13 Late, Lately, or Later Songs | Playlist

13 Late, Lately, or Later Songs features music courtesy of Ari Lennox, Harry Styles, Janet Jackson, Joesef, Roddy Ricch & Stevie Wonder.

“I’m LATE! / I’m late! / For a very important date! / No time to say ‘Hello,’ goodbye! / I’m late! I’m late! I’m late!” Oh, Alice In Wonderland – definitely the trippiest Disney animated film ever! It gives us one of the greatest LATE songs of all time and the perfect preface to 13 Late, Lately, or Later Songs.  Not only do we get LATE, but we also get LATELY and LATER songs in the mix – WOO HOO! Among musicians who provide songs on this musical compendium are Ari Lennox, Harry Styles, Janet Jackson, Joesef, Roddy Ricch, and Stevie Wonder among others.  So, we get some pop, R&B/soul, and rap in the mix . So, without further ado, let’s jump right into 13 Late, Lately, or Later Songs!

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1. Joesef, “It’s Been a Little Heavy Lately”

Permanent Damage • Bold Cut / AWAL • 2023

“You know I’ve been fucked up; crazy / It’s been a little heavy lately / But you’re the only one who could save me.” Yep, Joesef just lays it out there on “It’s Been a Little Heavy Lately”, a single and highlight from his 2023 debut album, Permanent Damage. He continues singing in the chorus, “Why is it my heart is open / Only when the red light’s glowing? / But I’ll be yours until the morning…” The Scottish LGBTQ musician has quite a situation on his hands.  He’s covertly dating this guy who happens to have a girlfriend – scandalous, right? No wonder it’s been “a little heavy lately.”

Essentially, the situation is a difficult one for all parties involved.  Joesef, clearly, wants exclusivity between him and his boyfriend.  “All I got is you on my mind / I’m coming up easy,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Don’t care if she sees me / I need you tonight.” Woo! Similarly, in the second verse, he’s not too keen on the girlfriend, and again, the situation itself: “Where’d you go? / Can you feel the drip in the lies?” Joesef’s biggest statement comes during the bridge, where he encourages his boyfriend to embrace their relationship and cut off his relationship with the girl. There’s clearly something missing:

“Wonder why you’re acting surprised

‘Cause when you kiss her, you know something’s missing

You know that it feels different with me

I guess it must be hard for a guy to look her in the eye

When it’s me who’s giving you what you need.”

Worth noting, Joesef sings exceptionally well, spoiling us with his ripe falsetto.  The production isn’t too shabby either, with its robust bass line, keys, and groove.

Appears in :

• Joesef, It’s Been a Little Heavy Lately: LGBTQ Bopz 20 (2022)
• Incredible LGBTQ Songs, Young & Old, Vol. 3 (2022)

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2. SZA, “Too Late”

SOS • Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA• 2022 

“And if it’s just us, is that enough? / Is it bad that I want more?” Hmm, that is a question… rather, two questions.  Now, to provide some context! Phew , it was a long time coming but finally, in December 2022, Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter SZA released her sophomore album, SOS. Although a long project, SOS was triumphant from start to finish, finding SZA being transparent about her defunct relationship and seeking fulfillment through sex with others.  On “Too Late,” the 17^th track from the LP (!), she continues to desire reconciliation with her ex. “Is it too late for us? We both dangers / Movin’ so close, we combust / Is it bad that I want more?” she sings in the chorus, continuing, “Is it too late for us? / We both scared of love…” She asks the right questions but given everything she’s opened up about at this point, it does indeed feel too late for them to ‘try again.’ Still, see the second verse, where that S-E-X seems like motivation (“See, bust it like a toolie in your waistband / Bust it like that booty too big and you need two hands”). We’ll leave it there !

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3. Harry Styles, “Late Night Talking”

Harry’s House • Columbia • 2022

“If you’re feeling down, I just wanna make you happier, baby.” Ooh-la-la! The enthusiastic “Late Night Talking” marks one of the best moments from Harry’s House, the Grammy-winning, third studio album by pop musician Harry Styles . “Late Night Talking” features more of a synth-driven sound that’s funky as H-E-double-hockey sticks! “Late Night Talking” features a 1980s-centric.  Styles sings with coolness while also presenting ample swagger and a plenteous personality (“I’ve never been a fan of change / But I’d follow you to any place / If it’s Hollywood or Bishopsgate, I’m coming, too”).  His tone is warm and beautiful – quite pleasing to the ear. Musically, there’s plenty to heart about this including the harmonic progression, the memorable chorus, and of course the theme – love.

“We’ve been doin’ all this late-night talkin’

‘Bout anything you want until the morning

Now you’re in my life

I can’t get you off my mind.” 

