13 Songs That Totally Have It MADE | Playlist

13 Songs That Totally Have It MADE features Eminem, Eurythmics, H.E.R., Panic! At the Disco, Taylor Swift & Teyana Taylor.

So, have you ever heard the expression “I’ve got it made?” Well, that’s the deal with this list of 13 songs! Today, ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the fabulous, 77^th playlist of 2021 on The Musical Hype, 13 Songs That Totally Have It Made.  The keyword on this compendium is none other than M-A-D-E, made! All songs feature the adjective in their respective song titles.

As always, with 13 Songs That Totally Have It Made, we strive to keep things diverse.  Ths compendium features musicians such as Eminem, Eurythmics, H.E.R., Panic! At the Disco, Taylor Swift, and Teyana Taylor among others.  So, won’t you join us for a reading and listening experience that is sure to make your day?

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1. H.E.R, “We Made It”

Back of My Mind • RCA • 2021

Multi-award-winning R&B singer/songwriter H.E.R.  gets off to an awesome start on her debut album, Back of My Mind, with “We Made It”.  Early on, the instrumental shines, taking nearly a minute to simmer.  I heart the production by DJ Camper and Flippa. Once Wilson begins singing, she’s ‘on-point,’ never over-singing, delivering expressive and nuanced vocals; the richness of tone is stunning.

Beyond the picturesque backdrop and sweet vocals, there’s also strong songwriting.  Wilson mixes contemporary, love-motivated, reflective, and gratitude within the same song. There are several key moments, including a favorite:

“They said I won’t come up with the family and cop a couple of Grammys

All the things they said I can’t be, revenge taste just like candy.”

To reiterate, “We Made It” is an awesome way to start off Back of My Mind.  Furthermore, it’s awesome standalone record.

 Also appears on :

• Made: 5ive Songs No. 51 (2021)

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2. Panic! At the Disco, “Hey Look Ma, I Made It”

Pray for the Wicked • Fueled by Ramen • 2018

Panic! At the Disco – specifically Brendon Urie – flexes in the most alt-pop way possible on single “Hey Look Ma, I Made It.” “Hey Look Ma, I Made It” is a highlight from the band’s sixth studio album, Pray for the Wicked. Essentially, this bright, fun, major-key gem finds Urie celebrating becoming successful in the music industry.

On the horn-filled chorus, he simply lays it out there.

“Hey, look ma, I made it

Hey, look ma, I made it

Everything’s comin’ up aces, aces

And if it’s a dream, don’t wake me

I said, hey, look ma, I made it.”

On the verses, listeners are treated to cleverer, left-of-center lyrics associated with the band. In the context of Pray for the Wicked, this standout keeps the momentum going strong.

Also appears on :

• 13 LOOK Songs Totally Worth Listening To
• Made: 5ive Songs No. 51 (2021)

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3. Chris Stapleton, “Devil Always Made Me Think Twice”

Starting Over • Mercury • 2020

“And mama always set a good example / Daddy always gave me good advice / Jesus tried to steer me in the right direction…” Hmm, I wonder how the chorus concludes from “Devil Always Made Me Think Twice.” Well, honestly, it’s as you’d expect: “But the devil always made me think twice / Devil always made me think.” Here, Grammy-winning country singer/songwriter Chris Stapleton covers himself.

How does Mr. Stapleton manage to cover himself? Well, “Devil Always Made Me Think Twice,” the second track from 2020’s Starting Over, was originally recorded by Hailey Whitters.  Even so, Stapleton wrote the song alongside Al Anderson. The resulting record is a high energy, traditional country record where Stapleton is assertive, infusing ample spirit into the performance.

“And when I’m standin’ at the gate

They’ll tally up my sins, they won’t let me in.”

