13 Take Songs There for the Taking | Playlist 🎧

13 Take Songs There for the Taking features music courtesy of a-ha, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Hozier, Lil Mabu, Tamela Mann, and The Weeknd. 

Question: Are you prepared to TAKE it? Hopefully, the answer is yes, at least in the context of a colorful playlist. The key word(s) on the musical compendium, 13 Take Songs There for the Taking, is take – duh! While other forms of the word were welcome with open arms, the journey here solely involves TAKE. 13 Take Songs There for the Taking features music courtesy of a-ha, The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Hozier, Lil Mabu, Tamela Mann, and The Weeknd among others. So, take your sweet time and check out these fabulous songs that will take you by storm!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. The Weeknd, “Take My Breath”

2. Lil Mabu, “MR. TAKE YA BITCH” (Ft. CHRISEANROCK)

3. Hozier, “Take Me to Church”

4. Lana Del Rey, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”

5. a-ha, “Take on Me”

6. Scissor Sisters, “Take Your Mama” 

7. The Police, “Every Breath You Take” 

8. Berlin, “Take My Breath Away” (Love Theme from ‘Top Gun’)

9. Sam Vance-Law, “I Think We Should Take It Fast”

10. Deniece Williams, “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle”

11. Talking Heads, “Take Me to the River” 

12. Tamela Mann, “Take Me to the King” (Ft. Kirk Franklin)

13. The Dave Brubeck Quartet, “Take Five”

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1. The Weeknd, “Take My Breath”  

💿 Dawn FM • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2022

“I saw the fire in your eyes / … I know temptation is the devil in disguise.” Grammy-winning Canadian R&B artist The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) returned superbly in 2021 with “Take My Breath”, the promo single from his 2022 album, Dawn FM. “Take My Breath” commences with an awesome, driving groove.  There is no way that you can sit still and not move your body listening to it.  The production by The Weeknd, Max Martin, and Oscar Holter kicks some serious butt. Tesfaye embraces the R&B, pop, and dance of old – an awesome sound for him. Once Tesfaye begins singing, his vocals are bright, pure, youthful, and potent as ever. He has a super, catchy melody to work with – quite tuneful and ear-catching.  As far as form, “Take My Breath” is accessible and straightforward with verse, pre-chorus, and chorus.  The chorus is epic, featuring robust vocals by Abel over the picturesque, energetic backdrop. 

“Take my breath away  

And make it last forever, babe  

Do it now or never, babe  

Take my breath away   

Nobody does it better, babe  

Bring me close to –”   

Lyrically and thematically, The Weeknd focuses on lust, sex, and temptation, but does so without crossing any lines. Once again, he comes through big!   

  

Appears in 🔻:  

• Awesome Songs: August 2021  

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2. Lil Mabu, “MR. TAKE YA B*TCH” (Ft. CHRISEANROCK) 

🎵 “MR. TAKE YA B*TCH” • 🏷 Lil Mabu • 📅 2023 

An affluent 18-year-old white boy isn’t the typical profile of a rapper.  However, the privileged Lil Mabu doesn’t seem to take himself too seriously.  Perhaps that’s part of the charm.  On “MR. TAKE YA B*TCH,” Mabu collaborates with the controversial CHRISEANROCK, dissing her equally, if not more controversial ex, Blueface. In the chorus of this sub-two-minute cut, Mabu serves up standard cocky and confident rap speak: “Like, I’m Mr. Take Ya Bitch / Take her for a trip / Fly her to New York, sign my name all on her tits / Yes, I took his lady / I like blue faces, so I took his baby.” My, my, my! Fittingly, CHRISEANROCK kicks off the first verse with a bang: “Fuck Blueface, I had to find a new bae / Yeah, ‘ight , with Mabu, fuck what you say.” Sheesh! She concludes the verse with a bang too: “I used to fuck with blues, now I fuck with ones / Only fuck with white boys that be totin’ guns.” Mabu drops the second verse, with no shortage of colorful moments: “Hi-hi-hit him in the face with the Drac’, leave him / Show him I take money to the grave, no breathin’ / Crodie six-deep, now I’m six-deep in his chick / I might take your whole flow and then take ya bitch.” Um, okay… Ultimately, Lil Mabu, as well as “MR. TAKE YA B*TCH,” should be taken with a grain of salt.    

