13 Monstrous Songs About Monsters | Playlist

1. James Blunt, “Monsters”

Once Upon a Mind • Atlantic • 2019

“You’re Beautiful” is undoubtedly the crowning achievement of Grammy-nominated, singer/songwriter James Blunt’s discography. That said, in 2019, Blunt released a song that is easily one of his best in years, not to mentioned potentially the ‘second-best’ of his career.  “Monsters”, from Once Upon a Mind isn’t monstrous because it’s scary in the least.  I might even opt for ‘beastly’ as opposed to monstrous, because of the thoughtful, personal, and incredibly relatable lyrics.

Dedicated to his ailing, aging, and dying father, James Blunt seems to cherish the time he has left (“Oh, well, I’ll read a story to you / Only difference is this one is true / The time has gone…”).  He also prepares to take the torch passed on by his father – truly ‘man up.’ The crème de la crème (besides those ever-distinct vocals) is the soaring chorus.  If you listen to the chorus, or better yet, watch the music video accompanying “Monsters” and don’t shed a tear (or at least sniffle or get ‘moist’), well, you’re incredibly coldhearted.

“I’m not you son, you’re not my father
We’re just two grown men saying goodbye
No need to forgive, no need to forget
I know your mistakes and you know mine
And while you’re sleeping, I’ll try to make you proud
So, daddy, won’t you just close your eyes?
Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn
To chase the monsters away.”

2. Dodie, “Monster”

Human • doddleoddle • 2019

“So maybe I will talk to you / The only way I know how to / Mhm, you’ve said your speech / Mhm, through sharpened teeth / You break the rules and spikes grow from your skin…” Dodie (Dodie Clark) is a singer/songwriter and YouTuber from England.  In 2019, she released a seven-track, 23-minute album, Human.  One particularly monstrous song arrives as the second track from Human, the song at hand, “Monster.” The second-longest song, it’s four-minutes-plus of greatness – no ‘monstrosity’ in the least!

“Monster” is indie pop through and through.  The production shines, with its infectious groove and colorful synths.  Initially, the sound is lighthearted, but as it progresses, it grows heavier.  Even so, Dodie doesn’t overreach vocally, delivering confident singing without excessive runs or being excessively loud.  In other words, she’s pretty much ‘cool as a cucumber,’ yet still cuts with lines like, “Oh, how easily passion twists / You think I’m a crazy bitch / I craft my words to fit your head / ‘Cause no one listens to the dead.”  As far as the monsters are concerned, they’re only explicitly mentioned on the chorus and the bridge.  The chorus, excerpted at the top, continues as follows:

“Oh, I think it might be worth a try
Oh, am I ready to let this die?
Mhm, a monster’s here
Mhm, you plug your ears
But hey, you might just listen to it sing
Please let the devil in.”

3. Key Glock, “Monster”

Dum and Dummer • Paper Route EMPIRE • 2019

Two Memphis, Tennessee rappers would join forces in 2019 for the album, Dum and Dummer.  Those two rappers are Young Dolph and Key Glock.  Dolph, who is in his 30s, has been around throughout the 10s, and is known especially for his 2015 album, King of Memphis.  As for Key Glock, who is in his early 20s, appeared on the scene towards the end of the 10s, dropping projects including Glock Season (2017), Glock Bond (2018), Glockoma (2019), and Yellow Tape (2020). He is the protégé of Young Dolph.  Only Key Glock appears on the monstrous banger “Monster,” the 17^th track on the 22-track Dum and Dummer.

“Big boss shit, baby, I get it in daily / AP got my wrist achin’, I’m poppin’, hot bacon.” Safe to say, Key Glock is confident AF on the chorus from “Monster.”  Over smooth trap production by BandPlay, on the chorus he continues, rapping, “You know I’m not basic, no I am not basic / Just look what God created.” Oh shit! Big man on…well…earth, I suppose… On the verses, he touts his drip, mentions his come up, admits he’s cocky, and of course, talks about his taste in girls (“Told these hoes, they know I’m too real to have a bitch that’s plastic”).  Of course, on the outro, he reiterates the opening line of the second verse, which feels totally appropriate given the fiery attitude he brings on this brief number: “A monster, a motherfuckin’ monster / A monster, a motherfuckin’ monster.”

