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Competitive playlist “13 Over Vs. Under Songs” features music courtesy of Hayley Kiyoko, Mike Shinoda, Post Malone, and Years & Years among many others

As awesome as it might be if this playlist were actually about betting and point spreads on sporting events, it’s not. Hope the letdown isn’t too real. 13 Over Vs. Under Songs features two types of songs.  One group features the word “over” in their respective song titles, such as “Over and Over.” The other features the word “under,” such as “Undercover.” To keep things interesting, we alternate between the two – over, then, under.  Sure, there are no point spreads involved, but something tells me, given the odd number of songs that “over” is favored to win by one (-1) while “under” is the ‘underdog’ (+1).  Artists providing the music for this competitive playlist includes Hayley Kiyoko, Mike Shinoda, Post Malone, and Years & Years among many others.

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1. Mike Shinoda, “Over and Over”

Post Traumatic • Warner Bros. • 2018

On “Over and Over,” a standout from Post Traumatic, Mike Shinoda honestly sings over a moody backdrop, “Sometimes, sometimes you don’t say goodbye once / You say goodbye over and over and over again.” He follows up the chorus with rhymes that try to cope and move on with tragic loss (the death of Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington), yet also exhibits anger, evidenced at the moments when he curses. The authenticity, combined with excellent production work truly makes “Over and Over” a gem.

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2. Hayley Kiyoko, “Under the Blue / Take Me In”

Expectations • EMPIRE • 2018

“Under the Blue / Take Me In” is one of several two two-part songs that appear on Expectations, the debut by ‘Lesbian Jesus’ herself, Hayley Kiyoko. “Under the Blue / Take Me In” stands out thanks to its sleek synths and hyper-rhythmic drums.

The chorus is simply irresistible, particularly on the first part of the song, “Under the Blue”:

“Waves come crashing on in
But I’m feeling the rapture cool on my skin
Take me under the blue
Take me under the blue.”

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3. Echosmith, “Over My Head”

Over My Head – Single • Warner Bros. • 2018

L.A. alt-pop band Echosmith is comprised of the Sierota siblings: Sydney, Noah, and Graham. Following a full-length album (Talking Dreams, 2013) and an EP (Inside a Dream EP, 2017).  The siblings returned in 2018 with the compelling single, “Over My Head”.  The production is quite alluring, with a prominent bass line, keyboard ostinato, synths, and an old-school drum groove. Frontwoman Sydney drops feisty lead vocals, depicting the plights of love.  Ultimately, everything he says simply goes “over my head” and she’s totally over it.  Despite the fact that Sydney’s boo (or soon to be ex) is giving her a serious headache, her displeasure is our pleasure.  How’s that for schadenfreude?

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4.Kehlani, “Undercover”

SweetSexySavage • Atlantic • 2017

In 2017, Kehlani proved herself as a bright spot in urban contemporary music, possessing a truly stunning musical instrument.  Her proper debut album, SweetSexySavage, didn’t disappoint, particularly standout, “Undercover”. “Undercover” features slick production work, quick tempo, and a sexy vibe.  The record makes clever use of the no. 1 Akon hit, “Don’t Matter”. As always, Kehlani delivers clear and captivating vocals. The verses open feistily, explicitly lifting “Don’t Matter” (“You know they don’t wanna see us together / But it don’t matter, no, ‘cause I got you”). Among the best moments is the most cutting-edge as she sings, “I need you to hit me up, on my fake line / Hit that 6-9, yeah, that FaceTime.”

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5. Years & Years, “If You’re Over Me”

Palo Santo • Universal • 2018

British electro-pop collective Years & Years shine on “If You’re Over Me”, the second single from their sophomore album, Palo Santo.  “If You’re Over Me” features bright, exuberant production work.  Set in a major key, the optimism of the sound is nothing short of awesome.  Singer Olly Alexander is on autopilot from the start, further endearing himself stateside with his charming British accent.  His vocals are clear, commanding, and relatively easygoing and unforced.  The man is truly ‘the man’ with his stunning vocal tone.  Although bright and bubbly, thematically, Olly sings about a previous relationship where his ex-boyfriend doesn’t seem to be over him.  “You tell everyone our love went cold,” he sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “If that’s how you feel then you should go / Don’t come around saying, ‘I still want you.’” On the chorus, Alexander continues the tale of his ex-, who’s giving mixed signals.

“One minute you say we’re a team / When you’re telling me you can’t breathe / Well you should set me free / Baby, if you’re over me.”

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6. Nick Jonas, “Under You”

Last Year Was Complicated • Republic • 2018

“I was so foolish, on some stupid shit / Should have never let you out, no, no / Knowing that you left messes with my head / Shadows of you haunt me now.”  In the context of Last Year Was Complicated, the 2016 studio album by Nick Jonas, the song at hand, “Under You,” can be likened to being “Voodoo”, part II, with some exceptions.  On “Voodoo,” Jonas asserts, “You got me too attached, keep me comin’ right back / And I know I ain’t fuckin’ with your voodoo.” The difference on “Under You” is, he regrets the fact that the relationship is over – she’s still got him hooked, but now she’s no longer there.  In regards to sound, “Under You” is reminiscent to his previous hit, “Jealous”.

