13 Songs Where the Shadows Are Looming | Playlist 🎧

“13 Songs Where the Shadows Are Looming” features music courtesy of Black Atlass, Bring Me the Horizon, Mario, Sabrina Carpenter, and Sam Smith.

Back in 2004, actress/pop musician Ashlee Simpson once sang, “It used to be so hard being me / Living in the shadow / Of someone else’s dream.” The focal point of that lyrical excerpt also happens to be the title of the song – “Shadow”. Generally, shadows have a negative connotation, which is the case on the single from Simpson’s debut album, Autobiography.  The same can be said of the songs selected for this particular playlist, 13 Songs Where the Shadows Are Looming. Artist singing about those pesky shadows include Black Atlass, Bring Me the Horizon, Mario, Sabrina Carpenter, and Sam Smith among others.

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1. Black Atlass, “Shadows”

Pain & Pleasure » Republic » 2018

“Broken, bruised in lust / Yeah, they’ve all torn me up / But when the shadows callin’…” Canadian-bred, LA-based musician Alex Fleming, better known as Black Atlass, returned with his sophomore album, Pain & Pleasure, in 2018. Pain & Pleasure marks his first project since signing with XO (co-founded by The Weeknd), a subsidiary of Republic.  Unsurprisingly, Fleming has many vocal similarities to The Weeknd, which shine throughout the course of this brief, sexy, and soulful set.  Among the elite moments from the album is “Shadows,” the fourth track. The melody of “Shadows” is absolutely gorgeous, particularly the second verse. Furthermore, Fleming sings with incredible ease, yet showcases magnificent expression. On the chorus, he plans to ‘save’ her: “I’ll save you-ou-ou-ou / I’ll save you-ou…”

☑ Also Check Out: The Weeknd, My Dear Melancholy, (EP) | Album Review

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2. Mike Shinoda, “Running from my Shadow”

Ft. Grandson

Post Traumatic » Warner Bros. » 2018

“I’ve been doing greater good for a long time / But I can’t find any other way to give now…” “Running from my Shadow”, an advance single from the Mike Shinoda solo album, Post Traumatic, benefits from top-notch production.  Shinoda matches the energy and intensity of the production, with honest and passionate rhymes, rapping about running from some of his own issues.  He also mentions sacrificing his own well-being for others: “I been putting myself on the sideline / And it’s been time so I’m saying I live now.” Alternative musician Grandson assists him on chorus, the centerpiece of the record, later handling the bridge.

☑ Also Check Out: 15 Songs That’ll Make You Wanna Run

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3. Mario, “Dancing Shadows”

Dancing Shadows » New Citizen LLC / EMPIRE » 2018

“I’m on the walls like dancing shadows / We both could be wrong, oh, such a beautiful sour / Let’s just play along, oh, dancing shadows / If we leave it wouldn’t be right, this time.”  Sigh, likely, most folks were unaware that Grammy-nominated R&B singer Mario released a new album in 2018.  The name of that album, his first in a whopping nine years, is Dancing Shadows.  Given the emphasis of ‘shadows’ on this particular playlist, the title track, “Dancing Shadows,” is a perfect fit, sigh.

The sound of this sexy record can be described as a blend of urban contemporary and modern, electro-infused pop. This is suiting to Mario, who has had some pop crossover success – “Let Me Love You” comes to mind. As always, Mario delivers a gorgeous vocal performance, incorporating a heaping dose of falsetto.  There’s some vocal gimmicky with a variety of vocal effects, but instead of working adversely, it actually works in the record’s favor, Amplifying the incredibly unique sound.

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4. Good Charlotte, “Shadowboxer”

Generation Rx » Good Charlotte / BMG Rights Management » 2018

“I remember suffering / With every single word they said / I could always feel them / I could always feel them.” Hmm, hearing voices rarely seems to be a good thing Good Charlotte, just saying. The aforementioned lyrics hail from the opening verse of “Shadowboxer,” the third track from the long-time band’s quietly issued 2018 album, Generation Rx. The Madden bros’ psychological shadowboxing, examines the consuming power of hatred, and the importance of self-examination and introspection.  Think Michael Jackson – staring at “The Man in the Mirror”.

The chorus seems to nail the sentiment:

“All this hate will burn your life down
All the pain, you cause your own suffering
Tell me when you look in the mirror and talk to yourself
Do you even see at all?
All this hate, you chose to throw your life away
Do you even see at all?”

