13 B Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason | Playlist

1. BLACKPINK, “Bet You Wanna”

Ft. Cardi B

THE ALBUM • YG Entertainment / Interscope • 2020 

“Bet You Wanna” is arguably, is the song to beat on THE ALBUM, the 2020 album by K-Pop girl group BLACKPINK. “Bet You Wanna” features a ‘clean’ rap verse by Grammy-winner Cardi B (yes, she’s tame, but admits it was hard).  Performed exclusively in English, “Bet You Wanna” is a bop from the opening tip.

The production maintains the sleekness of The Album, anchored by beat that packs a mighty punch.  Furthermore, the songwriting is catchy – particularly the chorus below – while the vocals by BLACKPINK #winnning.  Listening to The Album the first time, I found myself wanting to keep “Bet You Wanna” on repeat – it has surefire BOP written all over it.

“Something ‘bout me’s taking you higher (Hey, hey)
And you ain’t ever gonna come down (You ain’t ever, you ain’t ever)
I’m lighting your fire (Hey, hey)
And it ain’t even gonna go out (It ain’t ever, it ain’t ever).”

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2. Shelley FKA DRAM, “Broccoli” 

Ft. Lil Yachty

Big Baby DRAM • EMPIRE / Atlantic • 2016

“In the middle of the party, bitch, get off me (god damn) / In the cut, I’m rollin’ up my broccoli (god damn) …” Hold up – how do you ‘roll up broccoli’ exactly, Shelley FKA DRAM.  I mean, I can see removing the stalks of this absolutely delicious green vegetable, but I can’t see you “rollin’ up” no broccoli – what the hell man? Okay, okay, I’m kidding – DRAM is obviously talking about weed on his Grammy-nominated gem, “Broccoli” ( Big Baby DRAM).  Letting him finish his lyrics: “…Yeah, I know your baby mama fond of me (god damn) / All she want to do is smoke that broccoli (god damn).”  And there’s the clarification that ‘broccoli’ in this case is a wacky veggie to say the least!

Nonetheless, veggies have NEVER sounded so appetizing until Shelley came along. “Broccoli” gave the Virginia rapper-singer a breakthrough hit in addition to his Grammy-nomination.  Aside from an assist by  Lil Yachty who drops an insensitive Columbine reference, “Broccoli” delivers quite the high: excellent production set in a major key and positive vibes where there’s totally no “fuck-shit.”

“Ain’t no tellin’ what I’m finna be on
I’m beyond all that fuck shit...” 

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3. Billie Eilish, “bad guy”

WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? • Darkroom / Interscope • 2019

“So, you’re a tough guy / Like it really rough guy / Just can’t get enough guy / Chest always so puffed guy…” The minimalist “Bad Guy” serves as the first full-length record on When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, the compelling debut album by alternative pop artist, Billie Eilish.  On the Grammy-winning “Bad Guy” (Record of the Year and Song of the Year), Eilish sings in an undertone.  She’s calm, cool, and collected, flaunting off her distinct approach and sound.

Adding to the intrigue of the listening experience are a unique palette of vocal effects, as well as an air of mysteriousness. “Bad Guy” thrives because of its infectious groove, catchy chorus (partially excerpted above, and continued below), and a fun, if dark, playful style.  It easily nabbed the top spot on the  51 Best Songs of 2019.

“I’m that bad type
Make your mama sad type
Make your girlfriend mad tight
Might seduce your dad type
I’m the bad guy...”

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4. Omar Apollo, “Bi Fren”

Apolonio • Warner • 2020 

“Bi Fren” marks one of the most captivating moments on Apolonio, the 2020 mini album by the gifted and handsome Mexican American musician, Omar Apollo. Apollo’s style is quite eclectic (R&B, pop, rock, Latin), best characterized under the alternative umbrella. Like the song “I’m Amazing” that commences Apolonio, “Bi Fren” drips in swagger.  Also, obviously, it raises speculation regarding the musician’s sexuality, which he doesn’t really address (nor does he have to). That said, there’s clearly some connection that Omar had with this guy, mumble approach to performing or not.

On the second verse, Omar asserts:

“I still like him, I still like him
I used to drive around your block without no license
Separate you and your bitch, I’m not no hypen
I hate your bitch, so I dipped out and jumped the high fence
He talking ‘bout hi friend, I’m talkin’ bout bi friend.”

It’s definitely intriguing – incredibly entertaining. That groove is .

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5. Fantasia, “Bad Girl”

Sketchbook • Rock Soul / BMG Rights Management • 2019 

“I’m just a confident, independent, getting it, intelligent, woman / And if my confident, independence, go and get it, intelligence scares ya…” Ah, “Bad Girl” ranks among the ‘crown jewels’ of Sketchbook, the sixth studio album by Grammy-winning R&B artist, Fantasia. “Bad Girl” features lush production work courtesy of Carmael Frith, Jevon Hill, Stanley Green, and Theodore Thomas.

