13 Amazing Songs About Flowers features music courtesy of Greyson Chance, Post Malone, Swae Lee, Teyana Taylor, and Vampire Weekend. 

Question: “Where have all the flowers gone?” Apparently, some of them appear on this floral playlist, 13 Amazing Songs About Flowers.  Yep, this playlist is all about those beautiful things that bloom in the garden or out in the wild.  Flowers are among the most radiant things in nature. The songs on this playlist are pretty cool too to be honest.  Musicians providing the tunes for 13 Amazing Songs About Flowers are Greyson Chance (“White Roses”), Post Malone & Swae Lee (“Sunflower”), Teyana Taylor (“Rose in Harlem”), and Vampire Weekend (“Sunflower”) among others.

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1.Vampire Weekend, “Sunflower” (Ft. Steve Lacy)

Father of the Bride • Sony • 2019

Grammy-winning alternative collective Vampire Weekend shows off superb musicianship on the short, but sweet single “Sunflower” featuring Steve Lacy.  “Sunflower” appears on the band’s long-awaited fourth studio album, Father of the Bride.

The first thing that stands out about “Sunflower” is the groove, which is pivotal to the success of the record.  “Sunflower” is instantly a feel-good record to the nth degree thanks to the brilliance of the backdrop.  Yes, it definitely reminds you of the sheer radiance of a sunflower. That backdrop is comprised of a kickass bass line, slick melodic guitar lines, and agile, nonsensical, syllabic vocals.  Musically, this is quite the showcase that catches the ear from the very first listen.  Furthermore, it’s not even two-and-a-half-minutes long! The lyrics are worth mentioning, but again, the sound and vibe of this particular offering is what makes it special. Ezra Koenig and company showcase ample personality, particularly the tongue-in-cheek sensibility captured via the nonsensical, syllabic vocals, not to mention the fast-paced, agile instrumental lines.

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2.Greyson Chance, “White Roses”

Portraits • GCM / AWAL • 2019

Eight years after releasing his debut full-length album (Hold On ‘Til the Night, 2011), Greyson Chance returned in 2019, as a grown-ass man, with his sophomore LP, Portraits. Yes, Chance has come a long way from being that cute freckled-faced kid who appeared on Ellen, now living ‘out and proud’ – definitely no more “Cheyenne” (“I know every girl’s searchin’ for romance / And I’m wonderin’ if you’d take a chance / On a guy like me with a girl like you”). Enough small talk, let’s move on to the song at hand, “White Roses.”

In the context of Portraits, “White Roses” moves away from long distance friendships and life in West Texas back to matters of the heart.  Greyson Chance sounds terrific from a vocal perspective, incorporating ample nuance and expression into his performance.  For as much fanfare as his falsetto creates at moments throughout Portraits, the richness of his chest voice can’t be understated. It’s particularly effective on a yearning, vulnerable cut like this one – “‘Cause you cut me wide open / Left teardrops on all my white roses.” Flowers y’all!

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3. Teyana Taylor, “Rose in Harlem”

K.T.S.E. • G.O.O.D. / Def Jam • 2018

R&B singer and actress Teyana Taylor was part of the summer of Kanye West.  During the summer of 2018, Mr. West was busy producing for himself as well as others, specifically in June.  Keeping ‘G.O.O.D.’ new music coming, he released K.T.S.E., the sophomore album by Taylor.  Prior to K.T.S.E., Taylor quietly released a solid debut album in 2014, VII.  Anyways, focusing on the return of Taylor, K.T.S.E. gets one electrifying hit in “Rose in Harlem.”

Simply put, “Rose in Harlem” is the crème de la crème of K.T.S.E – truly a radiant flower to say the least. A marvelous sample, “Because I Love You, Girl”, courtesy of The Stylistics, fuels the fire.  Vocally, Teyana is in her zone, particularly on the gritty refrain:

“It be the ones who say they ride for you

It be the one, the one you love, them too

It be the ones who swear they real, not true

It be them ones, it be them ones

Don’t get caught up.”

Rewind back, Taylor thrives off of a fierce attitude that exemplifies the rough-and-tumble Harlem.  On the first verse, she focuses on her perceived lukewarm success at best – “Oh no, what a shame /10 years in the game / Niggas like ‘You ain’t hot? You ain’t pop yet? / What’s up wit’ you and Ye?’” There’s even more fire on the second verse.  Call it what it is – Teyana talks her shit, for lack of a better word… or just choosing that particular word.

