Despite the nothingness, “13 Songs Fueled by Nothing” features songs courtesy of Blackbear, Dierks Bentley, Lauryn Hill, Prince & Shawn Mendes among others. 

There’s absolutely NOTHING to talk about. Why? Because my friends, this playlist, comprised of 13 songs, is fueled by absolutely ‘nothing.’ Are the ideas running out? While the argument could be made that they are, “13 Songs Fueled by ‘Nothing’” does have content.  There are artists who contribute songs, each of which features the word nothing in their respective song title.  Artists attempting to turn “nothings into something” include Blackbear, Dierks Bentley, Lauryn Hill, Prince, and Shawn Mendes.  Hopefully, you’ll get something out of this!’

1. Mike Shinoda, “Nothing Makes Sense Anymore”

Post Traumatic • Warner Bros. • 2018

Emotions continue to on display on “Nothing Makes Sense Anymore,” one of many personal cuts from Post Traumatic, the debut solo album by Mike Shinoda.  Shinoda is unsure of any- and everything post-trauma, specifically, the death of Chester Bennington.  The verses are particularly reflective, accompanied by enigmatic production work.  On the chorus, he lays out just how senseless things have become: “My inside’s out, my left is right / My upside’s down, my black is white…”

2. Prince, “Nothing Compares 2 U”

Nothing Compares 2 U – Single • Warner Bros. • 2018

On April 21, 2016, the world lost an icon in Prince.  The death of Prince ranks among the most shocking in entertainment history.  But, despite the tragic loss, he left a vault full of unreleased music including, the sole studio recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U”. Matt Miller of Esquire Magazine describes “Nothing Compares 2 U” best, if profanely: f**king incredible.  The original is EPIC, exemplifying Prince at his best.  His vocal tone is distinct and pure, perfectly suited for his own melody.  The overall vocal performance is nuanced, filled with emotion and personality.  The falsetto – magnificent.  Adding to the allure is the production, namely the beefy guitars, pummeling drums, the soulful saxophone solo (Eric Leeds), and the supporting vocals backing the masterful lead.

3. Paris, “NOTHING”

ONE NIGHT IN PARIS • 300 Entertainment • 2018

“Nothing” is the second songs off of ONE NIGHT IN PARIS, the 19-minute, debut EP by rising melodic rock-oriented rapper, Paris.  “Nothing” commences with the chorus, something that’s consistent throughout the EP.  In this particular instance, however, the chorus occurs abruptly, without instrumental introduction. Paris makes it clear he embraces the aforementioned rock-oriented hip-hop sound. The sole verse is more melodic than the opener.  For good measure, he sneaks in an f-bomb on the final line of the verse: “I threw all your letters in the f**kin’ trash.”

4. Steve Angello, “Nothing Scares Me Anymore”

Ft. Sam Martin

HUMAN • Size • 2018

“Nothing Scares Me Anymore” appears on HUMAN, the sophomore album by Swedish-Greek DJ and producer Steve Angello. On “Nothing Scares Me Anymore,” Angello enlists singer Sam Martin for the assist.  The record commences with a ticking clock, which continues as cello enters the mix.  Strings play a huge role on this record. Martin delivers lovely, commanding vocals as he enters in atop the ticking clock and robust low-strings accompaniment. The darkness of the record, coupled with minor key, is nothing short of stunning.  The chorus adds rhythmic, percussion (marching snare specifically) to the mix, keeping things interesting. The post-chorus welcomes an ‘electronic sound,’ contrasting the record compared to early-on. Even with more electronic touches, it is the strings that continue to be “kind of a big deal.”

5. Dierks Bentley, “Nothing on But the Stars”

The Mountain • Capitol Nashville • 2018 

“Before we go and let the lonely / Do what it does / I want one more memory of us.” If it’s a bit hard to decipher it from the excerpted lyrics, Dierks Bentley has some ‘fun’ in mind.  By fun, that means sex. No, the 42-year old country singer never dares to utter the word sex, but you could say he ‘all but says it.’  Sure, the filthy-minded listener may find a way to make the portions of the second verse even freakier as Bentley states, “I wanna drink you all up / And soak you all in,” but his intent seems more conservative and tasteful.  Maybe ‘tasteful’ wasn’t the right word choice…. Anyways, the chorus certainly confirms the love he wants to make.

“With nothing on but the stars
Through the window pane
Burn your silver silhouette into my brain
I can’t have you forever
But I’ll take tonight
I wanna remember you right now just like you are
Without nothing on but the stars
Yeah.”

6. Tank, “Nothing On”

Savage • Atlantic • 2017

Speaking of sex, R&B singer/songwriter Tank loves to incorporate the act in the majority of his music.  Joining the likes of “Savage”, “When We”, and “F It Up” is “Nothing On.”  “Nothing On,” the penultimate record on Savage, benefits from its vibe.  In the context of the album, vocally, Tank continues to impress, while the production is excellent.  The listener will definitely feel like a participant… again, questionable word choice.  It’s not all ‘smooth sailing’ though.  At five-minutes-plus, perhaps the sexcapades of Tank drag on a wee bit too long.  Early on after all, it’s clear that he has one thing on his mind.