Also appears on :

• Devil : 5ive Songs No. 52 (2021)

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4. Bryson Tiller, “Self-Made”

True to Self • RCA • 2017

On “Self-Made,” Bryson Tiller has no shortage of confidence. Honestly, he exudes confidence (and perhaps, some cockiness), boasting, “I’ve been balling like I’m Curry, need a jersey for myself.” “Self-Made” appears on Tiller’s 2017 sophomore album, True to Self.  While respectable, True to Self was ultimately unremarkable.  That said, the song at hand marks one of the better moments.

Compared to the songs preceding it on True to Self, “Self-Made” has more drive – it’s more assertive.  With much of True to Self being built around lushness and physical pleasure, “Self-Made” goes harder, even where sound is concerned. This is fitting giving the heat that Tiller serves up. Yeah, he’s a bit arrogant, but going back to that Curry quote, let’s not forget, the Kentuckian’s debut, T R A P S O U L, blew up.

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5. Taylor Swift, “Look What You Made Me Do”

reputation • Big Machine • 2017

“‘I’m sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now.’ / ‘Why?’ / ‘Oh, ‘cause she’s dead!’” “Look What You Made Me Do” ( reputation) was unlike anything else that Grammy-winning superstar Taylor Swift had released – completely left-of-center of the country-pop that made her famous.  “Look What You Made Me Do” marked her at her darkest, making the boldest statement of her career. Vocally, she sounds about the same, but favors a darker tone.  The backdrop features urban-pop production work, comprised of dark synths, drum machines, and a minor key.

Adding to the shock of “Look What You Made Me Do” are her unpitched, tongue-n-cheek vocals on the titular line:

“Ooh, look what you made me do

Look what you made me do…”

Swift wasn’t playing around – she was as angry as a four-letter word.  The source of her anger? Well, those rivals who shall remain nameless were prime candidates. If nothing else, revisiting “Look What You Made Me Do,” the attitude and feistiness exhibited are quite respectable.

Also appears on :

• 13 LOOK Songs Totally Worth Listening To
•  Made: 5ive Songs No. 51 (2021)

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6. The 1975, “Love It If We Made It”

A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships • Interscope • 2018

“We’re fucking in a car, shooting heroin / Saying controversial things just for the hell of it.”  Prior to the first of many incredibly loud, edgy moments from  “Love It If We Made It”, The 1975 do a great job of establishing a driving rhythm on the highlight from their 2018 album, A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships.  This isn’t a fast cut, but the rhythm helps to keep things moving.

Another selling point is the energy of front man, Matthew Healy.  Sure, he’s overindulgent and too loud, but at least he’s exuberant in his execution. This is particularly great on the simple, but effective chorus (“And I’d love it if we made it / Yes, I’d love it if we made it”).  Maybe the record feels crammed with too much – there’s very little breathing space and not enough dynamic variation – but it’s still a worthwhile MADE song.

Worth noting, Rina Sawayama covers “Love It If We Made It” on the deluxe edition of her 2020 debut album, SAWAYAMA.

Also appears on :

• 13 Songs Where It’s a Matter of ‘If’
• Made: 5ive Songs No. 51 (2021)

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7. Playboi Carti, “Rockstar Made”

Whole Lotta Red • AWGE / Interscope • 2020

Playboi Carti has proven himself to be a ‘one of a kind’ rapper.  Is that a positive description? In some ways, yes, it is, while in other words, not necessarily.  Nonetheless, his 2020 studio album, Whole Lotta Red, has its fair share of intriguing moments including “Rockstar Made.” 

Carti kicks off Whole Lotta Red with the wild number. His energy is unquestionable.  The same can be said regarding his sexual appetite:

“She suckin’ my dick (What?), she eat it for lunch (What? Uh)
I hit it from the back (What?), yeah, I’m beatin’ it up…”

Wow.  Just wow.  I guess it goes with the territory.  Rappers can’t rap without being open about their sexual encounters. “Rockstar Made!”

