13 Songs Propelled by Light features music courtesy of Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Justin Timberlake, Lorde, and Shawn Mendes among others.

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.”  When one thinks of the world ‘light,’ the connotation is often positive as opposed to negative.  Previously, on The Musical Hype, we composed a playlist that comprised dark and light – 18 Light & Dark Songs, In Three Phases. This round, there is no darkness to be found – you could say that “we saw the light.” 13 Songs Propelled by Light features music courtesy of Ariana Grande, Doja Cat, Justin Timberlake, Lorde, and Shawn Mendes.

1. Ariana Grande, “The Light is Coming”

Ft. Nicki Minaj

Sweetener • Republic • 2018

“You wouldn’t let anybody speak and instead…” Oh boy. When Ariana Grande first released “The Light is Coming”, it was among the oddest, most off-putting records of 2018. In the context of Sweetener, it’s one of many Pharrell Williams productions, and incredibly quirky. Give “The Light is Coming” credit for its ultra-futuristic style, and being distinctive compared to everything else that’s out there.  Grande also deserves credit for trying something different.  Still, the reciprocal feature with Nicki Minaj (see “Bed” on Queen) is a wee bit of a stretch, lacking enough traditional songwriting to engage many listeners.  That said, hearing it in the context of Sweetener, it’s interesting if nothing else.

“The light is coming to give back everything the darkness stole.”

2. RL Grime, “Light Me Up”

Ft. Miguel & Julia Michaels

NOVA • WeDidIt • 2018

“We forget that it’s so easy to love when everything is good.” RL Grime returned in 2018 with a new album, NOVA. The star-studded affair by the 27-year old electronic, bass producer secured a duet with Grammy-winning R&B artist Miguel and Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter Julia Michaels on “Light Me Up”. Miguel sings the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus, encouraging a brokenhearted girl that love is possible again: “You can dry your tears; every tide must change.” Essentially, he’ll atone for her broken heart.  On the chorus, he sings, “Yeah baby light me up / You can breathe me in / I’ma hold you up / Until the quiet comes.”

Julia Michaels sings the second verse and pre-chorus, joining Miguel on the following chorus. She responds to his encouragement, singing: “‘Cause it’s so easy to love when everything is good / Hold my skin, hold me in your hands / Let’s begin, to give you all I am / Mmm, to give you all I am.” Both Miguel and Michaels have their respective solo lines on the bridge, regarding love endeavors, while Miguel delivers the final chorus. Without a doubt, both musicians deliver strong performances. RL Grime gives them a stellar backdrop to work with, with colorful production. He contrasts smoother sounds and more aggressive sounds and intense rhythm.

3. Mason Ramsey, “I Saw the Light”

Famous (EP) • Big Loud / Atlantic • 2018

An impressive cover of the Johnny Cash classic, “I Saw the Light,” concludes Famous, the debut EP by 11-year old, viral country artist, Mason Ramsey.  “I Saw the Light” is old-fashioned, but, the kid clearly has an ‘old soul.’ It’s safe to say, he nails this country-gospel gem with those stellar, boyish pipes. This song that sometimes gets the ‘walking music’ treatment during the offertory at church.

4. John Mayer, “New Light”

New Light – Single • Snack Money • 2018

Grammy-winning pop artist John Mayer returned with a new single in May 2018, “New Light”. “New Light,” produced by No I.D., was released via his own label, Snack Money. A solid record, the main rub about “New Light” is that it doesn’t ‘break new ground’ or revolutionize in the least.  Mayer is honest about where he stands on “New Light.” On the first verse, he asserts he’s “pushing 40 in the friend zone,” later adding, “Oh, you don’t think twice ‘bout me.” On the second verse, he paints a carefree picture where, “We can go far from the end / And make a new world together baby.” The chorus sums up the situation, where essentially, Mayer just wants one chance to prove himself.

“But If you give me just one night / You’re gonna see me in a new light…”

All in all, Mayer sounds smooth as butter on “New Light.” It’s not game changing, but give the beautiful vocal tone, crisp guitars, and a mellow backdrop some much-deserved credit.

5. Doja Cat, “Morning Light”

Amala • Kemosabe / RCA • 2018

“Breakfast in bed, come lay your head / Down on me babe, touch my neck / Bacon and eggs, give you taste / We let ‘em wait, love me all day, oh.” Rapper and singer Doja Cat is already proving herself as a bold, risqué addition to pop music.  The sensual “Morning Light” serves as the seventh track on her debut album, Amala. Like many other songs on the album (“Go to Town” and “Body Language” come to mind), there’s an element of play involved.

“Don’t wanna waste your time / Go ‘head, live your life / I could be yours tonight / We will be up ‘til the morning.”

6. Justin Timberlake, “Morning Light”

Ft. Alicia Keys

Man of the Woods • RCA • 2018

“Because I’m in love with you / Laying here, in the morning light / And all I want to do is hold you tight, just one more night.” On “Morning Light,” Justin Timberlake welcomes the first of only two credited musical collaborations on his 2018 LP Man of the Woods. Alicia Keys appears on the slick urban contemporary cut, which also has a dash of country and tropical flavor.  Notably, Chris Stapleton serves as a co-writer of this ‘bright’ cut.  “Morning Light” is on the low-key side of the spectrum, yet it’s alluring nonetheless.

