13 Songs About Buildings, Real or Imagined | Playlist 🎧

1. Why Don’t We, “I Don’t Belong in This Club”

I Don’t Belong in This Club [Single] • Atlantic • 2019

Building: a club

“Save me, can’t take it / I don’t belong in this club / One dance, no chance / ‘Cause I’m feeling awkward as (oh)…” Boy band Why Don’t We (Corbyn Besson, Daniel Seavey, Zach Herron, Jonah Marais, and Jack Avery) tapped Grammy-winning rapper Macklemore for their ‘totally awkward,’ surefire bop, “I Don’t Belong in This Club”.  From a production standpoint, the pop collective has a record that’s incredibly sleek, idiomatic of urban-pop to the nth degree.  The drum programming screams hip-hop, the synths are bright and edgy, and all in all, it feels like a suitable backdrop for a contemporary, modern-day boy band.  Beyond the production, the singing is on-point; the guys deliver, particularly on the robust, crowd-pleasing, sing-along chorus.

Speaking of the chorus – and the songwriting in general – it’s relatable, particularly for the crowd that finds clubbing “awkward as (oh).”  Excerpted above, it continues as follows:

“I was waiting in line for an hour
Just to get in, now I wanna get out ‘cause
I’m jaded, can’t fake it
I don’t belong in this club.”

Of course, “I Don’t Belong in This Club” has another piece – Macklemore.   The  rapper brings some swagger, beginning his verse amped-up: “Hopped out of the Uber / I was feelin’ myself / Had the polo with the bolo / With some eel on the belt.” But, like Why Don’t We, he becomes jaded himself, with awkwardness killing the vibe. He concludes his verse by spitting:

“‘Bout to pull that Irish goodbye, grab my stuff, ‘bout to cut
And the DJ yells, ‘Macklemore in the house tonight’
Ah, fuck.” 

All in all, Why Don’t We and Macklemore secure a surefire hit with “I Don’t Belong in This Club.”

2. Logic, “Supermarket”

Supermarket (Soundtrack) • Def Jam • 2019

Building: supermarket

“I’ve got a heavy heart and a lot on my mind / But, beautiful girl, you’re one of a kind / I’m not a stalker, but I go shopping / More than I need to, just to see you…” Okay… Grammy-nominated rapper Logic shocked the world by releasing a pop/rock-infused LP, Supermarket, which serves as the soundtrack to his debut novel.  The results, as expected, were suspect AF – just keeping it 100. Rightfully, Anthony Fantano (theneedledrop) dubbed Supermarket (Soundtrack) ‘not good’. Still, since Logic is detailing a building, and this playlist is about building, well, we included the title track on this playlist.

“Dance with me in this department / Inside of this supermarket, baby…” The energy of “Supermarket,” specifically on the aforementioned chorus, is a selling point.  The harmonic progression is another win for Logic, and honestly, he should take the “W’s” where he can on Supermarket.  The style is an ill fit for the rapper, much like it was for Lil Wayne on Rebirth back in 2009 – that was a train wreck. ‘Course, so is Supermarket…

3. Arctic Monkeys, “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino”

Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino • Domino • 2018

Building: Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino (imagined)

Most critics embraced Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino, the unique comeback album by British alternative band Arctic Monkey, though some where more skeptical.  Personally, the album was intriguing and a refreshing change of pace from Alex Turner and company. Minor key title track “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” ranks among the crème de la crème, arguably the crowning achievement.  Turner sings about an imaginary hotel and casino, possibly on the Moon. According to an EW interview, Turner, referencing the title track states, “…Whether we’re actually talking about a sort of hotel-casino complex on the moon or not is debatable.”

Weird to the core, “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” encompasses politics, philosophy, technology… it’s something.

“Technological advances really bloody get me in the mood
Pull me in close on a crisp eve, baby
Kiss me underneath the moon’s side boob.”

“Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino” previously appeared on the year-in-review playlist, Recapping 40 Stunning Ballads from 2018.