7. Sam Smith, “Nothing Left for You”

The Thrill of it All • Capitol • 2017

“Maybe I’m done, maybe it’s true / Maybe I had one chance, and I lost it with you.”  The love pain is real on “Nothing Left for You,” a cut that appears near the end of The Thrill of it All.  On the less heralded cut from their sophomore album, Sam Smith believes they’re done with love, thanks to a foolish relationship. On the dramatic chorus, he sings:

“‘Cause I gave my heart to a goddamn fool

I gave him everything

Now there’s nothing left for you.”

8. Rex Orange County, “Nothing”

Apricot Princess • Rex Orange County • 2017

On his second project, Apricot Princess, Rex Orange County showcases musicianship transcendent of his age (19 years old upon release). Among the highlights of Apricot Princess is “Nothing,” featuring Marco Mckinnis.  The record has a moderately slow pace, while the production work is incredibly ear-catching, like the majority of the album.  The palette includes soulful electric guitar, vibes, and electric piano. O’Connor sings about the first time.  Here, he sounds sexy, delivering a nuanced, authentic performance.

9. Juicy J, “Ain’t Nothing”

Ft. Wiz Khalifa

Rubba Band Business • Columbia • 2017

“Buy the highest bottle like it ain’t nothing / Bitch, I’ll buy 20 bottles worth of clothes like it ain’t nothing.” Juicy J is known for his bangers.  On Rubba Band Business, the rapper has an ample supply of them, including “Ain’t Nothing.” Following a previous collaboration, previous track, weed-loving rapper Wiz Khalifa remains aboard, while Ty Dolla $ign joins the party.  While Ty handles the hook with his ever-distinct, coarse pipes (excerpted above), Wiz delivers a fiery verse.  As for Juicy J, he remains ‘true to self,’ particularly on the third verse of the song.

“Buy the bar, smoke that caviar, I’m in the finest car
Push to start, I glow in the dark
I run up the charts
Redbone, vanilla, freaky board, she gon’ keep me hard
Black car, better play it smart, n***a we in charge.”

10. Drake, “Nothings into Somethings”

More Life • OVO Sound • 2017

On More Life, Drake presented his fans with a variety of different songs with a variety of different guest features.  Given an assortment of material, it’s not surprised it was considered a ‘playlist’ as opposed to a proper studio album.  Nonetheless, there were numerous highlights, including the brief “Nothings into Somethings.” “Nothings into Somethings” may not be brand new, but it is familiar – characteristic of Drake to say the least. It’s lethargic and moody and you know what that means – #VIBES.

11. Shawn Mendes, “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back”

Illuminate (Deluxe) • Island • 2017

Pop mega-hit “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” appeared on 2017 editions of Illuminate as the opening song.  Illuminate, of course, was pop heartthrob Shawn Mendes’ highly-anticipated sophomore album, originally released in September 2016. “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” is an energetic, fun pop joint, plain and simple.  Relatively funky, the single enjoys similar infectiousness to previous hits from the pop star.  The premise of the song is that a girl has got Mendes completely crazy – he wants to “follow where she goes.”  On the chorus, he amps up the drama of the effect she has on him.

“Oh, I’ve been shaking / I love it when you go crazy / You take all my inhibitions / Baby, there’s nothing holding me back / You take me places that tear up my reputation / Manipulate my decisions / Baby there’s nothing holding me back.”

12. blackbear, “if I could I would feel nothing”

Digital Druglord • Interscope • 2017

“‘Cause if I could I would feel nothing / That’s the truth and I don’t care, baby.” Blackbear stayed busy in 2017, releasing two albums (Digital Druglord and Mansionz alongside Mike Posner) and a mixtape (Cybersex). Our song at hand, “if I could I would feel nothing” appears from his solo album, Digital Druglord.  Blackbear is brutally honest on the standout.  Although he has money, he’s still unhappy.  Furthermore, even though he plans to hook up, it’s nothing more than empty sex – a one-night stand. Throughout this slow, but rhythmic joint, blackbear emphasizes “no feelings, no strings attached, girl.”

13. Lauryn Hill, “Nothing Even Matters”

Ft. D’Angelo

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill • Ruffhouse • 1998

“Now the skies could fall / Not even if my boss should call / The world it seems so very small / ‘Cause nothing even matters, at all.” Ah, we close this playlist of ‘nothingness’ with a classic: “Nothing Even Matters.”  “Nothing Even Matters” wasn’t quite the same caliber of hit for Lauryn Hill as say “Doo Wop (That Thing)” or “Everything is Everything,” but it was certainly a big deal back in 1998.  Honestly, it’s still a stunning R&B duet to this day with D’Angelo complementing Hill magnificently.

Photo Credits: 300 Entertainment, Atlantic, Capitol, Capitol Nashville, Columbia, Interscope, Island, OVO Sound, Rex Orange County, Ruffhouse, Size, Warner Bros.