13 Super STILL Songs | Playlist 🎧

13 Super STILL Songs features songs by Andra Day, Future, ROLE MODEL, The Shirelles, and Whitney Houston.

Have you ever felt a stillness that chilled you to the bone? If you have, awesome! If you have not, it doesn’t matter! The stillness of 13 Super STILL Songs should be sufficient S-T-I-L-L.  Fueling the fire of this musical compendium is STILL!  12 of the 13 songs in this playlist feature the word in their song title? Sometimes, The Shirelles’ classic, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”, also adds still to the title (“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”).  Either way, still is key to the song. 13 Super STILL Songs features songs by Andra Day, Future, ROLE MODEL, The Shirelles, and Whitney Houston.  Without further ado, embrace the STILL-ness of these songs!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Future, Metro Boomin & The Weeknd, “We Still Don’t Trust You”

2. Andra Day, “Still”

3. ROLE MODEL, “Deeply Still in Love”

4. CeCe Winans, “Be Still and Know”

5. Leo Von Sol, “Even the Darkest Flowers Still Bloom”

6. Mary J. Blige, “Still Believe In Love” (Ft. Vado)

7. Ryland James, “You’re Still My Man” – Whitney Houston cover

8. Felix Jaehn, “Still Fall”

9. Beyoncé & Walter Williams, Sr., “He Still Loves Me”

10. Whitney Houston, “You’re Still My Man”

11. Luther Barnes & The Red Budd Gospel Choir, “I’m Still Holding On”

12. The Shirelles, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”

13. Rev. James Cleveland, “Peace Be Still”

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1. Future, Metro Boomin & The Weeknd, “We Still Don’t Trust You”

WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU // Wilburn Holding Co. / Boominati Worldwide / Epic // 2024 

“She’s such a freak / Bad and freaky, yeah / We still don’t trust you.” 2024 has been a prolific year with Future following up his first collaboration with producer Metro Boomin, WE DON’T TRUST YOU, with WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU.  Leading the charge on their second album of 2024 is the titular track.  Joining the duo on “We Still Don’t Trust You” is Grammy-winning R&B standout, The Weeknd.  The result is a vibe, a vibe, and a vibe! “We Still Don’t Trust You” is NOT your standard rap song.  It sounds more like an alternative R&B record, which is part of the charm.  The production is fabulous. It is hard not to move your body to the beat, while the synths and keys catch the ears.  Furthermore, The Weeknd’s ‘less lyrical’ singing on the track (“oh, whoa,” and such) is as important as his lyrical singing (“And the Paris girls, they sing my song with love…).  Another big contributor to the aesthetic is the repetition of the titular line.  If nothing else is clear, Future establishes the fact that we still don’t trust you. He performs the intro and outro, as well as the final two lines of the verse: “Electricity, transparency, higher than we will ever be / I am loving our chemistry”).  A different type of record, “We Still Don’t Trust You” is hypnotic.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: April 2024
• 40 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far) 

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2. Andra Day, “Still”

CASSANDRA (cherith) // Warner // 2024

“Whole lot of commotion, can’t keep this in motion / Wrapped in the potion, tincture got me floating, baby.” Ooh-wee! A lovely string flourish commences “Still” the 15^th and penultimate song from CASSANDRA (cherith).  CASSANDRA marks the proper sophomore album by Grammy-winning, R&B singer/songwriter and Academy Award-nominated actress Andra Day. “Still” is a short but utterly sweet song from Day. She penned it alongside Jacques Pierre.  Day, Pierre, and Jon Decuir produced it. In addition to the strings, Day is accompanied by piano on this percussion-less gem. Eventually, a bass line enters the mix, adding more fullness to this brief track. The musical backdrop is radiant, but not more radiant than Andra, who delivers smooth, nuanced vocals.  Accentuating her lead are sweet background vocals.  The chorus is the section to beat, with ample repetition of the word, still, fittingly:

“Still, still feels real

Feels real still

Real feels still

Still, still, still feels real

Feels real still

Real feels still.”

“Still” thrives from dynamic, sophisticated vocals, tuneful melodies, memorable lyrics (“What a combination (‘nation), prayer and meditation (‘tation) / Some self-medication (‘cation), stuck in syncopation (‘pation)”), and lush production work.  And yet, “Still” there’s not enough love for the beautiful and gifted Andra Day.

