13 Sunny Songs About the Sun & Sunshine | Playlist

13 Sunny Songs About the Sun & Sunshine features music courtesy of anees, Hozier, Latto, Lil Nas X, and Steve Lacy.

Sometimes, all it takes to make you feel better is the sunshine. Okay, okay, sure, love is probably even more but when the love is MIA, the sun is a close second, right? Well, even if the precipitation is stifling the sun’s vibe, we’ve got a sunshine-oriented musical compendium to atone: 13 Sunny Songs About the Sun & Sunshine! 13 Sunny Songs About the Sun & Sunshine serves as a long-awaited sequel to 11 Songs About the Sun, Sunshine, or Sunniness, published in 2018 – more than four years ago! This sunny playlist features music  courtesy of anees, Hozier, Latto, Lil Nas X, and Steve Lacy among others. So, let’s not waste a second more on this intro – let’s get our S-U-N on y’all!

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1. Steve Lacy, “Sunshine” (Ft. Fousheé)

Gemini Rights • L-M / RCA• 2022

“Where you are, where you are / But I’m always gonna be where you are.” “Sunshine” featuring Fousheé (who sings the excerpted lyrics from the chorus) arrives as the ninth and penultimate number on Gemini Rights. Gemini Rights marks the sophomore album by Grammy-nominated musician, Steve Lacy, who just happens to be nominated for more Grammys for this particular album (The Musical Hype’s fourth best album of 2022). The record runs nearly five minutes in duration. Even so, duration is unimportant as Lacy maintains the utmost consistency. He appears to be catching feelings for an ex, asserting in the first verse, “Caught me off guard when I saw you last week,” adding, “Still’ll give you dick anytime you need.” Woo! Fousheé sounds fantastic, playing the role of the ex, and nailing the chorus. By the end, the love is back on.  Funny how love works, right?

Appears in :

• Sunshine : 3 to 5 BOPS No. 6 (2023)

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2. Latto, “Sunshine” (Ft. Lil Wayne & Childish Gambino)

777 • Streamcut / RCA • 2022

“Sunshine on me, I just let the sunshine on me.” Ah, when rap meets gospel, it is beautiful thing .  It’s not necessarily your typical spiritual experience – still not fitting for church, per se (“These niggas Stevie to the come up”) – but it tends to be ear catching. Grammy-nominated, “Big Energy” rapper, Latto merges the two on the lit yet incredibly smooth record, “Sunshine” from her 2022 album, 777. Helping to give “Sunshine” a ‘gospel’ sound is the bright, sunny production work courtesy of MIKE DEAN, Ant Clemons, Bongo, and Luke Crowder. Furthermore, give Latto credit for sending up prayers: “Pray for my enemies, Lord, I need clarity / They ain’t got empathy for me, they stare at me / They used my couch when they needed the therapy…”

While Latto is the main attraction on “Sunshine,” asserting she’s going to “Got it out the mud, I did it by my lonely / Pop my shit, done being lowkey,” she gets an assist from two talented, Grammy-winning musicians! Lil Wayne appears in the second verse, being true to self.  One of his more interesting lyrics is “This Siggy get jiggy with niggas / Don’t make me Will Smith me a nigga.” While Wayne is referencing a past Will Smith rap classic, after the fact, c’mon, you know you picture the slap heard around the world from the 94^th Academy Awards.  Back to “Sunshine,” of course, Childish Gambino also drops a verse, dropping ether like “I’m sweeter at rapping like what the fuck happened? Came back and he’s snapping, came back with a passion,” as well as, “My girl hit the lotto, my sons are mulatto.” Mulatto, of course, references both Latto’s previous moniker as well as the dated, offensive term.  All told, “Sunshine” is a terrific rap record, one with plenty to unpack!

Appears in :

• Latto, “Sunshine”: Rap BNGRZ 2 (2023)
• Sunshine : 3 to 5 BOPS No. 6 (2023)

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3. anees, “sun and moon”

“sun and moon” • Anees LLC • 2022

“Baby, baby, you’re my sun and my moon / Girl, you’re everything in between.” For versatile rapper/singer/songwriter anees (Anees Mokhiber), on “sun and moon”,  ‘She’ is the sugar honey iced tea.  He sings about her as if she is the very best thing in his life, which is awesome.  Essentially, for Mokhiber, on this two-and-a-half minute gem, he has found THE ONE and nobody else will do.  “A lot of pretty faces could waste my time / But you’re my dream girl,” he continues in the feel-good chorus, adding, “You make the flowers bloom / Girl, you make the stars collide / And I don’t know what I did to get lucky like this / But it sure feels fine.” Indeed, indeed!

