13 Ear Catching Songs About Plastic | Playlist

13 Ear Catching Songs About Plastic features Chris Malinchak, Future, Miley Cyrus, Radiohead, Sampha & Sia. 

Cutting straight to the chase, it’s all about PLASTIC on 13 Ear Catching Songs About Plastic. Well, being fair, sometimes it’s about CELLOPHANE.  This compendium has been planned for a while but found itself buried in the depths of that place known as the backlog.  Honestly, it was releasing the miniature-list Cellophane: 3BOPS No. 34 (2021) (June 2021) that renewed interest in completing this list, months after releasing Plastic: 5ive Songs No. 67 (2020) (December 2020).

13 Ear Catching Songs About Plastic features music from Chris Malinchak, Future, Miley Cyrus, Radiohead, Sampha, and Sia among others.  As the listed featured artists suggest, this list features music from a variety of styles. So, won’t you grab a snack, grab some headphones, and check out these plastic (or cellophane) gems!

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1. Future & Lil Uzi Vert, “Plastic”

Pluto x Baby Pluto • Atlantic / Epic • 2020

If you have faith that seven is indeed a lucky and special number, perhaps that’s the reason that “Plastic” stands out on Pluto x Baby Pluto.  “Plastic” is the seventh track on the collaborative project by Grammy-winning rapper Future and Grammy-nominated rapper, Lil Uzi Vert.  From the start, the record is quite a vibe thanks to great production work courtesy of London On Da Track.  Sigh, that classy orchestral palette backing Future and Lil Uzi Vert is sweet.  Also, sweet are the flows by both rappers.

“Yeah, Cartier / Yeah, purple tint / … Yeah, I’m too lit / Yeah, got your bitch…”  Yes, Future and Lil Uzi Vert give us mad flows.  What they eschew is substance, focusing mostly on drip and sex . Besides being greedy, Future asserts, “Yeah, Coupe dirty / Yeah, the drank dirty / Gotta buy the case,” which also classifies as gluttony (read up on your seven deadly sins, peeps)   Later, when he brags, “I got two Glocks on me, K-Ci, JoJo,” a prime example of violence.  As for Lil Uzi, he’s not only greedy (“Gettin’ them racks / Yeah, spendin’ them racks”) but lustful, bragging, “I got a bitch for every week and all my bitches freak / I got a bitch for every day of the week.” Dante Alighieri (The Divine Comedy) wouldn’t approve of Lil Uzi Vert and his multiple bitches in any way, shape, or form… at least, we believe he wouldn’t.

Appears in :

• Plastic: 5ive Songs No. 67 (2020)
• Inferno II: More Songs Reppin’ 9 Circles of Hell

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2. Chris Malinchak, “Cellophane”

“Cellophane” • Ultra • 2021

“Ooh, a storm’s a-comin’ / Ooh, and there’s nothing you can do / Nothing you can do.” Noted Chris Malinchak – noted.  Malinchak is one of those DJ/dance producer guys, who produces this 2021 cellophane number, titled – wait for it – “Cellophane.”  While he handles the boards by himself, constructing a hella groovy, sickening backdrop (those keys and synths, including the warm brass), he co-writes alongside Harriet Starling.  There are some sweet lyrics, particularly on the verses. The vocals are uncredited, though we assume Starling is responsible party for those gorgeous vocals that adorn that backdrop.

So, where does the plastic – that cellophane come into play? That would be on the centerpiece of this certified bop – the chorus:

“Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Black shadow bullets over you

Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Cellophane kisses, now you’re through.”

The final chorus features a bit more variance, adding the line, “White scars, there’s nothing you can do.” Regardless, all this 2021 song screams H-I-T, NO CAP!

Appears in :

• Cellophane: 3BOPS No. 34 (2021)

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3. FKA twigs, “Cellophane”

MAGDALENE • Young Turks • 2019

Question(s): “Didn’t I do it for you? / Why don’t I do it for you? / Why won’t you do it for me / When all I do is for you?” Matters of the heart, ladies and gentlemen – always a superb topic for a memorable song, period.  Furthermore, minimalism itself carries more weight than you might give it credit for.  FKA twigs certainly packed a punch on “Cellophane,” a minimal, alternative/ alt R&B gem from her album, MAGDALENE.  The ballad, co-written and co-produced by FKA twigs, Michael Uzowuru, and Jeff Kleinman, closes MAGDALENE stunningly.