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3. ROLE MODEL, “Deeply Still in Love”

Kansas Anymore // Interscope // 2024 

“Go tell your mother / That she did nothing wrong / ‘Cause you seem happier since I’ve been gone.” Oh, snap, ROLE MODEL (Tucker Pillsbury).  The Maine-born and bred singer/songwriter is honest with his pen and vocal performance on “Deeply Still in Love”, the second single from his sophomore album, Kansas Anymore. A tone of excellence is set early thanks to a thrilling, pummeling drum riff, driving rhythm guitar, and electrifying tempo.  “Deeply Still in Love” was written by Pillsbury, Two Inch Punch (Ben Ash), and producer, Noah Conrad.

“Well, I heard you might’ve found somebody new / I still can’t swallow it / But I think I’m proud of you,” ROLE MODEL asserts in the second verse.  Notably, the vocals are playful in both verses, with a hint of tongue-in-cheek and ample personality.  Less melodic, this is part of the charm of  “Deeply Still in Love.” He continues, “And I went out tonight / Shit don’t feel the same / I try and bury it ‘til I called her by your name.” Oh, snap! The pre-chorus and chorus are melodic.  In the chorus, Pillsbury admits, “I’m sorry, but I’m deeply still in love / In love with you.” It was obvious without the pop artist explicitly singing it. “Deeply Still in Love” has some folksy-pop and classic pop/rock vibes contrasting previous songs he’s released.  The change of pace is welcome. The bridge marks another winning moment featuring the most rhythmic intensity. Lovely piano at the end of the final chorus, which spills into the outro, concludes this engaging four-minute record.

Appears in 🔻:

• Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 1 (2024)

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4. CeCe Winans, “Be Still and Know”

More Than This // Pure Springs Gospel, Inc. // 2024 

“When I look around and it all seems hopeless / I won’t fear / I won’t fear.” The reason why Grammy-winning, gospel artist CeCe Winans won’t fear is because of GOD! In “Be Still and Know” Winans testifies about the omniscience and wonderworking power of The Most High. Winans penned the second track from her 2024 album, More Than This with Alvin Love III, and producer, Kyle Lee.  The spiritual, musical lift is REAL! Winans provides superb vocals on this inspiring, contemporary Christian/gospel song.  Winans shows poise early on, rising to the occasion as the music grows more dynamic.  The text is spot-on – relatable and speaking to the soul.  The melodies are tuneful, particularly in the section to beat, the chorus:

“Be still and know

Know You are God

You’re right here with me

Through all my troubles

I’ll be still and know

Know You are God

You are the light and rest for my soul

You’re God and I’ll be still and know.”

Yes, yes, yes 🙌! Beyond the chorus, the bridge is powerful, amplified by choral voices, pummeling drums, and, eventually, a timely key modulation that leads into the final chorus. Winans proclaims, “You are the well / That never runs dry / No valley too deep / No mountain too high.” In “Be Still and Know” CeCe Winans delivers a pitch-perfect message.

Appears in 🔻:

• CeCe Winans, Be Still and Know: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 19 (2024)
• 13 Marvelous Songs in the KNOW (2024)
• 13 Songs Driven by the Power of BE (2024)

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5. Leo Von Sol, “Even the Darkest Flowers Still Bloom”

Endless Summer (EP) // Leo Von Sol / Venice Music // 2024 

“Did you know there’s this dark flower / It’s called the Chocolate Cosmos.” I was unaware, Leo Von Sol, but thanks for educating me! Leo Von Sol (formerly Jxckson) continues his upward trajectory.  He embraces folk and bedroom pop on his sublime debut single, “Even the Darkest Flowers Still Bloom”. He describes “Even the Flowers Still Bloom,” the fourth track from his 2024 EP, Endless Summer, as a “ballad about finding growth through our darkest moments.” Von Sol penned this floral gem while Jonah Bru produced it. The instrumental is divine. The plucked strings appearing in the intro signal the indie-pop aesthetic. There are also carefully selected synths that are delectable and essential to the vibe. The star of the show is Leo Von Sol, who makes us gag with his expressive vocals.  He engages us from the first note he sings, paying careful attention to each lyric and nuance.  “Did you know there’s this dark flower / It’s called the Black Satin Dahlia,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “But I can’t remember any of its fun facts.” We’ll forgive you, Leo. “Even the Darkest Flowers Still Bloom” benefits from a radiant, tuneful melody to match its poetic, reflective, and sincere songwriting.  The section to beat is the chorus!

“…Maybe I’ve lived all I can live

And now I’m longing for some kind of feeling

The only thing getting me through lately is

Reading facts that even the darkest flowers still bloom.”