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7. Lauv, “Getting Over You”

I met you when I was 18. • Lauv • 2018

The lauvsongs have proven to be decadent so far! Ari Staprans Leff, better known as Lauv exemplifies the emerging star.  Throughout the course of 2017-18, the Cali pop/R&B artist has proved time and time again he shouldn’t be slept on – he has plenty of potential.  After releasing numerous singles, he assembles a mean playlist, I met you when I was 18.. Among the highlights is the penultimate record, “Getting Over You”.  Released as a single on Valentine’s Day 2018, the record sounds moody and sexy from the jump.  Expectedly, the moodiness of the production plays a key role in conveying the emotions of Lauv, who, again, simply can’t get past her.  On the first verse, he sings, “Waking up in a cold sweat / Someone else in this cold bed / I’d do anything to not be alone… / I wonder if I’ll ever let go.”

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8. The Weeknd, “Six Feet Under”

Starboy • Republic • 2016

“Ask around about her / She don’t get emotional / Kill off all her feelings / That’s why she ain’t approachable.” On “Six Feet Under,” the 10^th track Starboy, the girl whom The Weeknd sings about wants money at any cost: “Six feet under she gon get that fucking paper.” He goes on to emphasize that she’s totally independent – a badass if you will. Notably, Future guests on the record, but plays a minimalist role on the hook and the outro. Slickly produced, “Six Feet Under” is in line with hip-hop and modern R&B.  Vocally, The Weeknd sounds as tender as ever, yet still packs a punch.

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9. Post Malone, “Over Now”

Beerbongs & Bentleys • Epic • 2018

Post Malone exploded in 2018.  His sophomore album, Beerbongs & Bentleys was a hella big deal, particularly no. 1 hit singles “Rockstar” and “Psycho.” Though less triumphant, Post also had a respectable thing going on non-single “Over Now.” The aggressive, rhythmic guitars featured on the track on are exciting, fueling his energy. The chorus certainly lives up to the aggressiveness of the guitars, particularly the disturbing lyric, “I’m a put that bitch pussy in a motherfucking body bag / So you know that I’m never ever coming back.” #Damn Daniel.

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10. Shawn Mendes, “Understand”

Illuminate • Island • 2016

“Prayin’ that I don’t forget where I belong / And every time I ask myself / Am I turnin’ into someone else? / I’m prayin’ that I don’t forget just who I am.” Ah fame – it can totally change you! Shawn Mendes makes it crystal clear that he doesn’t want that to happen to him on “Understand,” the closing track on the standard edition of his sophomore album, Illuminate. “Understand” establishes itself as an inspirational, gospel-tinged closer. Interestingly, it features commentary by Mendes. Does he sound mature? Considering his age – merely 17 at the time of the LP’s release – of course he does.

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11. Lord Huron, “When the Night is Over”

Vide Noir • Republic • 2018

For the most part, indie-rock collective Lord Huron shines on their conceptual, third studio album, Vide Noir.  “When the Night is Over” ranks among the best of the album. Old-school vibes are alive in well, capped off by the lilting six-eight meter.  Overall, the production is simple, yet highly effective.  Frontman Ben Schneider has plenty of room for his voice to breathe, never impeded by too many instruments or effects.  He shines without being incredibly flashy vocally. Lyrically, the record is thoughtful and beautifully-penned.  Thematically, the protagonist is distressed about potentially never finding his lost love.

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12. Adele, “Water Under the Bridge”

25 • Columbia • 2015

“If you’re gonna let me down, let me down gently / Don’t pretend that you don’t want me / Our love ain’t water under the bridge.” On “Water Under the Bridge,” one of many highlights from the Grammy-winning album 25, Adele wants her man to take responsibility for his actions.  Essentially, she feels as if he’s treating her badly and is totally ghosting on the relationship.  To her, what they have, hence, simply isn’t “water under the bridge” – it runs deeper than that.  Even if the relationship is to end, she expects him to ‘man up’ and show her some respect in breaking it off.

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13. Martin Garrix & LOOPERS, “Game Over”

Game Over – Single • Epic • 2018

What do you get when you put two Dutch dance music producers/DJ together? Sheer excellence, of course!  Martin Garrix and LOOPERS definitely make sweet music together on joint single, “Game Over”.  While they only give the listeners two-and-a-half minutes’ worth of instrumental music, it’s certainly a worthwhile listen. This music is readymade for booty shaking. From the hard-opening synths, it’s irresistible with head banging and foot tapping being inevitable.  While the basic musical ideas of the record are revealed early on, Martin Garrix and LOOPERS add a variety of colorful and contrasting sounds to keep things engaging from start to finish.  Given the brevity, the DJs marvelously execute, particularly where the overall pacing of this energetic little ‘ditty’ is concerned.  While many of the synths are hard in regards to texture, there are some softer, gentler ones too, not to mention a dash of acoustic piano (keyboard patch) for good measure.

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Photo Credits: Atlantic, Columbia, EMPIRE, Epic, Island, Lauv, Republic, Universal, Warner Bros.

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