4. Mark Diamond, “Monster”

Hummingbird Two • Stardog / Republic • 2019

Mark Diamond, although currently based in Los Angeles, California, originally hails from Seattle, Washington.  He’s categorized stylistically as pop, singer-songwriter, and alternative.  In 2019, Diamond released two EPs: Hummingbird One and fittingly, Hummingbird Two. Hummingbird Two, like Hummingbird One, is comprised of four songs, including the song at hand fitting the criteria for this list, “Monster.” “Monster” commences the EP.

“Monster” commences lighthearted, with cool, calm, and collected vocals by Diamond, as well as light production (Richard Craker).  “If I’m the darkness beside the bed / Then you’re the monster underneath,” he sings on the first verse, beautifully and relatively restrained.  As the song percolates, particularly upon reaching the chorus, it gets more robust overall.  Diamond brings more heat vocally, but still manages to be potent without breaking a sweat, which is impressive.  His falsetto is quite sweet, as he seems to glide atop the backdrop.  Still, instrumentally, the drums provide a punch, the rhythmic guitars drive, and overall, the sound is quite colorful, suiting Diamond to a T.

Worth mentioning, Diamond only explicitly mentions monsters once (the aforementioned example from the first verse). As far as actually being ‘monstrous,’ well, “Monsters” really isn’t, unless you consider the process it has taken Mark to get to the centerpiece, the chorus, where he speaks of his newfound ability to love:

“I think I’m ready to love you now
Love you now…”

5. Call Me Karizma, “Monster (Under My Bed)”

The Gloomy Tapes, Vol. 2 • Arista • 2019

Singer/rapper Call Me Karizma first caught my attention back in 2019 when he collaborated with ILLENIUM (Nicholas D. Miller) on the single “God Damnit”. The ‘profane’ single was featured on the colorful playlist, 15 Songs Featuring Profanity in Their Title.  Now, I call upon Call Me Karizma once more, this time, for his monstrous record, “Monster (Under My Bed),” which appears on his 19-minute effort, The Gloomy Tapes, Vol. 2.

“Monster (Under My Bed)” keeps things brief, running two-minutes-and-20 seconds.  The record opens enigmatically in an undertone, as Call Me Karizma sings the chorus:

“Monster, monster under my bed
Come out and play ‘cause I need a friend
You’re so damn close that I feel your breath
You’re the only one I have left.”

As calm and mysterious as this minor-key, ‘lullaby’ of a chorus is, soon enough, Call Me Karizma, and the production, kicks things up a notch.  He packs a punch with his energetic, and playful vocals on the verses, giving us the meat of the record.  He’s quite descriptive, evidenced by moments like, “My bed is the coffin / And just as it closes / And I go to lock it / I sing the lullaby you taught me…” This line is varied at the end of the second verse, a great lead-in to the aforementioned chorus.  On the bridge, CMK goes H.A.M., dropping a few bombs in the process: “Someone call a doctor, a doctor / I’m fucking off my rocker don’t offer to talk when you’re not gonna.”

Of course, the production also reaches the same level of intensity as Call Me Karizma does on the verses, contrasting the chorus sections. The backdrop of the chorus shifts from a basic guitar accompaniment to more intense, pummeling drums and some distorted, biting synths.  The result is a blend of alternative, alternative pop/rock, and a dash of hip-hop.

6. 21 Savage, “monster”

I am > I was • Epic • 2018

On his sophomore album, I am > I was, 21 Savage stepped his game up.  Even though I am > I was ends up being dominated by the shallower things as opposed to being more transcendent or thoughtful, it’s a strong, well-rounded effort.  21 would win a Grammy for his collaboration with J. Cole on the crowning achievement, “A Lot.” While I would love nothing more than to tout the greatness that is “A lot,” another song from the album, “Monster,” fits the criteria of this monstrous playlist.

