13 Songs That Are REALLY REAL

Reading Time: 14 min read

13 Songs That Are REALLY REAL features music courtesy of AJR, Anthony Hamilton, Cheryl Lynn, Juice WRLD, Post Malone, and Smokey Robinson.

Ah, REAL, a fabulous word, one which can be an adjective or adverb. Merriam-Webster, my go to dictionary, defines real in various ways, including ‘having objective independent existence’ (ooh-la-la) and, as an adverb, defines it as ‘very, really’ describing its use ‘as an intensifier.’ COOL! Celebrating this really awesome word, we (I) do what we (I) do best at The Musical Hype – make a playlist! The resulting playlist of the realness is, 13 Songs That Are REALLY REAL! 13 Songs That Are REALLY REAL features music courtesy of AJR, Anthony Hamilton, Cheryl Lynn, Juice WRLD, Post Malone, and Smokey Robinson among others. So, why don’t you join us for the realness that is 13 Songs That Are REALLY REAL! You really won’t regret it!

1. Post Malone, “Something Real”

Austin • Mercury / Republic • 2023

“Give me somethin’ I can feel / Light a cigarette just so I can breathe / Give me somethin’, somethin’ real / Seven hundred feet off the coast of Greece.” Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and rapper Post Malone desired “Something Real” in 2023. The tuneful song, which appeared on his 2023 album, Austin, was written by him, Louis Bell, watt, and Billy Walsh. Likewise, Post, Bell and watt produced the record. Sadly, this song, the crème de la crème of Austin, was NOT a big hit, spending just one week on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no. 67. Regardless, this banger was used as the musical anthem for 2023-24 college football season on ESPN, which is hella cool.

“It’s a double-edge sword, cuttin’ off ties with the ones I know / So tell me, how the fuck am I still alive? It’s a miracle, oh.” Word. Beyond its college football anthem status, you know what else is hella cool? This song itself! Post Malone, who has embraced a singer/songwriter spirit, is locked-in, sounding utterly fantastic. Even with a strong vocal performance (and that signature vibrato), more important is the authenticity he exhibits – the pain and vulnerability he expresses lyrically. In the pre-chorus and chorus, Post seeks things to fulfill him, including material (“And I can’t believe, ran through a B at Louis V / It’s what I need right now”), sex (“I could play that pussy like it’s Für Elise”), and drugs (“How much psilocybin can a human eat?”). Ultimately, however, the drip, pleasure, and substances, and perhaps, even fame, aren’t sustainable ‘real’ things – he needs REAL: “I would trade my life just to be at peace.” While the theme and lyrics are arguably the crowning achievement of “Something Real”, the supporting instrumental plays a sizable role, particularly on the titular lyric (the guitars, synths, and even how the backing vocals fit into the backdrop). This song is the sugar honey iced tea – deserving of much more recognition than it’s received!

Appears in :

Post Malone, Something Real: Bangerz N Bopz No. 8 (2024)

2. Cheryl Lynn, “Got to Be Real”

Cheryl Lynn • Sony Music Entertainment • 1978

“What you think, ah! / What you feel now / What you know, ah! / To be REAL!” WOO! Cheryl Lynn experienced real, legitimate success with her exuberant, funky debut single, “Got to Be Real”.  “Got to Be Real” commences her 1978, self-titled, debut album. Her biggest hit, “…Real” peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979; it is her only single certified platinum by the RIAA.  Lynn penned the beloved disco/funk/soul gem alongside David Foster, and David Paich (of Toto). Paich also produced the track alongside his father, the late Marty Paich. “Got to Be Real” is a vibe, period! Lynn gives an electrifying vocal performance, showing off the power of her pipes. One of the notable aspects of that performance is how she slides up to select notes.  Furthermore, the harmonized vocals add to the allure and color of “Got to Be Real.” Additionally, she conveys a big personality, which perfectly delivers lyrical gems like, “Ooh… / Your love is for real now / You know that … / Your love is my love / My love is your love / Our love is here to stay.” Thematically, “Got to Be Real” is simple: it’s all real love , baby! Adding to the excitement is the infectious, funky groove, jubilant horns, and key modulations. “Got to Be Real” is REALLY GOOD – DUH!   