“Bad Girl” thrives off of high-flying, spirited lead vocals from Fantasia.  She also gets superb support by backing vocals that further amplify both her lead and cause.  This empowered anthem’s best moment comes courtesy of the chorus:

“Then I’ll be the bad girl
The one that you really want
The one that won’t settle for nothing
And make you show just what you’re made of
Yeah, I’ll be the bad girl
The one that you’re scared to love
I’ll make you face all your fears, then wipe all your tears
So, toughen up, and fall for the bad girl.”

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6. Trey Songz, “Back Home”

Ft. Summer Walker

Back Home • Atlantic • 2020

“Ayy, I could cuss you out, hit my side bitch / You think she flew out; I deny it.”  Must be love! “Back Home”, the title track from Back Home, the eighth studio album by Trey Songz, depicts a love-hate relationship.  This contemporary R&B record features sleek urban production work by Chrishan and Hitmaka.  The backdrop consists of a robust bass line, keyboards, and more of a ‘throwback’ R&B beat. With the vibe established, Trey Songz does work vocally.  His tone is rich and sexy.  Worth noting, he seems to place more emphasis on love as opposed to sex compared to previous cuts (“If it isn’t love, why I keep coming back / I keep coming back, back home”).

  Summer Walker excels on the second verse, providing a response to Trey’s dedication, continuing to capture the love-hate dynamic perfectly:

“You get on my damn nerves
Then I say that I’m done
Then I miss you in the middle of the club.”

Trey responds with a final verse, confirming that despite their disagreements, “It’s never really over” because, again, “If this isn’t love, why do I keep coming back?”

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7. BROCKHAMPTON, “Boy Bye”

GINGER • RCA • 2019

“Boy Bye” ranks among the standouts from GINGER, the fifth studio album by BROCKHAMPTON. “Boy Bye” begins with production work that certainly doesn’t exemplify hip-hop.  Regardless, following the brief Merlyn Wood intro, the rest of BROCKHAMPTON get to work, spitting capably over the backdrop.  Dom McLennon is the first to ‘shoot his shot,’ referencing weed (“Breaking up botanical to ease my stressing”), Johnnie Cochran (“I go Johnnie Cochran when I’m raising my defenses”), and Michael Keaton via Birdman (“Man, I feel like Michael Keaton when a nigga start ascending”).  Matt Champion takes the reins on the second verse with his own share of colorful lines including “My shit bump like a belly when it’s pregnant,” as well as referencing Elmer Fudd and Mean Girls.

A third verse by Kevin Abstract, arrives prior to the chorus.  He references trauma, The Lion King, and sobriety.  The chorus that follows is random, but intriguing. Bearface, like Abstract, references trauma on the fourth verse: “Trauma the price of patience / Character shaped like an arc.” The outro, courtesy of Joba and Wood, includes the titular lyric, “Boy, bye.”

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8. Brandy, “Borderline”

b7 • Brandy Nu, Inc. / Entertainment One U.S., LP • 2020

There is some serious tension on  “Borderline,” among the top tier of  b7, the comeback album by Grammy-winning R&B singer,  Brandy. On the five-minute-plus “Borderline,” listeners are treated to gorgeous, lush, harmonized vocals.  Perhaps more notably, listeners easily perceive the love pain experienced by the singer.

“Heart drops to the floor / ‘Cause there’s no you and I,” she sings on the fourth verse, continuing, “Maybe in another lifetime (Right place) / Caught me at the wrong time (Wrong time).” If nothing else, one appreciates the consistent authenticity and personal nature of the lyricism throughout b7.

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9. PARTYNEXTDOOR, “Believe It”

Ft. Rihanna

PARTYMOBILE • OVO Sound / Warner • 2020

“Hey / Best make me believe it / Best make me believe it / Believe you won’t deceive me.” HEY! “Believe It” appears as the 10th track on PARTYMOBILE, the third studio album by Canadian R&B artist, PARTYNEXTDOOR.  Among the highlights from PARTYMOBILE, PND secures a big-time assist from Grammy-winner, Rihanna, who sings the aforementioned, catchy chorus from the record. 

Rihanna is a big reason for the success of “Believe It” but there are other things to believe in as well.  The production ( Bizness Boi,  Cardiak, and  Ninetyfour) is pretty sweet.  Of course, PARTYNEXTDOOR deserves acknowledgement – he’s the lead artist on the track after all!  Basically, he spends his verses trying to convince Rihanna to trust and believe him.  He definitely has a lot to prove.  Worth noting, at the end of the album, on my personal favorite song, “Savage Anthem”, PND admits, “I’m not shit.” Now that I do believe!