4. Behemoth, “Ecclesia Diabolica Catholica”

I Loved You at Your Darkest • Metal Blade • 2018

Building: a ‘Diabolic Catholic Church’; subject to individual opinion whether real or imagined…

Gdansk, Poland death metal band Behemoth is well-known for their anti-Christian, Satanic themes – understatement.  Throughout their brilliant 2018 album, I Love You at Your Darkest, the anti-Christian/religion sentiment runs rampant.  According to frontman and mastermind Nergal, “It doesn’t get more blasphemous than this”. That’s pretty damning. A prime example of this blasphemy include “Havohej Pantocrator” (a clever reverse of the famous icon, Christ [Jehovah] Pantocrator), featured previously on the playlist 13 Disturbing Songs About the Antichrist. Yet another example, arguably the biggest and most controversial anti-God statement, is “God = Dog,” which appears on a different playlist as well, 11 Songs About Pets, Well, Sort of.  While both of those are doozies, we have a doozy here that’s not only sure to ‘damn you to hell,’ but also fits the building sentiment of this playlist.  That would be “Ecclesia Diabolica Catholica.”

“Ecclesia Diabolica Catholica” definitely WON’T please Catholics, translating in English to “Diabolic Catholic Church.” The Satanic, anti-Christian sentiments of the band continue to be ‘turned all the way up ‘– “In absentia dei we sermonize / In ecclesia Satan / They might is right!”  As shocking as it might be to Satanic, death metal virgins, again, this is a prevalent occurrence and stance.  Behemoth masterfully amp up the drama lyrically and instrumentally, the mark of superb metal musicianship you might say.

5. Jake Shears, “Palace in the Sky”

Jake Shears • Freida Jean • 2018

Building: Palace (imagined)

“Promise to steal the fortune / Love is a cruel extortion of life / What the hell might as well get away / Pleading to have your grey cut.” Hmm, quite poetic lyrics to say the least. “Palace in the Sky” serves as the penultimate track from Jake Shears’ underrated, self-titled, 2018 debut album.  Shears is best known as the flamboyant, openly gay frontman of alternative pop collective Scissor Sisters. And yes, if you were curious, the band is named after the lesbian sex position…  But this isn’t about sex positions or Shears’ band, but rather the record at hand.

“Palace in the Sky” is a ballad, one in which Jake Shears sings both beautifully and sincerely.  As aforementioned, there are some truly poetic lyrics that helps to make this record a success.  Furthermore, the backdrop stands out, with its prominent piano, electric guitar, and heavy drums.  The sound reminisces back to the 70s, yet also fits the current times.  Going back to the lyrics, the centerpiece is the chorus, which occurs a total of three times on “Palace in the Sky.”

“And the stars align
But the world’s aflame
Your palace in the sky
Is burning blue tonight
Your palace in the sky
Is burning through the night
Your palace in the sky.”

“Palace in the Sky” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Thrilling Songs About the Sky.

6. Ed Sheeran, “Castle on the Hill”

÷ (Divide) • Atlantic • 2017

Building: Castle

“And I miss the way you make me feel, and it’s real / We watched the sunset over the castle on the hill.” “Castle on the Hill” is one of the best songs from ÷ (Divide), the third studio album by Grammy-winning pop musician, Ed Sheeran. The record embraces more of a singer-songwriter, pop/rock sound, particularly compared to “Shape of You”.

Sheeran superbly constructs a narrative and autobiographical approach, particularly on the verses.

“When I was six years old, I broke my leg
I was running from my brother and his friends
And taste the sweet perfume of the mountain grass I rolled down
I was younger then, take me back to when I...”

The chorus (excerpted at the top of the blurb) is the selling point, as he delivers enthusiastic, energetic vocals.  Beyond thoughtfully composed verses and chorus, the bridge is incredibly strong.

“One friend left to sell clothes
One works down by the coast
One had two kids but lives alone
One’s brother overdosed
One’s already on his second wife
One’s just barely getting by
But these people raised me
And I can’t wait to go home.”

