13 Songs Where, When It Rains It Pours (Part I) features music by Alec Benjamin, K. Michelle, Lady Gaga, Ro James and SuperM.  

“It’s raining men! Hallelujah! / It’s raining men! Amen!” HALLELUJAH!!! Sigh – wouldn’t that truly be a sight to see The Weather Girls! *Cues up daydreaming sequences* Just imagine, if instead of wet drops falling from the sky there were absolute hunks, just ready to be “Boo’d Up” with various prospects? Ha-ha. 

Anyways, refocusing, Ann Peebles, informed us, in 1974 that “‘I Can’t Stand the Rain’/ Against my window / Bringing back sweet memories…” Tina Turner would make a cool cover (Private Dancer, 1984), while Missy Elliott would sample it in her own classic, “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” (Supa Dupa Fly, 1997).  Bringing it into the 21^st century, albeit the aughts, Rihanna asserts, “Now that it’s RAINING more than ever / Know that we’ll still have each other / You can stand under my ‘Umbrella’ / You can stand under my umbrella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh…”

If it’s not crystal clear, all of the aforementioned songs are about RAIN – all of the disjointed writing and senseless added subjective commentary side! This playlist, 13 SONGS WHERE, WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS (PART I) covers 13 of the many, many songs written about rain or at least related to rain.  As you can tell by the title, at some point, there will be a sequel because there are just far too many songs to not only list but also write a blurb about.  So, working with unlucky 13, 13 Songs Where, When It Rains It Pours (Part I) features some rad tunes courtesy of Alec Benjamin, K. Michelle, Lady Gaga, Ro James, and SuperM among many others.  Without any further, needless daydreaming about it raining men, I unleash this rain-fueled compilation! Don’t get too wet!

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1. Ariana Grande, “raindrops (an angel cried)”

Sweetener • Republic • 2018

“When raindrops feel down from the sky / The day you left me, an angel cried / Oh, she cried / An angel cried, she cried.”  And that, ladies and gentlemen, is “raindrops (an angel cried)” in its entirety.  Of course, it should be noted that “raindrops (an angel cried)” serves as the opening intro from Sweetener, the Grammy-winning, 2018 album by Ariana Grande.  Being an intro, well, let’s just say that the record runs significantly less than a minute – 38 seconds.  Because it is an intro, why not use it to kick off SONGS WHERE, WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS?

Ariana Grande is actually covering an excerpt from a full-length song, “An Angel Cried” by rock/pop band The Four Seasons.  Clearly, the portion Grande covers a cappella speaks to the plight of love.  When love goes bad, we certainly don’t liken it to sunshine, but most often rain – sometimes a totally terrible, hellacious thunderstorm!  Here, he’s left her, and even an angel cried by the utter devastation of the loss of love. “Raindrops (an angel cried)” also appears as the opener on Grande’s fantastic live album, K bye for now (swt live).  Pretty sweet!

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2. Lady Gaga, “Rain on Me”

Ft. Ariana Grande

Chromatica • Interscope • 2020

“I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive / Rain on me, rain, rain…” Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande on the same track? Yes please! That’s what goes down on “Rain on Me”, the second single from Chromatica, the first new solo album by Lady Gaga in nearly four years (Joanne, 2016)!  After easing up on the dance, electronic-infused pop, Lady Gaga appears to be doubling down on it with “Rain on Me.”  The production is potent from the start, thanks to the services of BloodPop®, BURNS, and Tchami – what a team! Despite any preconceptions about the quality of vocals in this vein, both her and Ariana Grande deliver strong, compelling vocals.  Neither play the role of background vocalists, which is sometimes the case in a dance-pop setting.

Lady Gaga fittingly asserts herself early on, delivering the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. There are ‘water works’ you might say.

“I never asked for the rainfall
At least I showed up, you showed me nothing at all.”

Ariana Grande brings her high-flying, contrasting vocals on the second verse, extending upon the ‘water works’ and most importantly, being honest from an emotional standpoint. “I can feel it on my skin,” she sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “Teardrops on my face / Let it wash away my sins.”  She collaborates with Gaga throughout the remainder of the song.  One of the best moments is the bridge, where the positivity and uplifting vibes are a huge selling point. “Rain on Me” is a total bop with two awesome artists doing their thing – ‘doing the damn thing!’ All things are working on “Rain on Me” – great production, memorable songwriting, and excellent vocals.  Fancy tickled!

