13 Songs That Focus on the World | Playlist

“13 Songs That Focus on the World” features music courtesy of Arctic Monkeys, Five Finger Death Punch, Kenny Chesney, Lana Del Rey, and Rich the Kid.

Some themes and topics are definitely abundant in a wide variety of areas and disciplines.  One such theme/topic is ‘the world,’ which fuels film, literature, music, politics, and a number of other things. Obviously, with this being a playlist, we choose to focus on how the world impacts music in certain respects.  Some of the songs take on a socially-conscious viewpoint, while others are more superficial or at least less focused on depth.  The key requirement for 13 Songs That Focus on the World? The song title must feature the word ‘world’ – duh! Artists contributing to the soundtrack include Arctic Monkeys, Five Finger Death Punch, Kenny Chesney, Lana Del Rey, and Rich the Kid.

1. Arctic Monkeys, “The World’s First Ever Monster Truck Front Flip”

Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino • Domino • 2018

“I put a taqueria on the roof, it was well-reviewed / Four stars out of five / And that’s unheard of.” It’s rare you hear a song referencing a taqueria, critic’s rating, and a hotel on the moon, but that’s what Arctic Monkeys serve up on the weird, but incredibly alluring album, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino. Following mention of the taqueria in a hotel and casino on the moon, Alex Turner and company move on to “The World’s First Ever Monster Truck Front Flip,” named after a headline. Despite the unique song title, thematically, the monster truck doesn’t play a big role on this song. Unsurprisingly, technology does play a sizable role. The central lyric: “You push the button and we’ll do the rest.”  Keeping being quirky Arctic Monkeys, keep being quirky.

2. Kacey Musgraves, “Oh, What a World”

Golden Hour • MCA Nashville • 2018

“Oh, what a world, don’t wanna leave / All kinds of magic around us; it’s hard to believe / Thank God it’s not too good to be true / Oh, what a world, and then there is you.” The introduction of “Oh, What a World” features vocoder – my oh my, how country music has changed.  Beyond that surprise, the record is laid-back and beautiful sans labels.  Kacey Musgraves sounds calm, cool, and collected – incredibly mellow.  The overall sound of “Oh, What a World” reflects the same – even the banjo is comes off relaxed.  This is a reflective, thoughtful record.

“Northern lights in our skies / Plants that grow and open your mind / Things that swim with a neon glow / How we all got here, nobody knows.”

3. Mac Miller, “Small Worlds”

Swimming • Warner Bros. • 2018

“No need for shame, I get more peace at slow speeds.” “Small Worlds”, one of three singles released prior to the announcement of Swimming, was the only one to make the album.  Here, the late Mac Miller’s nonchalant, chilled-out attitude is quite effective.  Beyond his mellowness, he has a superb backdrop to work with, in all its soulful glory.  The old-school production is representative of soulful sounds of Pennsylvania and the East Coast rap sound in general. Like “What’s the Use” which arrives earlier, it’s hypnotic, feeling and sounding ‘faded.’ There is notable a change of pace within the last minute, where he’s accompanied by piano and finger snaps, while his rhymes pack a bit more punch.  There’s plenty to dig about “Small Worlds.”

4. Mike Shinoda, “World’s on Fire”

Post Traumatic • Warner Bros. • 2018

“Don’t think I need to say this / ‘Cause you know what’s in my head / ‘F**ked up’ is an understatement / Can’t wait for this year to end.” Sigh, on “World’s on Fire,” the penultimate track from Post Traumatic, the debut solo album by Mike Shinoda, he discusses how life has changed – what a truly bad year it was.  Why? The death of his bandmate and friend Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, who tragically committed suicide in 2017. He ultimately summarizes the fiery state of the world on the chorus, saying, “When I just wanna disappear, you’re the one that keeps me here / The world’s on fire, all I need is you.”

