm, to the moon, to the moon
Mmm, let’s go to the moon
Ooh, yeah.”

11. Towkio, “2 Da Moon”

Ft. Teddy Jackson & Grace Weber

WWW. • Towkio LLC / Republic • 2018

“Okay, they waitin’ on me / And I came to party, so rock ya body / Yeah, rock ya body, don’t stand so stagnant / Just grab somebody, don’t need to panic.” Okay! Chicago rapper Towkio is assisted by Teddy Jackson and Grace Weber on “2 Da Moon”, the seventh track from his 2018 album, WWW.. “2 Da Moon” commences with a killer groove and infectious bass line. Fair warning, head-nodding and foot-tapping is unavoidable. Overall, the production is fresh, yet throwback, which is a winning mix. Clearly, Towkio is feeling the vibe with his passionate screams prior to his exuberant verse.

Following his first verse, Teddy Jackson enters the picture with relatively low-key, but smooth and soulful vocals. Grace Weber follows suit, contrasting with more powerful vocals.  Interestingly, Weber sounds like a throwback to 90s hip-hop and R&B vocalists, a huge compliment. Ultimately, “2 Da Moon” is a mix of alternative R&B, hip-hop, 90s R&B, 90s hip-hop, and of course, the more modern script.  Though a bit quirky, “2 Da Moon” is ultimately a treat – a blast!

“Straight to the moon
All day, all night
All night, ‘til we can’t breathe, so high
Straight to the moon, straight to the moon
Past the sky, we take flight
Change your point of view
We don’t need nobody else, it’s cool
We gon’ take this party to the moon, oh baby
Straight to the moon, straight to the moon.”

12. Beck, “Blue Moon”

Morning Phase • Capitol • 2014

“I’m so tired of being alone / These penitent walls are all I’ve known / The songbird calling / Across the water / Outside my silent asylum…” That’s certainly sad Beck, sigh.  When I reviewed his album, Morning Phase, back in 2014, I asserted in the introduction:

2014’s Morning Phase likely won’t win Beck enduring commercial success, but from a critical standpoint, Beck is on-point, as usual.  Morning Phase won’t be proclaimed to be Beck’s best album, particularly given the depth of his discography, but the acoustic-driven effort definitely shines and never falters greatly if any. Beck is still Beck, whether it’s twenty years ago or present day when it’s all said and done.

Critically, plenty of folks approved of Morning Phase.  The voting members of The Recording Academy were among them, awarding Morning Phase Album of the Year in a shocker.  Regardless of where you stand, this was a well-rounded album from the veteran alternative musician.  After featuring the sweet “Heart is a Drum” on the playlist 13 Entertaining Songs That Reference Musical Instruments, “Blue Moon” gets the nod on this moon-centric playlist.  It should be noted that, the moon is never mentioned explicitly – just throwing that out there!

“So, cut me down to size / So I can fit inside / Lies that will divide / Us both in time.”  A gander at the personnel and their respective instruments certainly grabs one’s attention; Beck, adds ukulele and charango to his arsenal on “Blue Moon.”  “Blue Moon” itself could definitely be considered to be Morning Phase’s most commercial song, even if it still doesn’t quite fit such a mode.  Even though it is the most accessible cut, it still feels plenty alternative/indie.  “Somewhere unforgiven / Time will wait for you.”  Sigh, Beck, how thoughtful.