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3. Adam Lambert x Sigala, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” 

“You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” • More is More, LLC / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC • 2023

“Make me feel (mighty real) / Make me feel (mighty feel) / Make me feel (mighty feel).” WOO! Adam Lambert is the king of covers – crown him! With a powerful voice and big personality, Lambert is able to transform classics into his own.  Adam has a tall task on his hands, covering a disco classic by the beloved gay icon and vocal powerhouse, Sylvester, renowned for “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”.  If anyone can do a Sylvester classic justice, it’s King Adam, who collaborates with Sigala on his contemporary take on “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”.  Sigala produces alongside Twin Lee, adding fresh synths and a more modern, danceable groove.  Lambert and Sigala have us ready to hit the club, discotheque, or merely get down in da crib alone or with our partner/significant other! As always, Adam slaughters in the vocal department.  His performance captures the energy of the dance floor, love, and of course, S meets E and then they X. As sexy as the performance is, Lambert never forces things, showing the appropriate poise and rising to the occasion when it feels right, particularly that epic chorus!  Furthermore, alongside Sigala, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” escapes being a carbon copy.  If you’d never happened to hear the original, you could swear this was Adam further expanding his catalog of bops.  Yes, Mr. Lambert had tough shoes to fill – Sylvester was one of a kind – but he does “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” justice, PERIOD!

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4. Camila Cabello, “Real Friends”

Camila • Epic • 2018

“I’m just lookin’ for some real friends / All they ever do is let me down / Every time I let somebody in / Then I find out what they’re all about.” On “Real Friends”, Camila Cabello is in search of real friendship. The standout appears as the seventh track from her 2018 debut album, Camila. The chorus, the crowning achievement of “Real Friends,” continues: “Wonder where they’re all hidin’ out / I’m just lookin’ for some real friends / Gotta get up out of this town…” Ultimately, it’s an enjoyable and thoughtful if low-key track. The production work is simple, with few frills (Frank Dukes).  Despite the conservative backdrop, it’s effective and fitting. Vocally, there’s more cooing than dynamic, overt vocals. Regardless, Cabello sounds beautiful and sincere. The message is strong, and vocal harmonization and subtle cues sufficiently carry the record.

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5. AJR, “God is Really Real”

The Maybe Man •  AJR Productions LLC / Mercury / Republic •  2023

“God is really real when you really, really need Him.” The lyrical highlight from “God Is Really Real” (The Maybe Man, 2023), courtesy of millennial trio AJR, is true. When something adverse happens in your life, or to your loved ones, the natural inclination is to pray harder, and find or rediscover faith.  Jack Met continues singing in the chorus, “Karma just appears when you suddenly believe it / Hear it loud and clear, just as long as it’s convenient (Convenient) / Life’s fuckin’ long ‘til it stops, and God’s fuckin’ fake ‘til He’s not.” Hmm, a mic drop moment for the collective, isn’t it?  Providing a bit more context, AJR were going through a family emergency.  The brothers’ father, Gary was becoming sicker and has since passed. Besides the prudent chorus, AJR provides insight into his condition (“And my dad can’t get out of bed”), and how it affected them, including touring. Additionally, the lyrics mentioned how the world continues, but the pain of a loved one dying weigh incredibly heavy.  In the fourth verse, there is escapism, as Jack imagines getting his dad out of the hospital and being “a roadie for the band.” The encouragement for him to get well is touching, even if the result they desired didn’t happen.  Another noteworthy moment is the final verse, which finds the band addressing toxic masculinity: “And we can’t face our feelings, so we’re makin’ lots of jokes / And we won’t cry about it, no, we’ll be manly men.” There is so much to unpack about  “God Is Really Real”, which has some of the characteristics and music cues of many AJR songs but also feels starkly different.  This song is deeper and special.   

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6. The Weeknd, “Real Life”

Beauty Behind the Madness • Republic • 2015

“Tell ‘em this boy wasn’t meant for lovin’ / Tell ‘em this heart doesn’t stay to one.” Oh my! “Real Life” kicks things off soundly on Beauty Behind the Madness, the breakthrough album by Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter, The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye). The Canadian standout delivers rock-solid vocals, and is backed by energetic production (Tesfaye, Stephan Moccio and Jason Quenneville). The Michael Jackson comparisons Tesfaye receives are legit; his upper-register pipes rival The King of Pop.  The vibe of “Real Life” arguably trumps the song itself, though it’s enjoyable and respectable. The Weeknd directs listeners to a familiar place – shallowness when it comes to love. Essentially, he paints himself as not being made for love – “I wouldn’t know, never that boy.” Prior to that, in the pre-chorus, he sings:

“Mama called me destructive

Said it’d ruin me one day

Cause every woman that loved me

I seemed to push them away.”

What can you say but day-um?

