13 Intriguing Songs Fixated on Time ⏰ | Playlist 🎧

1. SG Lewis, “Time”

💿 times • 🏷 Jasmine Music Limited / PMR / Universal Music Operations Limited • 📅 2021

In the year of our Lord, 2021, the multitalented 🎙 SG Lewis – DJ, producer, singer, songwriter, and of course, a handsome guy 😍 – dropped his debut album, 💿 Times.  While Lewis keeps the Times short, the results are fabulous giving 2021 a fine dance/electronic album.  One of the best songs from Times arrives ‘right on time’ as the opener – 🎵 “Time”!

“There was harmony in the music / There was harmony in the behavior of the people / And we had a good time.” “Time” commences with that fitting, spoken word intro.  Following that tone setting intro, the lit, contemporary disco groove sets in, elevating the spirit and urging those feet to M-O-V-E.  Soon enough, we get the warm, expressive vocals of 🎙 Rhye, which really serves as the cherry on top.  This is an infectious, sexy, and sunny opener for Lewis, who produces awesomely alongside 🎛 Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.

2. Brandi Carlile, “Right on Time”

💿 In These Silent Days • 🏷 A Low Country Sound / Elektra • 📅 2021 

“It wasn’t right / But it’s right on time.” 🏆 Grammy winner 🎙 Brandi Carlile experienced a productive 2020-21 despite COVID-19.  She published a memoir (📚 Broken Horses: A Memoir) and recorded a new album, 💿 In These Silent Days, the follow-up to 💿 By The Way, I Forgive You. The song at hand, 🎵 “Right on Time”, serves as an amazing opener and promo single.

“Right on Time” commences simply with Carlile accompanied by piano, with bass entering the mix.  She sings with great control, eventually expanding her scope, showing off the sheer power of her pipes.  The instrumentation expands on the second verse including drums, guitar, and backing vocals sweetening the mix as well. Carlile does a fantastic job of starting minimal and building “Right on Time” into a gorgeous, grandiose record. The songwriting is elite with Carlile collaborating with 🎼✍ Tim Hanseroth, 🎼✍ Phil Hanseroth, and 🎼✍ Dave Cobb.  The lyrics are poetic, and Carlile sings them with great emotion.  Notably, she highlights the title of her album: “It’s not too late / Either way, I lose you in these silent days.” “Right on Time” plays to her strengths: great writer, great singer, and a top-notch artist.

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3. Kacey Musgraves, “Simple times”

💿 Star-crossed • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. / MCA Nashville • 📅 2021

“‘Cause being grown up kinda sucks / And I’m really just missing the simple times, ah-ha.”  Agreed 🎙 Kacey Musgraves, agreed. Adulting is hard, and sometimes, I find myself revisiting the simpler, more carefree times of my youth, sigh.🎵 “Simple times” appears as the fourth track from her fourth album, 💿 Star-crossed. Much of Star-crossed, notably, encompasses her divorce from singer/songwriter, 🎙 Ruston Kelly. Even on “Simple times,” you can sense the effects of a troubling, emotional experience.

As the quote suggests, Musgraves wants to return to better days – simpler times.  However, at this point, life and the plight of love have hit her and it’s messing with her.  If she could escape – “Put this game on pause / Skip this round” – she’d feel better.  Again, the 🏆 Grammy-winning country singer has a legit point, accentuated even more thanks to continually embracing those mellow, psychedelic vibes.

“Wish that I could put this game on pause
Skip this round, take the headset off
Put my lip gloss on
Kick it at the mall like there’s nothing wrong
I need to step away
If I don’t, I’m gonna go insane
‘Cause being grown up kinda sucks
And I’m really just missing the simple times, ah-ha.”

4. BJ the Chicago Kid, “Time Today”

💿 1123 • 🏷 Motown • 📅 2019

“My body all over your body, babe / If you want, we can roll up and pour up some Hennessy, oh-oh.” Woo! Following a three-year hiatus, 🏆 Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter 🎙 BJ the Chicago Kid returned with an excellent sophomore album, 💿 1123, in 2019. One of the brightest moments from 1123 is the throwback gem, 🎵 “Time Today.” The Chicago Kid is in top-notch form – autopilot – delivering an incredibly expressive and soulful performance.  Of course, doesn’t hurt that the song is sexy as hell.  

BJ, who can sing any- and everything, sounds most potent on a neo-soul cut such as this one.  Again, throw love and sex into the equation, and “Time Today” is even more intriguing. The best moment, as you’d expect, is the chorus, where he makes it crystal clear there’s slots available on the schedule! Here, BJ’s assertiveness really shines through. 

“I got time today-ay, yeah
I got time today-ay, yeah
Lead me to the spot, I’ll lick every drop
I’ll be dippin’ in your honeypot, throw away the clock.”