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8. Teyana Taylor, “Made It”

The Album • Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc. / Def Jam • 2020

“Girl you workin’ with some ass, yeah, you’re bad, yeah / Make a nigga spend the cash, yeah, his bag, yeah.” After releasing the brief K.T.S.E. during the Kanye West mini-album run of 2018, Teyana Taylor atoned on her 2020 album, The Album.  The Album is the total opposite of K.T.S.E. running 80 minutes in duration! Even though it’s too long, it’s a high-quality affair.  One of the best songs from The Album is undoubtedly, “Made It.”

“It’s been a long time comin’
All these blessings rollin’ in, I ain’t even see ‘em comin’
…Built this shit up on two by twos
I want it now, I paid too many dues.”

Taylor saves two of the album’s very best songs for the end, including the 22^nd track, “Made It.” “Made It” brings nostalgia utilizing a Juvenile sample ( “Back That Azz Up”).  This joint checks off all boxes for Taylor. Great vocals, attitude, a catchy chorus, intriguing lyrics overall, and superb production ( BoogzDaBeast, NOVA WAY, and Kanye West).

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9. Marc E. Bassy, “Made Love First” (Ft. Kehlani)

Gossip Columns • Republic • 2017

“Before I knew your maiden name or even had your picture framed / I knew your body told me thing, but shit, I should’ve picked your brain…” K…For many folks, the world was introduced to Marc E. Bassy in 2016, when he dropped his second EP, Groovy People.  Difficult to classify or pigeonhole, Bassy proved himself to be eclectic.  Stylistically, he incorporates pop, urban, and singer/songwriter cues into his music. This makes him quite the compelling artist. In 2017, Bassy released his enjoyable, well-rounded, full-length debut album, Gossip Columns, which includes our ‘first’ song at hand, “Made Love First.”

On “Made Love First,” Bassy “gets a little help from his friend,” Grammy-nominated R&B artist, Kehlani.  “Made Love First” finds Bassy lamenting the fact that he and his girlfriend complicated their relationship by hooking up first before connecting emotionally. On the chorus, he regretfully sings:

“I wish we didn’t make love first
You know that tore apart everything from the start
I wish we didn’t make love first
We know that body does claim that we fell in love
I wish we didn’t make love first
You know you let me hit, that don’t mean this is it, yeah
I wish we didn’t make love first
Baby our time was wrong, but as soon as you hear this song
I hope you let me.”

Well, with the cliffhanger of the final line of the chorus, naturally there’s a post-chorus.  Furthermore, it’s sexually charged: “Let me hit it like the first night.” The theme itself is a relatable one, particularly in a hook-up dominated culture.  Both Bassy (verse one, chorus) and Kehlani (verse two) shine.

 

Also appears on :

• 11 Captivating Songs About Firsts

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10. Nancy Sinatra, “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’”

Boots • Boots Enterprises Inc. • 1966

“Are you ready, boots? Start walking!” Nancy Sinatra is the daughter of an iconic musician, Frank Sinatra. Furthermore, she’s a musician herself, among many other accomplishments and accolades.  As a musician, Nancy is renowned for one song in particular: “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” The classic appears on her 1966 album, Boots.

“These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” is a prime example of a novelty song.  It’s that ‘once in a lifetime’ number that’s cutesy, corny, and schmaltzy, yet incredibly irresistible.  Sinatra is even playful in her vocal performance, amplifying the tongue-n-cheek sensibilities.  “You been messing where you shouldn’t have been messing,” she sings on the first verse, continuing, “And now someone else is getting all your best.” Those vibes continue as the song progresses, with Sinatra asserting on the second verse, “You keep saming when you ought to be changing.” It’s far more violent on the third verse, where, “I’ve just found me a brand new box of matches, yeah / And what he knows you ain’t had time to learn.”  Of course, the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement – is the chorus where:

“These boots are made for walking
And that’s just what they’ll do
One of these days these boots
Are gonna walk all over you.”

Worth noting, Jessica Simpson covered “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” It’s an interesting interpretation . 

