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“13 Songs from 2019 That Go Strictly by the Numbers” features music courtesy of Anderson .Paak, Ben Platt, P!nk, Rob Thomas, and ScHoolboy Q.

Numbers are everywhere – understatement.  Could we live life without them? Of course not, even when they are incredibly annoying or against our favor.  The Musical Hype loves numbers so much that there have been a couple of playlists dedicated to them, including 10 Songs That Go Strictly by the Numbers.  Because we just can’t get past the significance of numbers, we’ve assembled a new edition of Songs That Go Strictly by the Numbers, with all of the songs arriving in 2019 – creative, right? 13 Songs from 2019 That Go Strictly by the Numbers features music courtesy of Anderson .Paak (“Chosen One,” featuring Sonyae Elise), Ben Platt (“Hurt Me Once” and “In Case You Don’t Live Forever”), P!nk (“90 Days,” featuring Wrabel, and “Hurts 2B Human,” featuring Khalid), Rob Thomas (“One Less Day (Dying Young)”), and ScHoolboy Q (“5200”) among others.

1. Rob Thomas, “One Less Day (Dying Young)”

Chip Tooth Smile • Atlantic • 2019

Number: 1

“I’m not afraid of getting older / I’m one less day from dying young / I see the light go past my shoulder / I’m one less day from dying young.” Ah, Rob Thomas commences his fourth studio album, Chip Tooth Smile, with a bang on the stellar single, “One Less Day (Dying Young).” Given the numerical nature of this particular playlist, the keyword that seals the deal is ONE. Lyrically he’s reflective and incredibly relatable, while musically, the record is driving, vibrant, and ‘full of life,’ even as Thomas grows older.

2-3. P!nk, “90 Days” & “Hurts 2B Human”

Hurts 2B Human • RCA • 2019

Number: 90;2 

What’s better than a “two-for-one?” Nothing, that’s what! P!nk provides us with just that.  Starting with “90 Days,” the record continues the excellence of Hurts 2B Human, the eighth studio album by the Grammy-winning pop musician. Notably, “90 Days” features production and vocals courtesy of Wrabel (Steve Robson also co-produces). What stands out about “90 Days” is how impressive the vocal chemistry is, particularly when the vocals are harmonized.  There is no percussion providing that rhythmic anchor, but it’s not necessary on this beautiful, high-flying modern-pop ballad.

Of course, as aforementioned, P!nk doesn’t stop with just one number song from Hurts 2B Human.  There’s also the title track, “Hurts 2B Human,” where she’s assisted by one of R&B’s hottest artists, Khalid.  After singing the first verse herself, Khalid arrives on the second, providing stunning contrast.  Once more, vocal chemistry is a strong suit when the artists join forces on the chorus sections.  Also, worth noting, they trade lines during the bridge section, before rejoining on the lyrics, “Maybe then you’d understand / How it hurts to be human, oh.”

 4. AJR, “100 Bad Days”

Neotheater • BMG Rights Management • 2019

Number: 100

“Woah, when all is going wrong and you’re scared as hell / … Maybe a hundred bad days made a hundred good stories / A hundred good stories make me interesting at parties.” One of the biggest pros for “100 Bad Days”, a stand out from the 2019 AJR album, Neotheater, is the sick production work.  Groovy from the onset, “100 Bad Days” is chocked-full of awesome sounds, including the anthemic, brassy chorus.  During this same section, Jack Met sounds incredibly passionate vocally, dropping the strongest section of the record.  Interestingly, the final two lines of the pre-chorus (excerpted above) kicks off the chorus, which continues, “…Yeah, no I ain’t scared of you / No, I ain’t scared of you no more.”

On the verses, Jack Met highlights ‘bad’ happenings exemplifying the ‘millennial’ tilt.  On the first, he sings, “Remember when we all got drunk? / I ended up with two broke thumbs.” On the second, matters of love have him feeling bad – “Remember when she broke my heart / Waitin’ for the waiter to return my card?” But, as the chorus made crystal clear, Jack and company are turning bad into good, or something along those lines.

5. ScHoolboy Q, “5200”

CrasH Talk • Interscope • 2019

Number: 5200

“5200” is a dripped-out banger from CrasH Talk, the 2019, fifth studio album from Grammy-nominated West Coast rapper, ScHoolboy Q. Given the fact that “5200” is a ‘dripped-out banger,’ well, it’s shallow AF. In addition to bragging about material things bought by money, as well as sex, ScHoolboy Q has “Been counting dead men, puttin’ bodies in the safe.” Killer line… literally.