That’s beautiful 🥺. Leo Von Sol, you sir have delivered a bop. Bravo!

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: July 2024

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6. Mary J. Blige, “Still Believe In Love” (Ft. Vado)

“Still Believe In Love” // Beautiful Life Music // 2023

“Well, it’s a whole new day, a whole new wave / Ain’t worried ‘bout nothing.” The Grammy-winning Queen of Hip-hop soul, Mary J. Blige, embraces positivity on her feel-good single, “Still Believe In Love”, featuring Harlem rapper, Vado. Vado is the first voice heard on this exuberant single produced by DJ Cassidy and Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman.  Helping to fuel the fire is a sample –  “C.O.D. (I’ll Deliver)” courtesy of Mtume (1984).  Those old-school, 1980s vibes are fitting for a Queen! Following a fab verse by Vado (“Was times I would F they minds before I pipe ‘em / Make ‘em feel like the love of my life before I psych ‘em), MJB gets to work, bringing the heat vocally. The melodies are tuneful and often, rhythmic.  There’s the hip-hop! “I been thinkin’ of the time I wasted / I been lookin’ in all the wrong places for love.” Despite going through a hard time, she exhibits great optimism regarding L-O-V-E ❤️ ❤️ ❤️, specifically in the chorus, which highlights the titular lyric. Even in the third verse, Blige believes in the possibilities of love, but “demand(s) a guy to treat me like the queen that I be.” WORD!  Vado gets an additional verse… or bridge (?) with his flow remaining potent. “Still Believe In Love” is a pleasant, well-rounded contemporary R&B joint.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: November 2023

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7. Ryland James, “You’re Still My Man” – Whitney Houston cover

“You’re Still My Man” // 21 Entertainment Group // 2024

“You’re still my man / Nothing can change it / We still belong together.” Canadian musician Ryland James is filled with dedication on “You’re Still My Man”. However, he wasn’t the first to sing those ‘tethered’ lyrics (despite the end of a relationship, mind you).  Whitney Houston originally sang “You’re Still My Man” on her 1987 tour de force, Whitney. Covering a Whitney song takes big vocals and a lot of courage. James, who has a commanding instrument, has no issue with tackling this rarely covered song from a male perspective: he identifies as queer.

James makes “You’re Still My Man” his own, with more of a ‘pop-leaning’ sound.  He sings radiantly, showing off his distinct, expressive, and nuanced pipes. The falsetto notes he hits are glorious. He is accompanied by piano initially as he laments the union with his man.  “And the feelings between us / Will never disappear,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “How can you be far away / When you’re spirit’s here?” In the second verse, he’s certain “soon you’ll be missing me,” adding “There’s a magic we share together / And no one can break that spell.” As the song progresses, the accompaniment expands including strings, bass, and drums.  The most powerful section of the song is the outro, where Ryland shows how dynamic and powerful he is as a vocalist.  The ad-libs and riffs are on point. He navigates the key changes soundly, one of the harder aspects of this big, big song. Covering Whitney Houston is no easy task, but Ryland James does a fabulous job with “You’re Still My Man”.

Appears in 🔻:

• Ryland James, You’re Still My Man: Covers No. 38 (2024)
• Whitney Houston Ryland James: Head 2 Head No. 41 (2024)

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8. Felix Jaehn, “Still Fall”

“Still Here” // Virgin / Universal Music GmbH // 2023

“As I lay here beside you / I still fall for you.” Aww! Felix Jaehn is the man when it comes to DJing, production, and remixing.  The German musician has a knack for delivering epic dance music.  In 2023, he brought the heat on his single, “Still Fall”.  He produced the three-and-a-half-minute bop alongside JUNKX. The result is picturesque production.  The production encompasses a dynamic, anchoring beat, shimmering keys, ear-catching synths, and, fittingly, an epic drop.  You can’t have a killer dance song without a killer drop, right? Right! As key as the instrumental is in “Still Fall,” the songwriting and vocals play a sizeable role too. Joe Housley is the perfect vocalist for this song, period.  His instrument sounds authentic, potent, and incredibly warm. Furthermore, his upper register and falsetto are ripe to the nth degree. He truly brings the love-driven lyrics to life – falling for this nameless person.  The verses illustrate his feelings.  In the first, “I feel I’m getting close to paradise / I can touch the colors in the skies,” he asserts.  In the second, he states, “Your love is like an ocean next to me.” Ooh-wee! Another section in which Housley excels is the build-up where he “Fall for you / Fall for you / Fall for you / Fall for you.” All told, Felix Jaehn ‘does the damn thing’ on “Still Fall”.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: December 2023