 

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3. Hozier, “Take Me to Church”  

💿 Hozier • 🏷 Rubyworks / Columbia • 📅 2014

“Take Me to Church” was a no. 2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 – a huge, breakthrough hit for Irish singer/songwriter Hozier. Furthermore, the standout from Hozier (2014) was nominated for the Grammy for Song of the Year.  Listening emptily, it’s easy to see why it was a massive hit.  Who doesn’t enjoy a song that references sex?  Considering the depth of its subject matter analytically, it’s almost unbelievable it achieved the commercial accolades it did. In a NY Mag interview, The Irish singer/songwriter describes the song as being about sex, humanity, and disdain for the church “teaching shame about sexual orientation.”  The lyrics of the song confirm those strong feelings:

“My church offers no absolutes     

She tells me ‘worship in the bedroom’     

The only heaven I’ll be sent too     

Is when I’m alone with you.”

Furthermore, in the interview, he tackles the influence of the church in Ireland, and homophobia in Russia. Key lyrics, such as “We were born sick, you heard them say it,” confirm this.   Throughout its course, “Church” amplifies blasphemous references to make a statement.  Ultimately, that statement is that all humans, regardless of sexuality, should be able to love and be with whomever they’d like.      

Appears in 🔻:      

• A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs (2020)     
• 15 T Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason (2020)     
• Church ⛪: 5ive Songs No. 44 (2022)     
• Irish: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 61 (2023)    
• Incredible Songs: 2010s, Vol. 1 (2023)  
• 13 Songs Courtesy of Musicians from Ireland 🇮🇪  

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4. Lana Del Rey, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”  

🎵 “Take Me Home, Country Roads” • 🏷 Polydor / Interscope • 🗓 2023  

“Almost heaven, West Virginia / Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River.” Ah, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey tackles a beloved John Denver classic with “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. Denver penned “Take Me Home, Country Roads” alongside Bill Danoff, and Taffy Nivert. In Del Rey’s hands, this country standard gets a simple, warm backdrop, with piano serving as the primary accompaniment for much of the song.  However, the bridge adds more instrumentation, including organ.  The biggest addition, however, are the backing vocals appearing toward the end, which sound utterly celestial. That said, the focal point of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is the lead vocalist extraordinaire, Lana Del Rey. This song was tailor made for her.  Her signature, robust, smoky vocals sound superb.  Showing off her lower register, it is, nothing short of, a vibe.  The richness of her instrument is to be in awe of and envied. Given the distinctiveness and strength of her voice, Del Rey doesn’t need to do anything extra to the melody. Her pureness, coupled with the sanctity of the melody is enough. No, she doesn’t break new ground, but she delivers a respectable, well-rounded cover, without question.  

Appears in 🔻:  

• Awesome Songs: December 2023  
• 15 Songs Focused Only on ME (2024)  
• John Denver vs. Lana Del Rey: Head 2 Head No. 7 (2024) 

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5. a-ha, “Take on Me” 

💿 Hunting High and Low • 🏷 Warner • 📅 1985 

“Today’s another day to find you / Shying away / I’ll be comin’ for your love, okay?” OKAY! Norwegian synthpop trio, a-ha (Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy), charted on the Billboard Hot 100 thrice.  Their most successful charting song is “Take on Me” which commences their 1985, platinum-certified album, Hunting High and Low.  “Take on Me” didn’t only chart, it reached no. 1.  While the song itself wasn’t nominated, a-ha received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.  You can bet the collective’s sole top-10 hit is a big reason why they received a nomination. 

 

So, what makes “Take on Me” such a big deal – a 1980s banger? The instrumental plays a sizable role.  It’s that scintillating groove, guitar, and those bright, iconic keyboard/synth lines.  Unsurprisingly, due to the prolific nature of those synths, “Take on Me” has been sampled numerous times. Such an inviting record! The instrumental ear candy, hence, is decadent.  Of course, catchy lyrics, tuneful melodies, and a memorable vocal performance (Harket) also give “Take on Me” the edge. His upper register is insane! “So, needless to say / I’m odds and ends / But I’ll be stumbling away,” Harket sings in second verse, continuing, “Slowly learnin’ that life is okay / Say after me / ‘It’s no better to be safe than sorry.’” Of course, the centerpiece – the main attraction – is the chorus: “Take on me (Take on me) /… I’ll be gone / In a day or two.” Even approaching four decades after its release, “Take on Me” remains utterly fresh!

