13 Intriguing, Right in the Middle Songs

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13 Intriguing, Right in the Middle Songs features Anthony Green, Emily King, Nipsey Hussle, Panic! At The Disco & Zedd.

Ah, the CENTER! Ah, the MIDDLE! Cutting straight to the chase, that’s what 🎧 13 Intriguing, Right in the Middle Songs is all about! There are six songs featuring the word center in their titles. There are seven songs featuring the word middle in their title. Beyond that, there’s no further explanation necessary.

🎧 13 Intriguing, Right in the Middle Songs features music courtesy of 🎙 Anthony Green, 🎙 Emily King, 🎙 Nipsey Hussle, 🎙 Panic! At The Disco, and 🎙 Zedd among others. As always, we keep things eclectic here at The Musical Hype. We’ve got alternative, country, electronic, gospel, pop, rap, rock, and R&B, folks! Woo! So, without further ado, here are 🎧 13 Intriguing, Right in the Middle Songs!

1. Panic! At The Disco, “Middle of a Breakup”

💿 Viva Las Vengeance • 🏷 Fueled By Ramen • 📅 2022

“Oh shit, you’re kissin’ my neck, kissin’ my chest / Now I remember why we fell in love.” Oh, sugar-honey-iced-tea indeed, 🎙 Brendon Urie! Urie and 🎙 Panic! At The Disco shine on 🎵 “Middle of a Breakup”, the second single from the collective’s seventh studio album, 💿 Viva Las Vengeance. Man can this hunky, talented musician S-A-N-G 🤩!

There’s plenty to heart about “Middle of a Breakup.” It commences with the signature, sped-up drum runs, something that has graced P!ATD’s music many times. I love the prominence of the guitar on this track, as well as the driving bass line. It’s incredibly gorgeous when harmonized guitar enters into the mix. There are also other musical touches, like strings and harmonized backing vocals that make “Middle of a Breakup” a surefire vibe. Of course, the biggest draw is Urie. The lyrics are another selling point beginning with the pre-chorus (excerpted above) and of course the chorus where makeup sex enters into play. Of course, prior to “Keep your disco, give me T. Rex” (in the chorus), Urie makes it clear “We ain’t no star-crossed lovers, we just get carried away” (verse one) and later, “You and me ain’t no Bonnie and Clyde” (verse two). Woo! All told, 🎵 “Middle of a Breakup” is another catchy single by Panic! At The Disco that also offers ample musicianship.

Appears in 🔻:

2. Capital Cities, “Center Stage”

💿 In a Tidal Wave of Mystery • 🏷 Lazy Hooks, LLC / Capitol • 📅 2014

“There’s a good time to do it on your own / There’s a good time, now it’s time to go.” Okay, 🎙 Capital Cities, we see you! “There’s a good time, to do it for a change / There’s a good time, step out from the cage.” Those fun, feel-good lyrics hail from 🎵 “Center Stage,” which appears as the fifth track on the alternative duo’s 2014 album, 💿 In a Tidal Wave of Mystery. “Center Stage” is a total vibe.

What makes “Center Stage” a total vibe, you ask? Well, it’s thanks to an infectious groove and a colorful palette of sounds including keys, programming, and guitars. The bass line is robust, adding to the tremendous flavor that is “Center Stage.” The big takeaway is that “Center Stage” is lighthearted and a total blast to listen to. Furthermore, the vocals are sweet. The best part is the chorus, which is the crème de la crème – the centerpiece!

“Every day I walk away

With the feeling that I’m center stage

There’s a good time

There’s a good time.”

Appears in 🔻:

Center: 5ive Songs No. 52 (2022)

3. Nipsey Hussle, “Racks in the Middle” (Ft. Roddy Ricch & Hit-Boy)

🎵 “Racks in the Middle” • 🏷 All Money In No Money Out / Atlantic • 📅 2019

“I was riding ‘round in the V-12 with the racks in the middle / Had to pray to almighty God they let my dog out the kennel…” Woo, 🎙 Roddy Ricch! Ricch is responsible for the chorus on the 🏆 Grammy-winning single, 🎵 “Racks in the Middle.” Notably, “Racks in the Middle” earned the late 🎙 Nipsey Hussle one of two posthumous 🏆 Grammys at the 62^nd Grammy Awards. Tragically, Nipsey was shot and killed on March 31, 2019. His legacy lives on this rap banger, which not only features Ricch, but also production work by 🎛 Hit-Boy.