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3. Alec Benjamin, “Match in the Rain”

These Two Windows • Alec Benjamin • 2020

A long time coming, Alec Benjamin released his official debut album, These Two Windows on May 29, 2020. Sure, Benjamin released Narrated for You in 2018, but that was a mixtape. With a number of singles issued ahead of These Two Windows, listeners had a great idea what to expect.  The results are definitely favorable for Mr. Benjamin, who truly delivers an enjoyable, honest, and well-rounded debut album, brief or not (it runs a succinct 10 tracks, 28 minutes in duration).  Of course, the main attraction for this rain-fueled playlist is the song “Match in the Rain.”

“But there’s only one of us / That’s tryna keep this fire going / Should I just give up?” Matters of the heart are firmly planted on the singer/songwriter’s mind on “Match in the Rain.”  Clearly, the relationship is going down the tubes, and as much as Alec would like to fix it, it seems impossible, like “Tryna light a match in the rain.” The metaphor is the perfect means to capture where things are, with him telling the story on the verses, and summing things up on the chorus:

“The clouds are rolling in; I feel you drifting away
And though my intuition tells me that it’s too late,
That in these conditions, tryna bring back the flame is like
Tryna light a match in the rain.”

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4. K. Michelle, “The Rain”

All Monsters Are Human • Chase Landin, LLC d/b/a No Color No Sound • 2020

K. Michelle has had a respectable career in the R&B game. Her major label debut album, Rebellious Soul (2013), was ‘kind of a big deal.’ Honestly, her sophomore album, Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart? (2014), was even stronger – how did it not get nominated for a Grammy? Fast forward to her fifth studio album, All Monsters are Human (2020), and Michelle is no longer signed to Atlantic, instead, opting to release independently.  The good news is that on All Monsters are Human, she remains true to herself – unapologetic AF.  One of the best songs from All Monsters are Human is none other than “The Rain,” which easily meets the criteria of this rain-driven playlist!

“The Rain” has no shortage of sexual innuendo.  K. Michelle definitely ‘does the most’ when it comes to water.  Just let these words sink in: soaked, sip, drip.  Then, there are specific lyrics, like “You just may get lost in me like Nemo” and “Wakin’ you up like some Folgers in your cup.” Of course, the big question she asks is, “Can you make it rain?”, both asking about the emotional aspects of a relationship, as well as inquiring about his sexual abilities.  “The Rain” is gorgeously produced by the one and only Jazze Pha.  Sure, she’s unapologetic, but vocally, K sounds magnificent as always.

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5. Ro James, “Rain”

MANTIC • RCA • 2020 

Underrated, Grammy-nominated R&B artist Ro James delivers an enjoyable, ultra-sensual, and well-rounded sophomore album on MANTIC.  Let me make it crystal clear, there is no reason this talented individual should ever be underrated.  Moving on, MANTIC arrived four years after his 2016 debut, Eldorado, which received a lift by the superb single, “Permission”. As the title suggests, MANTIC is definitely romantic, filled with sensual numbers, including the song at hand, “Rain.”

In the context of the album, “Rain” doesn’t miss a beat, maintaining the utmost consistency.  Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II handles the production. Like the other excellent productions appearing throughout MANTIC, Ro continues to have ample fuel to ‘bring it on home’ to the listeners.  What I love about the sound of “Rain” is that it embraces a bit of the pop/rock sound (that signature guitar sound), while still remaining true to the tenets of contemporary R&B.  James outdoes himself vocally, delivering an energetic, nuanced, sexed-up performance on this four-and-a-half-minute-plus gem.  Naturally, James isn’t referencing the weather (hopefully you assumed/picked up on such):

“She got me all caught up
Pouring like water
Tonight (Oh-oh)
She dripping wet
Puddles on my lap
Girl, you’re so tight.”

Ooh la-la, Ro James! Furthermore, he wants her ‘all’ on the chorus:

“Rain down on me
Gimme all that you got
‘Til your well’s empty
I want you to rain down on me, baby.”

