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“13 Songs Where It’s a Matter of ‘If’” features music courtesy of Gnash, Leon Bridges, Pusha T, Shawn Mendes, and Years & Years among others.

So, “If a picture paints a thousand words / Then why can’t I paint you?” That’s an excellent question Bread.  What about the hypothetical, 2008 Beyoncé hit, “If I Were a Boy” where she sings, “If I were a boy / I think I could understand / How it feels to love a girl / I swear I’d be a better man.” Five years prior to that, Alicia Keys once asserted that, “Some people want it all / But I don’t want nothing at all / If it ain’t you, baby / If I ain’t got you baby.” 14 years later, Blackbear would state on “If I Could I Would Feel Nothing” (Digital Druglord, 2017) that “‘Cause if I could I would feel nothing / That’s the truth and I don’t care, baby.” Why use these four random songs in this overly long introductory paragraph? Because all four songs have one word in common that fuels this particular playlist – the word ‘if.’

That’s right, all 13 songs featured on 13 Songs Where It’s a Matter of ‘If’ feature the word in their song title, bringing a hypothetical tilt to the selected songs.  No, none of the four aforementioned songs appear within the 13, but all four were worthy of some sort of shoutout, particularly “If” by Bread – classic! Musicians providing the soundtrack on 13 Songs Where It’s a Matter of ‘If’ include Gnash (“Imagine if”), Leon Bridges (“If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be)”), Pusha T (“If You Know You Know”), Shawn Mendes (“If I Can’t Have You”), and Years & Years (“If You’re Over Me”).

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1. Shawn Mendes, “If I Can’t Have You”

If I Can’t Have You [Single] • Island • 2019

“I can’t write one song that’s not about you / Can’t drink without thinking about you / Is it too late to tell you that / Everything means nothing if I can’t have you?” Grammy-nominated pop superstar Shawn Mendes returned with his first brand-new single of 2019, “If I Can’t Have You”, which is  driven by matters of the heart.  “If I Can’t Have You” commences with a brief, building pad, before Mendes unveils the chorus.  It’s memorable without being the crème de la crème of the pop star’s career. Worth noting, the final line of the chorus is also the final line of the pre-chorus leading into the chorus – a nice unifying lyric to say the least.

The vocal production stands out on the chorus in particular. Also, there’s a nice dash of falsetto from Mendes.  Beyond the chorus, he delivers smooth vocals on the first verse and following pre-chorus, maintaining a cool vibe: “It doesn’t matter ‘cause I’m so consumed / Spending all my nights reading texts from you.” The second verse and pre-chorus, much like the first, remains cool, low-key, and smooth in execution: “Is it wrong for me to not want half? / I want all of you, all the strings attached.”  Later, the brief bridge is also cool like the verses that precede it. In addition to Mendes’ vocals and overall vocal approach and performance, the production appeals throughout “If I Can’t Have You” with the rhythmic guitars, synths, pads, etc.  The Canadian heartthrob has another gem on his hands.

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2. St. Humain, “If I’m Honest”

EMOTIONAL SAUNA • St. Humain • 2019

“If I’m honest / There’s nothing left to boast of now / If I’m honest / My history won’t make you proud…” Hmm, interesting, ‘honest’ lyrics. EMOTIONAL SAUNA marked the seven-song debut EP by pop musician St. Humain.  On “If I’m Honest,” the rising musician exhibits awesome musicianship.  As a vocalist, he sounds silky smooth, passionately delivering the lyrics that he composed.  Speaking of composition, “If I’m Honest” isn’t only written by St. Humain, but also produced by him – impressive.  The sound falls under the category of pop, specifically urban-, R&B-infused pop, not to mention electronic-pop.  The sound palette is breathtaking, with keyboards, guitars, drum programming, and of course, an assortment of synths.    

Focusing on the “if,” St. Humain is being open about who he is, including highlighting his many shortcomings.  On the second verse, he asserts, “I’m sacred and a sinner / I’m holy but I hate / Cold war within my system / And I’d be gone if not for grace.” Beautifully-penned to say the least.  Of course, he sums things up masterfully on the aforementioned, excerpted chorus, which continues as follows:

“If I’m honest
I’m writing this chorus to live me down
Yeah, you say you want honest
Well, I’m honest now.”

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3. Gnash, “Imagine If”

We • :): / Atlantic • 2019

Alternative artist Garret Nash, better known as gnash, had a huge ‘come-up’ in 2016, thanks to the release of hit single, “I hate u, I love u”. It was likely the unique, hipster vibe along with singing about the ups and downs of love that made the record “kind of a big deal.”  Post-‘hate/love,’ the versatile, 25-year old musician released several singles (“The broken hearts club” among them), continuing the grind to establish himself in the game.  Finally, January 2018 saw the release of his official debut album, We, which features its fair share of well-crafted songs, including “Imagine if”.

