13 Songs That Encourage All to Rise Up | Playlist

1. Solange, “Rise”

A Seat at the Table • Columbia • 2016

Grammy winner Solange commences her 2016 album, A Seat at the Table, with “Rise,” a mysterious, intriguing intro.  What better way to commence this list of Songs That Encourage All to Rise Up? The lyrics are simple, yet poetic and thoughtful. “Fall in your ways, so you can crumble / Fall in your ways, so you can sleep at night,” she sings, continuing, “Fall in your ways, so you can wake up and rise.”

In the context of A Seat at the Table, one of the best, deepest albums of 2016, “Rise” sets the tone. Additionally, this intro features neo-/ retro-soul cues, something that characterize the sound of the LP consistently. Solange embraces an old-school sound fused with alternative tastes. Kudos! Blessings!

2. Tyler, The Creator, “Rise!”

Ft. DAISY WORLD

CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST • Columbia • 2021

“When I rise to the top / I’m tellin’ you right now / I’m tellin’ you right now / Oh, I’ll show you something.” “Rise!” marks an utterly superb moment from CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, the 2021 studio album by Grammy winning rapper, Tyler, The Creator. On “Rise,” Tyler enlists DAISY WORLD for the assist.  Furthermore, he produces alongside Jamie xx, one of rare moments he isn’t the sole person behind the boards.  The result of the collaboration is one of the best backdrops of the entire album.  Those syncopated drums and synths – woo!

As I listen, I hear the influence of say, The Neptunes, one of the greatest production teams of all time.  Throw in the jazzy harmonic scheme as a big-time selling point.  Of course, it should be noted both Tyler, The Creator and DAISY WORLD give spirited performance – ‘rising’ to the occasion (“With the rockets in my mind, yeah / I could touch the sky, I don’t see any ceilings”)! “Rise!” is one of the best of CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST.

Also appears on :
Rise: 3BOPS No. 43 (2021)

3. Katy Perry, “Rise”

“Rise” • Capitol • 2016

In 2016, ‘rise’ songs seemed to be all the rage – there are several on Songs That Encourage All to Rise Up. Anyways, Grammy-nominated pop artist Katy Perry released “Rise”, the official song for the Olympics. Given Perry’s success with uplifting records, not to mention her massive success, it’s not surprising she was selected for the gig. No, Perry won’t be praised as a powerhouse vocalist, but she has the voice to successfully pull off “Rise.”

“Rise” commences with poise and mysteriousness, eventually blooming into a full-fledged, resolute anthem.  That means that mammoth drums signal Perry kicking “Rise” into the next gear.  Vocally, she doesn’t overstretch, adding relatively safe, but pleasing vocal ad libs to intensify the emotions.  “Rise” has ample pros including the use of background vocals, prevalent towards the end, which kick the record up a notch.  Max Martin is behind the boards, which is always a good thing. Additionally, the most important part of the song, the chorus, is incredibly catchy:

“When, when the fire’s at my feet again
And the vultures all start circling
They’re whispering, you’re out of time
But still, I rise
This is no mistake, no accident
When you think the final nail is in; think again
Don’t be surprised, I will still rise."

A bonus is the rhythmic pre-chorus, which changes slightly after the second verse.  It balances being inspirational and memorable. All in all, “Rise” flies moderately high.

4. Metallica, “Atlas, Rise!”

Hardwired… To Self-Destruct •  Blackened • 2016

“Die as you suffer in vain / Own all the grief and the pain / Die as you hold up the skies / Atlas, rise!” Following an eight-year-hiatus, veteran metal band Metallica returned in ferocious fashion ono their 2016 album, Hardwired…To Self-Destruct. Metallica didn’t disappoint in the least, easily delivering one of best rock albums of 2016.  One of the best songs to grace the LP is “Atlas, Rise!”  

“Atlas, Rise!” doesn’t miss a beat, opening with the utmost maliciousness.  Jagged and biting, the instrumental conveys the spirit of metal at its most fruitful .  Harmonized guitar, driving bass, and pummeling drums sound hellishly celestial if such a thing exists! Throw in assertive vocals and “Atlas, Rise!” sounds like perfection exemplified.  The chorus, excerpted above and continued below, rocks hard AF:

“How does it feel on your own?
Bound by the world all alone
Crushed under heavy skies
Atlas, rise!”

5. Madonna, “I Rise”

Madame X •  Interscope • 2019

“Us kids don’t know what we’re talking about / That we’re too young to understand how government works / We call B.S.” “I Rise”, the ‘activist’ second single from the 2019 Madonna album, Madame X, concludes the album.  The politically charged intro arrives courtesy of Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivor, Emma Gonzalez.  Following the intro, the pre-chorus and chorus arrives; The chorus is simple, yet inspiring.  With only one true verse on hand, Madonna serves up a heaping dose of resolve, strength, and toughness: “There’s nothin’ you can do to me that hasn’t been done / Not bulletproof, shouldn’t have to run from a gun.” Also, noteworthy, is the bridge: “Freedom’s what you choose to do with what’s been done to you / No one can hurt you now unless you want them to.”