“When you get it straight up out the mud, you can’t imagine this shit

I been pullin’ up in the drop tops with the baddest bitches…”

Roddy Ricch sets the tone with his melodic performance in the intro followed by the chorus. The first time I heard the chorus, I found it to be a bit quirky and disjointed. Following the first of three verses by Nipsey Hussle, it grows more enduring. It serves as a nice contrast to Hussle’s un-pitched rhymes. Nipsey delivers a compelling flow, as always, delivering memorable rhymes and real talk. One line that hits hard considering Nipsey’s untimely death: “Damn, I wish my nigga Fatts was here / How you die thirty somethin’ after banging all them years?” Sadly, Nipsey only lived 33 years himself.

4. Thomas Rhett, “Center Point Road” (Ft. Kelsea Ballerini)

💿 Center Point Road • 🏷 Big Machine • 📅 2019

🎵 “Center Point Road” served as the sixth and final advance single from 💿 Center Point Road, the fourth studio album by 🏆 Grammy-nominated country singer, 🎙 Thomas Rhett. On the reminiscent record, Rhett tapped a fellow 🏆 Grammy-nominated country musician, 🎙 Kelsea Ballerini for the assist with positive results. The album, and obviously, the title track, are named after a place where Rhett lived – 📍 Center Point Road in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

“Center Point Road” has plenty of pros. The songwriting (Rhett, 🎼✍ Amy Wadge, 🎼✍ Cleve Wilson, and 🎼✍ Jesse Frasure) and the production (🎛 Dann Huff) are big reasons why it’s a roaring success. Regarding songwriting, the record is reflective, remembering youthful, fun times and experiences. The sound of this record is ‘country enough,’ but it also thrives with its pop/rock sensibility. Rhett and Ballerini do a superb job performing their respective parts. Rhett sings the first verse and chorus, while Ballerini provides contrast in the second and following chorus. They join forces on the bridge, before ending strong on the chorus and outro. The chorus is the crème de la crème.

“We wrote our own destiny

In parkin’ lots and empty streets

Yeah, we got high on you and me

Jumped over cracks beneath our feet

And we thought it would never end

Then watched it go like summer wind

When growin’ up was just a dream

And Friday night was everything.”

Appears in 🔻:

Center: 5ive Songs No. 52 (2022)

5. The Neighbourhood, “Middle of Somewhere”

💿 Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2020

“I was on the outside looking in / Now I’m on the inside,” 🎙 Jesse Rutherford sings in the chorus of 🎵 “Middle of Somewhere.” “Middle of Somewhere” serves as the closer from 💿 Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones, the fourth studio album by 🎙 The Neighbourhood, released in the year of our lord, 2020. “Tryna stay out of my head,” Rutherford continues in the chorus, “I need peace of mind.” Peace of mind is important. It’s worth noting that the chorus, introduced at the onset, marks the most traditional section of this song.

“Now I’m somewhere far away from where I started

With no point of return, but I’m turning.”

Even though “Middle of Somewhere” has two verses, neither fit a straightforward, traditional bill. That’s not surprising considering Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones is an experimental album overall. Regardless of being nontraditional, there are some memorable, thoughtful lyrics: “Everyone is an alien / When you’re trying to find your place.” “Middle of Somewhere” has a dreamy sound from the start that’s a surefire vibe – nothing middling about that!

6. Richard Smallwood, “The Center of My Joy”

💿 Textures • 🏷 Word Entertainment • 📅 1987

“Jesus, You’re the center of my joy / All that’s good and perfect comes from You,” the gifted 🎙 Richard Smallwood sings at the beginning of his acclaimed gospel classic, 🎵 “The Center of My Joy”. Such laudatory, powerful lyrics that speak to being indebted to God for everything. Smallwood continues singing, in the chorus, the centerpiece, “You’re the heart of my contentment / Hope for all I do / Jesus, You’re the center of my joy.” Yes, yes, yes!

“The Center of My Joy” famously appears on Smallwood’s 1987 album, 💿 Textures. It’s easily the most renowned song from the LP, as well as one of the biggest songs of his career (🎵 “Total Praise” might get the edge). This anthem of praise celebrates God’s goodness and mercy, period. In the first verse, Smallwood asserts, “You’re the compass for my way,” as well as “When I’m all alone, Your hand is there to hold.” It’s a similar scenario in the second verse, where Smallwood proclaims, “You’re the source and finish of my highest dreams.” Even if you aren’t a person of faith, it’s hard not to admire Smallwood’s dedication to God. Besides the memorable, tuneful chorus, and the poetic, thoughtful verses, the vamp section, centered around “Jesus, You are the center of my joy,” is utterly sublime. Smallwood riffing atop a gospel choir is nothing short of awesome. Also, shout out the music! If you weren’t aware, Richard Smallwood is a trained musician, who graduated with a music degree from Howard University. “The Center of My Joy” has been covered by many and is sung in churches regularly around the world. Now that’s music that lifts!