 

Appears in 🔻:  

• a-ha, Take on Me: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 11 (2024) 

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6. Scissor Sisters, “Take Your Mama”  

💿 Scissor Sisters • 🏷 Polydor • 🗓 2004  

“Gonna take your mama out all night / Yeah, we’ll show her what it’s all about / We’ll get her jacked up on some cheap champagne / We’ll let the good times all roll out…” Scissor Sisters’ monumental debut single, “Take Your Mama,” is a must-hear.  On “Take Your Mama,” Jake Shears sings about being gay, having to pretend to be straight, and the effects it has on his mother. Keep in mind, back in 2004, pop music wasn’t nearly as progressive regarding sexuality as it is now. Interestingly, in this anthem about coming out, Shears’ mama is being taken to a gay bathhouse/club on the hella catchy chorus.  Ooh-wee – what an experience that must be!   

Appears in 🔻:  

• 15 Songs That Focus on Mama (2018)  
• 19 Songs That Reference Coming Out (2019)  
• A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs (2020)  
• 15 Songs That Illustrate the Role of Family (2020)  

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7. The Police, “Every Breath You Take”  

💿 Synchronicity • 🏷 A&M • 📅 1983  

“Every breath you take / And every move you make / Every bond you break / Every step you take / I’ll be watching you.” No ‘breathe’ list is complete without The Police classic, “Every Breath You Take.” Sting and company are utterly beloved for this 1983 juggernaut from Synchronicity.  It was a no. 1 hit and won two Grammys. “Every Breath You Take” marks a quintessential 80s record.  Furthermore, it’s one of the most easily recognizable songs of all time. “Every Breath You Take” is a prime example of a song that keeps things simple and thrives off it.  The lyrics aren’t complicated yet incredibly potent: 

“Every move you make  

And every bow you break  

Every smile you fake  

Every claim you stake  

I’ll be watching you.”  

While “Every Breath You Take” is perceived to be happy, it’s not, at least when you dig into the backstory. What’s amazing is, listen to it or read the lyrics, and you can see both perspectives – anger and happiness.  Also, worth noting, the music is minimal, yet it feels ‘just right’ and easily gets stuck in the head.  Sting and company, well, they constructed one of the few, perfect songs, considered among the greatest of all time. 

  

Appears in 🔻:  

• 13 Breathe Songs That Leave You Totally Breathless (2021)  
• Every: 5ive Songs No. 13 (2022)  
• Incredible Songs: 1980s, Vol. 1 (2023)  

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8. Berlin, “Take My Breath Away” (Love Theme from ‘Top Gun’)  

💿 Count Three & Pray • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. • 📅 1986  

“Watching every motion in my foolish lover’s game / On this endless ocean, finally lovers know no shame…” American new wave collective Berlin are most renowned for one song: “Take My Breath Away.”  “Take My Breath Away” is the quintessential 80s record, and I dare you argue against that!  Recognizable from the opening tip thanks to those warm, colorful synths, Berlin never needed to record another song. Of course, they had other hits, but the former no. 1 hit is their most beloved, most requested song. “Take My Breath Away” famously appears on the Top Gun soundtrack.  Notably, the song won an Oscar, rightfully so.  In addition to being the signature song from Top Gun, it also appears on the band’s 1986 album, Count Three & Pray.  The theme is an always relatable one: LOVE.  “Take my breath away / My love, take my breath away,” Terri Nunn sings elegantly on the simple yet unforgettable chorus.  “Take My Breath Away” was famously produced by Giorgio Moroder. 

