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“13 Totally Captivating Songs That Reference Science” features music from Ansel Elgort, Arctic Monkeys, Daniel Caesar, Young the Giant & ZEE MACHINE. 

“And they say back then our universe wasn’t even there / Until a sudden bang and then there was light, was sound, was matter / And it all became the world we know.” On her brilliant song “Cosmogony” (Biophilia, 2011), Björk refers to the Big Bang Theory and no, we’re not talking about Sheldon Cooper and the gang.  We’re talking about actual science! So, the question is, are YOU totally ready to #nerd out? Well, “13 Totally Captivating Songs That Reference Science” is your outlet to do so!

All of the songs on “13 Totally Captivating Songs That Reference Science” have some connection to science, even if it’s teeny tiny or nearly insignificant.  Other songs fully embrace the aspect of science they reference, incorporating it with some relatable life experience.  Musicians contributing to this scientifically sound affair include Ansel Elgort (“Supernova”), Arctic Monkeys (“Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino”), Daniel Caesar 2x (“Entropy” and “Superposition”), Young the Giant (“Superposition”), and ZEE MACHINE (“Brainchemistry”) among others.

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1. Daniel Caesar, “Entropy”

Case Study 01 • Golden Child Recordings • 2019

Grammy-winning, Canadian standout, Daniel Caesar had some missteps, socially and culturally, post-Freudian (2017). Regardless, musically-speaking, his 2019 sophomore album, Case Study 01, continues his knack for excellence.  Also, interestingly, Caesar incorporates science, specifically physics, on the pair of songs “Entropy” and “Superposition.”

It’s not every album that features a song that references physics, particular a R&B album. Standout “Entropy” earns that distinction, and Daniel Caesar actually says the word on the chorus of the song:

“Oh, how can this be? I finally found peace

Just how long ‘til she’s stripped from me?

So, come on, baby, in time we’ll all freeze

Ain’t no stoppin’ that entropy.”

Sure, the concept of entropy itself can get technical, but in broad terms, it boils down to “chaos, disorganization, randomness”; a lack of order or predictability.  Within the soulful song, Caesar highlights the unpredictability of life and love. He even manages to fuse science and spirituality on the outro: “Drifting towards the deep freeze / Thermodynamics, there’s no escape / The good Lord he gives, the Lord he takes / No life without energy.”

2. Daniel Caesar, “Superposition”

Ft. John Mayer

Case Study 01 • Golden Child Recordings • 2019

Daniel Caesar once more embraces physics on Case Study 01 with the song “Superposition” featuring John Mayer.  True to the title, Caesar bases the record itself on the idea/theory of superposition.  Physics.org gives a good example superposition being exhibited: “When two waves meet, they overlap and interact.  Sometimes they add to make a wave bigger, sometimes they cancel each other out, and often, it’s a combination of both.”

Focusing on the song, Caesar begins references to superposition from the start, where he sings on the first verse, “Isn’t it an irony? / The things that inspire me / they make me bleed / so profusely.” On the chorus, much like the aforementioned “Entropy,” he directly references superposition:

“Exist in superposition

Life’s all about contradiction

Yin and yang

Fluidity and things

I’m me, I’m God

I’m everything

I’m my own reason why I sing

And so, are you, are you understanding?”

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3. Julian Daniel, “Supernova”

Supernova [Single] • Julian Daniel • 2019

“You’re my first supernova / You’re my first but I hardly know you…” Hmm, what does that even mean? Well, NASA defines supernova as “the biggest explosion that humans have ever seen.  Each blast is the extremely bright. Super powerful explosion of a star. Fair enough.  That said, for rising Canadian pop artist Julian Daniel, the supernova referenced on his single “Supernova”, is his first one-night stand.  The new life experience for the young singer gets a truly thrilling, ear-catching treatment to say the least.  That makes sense. One will be hard-pressed to find something amiss about “Supernova.” Julian Daniel seems to cross every ‘T’ and dot every ‘I.’ The listener is blessed with intriguing production work – decadent ear candy comprised of colorful synths, and a driving, rhythmic groove.