Appears in 🔻:

7. J. Cole, “Middle Child”

💿 Revenge of the Dreamers III • 🏷 Dreamville / Roc Nation • 📅 2019

“Niggas been countin’ me out / I’m countin’ my bullets, I’m loadin’ my clips / I’m writin’ down names, I’m makin’ a list / I’m checkin’ it twice and I’m getting’ ‘em hit.” 🏆 Grammy-winning rapper 🎙 J. Cole shines on 🎵 “Middle Child”, co-produced by 🎛 T-Minus. “Middle Child” benefits from its sickness behind the boards with a hard AF beat and biting brassy production.

Cole drops compelling rhymes, showcasing his consistent, elite flow. The two most memorable sections of the record are the refrain and the chorus. Cole also brings plenty of heat to the verses. Among topics covered include the incarceration of black males. The best way to describe “Middle Child” is 🔥.

Appears in 🔻:

8. Anthony Green, “Center of It All”

💿 Boom. Done. • 🏷 Born Losers • 📅 2022

“I don’t know / If I can be alone again / And I don’t think / That I can make it through.” Well, lyrically, that sounds like a bummer, sigh. In 2022, 🎙 Anthony Green, of 🎙 Circa Survive fame, quietly released a new solo album, 💿 Boom. Done. On the fourth track, 🎵 “Center of It All,” Green definitely makes our ears perk up. “Center of It All” commences with dreamy-sounding music, even as Green ponders loneliness. “I promise I’ll do better when / If I, I get a second chance,” he asserts in the brief second verse.

During the course of “Center of It All,” Green delivers beautiful, expressive vocals. I heart the ripe sound of his tenor vocals. Following the dreamy opening verse, the record is anchored by a compelling rhythmic groove, which gives it more life, more punch. Fittingly, this occurs during the main attraction, the chorus:

“I don’t wanna be the center of it all

We can get the fire up

We can get the fire started

We don’t need a new record of your debt

You don’t wanna make it right

You just wanna make me hurry up.”

Besides the memorable lyrics during the chorus, there is lovely orchestration, with the inclusion of horns. This only amplifies the color of this record.

Appears in 🔻:

Center: 5ive Songs No. 52 (2022)

9. Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey, “The Middle”

🎵 “The Middle” • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2018

“Oh baby, why don’t you just meet me in the middle? / I’m losing my mind just a little / So why don’t you just meet me in the middle? / In the middle.” Yes, it was way overplayed, but can you deny that 🎵 “The Middle” was definitely a big deal? NO, you can’t. It was among the most ubiquitous songs of 2018 period. On “The Middle,” talented German producer 🎙 🎛 Zedd and production duo 🎙 🎛 Grey make magic with an unlikely collaborator, 🏆 Grammy-winning country artist, 🎙 Maren Morris. Whoa!

Morris exhibits her share of grit on “The Middle,” often part of the country script, but also amps up her pop sensibilities. Hearing Morris with vocal effects doesn’t sound like a total stretch, particularly considering her versatility. That said, there’s nothing the slightest bit country about the backdrop, as Zedd and Grey are firmly planted in the electronic dance idiom. No problem whatsoever! The best moment of “The Middle” is the chorus, the catchy, breakthrough moment.

Appears in 🔻:

10. Emily King, “Off Center”

💿 The Switch • 🏷 Making Music • 📅 2015

“Little flower of summer / Once your seasons pass / Do you ever wonder / Why your petals fall so fast?” That’s a thought-provoking question, 🎙 Emily King. It’s also some gorgeous lyricism if I do say so myself! Something tells me that the talented though underrated 🏆 Grammy-nominated R&B/soul musician isn’t merely thinking about summer flowers. There’s more to 🎵 “Off Center,” a highlight from her 2015 album, 💿 The Switch.

In the next stanza of “Off Center,” King remains poetic and reflective, seeming to be concerned about the future. “Show me how to live,” she sings at the end of the first section, continuing, “Tell me I’ll be fine / Before the night is over.” Don’t we all hope for the pain to subside as soon as possible? The second section of this nontraditional record packs a mighty punch. It’s both big and incredibly warm, featuring superb vocals by King and awesome production.

“Cause I’m all alone

Center of my heart

Is there a way back to you

Or have I gone too far?”