Appears in 🔻:  

• 13 Breathe Songs That Leave You Totally Breathless (2021)  

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9. Sam Vance-Law, “I Think We Should Take It Fast” 

💿 Homotopia • 🏷 Sam Vance-Law / Caroline International • 🗓 2018

Often, when it comes to love and relationships, we hear musicians encourage ‘taking things slow.’ That’s not the case for Sam Vance-Law.  Consistently during his 2018 song, “I Think We Should Take It Fast” (Homotopia), he emphasizes the opposite.  It’s clear that Vance-Law is horny from the titular line, but he doesn’t stop there.  Casual sex is the goal, with a relationship being unimportant.  “I know we just met five minutes ago,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “And I can’t remember your name / But you’re the center of my world tonight, baby.” Give Vance-Law credit for being honest and transparent about his intentions. He wants to hook up with this guy, and potentially, others. “Maybe you think I’m hasty / But what else are we doing,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “I’m not here to fool myself / and I won’t fool you / Into what I wanna do / With you / And maybe the guy behind you too.” There’s some additional innuendo later with Vance-Law commenting on being tired, encouraging his sex partner, “How long do you think you’re gonna last / Do you think you can take it fast?” All told, “I Think We Should Take It Fast” is entertaining from start to finish.  It’s about sex – NO STRINGS ATTACHED!

   

Appears in 🔻:    

• Sam Vance-Law, I Think We Should Take It Fast: After Dark 🕛 🌃 No. 43 (2022)   
• 15 Steamy Songs Best Listened to After Dark, Vol. 3 (2022)  
• 13 Stellar Songs Driven By Speed (2023)  

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10. Deniece Williams, “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle”  

💿 Niecy • 🏷 Columbia • 🗓 1982     

“Loving you so / I was too blind to see / You letting me go / But now that you’ve set me free,” Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Deniece Williams sings on “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle”, continuing, “It’s gonna take a miracle / Yes, it’s gonna take a miracle / To make me love someone new / ‘Cause I’m crazy for you.” Oh, the plight of love!  “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” has the distinction of being one of three top-10 hits by Williams. It’s the song to beat on her 1982, gold certified album, Niecy, peaking at no. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Williams produced this update of the The Royalettes’ 1965 joint alongside the late, great Thom Bell.

    

All writers and producers on “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” earn incredibly high marks.  First and foremost, this is a well-written record.  It superbly captures the relatable feeling of struggling to move on from a past relationship – it’s literally gonna take a miracle to get over this person! Williams does a marvelous job of bringing the lyrics to life authentically with her classy and sophisticated lead vocals.  Furthermore, she does some impressive, playful ad-libs that are a must-hear.  Also, she receives fine support from backing vocals, upping the soulful ante. Focusing on the production, it is stunning; utterly sublime.  “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” benefits from a superb, soulful groove.  Specifically, the ostinato piano lines are lovely, while the vibraphone hits are timely. Additionally, the string orchestration is marvelous – lush and warm.  One other note about the brilliance of this top-10 smash. The bridge provides sizable contrast to other sections of the song with the harmonic adventurousness being a big selling point.  All told, the excellence of “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle” speaks for itself. It’s simply marvelous, darling!     

 Appears in 🔻:     

• Deniece Williams, It’s Gonna Take a Miracle: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 112 (2023)    
• Deniece Williams: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 65 (2023)   
• Laura Nyro vs. Deniece Williams: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 35 (2023)   
• Incredible Songs: 1980s, Vol. 4 (2023) 

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11. Talking Heads, “Take Me to the River”  

💿 More Songs About Buildings and Food • 🏷 Sire • 🗓 1978  

Sometimes, an original song doesn’t get the same buzz as a cover, at least, initially. It even happens to a musical giant like Al Green who wrote (alongside Mabon “Teenie” Hodges) and recorded  “Take Me to the River” first for his 1974 album, Al Green Explores Your Mind.  It wasn’t released as a single, and was recorded by another soul artist, Syl Johnson, who earned moderate chart success.  However, Johnson’s success was ultimately eclipsed by the rock band, Talking Heads, who earned top-40 success with their cover (no. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979).  “Take Me to the River” appears as the 10th track on their 1978, gold certified album, More Songs About Buildings and Food.