Julian Daniel delivers expressive, nuanced vocals, while his runs stand out on the chorus especially.  The chorus is catchy (the opening lyrics hail from it), backed by alluring, busy production work. Furthermore, the emphasis placed on the titular line is brilliant and so fitting. Daniel truly pulls you into his sexual experience, ‘sound-tracked’ by the dark, minor key, gimmickry within the vocal performance, and the playful, sexy approach.  Also, worth mentioning, is are the guest female vocals on the second verse, which provide a fine contrast to Daniel’s own awesome pipes.  All the boxes are checked off with “Supernova” – strong vocals, personality, songwriting, and production. “Supernova” appeared previously on the playlist, 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in June 2019.

4. Ansel Elgort, “Supernova”

Supernova [Single] • Island • 2018

“I’ve been waking up drenched in sweat / All my dreams, full of my regret / I keep hearing what my mother said / Eyes are open, all I see is red.” Clearly, Julian Daniel wasn’t the only musician on this list writing about supernovas. Actor-musician Ansel Elgort shined a year earlier on the enjoyable, pop single, “Supernova”.  There’s plenty to ‘sink your teeth into,’ starting with the sleek, modern production work, exemplifying the urban-pop sound.  The trap percussion coupled with minor key synths adds a ‘desirable toughness’ – an ‘explosion’ of sound if you will.

Elgort matches this toughness with emotional, expressive, and honest vocals and lyrics. He gets a hair ‘salty’ on the second verse.

“I’ve been, I’ve been so fucked in my head

I’ve been going through phases, I’m just going through phases

Don’t know what this craze is

When’s the last time someone said shit?

Walking through your mazes

When’s the last time someone meant it?”

 All of that’s lovely, but where does the explicit reference to the supernova occur? That would be on the chorus.  In this case, the supernova is Ansel’s heart:

“I met you in California

You told me you loved him in Georgia

Your heart’s in the ground, frozen over

My heart’s in the sky, supernova.”

“Supernova” previously appeared on the playlist, 17 Songs Inspired by Outer Space…to an Extent.

5. Young the Giant, “Superposition”

Mirror Master • Elektra • 2018

“I want you to want me / Why don’t we rely on chemistry / Why don’t we collide the spaces that divide us / I want you to want me / I want you to want me.” Before Grammy-winning R&B singer Daniel Caesar would record his own song about superposition, alternative rock collective Young the Giant would incorporate physics into their own “Superposition,” which commences their 2018 LP, Mirror Master.

The reference to scientific matters on “Superposition” isn’t merely restricted to the chorus excerpted above. No, frontman Sameer Gadhia explicitly references superposition on the first verse: “But when all things fall into place – superposition / In any universe, you are my dark star.” Interestingly, he relates the physics principle, as well as other science references to love. Also, the second verse cleverly references ‘superstition’ (“Superstition aims with imprecision”) as well ‘superposition’ once more, slightly varying the lyrics from the first verse (“But when things can’t be explained – superposition…”) Adding to the excellence of the song is a sick groove, the brilliant use of Charango, and of course, Gadhia’s vocals.

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6. ZEE MACHINE, “Brainchemistry”

Brainchemistry – EP • ZEE MACHINE • 2018

Brainchemistry (2018) marked the debut EP from California pop artist ZEE MACHINE.  On the spirited, minor-key title track “Brainchemistry,” ZEE MACHINE asserts he can’t change the way he is wired.  How is he wired exactly? Well, he’s gay, and nothing that anybody says is going to change that. Sounds sensible. This is a fast-paced, ‘out and proud’ anthem, and nothing’s gonna kill his vibe.  To quote Adam Lambert, ZEE MACHINE doesn’t seem to give “Two Fux” what anybody thinks about him.

Sure, ZEEMACHINE doesn’t offer specific research or scientific-based evidence on “Brainchemistry” – we wouldn’t expect such on a pop song.  That said, the song itself has a fair amount of associations with science.  First of all, there’s a field of study of which ‘brain chemistry’ comes into play, called neurochemistry. Obviously, a chemical imbalance in the brain changes things – understatement.  In regards to the homosexual component of “Brainchemistry,” there has been research, one such study highlighted by Live Science: Is Homosexuality Based on a Brain Chemical?.  Notably, the record has appeared on numerous playlists including 15 Notable LGBTQ Songs from 2018 and Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming with Pride.

