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“13 Songs That Go Under” features songs courtesy of Adele, Alice in Chains, Cody Simpson, Nick Jonas, and Shawn Mendes among others.

Previously, on The Musical Hype, we dropped a playlist entitled 13 Over vs. Under Songs, which explored songs with the word “over” and “under” in their song titles in alternating fashion.  The playlist on hand, 13 Songs That Go Under, focuses only on the “under” songs.  Not only do songs from the original playlist reappear, but we throw in a couple new ones and some we missed.  Artists contributing to the “under” experience, whether it’s understanding, underneath, or otherwise, include Adele, Alice in Chains, Cody Simpson, Nick Jonas, and Shawn Mendes among others. 

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1. Alice in Chains, “So Far Under”

Rainier Fog • BMG Rights Management • 2018 

“I survive on the scraps you don’t burn / Maybe love’s something I’ll never learn / This whole house of cards crumbling slow / If I disappear, would you even know.” Alice in Chains seem content to spend the majority of the “So Far Under” hanging and sliding around the tonic minor key (E-flat minor).  There are variations on this ‘vamp,’ as they experiment with chromaticism (half steps), notably the popular lowered second.  A descending progression that breaks away from the vamp, is distinguished by the titular lyrics, “So far under.” Also, there’s instrumental section that modulates a whole step to F minor, before returning home (E-flat minor). Perhaps that’s was more music theory than you asked for, but “So Far Under” is definitely an interesting record.

The chorus is pretty awesome:

“So far under hell
Fought hard where I fell
Now forever dwell
So far under…”

Check out the review of Rainier Fog, the album that “So Far Under” appears on.

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2. Hayley Kiyoko, “Under the Blue / Take Me In”

Expectations • EMPIRE • 2018

“Under the Blue / Take Me In” is one of several two two-part songs that appear on Expectations, the debut by ‘Lesbian Jesus’ herself, Hayley Kiyoko. “Under the Blue / Take Me In” stands out thanks to its sleek synths and hyper-rhythmic drums.

The chorus is simply irresistible, particularly on the first part of the song, “Under the Blue”:

“Waves come crashing on in
But I’m feeling the rapture cool on my skin
Take me under the blue
Take me under the blue.”

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3. Cody Simpson, “Underwater”

Underwater – Single • Coast House / Human Re Sources • 2018

“Underwater” arrives independently, on Cody Simpson’s own Coast House label.  Notably, Simpson sounds much more mature vocally – he’s now in his twenties as opposed to his teens.  This isn’t the same kid who once sung about “Pretty Brown Eyes”.  Despite the change of voice, his instrument is colorful, effective, and has bit of an appealing bite.  In regards to style, “Underwater” still falls in the ‘umbrella’ of pop music, just not that corny, bubblegum teen-pop stuff.  Even though he sings about being underwater, “Underwater” isn’t quite as ‘beachy’ as some of his music released after his teen-pop peak.  In fact, it’s ‘beachier’ lyrically than musically. This is a blend of pop/rock, and modern pop with electronic cues.  All in all, successful, but not game changing.

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4. Sampha, “Under”

Process • Young Turks • 2017

British musician Sampha delivers an authentic, emotional tour de force on his highly anticipated debut album, Process. Among the best moments from Process is “Under.”  “A nemesis, an enemy / You’re the crack inside the screen / As I’m singing my soprano / Still flicking through the channels.” Sigh, that’s a prime example of the intensity that “Under” brings to Process.  Not only are the lyrics affecting, so is the production work.  Set in a minor key, the production has a mysterious, dark edge. The repetition of the word under only amplifies the intensity.

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5. Kehlani, “Undercover”

SweetSexySavage • Atlantic • 2017

In 2017, Kehlani proved herself as a bright spot in urban contemporary music, possessing a truly stunning musical instrument.  Her proper debut album, SweetSexySavage, didn’t disappoint, particularly standout,  “Undercover”. “Undercover” features slick production work, quick tempo, and a sexy vibe.  The record makes clever use of the no. 1 Akon hit, “Don’t Matter”. As always, Kehlani delivers clear and captivating vocals. The verses open feistily, explicitly lifting “Don’t Matter” (“You know they don’t wanna see us together / But it don’t matter, no, ‘cause I got you”). Among the best moments is the most cutting-edge as she sings, “I need you to hit me up, on my fake line / Hit that 6-9, yeah, that FaceTime.”

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6. Sia, “Underneath the Mistletoe”

Everyday is Christmas • RCA • 2017

“It’s Christmas time, so run for your life / Oh, hallelujah / A snowy night, a woman on fire / I’m waiting for ya / So here we go under the mistletoe.” In 2017, Australian pop singer-songwriter extraordinaire Sia released an enjoyable album of original Christmas songs on Everyday is Christmas. “Underneath the Mistletoe” is a strong contender as the crowning achievement – the ‘tour de force.’ Think of everything that makes a great Sia song in general, and “Underneath the Mistletoe” possesses that magic, holiday cut or not.  Vocally, she sounds absolutely superb.