5. Michael Ray, “Her World or Mine”

Amos • Warner Music Nashville • 2018

Who would’ve thought that buff, tatted, Florida country singer Michael Ray could show such an awesome, sensitive side like he does on “Her World or Mine”, a highlight from his sophomore album, Amos. Balladry is definitely one of Ray’s strong suits, evidenced by the song at hand. Beyond the sheer beauty of his pipes, he’s incredibly authentic; his performance is believable, relatable, and well-rounded.  Beyond the performance itself, the production (Scott Hendricks) is incredibly sophisticated and true to the country script in regards to sound and instrumentation. Also helping out Ray is well-crafted songwriting courtesy of Brett Beavers, Jamie Paulin, and Travis Denning.

“One of us moved on, one of us got stuck / One of us is drinkin’ just for fun, one of us drinkin’ to get drunk / One of us sleeps good, and one of us hates to face the night / Just depends if you’re talkin’ about her world or mine.”

6. Rich the Kid, “World is Yours”

The World is Yours • Interscope • 2018

“Get off your ass and hustle / Now that I flex with muscle / N***as they runnin’ for cover/ I’m f**kin’ your bitch under covers.” Atlanta rapper Rich the Kid dropped his highly-anticipated debut album, The World is Yours, in 2018, led by the likes of “New Freezer,” featuring Kendrick Lamar, and a biting diss track, “Dead Friends”. Prior to that, as far as the track list of The World is Yours, fittingly, title track “World is Yours” kicks things off.  Rich the Kid offers his prudence on the intro, over moody, mysterious production.  Once the beat kicks in, he goes to town, rapping about crucial matters including hustling, sex, and his wrist.  Sense the sarcasm?

“Yo bih want some head on the couch / N***as Instagram flexin’ for the clout / I was broke, got bands and accounts.”

7. Five Finger Death Punch, “Top of the World”

And Justice for None • Prospect Park • 2018

“Top of the world / Living the dream, wake me up, wake me up when it’s over.” Hard rocking, metal collective Five Finger Death Punch definitely have a knack for heavy, hard-hitting songs – understatement.  Unsurprisingly, “Top of the World,” from their 2018 album And Justice for None, is no exception. Frontman Ivan Moody is turned up to the nth degree, backed by jagged, malicious guitars and pummeling drums.  He’s as unapologetic as ever, particularly on the bridge as he asserts, “You know I’m living it up / Never giving a f**k / I heard you’re down on your luck / I-I just wanna take it.” #TopOfTheWorld.

8. Bastille, “World Gone Mad”

Bright: The Album • Atlantic • 2017

“If half the world’s gone mad / The other half just don’t care, you see.” Among the highlights of the soundtrack Bright: The Album is “World Gone Mad”, a song performed by British alternative band, Bastille. “World Gone Mad” opens with acoustic guitar accompaniment.  As always, frontman Dan Smith blesses the track with his robust vocals, heavy in British accent.  He beams with British pride, asserting on the pre-chorus, “You don’t want to f**k with us / British to the very last.” His falsetto is ripe during the pre-chorus section, providing some sweetness to his profane assertion that shows incredible resolve.

The chorus is signature Bastille:

“When it feels like the world’s gone mad
And there’s nothing you can do about it
No there’s nothing you can do about it.”

The second verse amps up the production – drums, lush strings, and more beauty.  Beyond the second chorus, there’s another verse, as well as a contrasting bridge.

9. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, “White Man’s World”

The Nashville Sound • Southeastern • 2017

On “White Man’s World,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit examine the flaws of society, particularly in relation to gender and race. It is a must-listen by all means. First, Isbell addresses inequality for women, specifically citing hope for his baby daughter. “I thought the world could be hers one day / But her momma knew better.” Next, he tackles the inhabitation of Native American land as well as guilt for the unjust treatment of black men.

“I’ve got the bones of the red man under my feet… / I’m a white man looking in a black man’s eyes / Wishing I’d never been one of the guys / Who pretended not to hear another white man’s joke.”