Anees’ adoration for the girl of his dreams continues well into the verses. He acknowledges what she does for him, and his role in the relationship.  Anees gives her protection, loyalty, and trust.  Likewise, he knows she will never let him down.  The monogamy is lit, particularly lines like, “I wake up grateful to breathe in / The air you flat through.” In an age where music has grown much more explicit, focused on being edgy as opposed to innocent, anees gives listeners something truly special – a monogamous anthem that is nothing short of a surefire, sunny vibe.

 

Appears in :

• anees, “sun and moon”: Music Lifts 4 (2023)

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4. Christina Perri, “you are my sunshine”

songs for Carmella: lullabies & sing-alongs • Elektra • 2019 

Simplicity can go a long way.  Sometimes, the uncomplicated carries more weight than something more complex. For singer/songwriter Christina Perri, she’s keeps things incredibly simple on her 2019 album, songs for Carmella: lullabies & sing-alongs.  The album, primarily comprised of covers, is named after Perri’s first child, Carmella. Songs opens on an incredibly sweet note with the beloved gem, “you are my sunshine”.  Perri sings this classic with a radiant tone, singing with incredibly authenticity, as only a mom can toward her child.  You can envision the sincerity – picturing Perri holding her daughter for the first time.  Despite the fact that the record runs less than a minute and a half, it is incredibly potent and most importantly, heartwarming.

Appears in :

• Sunshine : 3 to 5 BOPS No. 6 (2023)

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5. Bill Withers, “Ain’t No Sunshine”

Just As I Am • Sony Music Entertainment • 1971

“Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone / It’s not warm when she’s away,” Bill Withers sings emotionally in the first verse of his beloved classic, “Ain’t No Sunshine”. “Ain’t No Sunshine” appears as the second track on the legendary musician’s 1971 album, Just As I Am.  Withers won his first of three Grammys (Best Rhythm & Blues Song) for “Ain’t No Sunshine.”  As far as the widespread success of the record, “Ain’t No Sunshine” peaked at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, charting for 16 weeks.  Furthermore, it was certified gold by the RIAA.

“Ain’t No Sunshine” doesn’t need extensive analysis.  Thematically, it’s self-explanatory.  Bill Withers is devastated “when she’s gone.” The heartbreak and heartache do a serious number on him.  He asks himself, “Wonder this time where she’s gone / Wonder if she’s gonna stay /… This house just ain’t no home / Anytime she goes away.”  Perhaps even more famous than the verses of this lush, minor key soul gem is the bridge, specifically the phrase, “I know.” Withers famously sings it 26 times.  It has it’s intended effect, particularly when he finishes the thought: “Hey, I oughta leave the young thing alone / but ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone.”  It’s amazing that Withers would top himself a year later with the definitive hit of his career, “Lean on Me”.

Appears in :

• Bill Withers, “Ain’t No Sunshine”: Throwback Vibez 114 (2022)
• 11 Must-Hear, Ain’t Songs
• 15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 6
• Sunshine : 3 to 5 BOPS No. 6 (2023)

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6. Oliver Tree, “Sunshine”

Cowboy Tears Drown the World in a Swimming Pool of Sorrow • Atlantic • 2022

“I’ve been searching for my sunshine / She’s all I ever need.” Woo! Honestly, when listening to “Sunshine” by Oliver Tree, those lines are key.  Tree keeps things relatively straightforward on this brief number, which appears on his 2022 album, Cowboy Tears Drown the World in a Swimming Pool of Sorrow.  We’ve got some driving guitars, which help fuel the fire.  In addition to the guitars, the drum groove as well as Tree’s assertive vocals give “Sunshine” a bit of a pop-punk vibe.  Of course, it is worth noting that eventually, a hip-hop beat provides contrast and adds some oomph. Tree notably wrote and produced “Sunshine” with Whethan – power duo! Generally, the lyrics are repetitive – not particularly deep – but Tree makes his point… we think… maybe…

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7. The O’Jays, “Sunshine”  

Backstabbers • Epic • 1972

“You’re the sweetest thing I know / You dim the rainbow’s glow,” The O’Jays sing on one of their less appreciated classics, “Sunshine”. The first verse continues, “There’s no power on this Earth / To separate us, baby.” Ooh-la-la! “Sunshine,” written by Bunny Sigler and Phil Hurtt (Sigler also produces), appears on the soul collective’s seminal LP, Backstabbers.  With the likes of “Back Stabbers” and no. 1 hit “Love Train” to compete with, it’s unsurprising “Sunshine” received less fanfare.  Furthermore, the single only managed to peak at no. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Sunshine” may have not been the sunniest hit for The O’Jays from a commercial standpoint but critically, it is another showcase of their sheer excellence.  The vocals are electrifying, from the soulful, gritty lead and the sweet, supportive backing vocals. The music exemplifies the sophisticated 1970s Soul sound – a once-in-a-lifetime era by my estimations.  Of course, theme and lyrics carry ample weight as The O’Jays speak to her angelic, irreplaceable nature.  “When it rained on my parade / You were there to light the way.” Woo – that’s a mic drop worthy, dedicated lyric! Of course, the centerpiece, the chorus, is the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement of “Sunshine”: “You are my sunshine / You are mine, all mine.”

