13 Songs Sure to Make You Feel Better | Playlist

“13 Songs Sure to Make You Feel Better” features music courtesy of Gnash, James Arthur, Lykke Li, Post Malone, and Rihanna among others.  

Raheem DeVaughn once sang, “You make it better, better, better, better,” referencing his lover on “Mo Better.”  Sure, the DeVaughn classic from the 2008 album Love Behind the Melody isn’t featured on this 13-song playlist, but the aforementioned lyrics set the central theme (central word) of this list – BETTER. Yup, the point of “13 Songs Sure to Make You Feel Better” is just to do that… well, sometimes.  Musicians providing the source material include Gnash (“Feel Better”), James Arthur (“You Deserve Better”), Lykke Li (“Better Alone”), Post Malone (“Better Now”), and Rihanna (“Kiss it Better”).

1. Gnash, “Feel better”

We • :): / Atlantic • 2019

“If emotion’s a wave / Then said is a tidal / It’s a hell of a ride / But feeling is vital / Cuz if we don’t, we won’t know it won’t last forever / If we feel together, then we’ll feel better.” Thoughtful stuff to say the least, sigh. Rising, twenty-something California alternative musician Gnash (Garret Nash), best known for his mega-hit “I hate u, I love u”, released a promising debut album entitled We in 2019.  On “Feel better,” Gnash claims being with her changes everything for him – life chief amongst them.  He can’t quite seem to pinpoint why (“That’s all that I know, head to my toes”), but it’s one of the more positive moments from We. 

2. James Arthur, “You Deserve Better”

You Deserve Better / At My Weakest [Single] • Columbia • 2018

There’s lots to like about “You Deserve Better”, among singles released by popular British pop singer/songwriter James Arthur. First and foremost, Arthur has a truly sick, expressive voice.  His vocal performance is incredibly nuanced, incorporating runs, gritty, yearning upper register moments, and all-around soundness.  Beyond the vocals, the song is memorable, in regard to both production and songwriting.  Starting with the production, Arthur is propelled by the gift of groove on the chorus section, keeping things interesting.  Even prior to the chorus, the rhythmic guitar accompaniment isn’t a bore, setting up the eventual, more robust, energetic centerpiece.  It doesn’t take a ‘genius’ to figure out the premise of the song which isn’t a brand-new concept. Still, the idea of being a bad lover wishing better for you ex remains relatable and viable, especially in Arthur’s dramatic, emotional hands.

3. Lykke Li, “Better Alone”

So Sad So Sexy • Atlantic • 2018

Following a four-year hiatus, alternative singer/songwriter Lykke Li returned in 2018 with her fourth studio album, so sad so sexy.  At 34 minutes, she keeps things short and sweet. Illangelo produces the rhythmic ballad “Better Alone,” the eighth track on so sad so sexy.

Here, Lykke Li asserts, “I’m better alone than lonely here with you.” She successfully imparts a tale of feeling like something is off in the relationship – she’s not fulfilled.  Therefore, it’s better she’s lonely by herself as opposed to being lonely with someone else.  Clever, relatable, and well-penned.

4. Post Malone, “Better Now”

Beerbongs & Bentleys • Republic • 2018

“You prolly think that you are better now, better now / You only say that ‘cause I’m not around, not around / You know I never meant to let you down, let you down / Woulda gave you anything, woulda gave you everything.” In the context of Beerbongs & Bentleys, the Grammy-nominated sophomore album by Post Malone, “Better Now” gets the unenviable task of following up a crowd-pleaser (“Psycho”).  As tall a task as it is, “Better Now” is pleasant in its own right.  What makes “Better Now” pretty rad? In addition to its own Grammy-nomination for pop solo performance, Malone melodically reminisces on past relationships, once more dropping a golden hook (aforementioned).  Honestly, what could be ‘better’?