Clearly, FKA twigs simply can’t put her feelings for someone she cared about behind her.  It’s easy to hang on to every colorful note that she sings.  FKA twigs does a little bit of everything from a vocal standpoint, sliding into notes, singing breathily, while fully supporting and belting at other times. It’s a truly complete, haunting, and artistic performance to say the least. What is clear is that the performance is drenched in vulnerability, representing her desire and hope about what appears to be a relationship that didn’t end up working out.  She seems to question her own adequacy, though she shouldn’t.

“And I just want to feel you’re there
And I don’t want to share our love
I try, but I get overwhelmed
All wrapped in cellophane, the feelings that we had.”

Appears in :

• 51 Best Songs of 2019
• Day 27: FKA twigs, Cellophane | 30-Day Song Challenge
• 30-Day Song Challenge : The Complete Playlist
• Cellophane: 3BOPS No. 34 (2021)

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4. Miley Cyrus, “Plastic Hearts”

Plastic Hearts • RCA • 2020

“I’ve been California dreamin’ / Plastic hearts are bleedin’ / Keep me up all night (Keep me up) / Keep me up all night (All night).” Miley Cyrus rocks on “Plastic Hearts,” NO CAP.  “Plastic Hearts” appears as the second track from her fine 2020 album, Plastic Hearts.  Post-BANGERZ (2013), Cyrus struggled to regain her footing a might.  Plastic Hearts finally finds her on the up-and-up again.

On “Plastic Hearts,” everything seems to be superficial – plastic – as opposed to real.  The pre-chorus and the chorus (aforementioned) highlight a temporary high, only to ultimately be disappointed.  Like so many other musicians, California gets a negative connotation for being a letdown despite having big dreams when going in.  Damn you, plasticity!

Appears in :

• Plastic: 5ive Songs No. 67 (2020)

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5. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, “Cellophane”

I’m Your Mind Fuzz • Flightless • 2014

“Do, do, do, do, do…” You get the idea – there are lots and lots of “dos” early on “Cellophane.” “Cellophane” is characterized by infectious energy and intensity.  You could say, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are on ‘10’ – turned TF up.  “Cellophane” appears as the third track from their 2014 album, I’m in Your Mind Fuzz.  Indeed, you are (“[my] mind fuzz”), KG&TLW.

“Cellophane” features a driving, electrifying groove and ample rhythm.  Part of the reason King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are so ‘turned up’ is the quick tempo – it’ll have that effect every time! The lead vocals ( Stu Mackenzie) feature effects, which play directly into the psychedelic vibes of “Cellophane” and the band’s music itself. As you might expect, the titular lyric is repeated, well, a lot.  Between that and the “dos,” that’s the bulk of the lyrics.  It bodes well for the band.  Furthermore, “Cellophane” features some killer guitar riffs. Rock on! 

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6. Lady Gaga, “Plastic Doll”

Chromatica • Interscope • 2020

Grammy-winner Lady Gaga has had a stellar career.  She’s not only a fantastic musician but has showcased her acting chops superbly on American Horror Story and A Star is Born.  She really had us ‘shook’ with her first solo album in four years, Chromatica, an album that made many of us groove during COVID-19.  Filled with bops, the ninth track, “Plastic Doll,” is worth highlighting.

On “Plastic Doll,” Lady Gaga seems to be seeking love – she’s “spent too long dancing all alone.” That said, she also has a set of expectations for “a real boy” – no Pinocchio! Those rules, which she details on the chorus? She just wants to be treated right – “Don’t play with me / … No, no, no, I’m not your plastic doll.” “Plastic Doll” is not only a catchy song – a real bop – but also, quite clever.  Stitching up the track for the Lady? Bloodpop and Skrillex.  Right on!