Appears in :

• The O’Jays, “Sunshine”: Throwback Vibez 13 (2023)

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8. Lil Nas X, “Sun Goes Down” 

 MONTERO •  Columbia •  2021

“I wanna run away / Don’t wanna lie, I don’t want a life / Send me a gun and I’ll see the sun.” Wow, those lyrics from  “Sun Goes Down” are definitely troubling, capturing the suicidal thoughts of a younger  Lil Nas X, apparently.  Beyond the chorus, the  Grammy winner goes on to expound about his younger life, coping with bullying, colorism, and homosexuality.  While there’s ample sadness as to be expected, Nas X arrives at a happier place later, asserting, “And I’m happy by the way / That I made that jump, that leap of faith / I’m happy that it all worked out for me…”

The production is a big selling point on “Sun Goes Down.” A team comprised of  Take A Daytrip, Omer Fedi, and Roy Lenzo do a marvelous job, with some of the best features being the warm sound, created by guitars and later, strings.  This is perfect fuel for Lil Nas X, who also has a well written, tuneful melody to work with. He gives a fine vocal performance, showing off his lower register.  The effect is a masculine sound that is sweet music to the ears.

Appears in : 

• Awesome Songs: May 2021
• Best Songs of 2021: Top 20

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9. Soundgarden, “Black Hole Sun”

Superunknown • A&M • 1994

The 1990s was a glorious time for grunge music.  Seattle, Washington – the Pacific Northwest – was the center for what would be a dominant movement.  The late, great Chris Cornell and his band Soundgarden were key proponents.  Speaking of key, the key moment from the collective’s 1994 album, Superunknown, is the iconic seventh track, “Black Hole Sun.” “Back Hole Sun,” ladies and gentlemen, easily ranks among the best rock songs of the 1990s. As is often overused these days, the five-minute-plus “Black Hole Sun” is an entire vibe.  Overused or not, a vibe is the best way to characterize this awesome record.  The music is incredibly colorful, energetic, and totally pleasing to the ears with the sweet, melodic lead guitar, heavy, distorted guitars on the chorus, pummeling drums, and that reinforcing bass line! A young Chris Cornell delivers beautiful, expressive vocals that truly sadden the listener knowing that this gifted, truly marvelous musician is no longer with us.  Besides the great singing, there is also great songwriting on the verses, and of course, the centerpiece, the chorus:

“Black hole sun, won’t you come

And wash away the rain?

Black whole sun, won’t you come?

Won’t you come?” 

Musicians like Chris Cornell, as well as bands like Soundgarden only come once in a lifetime.  Thankfully, their music lives on forever.

Appears in :

• 12 Intriguing Hole or Whole Songs

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10. Katrina & The Waves, “Walking On Sunshine”

Katrina & The Waves • Capitol • 1985

“Now I’m walking on sunshine, whoa / I’m walking on sunshine, whoa / I’m walking on sunshine, whoa / And don’t it feel good?” Of course, it does, Katrina & The Waves – WOO! The British rock band scored a huge hit with the 1985 song, “Walking On Sunshine”.  The positive vibes are lit from the onset, as Katrina Leskanich confirms the fact that he loves her – something she was totally maybe about.  Furthermore, given the fact that he’s not there with her, Leskanich asserts, “Now every time I go for the mailbox, gotta hold myself / ‘Cause I just can’t wait till you write me you’re coming around.” In 2022, this is a more archaic means of communication – there is more technology that allows us to participate in long distance relationships.  Different times when this Katrina & The Waves highlight came along.

The distance obviously bothers Leskanich in the second verse. “Now, I don’t want you back for the weekend, not back for a day, no, no, no,” she sings, adding, “I said, baby, I just want you back, and want you to stay.” Makes perfect sense.  Worth noting, Katrina did NOT write this song.  Guitarist Kimberley Rew is responsible for both music and lyrics.  Even so, Leskanich successfully brought his words to life.  The music is as bright and cheery as the lyrics, something that makes this nearly 40 year old song still relevant.  “Walking On Sunshine” performed quite well on the Billboard Hot 100, ultimately peaking at no. 9.  What an exceptional sunny song!