 

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Appears in :

• Night: 5ive Songs No. 68 (2022)
• 13 Ear-Catching Night Songs (2022)
• Late: 5ive Songs No. 70 (2022)

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4. Hannah Williams & The Affirmations, “Late Nights & Heartbreak”

Late Nights & Heartbreak • Record Kicks • 2016 

“Why do I find it so hard to love you / When I know in my heart that I want to?” That, right there, Hannah Williams, is a deep question.  Love is complicated AF, NO CAP! She further confesses, “I’ve been putting you down when you aren’t around,” “I’ve been messing around when you’re out of town,” and admits, “I’m a part0time lover and I’m never there.” Wow! As arduous as Williams’ situation is on the Hannah Williams & The Affirmations record, “Late Nights & Heartbreak” ( Late Nights & Heartbreak), it is sweet, sweet music to our ears.  Notably, this 2016 gem was sampled in the 2017 Jay-Z song, “4:44” ( 4:44), bringing it far more attention than it received upon its release. Given its theme, it was the perfect source for “4:44,” where Jay-Z admits and owns his mistakes within in his relationship with Beyoncé. So, who wrote this epic song that encompasses inadequate love and cheating? That would be Kanan Keeney, who is often attributed as Kanan Keeny. Williams does a fantastic job bringing the honest lyrics alive with her powerful, soulful instrument.  Also, giving “Late Nights & Heartbreak” plenty of life is the production work by Malcom Catto.  The rhythm section sounds tight, while the horns add another dimension, hearkening back to 1970s soul.

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5. Lil Nas X, “Late To Da Party” (Ft. YoungBoy Never Broke Again)

“Late To Da Party” • Columbia • 2022

“Yea, fuck BET, fuck BET, fuck BET.” Woo! Grammy-winner Lil Nas X commences “Late To Da Party” by dissing BET in the intro.  It’s deserved given the openly gay pop musician’s snubs at the 2022 BET Awards.  He’s joined by popular rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again on this confident, unapologetic banger produced by Jason Goldberg and Take A Daytrip.

Lil Nas X raps the first verse, beginning un-pitched, then embracing confident, melodic rap. “Everything I do, bitch, right or wrong, gon’ make a profit,” he asserts, continuing, “Read about it, I don’t even gotta sing about it / I wake up with the money that you niggas dream about, uh.” He’s joined by NBA YoungBoy in the pre-chorus, which is stacked in money! Lil Nas X drops the melodic chorus on his own, asserting, “Don’t try me, you better save that shit for somebody else / Don’t try me, ‘cause, bitch, I can’t be late to the party, yeah.” YBNBA performs the second verse melodically and agilely with confidence through the roof: “She wanna eat and I hope that she don’t bite now / She on her knees, and she’s worshippin’ right now.” Later, in the fourth verse, a confident YBNBA goes so far as to say, “Know I’m ready as soon as she cum, uh / I lick it as soon as I’m done (Yeah, uh).” “Late To Da Party” isn’t Montero’s best song but given BET’s diversity problem (the black community is NOT monolithic), the record has a bigger purpose.

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Appears in :

• Late: 5ive Songs No. 70 (2022)

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6. Janet Jackson, “What Have You Done for Me Lately”

Control • A&M • 1986 

“I know he used to do nice stuff for you / But what has he done for you lately?” It all comes down to one simple but important question on “What Have You Done for Me Lately”, WOO! That is what the R&B/pop superstar Janet Jackson asked on the infectious, no. 4 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from her 1986 album, Control.  Both “What Have You Done for Me Lately” and Control were nominated for Grammys, though Jackson would ultimately win her five Grammys for other musical endeavors.  Still, revisiting dance-pop gem, it deserved a Grammy, dammit!

“What Have You Done For Me Lately” has the 1980s written all over it – those groovy, boxy drums, and  increased palette of electronic sounds via synthesizers. Iconic producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis give Jackson a marvelous backdrop that fit the lyrics without a hitch.  Basically, this guy, who was once a catch, is neglecting Janet something fierce. “Used to be a time when you would pamper me,” she sings in the first verse, later adding, “But my friends say neglect is on your mind / Who’s right?” Well, apparently, they are given the fact he has done sugar honey iced tea for her lately! Another prime example comes in the second verse, where she asserts, “Used to go to dinner almost every night /… Good thing I cook or else we’d starve to death / Ain’t that a shame?” Basically, Janet Jackson, and any woman being taken for granted deserve better! “What Have You Done for Me Lately” is a certified classic, PERIOD! #GIRL POWER!!!

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Appears in :

• Janet Jackson, What Have You Done for Me Lately: Throwback Vibez 50 (2023)

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7. Steel Panther, “Never Too Late (To Get Some Pussy Tonight)”

On the Prowl • Steel Panther • 2023

“1am on a Saturday night / Looking for some gash, preferably tight / Open up the Tinder, I got no matches / But there’s plenty of fish in the sea with plenty of snatches.” Oh, boy! It’s important NOT to take glam rock/metal collective Steel Panther seriously.  Honestly, the two-decade-plus band should be taken with a grain of salt.  Steel Panther returns with their sixth studio album, On the Prowl, in 2023.  Prior to its arrival, Steel Panther built anticipation with the raunchy, unapologetic single, “Never Too Late (To Get Some Pussy Tonight)”.

