13 H Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason | Playlist 🎧

1. Lil Nas X, “Holiday”

🎵 “Holiday” • 🏷 Columbia • 🗓 2020

“Ayy, it’s a holiday / I got hoes on hoes and they out of control / Ayy, it’s another way / All my niggas on go and I hope that you know it…” Ah, 🎙 Lil Nas X returned just in time for the holidays, rather 🎵 “Holiday”. “Holiday” runs just a little more than two-and-a-half minutes in duration, but that’s plenty of time for Lil Nas to bring the heat. The first selling point of “Holiday” is the production. 🎛 Take A Daytrip and 🎛 Tay Keith stitch up a banging backdrop. Set in a minor key, it’s incredibly sleek, in a trap style.  Clearly, with the trap production, Lil Nas embraces more hip-hop vibes as opposed to going against the grain.  This is pop and melodic rap/trap, and it works perfectly for the artist.  His voice is fresh, rich, and sounds absolutely perfect within the production.  It’s utterly infectious the first time you hear it.  This begins with the chorus, the crème de la crème that appears at the top of the record.

It’s not deep mind you, but there’s a certain charm, likely captured more by the artist himself than the lyrics.  Still, give the man credit for a bold lyric like “I might bottom on the low, but I top shit” 🏳️‍🌈. Slay! Besides the chorus, I love the gimmicky “dun, dun, dun” that appear on the pre-chorus, adding even more charm to this record. “Holiday” is a bop, period. It’s short but absolutely, positively sweet.

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2. SZA, “Hit Different”

Ft. Ty Dolla $ign

🎵 “Hit Different” • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2020

Grammy-nominated R&B artist 🎙 SZA enlists the one-and only 🎙 Ty Dolla $ign, as well as production standouts 🎛 The Neptunes on the totally poppin’ 🎵 “Hit Different”. Anytime that The Neptunes are in charge of the backdrop, the record certainly ‘hits different!’ They definitely give “Hit Different” a unique sound from the onset. The beat and chordal backdrop are straight 🔥. Beyond that backdrop, Ty sets the vibe with the chorus at the top of the joint. As always, the distinct tone of his voice is a selling point. He also has soulful ad-libs, which prove to be a perfect fit.

The chorus is repetitive and simple, but highly effective.

“Hit different, hit different
...Hit different when I’m sittin’ here
Alone all by myself
Hit different when I think you might be
With somebody else.”

As always, SZA delivers fine vocals. She sounds clear, sings with agility, and sounds absolutely beautiful. She sings about being in love in what is clearly a non-monogamous relationship where neither her nor her boyfriend are exclusive – woo! She never over sings, yet sounds incredibly compelling, nonetheless. All in all, SZA shines on “Hit Different,” ‘with a little help from her musical friends.’ Honestly, there’s something truly hypnotic about this particular R&B record.

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3. blackbear, “hot girl bummer”

💿 everything means nothing • 🏷 Alamo / Interscope • 🗓 2020

“Fuck you, and you, and you / I hate your friends and they hate me too.” What a colorful way to commence 🎵 “hot girl bummer,” 🎙 blackbear, not to mention his 2020 album, 💿 everything means nothing. With “hot girl bummer,” blackbear earned the biggest hit of his career.  Essentially, he’s totally unimpressed with these stereotypical, shallow young women – he’s not with it.

Depending on who you ask, “hot girl bummer” was among the worst songs of 2019.  That said, from my end of things, contextually, it’s an enjoyable start to the album. Ultimately, the word ‘hot’ begins with word H, and this list is all about H Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason.

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4. H.E.R., “Hold On”

🎵 “Hold On” • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2020

🏆 Grammy-winning R&B artist 🎙 H.E.R. never fails to compel. Once again, she comes through on her ear catching gem, 🎵 “Hold On”. “Hold On” is written by a team comprised of herself, 🎼 ✍ Brendan Walsh, 🎼 ✍ Luis Campozano, 🎼 ✍ Maxx Moore, and 🎼 ✍ Tiara Thomas.  This lushly produced joint, clocking in under three-and-a-half minutes, is produced by 🎛 Bordeaux and 🎛 Non Native, who absolutely kill it. They help H.E.R. to capture those soulful vibes, hearkening back to R&B of the past. In particular, I love the use of electric guitar and electric keyboard – 🔥.  As the record progresses, the guitar only becomes more assertive, bringing in a little rock/pop edge while remaining idiomatic of contemporary soul.  Furthermore, I adore how ‘unhurried’ it feels.  There’s never any rush whatsoever; just chill, relaxed vibes.

Of course, the biggest selling point of “Hold On” is none other than H.E.R. herself – 🚫🎩.  She serves up beautiful, expressive, and nuanced vocals. As she has over the past few years, she sounds incredible.  She’s always in command, without forcing things.  In addition to her own marvelous instrument, great songwriting (matters of the heart) and a gorgeous melody give her awesome material to work with.  The chorus is particularly sweet. For fans who enjoy R&B that feels modern yet incorporates cues from the past, “Hold On” should totally tickle your fancy. 