So, how did Talking Heads make “Take Me to the River,” a great, if initially underappreciated Al Green song, their own? In their hands, the tempo is slower. The band takes their time establishing the groove – letting it cook if you will.  Even though it’s a departure from the overt, gospel-infused, Memphis soul sound, this cover still has ample soul.  Some of the sounds that truly fuel the fire is the use of bluesy organ, distorted guitars, and its own, irresistible groove anchoring things down.  Perhaps the biggest shoes to fill are the vocals considering the anointed, once-in-a-lifetime pipes of Green.  Ultimately, David Byrne shines, serving up incredibly playful vocals dipped in S-O-U-L.  As “Take Me to the River” progresses, his pipes grow more dynamic with some of his best moments occurring in the bridge. Speaking of the bridge, this section has the argument as the crowning achievement in this epic take. Look at it this way, if the original version couldn’t get its just due, what rendition of “Take Me to the River” is more deserving than Talking Heads’? It totally rocks!   

Appears in 🔻:   

• Talking Heads, Take Me to the River: Covers No. 3 (2024)  
• Al Green vs. Talking Heads: Head 2 Head No. 4 (2024) 

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12. Tamela Mann, “Take Me to the King” (Ft. Kirk Franklin) 

💿 Best Days • 🏷 Tillymann Inc. • 📅 2012  

“Truth is I’m weak / No strength to fight / No tears to cry / Even if I tried / But still my soul / Refuses to die / One touch will change my life.” For gospel singer Tamela Mann, she’s not referring to any monarch, nor her husband, David Mann.  No, on her 2012 contemporary gospel hit, “Take Me to the King,” Mann is referencing none other than ‘The Most High,’ best known and G-O-D.  Penned by gospel’s most ubiquitous and highly decorated hitmaker, Kirk Franklin, Mann sings about the awesomeness of God.  Basically, she looks to God to restore her, despite the adversities facing her in ‘this thing called life.’ The chorus is the crème de la crème of this incredibly uplifting record.

“Take me to the king 
I don’t have much to bring 
My heart’s torn in pieces 
It’s my offering 
Lay me at the throne 
Leave me there alone 
To gaze upon your glory 
And sing to you this song 
Please take me to the king.”  

Appears in 🔻:  

• 11 Songs All About His Majesty, The King (2019)  
• 13 More Songs That Provide That Spiritual Refresh (2021)  

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13. The Dave Brubeck Quartet, “Take Five”  

💿 Time Out • 🏷 Blue Note • 📅 1959 

The most common meter in music is… common time, aka 4/4.  Simply put, the beats are grouped in sets of four: 1-2-3-4.  The prevalence of common time applies to jazz music too.  However, The Dave Brubeck Quartet went against the grain throughout the multiplatinum, innovative 1959 masterpiece, Time Out.  The time – rather, the time signatures – are all over the map.  That’s part of the charm and brilliance of the historically important LP.  Focusing on the third track from the cool jazz tour de force, “Take Five”, the key word in the title is five. This Paul Desmond composition is set in 5/4 meter, giving it a distinct, asymmetric feel.  Desmond, who also played alto saxophone in the quartet, penned one of the greatest jazz songs of all time.  

“Take Five” is best experienced through listening rather than analysis. That said, the musicianship is top-notch, yielding many incredible, influential talking points.  Dave Brubeck provides marvelous a phenomenal harmonic foundation in this record, set in E-flat minor (!). He also plays a pivotal role in maintaining the timing.  The heavy load falls on Joe Morello who sets the asymmetric groove given the meter.  He’s the first instrumentalist heard on “Take Five.” He does a magnificent job, also delivering stellar riffs and runs, delivering a once in a lifetime, colorful drum feature/solo. Eugene Wright precedes Desmond’s lead, providing the foundation on bass, focused on tonic and dominant.  During Morello’s feature, alongside Brubeck, Wright’s bass playing provides a solid anchor ⚓️.  “Take Five” is ICONIC.  

Appears in 🔻:  

• The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Take Five: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 25 (2024) 

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13 Take Songs There for the Taking (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M, Blue Note, Caroline International, Columbia, Interscope, Lil Mabu, Polydor, Republic, Sam Vance-Law, Sire, Tillymann Inc., UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner; Ron Lach from Pexels]

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