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5. Yelawolf, “Shadows”

Ft. Joshua Hedley

Trial by Fire » Interscope » 2017

“Memories of shadows haunt me / From the years when I was young / Things that used to terrify me / And the things, that I’ve become.” Underrated southern rapper Yelawolf quietly released a new studio album in 2017, Trial by Fire. Unfortunately, here at The Musical Hype, we didn’t exactly help to expand upon the visibility of the project. We totally failed to review it… it slipped through the cracks you might say…

Anyways, as a rapper, Yelawolf truly embraces his southern roots, often incorporating elements of country music into his distinct brand of rap. Hence, it’s not surprisingly that on “Shadows,” the second song from that album, he enlists Nashville country singer, Joshua Hedley.  Not only does Hedley’s aforementioned memorable hook give the record a country flavor, but so does the production, which proves to be a fitting backdrop for the rapper’s compelling, distinct flow.

“I see the ghost in the red cloak, the shadows are taking shape
The sound of a faint voice, lost and full of hate
Dry leaves crumble under the feet of the reaper
The limbs tap on my window, like the nails of a creature.”

☑ Also Check Out: Yelawolf, Love Story | Album Review

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6. Future Islands, “Shadows”

Ft. Debbie Harry

The Far Field » 4AD » 2017

“My window opens on your heart / Yet shadows divide our worlds with loss.” Hmm, those shadows can be something else! Future Islands make their first appearance on The Musical Hype and it’s a good one.  On “Shadows,” the penultimate cut from the the Baltimore, Maryland, ‘post wave’ band’s 2017 LP, The Far Field, Future Islands definitely seems to be on the ‘struggle bus’ regarding “these old shadows.” The metaphorical shadows ultimately seem to be preventing a breakthrough, naturally involving love and a relationship. Notably, Debbie Harry (Blondie) guests.

“Why won’t you just take me? / Is it the bee’s sting that honey haunts you? / Is it the sweet things you fear – you’ll lose / If I get near, to you? Before we’re through…” Despite the hardships caused by the shadows, “Shadows” features driving, major-key production work. The synths are gorgeous and warm in quality, while the groove is sensational.  The vocal performances by Samuel T. Herring and Debbie Harry aren’t too shabby either.

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7. Sufjan Stevens, “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross”

Carrie & Lowell » Asthmatic Kitty » 2016

“I slept on my back in the shade of the meadowlark / Like a champion / Get drunk to get laid / I take one more hit when you depart.” Sufjan Stevens has written a number of superb songs.  Few come close to the excellence of “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross,” arguably the centerpiece of his 2016 album, Carrie & Lowell.  “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross” is a heavy, autobiographical penultimate cut to say the least.  The death of Stevens’ mother, despite a tenuous relationship, caused him to become rebellious, questioning his Christianity and overall morality.  This may be most apparent when he sings, “There’s blood on that blade / Fuck me, I’m falling apart.” Notably, numerous YouTubers have covered the gorgeous tune.

☑ Also Check Out: Music to Atone to: No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross – Sufjan Stevens

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8. Sabrina Carpenter, “Shadows”

EVOLution » Hollywood » 2016

“And all these voices in our head / Well, they keep screamin’ louder and louder / But they won’t pull us under.” Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter is determined to conquer any fears regarding that frightening, often arduous thing called love (Queen called it a “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”). “Picture in our head of what we’re supposed to be / Measuring ourselves, but where is the love, Carpenter asks on the second verse of “Shadows,” an emotional highlight from her 2016 album, EVOLution. Carpenter is honest about the adversity that can possibly thwart love – the shadows.

On the epic chorus, she asserts:

“I don’t mind your shadows
‘Cause they disappear in the light
I don’t mind your shadows
‘Cause they look a lot like mine
And listen to me, it’s okay to be afraid
Just walk like you’re never alone
I don’t mind your shadows, your shadows
Baby, I don’t.”

Vocally, Carpenter delivers a splendid, heartfelt performance.

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9. Sam Smith, “Drowning Shadows”

In the Lonely Hour (Drowning Shadows Edition) » Capitol » 2015

“Am I wrong to give in to the pressure? / ‘Cause I feel like the city’s got the better of me / Oh, this casual love isn’t what it seems / And I try to imagine something closer.” Sam Smith knows exactly where his ‘bread is buttered.’ Basically, what I’m saying is, the soulful British pop singer/songwriter is damn good at singing ballads.  Reflecting back to the original release of In the Lonely Hour, “Stay with Me” and “I’m Not the Only One” were both superb, mid-tempo ballads.  The reissued, expanded version of the album – ‘Drowning Shadows Edition’ – added songs from Smith’s Nirvana (EP), not to mention “Drowning Shadows” itself.

“Drowning Shadows” essentially gives Smith another excellent number that the resides on the slower side of the metronome.  Matters of the heart continue to affect Smith (“Running ‘round, chasing hearts”), emotionally evidenced on the stunning chorus.  There’s also some drinking involved as well.

“Go home to nothing or stay out for more?
Give in to someone or lock down my door?
Or drown all my shadows, drown them like before?
I’m drowning shadows once more.”