7. Jeremih & Ty Dolla $ign, “The Light”

The Light – Single • Def Jam / Atlantic • 2018

Jeremih and Ty Dolla $ign started summer 2018 off right with the groovy, if shallow ‘sex record,’ “The Light”.  “The Light” isn’t deep, but it’s certainly lit.  The first thing that one notices about the record is the groove.  Simply put, ‘it’s everything.’  There is no way while listening to this record you won’t experience body movement – “The Light” is incredibly infectious.  Fittingly, the groove and the entire production sounds like sex, intentional as Ty Dolla $ign kicks things off with the suggestion, “Let’s have sex” on the refrain.  Sex is a familiar topic for both these dudes.  Ty executes his suggested activity well, given his distinct, one-of-a-kind vocals.  Love him or hate him, the dude has successfully carved out a place in pop, hip-hop, and R&B.

Jeremih follows with the sensual chorus as well as the sole verse.  The lyrics aren’t deep, but they set the mood: social media post, bottles, and of course, sex. “The Light” – at least this particular light – won’t change your life.  It’s not God speaking to you through a record, no matter how groovy it is.  That said, this fun, naughty little joint is a great addition to the playlist, ready-made for the summer.

8. Linkin Park, “One More Light”

One More Light • Warner Bros. • 2017

“If they say / Who cares if one more light goes out? / In the sky of a million stars / It flickers, flickers / Who cares when someone’s time runs out? / If a moment is all we are?” Following the tragic death of Chester Bennington, Linkin Park’s 2017 album One More Light grew more chilling, and in some respects, more meaningful.  Even prior to Bennington’s suicide however, the title track came off as morbid.  There’s no angst, as there’s little throughout the album, but “One More Light” is by far the saddest song from the album.  The record is reflective, with sound messaging, even though it lacks sufficient development.

9. NF, “Green Lights”

Perception • Capitol • 2017

“All I see is green lights / All I see is green lights / All I spit is real life / Bet you don’t know what that’s like.” “Green Lights” is among best of the best of NF’s 2017 album, Perception. The production work is excellent. Sure, this is Christian rap, but the hard and malicious sounds make you rethink the definition of the style. NF flexes, exhibiting a superb flow, showcasing the utmost confidence and swagger. The aforementioned hook is fire.

10. Lorde, “Green Light”

Melodrama • Republic • 2017

“Green Light” served as an early indication that Lorde was evolving her sound on her sophomore album, Melodrama.  As a departure, “Green Light” gave her a fresh start.  While Lorde doesn’t sound particularly smooth vocally, her raspy, coarse tone is quite appealing. Furthermore, her intensity is a selling point, as she exhibits feistiness from the onset. After delivering the pre-chorus in her lower register, everything comes together on the infectious chorus. Danceable production work and fantastic backing vocals provide the cherry on top.

“‘Cause honey I’ll come get my things, but I can’t let go / I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it.”

11. Luke Bryan, “Light it Up”

What Makes You Country • Capitol Nashville • 2017

“I get so neurotic about it baby / ‘Cause I know you’re reading your phone / I can’t help from going crazy / Thinking you might not be all alone.” Oh boy! Luke Bryan keeps things short and sweet “Light It Up”, the promo single from his 2017 album, What Makes You Country.  The production work is slick, firmly planted in the new vein of country. The chorus is the crème de la crème – big, intense, and chocked-full of objectophilia. Bryan is infatuated with a lady (normal), but develops a ‘relationship’ with his phone because he’s become obsessed with what his lady is doing (paraphilia). Oh Luke.

“…I wake up, I check it, I shower and I check it / I feel the buzz in my truck / And I almost wreck it / I always got it on me / Just in case you want me / So, if you’re looking for my love / Then light it up.”

12. Shawn Mendes, “Lights On”

Illuminate • Island • 2016

“Lights On” kicks off with a guitar, a key instrument throughout Shawn Mendes’ sophomore album, Illuminate.  Here, Mendes channels an urban contemporary-infused pop sound. The production work remains strong, not the least bit overdone or corrupt with a bag of tricks. Mendes even “breaks the seal” of squeaky, clean teen-pop – “Damn, you look so good with your clothes on.”  Sure, there’s a clever chivalrousness throughout the course of the record, but he doesn’t rule out sensual things either:

“Start discovering your secrets / Underneath these very sheets / Your skin’s so perfect up against me / Your lips are talking when we don’t speak.”

13. MAX, “Lights Down Low”

Hell’s Kitchen Angel • Sony • 2016

“And I will give you everything baby / But can you feel this energy? Take it / You can have the best of me, baby / And I will give you everything.”  Clearly, on “Lights Down Low,” MAX was deeply invested into his girlfriend, now wife. Appearing on his album Hell’s Kitchen Angel, “Lights Down Low” serves as a breakthrough hit for the New York pop artist.  His voice is beautiful, chocked-full of authenticity, while the record itself is well produced, courtesy of Nathaniel Motte (of 3OH!3).

“Oh, turn the lights, turn the lights down low / Yeah, now I’m feeling you breathing slow, oh / ‘Cause, baby, we’re just reckless kids / Trying to find an island in the flood.”

Photo Credits: Atlantic, Big Loud, Capitol, Capitol Nashville, Def Jam, Island, Kemosabe, RCA, Republic, Snack Money, Sony, WeDidIt