7. The National, “Carin at the Liquor Store”

Sleep Well Beast • 4AD • 2017

Building: liquor store

“So, blame it on me / I really don’t care / It’s a foregone conclusion…” Following a four-year hiatus, alternative band The National returned with Sleep Well Beast in 2017.  Sleep Well Beast would ultimately earn Matt Berninger and company their first Grammy for Best Alternative Music album.  The third single, “Carin at the Liquor Store”, earns a spot on this list.  Why? Well, it’s a playlist about buildings and a liquor store is a building.  There it is!

“Carin at the Liquor Store” commences with acoustic piano.  This sound creates quite the ambiance.  There are some subtle sounds in the background in addition to the piano, but the piano serves as the dominant backdrop. Matt Berninger adds his rich, distinct baritone atop the simple backdrop, which eventually expands with more instrumentation. “Carin at the Liquor Store” never grows incredibly overt – it always maintains a sense of poise and the utmost control.  Even so, Berninger infuses more energy as it progresses, particular towards the end when he ascends from the bottom end of his vocal register.

The form is a mix of traditional, with some variation.  The verses are patterned after one another.  while each of the three choruses are slightly different, with some common ground.  The first chorus is the shortest, as excerpted at the top of this blurb. Those lines recur on both the second and third choruses, which follow the second verse.  The second chorus is the lengthiest, bearing the most detail, continuing as follows:

“...It wasn’t so bad, I wasn’t that sick
Got taken by love, I wasn’t that quick
Forgone conclusion
It’s gonna be different after tonight
You’re gonna see me in a different light
It’s a foregone conclusion.”

So, what is Matt and The National getting at here? Love, specifically for Carin Besser, the wife of Matt Berninger.

8. Walker Hayes, “Dollar Store”

Boom. • Monument • 2017

Building: Dollar General, likely…

Alabama country musician Walker Hayes made a comeback in 2017.  Sure, Hayes was never a ‘household name’ in country music or the business overall, but he experienced moderate success.  Hayes’ sophomore album, boom. arrives, led by the charming single, “You Broke Up with Me”. As great as “You Broke Up with Me” is, or even “Shut Up Kenny”, neither songs are about a building.  So, we go with “Dollar Store” – BOOM!

“Dollar Store” is filled with quirkiness, swagger, and perhaps most of all, pop…or maybe hip-hop.  This is a perfect example of Hayes’ new brand of country that doesn’t appeal to traditionalists, but rather those willing to truly blur the lines.  For most, there’s not much middle ground – this is a ‘love it or hate it’ type.  The chorus is infectious, as is the groove.

“Uh, woohoo
Mama let my money say I love you
We takin’ you and this GW
Down to the dollar store
Buy you whatever you holla for
Uh, woohoo
Baby I’m a million bucks from rich
But I can grant you a discount wish
Down at the dollar store
Buy you whatever you holla for.”

9. Ryan Adams, “Haunted House”

Prisoner • Blue Note • 2017

Building: haunted house (imagined, sort of…)

“I don’t want to live in this haunted house anymore.” Rock singer/songwriter Ryan Adams is chocked-full of sadness throughout the course of his painfully-underrated 2017 album, Prisoner. His loneliness comes to head on “Haunted House,” among the crème de la crème of the LP.  In tune with the prevalence of heartbreak that encompasses Prisoner, “Haunted House” expands the script slightly, extending his loneliness to dwindling friends.

On “Prisoner,” Adams still desires his ex (cough* Mandy Moore), but he’s less specific.  On the first verse, he states, “It’s the last house at the end of the block / My friends all disappear one by one.” On the second, he goes on to say, “Nobody stops to write, nobody calls / My friends all disappear / They all got lost.”  Basically, home doesn’t feel like home without her in his life.  Yeah, you could sort of say this one doesn’t quite fit this list, yet, in a way it does.  “Haunted House” previously appeared on the playlist 13 Songs That Embrace the Mantra, ‘No Place Like Home’.

