13 Songs Where U Know What TIME 🕕 It Is

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13 Songs Where U Know What TIME It Is features music courtesy of Alex Vaughn, Elmiene, Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj, and Troye Sivan.

Ah, the TIME has come! For what? For another playlist, of course! 13 Songs Where U Know What TIME It Is marks the 135th music compendium issued on The Musical Hype in the year of our lord, 2023. Notably, it is NOT the first time that time has been a factor – rather, a key word – in one of our playlists. 13 Songs Where U Know What TIME It Is, hence, marks the latest time-driven playlist, not the first… or second. Musicians serving up time-based songs include Alex Vaughn, Elmiene, Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj, and Troye Sivan among others. More could be said about 13 Songs Where U Know What TIME It Is, but why waste more… TIME ! It’s TIME to jump right in!

1. Troye Sivan, “What’s The Time Where You Are?”

Something To Give Each Other • Universal Music Australia Pty Ltd. • 2023

“What’s The Time Where You Are?” has a tough act to follow in the context of Something To Give Each Other, the third studio album by South African-Australian artist, Troye Sivan. With opener “Rush” being the sugar honey iced tea, “What’s The time Where You Are?” keeps STGEO on the up-and-up. Things kick off with a fun intro with some f-bombs in both English and Spanish. During that intro, the listener is introduced to the insane dance beat. Troye keeps us on our feet ! Besides the beat, the production is slick – sweet to the nth degree thanks to the ever-talented ️ OZGO (Oscar Görres). A blast to listen, a sweet exchange via text inspired this bop. The chorus, in all its catchy, tuneful glory, is the section to beat:

“Is what’s the time where you are, you are?

What’s the night like where you are, you are?

International straight shot to my heart

I’m right on top of this groove

God, I wish it was you.”

Ah, and did you catch the innuendo ? This song right here = BOP!

2. Nicki Minaj, “Last Time I Saw You”

Pink Friday 2 • Republic • 2023

On “Last Time I Saw You”, which appears on Pink Friday 2, Nicki Minaj surprises by singing more than she raps. Sure, she gets her bars in as well, but “Last Time I Saw You” offers up a different aesthetic – a different vibe for the veteran rapper. The change of pace begins with the sound of the record.  It commences with a fabulous groove that is more pop/rock leaning – unexpected, but enjoyable.  Minaj gets production courtesy of five producers: Hendrix Smoke, ATL Jacob, Bak, Frankie Bash, and Too Dope.  Minaj sings the first verse and the chorus.  Her vocals are respectable by all means.  The chorus marks a key moment, growing more enjoyable and memorable the more you listen to the track: 

“I wish I’da hugged you tighter than the last time that I saw you 

I wish I didn’t waste precious time the night when I called you (ooh) 

I wish I remembered to say I’d do anything for you 

Maybe I pushed you away because I thought that I’d bore you.”

Minaj raps in the second verse.  The rhymes match the emotional vibe – tamer and complementing her sung vocals. Beyond verses and chorus, the refrain (also sung) borrows from a nursery rhyme… “Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight.” Woo! The bridge finds Minaj singing, “Bombs away /… Yeah, yeah, dream about you.” “Last Time I Saw You”, while different, is worth spinning. 

3. Tyrone Davis, “Turn Back the Hands of Time” 

Turn Back the Hands of Time • Brunswick Record Corp. • 1970 

“But if I had a chance to start all over / I would be wishing today on a four leaf clover,” the late, great soul musician, Tyrone Davis sings in the first verse of “Turn Back the Hands of Time”. He finishes the verse, “And leaving would be the last thing on my mind / If I could turn back the hands of time.” Davis is filled with regret about a defunct relationship on this classic from his 1970 album, Turn Back the Hands of Time. Davis didn’t write the song ( ️ Johnny Moore and Jack Daniels deserve credit for the songwriting), but he does bring the relatable theme and lyrics to life.  Willie Henderson nails it in the production department.  As to be expected, “Turn Back the Hands of Time” is bright and spirited in sound, as Davis wishes for a rewind and showing he can be the man that she needs. 