Musically, Steel Panther shines.  The production is bright and exuberant characterized by sparkling synths during the intro and assertive, roaring guitars that appear consistently throughout the majority of the record. As the song progresses, there’s an impressive guitar solo, which hearkens back to the 1980s when hair metal ruled.  Besides impressive instrumental lines, the harmonic scheme is sweet, particularly during the contrasting bridge section – rock TF Steel Panther. Of course, the lead vocals by Michael Starr (Ralph Saenz) ‘kick ass and take names’ – he’s incredibly aggressive! The big draw, however, are those comical, raw, and unapologetic lyrics.  In the second verse, for example, Ralph sings about his encounter with a girl missing a leg… yikes! In the pre-chorus that follows, he asserts, “Gonna find a girl with both her legs / Steel Panther’s gonna fertilize her eggs.” HOLY F#CKING MOLY! Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, which features those head-shakable titular lyrics: “Cause it’s never too late to get some pussy tonight / No, it’s never too late to get some pussy tonight.” For a song of such little substance, “Never Too Late (To Get Some Pussy Tonight)” is enjoyable.  Make of it what you will.

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Appears in :

• Late: 5ive Songs No. 70 (2022)

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8. Roddy Ricch, “late at night”

LIVE LIFE FAST • Atlantic • 2021

“She know that I been all in her walls like I paint / Told her at times I wanna give you trust, but I can’t” . Hmm, that is interesting , Roddy Ricch.  Also, the walls reference seems, um, sexual .  It wouldn’t be far-fetched given the title of the song, “late at night”, which sounds steamy. “Late at night” appears as the penultimate track from Ricch’s 2021 LP, LIVE LIFE FAST.  “Fifty racks, I’m ‘bout to break her off like a KitKat.” Woo – GIMME A BREAK!!!

This melodic rap record commences with a sweet, pitch shifted intro. It features slick production work courtesy of GYLTTRYP and Mustard.  The production entails rhythmic drum programming and warm keys and synths.  Even though Roddy Ricch opts for a melodic rap performance, he still has plenty of bite, particularly in the first verse (“Every time that we fuck, I gotta run it back”).  He’s quite confident in the second verse, asserting, “I told shorty never get too comfortable / I like to feel like the pussy untouchable.” Day-um! Furthermore, he raps, “I like to see your body drippin’ Eliantte / I say I like the way I took ya on a wave / I had you screamin’ my name out.” #ORGASM.  Of course, it is the chorus that is the crowning achievement.  Here, Ricch remains honest about the sex (“I’ma make you cum over and over”) and the fact he’s the only one she should be with (“You better never make not time for these niggas”). When he rides, baby, Roddy gon’ ride, ride, ride with you! “late at night” = RAP BANGER!

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Appears in :

• Roddy Ricch, “late at night”: Rap BNGRZ 10 (2023)

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9. Ari Lennox, “Up Late”

Shea Butter Baby • Dreamville / Interscope • 2019

“Up late again / Head on my chest, hand on my ass.” Say what, Ari Lennox? Yeah, she said what she said, and she clearly meant it! Years prior to “Pressure” ( age/sex/location), the R&B singer was singing about sexual desire without giving an F. “Up Late” is a sensual highlight from her 2019 debut album, Shea Butter Baby.  On the fourth track, the focal point is some one-on-one, adult fun, PERIOD.  In the first verse, she asserts, honestly, “I be insane if I let you hit.” And by hit, well, she’s got a certain organ in mind…

“Up Late” is incredibly soulful from the start. This slow jam set in a minor key, which honestly, makes it that much sexier. It features Gorgeous, lush neo-soul production work by a talented team comprised of Nick Quinn, Masego, Kojo, Hollywood JB, and Bigg Kid.  Even with its old-school cues, it still sounds incredibly refreshing for the late 2010s. As epic as the backdrop is, the crowning achievement are those distinct, expressive vocals by Ari Lennox.  She truly sells this gem with both her elite instrument and big personality, particularly in the third verse: “How you gon’ act? / Oooh, you fuckin’ snack / Fifth floor, give your ass a duplicate fob, nigga / Fifth floor, devour that body like corn on the cob / Fifth floor, neighbors must be questionin’ my job, nigga.” Holy shiitake mushrooms, Ari! Clearly, on “Up Late”, Ari and her date are #getting busy .