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6. Kacey Musgraves, “Rainbow”

Golden Hour • MCA Nashville • 2018

“Well the sky has finally opened / The rain and wind stopped blowin’ / But you’re stuck out in the same ol’ storm again…” Oh, what beautiful, beautiful lyrics, sigh.  At the 61^st Annual Grammy Awards, Kacey Musgraves came out victorious, winning the highly-coveted, prestigious award for Album of the Year (Golden Hour).  It was somewhat surprising, yet, critically, Golden Hour was one of the most beloved albums of 2018.  A mellow, but well-rounded affair, there are a number of memorable songs, including the gorgeous, colorful ballad on hand, “Rainbow.” Honestly, what’s more peaceful than a rainbow after a downpour?

The superb chorus, excerpted above, continues, “You hold tight to your umbrella / Well, darlin’, I’m just tryin’ to tell ya / That there’s always been a rainbow hangin’ over your head.” “Rainbow” doesn’t arrive until the end of Golden Album.  Despite this, it caps off this fabulous affair incredibly meaningfully. This is among those totally can’t-miss, expressive piano ballads, period. Her voice, which is consistently ‘on-point’ throughout Golden Hour, is at its very best on “Rainbow.”  This record, penned years before Golden Hour, was special to Musgraves – a favorite of her late grandmother’s. Furthermore, “Rainbow” has taken on a new, anthemic role in the LGBTQ community.  Pretty cool, right? Arguably, this is one of Musgraves’ very best performances and songs of her career.  “Rainbow” previously appeared on the playlist, 14 Songs Characterized by Colors as well as A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs.

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7. Thomston, “Acid Rain”

En-Route: Los Angeles • Sony Music Entertainment AU • 2019

New Zealand-bred alternative-pop artist Thomston reflects on a bad, ‘acidic’ relationship on his compelling single, “Acid Rain”. “Acid Rain” was released in 2018, though the seven-track album, En-Route: Los Angeles, wouldn’t arrive until the following year. Vocally, Thomston proves he’s incredibly talented, chocked-full of swagger and soul.  In the context of “Acid Rain” itself, where the soulfulness is concerned, he’s furthered amplified by choral backing vocals. Nothing like a little extra inspiration, sigh.

Beyond Thomston’s superb pipes, the production and songwriting stand out on “Acid Rain.”  Throughout much of the record, the production is relatively minimal, providing a sufficient backdrop but not an invasive one. As the emotional level builds up, the backdrop grows more robust without ever going ‘over the edge.’ As far as the songwriting, the chorus is the centerpiece, introduced at the top of record.

“When you fell
From the sky
We all stopped and stood outside to wash our clothes
Baby we got soaked
When you fell from the sky
I felt the burning in my eyes, drove me insane
I thought that you were holy water, but you were just acid rain.”

As the centerpiece, the chorus establishes the aftermath of a bad relationship.  On the first verse, Thomston asserts, “And I’d wait up all night for you / The minutes turned into fucking years.” By the end of the second verse, he sings, “Though when I’d give anything / To just take back the love that I’ve misplaced in you.”  Clearly, he wishes he hadn’t indulged and been burned. Filled with strengths, “Acid Rain” is pretty awesome, unlike Thomston’s dreadful ex.

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8. Solange, “Sound of Rain”

When I Get Home • Columbia • 2019

“He think I don’t want to tear it up / We came all night long, won’t you let it up?” Ok… Solange has proven throughout her career that she is a restless, unpredictable musician. That’s part of her appeal.  Furthermore, the Grammy-winner (“Cranes in the Sky”) has done a terrific job of separating herself musically from her sister, Beyoncé.  Her third and best album, A Seat at the Table arrived in 2016 to rave reviews, not to mention the aforementioned Grammy win and a number one debut on the Billboard 200.  Following up that juggernaut is an arduous task, but her fourth studio album, When I Get Home (2019) marked her most adventurous yet. Thankfully, “Sound of Rain” appears as the 17^th track on the album.