Davis would earn two top five pop hits in his lifetime.  His highest charting pop hit is, you guessed it, “Turn Back the Hands of Time” which peaked at no. 3.  On the R&B charts, Davis reached the penthouse.  Take one listen and it is understandable why this was a crossover hit.  “Oh darlin’, I can’t hold out much longer / But the pain is getting deep,” he asserts in the second verse, adding, “But if I just had one more try / I would be yours alone, until the day I die.” We have all made mistakes in life, specifically in love.  The message, in addition to the catchy chorus and ear-catching instrumental, solidifies the success of this five-decade old gem.  Sure, music doesn’t sound like this anymore but “Turn Back The Hands Of Time” certainly does NOT sound anachronistic, and the message rings true.  

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4. Lizzo, “About Damn Time”  

Special • Nice Life / Atlantic • 2022 

“It’s bad bitch o’clock, yeah, it’s thick-thirty / I’ve been through a lot, but I’m still flirty (Okay).” WOO!   “About Damn Time” was easily a top-five track from 2022. Ultimately, the no. 1 Billboard Hot hit won Lizzo the Grammy for Record Of The Year. “About Damn Time” benefits from magnificent production ( Blake Slatkin and Ricky Reed) constructed with rhythm guitar, robust bassline, and a killer groove. The sound has a retro quality – think old-school R&B. This backdrop Lizzo, who, from the onset, is confident AF.  It is her attitude and high-flying vocals that make “About Damn Time” the hit that it is.  The chorus is incredibly catchy, led by that damn good titular lyric.  Also, what about that switch to rap in the second verse, which provides contrast? Furthermore, the bridge/outro is fun AF (“I’m coming out tonight” with its “oohs”). Ultimately, Lizzo ‘comes through’ on this  fun, groovy earworm that unsurprisingly received ample radio rotation and streams.

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5. blink-182, “ONE MORE TIME”  

ONE MORE TIME • Viking Wizard Eyes, LLC / Columbia • 2023 

“From brothers into strangers once again.” Oh my, blink-182! “I wish they told us, it shouldn’t take a sickness / Or airplanes falling out the sky.” Read into both lyrics excerpted from “ONE MORE TIME”  ( ONE MORE TIME), and it is clear that Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker have been through a lot. The good news is that blink-182 are reunited in their original lineup for – wait for it – one more time. Question: “Do I have to die to hear you miss me?” 

“ONE MORE TIME” commences with rich rhythm guitar accompaniment which signals a more serious, somber sound.  The first voice heard is the comeback kid, Tom DeLonge.  He shines with his expressive instrument.  There is a fine addition of strings following the first verse prior to the second, performed by Hoppus. DeLonge takes on vocal duties once more in the pre-chorus and chorus.  Both sections are gritter, featuring a more dynamic backdrop. The chorus is simple lyrically, but tuneful: “One more time / One more / One more time / One more time.” DeLonge and Hoppus duet in the third verse, which adds drumming by Barker, finally. Interestingly, or perhaps, shockingly, all three members sing on the final chorus. While  “ONE MORE TIME” is light years away from the band’s more immature works of the 90s/00s, there’s lots to appreciate and like about it.  The slow, steady evolution is awesome – incredible musical.  Most importantly, the brotherhood is alive and well. This song is feels bigger than a rating for the band – it’s personal, meaningful, and reflective. 

Appears in :

Awesome Songs: October 2023

6. Alex Vaughn, “Demon Time – Remix” (with Ari Lennox) 

The Hurtbook (Voice Notes) • LVRN • 2023

“Alone tonight / I’m alone tonight, I’m on demon time.” Hmm, what is this “Demon Time” that Alex Vaughn sings about? Well, it’s slang and the context is sexual.  Urban Dictionary has some colorful takes, describing it as “Anytime of the night past 11 pm. A time of pure fuckery. When the fuck boys come out to play.” Woo!  As for Complex, they devote an entire article to demon time, describing it as “late-night Instagram Live streams featuring a rotating cast of women… performing for hordes of thirsty viewers. Demon Time is the smiling purple devil emoji personified.” The point is, Alex Vaughn is being naughty, asserting towards the end of the first verse of this The Hurtbook (2022) standout, “… You still came through / ‘Cause you know it’s fire / And I blow your mind when /I’m on the mic / I’m your prototype.” Ooh wee! In the chorus, the talented singer adds, “Sex game is criminal / Take me like mental notes / Make me overflow / And wake me if the sheets get cold.” Day-ummm!  