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9. Beyoncé & Walter Williams, Sr., “He Still Loves Me”

The Fighting Temptations (Music from the Motion Picture) // Sony BMG Music Entertainment // 2003

“Seems like I always fall short of being worthy / ‘Cause I ain’t good enough, but He still loves me.” None of us are worthy, but He – aka God – loves us despite of our flaws, sins, and unworthiness.  That’s the takeaway of the truly elite gospel-soundtrack record, “He Still Loves Me”. “He Still Loves Me” hails from The Fighting Temptations, a 2003 film starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Beyoncé, and a star-studded cast of actors and musicians. On the featured song from the original motion picture soundtrack, Beyoncé is assisted by Walter Williams Sr. (of The O’Jays) primarily, with subtler contributions from Angie Stone, Eddie Levert (also of The O’Jays), and the star-studded choir.  More than 20 years old, “He Still Loves Me” is a marvelous inspirational record.

Following his intro, Walter Williams Sr. is the primary voice heard in the first verse and first chorus. “Took me a while, but I’m finally here / So I just wanna testify, make it crystal clear,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “I’ve been beat down / ‘Til He turned my life around.” In the second, Beyoncé takes the reins, focusing on the adversities of life: “I went to bed on top of the world / Today, the world’s on top of me.” With life being arduous, ultimately, the chorus highlights the goodness and mercifulness of God.  Continued to be mentioned on this slick, Jimmy Jam / Terry Lewis / James “Big Jim” Wright– produced record is the unworthiness.  “I’m not perfect / Yes I do wrong / I’m trying my best / But it ain’t good enough,” the choir sings, powerfully. The choir later adds, “If you ain’t worthy, just raise your hands / And let me know that you understand,” with Stone capping off with, “That we are all so blessed / To be loved, loved.”  So much more can be said of “He Still Loves Me” – what a record.  Ultimately, it’s a moving record that speaks of the endless love of God despite the fact we are not worthy of such.

Appears in 🔻:

• Beyoncé & Walter Williams, Sr., He Still Loves Me: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 1 (2024)
• 15 Songs Focused Only on ME (2024)

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10. Whitney Houston, “You’re Still My Man”

Whitney // Arista // 1987 

“On the day that you left me / You said no regrets / There’s a bond between us / That hasn’t been broken yet.” Those matters of the heart always fuel the fire for a wonderful musical selection. Once-in-a-lifetime vocalist Whitney Houston sang the wonderful “You’re Still My Man” on her 1987 tour de force, Whitney. The soaring ballad is the eighth track from the Grammy-nominated LP (“I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” won a Grammy, FYI).  “You’re Still My Man” was written by Gerry Goffin and Michael Masser. Houston thrives on this ambitious, big, and beautiful ballad.

“You’re Still My Man” wasn’t one of the 40 songs that Houston charted on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is, however, a solid album track from Whitney that deserves even more love.  Broken up from ‘her man,’ per Houston, and the unforgettable chorus, “You’re still my man / Nothing can change it / We still be long together.” Ooh-wee! She goes on to add, “Our love will last forever.” With a second verse continuing to tout their bond and a bridge where she vows, “I’ll wait for you / The thought that keeps me going each day / Is to believe you still love me,” her bread is its most buttery in the final choruses.  Here, Whitney navigates some epic key changes, showcasing the power and versatility of her pipes.  The ad-libs are epic.  Listening, I’m in sheer awe that someone possessed the ability to sing so celestially and perfectly.  Like the big singles from Whitney, “You’re Still My Man” deserves its flowers too.

Appears in 🔻:

• Whitney Houston, You’re Still My Man: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 161 (2024)
• Whitney Houston Ryland James: Head 2 Head No. 41 (2024)

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11. Luther Barnes & The Red Budd Gospel Choir, “I’m Still Holding On”

He Cares // Atlanta International // 1984

“They said I wouldn’t make it / They said I wouldn’t be here today / They said I never amount to anything / But I’m glad to say, that I’m on my way.” Amen! Luther Barnes and The Red Budd Gospel Choir dropped a timeless, uplifting song in 1984: “I’m Still Holding On”.  “I’m Still Holding On,” penned by Luther Barnes, appears as the seventh track from He Cares. The song speaks to holding on to God’s hand (“I had to wipe many tears from my eyes / But I’m still holding on /… I’m still holding on this his hand”).

