15 ‘A’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason

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15 ‘A’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason features music by Demi Lovato, Ledisi, Maluma, The Strokes & The Weeknd.

h, fun creating a playlist with limited criteria – freedom feels so free! After dropping 15 G Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, 13 P Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, 15 S Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, 15 L Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason and 16 ‘R’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, it felt totally right to assemble another playlist with NO RHYME OR REASON. Keeping things random, the letter of choice for the latest edition just happens to be A, hence, 15 ‘A’ SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON

Just as a reminder, the main criteria for 15 ‘A’ SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON are that the title of the song must begin with the letter ‘R’ OR the word that begins with ‘R’ must be the first word of note. 15 ‘A’ SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON features music courtesy of Demi Lovato (“Anyone”), Ledisi (“Anything for You”), Maluma (“ADMV”), The Strokes (“The Adults are Talking”), and The Weeknd (“After Hours” and “Alone Again”) among others. Without further ado, join into this random A-song list which has NO RHYME OR REASON!

1. Maluma, “ADMV”

“ADMV” • Sony Latin • 2020

Maluma – what a handsome man, right? I mean, would Maluma himself deny he’s fly? Of course, he wouldn’t – he knows he’s muy caliente! While I could spend an entire blurb objectifying, that would sell short the fact that he’s a terrific musician with a gorgeous voice. He he flaunts this, more than his own gorgeousness (hehe) on his 2020 single, “ADMV” (“Amor de Mi Vida”). Perfect opportunity to feature the Columbian superstar since “ADMV” is an A-song, not to mentioned getting a grade of an ‘A’ from yours truly ;).

You don’t have to be adept in Spanish to appreciate what your ears are being treated to on “ADMV.” Maluma sings angelically showing off an awesome vocal tone that many male singers worldwide would die to possess… I know you were waiting for me to mention what else they’d like to possess that he has, but I’m not gonna do it!!! His tone perfectly complements the theme of the song, which is love, specifically “Love of my Life.”

“When our memory fails, and only photographs remain
I forget everything, except that you are mine…”

Spanish to English translations are approximate at best, which is the case with the aforementioned pre-chorus. That said, the sentiment is clear. The following chorus, in particular is quite thoughtful, imperfect translations aside:

“When the years weigh on us and the legs no longer walk
Our eyes close and the skin no longer stretches
When the only thing that matters is what we did in life
… You are the love of my life.”

Maluma – “What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man” – ha-ha! On “ADMV,” he’s quite a man because of such thoughtful, loving lyrics. He’s backed by guitar accompaniment and that’s sufficient. This is a simple, yet gorgeous ballad; well-written, well-produced (Édgar Barrera “Edge”), and well-performed.

2. Ledisi, “Anything for You”

“Anything for You” • Listen Back Entertainment / BMG Rights Management • 2020

It wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that Grammy-nominated R&B singer Ledisi (Ledisi Young) has one of the most powerful voices in the game. For years, Young has been preserving the ‘sanctity’ of old-school, grown-folks R&B. While this hasn’t made her ‘trendy’ by any means, she is incredibly respected – quite revered. Young ‘brings the heat’ once more on her soulful single, “Anything for You”.

“Anything for You” is Ledisi at her best, period. Rex Rideout produces with Young, and as in the past, the results are excellent. No, the wheel is not reinvented on this throwback, adult contemporary R&B record, but the nostalgia of that gospel-tinged, highly soulful sound can’t be written off. The introduction, led by its lazy piano sounds hearkens back to the D’Angelo gem, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”. If you’re a lover of neo-soul, you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot here.

Adding to the allure of course is none other than Ledisi, who sings like a beast. Always a powerhouse, she gives us a little bit of everything here. She exhibits vocal control, but also knows when to ‘let her rip.’ The nuances and the runs are absolutely everything. The one part of “Anything for You” not touched upon? The songwriting. Here, Young is willing to do anything for you, best exemplified by the memorable, emotional chorus:

“I’ll do anything for you (I will do anything for you, you)
Heart and soul, I
I’ll do anything for you (You are my life)
My life (One means us two)
Yeah, yeah, I’ll do anything
Anything for you.”