10/11. Macklemore, “Corner Store” & “Church”

GEMINI • Bendo, LLC • 2017

Buildings: Store; Church

“I’m gonna pop some tags / Only got 20 dollars in my pocket / I’m, I’m, I’m huntin’ / Lookin’ for a come up / This is fucking awesome.” Ah, “Thrift Shop” was a huge deal back in 2012 – understatement.  Interestingly, the Macklemore & Ryan Lewis song happens to be about a building (a thrift shop) and yet, I’m only shouting out the biggest hit of the duo’s career.  Oh well, it happens.  Moving beyond “Thrift Shop,” after releasing two albums with Ryan Lewis (The Heist and This Unruly Mess I’ve Made), Macklemore opted to release his 2017 LP, GEMINI, without Lewis.  GEMINI ended up being a project with its fair share of standouts, including one of two building-songs at hand, “Church.”

“Church” is the more accomplished of the two songs on this two-for-one, but let’s start with “Corner Store” first. “Corner Store,” the 13^th song from GEMINI, moves away from the topic of love and sex which dominated preceding songs.  The result is a harder, cocky and confident record. Featuring Dave B and Travis Thompson, it’s a worthwhile listen that doesn’t ‘move the needle.’ The penultimate “Church” is simply beautiful, earning top honors on GEMINI.  Like “Miracle” that precedes it, the 15^th track of the LP is in the wheelhouse of Macklemore, focusing on larger, more meaningful issues. The production is soulful, incorporating gospel cues, choral vocals, a robust bass line, and trumpet. The chorus, performed by Xperience, is exceptional.

“Hope I’m feeling this good when it’s Monday mornin’
Been doing my own thing, can’t say that I’m sorry
And I can only pray someday that we’ll all be
More than just okay, we can be so free
And I can get fly with ya, ride with ya, shine with ya, yeah
I can get fly with ya, ride with ya, shine with ya, yeah.”

12. Flo Rida, “My House”

My House • Atlantic • 2015

Building: house

Love him or hate him, Flo Rida always seems to be good for a hit.  In this case, it’s the infectious “My House” which appears on his seven-track, 2015 album (or EP), My House.  While “My House” is a rousing anthem for carefree partying or sports, Flo seems to have his mind on booty.  “Welcome to my house / baby take control now,” he sings on the hook, continuing, “we can’t even slow down / we don’t have to go out.”

Say what you want, but that is sexual innuendo to the nth degree.  The confirmation about what’s going down in Flo’s house comes during the second verse. “Morning comes and you know what you wanna stay / Close the blinds, let’s pretend that the time has changed,” he raps, continuing, “Keep our clothes on the floor, open up champagne / “et’s continue tonight, come one, celebrate.”  Flo Rida sure knows how to show southern hospitality, he he… “My House” originally appeared on the playlist 14 ‘House’ Songs More Thrilling Than Chilling at the House.

13. Sam Hunt, “House Party”

Montevallo • MCA Nashville • 2014

Building: house

“We’ll have a house party, we don’t need nobody / Turn your TV off, break that boom box out…” In some respects, “House Party,” a highlight from Montevallo, the 2014 debut album by country singer Sam Hunt, is simple.  Yes, it’s a fun, carefree record that lacks depth – there’s plenty of those. “House Party” also possesses the slightest bit of innuendo, but not enough to totally turn off more conservative country fans… I guess. Such innuendo resides on the chorus, partially excerpted above and continued below: “…We’ll wake up all the neighbors ‘til the whole block hates us / And the cops will show up and try to shut us down.”

Now I know what you’re thinking – it’s a stretch to make turn this ‘house party’ into something more.  But honestly, isn’t it hard to believe that Sam and his “homebody” girl are just going to listen to music and dance all night? Of course, it is!  The question that needs to be asked is what kind of dancing? Furthermore, the “Wake up all the neighbors” is just a little too Trey Songz to resist, right?  Totally! “House Party” previously appeared on the playlist 14 ‘House’ Songs More Thrilling Than Chilling at the House.