Appears in :

• Plastic: 5ive Songs No. 67 (2020)

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7. BabyJake, “Blue Cellophane”

Don’t give me problems, give me wine • SRV LabelCo • 2020

BabyJake (Jake Herring) captivates with his honest, emotional single, “Blue Cellophane” ( Don’t give me problems, give me wine). Best described as a pop record, “Blue Cellophane” also incorporates rock influence.  The production is a selling point, additionally adding a refreshing retro element.  Also, accentuating and headlining the distinctness of “Blue Cellophane” are colorful, nuanced vocals by Herring. During select moments, he gets a lift from soulful, harmonized backing vocals, further heightening the overall aesthetic.

“When I come down / I can’t feel a thing inside except my bones…” Those are some pretty honest lyrics right there.  Later, on the second verse, it begins similarly: “When I come down / I don’t ever feel okay, I feel afraid.” Damn. With the production and vocals serving as major pros of “Blue Cellophane,” the songwriting certainly can’t be ignored. Herring clearly experiences legit pain. On the chorus, the centerpiece, he fully unleashes the extent of emotions, searching for an escape, while ‘blue cellophane’ providing temporary relief:

“If I’ll ever be painless
If I lessen my dose
Man, I wanna go places
That most people don’t go
Blue cellophane, my own escape, I’ll be fine till it’s gone
Will I ever be painless?
Or will I go on?”

Also appears on :

• Cellophane: 3BOPS No. 34 (2021)

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8. Joji, “Plastic Taste”

In Tongues [Deluxe] • 88rising / EMPIRE • 2018

“I can’t do this face-to-face / But I’ll admit that I’m afraid.” Okay… It is no secret that Japanese-Australian internet personality George Miller, made an about face when becoming singer/songwriter Joji.  A talented individual, Miller’s persona as Joji is starkly different from his Filthy Frank YouTube days.  Not every YouTuber can transcend YouTube and have a successful music career.  With the release of his EP, In Tongues, and its subsequent deluxe version ( In Tongues [Deluxe]), Miller is a success story.

The majority of the In Tongues [Deluxe] is comprised of remixes.  Prior to the eight remixes, there are two additional songs. “Plastic Taste,” the song of most interest on this list, follows “worldstar money (interlude).”  A mere two minutes in length, the vibes are ‘alternative’ and moody. After dragging initially, “Plastic Taste” picks up a steady groove, albeit temporarily.  Following stability, the left-of-center track goes lethargic and somewhat out of sync, only to reinstate the groove later.  “Plastic Taste” fits the vibe of In Tongues. The key lyric, “Excuse me for my plastic taste,” references love through technology as opposed to in-person interactions.

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9. Sia, “Cellophane”

1000 Forms of Fear • Monkey Puzzle / RCA • 2015

“Look at me, I’m such a basket case / Delivered to you wrapped in cellophane / Waiting on your doorstep ever day / Delivery, a basket filled with pain.” Deep, deep, deep. Sia (Sia Furler) possesses one of the most expressive, powerful voices in pop.  Man can those pipes cut through! Furthermore, her pen is laser sharp – she’s an awesome songwriter.  Once again, on “Cellophane,” Furler showcases her vocal and writing skills, with a little help from Greg Kurstin.

Kurstin’s production is picturesque; distinct and incredibly colorful.  It gives Sia both an enigmatic and soaring backdrop to paint on.  Sia sings clever, emotional, and poetic lyrics from the jump.  One of my favorite lines on this four-and-a-half-minute ballad arrives on the second verse:

“Look at me, I’m such a basket case
While I fall apart, you hide all my pills again
And all the thing I need to hear you say
You’ll watch as all my thoughts get right back on the train.”

Despite the pain she’s experiencing, and the fact she is ‘all over the place’ her lover helps to assuage the pain and get to a healthier place.  She’s exposed in that cellophane but has someone who cares and helps her to conquer her issues.