Appears in :

Real: 5ive Songs No. 80 (2021)

7. Anthony Hamilton, “Real Love” (Ft. Rick Ross)

Love is the New Black • My Music Box / BMG Rights Management • 2021

“Real love, the kind you dream of / Comes once in your life.” Woo! After an excruciating five-year wait, Grammy-winning, contemporary soul singer/songwriter Anthony Hamilton released a brand-new studio album, Love is the New Black. One song I’ve had on repeat from the 2021 LP is “Real Love” featuring Rick Ross. “Real Love” provides a brilliant balance between old- and new school.  Neo-soul is firmly in play, amplified by interpolation of “Swahililand” (Ahmad Jamal). Those syncopated, jazzy chords are nothing short of awesome. Besides the kick-ass jazz sample, the beat provides a more contemporary anchor, while also recalling the hip-hop soul of the 90s.   

“Real love, the kind worth heaven  

You’ve gotta hold tight  

Real love, real love, real love, real love  

Real love.”      

Phew, Anthony Hamilton, that’s a lot of ‘real love’ right there! As always, Hamilton is locked in, blessing the soulful, love-oriented track with his anointed, distinct pipes. In the first verse, he speaks about a special love, one that doesn’t appear to be ‘romantic’: “And I was a child in your arms of love / And I just wanted to make you proud.” As for Ross, he excels at a soulful, old-school beat, but opts for a romantic brand of love, sex, and of course, touts his drip.  There’s no gray area when ‘The Bawse’ asserts: “Baby girl, I’ma kill somethin’ / Let me eat you out and I’ma kill somethin’.” WOO!  “Real Love,” produced by 9th Wonder, is ‘really’ good, NO CAP! 

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8. Katy Perry, “Never Really Over”

Smile • Capitol • 2020 

“Never Really Over” marks one of the best songs from Smile, the 2020 studio album by Katy Perry. “Never Really Over” sounds sleek from the onset, with its bright synths, pummeling drums, and its optimistic sound.  Zedd and Dreamlab get the credit for a superb backdrop for the pop star.  While it is a bright record set in a major key, Perry reminisces back on exes.  In the pre-chorus she sings, “I tell myself, tell myself, tell myself, ‘Draw the line’ / And I do, I do / But once in a while, I trip up, and I cross the line / And I think of you.” Fittingly, the incredibly catchy chorus finds Perry providing context to the song title – the relationship may be over, but you always remember it: 

“Two years, and just like that 

My head still takes me back 

Thought it was done, but I  

Guess it’s never really over 

Oh, we were such a mess 

But wasn’t it the best?  

Thought it was done, but I  

Guess it’s never really over.”   

It doesn’t end there, as a pre-chorus further analyzes the situation, while in the second verse, Perry is trying to “rewire this brain” with no success.  Hey, it’s “Never Really Over.” Ultimately, “Never Really Over” is a catchy, fun, well-rounded pop record through and through.  

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9. Martin Garrix & Lloyiso, “Real Love”

“Real Love” • STMPD RCRDS B.V. / Epic Amsterdam • 2023

“I’m only human, but I feel like / This could be real, real love, real, real love, oh.” Indeed! “Real Love” marks a collaboration between the handsome, talented, Dutch DJ/producer, Martin Garrix (Martijn Garritsen), and gifted, South African singer, Lloyiso (Loyiso Gijana). Though it runs under three minutes in duration, “Real Love” provides some sweet dance/dance pop ear candy. There are plenty of cooks in the kitchen.  On the songwriting end of things, Garrix and Lloyiso collab with Albin Nedler, Giorgio Tuinfort, John Martin, Kristoffer Fogelmark, and Osrin (Oskar Rindborg). Garrix puts in work behind the boards, collaborating with Nedler and Osrin. The sound is celestial, dripping in romantic vibes.  This includes the optimistic, major key of the backdrop, with its keys, warm pads, rhythmic synths, bass line, vocal chops, and of course, the beat. It grooves something fierce from the onset, part of its charm.  Of course, the other big reason for its success is its dynamic vocalist. Lloyiso sounds glorious, fitting the amorous vibes of the songwriting. “When you smile, you can light up the sky / Give a glimpse of paradise,” Gijana sings in the first verse, adding in the second, “When we dance, I get lost in the moment / Weightless in time and space.” In the pre-chorus, Lloyiso speaks about growing in confidence, being unafraid of love.  Also, to be expected in a dance/electronic joint, the drop is epic – truly “Real, real love, real, real love, oh!” All told, Garrix and Lloyiso bring the heat and deliver the goods. 