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5. Justin Bieber, “Holy”

Ft. Chance the Rapper

🎵 “Holy” • 🏷 Def Jam • 📅 2020

On 🎵 “Holy”, the 🏆 Grammy-winning pop superstar 🎙 Justin Bieber taps 🏆 Grammy-winning rapper 🎙 Chance the Rapper for the assist with positive results. A number of songwriters – 🎼 ✍ Jorgen Odegard, 🎼 ✍ Jon Bellion, 🎼 ✍ Michael Pollack, and 🎼 ✍ Tommy Lee Brown – in addition to Bieber and Chance, make “Holy” a winner. Furthermore, five producers are attributed to the record. They definitely craft the many things to like about the record, particularly the blend of blend of pop, soul with some gospel cues.

Early on, Bieber provides us with beautiful vocals showing off his lovely tone and soulful vibes. He sings two verses, supported by choral vocals on the catchy chorus that follows each.

“The way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Feels so holy, holy, holy, holy, holy
On God
Runnin’ to the altar like a track star
Can’t wait another second
‘Cause the way you hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me, hold me
Feels so holy.”

As for Chance the Rapper, his verse is lengthy, beginning with melodic-driven rap before he opts for straight, agile, un-pitched rhymes.  He’s the perfect fit. One final note, must shout-out how rousing “Holy” becomes towards the end, amplifying the gospel sensibilities even more. Praises!

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6. Taylor Swift, “Happiness”

💿 evermore • 🏷 Taylor Swift • 📅 2020 

Guess what? What? ‘H’ is for happiness! Although it’s lengthy, 🎵 “Happiness” is a colorful, enjoyable record from 💿 evermore, the second surprise album by 🏆 Grammy-winning, versatile, ‘multi-genre’ musician, 🎙 Taylor Swift released in 2020.  “Happiness” has the tall task of following one of the album’s best songs, “no body, no crime”, and ends up doing a pretty bang-up job by all means.

As referenced above, “Happiness” is a slow moving, five-minute-plus joint.  I applaud the way that it naturally builds up – it simmers.  There are some nice harmonic elements in play, and I like the expressiveness of Swift’s lead vocals.  At times, she’s more restrained, while a lyric like “Every goddamn night, now I get fake niceties” naturally gets more bite.  If you hadn’t noticed, Swift curses the most she ever has on an album on evermore.

7. Morgan Wallen “Heartless”

💿 Dangerous: The Double Album • 🏷 Big Loud / Republic • 📅 2021

🎵 “Heartless – Wallen Album Mix” appears late on 💿 Dangerous: The Double Album, the 2021 sophomore album by country standout 🎙 Morgan Wallen.  In the context of the album, if much of side two lacks that bridge to pop/crossover appeal, “Heartless” provides that bridge.  It’s slickly produced (🎛 Joey Moi), well written, and Wallen sings in beastly fashion.

The chorus just screams crowd pleaser.  Well, there’s probably a reason why that chorus is crowd-pleasing. The original version of “Heartless” appeared on the 2020 🎙 Diplo album, 💿 Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley Chapter 1: Snake Oil.  In addition to Wallen guesting on that album’s penultimate track, 🎙 Julia Michaels also appears.

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8. Ellie Goulding, “Hate Me”

💿 Brightest Blue • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2020

Following a five-year hiatus, 🏆 Grammy-nominated British pop artist 🎙 Ellie Goulding made a compelling comeback with her fourth studio album, 💿 Brightest Blue, in 2020. Unfortunately, folks in the United States totally slept on this totally worthwhile LP – sad!  Of course, this list being populated with H Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, we pull 🎵 “Hate Me”, featuring Juice WRLD from Brightest Blue.

“Hate Me” features no shortage of songwriters (eight) – typical of modern pop.

“Hate me, hate me, still tryna replace me
Chase me, chase me, tell me how you hate me
Erase me, ‘rase me, wish you never dated me
Lies, tell me lies, baby, tell me how you hate me.”

Goulding performs the corny, though catchy, and self-explanatory chorus abruptly at the beginning. She goes on to perform the first verse, pre-chorus, and the chorus once more.  Notably, on the pre-chorus, she references the idea of “It’s a thin line between all the love and hate…”  Very true! Juice WRLD performs the second verse in all his emo-rap sensibilities, showcasing a nice flow that perfectly suits the record. “Hate Me” lacks depth, but it’s effective and ultimately enjoyable. 

9. Maluma & The Weeknd, “Hawái (Remix)”

🎵 “Hawái (Remix)” • 🏷 Sony Latin • 🗓 2020

Remixes don’t tend to eclipse the original. “Hawái,” which appears on the 2020 🎙 Maluma album, 💿 Papi Juancho, was sweet originally.  That said, 🎵 “Hawái (Remix)” is quite strong and incredibly enjoyable. Maluma enlists 🎙 The Weekend, who brings the heat, complementing him incredibly well.  From the start, the remix contrasts the original. The Weeknd draws first blood, dropping an intro and following up with the pre-chorus and chorus (performed in English). On the chorus, however, the Spanish returns, with Maluma joining in on the second half.