In the second verse, Vaughn is also looking for S-E-X. “So many positions” is not that innocent, with “So touch me like you missed it” confirming what Alex desires.  Furthermore, she is confident AF.  On “Demon Time (Remix)”, which appears on The Hurtbook (Homegirl Pack) and The Hurtbook (Voice Notes), Vaughn enlists the services of Ari Lennox who was made for this she-it! “Appetite / Got an appetite for this jaguar,” Lennox sings in the third verse, adding, “Climb that tree tonight / Talking to some dudes, but I’m fuckin’ you.” It doesn’t stop there: “True crime when my legs are shakin’ / Suck the life out you to repay.” Gah-day-um! Besides superb vocals by Vaughn and Lennox, and the naughty theme and lyrics, “Demon Time (Remix)” benefits from awesome production courtesy of DJ Camper (shout out to the keys and that dusty groove).  This record right here is a surefire vibe! 

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7. Elmiene, “Marking My Time”  

Marking My Time • Polydor / Def Jam • 2023

“Wanna set my soul on fire / Get me out this hole, I’m tired.” Indeed, Elmiene (Abdala Elamin), indeed! The British R&B singer/songwriter is on fuego on “Marking My Time”, the title track from his second EP. Elmiene penned this delightful song alongside James Vincent McMorrow, Jamie Woon, and Charlie Platt. In addition to writing, McMorrow and Sunny Jason produce.   

There is SO much to love about “Marking My Time.” It commences with lovely humming by Elmiene. His tone is pure and radiant; he serves up ultra-sophisticated vocals.  Elmiene is supported by chill but rhythmic production that is notably absent of percussion .  The strings are utterly sublime .  Characterized as an R&B track, rightfully, there are some sweet pop sensibilities too.  Furthermore, there are hypnotic vibes that clearly draw the listener in. Elmiene never forces things, and the song takes its time to develop. This record develops organically, with additional music cues arriving during the second verse. Even so, it’s non troppo, retaining a classy, poised identity. More overt vocals by Elamin appear in the bridge, accompanied by more dynamic production . His ad-libs and runs ooze with soul. A pro that never grows old in an R&B track in particular? Vocal layering, sigh.  Of course, the songwriting is ‘kind of a big deal’ as well on this poetic, reflective, and self-aware number.  All told, Elmiene put his foot into “Marking My Time”, an ear catching, and utterly stupendous record.

Appears in :

Awesome Songs: October 2023

8. Roberta Flack, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” 

First Take • Atlantic • 1969  

“The first time, ever I saw your face / I thought the sun rose in your eyes …” Those memorable lyrics hail from the epic classic, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”. While iconic, Grammy-winning musician Roberta Flack is renowned for her definitive take, that definitive take is indeed a cover . Shocking, right? “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” predated the ‘Flack treatment’ by 12 years .  British singer, songwriter, and playwright Ewan MacColl penned it in 1957, whereas Flack recorded it as the sixth track on her 1969 album, First Take. So, while MacColl wrote the song, who first released it? That would be Bonnie Dobson in 1961. 

“And the first time, ever I kissed your mouth 

I felt the earth move in my hands 

Like the trembling heart 

Of a captive bird.” 

“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” marked one of six top-10 hits for Roberta Flack. That’s impressive. Even more impressive is the fact that the record spent six weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first of three number one hits. Adding to the accolades, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was certified gold by the RIAA, while parent album, First Take, has been certified platinum . Oh, and how about the Grammys? Flack took home the highly coveted Record of The Year at the 15th Annual GRAMMY Awards, a ceremony where she’d win two of her four trophies. So, what makes this one of the best records of the 1970s and, honestly, all-time? It’s Flack’s pure performance, which is truly hypnotic and mesmerizing in its quality. More often than not, she takes a calm, cool, and collected approach.  Still, she understands when to dig in more – up the ante.  Beyond impeccable, sophisticated singing, the arrangement and production ( Joel Dorn) are utterly sublime. “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” always sounds organic, embracing being non troppo (not too much). It benefits from subtlety, with its piano ( Flack), guitar ( John Pizzarelli), and light, tasteful drumming ( Ray Lucas), string bass ( Ron Carter), and the glorious, glorious, strings . So much more could be said about the sheer elegance, and stupendous-ness of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”.  Ultimately, the music speaks for itself, and DEFINITELY speaks volumes. 