“Power / The Money and the fame make a monster…” “Monster” appears as the unlucky number 13^th track on I am > I was.  There’s nothing unlucky about the song itself.  There’s superb production courtesy of DJ Dahi, Axlfolie, Dave Sava6e, and Tiggi.  The production is comprised of beautiful, legato piano, colorful synths, and ripe drum programming.  21 Savage brings Childish Gambino along for the ride, singing the chorus (aforementioned) as well as rapping the first verse.

“If they paid you to do it, you don’t gotta ask what you worth
Me and Savage, we came from the dirt
If you rappin’ for money, you silly
This shit ain’t a milli’, this shit is a hundred
The industry savage and most of you average…”

As always, CG ‘brings the heat,’ particularly the excerpt from the last part of the verse.  Similarly, 21 is turned-up on the second verse.

“All the money in the world, won’t stop no cry
Pain and the hunger made a savage
Came from the bottom, disadvantaged
Then I started livin’ my dreams
That shit turned me to an addict
It ain’t ‘bout the money, you can have it...”

7. 5 Seconds of Summer, “Monster Among Men”

Youngblood (Deluxe) • Capitol • 2018

With the release of their 2018 album, Youngblood, Aussie pop band 5 Seconds of Summer returned ‘less rock-sounding,’ opting for more modern-pop vibes.  Listeners first got a taste of this with the superb “Girls Talk Boys” from the Ghostbusters soundtrack.  That sensibility carried over into album number three.  For those who were willing to splurge, the deluxe version of Youngblood added three more songs, including the song at hand, “Monster Among Men.”

“Monsters Among Men” is the best of the bonus tracks on the deluxe version of the album.  What makes “Monsters Among Men” the bop worth investing a few extra dollars? Well, it’s high-energy in regard to production and vocal performance, features tempo changes eliminating a degree of predictability, and is quite the catchy, pop/rock joint.  The catchiest moment? Why, the chorus, of course!

“Oh-no-no-no, no, I can’t take it
Oh-no-no-no, no, I won’t break your heart again
I don’t wanna be a monster among men…”

Worth noting, on the verses, the boys reference monstrous things. These include “Demons hide behind my back” (sung by Michael Clifford, verse one), and “Strong hold, it’s time for me to admit / That I’m an asshole” (sung by Luke Hemmings, verse two).  So, these ‘demonic assholes’ are the monsters? Basically.  Girls, beware!

8. Eric Church, “Monsters”

Desperate Man • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2018

Eric Church is a beast when it comes to country music.  By my estimations, he’s one of the more intriguing artists, incorporating elements of rock and excelling as a singer/songwriter.  Desperate Man, his 2018 album, is filled with some awesome moments.  Perhaps the best is “Heart Like a Wheel,” which was previously featured on playlist, 13 Songs That Address Matters of the Heart.  Of course, ‘hearts’ and ‘wheels’ have nothing to do with monsters, so, we opt for another fine record courtesy of the multi Grammy-nominated country artist, “Monsters.”

“I killed my first monster when I was seven years old,” Eric Church colorful sings, with a heavy twang on the first verse, continuing, “He melted like butter in my bathroom’s sixty-watt bulb.” He uses the perspective from his childhood to essentially to transition into adulthood with more mature, moral issues.  This transition is evidenced by the poetic, prudent lyrics of the second verse when he sings, “Greed stalks, sickness steals, and pride lays a wicked trap.” On the third verse, interestingly, Church returns to child-like matters, only this time, he’s the dad, and his sun is addressing him regarding the monsters.

The lyrics throughout are marvelous, though perhaps none stick more than the centerpiece – the chorus:

“Anymore when a restless feelin’ keeps me up at night
Fallin’ on my knees is my new turnin’ on the light
I keep my faith intact, and make sure my prayers are said
‘Cause I’ve learned that the monsters ain’t the ones beneath the bed.”