Also appears on 🔽:
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5. Harry Styles, “Sign of the Times”

💿 Harry Styles • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2017

“Just stop your crying, it’s a sign of the times / We gotta get away from here…” 🎙 Harry Styles proved he could easily thrive post- 🎙 One Direction.  He already had dashing good looks working in his favor, as well as possessing one of the most distinct voices in the boy band.  I say all that to say that Mr. Styles comes through with one hell of a stunning debut single in 🎵 “Sign of the Times”.  Honestly, it was disappointing that “Sign of the Times” failed to earn him his first 🏆 Grammy nomination.  He’d go on to not only be nominated but win for 🎵 “Watermelon Sugar” years later (atonement). 

On “Sign of the Times,” Styles delivers an impressive vocal performance.  It confirms that he’s best suited as a solo artist.  Furthermore, his vocals are perfectly suited for this big, pop/rock ballad focused on the ‘times.’ As “Sign of the Times” progresses, his voice only grows riper – superstar status! This is a beautiful record tackling morbidity, heaven, and being open as opposed to covert. “Sign of the Times” was truly a ‘song for the times!’ Among the best songs of 2017 for sure!

“Just stop your crying, it’s a sign of the times
We gotta get away from here...
Just stop your crying, it’ll be alright
They told me that the end is near
We gotta get away from here.”

6. Brent Faiyaz, “Wasting Time”

Ft. Drake

🎵 “Wasting Time” • 🏷 Lost Kids • 🗓 2021

Continuing a hot streak in 2021, 🎙 Brent Faiyaz (Christopher Wood) drops a stellar single, 🎵 “Wasting Time”.  Joining him with the assist is 🏆 Grammy-winning rapper/singer, 🎙 Drake, who drops some bars here.  One reason why Drizzy is a perfect fit? “Wasting Time” dabbles in those ‘matters of the heart,’ and we all know the rapper is good at being “in his feelings”.

“Wasting Time” commences with warm, lush strings, that set the tone.  The production is superb, thanks to the skills of a veteran team, 🎛 The Neptunes (🎛 Chad Hugo and 🎛 Pharrell Williams). Faiyaz enters post instrumental intro, joined by drum programming.  He spoils the listener with his refined, smooth pipes, intact with harmonies and falsetto – he’s on-point.  On the memorable chorus, he sings, “If you’re gonna waste your time / Then waste your time with me.” Right on! Rightfully, he performs most of this five-minute record, with Drake arriving just prior to the three-minute mark. Drizzy contrasts with his rhythmic rhymes, accompanied by harder drum programming.  His verse is colorful, including the ways he’ll spoil her, pop culture references (including “Purple Rain” and Aaliyah), and the unforgettable line, “Flushed the Magnums just so they not collectin’ my specimens, damn (damn).” All in all, “Wasting Time” is another surefire winner for Brent Faiyaz – all boxes are checked off here with great vocals, fine production, a strong guest spot, and relatable theme and solid lyrics. 

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7. Fantasia, “No Time for It”

💿 The Definition of… • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2016

“And if they’re bringing up problems / There’s not time for it.” Oh snap! Perhaps the best way to describe 🎵 “No Time for It”, a standout from 🎙 Fantasia’s 2016 album, 💿 The Definition of… is that it’s feisty.  This can be inferred from the title, but the song itself backs it up. Ultimately, “No Time for It” is a sound record firmly entrenched in contemporary R&B, that eschews being flashy.

Thematically, Fantasia is giving a big ole fat middle finger to the haters – she doesn’t care what they’ve got to say.  On the chorus, she sings, “You wanna tell me how it is / But there’s no time for it… And the hate don’t really matter, nah / There’s no time for it.”  Essentially, Fantasia confirms the tried and true “haters gonna hate” sentiment, and she has NO 👏 TIME 👏 FOR 👏 IT 👏 PEOPLE 👏! 

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8. Moneybagg Yo, “Time Today”

💿 A Gangsta’s Pain • 🏷 CMG / N-Less / Interscope • 📅 2021

“I don’t like niggas; I don’t like bitches / I don’t like nobody.” Well, da-yum 🎙 Moneybagg Yo! The Memphis rapper is tough AF on the brief but potent 🎵 “Time Today”.  The standout appears on his 2021 album, 💿 A Gangsta’s Pain.  Here, I heart his masculine sound, unapologetic nature, and the sound of his flow.  Notably, the best part of the record is the beginning of each verse, which is infectious.

“I just looked at my wrist, I got time today
Fuck it I’m crossin’ the line today.”

In addition to memorable, unapologetic lyrics – “A huncho it cost you a Quavo to book me” – “Time Today” features malicious-sounding, minor-key production by 🎛 Real Red and 🎛 YC. The backdrop provides ample fuel for Yo’s fire.  No, Moneybagg Yo doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but he does give us a respectable, hard-nosed, tough banger. #FACTS!