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9. Kadie Elder, “First Time He Kissed a Boy”  

  BOY • Nordic Music Society • 2016   

“First time he kissed a boy / He had never, never known / ‘Cover up’ is what they told / Feel so cold.” Ugh, homophobia is far too prevalent.  While boys kissing boys has become more accepted since Kadie Elder released their single, “First Time He Kissed a Boy” on October 11, 2014, it’s still not smooth sailing for gays and other members of the LGBTQ community. Cover up should NOT be the answer, yet that’s what he’s been directed to do by society, unfortunately.  Back up to the first verse of this slickly produced, fabulously performed record, and the protagonist tries to use music as an escape: “Troubled face / Headphones on / Forgetting time and place / All he wanted.” Of course, you can only escape so much before it all catches up and comes to a head, sigh.

Ultimately Anders Rask (singer and songwriter) and Morten Kærup Hjort (guitarist, songwriter, and producer) would release “First Time He Kissed a Boy” as the fifth and final track on their 2016 EP, BOY – the duo’s most popular song. Rask and Hjort penned the song, while Hjort produces alongside   Søren Vestergaard.  The second verse is both poetic and sad: “Keeping back / The ghost inside / Locked him in a pack / All his life / All his life.”  Homophobia hits different this round – internalized.  Shame is far too prevalent in the LGBTQ community, and the second verse captures unhealthy supersession.  The good news is, watching the awesome music Video , the two boys ultimately take a leap of faith and share a kiss , and the song itself also moves past detrimental homophobia with the lyrics, “Get lost, get lost, get lost, get lost.” “First Time He Kissed a Boy” is the perfect song to celebrate National Coming Out Day and to embrace and remember that love is love, PERIOD. 

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10. Janet Jackson, “Any Time, Any Place”

Janet. • Black Doll Inc • 1993

“In the thundering rain / You stare into my eyes / I can feel your hand / Moving up my thighs.” Oh, snap , Janet Jackson. For good measure, Janet later asserts, “With the lights down low / I was thinking maybe we could / Well, you know.” Yeah, you TOTALLY know ! The Grammy-winning pop/R&B artist has long excelled at singing about sex. “Any Time, Any Place”, the 25th track from her 1993 album, Janet., is a prime example of the sexy, sexual vibes being elevated to the nth degree. On this platinum, no. 2 Billboard Hot 100 hit, co-produced with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, IT can go down anywhere, anytime.

The chorus sums things up perfectly:

“Any time

And any place

I don’t care who’s around

No, no, no, no, no.”

So, Janet is willing to have sex with him anywhere, regardless of privacy? Holy she-it! Prior to the chorus, in the pre-chorus, she makes it clear, “I don’t give a damn what they think,” adding, “You feel so good inside of my love.” Hmm, inside, huh? We’ll leave it at that ! As much as a song like “Any Time, Any Place” can be read into, Jackson remains far less explicit than she’d become. Still, she’s certainly not that innocent on this slick, sensual seven-minute record.

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11. Maze, “Golden Time of Day”

Golden Time of Day • Capitol • 1978

“There’s a time of the day / When the sun is going down / That’s the golden time of day.” Oh, the vibes, the vibes, THE VIBES! “Golden Time of Day” arrives as the fifth track on Golden Time of Day, the second studio album by Philly-originating, Bay Area R&B collective, Maze.  While the terrific song at hand failed to chart on the pop charts , Golden Time of Day (the album) was certified gold . One of the biggest selling points regarding this Maze gem are the incredible, soulful lead vocals by the one and only, Frankie Beverly. The man is a whole vibe all by himself! 

Throughout the course of the record, Beverly emphasizes the importance of that golden time of day: “People let me tell you / There’s a time in your life / When you find who you are / That’s the golden time of day.” Sigh, gorgeous, reflective, and thoughtful songwriting and performance.  Beyond the singing and songwriting, “Golden Time of Day” benefits from slick production work (Beverly writes and produces).  Throughout its course there are marvelous instrumental ideas, including the robust bass, guitar riffs, organ, keys, and of course, the anchoring drum groove.  The chill vibes, warmth, and soulfulness of “Golden Time of Day” are what make it one of gems of the late 1970s.