So, what’s the significance of “5200” on “5200”? Well, after “counting dead men,” ScHoolboy Q goes on to rap, “5200, one swipe, throw it away / Ayy, whip, whip, whip, ‘til it stain on ya.”  Yeah… take that however you’d like to. Again, “dripped-out banger.”

6. Sabrina Carpenter, “Pushing 20”

Pushing 20 [Single] • Hollywood • 2019

Number: 20

“You got a way, you’re messing with my faith / You’re tryna paint a picture but you’re running out of paint / You had your say ‘til I took it away / Out of yours in my controlla…” Actress and pop singer Sabrina Carpenter released a fierce, sleek new single, “Pushing 20” in advance of both her 20^th birthday and forthcoming album, Singular: Act II.   

Sabrina Carpenter checks off all boxes on the brief but utterly satisfying “Pushing 20.”  As aforementioned, this is one totally sleek single, thanks to production courtesy of Oak, known for his urban production work.  A hard-nosed beat, sharp synths, and a rebellious, youthful spirit are all captured within Oak’s backdrop.  Carpenter eats it up, singing swagger-laden lyrics, heavily influenced by hip-hop culture, and giving off ‘that attitude’ you might say.  The centerpiece is definitely the unapologetic chorus that portrays Carpenter as one fierce, nearly 20-year old:

“I’m pushing 20, got no time for others

I’m pushing 20, got no time for others

Who ain’t on the same wave, yeah, on the same page

Tryna tell me what to be, yeah. Tell me what to think.”

7. Anderson .Paak, “Chosen One”

Ft. Sonyae Elise

Ventura • Aftermath / 12 Tone Music • 2019

Number: 1

After wowing on his third LP, Oxnard, Grammy-winning musician Anderson .Paak continued his shine a mere five months later on his fourth LP, Ventura. In the context of Ventura, Anderson .Paak had the tall task to follow up the album’s juggernaut, “King James”.  As arduous as it may be, the Sonyae Elise-assisted “Chosen One” gives Anderson .Paak another enjoyable and well-rounded record. Furthermore, it gives us yet another reason to feature the rapper/singer on a playlist, this time thanks to the number “one.”

One of the things that stands out about “Chosen One” is the rhythm, which at times, is a bit unpredictable, keeping things fresh.  Also standing out is the subject matter, love.  Okay, love’s been done multiple times, particularly by R&B artists, but it gets another noteworthy interpretation in the hands of AP.

8. Lennon Stella, “BITCH (takes one to know one)”

BITCH (takes one to know one) [Single] • RECORDS, LLC / Columbia • 2019

Number: 1 

“You do the things you do, oh God / You know what they say / It takes a bitch to know a bitch / It takes a bitch to know a bitch.” Never underestimate the power of shock value.  Without context, a record like “BITCH (takes one to know one)” sounds totally risqué to the nth degree, thanks to its reference to a ‘female dog.’ But Lennon Stella isn’t being intentionally risqué or setting to her own sex back through the use of the infamous five-letter word, but rather she exhibits female power.

Throughout the course of “BITCH,” Lennon Stella seems to be totally disgusted by the behavior men can exhibit.  It begins with the first line of the first verse, where Stella criticizes his tasteless humor – “Driving through the canyon, you said it like a joke / … I know you won’t apologize / You sent me down the river to see if I would float away.”  Her disdain continues on the second verse, where it’s clear that she’s still pissed off, despite him brushing it off.

“You walk into the party, you’re laughing with our friends

You make it look so easy, but I just can’t pretend

How can you act like everything’s alright…?

Somebody take this weight away.” 

Ugh, the bro totally messed up, and Lennon Stella takes matters into her own hands – get it girl!  Musically, “BITCH (takes one to know one)” is respectably produced, and Stella sings well.  Still, it’s the messaging, sort of a bold means of female empowerment, that serves as the crowning achievement of this pop joint.

9-10. Ben Platt, “Hurt Me Once” & “In Case You Don’t Live Forever”

Sing to Me Instead • Atlantic • 2019

Number: 1; 2

Ah, we have another “two-for-one” special, though admittedly, this one’s not as literal as the aforementioned P!nk offerings (“90 Days” and “Hurts 2B Human”).  The first song, courtesy of Broadway actor, singer, and songwriter Ben Platt, is true to the literal numerical nature of this playlist. Platt showcases his authenticity on “Hurt Me Once,” where he sounds quite sensitive and vulnerable regarding love.  Too often, males don’t allow their sensitivity to shine through, so it’s refreshing to hear Platt tap into that throughout the course of Sing to Me Instead. According to him, his lover has “All the choices, I have none… Couldn’t hurt you if I wanted to.”