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Time ⏰: 5ive Songs No. 86 (2021)

9. Billie Eilish, “No Time to Die”

🎵 “No Time to Die” • 🏷 Darkroom / Interscope • 🗓 2020 

After dominating the 🏆 Grammys, and following a high-profile Academy Awards in memoriam performance, 🎙 Billie Eilish returned with 🎵 “No Time to Die”, which appears in the 007 film, 🎥 No Time to Die. “No Time to Die” is written by Eilish and 🎼 ✍ 🎛 FINNEAS, who also produces alongside 🎛 Stephen Lipson.  The sound balances that signature Eilish sound we’ve come to love – more understated, yet always chilling and haunting – and the dramatic, dark nature of the music appearing in the James Bond films. 

For most of the song, the listener is mesmerized by the soft yet potent nature of Eilish’s instrument, with ample lyrical expressiveness.  But even the oft-understated teen rises to the occasion, pushing her voice and singing dynamically to match the soaring nature of the music on the chorus. “No Time to Die” is a well-written, well-performed, truly gorgeous ballad that plays to her strengths.

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10. Cyndi Lauper, “Time After Time”

💿 She’s So Unusual • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 🗓 1983

“If you’re lost, you can look, and you will find me / Time after time.” Classic! Iconic! When you think 1980s, it must include 🎙 Cyndi Lauper – it’s a non-negotiable people! Lauper secured her status as a musical legend with her debut album, 💿 She’s So Unusual.  That 1983 gem features three key hits: 🎵 “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, 🎵 “She Bop”, and the song at hand, 🎵 “Time After Time.”

“Time After Time” was one of two no. 1 hits by Lauper (🎵 “True Colors”, from her 1986 sophomore album of the same title, being the other).  Written with 🎼✍ Robert Hyman and produced by 🎛 Rick Chertoff, “Time After Time” wins you over the very first time you hear it.  We get great, memorable lyrics (“Secrets stolen from deep inside / The drum beats out of time”), awesome vocals, and a vibe and overall aesthetic that could only be created by Lauper.  Timeless “Time After Time” listening to it!

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11. GIVĒON, “Last Time”

Ft. Snoh Aalegra

💿 When It’s All Said and Done… Take Time • 🏷 Epic / With Not So Fast LLC • 📅 2021 

“It ain’t right but I’ma stay tonight because you told me so.” On 🎵 “Last Time,” a highlight from 💿 When It’s All Said and Done… Take Time, listeners are treated to a smooth duet between 🏆 Grammy-nominated R&B singer 🎙 GIVĒON (Giveon Evans) and 🎙 Snoh Aalegra (Snoh Sheri Nowrozi). Their two voices blend marvelously – this was one of those musical moments that was meant to be.  Regarding this specific song, GIVĒON has stated he wanted this song to “feel intimate and like a dialogue”. 

“Last Time” was written by Evans, Nowrozi, and 🎼✍ Don Mills, with Mills producing alongside 🎛 Sevn Thomas. The sound is lush, romantic, and sensual.  Both Evans and Nowrozi impress with their respective vocal performances.  Furthermore, “Last Time” satisfies its intended effect with stunning, high-flying expression of complicated matters of the heart. 

“Just this last time
Don’t make me regret it, I don’t wanna say it
Let’s not overthink it, baby
Come over (Come over)
I know I shouldn’t, know you shouldn’t (Oh yeah)
Come over (Yeah, yeah).”

12. Panic! At the Disco, “Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time”

💿 Death of a Bachelor • 🏷 Fueled by Ramen • 📅 2016

“Alright, alright, it’s a hell of a feeling though / It’s a hell of feeling though!” 🎙 Panic! At the Disco always seems to bring a certain level of eccentricity to their music – well, ‘his’ music arguably. 🎙 Brendon Urie is turned-up to the nth degree on 🎵 “Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time,” one of numerous highlights from the 🏆 Grammy-nominated 💿 Death of a Bachelor album. Urie exudes exuberant spirit on the infectious chorus, excerpted above.

Lyrically, “Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time” is incredibly zany, with references to waking up in only his undies (ooh la-la) and losing a “Bet to a guy in a Chiffon skirt,” yet, he “makes these high heels work.” The narrative is wild AF. Plum nuts y’all, with the chorus only adding to and accentuating the craziness.

“Champagne, cocaine, gasoline
And most things in between
I roam the city in a shopping cart
A pack of camels and a smoke alarm.”

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13. Jon Bellion, “All Time Low”

💿 The Human Condition • 🏷 Capitol • 📅 2016

“I was the knight in shining armor in your movie…/ Now I’m a ghost, I call your name, you look right through me / You’re the reason I’m alone and masturbate.” 🍆 💦 Hey, at least he’s honest!  Pop singer/songwriter and producer 🎙 Jon Bellion is at an 🎵 “All Time Low” because his relationship has ended.

Bellion goes from being a “knight” to being a “ghost” and has to resort to self-pleasure as opposed to the intimacy he once experienced with her.  Bellion goes on to sing on 💿 The Human Condition (2016) standout that “I’ve been trying to fix my pride / but that shit’s broken, that shit’s broken.” Despite trying to better himself, his “pride” is already broken – he’s totally messed up – an all-time low that is!

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