There’s plenty to rave about on the follow up “Imagine if”.  Gnash may have an understated approach, but he continues to (1) allure and appeal with his distinct voice and (2) exhibit mad swagger.  As chill as this bro is, he has personality working on his side. His versatility shines through, as he sings and drops melodic bars.  He gets a bit salty asserting, “Imagine if I had the power to control the voices in my head / And I could tell them all to shut the fuck up,” once more showcasing the sheer beauty that is ‘For Under Consent of the King.’  Naturally, he imagines lots of things as he reminisces back to an unsuccessful relationship, partially thanks to him.  Beyond the plight of love fueling his fire, the production plays a sizable role as well.  Not only does gnash handle the boards, so do Digital Farm Animals.  Fueled by soulful piano with some synths and sick drum programming thrown in, it’s easy to see why “Imagine If” ends up being a resounding success.  

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4. Pusha T, “If You Know You Know”

Daytona • G.O.O.D. / Def Jam • 2018

“‘Cause this boy been throwin’ that D like Rich Boy.” From the opening tip of “If You Know You Know,” Pusha T drops some serious bars on the DAYTONA highlight.  His flow is agile, natural, and everything ‘feels right.’ Following the electrifying introduction, “If You Know You Know” only gets more profound, signaled by the recurrence of the titular line, distinct production, and confident, druggy rhymes from T.  “I predict snow, Al Roker.”

The centerpiece is the hook, which is probably far catchier than it should be.

“Bricklayers in ball shorts
Coaching from the side of the ball court (If you know you know)
One stop like a Walmart
We got the tennis balls for the wrong sport (If you know you know) …”

“If You Know You Know” previously appeared on the playlist 10 Songs Where You ‘Know’ or ‘No’.

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5. Years & Years, “If You’re Over Me”

Palo Santo • Polydor • 2018

British electro-pop collective Years & Years shine on “If You’re Over Me”, the second single from their sophomore album, Palo Santo.  “If You’re Over Me” features bright, exuberant production work.  Set in a major key, the optimism of the sound is nothing short of awesome.  Singer Olly Alexander is on autopilot from the start, sounding quite charming with his British accent.  His vocals are clear, commanding, and relatively easygoing and unforced.

The man is truly ‘the man’ with his stunning vocal tone.  Although bright and bubbly, thematically, Olly sings about a previous relationship where his ex-boyfriend doesn’t seem to be over him.  “You tell everyone our love went cold,” he sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “If that’s how you feel then you should go / Don’t come around saying, ‘I still want you.’” On the chorus, Alexander continues the tale of his ex-, who’s giving mixed signals: “One minute you say we’re a team / When you’re telling me you can’t breathe / Well you should set me free / Baby, if you’re over me.” “If You’re Over Me” previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Over Vs. Under Songs.

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6-7.The 1975, “Love It If We Made It” & “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not with You)”

A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships • Polydor • 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 does 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 frontman Matthew Healy.  Sure, he’s overindulgent and absolutely too loud, but at least he’s exuberant in his execution, which 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 absolutely too much – there’s very little breathing space and not enough dynamic variation – but it’s still worthwhile.

“And all I do is sit and think about you / If I knew what you’d do / Collapse my veins, wearing beautiful shoes / It’s not living if it’s not with you.” The second ‘if’ song worth noting from the same album is “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not with You)”. “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not with You)” picks up the tempo and sounds like it could’ve been at home in the 1980s.  Obviously, The 1975 thrive with that sound, and “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not with You)” is no exception.  There are glistening keyboards, brilliant guitars, and a highly-effective drum groove.  Beyond the production, Healey sounds compelling, referencing addiction to drugs.

Character ‘Danny’ is a drug addict, and of course, Healey has had his issues with drugs as well – “He’s [Danny] gotta search the street when he’s on vacation / The worst thing is that I’m in the same situation.” On the first full-length chorus of “I’m Not Living (If It’s Not with You),” Healy adds:

“All I do is sit and drink without you
If I choose then I lose
Distract my brain from the terrible news
It’s not living if it’s not with you.”

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8-9. Alec Benjamin, “If We Have Each Other” & “If I Killed Someone for You”

Narrated for You • Alec Benjamin • 2018

Alec Benjamin nails it on “If We Have Each Other”, a light, mid-tempo, sufficiently produced gem (rhythmic guitar, drums, keyboards).  Besides the voice and the backdrop, the poetic lyrics shine on the Narrated for You standout. Benjamin’s storytelling is on-point over the course of three verses; his thoughtful lyrics give the feels. On the first verse, he tells the story of a pregnant 19-year old, down on her luck. “She was waiting on the day she hoped her baby would arrive / She’d never be alone.” On the second verse, the characters are a 90-year old couple, who reminisce on their relationship in the past and cherish being together. He saves the best verse for last, following the bridge, speaking personally about his family.

He sings:

“I’m 23, and my folks are getting old
I know they don’t have forever, and I’m scared to be alone
So I’m thankful for my sister, even though sometimes we fight
When high school wasn’t easy, she’s the reason I survived…”

My God, how lovable is Alec Benjamin? Following each verse, he blesses the listener with a stunning chorus. The second ‘if’ song from Narrated for You is “If I Killed Someone for You.”  Here, young Alec ponders if he went to an extreme – killing someone – would it make the girl that he likes reciprocate the love.  At the surface level, it comes off a bit outlandish, but on the bridge, Benjamin reveals the person being killed is himself:

“You have to understand that the one I killed is me
Changing what I was for what you wanted me to be.”