The second song isn’t literal in regard to the numeric nature of the list, “In Case You Don’t Live Forever.” “In case you don’t live forever, let me tell you now / I love you more than you’ll ever wrap your head around.” Platt is totally ‘in his feelings’ on the ultra-sincere ballad. The feelings actually go beyond a boyfriend for Platt, as he pays ode to two important men in his life, his father, as well as his late uncle, who like Ben, also happened to be gay. A stunning record, Platt asserts on the bridge, “I have a hero whenever I need one / I just look up to you and I see one / I’m a man ‘cause you taught me to be one.”

11. Rich the Kid, “4 Phones”

The World is Yours 2 • Interscope • 2019

Number: 4

Southern rapper Rich the Kid returned with his sophomore album, The World is Yours 2, one year after releasing his debut LP (The World is Yours).  If nothing else, The World is Yours 2 is jam-packed with A-list guests and bangers, if short on substance. One of the better songs from the album is “4 Phones”, which arrived initially as a promo single for the album. It lacks innovative spirit mind you but is ultimately effective.

“4 Phones” finds Rich the Kid backed by a super-smooth backdrop, anchored by a trap beat. He remains an acquired taste, with his distinct voice, overall flow, and pronunciation, but it works out well enough. Notably, the flow on the verses is performed in a broken style. There’s toughness, plenty of swagger, and flexing, even if the execution isn’t characterized by finesse per se. As for the chorus, it can’t be described as catchy overall. There are some catchy lines, but it’s wordy, and doesn’t come off as memorable per se.

“They know I got cash, I ain’t gotta brag no more

I’m playin’ with the money, I might just snatch the boat

I run through the check, but fuck it, the bag is close

I don’t want the bitch, but fuck it, I had the ho

I made a hundred thousand in the same clothes

I drop a whole quarter, now my neck froze

Rich Forever, put my team on

Think I’m still trappin’, I got four phones.”

Thematically, Rich the Kid focuses on his drip – he’s got plenty of money, others can’t ‘do the damn thing’ like he does, etc.  “4 Phones” also appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs Associated with the Phone.

12. Louis Tomlinson, “Two of Us”

Two of Us [Single] • 78 Productions Limited / Simco Limited / Sony Music • 2019

Number: 2

“So, I will keep you, day and night, here until the day I die / I’ll be living one life for the two of us / I will be the best of me, always keep you next to me / I’ll be living one life for the two of us.” Louis Tomlinson, of One Direction fame, delivered his best and most meaningful single as a solo artist with “Two of Us,” dedicated to his late mum.

“Two of Us” is a ballad that is built on authenticity, realness, and sincerity as opposed to how many f-bombs can be thrown in to toughen up the sound.  As always, Tomlinson sounds expressive, his best attribute being his angelic, boyish tenor.  Even though he sounds much younger than his 27 years, he convincingly sells this dedicatory ballad.  “You’ll never known how much I miss you,” he sings on the first verse, continuing, “The day that they took you, I wish it was me instead.”  Of course, the aforementioned chorus is the moving, incredibly thoughtful centerpiece of “Two of Us.”

13. 2 Chainz, “Threat 2 Society”

Rap or Go to the League • Def Jam • 2019

Number: 2

“It’s yellow tape and white chalk when I’m on the beat / Yeah, you rich, but your talk is cheap.” On “Threat 2 Society,” the sophomore cut off of his fifth studio album Rap or Go to the League, 2 Chainz leans on a classic gospel sample courtesy of The Truthettes (“So Good to Be Alive”). He rides the sample superbly, delivering more serious rhymes – well, contextually.

“I probably learned more from Coach Gwynn

Than I did from my own kin

Yeah, the streets was my sensei

I sold dope then rapped about it on my mixtape

I had respect but I gained more

You rather be underrated or unemployed?”

One of the most eyebrow-raising lyrics occurs when he admits, “I done some things I ain’t proud of / Like sold my mom drugs.” At the same time, despite digging a bit deeper, he remains ‘true to self’ employing a colorful approach to his rhymes. “Threat 2 Society” appeared on the previous playlist, 11 Songs Where the Threat is Real.

[Photo Credits: 78 Productions Limited / Simco Limited / Sony Music, Aftermath / 12 Tone Music, Atlantic, BMG Rights Management, Def Jam, Hollywood, Interscope, Interscope, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, RECORDS LLC / Columbia]

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