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10. Sam Fender, “The Borders”

Hypersonic Missiles • Polydor • 2019

“We were like brothers / Everybody said we looked the same / You were a little taller, and broader, and bolder…” Nice characterization to say the least! Let’s add some context, shall we? Hypersonic Missiles is an album that far too many people missed out on in 2019. Sam Fender absolutely DID THAT – that superb, underrated album that is! The British singer/songwriter has a fantastic, powerful voice, and brings plenty of musical goodness to the table.  Part of the musical goodness comes by way of “The Borders,” the second song from his debut album.

“The Borders” runs five-and-a-half minutes in duration, earning the honors of the longest song on the album. It may be long, but the narrative is alluring, even without the aid of a chorus.  On this energetic, up-tempo record, where sound and performance are concerned, the Bruce Springsteen comparisons are quite pronounced.  The biggest difference? Fender has quite the inescapable British accent.  The songwriting = .

“Heard you glassed a boy back in the borders
Some naughty family boys are after you
You pinned me to the wall and said my mother
Stole your inheritance from you, oh yeah?”

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11. Usher, “Bad Habits”

“Bad Habits” • Brand Usher/RCA • 2020

“I’m in love, I’m just bad it / I just can’t escape all of these bad habits.” Relatable – perfect fuel for a great R&B song, right? Right! Furthermore, those excerpted lyrics from the chorus of  “Bad Habits” suit  Usher to a T, ! “Bad Habits” features lush production work by  Pierre Medor and  Lxrd Rossi. The sound hearkens back to the R&B of old (think 80s). Makes perfect sense, of course, given  Zapp is sampled ( “Computer Love”).  While “Bad Habits” possesses classic R&B cues, it also sounds fresh enough to fly in 2020.  It’s a great balancing act. Following the introduction, the record is anchored by some hard drums, clearly idiomatic of modern times.

While the sound plays a big role in the success of “Bad Habits,” nothing and nobody else plays a bigger role than Usher. First and foremost, we get high-flying, elite vocals from the Grammy winner, who sounds as strong as he did in his heyday. Of course, the other big piece of the puzzle for “Bad Habits” that makes it successful – LOVE.  Usher is at his best when matters of the heart are in plan. Here, he’s bad at it, and that’s music to the listener’s ears.  Also, music to the listener’s ears? The catchy, memorable chorus excerpted at the top! Great vocals, relatable theme, and awesome production make “Bad Habits” a surefire winner.

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12. Myylo, “Bored to Tears”

“Bored to Tears” •  Myylo • 2020

“And from the minute I hit it I felt we should be friends / I think I need something different and this isn’t it / Don’t feel the sparkies or fireworks when I’m kissing him…” Oh  Myylo, you can make even the most bored, mundane days “shine bright like a diamond.” It’s true, the Nashville-based pop musician seems to churn out those bops like they’re nothing.  Of course, what makes those bops especially potent is the subject matter: BOYS (Exhibit A ). “Bored to Tears” definitely doesn’t leave you the least bit bored!

With Myylo, we know we’re going to get boys – that box is always ticked off the checklist.  What we never know is what a new song will sound like.  He’s awesome at surprising us even if we can predict the subject matter.  On “Bored to Tears,” we get a dash of urban-pop production.  The beat is definitely idiomatic of modern music times with its hip-hop/trap sensibilities. Has he ever gone this hard?  Even with those hip-hop cues and electronic synths, this is still very much a pop song. As always, Myylo doesn’t underwhelm in the attitude department.  He gives us playful vocals and lyrics.  In this case – as you read in Exhibit A at the , he’s “Bored to tears /…with these boys round here.” Amen – hallelujah! As always, we get even more fun, particularly the bad date with the “Hank in a tank with a nip slip” from the gym.

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13. Amy Winehouse, “Back to Black”

Back to Black • Universal Island • 2006 

“We’ve only said goodbye with words / I died a hundred times / You got back to her, and I go back to / I go back to black.” 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, with  “Back in Black” leading the charge (behind “Rehab” and perhaps “You Know I’m No Good” of course). 

“Back in Black” is a magnificent record, but incredibly dark.  Set in a minor key, the mood and the tone is clear from the jump.  “He left no time to regret / Kept his dick wet with his same old safe bet,” she sings at the beginning of the first verse, continuing, “Me and my head high / And my tears dry, get on without my guy.” Her expressive, throaty vocals clearly indicate the pain she’s experiencing: a bad breakup and depression, heightened by the fact that her ex went back to his ex-girlfriend. The second verse features some my favorite lyrics from the entire song (besides the aforementioned chorus, of course):

“I love you so much, it’s not enough
You love blow and I love puff
And life is like a pipe
And I’m a tiny penny rollin’ up the walls inside.” 

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