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4. Post Malone & Swae Lee, “Sunflower”

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse • Republic • 2018

Melodic rappers Post Malone and Swae Lee joined forces on “Sunflower”, the promo single from the soundtrack Spider-Man: In the Spider-Verse, which arrived mid-December 2018. Keeping things incredibly brief, “Sunflower” just crosses the two-and-a-half-minute mark.

Among the selling points of “Sunflower” is the lush, rhythmic production.  Naturally, Swae Lee is made for this cut, with his chill persona and his melodic abilities.  Following a brief intro, he delivers a smooth first verse, as well as a memorable chorus.

“Then you’re left in the dust unless I stuck by ya
You’re a sunflower, I think your love would be too much
Or you’ll be left in the dust, unless I stuck by ya
You’re the sunflower, you’re the sunflower.”

Post Malone is also quite melodic, even though he lacks the same finesse as Lee.  Regardless, the contrast is appealing, and furthermore, he has some nice vocal harmonies going on.  As for the final chorus, also performed by Malone, Lee’s initial edition gets the edge. All in all, “Sunflower” is packed full of vibes.  The biggest rub? There’s not much song, and arguably, one collaborator edges the other (Swae Lee). Nonetheless, it’s no surprise “Sunflower” was hit, even if we could use a wee bit more.

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5. Drake, “Sandra’s Rose”

Scorpion • Cash Money • 2018

“Sandra knows I pulled us out of a living hell / I’m the chosen one, flowers never pick themselves.” Question: who’s Sandra (more on that later). After “taking one straight to the chin” in 2018 (“The Story of Adidon”), Drake eventually responded on his highly-anticipated, abruptly released fifth studio album, Scorpion.  A juggernaut, Scorpion is comprised 25 songs overall, split into two sides.  Side A focuses on rap, while Side B focuses on R&B.  Despite any damage done by Pusha T, the self-proclaimed ‘6 God’ comes out alright on Scorpion.

“Sandra’s Rose” ranks among the elites, finding Drake blessing a soulful backdrop with his signature, relaxed, yet punchy rhymes.  To answer the aforementioned question, Sandra is Drake’s mother. That particularly line signifies his come-up.

Moving on within this rosy number, for college basketball enthusiasts, he references the University of Louisville and Rick Pitino, raising some eyebrows:

“Louisville hush money for my young gunners

Rick Pitino, I take ‘em to strip clubs and casinos.”

While I’m a University of Kentucky fan personally, even I have to admit, low blow, Drake. Later on, Sandra and specifically her rose appear once more:

“Sandra’s rose, no wonder they tryna pick me off

I guess you gotta show these niggas who you really are.”

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6. Lil Skies, “Red Roses” (Ft. Landon Cube)

Life of a Dark Rose • All We Got Ent. • 2018

“I ain’t worried ‘bout shit, these niggas ain’t scaring me / I was destined for this life, this is my destiny.” On Spotify, “Red Roses” ranked as the most popular song by rapper, Lil Skies.  Fittingly, “Red Roses” appeared on Skies’ 2018 debut album, Life of a Dark Rose. He isn’t alone on the popular cut, assisted by Landon Cube. At nearly four-and-a-half minutes, “Red Roses” is the longest song off of Life of a Dark Rose.  Guess Lil Skies and Landon Cube have a lot to say.

In 2017-18, much of rap music had a familiar sound: mysterious, faded production work, anchored by bass-heavy drums.  That’s the case with “Red Roses,” which sounds familiar – it’s not unpredictable regarding sound.  As far as Skies’ rhymes, his pop-rap is respectable; his flow is compelling.  Perhaps his rhymes aren’t formidable, but he rides the beat well.

“Niggas say they down to ride, but be folding like clothes

Purple hearts all on my garment, I ain’t trusting a soul.”

As for Landon Cube, he takes the second verse. Arguably, his verse is more interesting because of its quirks, including vocal distortion and passionate, profane moments.

“And she say she a college girl, but left her books on the shelf

She gon’ fuck me like a porn star, a rock star.”