“Sound of Rain” marks one of many Pharrell Williams co-productions on When I Get Home (“Almeda” being the crème de la crème).  Solange and John Key produce alongside Williams, with unique results. Solange embraces feminism, particularly on moments like “Let’s go, nobody givin’, addressing me / So nobody dress can ‘effeminate’ me.” Even the outro embraces feminism where she asserts, “Swangin’ on them… / Your girl, she go hard in the baste.” Girl power!  So, where exactly is the rain? “Sound of rain helps me to let go of the pain.”  It’s a shame I didn’t include this song on the playlist 13 Stunning Songs Driven by Sound, sigh.

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9. SuperM, “I Can’t Stand the Rain”

SuperM – The 1^st Mini Album • SM Entertainment • 2019

Unless you’ve totally been living under a rock, K-pop is a big deal in the United States these days.  Yes, every time BTS drops a new project, it’s an event.  No, K-pop hasn’t quite reached the same mania or commercial success of the pop boybands of the late 90s and early 00s, but the Korean pop collectives certainly impact the Billboard charts.  SuperM is no different, with the group’s The 1^st Mini Album (2019)  debuting at no. 1 on the Billboard 200. Interestingly, this supergroup is comprised of seven members from various other K-pop groups: Taemin (SHINee), Baekhyun and Kai (Exo), and Taeyong, Ten, Mark, and Lucas (NCT).  The 1^st Mini Album is comprised of only five tracks that run a mere 18 minutes, but the EP packs a punch, nonetheless.

Given the rainy nature of this playlist, “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” the second track from The 1^st Mini Album, is a perfect fit. “I Can’t Stand the Rain” may have a hard act to follow, but mammoth-like drums and continual, slick, sparkling synths bode well for SuperM.  Adding to the superb backdrop are sensational vocal performances.  The falsetto is abundant, while the rhymes are dripped in swagger.  There are far more Korean moments compared to the opener (“Jopping”) but the key lyrics from the chorus instantly latch:

“I can’t stand the rain anymore
I can’t stand the cold any longer.”

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10. Lucky Daye, “Floods”

Painted • Keep Cool / RCA • 2019

Per National Geographic, “A flood occurs when water inundates land that’s normally dry, which can happen in a multitude of ways.” Floods are definitely disastrous.  Even going back to Biblical days, the effects of a flood exemplify such (“Who built the ark / Noah, Noah!”). In the context of SONGS WHERE, WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS, flooding is associated with rain, so, the reprisal of the song “Floods” from 11 Colorful Songs That Reference Devastating Disasters makes sense total sense.

“Can’t hit me when you rain so loud / Flood away…” “Floods” is one of the longest songs off of Painted, the Grammy-nominated urban contemporary album by Lucky Daye.  From the start, “Floods” is intense.  It’s set in a minor key, features lush production work, including dramatic strings and rhythmic, moody keyboards.  Vocally, Daye delivers a nuanced, expressive performance, showing off the gorgeous nature of his instrument.  He also has moments where he intentionally sings less clearly, emphasizing vibe with mumbled, less decipherable sounds.  Ultimately, it’s all part of the ‘flooded’ script you might say.

Lyrically, as expected, Lucky Daye references ‘natural happenings’ throughout.  This goes beyond flooding, though it is mentioned on the first and second verses. On the chorus, Daye sings:

“You make the seasons change with no fair warning
How you make seasons change without saying something
All these reasons out here lead you to running
Don’t leave me out in the cold, without my warm thang.”

Interesting – “warm thang” in particular.  Seasons also get the nod once more on the third verse, with the clever lyric, “Why you got me fallin’ just to spring up in the summer?” Fair question, right? Seems to me, Lucky Daye doesn’t want’ to be left “out in the cold.” She’s totally messing with him…

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11. Lykke Li, “Hard Rain”

So sad so sexy • RCA • 2018

Following a four-year hiatus, alternative pop standout Lykke Li returned in 2018 with her fourth studio album, so sad so sexy. Prior to so sad so sexy, last we’d hear from the Swedish musician was in 2014 on the impressive, nine-track LP I Never Learn, bolstered by stellar single, “No Rest for the Wicked”. Her fourth album is another tight affair, comprised of 10 tracks running a total of 34 minutes.  Even with the brevity, she manages to keep things sweet, including the song that fits this list, “Hard Rain.”