Adding to the selling points are excellent vocal production as well as sweet overall production.  It’s a modern-sounding record that embodies the sleek, urban-pop script of the late 2010s. The synths, lush pads, and the hard-hitting drums make the production stand out. There are also vocal effects in play that arrive towards the end of this slick joint.

6. Black Pumas, “Black Moon Rising”

Black Pumas • ATO •  2019

“Shoot me down and break my heart / It’s the black moon rising / You brave the sight, I paint the picture / And you want to do it…”  Grammy-nominated duo Black Pumas – singer Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adriana Quesada – kept soul and funk alive and well on their self-titled debut album.  Black Pumas commences with the terrific “Black Moon Rising.” One of the things that makes Black Pumas’ music cool is the ambience. On “Black Moon Rising,” the backdrop is retro, with electrifying soulful guitars (Quesada), keyboards, and strings.  The harmonic progression is more adventurous than most contemporary pop or R&B progressions, stretching the ear more without being incredibly ‘left of center.’ Burton sounds incredible, showcasing both a nuanced, full-voiced approach, as well as some decadent, colorful falsetto.

Beyond all the music elements that makes this psych-soul record awesome, there’s also the lyrics. Eric Burton sings about his desire for his “sunshine,” a woman he’s infatuated with, to return. At the end of the first verse, he sings, “Every time you get dressed in black / You give a grown man a heart attack / I pray that good Lord will bring you back / You’re my sunshine.” Numerous references to the titular lyric help solidify the greatness of “Black Moon Rising.” A black moon has a negative connotation, though Ian O’Neill of Space.com makes it clear that it  isn’t a sign of the end times. Referencing the rare black moon from 2016, O’Neill writes:

“According to some outlets, this ‘rare’ astronomical event is a signal that the world is going to come to an end and a prelude to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Why? Well, some people on social media said so… Friday's "Black Moon" is a lot less interesting than it sounds.”

Also appears on :
12 Unique Songs Loosely Associated with the Moon
15 Songs That Possess a Negative Connotation

7. Weyes Blood, “Titanic Rising”

Titanic Rising • Sub Pop • 2019

Weyes Blood had a critically acclaimed album on her hands with Titanic Rising, released in 2019.  Although ‘Weyes Blood’ is a killer name, the singer/songwriter’s real name is Natalie Laura Mering. Anyways, what’s interesting about Titanic Rising is that “Titanic Rising,” the fifth track, is incredibly brief (an interlude essentially). Furthermore, it happens to be instrumental.

“Titanic Rising” may be merely instrumental, but it’s a truly gorgeous, expressive instrumental.  The record ticks boxes when it comes to exemplifying an effective tone poem. Contextually on Titanic Rising, it’s situated between “Something to Believe in” and “Movies”.

Also appears on :
Titanic: 5ive Songs No. 10 (2020)

8. Herb Alpert, “Rise”

Rise • Herb Alpert Presents • 1979

There is no way you can have a ‘rise’ list and not include “Rise” by Herb Alpert – it’s a sin! “Rise” appears as the second track on Alpert’s 1979 album, Rise.  It shouldn’t surprise you that the trumpeter earned one of his eight Grammy wins for this rare instrumental no. 1 pop hit. Worth noting, “Rise” marked Alpert’s second no. 1 hit following “This Guy’s in Love with You” in 1968.  But, let’s focus on “Rise,” shall we?

What makes “Rise” so epic? The groove is infectious – funky, jazzy, danceable – awesome.  Of course, Herb Alpert is a vibe in his own right with his smooth, melodic trumpet playing.  Even sans lyrics, that tuneful melody carried by the trumpet fuels the fire.  Also, another means to measure the impact of a song, at least by today’s standards, are if it’s been sampled.  “Rise” has no shortage of sampling, including being most famously sampled in The Notorious B.I.G. classic, “Hypnotize”. Even forty-plus years after its bow, this Herb Alpert joint is timeless.

9. Nicki Minaj, “Still I Rise”

Beam Me Up Scotty • Republic • 2021

In 2021, Nicki Minaj officially released her 2021 mixtape, Beam Me Up Scotty. Lucky for us, specifically our ears, Beam Me Up Scotty features a ‘rise’ song – yay! That ‘rise’ song is “Still I Rise,” which blends both rapping and singing. Notably, the backdrop for “Still I Rise” samples T.I.’s epic “No Matter What” from 2008 ( Paper Trail).

“Still I Rise” doesn’t have the polish and finesse later Nicki Minaj songs do.  Still, it is representative of the immense potential she had prior to becoming a superstar. She’s tough and unapologetic when it comes to spitting bars (“I mean she okay, but she ain’t all that / She ain’t the next bitch, tell that bitch, fall back”) while she’s smoother (still tough) while delivering the memorable chorus:

“Still I rise, still I fight, still I might crack a smile
Keep my eyes on the prize, see my haters, tell ‘em hi
One day you’ll remember this, one day when we reminisce
Nothing I do ever is good enough for the music biz.”