All in all, “Red Roses” is enjoyable, even if it’s not the poster child for profundity or transcendence.

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7.Ed Sheeran, “Supermarket Flowers”

Divide • Atlantic • 2017

“I took the supermarket flowers from the windowsill / I threw the day-old tea from the cup / Packed up the phot album Matthew had made / Memories of a life that’s been loved.” Ed Sheeran returned with his highly-anticipated third album, ÷ in 2017. All in all, the Grammy-winning English pop singer/songwriter remained consistent. In the process, Sheeran would add new gems to his already solid musical collection, including “Castle on the Hill”, “Shape of You”, “Perfect”, and “How Would You Feel (Paean)”.  While not the first song that comes to mind when referencing the crème de la crème of ÷, the song at hand, “Supermarket Flowers,” is noteworthy.

“Oh, I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up, but I know / A heart that’s broke is a heart that’s been loved.” “Supermarket Flowers” concludes the standard edition of ÷, and is comparable to the moving “Afire Love” from his 2014 album, x.  The subject of “Afire Love” was Sheeran’s grandfather, while Sheeran shifts the focus on “Supermarket Flowers” to his late grandmother.

“So, I’ll sing Hallelujah

You were an angel in the shape of my mum

When I feel down, you’d be there holding me up

Spread your wings as you go

When God takes you back

He’ll say, ‘Hallelujah, you’re home.’”

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8. Daniel Caesar, “Neu Roses (Transgressor’s Song)”

Freudian • Golden Child Recordings • 2017

“There are times I think about that fateful day / I threw your love away / Every time I see that look upon your face / The same one that you made.” Grammy-winning, Canadian R&B singer/songwriter Daniel Caesar showed incredible potential on his 2017 debut album, Freudian, which seamlessly fused love and spirituality.  In the context of Freudian, the tempo remains slow on “Neu Roses (Transgressor’s Song),” a prime example of spirituality at play.

Initially, “Neu Roses” is comprised of choral vocals (lyrics excerpted above), before the groove kicks in, giving “Neu Roses” a newfound toughness – more aggression from Caesar. This toughness includes the n-word (“Should’ve left you a long time ago / All my niggas done told me so…”) as well as the f-bomb (“Babe, I know I fucked up / Fucked with some empty cups…”). It’s a clear contrast to what that precedes it. #Damn, Daniel, did Daniel Caesar have to drop the bomb? Ha ha! For most of Freudian, Daniel Caesar keeps it respectable, sans f-bombs.  This is an album that balances romance and spirituality, so there’s not tons of profanity.  BUT, when he’s not “Blessed”, like “Neu Roses (Transgressor’s Song),” he grows more profane.

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9. Tyler, the Creator, “Where This Flower Blooms”

Flower Boy • Columbia • 2017

“Ayo / Let’s take it back to them days / Counting sheep on Sadie Hannah’s floor / Carpet was my baby mama / 80 dollar profit from the coffee, I poured…” Previously appearing on the garden-oriented playlist 10 Songs Centered Around the Garden, The Tyler, the Creator highlight, “Where This Flower Blooms” (Flower Boy) is fittingly reprised on this floral affair.  On “Where This Flower Blooms,” Tyler, the Creator is assisted by a familiar voice: Frank Ocean (“The frog oak goggles / I’m leanin’ out the window / OJ shinin’ on me / Simp sun shinin’ on me…”) The production is top-notch, particularly the hard-hitting drums on the bridge.

Besides the strong production work on the bridge, the lyrics shines as well: “I glow / I rock, I roll, I bloom, I glow.” How is that bridge significant? Well, the premise of “Where This Flower Blooms” is about Tyler’s come-up – he’s ‘bloomed’: “Went from statistic to millionaire / CNN doubted ‘cause my skin is dark / Then they forget when I get in my far.”

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10. Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Feasting on the Flowers”

The Getaway • Warner Bros. • 2016

“I was was walking through the streets I could not hear my best friend call / He was feeling incomplete about to take his final fall…” Hmm, that doesn’t sound optimistic in the least. It took veteran funk-rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers five years to return with The Getaway in 2016.  For the most part, it was worth the wait to hear Anthony Kiedis and company.  Thankfully, The Getaway features a song that fits the topic at hand – flowers… well at least to some extent. That song would be “Feasting on the Flowers,” the eighth track on the LP.