By the end, he questions God, but still finds faith, thanks to “the fire in my little girl’s eyes.”

10. Kenny Chesney, “Setting the World on Fire”

Ft. P!nk

Cosmic Hallelujah • Sony Music Nashville • 2016

On “Setting the World on Fire”, veteran country singer/songwriter Kenny Chesney enlisted the services of pop superstar P!nk.  That was smart. The soundly-produced record commences with a ‘countrified’ opening with the acoustic guitar. While it naturally embraces country music, it’s ‘neutral’ enough to hang with pop. Chesney handles the verses, getting a lift from backing vocals by P!nk.  The pre-chorus section finds Chesney and P!nk blending seamlessly. Rhythmic, the melodic line masterfully builds, leading into the chorus. P!nk’s big moment comes on the catchy chorus, where her powerful pipes are perfectly suited.

“Up all night and we were feelin’ so good / Yeah, we got a little higher than we probably should / We were in a hotel singin’ in the hallway lights / We were strikin’ the matches right down the ashes / Setting the world on fire, setting the world on fire.”

The chorus does a superb job of splitting the difference between country and pop – there’s a clear, crossover sensibility. Interestingly, it is the fine details that really make “Setting the World on Fire” shine.

11. Korn, “A Different World”

The Serenity of Suffering • Roadrunner • 2016

“I dream of a past / So I can break through / The walls I have built inside / The thoughts I can grasp.” “A Different World” featuring Corey Taylor keeps the devilishness of The Serenity of Suffering afloat – regarding sound of course.  The song itself is about escapism: “I’d love to see a different world / A place where you can’t find me.” Opening with a brilliant descending synth, it’s clear the band isn’t playing on The Serenity of Suffering.  The chorus hearkens back to “Twisted Transistor” in regards to its overall execution, particularly rhythmically.  The hardest moment comes during the bridge, where there’s an emphasis on “Give it to you / Harder! Harder!”

“Feel me! / Kill me! / My back’s up against the wall / Your magic spell doesn’t work anymore / Kill me! / Kill me! / That’s what you’ve got to face my friend / This ain’t the end.”

12. Michael Kiwanuka, “Black Man in a White World”

Love & Hate • Polydor • 2016

“I’ve been low, I’ve been high / I’ve been told all my lies / I’ve got nothing left to pray / I’ve got nothing left to say.” “Black Man in a White World” arrives as the second song off Love & Hate, the 2016 sophomore LP by British R&B musician, Michael Kiwanuka. What the socially-conscious record does brilliantly is open up a discussion about social issues and eliminate stereotypes.  “I’m in love but I’m still sad / I’ve found peace but I’m not glad / All my nights and all my days / I’ve been trying the wrong way.” “Black Man in a White World” ranks among the elite moments of Love & Hate.

13. Lana Del Rey, “Cruel World”

Ultraviolence • Interscope • 2014

Lana Del Rey definitely isn’t known for being the most ‘optimistic’ musician, at least where her music is concerned.  “Cruel World,” the opener from her 2014 album Ultraviolence, confirms the aforementioned.  The record is dark, dramatic, and mysterious from the get-go, set in a minor key.  Listening to it, it totally feels uncomfortable, as Del Rey depicts the end of a bad relationship.  According to Del Rey, “Shared my body and my mind with you / That’s all over now.” The best moment of the lengthy number (north of six-and-a-half minutes!) is the chorus:

“Put my little red party dress on / Everybody knows that I’m the best, I’m crazy / Get a little bit of Bourbon in ya / Get a little bit suburban and go crazy / Because you’re young, you’re wild, you’re free / You’re dancing circles around me / You’re f**king crazy / Oh, you’re crazy for me.”

Photo Credits: Atlantic, Domino, Interscope, MCA Nashville, Polydor, Prospect Park, Roadrunner, Sony Nashville, Southeastern, Warner Bros., Warner Nashville