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Appears in :

• Ari Lennox, “Up Late”: Midnight Heat 25 (2023) 

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10. The Weeknd, “Too Late”

After Hours • Republic • 2020

“When the darkness comes, you’re my light, baby / My light, baby, my light when it’s dark, yeah.” On “Too Late,” listeners are blessed with falsetto, something that The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), executes splendidly.  In addition to his ‘head voice,’ listeners are also treated to Tesfaye’s mid-register. Compared to “Alone Again”, the opener from After Hours (2020) that precedes, “Too Late” is a groovier track that’s also not quite as heavy.  While it isn’t quite as moody, the track still has ‘that mood’ that’s associated with the Canadian standout. “It’s way too late to save our souls, baby,” Tesfaye sings in the chorus. He adds, “I made mistakes, I did you wrong, baby / It’s way too late to save my –.” Yeah, he’s still moody after all! Also, “Too Late” just happens to be set in minor key.

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Appears in :

• Late: 5ive Songs No. 70 (2022)

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11. Mark Ronson,  “Late Night Prelude” / “Late Night Feelings” (Ft. Lykke Li)

Late Night Feelings • Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited • 2019

Intro “Late Night Prelude” sets the colorful, retro, and soulful vibe of Late Night Feelings,  the 2019 studio album by Grammy-winning songwriter/producer, Mark Ronson.  Specifically, “Late Night Prelude” sets the tone for the brilliant, full-length opener “Late Night Feelings.” “Late Night Feelings” follows in all its illustrious glory, enlisting the vocal services of Lykke Li. The pros seem endless on “Late Night Feelings.” They span gorgeous, breathy vocals by the Swedish standout, to the grooving, vintage backdrop constructed by Ronson and Picard Brothers.  Adding to the excellence is memorable songwriting.  The chorus, expectedly, is the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement: “When I get too on ya / And I wanna call ya / With late night feelings.” “Late Night Feelings” marks the beginning of what ends up being a well-rounded pop album by Ronson. 

 

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Appears in :

• Late: 5ive Songs No. 70 (2022)

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12. Aaron Carter, “Sooner or Later”

LøVë • Z Entertainment / Sony Music Entertainment • 2018

“Sooner or later, she’ll be…” Tragically, Aaron Carter, once a beloved, teen heartthrob, passed away at age 34 on November 5, 2022.  He had his fair share of demons and issues, not uncommon for someone who grew up in the limelight.  In 2018, he released one final album,  LøVë, an expansion of an EP of the same title released the previous year.  Among highlights from LøVë is the single, “Sooner or Later”.

“But sooner or later we’ll be / Jets over oceans / I need your body on me like lotion / Cause a commotion / Worship your body, call that devotion.” “Sooner or Later” is an enjoyable and solid pop record if a bit cliché, arguably. While it fails to, say, distinguish itself in pop’s grand scheme of things, the conformist pop sound is a selling point. The modern bag of tricks dominates, with sound supplanting meaningful songwriting. Even if it’s not a lyrical tour de force (Carter writes alongside Taylor Helgeson, Melanie Joy Fontana, and Jon Asher), the late musician delivers the goods with quick, rhythmic, swagger-laden vocals. May Carter, whom I’ll always choose to remember as that energetic, All-American teen heartthrob, rest in peace.

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13. Stevie Wonder, “Lately”

Hotter Than July • Motown • 1980

“‘Cause they always start to cry / ‘Cause this time could mean goodbye.” Those famous, love-troubled lyrics hail from the 1980 Stevie Wonder classic, “Lately”.  Hailing from Hotter Than July, Wonder would keep his hot streak going strong from the 1970s. The ballad is one of Wonder’s most beautiful performances, though the lack of commercial success isn’t indicative.  “Lately” only dinted the pop charts, peaking at no. 64 on the Hot 100.  Hotter Than July performed better overall, eventually peaking at no. 3 on the Billboard 200, and being certified platinum by the RIAA.

On “Lately,” Stevie Wonder admits to worrying about losing her.  Perhaps his paranoia is justified. In the first verse, he sings, “But when I ask, ‘Will you be coming back soon?’ / You don’t know, never know.”  Similarly, in the second verse, there’s more fuel to the fire regarding his premonition mentioned in the chorus: “Just the other night while you were sleeping / I vaguely heard you whisper someone’s name / But when I ask you of the thoughts you’re keeping / You just say nothing’s changed.” Hmm , very, very interesting.  Clearly, the relationship’s end is inevitable.  Wonder’s love-pained, soulful tenor is our listening pleasure on this more underrated classic.

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Appears in :

• Stevie Wonder, Lately: Throwback Vibez 51 (2023)

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13 Late, Lately, or Later Songs [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M, Atlantic, Bold Cut / AWAL, Columbia, Dreamville, Interscope,  Motown, RCA, Record Kicks, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, Steel Panther, Top Dawg Entertainment, Z Entertainment; Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels]

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