7. Alice in Chains, “Red Giant”

Rainier Fog • BMG Rights Management • 2018

“Blowing up like a red giant, expansive, a star / And I’m coming to burn this down and laugh my ass off.” Unique lyrics to say the least.  Prefacing “Red Giant,” in 2018, iconic rock band Alice in Chains returned with their highly-anticipated sixth studio album, Rainier Fog, a well-rounded project that ultimately doesn’t disappoint. In the context of Rainier Fog, “Red Giant” rolls right along soundly, keeping the album dark, yet incredibly endearing.  Okay, maybe ‘endearing’ isn’t the right word – more like appeal.  Nonetheless, the ‘old-school’ rock sounds keep on being an awesome gift.

Beyond the song, what is a red giant? Well, since you asked, according to Space.com, “a red giant star is a dying star in its last stages of evolution.” Contributor Nola Taylor Redd goes on to write, “in only a few billion years, our own sun will turn into a red giant star, expand and engulf the inner planets, possibly even Earth.” Cool science of course, but pretty scary for whoever is around billions of years after all of “kick the bucket.” This ‘not-so-sunny’ number previously appeared on 11 Songs About the Sun, Sunshine, and Sunniness.

8. Arctic Monkeys, “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino”

Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino • Domino • 2018

“Good afternoon / Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino / Mark Speaking / Please, tell me, how may I direct your call?” Not a chorus you hear every day to say the least! Most critics embraced Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino, the unique comeback album by British alternative band Arctic Monkeys, though some where more skeptical.  Personally, the album was intriguing and a refreshing change of pace from Alex Turner and company. Minor key title track “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” ranks among the crème de la crème, arguably the crowning achievement.

“I’ve been on a bender back to the prophetic esplanade / Where I ponder all the questions but just manage to miss the mark…” Hmm, really Alex – fascinating! Weird to the core, “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” encompasses politics, philosophy, technology… it’s something. Turner sings about an imaginary hotel and casino (we think), possibly on the Moon. According to an EW interview, Turner, referencing the title track states, “…Whether we’re actually talking about a sort of hotel-casino complex on the moon or not is debatable.” Okay.

Additionally, so many of the lyrics can be interpreted as literal or more figurative.  A perfect example is the bridge, where Turner sings, “And do you celebrate your dark side / Then wish you’d never left the house.” This not only represents the conscience, but also, in the conceptual element of Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino, it also references the moon itself.  Back up to the second verse, and Turner actually references the moon, along with technology and sex – interesting combo:

“Technological advances really bloody get me in the mood

Pull me in close on a crisp eve, baby

Kiss me underneath the moon’s side boob.”

9. The Voidz, “Black Hole”

Virtue • RCA • 2018

“Don’t let the name fool you: a black hole is anything but empty space. Rather, it is a great amount of matter packed into a small area… The result is a gravitational field so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape.” That is how NASA describes a black hole.  As for The Voidz, well, Steven Edelstone (Consequence of Sound) writes, “The Voidz don’t give a fuck what you think.” Charming commentary regarding the alternative rock band led by The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas.  Enough small talk, let’s talk about the song at hand, “Black Hole,” shall we?

“Black Hole” appears on the band’s unique debut album, Virtue and it is indeed a trip.  “Black Hole” is characterized by its driving, rhythmic nature, as well as its noisy, busy production work.  As odd and sometimes messy as it may be, there are some terrific moments, led by distorted, edgy guitars.  In regard to the vocals, well, they’re buried within the production.

“Quit your crying for the other side

Can’t fight with tears in your eyes

I don’t want to be here anymore than you

Take a shot

What’s that say? NSA, NRA at the gates of Psycho City

Black hole sucking us into oblivion.”

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10. Kendrick Lamar, “ELEMENT.”

DAMN. • Interscope • 2017

Kendrick Lamar exhibits toughness on “ELEMENT,” the fourth track off of his Pulitzer-winning DAMN.  Edgy, on the first verse, he asserts, “[I’ll] Put the Bible down and go eye for an eye for this shit.”  On the second, he states, “I’m allergic to a bitch n*gga.” By the end of the third verse, he confronts the change in demeanor: “Last LP I tried to lift the black artists / But it’s a difference between black artists and wack artists.”  