☑ Also Check Out: Sam Smith, The Thrill of it All | Album Review

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10. Enya, “Even in the Shadows”

Dark Sky Island » Aigle Music / Warner Music UK » 2015

“I could fall, and keep on falling / I could call, and keep on calling / Wonder why, this love is over / Wonder why, it’s not forevermore.” Hmm, seems like matters of the heart are the focal point of “Even in the Shadows.” Up until now, Enya has NEVER appeared on The Musical Hype… Unfortunate and a travesty, but things just sort of fell that way.  Sorry Enya – you and I’ve been going back since my incredible fourth-grade teacher calmed us with your smooth, soothing vibes. So, nothing personal towards the veteran, new age phenomenon.  Anyways, the perfect Enya song just happened to match the theme of a particular list. The heartbroken, rhythmic “Even in the Shadows” appears on Grammy-winner’s 2015 album, Dark Sky Island.  Even given the pain of a broken heart, Enya is still incredibly soothing and therapeutic, sigh.

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11. $uicideBoy$, “In Order to Cast a Shadow You Must First Light a Fire”

YUNGDEATHLILLIFE » G*59 » 2015

“On my deathbed with like four bitches / Every time I smoke I gotta light four swishers.” Alrighty then… “In Order to Cast a Shadow You Must First Light a Fire” is a brief record that clocks in under two minutes in duration. The overall sound can be described as dark and malicious, set in a minor key, with southern, trap-oriented production. Naturally, $uicideBoy$ – PONTIUS PILATE (aka $crim) and ODDY NUFF DA $NOW LEOPARD (aka Ruby da Cherry) – deliver hard-hitting, unapologetic rhymes.

Beyond his tough initiating rhymes, $crim continues his brutal bars including “In the basement, and I’m chopping up a fuckboy / Body bags in the back of da truck, boy,” not to mention closing his verse with the famed motto, “Fuck you, pay me!” As for Ruby, on the second verse he informs us, “Between the middle finger and my trigger-finger’s where I hold the blunt / In my other hand, I hold my nuts and then let out a grunt.” Classy for sure… said no one ever.

☑ Also Check Out: $uicideBoy$, I Want to Die in New Orleans | Album Review

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12. Bleachers, “Shadow”

Strange Desire » RCA » 2014

In 2014, alt-pop singer, songwriter, producer, and fun. member Jack Antonoff released his debut album via his side project Bleachers, Strange Desire.  The album is a captivating affair, with plenty of colorful, enjoyable moments. Among the highlights is the set’s third track, “Shadow,” which is a perfect fit for this particular playlist.  In the context of Strange Desire, “Shadow” contrasts the sound from the opening duo (“Wild Heart” and “Rollercoaster”), yet continues to embrace the 80s.

Antonoff radiates with positivity, particularly on the high-flying chorus:

“If you’re feeling small
I will love your shadow
And if you’re feeling small
I’ll love your shadow
When the lights go down
I will stand right beside you
If you’re feeling small
I’ll love your shadow
I’ll love your shadow!”

The chorus serves as a response to lyrics such as “Some girls they really just wanna hurt you” and “Some boys that laugh when they break your heart…”

☑ Also Check Out: Bleachers, Gone Now | Album Review

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13. Bring Me the Horizon, “Shadow Moses”

Sempiternal » Epitaph » 2013

“Can you tell from the look in our eyes / (We’re going nowhere?) / We live our lives like we’re ready to die / (We’re going nowhere).” Man, oh, man, those are pretty damning lyrics! That said, it’s not really surprising considering the source, English metalcore collective Bring Me the Horizon, led by Oli Sykes.  The frontman is turned all-the-way-up on “Shadow Moses,” a single and surefire gem from the band’s 2013 album, Sempiternal. If sempiternal is an unfamiliar term, let me school you.  According to good old Merriam-Webster, sempiternal simply means “of never-ending duration: eternal.”  So, Sykes and company could’ve just opted for eternal, but, sempiternal sounds much cooler and of course, more damning.

Death is firmly planted on Sykes’ mind – well metaphorically. At the end of the verse, he states, “I thought I buried you, what’s dead can never die, fuck.” In addition to the aggressive, pessimistic chorus, and the fitting f-bomb closing out the verse, the best lyrical section of “Shadow Moses” comes courtesy of the ‘breakdown.’

“This is sempiternal
Will we ever see the end?
This is sempiternal
Over and over, again and again
Rise from the dead you say?
Secrets don’t sleep till they’re took to the grave
Signal the sirens, rally the troops
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s the moment of truth.”

☑ Also Check Out: Bring Me the Horizon, amo | Album Review

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Photo Credits: 4AD, Aigle Music, Asthmatic Kitty, BMG Rights Management, Capitol, EMPIRE, Epitaph, G*59, Hollywood, Interscope, New Citizen LLC, Pixabay, RCA, Warner Music UK, Warner Bros.

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