Here, the artists reference their respective former flames supposed faux happiness via a vacation in Hawaii, intact with cute IG pics. From there, the sole verse arrives, courtesy of Maluma, reprised from the original.  He discusses his ex-lover and these things she’s doing post-relationship, again, particularly via IG. He can see through the façade. Definitely entertaining. 

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10. The Weeknd, “Heartless”

💿 After Hours • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2020

“I’ve been runnin’ through the pussy, need a dog pound / Hundred models getting’ faded in the compound.” 🏆 Grammy-winning Canadian R&B superstar 🎙 The Weeknd remains true to self on 🎵 “Heartless” – cold as ice!  On this 💿 After Hours standout, he sings about the fast life.  He kicks off the first verse singing, “Never need a bitch, I’m what a bitch need.” He doubles down on the second verse: “So much pussy, it be fallin’ out the pocket / Metro Boomin turn this ho into a mosh pit / Tesla pill got me flyin’ like a cockpit.”

Besides those badass, cocky lyrics, The Weekend has an incredibly sleek backdrop to work with courtesy of 🎛 Metro Boomin and 🎛 Illangelo.  The beat pummels while they synths are equally potent.  Combine that with confident, distinct, and unapologetic vocals from Tesfaye, and “Heartless” is nothing short of a surefire bop.

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11. Conan Gray, “Heather”

💿 Kid Krow • 🏷 Republic • 🗓 2020

H is for 🎵 “Heather,” one of the best songs from 💿 Kid Krow, the debut album by 🎙 Conan Gray. On “Heather,” Gray is wrongfully mad at Heather.  Why? The person he likes doesn’t like him, but likes Heather, so therefore, he dislikes Heather: “But how could I hate her? She’s such an angel / But then again, kinda wish she were dead…”

Gray is totally illogical here mind you, but he’s very relatable.  The chorus is a prime example of just how relatable the sentiment of the song is. On the chorus, he sings:

“Why would you ever kiss me?
I’m not even half as pretty
You gave her your sweater, it’s just polyester
But you like her better
(I wish I were Heather).”

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12. Kygo & Whitney Houston, “Higher Love”

💿 Golden Hour • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2020

“Bring me a higher love / Where’s that higher love I keep thinking of?” In June 2019, the great 🎙 Whitney Houston sung once more, albeit posthumously.  How so? Well, via a previously unreleased cover of a 🎙 Steve Winwood song, 🎵 “Higher Love”, remixed by Norwegian DJ/producer 🎙 Kygo. “Higher Lover” was recorded in 1991. The Kygo remix features some of the cues we’re accustomed to hearing from his production style/music including vocal loops, bright synths, keyboards, and an anchoring, danceable beat.  Furthermore, there are some pitch-shifted vocals, used in moderation as a cool effect. “Higher Love” ultimately would appear on the producer’s 2020 album, 💿 Golden Hour.

What’s great about this recording is that it sounds like classic Whitney Houston, while also sounding like what she might’ve sounded like in the 2020s. Houston passed away at the age of 48 in 2012. Clearly, “Higher Love” showcases her at her peak. Her voice sounds amazing – high-flying as it did during her heyday. All in all, the record is an energetic, upbeat, uplifting song; definitely a feel-good pop-soul record.

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13. Travis Scott, “Highest in the Room”

🎵 “Highest in the Room” • 🏷 Epic • 📅 2019 

In Fall 2019, 🏆 Grammy-nominated rapper 🎙 Travis Scott dropped the vibe-filled single, 🎵 “Highest in the Room”. The record opens with an enigmatic intro, while the entirety of the record maintains those signature vibes associated with him. The record, which sports a ‘calm energy’ of sorts, was produced by 🎛 OZ and 🎛 Nik D, featuring chill, sleek production work overall, including rhythmic drum programming.

“When I’m with you, I feel alive / You say you love me, don’t you lie / Won’t cross my heart, don’t wanna die / Keep the pistol on my side…” Scott delivers easy-going, low-key rhymes. He doesn’t necessarily say much ‘explicitly,’ but reading into his lyrics, such as the aforementioned excerpt from the first verse, you can trace some of the personal elements, including his relationship with Kylie Jenner.  Scott also references the vices of fame, including literally being high, etc. The chorus is simple, but effective given the weight of ‘vibes’ when it comes to Travis’ music:

“Case it’s fumes (Smoke)
She fill my mind up with ideas (Straight up)
I’m the highest in the room (It’s lit)
Hope I make it outta here (Let’s go, yeah).”

Shifting back to the production, there are some additional cues during the final minute of the record that maintain the freshness and also elevate the energy and intensity level up a notch.  “Highest in the Room” is pretty hypnotic throughout.

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