“Feasting on the Flowers” is clearly ‘in memoriam’ evidenced by the aforementioned lyrics, as well as the continuation: “Last thing I remember there were tears of blood and just not mine.” Anthony Kiedis goes on to sing the titular lyric, “Feasting on the flowers so fast and young / It’s a light so bright that I bite my tongue.”  Despite being morbid, “Feasting on the Flowers” is as consistent as everything else on that graces The Getaway, even if it’s not the ‘gem of gems.’

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11. Mark Ronson, “Daffodils” (Ft. Kevin Parker)

Uptown Special • Sony Music • 2015

When the album Uptown Special by Grammy-winning musician/producer Mark Ronson comes to mind, the first record mentioned is “Uptown Funk” featuring Bruno Mars.  While that record absolutely kicks some serious ass, it’s not the only gem on the Englishman’s fine LP. There’s also the funky “Feel Right” featuring Mystikal, as well as the awesome song at hand, “Daffodils,” featuring Kevin Parker of Tame Impala.

“Run your fingers down the cool / Underbelly of the blue evening / Crack that vapor-wagon / Start that kick dragon beating.” Poetic lyrics, to say the least.  In addition to the lyrics, what makes the five-minute “Daffodils” so awesome? For one, it’s Kevin Parker’s amazing tenor pipes, riding like a champ over production work by James Ford and Riton.  That production work, like the aforementioned hits from Uptown Special, is chocked-full of funkiness – driving rhythm, sick groove, and soulful goodness.  It’s Parker’s effortless, light, psychedelic-styled vocals that provide a ripe contrast that works sensationally.  Going back to the lyrics, where do the flowers – the daffodils – come into play? Well, there are some key lyrics that reference the daffodil: “Drop another daffodil / We can push on through till morning.”

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12. Leon Bridges, “Flowers”

Coming Home • Columbia • 2015

In 2015, Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Leon Bridges would release his debut album, Coming Home.  A stark contrast to most R&B albums released that year, Bridges opted to recreate the classic soul sound as opposed to modern-day trickery.  The results were positive, even if Bridges would kick things up a notch on his sophomore album, Good Thing (2018).  Revisiting album number one, Bridges gives us another floral cut to add to this list, “Flowers.”

In the context of Coming Home, “Flowers” smartly increases the tempo following two consecutive slower records.  Though the tempo gives this a lighter vibe, “Flowers” is focused on accepting Christ – Amen! It’s heavy in that sense, though in the same token, Bridges states how simple it is (“So, won’t you come? / So, won’t you come, baby?”). If nothing more, call it a creative means to save souls.  One small nit-pick– the bridge could’ve been extended to really amplify the spirit and establish greater authenticity.

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13. Lupe Fiasco, “ITAL (Roses)”

Food & Liquor II • Atlantic • 2012

Ah, we come to the end of this floral affair, tapping Grammy-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco. Lupe has been renowned for his cerebral brand of rap, though at times, he’s gone away from a more complex style. Food & Liquor II wasn’t one of those times where he eschewed complexity.  On Lupe’s flower song, “ITAL (Roses),” he certainly isn’t narrow-minded – this isn’t “The Show Goes On” in the least.

“ITAL (Roses)” features enjoyable, respectable hip-hop production work (synthetic brass, synths, sound drum programming) courtesy of 1500 or Nothin’.  The hook is chocked-full of words and filled with social references: “May we have some roses for the ladies / A little appreciation for the gentlemen / And here’s some kisses for the babies / Some peace and unity for the whole wide-wide-wide world…”

Lupe’s second verse is ‘pointed’ for sure: “I know you’re sayin’, ‘Lupe rappin’ bout the same shit / Well that’s cause shit ain’t changed bitch / And please don’t excuse my language ‘cause I would hate for you to misrepresent…” Dense though cerebral, none can deny that Lupe is good at what he does, even if the ‘roses’ are a bit hard to digest here. Thorny if you will 😉.

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[Photo Credits: All We Got Ent., Atlantic, AWAL, Cash Money, Columbia, Def Jam, G.O.O.D., GCM, Golden Child Recordings, Pixabay, Republic, Sony Music, Warner Bros.]

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