Just to reiterate, “Anything for You” is Ledisi at her best, period. For those who love vintage, retro-sounding music, this is everything. This ‘A’ song selected without no rhyme or reason previously appeared on Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: April 2020.

3. The Weeknd, “After Hours”

After Hours • Republic • 2020

“After Hours” is definitely a throwback for The Weekend; it sounds like his ultra-moody music of the past. At over six-minutes in length, it definitely runs long, but the vibe, vocal performance, and the production definitely compensate. The dark, moody, minor production hails courtesy of Tesfaye alongside Illangelo, Jason “DaHeala” Quenneville, and Mario Winans (the “I Don’t Wanna Know” hitmaker). Making the production so satisfying are the cutting-edge synths and the infectious groove. Of course, it’s that potent falsetto atop the backdrop that seals the deal.

Beyond the sound and those accomplished vocals, it’s the theme encompassing matters of the heart that adds to the excellence. The Weeknd thrives on heartbreak, asserting on the second verse, “My darkest hours / Girl, I felt so alone inside of this crowded room / Different girls on the floor, distractin’ my thoughts of you / I turned into the man I used to be, to be.” The crème de la crème – the crowning achievement – is the chorus which may be cliché but definitely effective:

“Oh, baby
Where are you now when I need you the most?
I’d give it all just to hold you close
Sorry that I broke your heart, your heart
I said, baby
I’ll treat you better than I did before
I’ll hold you down and not let you go
This time, I won’t break your heart, your heart, yeah.”

Sure, “After Hours” is a long record, but there’s more than enough pros to make you forget you’ve been listening for six-minutes-plus. Abel Tesfaye is in his zone here, and that’s always a winning formula. “After Hours” previously appeared on Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: February 2020.

4. Demi Lovato, “Anyone”

“Anyone” • Island • 2020

“I tried to talk to my piano / I tried to talk to my guitar / Talk to my imagination / Confided into alcohol…” Sigh, vulnerability can be the perfect catalyst for a truly superb musical performance and song. With her powerful, honest, incredibly vulnerable single, “Anyone”, Demi Lovato was part of one of the most moving moments at the 62^nd Annual Grammy Awards. Lovato has had her fair share of issues with substances, including a near-fatal drug overdose. This, of course, happened after she revealed on single “Sober” she had ‘fallen off.’

“Anyone” keeps things simple from a musical perspective. This is Demi Lovato singing, accompanied by piano. This stripped sound is perfect for such a personal song, putting more weight on the vocals and of course the lyrics. Focusing on the vocals first, Lovato is as potent as ever. She pulls back when she needs to, but she lets loose when it feels right. Her range and her sheer vocal powerful are nothing short of awesome, as Lovato shows off spirit, soulfulness, and most of all, channels that cry for help musically. Are there some pitchy moments? Yes, but given the raw approach and raw subject matter, you can forgive it to some extent.

That leads to the other selling point beyond the vocals – the lyrics. Apparently, Demi Lovato searched everywhere for help – music, alcohol, God, you name it. “I talk to shooting stars / But they always get it wrong,” she sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “I feel stupid when I pray / So, why am I praying anyway? / If nobody’s listening.” Essentially, she feels all alone, something she makes crystal clear on the chorus:

“Anyone, please send anyone
Lord, is there anyone?
I need someone, oh
Anyone, please send anyone
Lord, is there anyone?
I need someone, oh.”

“Anyone” is incredibly powerful, period. Clearly, Demi Lovato needed serious help when she recorded this record, prior to her overdose. Sure, it’s simple musically, but Lovato packs a serious punch vocally, with some truly technical moments. Furthermore, the complexity also comes into play transcendently – life in itself is complex, and Lovato has clearly experienced its ups and downs. “Anyone” previously appeared on Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2020.

5. John Legend, “Actions”

“Actions” • Sony • 2020

“La-da-da-da-da, here I go again / With another love song that I wasted / Just another love run out of patience…” John Legend simply oozes with soul, following up the incredible “Conversations in the Dark” (Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2020) with “Actions”, which do truly speak louder than words ;). “Actions” exemplifies and old-school, retro-soul sound without sounding, well, too old or a total anachronism if that makes sense.