5. SiR, “Better”

November • Top Dawg Entertainment • 2018

“She just wanted to love me, and I wouldn’t let her / Now she don’t know me, ‘cause somebody treatin’ her better.” Ah, seems like somebody totally messed up a potentially great relationship.  “Better” is certainly a distinct record from California R&B singer, songwriter, and producer SiR. The tempo is lethargic, while the vocals are chocked-full of effects – definitely processed.  That said, there’s a clear, inescapable vibe that exemplifies both modern and alternative R&B styles.

SiR feels bad for missing out on a golden opportunity:

“In my time, you know my name
She don’t care about the money or the fame
She just wanted to love me and I wouldn’t let her...”

Notably, there’s an outro – a change of pace from the meat of the record, which is unique in its own right.

6. Lauv, “I Like Me Better”

I met you when I was 18. • Lauv • 2018 

“To be young and in love in New York City.” Ah, ‘lauvsongs’ are the sweetest, and don’t let anybody tell you any different! Pop/R&B artist Lauv proves that the ‘lauvsongs’ are indeed the sweetest on his 2018 playlist-album, I met you when I was 18.. Lauv kicks I met you when I was 18. off in stellar fashion with “I Like Me Better,” written about when the artist moving to New York at 18.  This crowning achievement of the playlist benefits from its melodic nature, not to mention the bright, major key vibe, and catchy chorus.

“I like me better when I’m with you
I like me better when I’m with you
I knew from the first time, I’d stay for a long time, ‘cause
I like me better when, I like me better when I'm with you.”

7. Khalid, “Better”

Suncity (EP) • RCA • 2018

“Nothing feels better than this / Nothing feels better… / We don’t gotta hide it, this is what you like, I’ll admit / Nothing feels better than this.” 2017 was a breakout year for R&B artist Khalid, who released his multiplatinum, Grammy-nominated debut LP, American Teen.  The distinctive-voiced singer truly made his mark in the music industry, continuing into 2018 with numerous guest appearances on other artist’s songs.  Additionally, he tied over his own fans with the release of an EP, Suncity. Arguably the crown jewel of Suncity is its promo single, “Better”, which perfectly fits our playlist.  

“Better” is a romantic, sexy record. In addition to dope vocals, the production work is solid, comprised of slick, hip-hop/urban drum programming, warm piano, and synths. The resulting sound is nothing too crazy or ornate, but incredibly effective. Lyrically and thematically, “Better” centers around love. On the first verse, it’s about a supportive relationship of sorts, with potential benefits of course – “No one’s got to know, what we do, hit me up when you’re bored.” The chorus (aforementioned) is simple, but effective. On the second verse, it’s confirmed that Khalid’s ‘girlfriend’ isn’t confirming a relationship, despite the fact that ‘something’ is clearly going on between them. All in all, “Better” is a chill, pleasant, romantic, well-rounded urban contemporary record.

8. Michl, “Better with You”

Better with You [Single] • Michl • 2018

California alternative pop artist Michl shines on his beautifully-sweet, romantic single, “Better with You”,produced by Mura Masa. “Better with You” commences with a familiar, guitar-driven pop sound. The production is relatively restrained initially, never getting in the way of his voice.  On the first verse, he keeps things low-key, never forcing things. Michl delivers radiant vocals, further enhanced by thoughtful vocal production. The result eventually yield an alt-pop, electro-pop record that doesn’t overdo things. Following the calm start, synths enter into the mix, but it’s always non troppo (no too much).

Claps propel the pre-chorus section into the grand, but tasteful chorus.

“You’re in my veins
You’re in my blood
You stop the feeling of giving up
Oh, I know we don’t have much
This hell feels better with you
Better with you.”

9. Jesse McCartney, “Better with You”

Better with You [Single] • Blue Suit • 2018

Taking a trip down memory lane, in 2004, a teenaged Jesse McCartney released his infectious hit single, “Beautiful Soul”. It was bubblegum, inoffensive pop at its best.  The record didn’t change the game, but it did secure the relatively underrated pop singer a platinum-certified album.  Our song at hand, “Better with You” is reminiscent of the innocence and simplicity of “Beautiful Soul.” McCartney was a fully-grown, mature adult upon the release of “Better with You,” still, this record feels pure, with McCartney tossing out the over-sexualized music of the 10s in favor of legit love. Give McCartney a lot of credit for the angelic vibes he gives off on “Better with You.”  He’s in love, it shows, and there’s something to be said about that.