Once more, King reflects on her off-centeredness. Her pain is our listening pleasure. The third section, which features repetition, is equally intriguing to the first and second sections. Call it what it is – a vibe! “You’re aiming too high, you want it too much,” she sings. Is she/was she trying too hard? Regardless of the answer to that question, her efforts are greatly appreciated on “Off Center.”

11. Alex Aiono, “Work The Middle”

🎵 “Work the Middle” • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2017

After signing with Interscope (he’s no longer on the label), heartthrob 🎙 Alex Aiono dropped an original, major label debut single, 🎵 “Work the Middle” following many awesome covers and mashups via YouTube. Like his vocal skills on the video platform, Aiono shows off his superb set of pipes. Pop, particularly gimmicky, modern pop, doesn’t always showcase the full breadth of vocals. Despite the hyper drums and tropically driven production (🎛 Axident and 🎛 Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II), there is no vocal sacrifice. Furthermore, Aiono is able to infuse personality and swagger.

“Come and meet me at the afterparty / Bring your body, mama work the middle / Just a little don’t tell nobody / Bring your body, mama work the middle.” Sex, of course, is the modus operandi. Aiono never crosses the line but is intentional in being suggestive. Work is the go-to innuendo for the act. Even so, Alex keeps it classy.

Appears in 🔻:

12. The Clark Sisters, “Center Thy Will”

💿 You Brought The Sunshine • 🏷 Sound of Gospel • 📅 2002

“Lord, I just want to be / Rooted and grounded in thee.” Amen 👏, 🎙 The Clark Sisters, amen! Please, continue, ladies: “Lord, place me, Lord place me / I want to be centered in thy will.” The iconic gospel collective has received renewed attention in 2022 thanks to 🎙 Beyoncé. Queen Bey controversially sampled the Clark Sisters’ 🎵 “Center Thy Will” on her secular, sexual record, 🎵 “Church Girl” from her critically acclaimed (and controversial) seventh studio album, 💿 RENAISSANCE. Here, we celebrate the uplifting nature of the Clark Sisters’ beloved gospel classic as opposed to the polarizing repurposing by Bey.

“Center Thy Will” was written by 🎼✍ Ebernita Clark, best known as 🎙 Twinkie Clark. The sound is idiomatic of traditional black gospel, with the use of both piano and organ, as well as soulful, vocal harmonies. The vocals are high-flying, chocked full of spirit. Clearly, The Clark Sisters wholeheartedly believe in God, looking to him to guide their lives. “Lord, I just want to be / Highly favored in thee,” the Sisters sing in the second verse, adding, “Lord, make me / Lord, Lord Jesus, place me in the center of thy will.” The big takeaway: to live and be more like Him, JESUS.

Appears in 🔻:

13. Luther Vandross, “Right in the Middle”

💿 Dance With My Father • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 📅 2003

🎙 Luther Vandross was one of the smoothest vocalists, regardless of musical genre. While he never reached no. 1 on the Hot 100 (🎵 “Endless Love” with 🎙 Mariah Carey settled for no. 2), the 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B artist had his fair share of success. Vandross’ final studio album, 💿 Dance With My Father, earned him no. 1 on the Billboard 200 and eventual double-platinum certification – the biggest album of his career. Sadly, he wasn’t well when Dance With My Father was released, something Billboard speaks about. Just two years later, Vandross died at just 54 – it still hurts. The biggest song from Dance With My Father is the title track. However, this superb album has other songs that are terrific including 🎵 “Right in the Middle.”

“Right in the Middle” is an album track – nowhere near being a single. Even so, it’s chill, classy, and incredibly sophisticated, just like Luther Vandross likes it. His voice sounds as potent and buttery smooth as ever – no heavy lifting for him! He’s supported by background vocalists who further accentuate his cool but commanding and compelling lead. What exactly is right in the middle in the context of this Vandross/ 🎼 ✍ Reed Vertelney-penned song? Love, of course:

“Not all bad, not all good (it’s just something that I believe)

Not all cold, not all hot (yeah, I like that, not all hot)

Not all bitter, not all sweet (sounds all right to me)

So don’t miss all the good, waiting for the best, there’s still happiness

Right in the middle.”

Appears in 🔻:

Middle: 5ive Songs No. 41 (2022)

13 Intriguing, Right in the Middle Songs [📷: All Money In No Money Out, Atlantic, Born Losers, Brent Faulkner, Columbia, Dreamville, Fueled By Ramen, Interscope, Making Music, The Musical Hype, Roc Nation, Sony Music Entertainment, Sound of Gospel, Viktoria via Pexels]

13 Intriguing, Right in the Middle Songs | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on September 19, 2022September 19, 2022