“If you like the feeling of a hard rain falling / I have a sea full, I can give you an ocean…” What a metaphor that appears on the intro of “Hard Rain” – a downpour!!! Anyways, “Hard Rain” kicks off so sad so sexy colorfully with its layered, effects-filled vocals and unique production from Rostam.  Lykke Li sounds radiant, among the biggest selling points of the record.  She definitely deserves credit for the alternative, experimental spirit exhibited.

The record is comprised of intro, two verses with a bridge in between, and an outro – nonstandard. Repetition is part of the script, continuing onto the verses, as well as the bridge.  What is this “Hard Rain?” Well, as is the case with many cuts on SONGS WHERE, WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS, PART I, love is associated! Take verse two:

“Love, love is a feeling
(It’s not just a feeling)
If you feel it, you feel it
(It’s not just a feeling)
Like it’s raining
If you like the feeling of a hard rain falling
(Love, love is a feeling)
(If you feel it, you feel it, like it’s raining)
I have a sea full, I can give you an ocean.”

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12. Vince Staples, “Rain Come Down”

Ft. Ty Dolla $ign

Big Fish Theory • Def Jam • 2017 

In 2015, California rapper Vince Staples quietly released his double-disc full-length debut album, Summertime ’06. Summertime ’06 followed a 2014 EP, Hell Can Wait.  While the album debuted modestly at no. 39 on the Billboard 200 and charted briefly, critics were overwhelming onboard.  After releasing another EP, Prima Donna, Staples drops his sophomore album, Big Fish Theory.  The results are quite satisfying.

“Rain Come Down” featuring Ty Dolla $ign concludes Big Fish Theory.  Staples makes references to showing toughness against adversity.  Once more, he makes numerous black references, including police relations, Rosa Parks, and Muhammad Ali.  He also mentions his rough and tumble neighborhood:

“I’m the man, ten toes in the street
I’m the blood on the leaves, I’m the nose on the Sphinx
Where I’m from we don’t go to police
Where I’m from we don’t run, we just roll with the heat.”

Ty Dolla $ign ends up being an excellent collaborator for Staples.  His raspy, sometimes harmonized vocals are a good fit here.

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13. Adele, “Set Fire to the Rain”

21 • XL • 2011

“But I set fire to the rain / Watched it pour as I touched your face / Well, it burned while I cried / ‘Cause I heard it screaming out your name / Your name…” 21 is an incredible Adele album – understatement!  “Set Fire to the Rain” is a pretty great song too, and I’d argue it’s NOT even in the top-three of the stacked album – we know “Rolling in the Deep” is the crowning achievement.  Regardless, it’s the perfect rainy song to conclude part I of this list!

Produced by Fraser T. Smith, “Set Fire to the Rain” is relatively simple musically. It opens with rhythmic piano, similar to another Adele hit, “Hometown Glory” (19).  The harmonic progression is uncomplicated as well, but highly effective.  Set in D minor, “Set Fire to the Rain” definitely has a dark vibe.  Lyrically, we get that dark side, particularly on the pre-chorus and the anthemic chorus.  On the pre-chorus, she informs us, “But there’s a side to you / That I never knew, never knew /… And the games you’d play / You would always win, always win.” Yeah, that’s definitely not fair – manipu-F’ing-lation I say! The aforementioned chorus continues:

“I set fire to the rain
And I threw us into the flames
When it fell, something died
‘Cause I knew that that was the last time
The last time…”

So, there’s no actual rain, or fire, just an unhealthy relationship and some tough but necessary decisions to be made by Adele.  Got it! Throughout, we get clear, soaring vocals from the queen – to be expected. Beyond “Set Fire to the Rain,” worth noting on her debut album, 19, Adele had another ‘rain’ song, “Right as Rain”.    

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13 Songs Where, When It Rains It Pours (Part I) 🎧  [Photo Credits: Alec Benjamin, Brent Faulkner, Chase Landin LLC, Def Jam, Interscope, Keep Cool, MCA Nashville, The Musical Hype, No Color No Sound,  Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Republic, SM Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment AU, XL]

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