10. Lil Peep, “Better Off (Dying)”

Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 1 • Lil Peep • 2017

Sadly, emo-tinged rapper Lil Peep passed away at the age of 21 on November 15, 2017. Although the heavily tatted, often ‘sad’ rapper is no longer living, his posthumous, full-length album, Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2, arrived in November 2018.  Of course, prior to Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2, Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 1 was released, a rawer, briefer affair.  “Better Off (Dying)” appears as the fifth track on the seven-song effort.

“Better Off (Dying)” keeps things short and…well, dark.  Clearly, there is an element of death. Is it legitimate death? Maybe, maybe not, but Lil Peep doesn’t exactly shut down the possibility.  He references cocaine (potentially a death sentence), a doomed relationship, and his flaws, secrets, and etc.  Totally depressing.

11. Rihanna, “Kiss It Better”

Anti • Roc Nation • 2016

“Been waitin’ on that sunshine, boy / I think I need that back / Can’t do it like that / No one else gon’ get it like that…” One of the best songs from Rihanna’s 2016 album, Anti, is undoubtedly “Kiss It Better.”  Yes, “Work” (featuring Drake) was the main attraction, but this slow jam is simply irresistible.  Taking it a step further, this is one of the best songs of the urban-pop artist’s career. “Kiss It Better” successfully blends childhood catchphrase and sexual innuendo.

Double entendre is amplified to the nth degree, causing every lyric to be read into.

“What are you willing to do?
Oh, tell me what you’re willing to do
(Kiss it, kiss it, better, baby).”

12. John Legend, “I Know Better”

Darkness and Light • Columbia • 2016

John Legend begins “I Know Better”, a highlight from his 2016, fifth studio album, Darkness and Light, in abrupt fashion. Despite the lack of an intro, the gospel-R&B record settles in soundly. “I Know Better” never attempts to crossover to pop, or modern R&B for that matter. Fittingly, the record stays true to Legend’s roots. Legend exhibits a beautiful vocal tone. He backed by a lovely sound palette with piano and organ serving as the primary accompaniment.  The sound ‘takes us back to church.’ Other observations include a respectable harmonic progression with chords that are nothing too crazy yet feel right given the stripped vibe of this song.  As the song progresses, it grows more exciting with a few more instrumental twists, namely during the bridge section. “I Know Better” is a thoughtfully penned gospel-R&B number, sure to make you feel ‘better.’

13. Hozier, “Better Love”

Better Love (From ‘Legend of Tarzan’) – Single • Rubyworks / Warner Bros. / Columbia • 2016

In 2014, singer/songwriter Hozier was struck gold, dropping one of the year’s greatest songs, “Take Me to Church”.  Not only was “Take Me to Church” epic in itself, his accompanying album, Hozier, was pretty awesome itself. After a long break, the long-haired Irish singer/songwriter stud returned with “Better Love”, a track from the film, The Legend of Tarzan. “Better Love” has plenty of redeeming qualities. First and foremost, it’s dynamic and exciting.  The beginning is enigmatic to the nth degree, keeping the listener wondering where and how Hozier is going to propel the cut forward.  Soon enough, pummeling drums enter in to add extra oomph.  By the refrain, more cards are shown – he is assertive, showcasing full vocal strength.  Even if the rather loud first refrain seems as if it is the surefire peak of the instrumentation and passion, “Better Love” only grows fuller, stronger, and louder.

Perhaps “Better Love” overreaches by cramming too much and one too many fortes, but the passion, assertiveness, and drama of this record is perfectly suited for him.

Photo Credits: Atlantic, Blue Suit, Columbia, Lauv, Lil Peep, Michl, RCA, Republic, Roc Nation, Rubyworks, Top Dawg, Warner Bros.