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7. Emeli Sandé, “Breathing Underwater”

Long Live the Angels • Virgin • 2016

After a four-year hiatus, British singer/songwriter Emeli Sandé returned with her sophomore album, Long Live the Angels in 2016.  Sandé built buzz with three excellent promo singles, including the gorgeous ballad, “Breathing Underwater”.  “Breathing Underwater” proves to be one of the album’s strongest, most inspired moments. It’s filled with lush sounds from the onset, establishing itself as an adult contemporary R&B song. Expectedly, the vocals are radiant, yielding a well-rounded performance, filled with nuance and authenticity. Sandé is experiencing and reacting to a range of emotions, most notably the loss of love.

By the end, a supporting gospel choir further amplifies the performance, highlighting the memorable refrain:

“Something like flying
Hard to describe it
My God, I’m breathing underwater
Something like freedom, freedom
My God, I’m breathing underwater.”

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8. Nick Jonas, “Under You”

Last Year Was Complicated • Republic • 2016

“I was so foolish, on some stupid shit / Should have never let you out, no, no / Knowing that you left messes with my head / Shadows of you haunt me now.”  In the context of Last Year Was Complicated, the 2016 studio album by Nick Jonas, the song at hand, “Under You,” can be likened to being “Voodoo”, part II, with some exceptions.  On “Voodoo,” Jonas asserts, “You got me too attached, keep me comin’ right back / And I know I ain’t fuckin’ with your voodoo.” The difference on “Under You” is, he regrets the fact that the relationship is over – she’s still got him hooked, but now she’s no longer there.  In regards to sound, “Under You” is reminiscent to his previous hit, “Jealous”.

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9. Grace, “Hope You Understand”

FMA • RCA • 2016

For Aussie pop singer/songwriter Grace Sewell (simply Grace), music runs in the family – her older brother, Conrad Sewell, is also a pop musician.  Grace is best known for her breakout single, “You Don’t Own Me”, which appears on her debut album, FMA.  Beyond that gem, FMA has other standouts, including the song at hand, “Hope You Understand.” On “Hope You Understand,” both funk and feistiness are amplified. Grace rivals Christina Aguilera here, in regards to her grittiness and the oomph she brings.

Like the two songs that precede – “Church on Sunday” and “Hell of a Girl” – “Hope You Understand” benefits from an infectious chorus.

“And when I’m on my own
I think of ways to tell ya
But when it comes out wrong
I hope you understand.”

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10. The Weeknd, “Six Feet Under”

Starboy • Republic • 2016

“Ask around about her / She don’t get emotional / Kill off all her feelings / That’s why she ain’t approachable.” On “Six Feet Under,” the 10^th track Starboy, the girl whom The Weeknd sings about wants money at any cost: “Six feet under she gon get that fucking paper.” He goes on to emphasize that she’s totally independent – a badass if you will. Notably, Future guests on the record, but plays a minimalist role on the hook and the outro. Slickly produced, “Six Feet Under” is in line with hip-hop and modern R&B.  Vocally, The Weeknd sounds as tender as ever, yet still packs a punch.

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11. Shawn Mendes, “Understand”

Illuminate • Island • 2016

“Prayin’ that I don’t forget where I belong / And every time I ask myself / Am I turnin’ into someone else? / I’m prayin’ that I don’t forget just who I am.” Ah fame – it can totally change you! Shawn Mendes makes it crystal clear that he doesn’t want that to happen to him on “Understand,” the closing track on the standard edition of his sophomore album, Illuminate. “Understand” establishes itself as an inspirational, gospel-tinged closer. Interestingly, it features commentary by Mendes. Does he sound mature? Considering his age – merely 17 at the time of the LP’s release – of course he does.

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12. Adele, “Water Under the Bridge”

25 • Columbia • 2015

“If you’re gonna let me down, let me down gently / Don’t pretend that you don’t want me / Our love ain’t water under the bridge.” On “Water Under the Bridge,” one of many highlights from the Grammy-winning album 25, Adele wants her man to take responsibility for his actions.  Essentially, she feels as if he’s treating her badly and is totally ghosting on the relationship.  To her, what they have, hence, simply isn’t “water under the bridge” – it runs deeper than that.  Even if the relationship is to end, she expects him to ‘man up’ and show her some respect in breaking it off.

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13. Selena Gomez, “Undercover”

Stars Dance • Hollywood • 2013

Stars Dance, the 2013 studio album by Selena Gomez album that had its moments, but as a whole, failed to be consistent.  Nonetheless, the pop star dropped a winning record with “Undercover.” Compared to the majority of Stars Dance, it’s definitely better-rounded, with a solid driving dance beat and backdrop behind Gomez.

Her feistiness manages to cut through as well as she sings:

“You’re a sex machine, you’re a Hollywood dream
And you got me feeling like a homecoming queen
Let’s drop out of this crowd, somewhere no one’s allowed
I want you.”

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Photo Credits: Columbia, Hollywood, Island, RCA, Republic, Virgin, Young Turks

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