Appears in :

Maze, Golden Time of Day: Throwback Vibez No. 76 (2023)

12. Shalamar, “The Second Time Around”

 Big Fun •  Unidisc Music Inc. •  1979

 “The Second Time Around” appears on the 1979  Shalamar album,  Big Fun. Big Fun earned the disco/funk/soul collective a gold album.  Likewise, the song at hand, a top ten hit on the pop charts, is certified gold too.  The edition of Shalamar that appears on “The Second Time Around” and Big Fun is comprised of  Howard Hewett (lead vocals),  Jody Watley, and  Jeffrey Daniel. Throughout the course of this late 1970s classic, Howard Hewett serves up commanding, compelling lead vocals. He sounds nothing short of exuberant, energetic, and utterly sublime. 

Of course, it’s not all about Howard, though he’s ‘kind of a big deal’ on “The Second Time Around!” The record is a feel-good, surefire vibe. It was written by   Leon Sylvers III and William Shelby.  Sigh, I wish I’d written this bop! It’s set in a bright major key – D-flat to be precise . Musically, it’s the funky groove, robust bass line, keys, and the crisp, rhythmic guitar that truly stand out.  Beyond the instrumental backdrop, the lyrics are sweet, encouraging her that love can be found, even if it didn’t work out the first time. “But you can’t keep runnin’ away from love / ‘Cause the first one let you down, no, no, no,” Hewett sings, adding, “With me, true love can still be found / Love can still be found.” Awesome! Of course, the centerpiece of “The Second Time Around” is the catchy chorus, carried by the backing vocals (Watley and Daniel), and of course, marvelous ad-libs by Hewett.

“The second time around 

Ooh, the second time is so much better, baby 

The second time around 

And I’ll make it better than the first time.”   

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13. Whitney Houston, “One Moment in Time”  

I Will Always Love You: The Best of Whitney Houston • RCA • 2021 

“Each day I live / I want to be / A day to give / The best of me / I’m only one / But not alone / My finest day / Is yet unknown.” What beautiful, beautiful lyrics.  With so many hits to her name, it seems sometimes that the Whitney Houston gem, “One Moment in Time” doesn’t get enough credit.  This ballad was penned by   Albert Hammond and John Bettis. The perfect fit for a big-voiced diva like Houston, she performed it at the 1988 Summer Olympics.  Ultimately, “One Moment in Time” wouldn’t appear on a studio album. Whitney had been released in 1987, and her next album, I’m Your Baby Tonight didn’t arrive until November 1990. Eventually, this no. 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 appeared on greatest hits compilations, though sometimes, it also manages to be omitted.  That’s a travesty for a gold single.  Thankfully, I Will Always Love You: The Best of Whitney Houston includes this moving ballad. 

In the verses, Houston shows control.  She never over sings highlighting the tunefulness of the melody.  At the same time, she sings with incredible authenticity, expression, and nuance.  The sense is always that Whitney is leading up to something bigger – truly momentous.  That moment, of course, is the beloved chorus.  Here, she soars, showing off her powerhouse vocals, backed by an awesome musical arrangement and grand production by the legendary Narada Michael Walden. “Give me one moment in time / When I’m racing with destiny,” she sings radiantly, continuing, “Then in that one moment of time / I will feel / I will feel eternity.”  Besides the chorus, another epic moment is the bridge (“You’re a winner for a lifetime / If you seize that one moment in time / Make it shine”), which prepares for a truly gargantuan final chorus and the big finish, where Houston proclaims, “I will be free.” “One Moment in Time” marks another utterly sublime moment from the Whitney Houston catalog. #ICONIC.  

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13 Songs Where U Know What TIME It Is (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Black Doll Inc, Brunswick Record Corp., Columbia, Def Jam, LVRN, Nice Life, Nordic Music Society, Polydor, Republic, Unidisc Music Inc., Universal Music Australia Pty Ltd., Viking Wizard Eyes, LLC; Joseph Okon from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

13 Songs Where U Know What TIME It Is

Published by the musical hype on November 10, 2023November 10, 2023