What stands out about “I’m Still Holding On” is the commanding, confident female lead vocals by Deborah Barnes (cousin of Luther). Deborah brings the gorgeous, tuneful melodies to life.  She’s backed by strong accompaniment courtesy of piano, organ, and strings.

After she sings the verses speaking to the adversities faced and retaining faith despite it (“You see when I was young, I gave God my hand / And I told him to lead the way”), the powerful choral vocals of The Red Budd Gospel Choir support her superbly. In the end, Deborah and the choir assert thrice, “(I Will never) I will never let (I’ll never let go of His hand) go of His hand.”  The five-minute-plus “I’m Still Holding On” masterfully speaks to the power of faith.

Appears in 🔻:

• Luther Barnes & The Red Budd Gospel Choir, I’m Still Holding On: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 34 (2024)

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12. The Shirelles, “Will You Love Me Tomorrow”

Tonight’s the Night // Gusto // 1961 

“So, tell me now, and I won’t ask again / Will you still love me tomorrow?” Historic. New Jersey quartet The Shirelles, comprised of Doris Coley (Doris Kenner-Jackson), Beverly Lee, Shirley Owens (Shirley Alston), and Addie Harris, made history as the first black, all-girl group to reach no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” (sometimes seen as “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”) ended up spending two weeks in the penthouse.  It was composed by then iconic husband-wife songwriting duo Carole King and Gerry Goffin. “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” is an early pop/soul classic that pushed the envelope as the song explores whether a relationship will develop out of a romantic encounter.  In other words, will he commit to her beyond a one-night stand?

“Tonight, the light of love is in your eyes / But will you love me tomorrow?” Lead singer Shirley Owens asks. In the second verse, there are similar concerns and questions regarding the permanence of this encounter. “Is this a lasting treasure / Or just a moment’s pleasure?” she sings, continuing, “Can I believe the magic of your sighs? / Will you still love me tomorrow?”  The sexual innuendo continues to be ripe throughout, including the bridge where “Tonight with words unspoken / You say that I’m the only one / But will my heart be broken / When the night (when the night) / Meets the morning (Meets the morning) sun?” Owens, the group’s lead singer, didn’t like the song initially, but not because of the ‘controversial’ theme (a one-night stand) for the time. She described it as sounding “too country and western.” She got onboard thanks to producer Luther Dixon, an added string arrangement by the songwriters, and a tempo increase.  The string arrangement, specifically, is distinct – ear-catching, and quite impressive. “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” is an inescapable, often-covered pop/soul classic that speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:

• The Shirelles, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 116 (2024)
• 15 Spicy Songs One-Night Stand Songs (2024)

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13. Rev. James Cleveland, “Peace Be Still”

Peace Be Still // Savoy // 1962

“Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high!” One of the most important gospel recordings of all time is none other than Peace Be Still by Rev. James Cleveland.  The landmark album by 29-time Grammy nominee/four-time winner was released in 1962.  Filled with gospel gems, none is bigger or shines brighter than “Peace Be Still”. The words of this hymn were penned by Mary A. Baker, whose text is based on the miracle where Jesus calms the storm (Mark 4:35-41). The tune was composed by Horatio R. Palmer.  Of course, Cleveland makes “Peace Be Still” his own with a dynamic, powerful arrangement.

Examine the score of “Peace Be Still,” and it’s a record that naturally lends itself to an ornate arrangement.  In the hands of Cleveland, there are impressive piano riffs (left and right hands), swelling organ, and a marching drum groove, carried by the snare (gotta love those sixteenth note triplets).  Furthermore, what about the soaring choir that performs the beloved refrain:

“The winds and the waves shall obey my will

Peace be still!

Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea,

Or demons, or men, or whatever it be,

No water can swallow the ship where lies

The Master of ocean and earth and skies;

They all shall sweetly obey My will;

Peace be still, peace be still!

They all shall sweetly obey My will:

Peace, peace be still!”

Of course, the gritty, gruff-voiced Cleveland can’t be left out of the mix.  He’s spirited as albeit, ministering the greatness of God.  PEACE BE STILL!

Appears in 🔻:

• 13 Captivating Songs About Peace or Piece(s)
• James Cleveland, Peace Be Still: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 42 (2022)

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13 Super STILL Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 21 Entertainment Group, Arista, Atlanta International, Beautiful Life Music, Boominati Worldwide, Epic, Gusto, Interscope, Leo Von Sol, Pure Springs Gospel, Inc., Savoy, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music GmbH, Venice Music, Virgin, Warner, Wilburn Holding Co.; Jill Wellington from Pixabay]

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