9. Little Mix, “Monster in Me”

LM5 • Sony UK • 2018

“The monster in me loves the monster in you,” Perrie proclaims on the chorus of “Monster in Me.” “Monster in Me” happens to be the fifth song off of the fifth studio album (LM5) by British girl group, Little Mix.  Little Mix have remained busy throughout the 10s, releasing bops like “Hair” and “A.D.I.D.A.S.” (Get Weird, 2015) and the colorful “Shout Out to My Ex” (Glory Days, 2017).  Add “Monster in Me” to the list.

Clearly, with such monstrousness involved on “Monster in Me,” the relationship is quite intense – something else.  Throughout the course of this pop joint, there’s a sense of infatuation (particularly sexually), while both members of the relationship are, well, monsters.  “Beautiful killer, cut me deep,” Jesy sings on the second verse, continuing, “Just a single kiss and I’m in your spell.” Damn.  Jade adds, “Every night we fifth and it’s hot like hell / But I love the way that you make me scream.” That’s some electrifying ‘S meets E, and then they X,’ clearly…  As a pop ballad, “Monster in Me” is #winning, even if one questions the healthiness of the relationship.

10. Shinedown, “MONSTERS”

ATTENTION ATTENTION • Atlantic • 2018

“‘Cause my monsters are real, and they’re trained how to kill / And there’s no comin’ back and they just laugh at how I feel.” Those are definitely powerful lyrics from the chorus of “MONSTERS,” Brent Smith, woo! “MONSTERS” appears as the seventh track on ATTENTION ATTENTION, the 2018 album by Jacksonville, Florida hard rock collective, Shinedown.

The writing on the verses of “MONSTERS” is simple but incredibly potent.  Essentially, the front man paints a picture of a truly monstrous person, coming from the voices in his head.  Such ‘monstrous’ voices can lead to self-destruction if you allow them to. “Good for you, you hurt everybody,” he sings on the second verse, later adding, “Good for you, you love nobody.” On the bridge, the listener gets the full range of where the self-destructiveness truly percolated – a combination of the two pre-choruses preceding:

“Leave your weapon on the table
Wrapped in burlap, barely able
Don’t get angry, don’t discourage
Take a shot of liquid courage
Leave a light on if you’re able
‘Cause we both know you’re unstable
Call a doctor, say a prayer
Choose a god you think is fair.”

“Monsters” is an emotional record – one that’s truly relatable.  Per Louder Sound, Smith describes “Monsters” as being “about a lot of different situations that people get put in because they have things in their mind that – for whatever reason – they used to sabotage themselves.”

11. The Weeknd, “Party Monster”

Starboy • Republic • 2016

“Party Monster” is one of the most aggressive songs from Starboy, the third proper studio album by Grammy-winning, Canadian R&B singer, The Weeknd.  Released as an advance single, “Party Monster” appears as the second track on the 2016 LP following the title track.  In regard to the sound, “Party Monster” sounds enigmatic, dark, and, dirty.

“Party Monster” has nothing to do with a literal monster, unless in entails the stripper pole (“And I’ve seen her get richer on the pole”), drinks, drugs, and sex (“I’m the realest, she said I’m the realest / Head be genius, dick game be the meanest”). The chorus surprisingly eschews profanity, gives thanks to God, and then embraces irresponsibility.  Go figure.

“I’m like, got up, thank the lord for the day
Woke up by a girl, I don’t even know her name
Woke up by a girl, I don’t even know her name
(Woke up by a girl, I don’t even know her name)
Got up, thank the Lord for the day.” 

“Party Monster” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Songs That Party Hard and Creatures! Ghosts, Monsters, Vampires and Such.