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10. John C. Reilly, “Mister Cellophane”

Chicago (Music from the Miramax Motion Picture) • Sony • 2002

“Cellophane, Mister Cellophane / Shoulda been my name, Mr. Cellophane / Cause you can look right through me, walk right by me / And never know I’m there, I tell ya.” Negative connotation, indeed. One of the best songs from the 2002 film version of Chicago is “Mister Cellophane.”  Comedic actor John C. Reilly, who plays Amos, has honor of performing this gem, delivering a dramatic, playful, and spectacular take.

The song is all about feeling invisible.  Throughout, Amos cites examples of how everyone else is noticed:

“If someone in the move show yelled
‘Fire in the second row!’
‘This whole place is a powder keg!’
You’d notice him.”

He, of course, is ignored are far too often disregarded in the musical.  Interestingly, on this jazzy, cabaret-style soundtrack cut at the end, he essentially apologizes for even sharing his feelings.  “I hope I haven’t taken up too much of your time.”

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11. Sampha, “Plastic 100˚C”

Process • Young Turks • 2017

“It’s been so hot I’ve been melting out here,” Sampha sings on the chorus of “Plastic 100˚C,” continuing, “I’m made out of plastic out here.” “Plastic 100˚C” commences Process, the 2017 debut album by the British musician.  A personal record, Sampha is chocked full of emotion.

Lyrically, he relies on outer space references to share his ow emotional rollercoaster.  The best instance of this occurs throughout the choruses as he sings, “You touched down in the base of my fears / Houston, can-can-can you hear me now?”  His voice is pained, clearly wearing his emotions on his sleeves.  A prime example of the emotional toll occurs on the first verse, where he asserts:

“Usually, I’d run home and tuck the issue under
Oh, sleeping with my worries, yeah
I didn’t really know what that lump was, my luck.”

He does a phenomenal job of depicting his vulnerability musically.

Appears in :

• Plastic: 5ive Songs No. 67 (2020)

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12. Drake & Future, “Plastic Bag”

What a Time to Be Alive! • Cash Money / Epic • 2015

“Get a plastic bag / Go ahead and pick up all the cash… / You’ve danced all night, girl, you deserve it.” Back in 2015, Drake and Future dropped their collaborative mixtape, What a Time to Be Alive! Both artists had had a successful year with this tape only expanding their numbers.  Indeed, what a time to be alive!!!

On “Plastic Bag,” the sixth track, both artists aim to those ‘dancers’ get paid. Apparently, on Future’s end of things, he “Ordered 60,000 ones, told the owner ‘bout to break a record.’” As Juicy J once asserted, “Bandz a Make Her Dance”.

Appears in :

• Plastic: 5ive Songs No. 67 (2020)

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13. Radiohead, “Fake Plastic Trees”

The Bends • XL Recordings • 1995

“A green plastic watering can / For a fake Chinese rubber plant.”  Hmm, doesn’t sound like a positive connotation to me. The lyrics continue, “In a fake plastic earth / That she bought from a rubber man.” Yeah, NOT a positive connotation on “Fake Plastic Trees,” the fourth track from The Bends.  The Bends is the 1995 sophomore album by Radiohead.  The Bends is hailed as one of the best albums of the 90s. It’s considered a post-grunge/pre-electronic album by the Grammy-winning alternative rock collective, preceding their landmark third LP, OK Computer.

Focusing on “Fake Plastic Trees,” Thom Yorke continues to show himself to be an elite front man.  He delivers a mix of tender and grittier vocals.  His falsetto is sweet, while his edgier moments perfectly represent the post-grunge movement.  Lyrically, as with most Radiohead songs, Yorke and company compel with their clever and descriptive pen.  The way that they weave plastic and plasticity in is brilliant: “She lives with a broken man / A cracked, polystyrene man.” All these things Yorke mentions, with a gorgeous melody over a marvelous backdrop, well, “It wears me out.”

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13 Ear Catching Songs About Plastic (2021) [: 88rising, Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Cash Money, EMPIRE, Epic, Flightless, Interscope, Monkey Puzzle, The Musical Hype, RCA, Sony, SRV LabelCo, Ultra, Willfried Wende from Pixabay,Young Turks, XL Recordings]

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