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10. Leon Bridges, “If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be)”

Good Thing • Columbia • 2018

Following a three-year hiatus, Grammy-winning, contemporary soul singer Leon Bridges stepped up his game on his sophomore album, Good Thing.  Bridges first stood out with his Grammy-nominated debut album, Coming Home, due to his intentional acknowledgement and remembrance of soul music in its glory age.  That acknowledgement – paying ode to genre – continues on Good Thing, an album that exceeds his debut. Here, Bridges contributes to this soundtrack comprised of ‘good’ songs with “If It Feels Good (Then it Must Be).”

“You give me that stuff / And it’s such a blessin’ / You and I in the light / Alone in this heaven.” “If it Feels Good (Then it Must Be)” is a good ole, feel-good, grown-folks R&B record.  It’s groovy and sexy in the most innocent, mature way possible. Bridges lets his falsetto loose, never giving in too much into the indulgence of ‘what’s going down’ or ‘going to go down.’ The prime example? The chorus of course!

“Hey, mysterious
We don’t have to act so seriously
Like nobody’s watching, only us
Baby, if it feels good, then it must be
Bad how much I want you
Baby, if it feels good, then it must be
Bad how much I want you.”

“If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be)” previously appeared on the playlist, 15 Really ‘Good’ Songs… It’s That Simple!.

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11. Kodak Black, “If I’m Lyin, I’m Flyin”

Dying to Live • Atlantic • 2018

“I can’t let these niggas knock me off my pivot / God sat me down and talked to me, I listened / I was in that cell, he told me that I’m gifted / I don’t make it in the booth, then I’ma make it in the kitchen.” Hmm, that’s definitely an interesting perspective from Kodak Black, who is certainly nothing short of polarizing – UNDERSTATEMENT.  Nonetheless, “If I’m Lyin, I’m Flyin”, which appears on Dying to Live, is one of the better songs from the rapper.

“If I’m Lyin, I’m Flyin” is incredibly brief at just around two-minutes-and-ten seconds. Fittingly, it only features one verse and no hook. Despite lacking a hook, the listener hears the titular line at the end of the record – “Just like I told you, if I’m lyin’ then I’m flyin’.” As always, Kodak Black serves up a distinctive sound. He sounds better rounded here, delivering a compelling flow.  Much like the aforementioned lyrics, there’s plenty of ‘real talk’ from Black:

“All these drugs got the whole world jiggy
Hoes comin’ out they clothes and niggas trippin’
Why hit the top to go back to the bottom?
All these bitches fallin’ for me like it’s autumn.”

There’s more, or course.

“Everybody told me I would make it when I was on the block
See, before this rap shit, I was jackin’ cars.”

At least he’s open and honest.

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12. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “If We Were Vampires”

The Nashville Sound • Southeastern • 2017

“It’s knowing that this can’t go on forever / Likely one of us will have to spend some days alone / Maybe we’ll get forty years together / But one day I’ll be gone / Or one day you’ll be gone.” On “If We Were Vampires,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit goes deep. On the gem from The Nashville Sound (2017), He acknowledges and reflects on the fact that one day him or his wife will die, and one will be left alone.

On the second verse, the vampires come into play. “If [they] were vampires,” they’d have nothing to worry about after all. Obviously, Isbell realizes this isn’t realistic in the least.  He goes on to say:

“Maybe time running out is a gift
I’ll work hard ‘til the end of my shift
And give you every second I can find
And hope it isn’t me who’s left behind.”

“If We Were Vampires” previously appeared on the playlist, Creatures! Ghosts, Monsters, Vampires and Such.

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13. Fleet Foxes, “If You Need To, Keep Time on Me”

Crack-Up • Nonesuch • 2017

We close out this ‘if-centric’ affair with a selection courtesy of Fleet Foxes.  Honestly, Robin Pecknold and company delivered one of the most complex albums of 2017 with Crack-Up.  As demanding as their 2017 comeback LP was, it was also quite rewarding, yielding such marvelous moments including “I Am All That I Need / Arroyo Seco / Thumbprint Scar,” “Third of May / Ōdaigahara,” and the song at hand, “If You Need To, Keep Time on Me.”

“If You Need To, Keep Time on Me” ranks among the more accessible songs from Crack-Up.  Even being more accessible, it retains the superb songwriting that characterizes the album.  Robin Pecknold offers a hint at the onset as to what the song is about with a particular date: January 20, 2017.  That was the day that Donald J. Trump officially became the 45th President of the United States. Pecknold sings from the jump: “How could it all fall in one day? / Were we too sure of the sun?” Hmm, I’ll leave it at that…

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13 Songs Where It’s a Matter of ‘If’ [Photo Credits: :):, Alec Benjamin, Atlantic, Columbia, G.O.O.D. / Def Jam, Island, Nonesuch, Polydor, Southeastern, St. Humain]

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