“Actions” is short but incredibly sweet. Produced by Oak, he masterfully captures a classic sound, assisted by two awesome samples: “The Edge” (David McCallum) and “The Next Episode” (Dr. Dre featuring Kurupt, Nate Dogg, and Snoop Dogg). Sure, “The Next Episode” can be characterized as ‘old-school’ hip-hop considering it’s 2020, but regardless, it’s refreshing to hear. The star of the show is John Legend, who, to reiterate, sings like an absolute champ. He never has to force things, sounding naturally compelling, nuanced, and potent. The focus is L-O-V-E, with Legend placing emphasis on showing as opposed to telling. This is best exhibited on the chorus which tweaks/transforms the old saying, actions speak louder than words:

“Actions, speak louder than, speak louder than, speak louder than love songs
The melodies they carry on
Actions, speak louder than, speak louder than, speak louder than love songs
I’ve been doing it all wrong.”

Ultimately, once more, John Legend delivers a surefire winner. “Actions” is well-rounded in every sense of the word. The vocals are elite, the production is classic yet refreshing, and the songwriting is entertaining with the chorus being catchy. Call it what it is, a bop. Totally tickled fancy! “Actions” totally tickled my fancy in March 2020.

6. Niall Horan, “Arms of a Stranger”

Heartbreak Weather • Capitol • 2020

“When I was on my knees in the darkness / Yeah, you’d be there to break my fall / But now, I’m lyin’ so helpless / But somehow, I just still want more.” Sigh, “Arms of a Stranger” ranks among the highlights of Heartbreak Weather, the 2020 sophomore album by Niall Horan. Here, Horan realizes his relationship is over and done with, but he’s still coping, trying to figure out his next, meaningful move. Clearly, you realize why “Arms of a Stranger” previously appeared on 11 Totally Relatable Songs About Exes…

The emphasis is on ‘meaningful’ as Niall doesn’t feel the same way about the ‘strangers’ he’s associating with in order to move on from ‘true love.’ Clearly, he was dedicated to his ex, so much so that on the first verse he asks, “If we’re not gonna do this honestly / Baby, won’t you give me back what you took apart?” Horan’s pain is authentic on the epic chorus, as he sings vulnerably, “You left me with nothing / Now I’m lyin’ in the arms of a stranger / But why do I think of you?” Sigh, it feels so wrong for listeners to be ‘tickled fancy’ by Horan’s pain – oh, the schadenfreude! Besides gracing those ‘exes songs,’ “Arms of a Stranger” made an even earlier appearance: 11 Stranger Songs Totally Worth Spinning. Understandable, right? Right!

7. The Amity Affliction, “Aloneliness”

Everyone Loves You… Once You Leave Them • Pure Noise • 2020

“You tie the knot, I’ll start the fire / Here’s to loneliness, my friend.” Thank you, Ahren Stringer… so… um… uplifting. When your band’s name is The Amity Affliction, empowering or uplifting are some of the last words that come to mind in all honesty. The lyrics excerpted from the chorus of the brief “Aloneliness” kind of affirm that. Even so, the band manages to deliver a ‘happy’ ode to loneliness on the highlight from their 2020 album, Everyone Loves You… Once You Leave Them. Quite a pessimistic but honest album title.

On “Aloneliness,” it is Ahren Stringer (clean vocals) who handles the majority of the vocal duties. No worries though – Joel Birch plays a key role as well. That said, most of the vocals are generally cleaner on this particular record, including Birch’s gritty delivery. It’s actually an interesting dynamic, given the pessimistic vibes. “Aloneliness” manages to be aggressive and energetic (guitars remain ripe, drums pummel) while opting for a major key and a sense of optimism. Go figure. “Aloneliness” previously appeared on the lonely 11 Solitary Songs That Are Totally Alone.