Yes, of course the title and the lyrics featured in the chorus reference the famous Maya Angelou poem, Still I Rise.

10. Jonas Blue x Jack & Jack, “Rise”

Blue • Universal Music • 2018

“We’re gonna ri-ri-ri-ri-rise ‘til we fall,” L.A.-based, Nebraska-bred pop duo Jack & Jack ( Jack Johnson and Jack Gilinsky) sing optimistically on opening verse of “Rise”. The two Jacks collaborate with English DJ/producer Jonas Blue on this ‘ascending’ single from Blue’s 2018 album, Blue. On the opening verse, Jack is backed by fluty synth and finger snaps.  Despite what haters want, the duo is not having it, adding on the pre-chorus, “But we won’t change, change anything at all,” before echoing the key lyric.  The production grows more robust beginning on the chorus, trading snaps for a heavier beat.

On the chorus, however, the snaps return, while Jack & Jack sing over piano accompaniment.

“They think we’re just drop-outs
Living at our mom’s house
Parents must be so proud
They know it all
No, they don’t speak our language
They say we’re too savage, yeah
No, no, we don’t give a... anymore.”

The post-chorus follows, incorporating some fresh, previously unheard synths and a relatively light drum groove.  The second cycle of verse and pre-chorus find Jonas Blue establishing the production in more ‘confident,’ developed fashion, while the chorus and post-chorus feature the same sound.  Piano-based sound for the chorus, with those attractive, rhythmic synths and light drum programming for the post-chorus. Ultimately, “Rise” is enjoyable and pleasant – a winning collaboration.

11. Dallas Holm, “Rise Again”

Early Works • Benson • 1991

Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) is popular among its base, period.  That said, how many CCM songs transcend the base, or at a minimum, become surefire torchbearers for Christian/religious music? I’d argue very few.  That said, CCM artist Dallas Holm only needed one song to solidify his legacy, and that song is “Rise Again.”  Personally, from my own religious music experiences, CCM and gospel don’t coexist as much you might think – many prefer one or the other. “Rise Again,” however, is that rare CCM song that is beloved in the gospel community too.

“Go ahead, drive the nails in my hands; Laugh at me, where you stand / Go ahead, and say it isn’t Me; The day will come, when you will see.” What makes “Rise Again” so awesome? It’s moving, rousing, and thoughtfully penned.  Like much of CCM, it maintains simple lyrics and straightforward form.  Still, arriving in the earlier years when CCM was growing, it felt fresher and more memorable, and remains so to this day.  The ‘rise’ portion of the song, of course, references the Resurrection of Christ, making it the perfect Easter song.  Holm sings it beautifully, never over-singing yet not selling short the power of the lyrics and better yet, the theme.

“‘Cause I’ll rise, again;
Ain’t no power on earth can keep Me down!
Yes, I’ll rise, again;
Death can’t keep Me in the ground.”

Also appears on :
Dallas Holm, “Rise Again”: Sunday Refresh No. 10 (2021)

12. R. Kelly, “Rise Up”

Double Up • Zomba • 2007

R. Kelly doesn’t mention Virginia Tech Massacre perpetrator Seung-Hui Cho anywhere in “Rise Up” ( Double Up, 2007).  Instead, Kelly focuses on the victims and moving forward.  Often, serial killers and mass shooters become famous after their crimes, which is disgusting. We, society, are guilty of letting that happen.

“Rise Up” is an uplifting, inspirational song that was penned and dedicated to the victims of the 2007 school shooting.  This beautiful song is about finding strength – moving beyond indescribable pain, devastation, and senseless loss.

“And we will cry together
And we’ll fight this together
And we’ll be strong together
Stand together, pray together
Rise up, when you feel you can’t go on
Rise up, when all of your hope is gone
Rise up, when you’re weak and you can’t be strong
Rise, rise up.”

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Also appears on :
10 Songs About Mass Murderers
10 Thoughtful Songs Arriving in the Aftermath of Tragedy
Rise: 3BOPS No. 43 (2021)

13. Andra Day, “Rise Up”

Cheers to the Fall •  Buskin / Warner • 2015

R&B singer and award-winning actress Andra Day left her imprint on the music world in 2015. Her terrific debut album, Cheers to the Fall, didn’t get the commercial love it deserved.  Regardless, the signature moment from Cheers, “Rise Up,” ranks among not only the best songs of 2015, but one of the best of the 2010s.

“Rise Up” is uplifting – clearly meant to inspire. All indications suggest that the inspiration comes from another person, hence the song is told from the perspective of a relationship: “But I’ll promise we’ll take the world to its feet / And move mountains.” The best moment comes on the chorus.  The words are simple, but thoughtful.  Furthermore, Day’s vocal execution is stunning.

“And I’ll rise up
I’ll rise like the day
I’ll rise up
I’ll rise unafraid
I’ll rise up
And I’ll do it a thousand times again.”

Also appears on :
 Rise: 3BOPS No. 43 (2021)