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11. Eminem, “We Made You”

Relapse: Refill • Shady / Aftermath • 2009

One thing that Eminem never has a short supply of is controversy. Honestly, if you look up the word controversy in the dictionary, I’m sure you’ll find his picture.  I say all that to say, his 2009 Grammy-winning album, Relapse (later expanded as Relapse: Refill), featured ample controversy.  Mind you, Marshall Mathers has never generated the same amount of controversy as when he was at the height of his career, but Relapse still has no shortage of eyebrow raising moments.  One of the more entertaining moments from the LP is the song at hand, “We Made You.”  

“When you walked through the door
It was clear to me
You’re the one they adore
Who they came to see,
You’re a rock star (Baby)
Everybody wants you
Player, who can really blame you?
We’re the ones who made you.”

The chorus is golden, performed mostly by Charmagne Tripp.  Also, the production, by Dr. Dre and Eminem, is superb too.  That leaves on the Midwest rapper to ‘do the damn thing,’ which he absolutely does.  His rhymes are agile, sharp, and most of all crude.  As expected, Eminem offends to the nth degree, and we expect no less.  On the first verse, he calls Kim Kardashian a man, asks Lindsay Lohan to return to dating men as opposed to women, and insults her girlfriend.  On the second verse, his pop cultural assault includes Ellen DeGeneres, Sarah Palin, Britney Spears, John Mayer… The third verse includes Jessica Alba, Elvis, and Amy Winehouse.  The big thing I’d tell anyone regarding Eminem: take him with a grain of salt.

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12. Eurythmics, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) • Sony • 1983

“Sweet dreams are made of this / Who am I to disagree?” One word: ICONIC.  “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is by far the biggest hit from Eurythmics.  If Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart hadn’t recorded anything besides this 1983 classic, their legacy would be secure, NO CAP.  This is the quintessential 80s record, one that no dream-centered or made-centric list should ignore.

“Sweet Dreams” shines for several reasons.  The Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) highlight features awesome production by Stewart – the rhythm, the synths! Meanwhile, Annie Lennox shines from a vocal perspective, infusing personality to match the lyrics.  Her robust pipes have always been formidable. Lyrically, this isn’t a complex song but the few lyrics used pack a mean punch.

“Some of them want to use you
Some of theme want to get used by you
Some of them want to abuse you
Some of them want to be abused.”

Woo! As Lennox finishes the chorus (excerpted at the top), “I’ve traveled the world and the seven seas / Everybody’s lookin’ for something.” Indeed!  This has become an oft-covered song, with the most notable interpretations coming from Marilyn Manson and Beyoncé.

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13. Marvin Sapp, “Never Would’ve Made It”

Thirsty • RCA • 2007

“Never would have made it / Never could have made it without you / I would have lost it all / But now I see how you were there for me.” It’s incredibly rare that a contemporary gospel song impacts the pop charts.  That’s exactly what happened with the inspirational, spiritually charged, totally uplifting Marvin Sapp hit, “Never Would Have Made It” ( Thirsty).

As Sapp sings, his passion and relentless faith is easily perceptible to the listener.  Among the best moments are the likes of, “I am stronger / I am wiser / And now I am better / so much better.” Sigh, the reading the lyrics alone pack a mighty, reverent, and totally moving punch. Speaking to the pop success of the record, it peaked at no. 82 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Also appears on :

• 11 Songs That Provide That Spiritual Refresh
• Made: 5ive Songs No. 51 (2021)

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13 Songs That Totally Have It MADE [: Aftermath, AWGE, Big Machine, Boots Enterprises Inc., Brent Faulkner, Def Jam, Fueled By Ramen, Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc., Interscope, Mercury, The Musical Hype, RCA, Republic, Shady, Sony, Alex Block, cottonbro, Mateusz Dach, Nadi Whatisdelirium, Pexels, riciardus, Rebeca Gonçalves, Robson Hatsukami Morgan, Toa Heftiba Şinca, Unsplash, Willian Justen de Vasconcellos]

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