12. Tyler Glenn, “Gods + Monsters”

Excommunication • Island • 2016

Neon Trees front man Tyler Glenn introduced himself to the world as a solo artist with debut album, Excommunication. Excommunication was among the most intriguing efforts of 2016, depicting Glenn’s exit from the LDS church (he identifies it as a “faith crisis”). Being openly gay, the Mormon church isn’t regarded for his openness regarding the LGBTQ+ community. Over the course of Excommunication, Glenn takes aim at the judgmental nature of the church, and how his perception of religion has shifted because of it.

A prime example of a song where religion seems to be on his ‘shit list’ is “Gods + Monsters,” the fourth track from the album.

“I believed in gods and monsters too
Then I found out they’re all imposters just like you
Somebody take me higher, higher, higher…”

One notable lyric regarding the LDS church specifically appears on the second verse: “November 6th was a hell of a ride / Do you remember when I called you and we both cried.” Even with the reference to LGBTQ+ policy with the LDS church, perhaps the central focus of “Gods + Monsters” is an ex-boyfriend (“I lost the Lord then I lost you…” and “Players only love you when they’re playing”). What’s interesting on this record is the prevalence of innuendo. Glenn invites the listeners into his world and understand the place that he comes from.

13. Kanye West, “Monster”

Ft. Bon Iver, Jay-Z, Rick Ross & Nicki Minaj

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy • Roc-A-Fella • 2010

“I shoot the lights out, I seal this bright out, one…are you willing to sacrifice your life…” Those lyrics arrive courtesy of Bon Iver (Justin Vernon specifically). Ah, we close out this edition of monstrous songs about monsters with a certified classic of the 2010s.  That classic comes courtesy of the ever-polarizing Kanye West, “Monster.” “Monster” was one of many crowning achievements on his 2010 album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.  One could even argue that My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was the last truly great Kanye West album – not knocking Yeezus (2013) or even parts of The Life of Pablo (2016).

In addition to the guest appearance by Bon Iver, “Monster” features Rick Ross, Jay-Z, and Nicki Minaj.  Rick Ross is on-point on his brief verse, which commences with the badass lyric, “Bitch, I’m a monster, no-good blood sucker / Fat motherfucker, now look who’s in trouble.” The verse leads into an epic, absolutely ferocious chorus by Kanye West:

“Gossip, gossip, nigga, just stop it
Everybody know I’m a motherfucking monster
I’ma need to see your fucking hands at the concert
I’ma need to see your fucking hands at the concert
Profit, profit, nigga, I got it
Everybody know I’m a motherfucking monster
I’ma need to see your fucking hands at the concert
I’ma need to see your fucking hands.”

West follows with the first full-length verse, dropping agile, profane, and incredibly raw rhymes.  “Have you ever had sex with a pharaoh? / Ah, put the pussy in a sarcophagus…” Hmm, that’s a far cry from JESUS IS KING, right? Excuse the French and the pun but fucking right! Jay-Z hands second verse duties with some very strong, monstrous bars:

“Sasquatch, Godzilla, King Kong, Loch Ness
Goblin, ghoul, a zombie with no conscience
Question: What do these things all have in common?
Everybody knows I’m a motherfucking monster…”

Bon Iver sounds terrific.  Rick Ross drops a bullet.  Kanye West is true to himself – at least by 2010 standards.  Jay-Z is legendary.  All that said, the best verse of “Monster,” hands down, goes to Nick Minaj.

“‘Forget Barbiee, fuck Nicki, ‘cause she’s fake’
‘She on a diet,’ but my pockets eating cheesecake
And I’ll say, bride of Chucky, it’s Child’s Play
Just killed another career, it’s a mild day
Besides, ‘Ye, they can’t stand besides me
I think me, you, and Am should ménage Friday
Pink wig, thick ass, give ‘em whiplash
I think big, get cash, make ‘em blink fast
Now look at what you just saw, this is what you live for
Ah, I’m a motherfucking monster!”

Besides the electrifying rhymes from all parties, “Monster” features exceptional production work (produced by West himself). Sure, “Monster” is a lengthy cut at nearly six-and-a-half-minutes, but it’s so captivating that you don’t mind the length at all.  #IMissTheOldKanye