10. James Blake, “Are You Even Real?”

“Are You Even Real?” • Republic •  2020

“Are You Even Real?” marks one of the most gorgeous James Blake songs to date. What makes “Are You Even Real?” so awesome? First and foremost, it is the production.  Blake is known for his skill in the producer’s seat and as usual, he shows it off alongside Josh Stradlen. He serves up great keyboard work and programming that comes together superbly.  Additionally, throw strings into the mix, and there’s additional color providing an emotional effect. Violin enhances the overall soundscape. Besides stellar production, Blake delivers lovely, tender vocals, perfectly complementing the emotional backdrop. He also has solid songwriting, thanks to a team comprised of himself, Ali Tamposi, Brittany “Starrah” Hazzard, and Peter Lee Johnson.  This dreamy sounding record deals with love. The centerpiece is the gorgeous chorus:

“Cracking seals, guilty, no appeal

Trip down the hill, strawberry fields

Are you even real?

She said, ‘Tell me how you feel’

Are you even real?

Are you even real?”

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11. Jordan Davis, “Money Isn’t Real” 

Bluebird Days • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2023  

“And I was always jealous / Of everything I thought he had…” Jealousy is NOT GOOD.  However, neither is the fact that Jordan Davis and the preacher were the only people in attendance “To lay him in the ground that day” on “Money Isn’t Real”, (Bluebird Days, 2023). Sure, he “Might have died a millionaire / But lookin’ at them empty chairs,” Davis arrives at the conclusion, “Guess I ain’t got it that bad.” Davis paints a picture that money isn’t the same as authentic relationships and certainly doesn’t buy happiness – it is not important, ultimately.  The first verse does a stellar job of driving home that point, while the chorus, in all its glory on this mid-tempo cut, sums it up perfectly: “‘Cause money isn’t real / It can’t call you like your mama does / It can’t make you old friends / It can’t make you love again / It can’t buy you real love.” Money can help (“I believe in workin’ hard / ‘Cause it helps when you got it) but Davis prudently cautions, “All I’m sayin’ is don’t bet your whole life on it…”

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12. Juice WRLD & Benny Blanco, “Real Shit” 

“Real Shit” • Grade A Productions / Interscope • 2020

“Real shit, real shit, never tell a lie.” It’s honestly a good philosophy that the late Juice WRLD expresses on “Real Shit”, a single released on what would’ve been his 22nd birthday (December 2).  On the melodic single, he’s assisted by the pen and production of benny blanco.  In addition to blanco, “Real Shit” is also produced by Cashmere Cat, Henry Kwapis, Jack Karaszewski, and Dylan Brady. “Real Shit” is characteristic of Juice WRLD.  It’s melodic, finding the deceased artist embracing the emo side of the genre.  The chorus is ear catching.  Beyond the chorus, the post-chorus continues the goodness (“Life’s good so I’m living great”), even before we get a single verse.  Early on, it’s clear, Juice is all about positive vibes.  In the second verse, he enthusiastically asserts:   

“I’m eatin’ too damn good 

Goddamn, tryna gain weight 

Workin’ on my demons, they in better shape 

Demons on my back, get them away from me.”

Sadly, Juice was unable to make the positive attitude and progress on this single a reality.

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13. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me”  

The Fabulous Miracles • Motown • 1963   

“I don’t like you / But I love you / Seems that I’m always / Thinking of you.” Ooh-wee! “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me” appears as the opening track on Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ 1963 album, The Fabulous Miracles.  Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, who also sings lead, “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me” is one of the best and biggest hits by the legendary Motown act.  How well did this love-driven joint perform on the pop charts? Well, it peaked at no. 8, earning it the honors of one of the collective’s six top-10 hits.   

There’s plenty to ️ about “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me.” The theme of love that you can’t quit is incredibly relatable. Robinson conveys it superbly from a vocal and songwriting perspective. 

“I don’t want you  

But I need you  

Don’t want to kiss you  

But I need to.” 

Woo! He brings plenty of personality to the table, via a once-in-a-lifetime tenor.  Also, we can’t fail to mention The Miracles, who bring the heat as well. Speaking of other aspects of songwriting, what about that lilting feel? This record executes 12/8 superbly. Gotta love how the piano carries those triplets, not to mention the drum groove, and the way that the rest of the rhythm section is locked in. Furthermore, what about those horns? All told, “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me” ranks among those utterly sublime, early, Motown classics. It’s old, but still lit!  

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13 Songs That Are REALLY REAL (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; AJR Productions LLC, BMG Rights Management, Capitol, Epic, Epic Amsterdam, Grade A Productions, Interscope, Mercury, More is More LLC, Motown, My Music Box, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, STMPD RCRDS B.V., UMG Recordings Inc.; 11765557, Malkhai Cora from Pixabay]

13 Songs That Are REALLY REAL | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on March 18, 2024March 18, 2024