Get ‘em K-Dot. On the hook captures his approach splendidly:

“If I gotta slap a pussy-ass n*gga, I’ma make it look sexy

If I gotta go hard on a bitch, I’ma make it look sexy…

They won’t take me out of my element

Nah, take me out my element.” 

With “ELEMENT.,” Kendrick Lamar covers the entire period table of elements… well not specifically… “ELEMENT.” previously appeared on the playlist 10 Parts, Pieces, Elements & Fragments Songs.

11. Arcade Fire, “Chemistry”

Everything Now • Columbia • 2017

“I got the money, and I got the time / I got a secret, gonna make you mine.” Oh brother! Chemistry, the scientific discipline, would be considered complex if you were to take a poll.  That said, the “Chemistry” that’s in the hands of Win Butler and Arcade Fire seems surface level to say the least.  Need the proof? Didn’t you just read the aforementioned lyrical excerpt from the first verse? Wow!

In the context of their 2017 LP Everything Now (which received ‘okay’ reviews), “Chemistry” is groovy and sounds distinct of the songs preceding it if nothing else. There’s some charm, but, there’s also that lack of depth. No, Butler and company aren’t expected to be cerebral ‘song in and song out’, but anybody could pass this chemistry course.  The record is certainly fueled by repetition.  The chorus is a perfect example:

“Chemistry (Chemistry)

Chemistry (Chemistry)

You and me, we’ve got (Chemistry)

Chemistry.”

12. Manchester Orchestra, “The Moth”

A Black Mile to the Surface • Loma Vista • 2017

“There’s a way out / There’s a way in.” “The Moth” is the third track from A Black Mile to the Surface, the 2017 LP by Georgia indie-rock band, Manchester Orchestra. As a whole, A Black Mile to the Surface is a bit of a complex album, with each song carrying significance and playing a role to the overall narrative. “The Moth” doesn’t actually mention the lepidopteran order of insect by name, only using the moth metaphorically, specifically in reference to attraction to light.

A Reddit user brilliantly lays out the meaning of “The Moth”, which at its simplest finds the song’s protagonist becoming victim to a fatal attraction to light.

“My entire life you’ve been obsessing with the light

The closer that you get, the further up you’ve got to climb

You wanna hear it hurt, you wanna feel it when he dies

If you walk that path alone, you’ve got to look him in the eyes.”

“The Moth” can be found on a previously penned playlist, 11 Colorful Songs About Various Bugs.

13. Ghostemane, “Mercury: Retrograde”

HEXADA • GHOSTEMANE • 2017

“Ask me if a give a fuck about a clique, aye / Ask me if I give a fuck about a diss, yuh / Ask me if I give a fuck about fame, yuh / Recently I just don’t give a fuck about a thing, yuh.” Yeah, Florida rapper and producer Ghostemane says it best himself – he doesn’t “give a fuck about a thing.” Okay, that’s fine, but the question is, what does that have to do with Mercury? According to Genius background and annotations, the title is based off of Mercury retrograde, which ‘astrologically’ is a time where “Mercury rules communication, travel, and technology”. Scientifically speaking, according to Newsweek, the Mercury Retrograde refers to a weird, ‘retrograde’ movement by the planet.

“I just decided by the grace of the god Poseidon / That you’re so dead to me I dug a hole for you to lie in.” Hmm, Ghostemane also seems to be addressing beef with someone. He definitely plays into both the astrological and scientific perspectives of the Mercury retrograde throughout the record. Of course, the title naturally opens up many cans of worms. “I better get back to the black hole sun / Leaving my gun, I don’t need it for this one” not only references science, but also a beloved Soundgarden classic.  A brief record with chilling production and plenty of straightforwardness beyond a singular verse, “Mercury: Retrograde” is intriguing.  The song is reprised from a previous scientific playlist, 9 Songs About the Planets and Pluto Too.

“13 Totally Captivating Songs That Reference Science” [Photo Credits: BMG Rights Management, Columbia, Domino, Elektra, GHOSTEMANE, Golden Child Recordings, Interscope, Island, Julian Daniel, Loma Vista, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, ZEE MACHINE]

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