 

Appears in :

• Katrina & The Waves, “Walking On Sunshine”: Throwback Vibez 14 (2023)

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11. The 5^th Dimension, “Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)”

The Age of Aquarius • Sony Music Entertainment • 1969

“This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius!” Two-part songs are commonplace in the 2020s, particularly in hip-hop/rap.  They are not brand-new, however.  In 1969, Grammy-winning soul collective, The 5^th Dimension, impressed with two-parter for the ages: “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)”.  Neither parts of the song were original to the group; both are covers.  Where do these songs originate? A controversial and explicit 1960s musical called Hair, which was a BIG DEAL.  The 5^th Dimension took these two songs from this musical and turned them into one of the biggest hits of all time.  “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, spending a total of 17 weeks on the chart.  Furthermore, the record won the collective two Grammys: Record of the Year and Best Contemporary Vocal Performance By A Group.  Their album, The Age of Aquarius, was also nominated for the most highly coveted Grammy, Album of the Year.

“Harmony and understanding

Sympathy and trust abounding

No more falsehoods or derisions

Golden living dreams of visions.”

“Aquarius” arrives first, in all its lush, hippie, and psychedelic glory.  Take one listen and this record is like NOTHING you’ve ever heard (at least, at the time), from a soul collective.  The production and orchestration – horns, strings, and the rhythm section – are stunning.  The voices are picturesque in timbre – electrifying, and playful.  The harmonies are angelic; utterly celestial.  Arguably, “Let The Sunshine In” is the crème de la crème with its repetitive lyrics, and even livelier vibe. “Sunshine” is more driving, energy, and soulful, running slightly longer than “Aquarius.” Even with the repetitive lyrics, “Let The Sunshine In” is a song that you don’t want to end in the least.  Even well into the 2020s, “Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In” is a truly refreshing listen.

Appears in :

• The 5^th Dimension, “Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In”: Throwback Vibez 11 (2023)
• Sunshine : 3 to 5 BOPS No. 6 (2023)

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12. Hozier, “Sunlight”

Wasteland, Baby! • Rubyworks Ltd / Columbia • 2019

“I had been lost to you, sunlight / And flew like a moth to you, sunlight, oh, sunlight.” It is no secret that Hozier has a way with words. Revisiting the Irish singer/songwriter’s 2019 sophomore album, Wasteland, Baby!, there are even more gems than I remembered. “Sunlight”, another strong record,  appears as the penultimate song. Even so, it is eclipsed by the likes of “Nina Cried Power”, “Almost (Sweet Music)”, and “Movement” (just to name a few). Still, the pen and powerful, soulful pipes of Hozier shine bright like a diamond!

Obviously, the chorus (excerpted above) is the centerpiece.  Even so, the verses yield their fair share of magic.  It begins with the opening line of the first verse: “I would shun the light, share in evening’s cool and quiet.” Later, Hozier drops a rather cool Mythological reference that deal with love (“Betray the moon as acolyte”).  Also, Icarus gets into the lyrical mix too. In the second, the singer/songwriter asserts that “A soul that’s born in cold and rain / Knows sunlight, sunlight, sunlight.” What does that mean? Looking further into the verse for context, he is singing about searching and yearning for love, which can be a devastating or rewarding thing.  As always, the result of a Hozier song is incredible depth.  Beyond the pen, the voice and the music (sound and production) are nothing short of elite.

 

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13. Stevie Wonder, “You Are The Sunshine of My Life”

Talking Book • Motown • 1972

“You are the sunshine of my life / That’s while I’ll always stay around,” the great Stevie Wonder sings on “You Are The Sunshine of My Life”. “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” is a bright, sunny gem from   Talking Book, one of three Stevie albums to win the prestigious Grammy for Album of the Year. Among his most popular singles, “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” spent one week at no. 1 the Billboard Hot 100 – one of 10 no. 1 hits for the decorated musician.

The message of this Wonder original is simple – love, love, love! “And if I thought our love was ending,” he sings in the first verse, “I’d find myself drowning in my own tears.” That is dedication, folks.  Furthermore, in the second verse, he asserts, “And I know that this must be heaven / How could so much love be inside of you, woah?” Legit question.  Besides the dedicated lyrics, the music is a vibe in its own right.  Soulful, “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” is a happy medium between pop and soul, with a dash of tropical flavor thrown into the mix.  Not much analysis is necessary; the music speaks for itself!

Appears in :

• Stevie Wonder, “You Are The Sunshine of My Life”: Throwback Vibez 12 (2023)

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13 Sunny Songs About the Sun & Sunshine [: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; A&M, Anees LLC, Atlantic, Capitol, Columbia, Elektra, Epic, L-M / RCA, Motown, Rubyworks Ltd / Columbia, Sony Music Entertainment, Streamcut / RCA; Ishan @seefromthesky on Unsplash]

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