8. The Strokes, “The Adults Are Talking”

The New Abnormal • RCA • 2020

“The Adults Are Talking” is the quick, energetic, and potent opener from The New Abnormal, the long-awaited, sixth studio album by The Strokes. Just how long did fans have to wait for The New Abnormal? Seven damn years, sigh. Worth mentioning, “The Adults are Talking was featured on Mad Monday No. 4 in Weekly Gems No. 4: Week of 4-20-2020 (Might as well use this as a promotional opportunity – check that out if you haven’t).

To reiterate, “The Adults Are Talking” is quick, energetic, and incredibly potent. This indie-rock record possesses a fun, danceable sensibility. Julian Casablancas gives a muted, even-keel vocal performance for the most part, ascending into a sweet falsetto within the final two minutes. Don’t let this deceive about its MAD implications. The performance makes sense, given the messaging – the inability for a subordinate’s voice to be heard.

“They will blame us, crucify and shame us
We can’t help it if we are a problem
We are tryin’ hard to get your attention
I’m climbin’ up your wall.”

Besides the social and political aspects of “The Adults Are Talking,” there are also references to a relationship, which is pretty intriguing.

9. The Weeknd, “Alone Again”

After Hours • Republic • 2020

After more than a three-year-hiatus between full-length projects, three-time, Grammy-winning R&B artist The Weeknd returned in 2020 with his fourth studio album, After Hours. Prior to its release, Abel Tesfaye released three compelling singles (“Heartless”, “Blinding Lights”, and the title track), all of which prefaced what would end up being a truly intriguing, notably featureless fourth LP. With his second entry on ‘A’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, The Weeknd entertains us with “Alone Again.”

“Take off my disguise / I’m living someone else’s life / Suppressing who I was inside…” “Alone Again,” the opener from After Hours, sets the tone, commencing in incredibly moody, enigmatic fashion. Clearly, narratively, The Weeknd is in a compromised state, a combination of loneliness (“I don’t know if I can be alone again / I don’t know if I can sleep alone again”) and drug use (“Check my pulse for second time / I took too much, I don’t wanna die”). Excess is key here, as he’s willing to pay for sex to atone for loneliness and overdosing on drugs. His loneliness is clearly pronounced. Like “Aloneliness” by The Amity Affliction, “Alone Again” previously appeared on the lonely 11 Solitary Songs That Are Totally Alone.

10. Sara Bareilles, “Armor”

Amidst the Chaos • Epic • 2019

“Let it begin / Let Adam in / Step one / Original sin… / Can I ask a question / To present day / How the hell did Eve end up with all the damn blame?” The main reason why “Armor”, a highlight from the 2019 Sara Bareilles album, Amidst the Chaos, makes an appearance on this religion-associated playlist is the aforementioned lyrical excerpt. Bareilles references the original sin from the Garden of Eden, referenced in Genesis 3. From Bareilles’ perspective, Eve gets the short end of the stick in regard to blame for being tossed out of the Garden of Eden.

For some background, here’s an excerpt, specifically Genesis 3:4-6 (Common English Bible):

⁴The snake said to the woman, “You won’t die! ⁵God knows that on the day you eat from it, you will see clearly and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” ⁶ The woman saw that the tree was beautiful with delicious food and that the tree would provide wisdom, so she took some of its fruit and ate it, and also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Later, as the story goes, God gets angry, and Adam blames Eve who then blames the snake and all are punished (Genesis 12-13; 16):

¹²The man said, “The woman you gave me, she gave me some fruit^[^c^] from the tree, and I ate.” ¹³The Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?!” And the woman said, “The snake tricked me, and I ate.” ¹⁶To the woman he said, “I will make your pregnancy very painful; in pain you will bear children. You will desire your husband, but he will rule over you.”

The outcome sucks of course. Focusing more on the record itself, in the context of Amidst the Chaos, “Armor” provides contrast, keeping things quite interesting. Prominent Left hand, bassy piano (performed by Bareilles herself) adds some bite to this girl-power anthem, where she asserts at one point, “You think I am high and mighty, mister? / Wait till you meet my little sister.” Lyrically, speaks about the power of women, even in the midst of disadvantage. The ‘little sister’ line in particular suggests that women will only have a stronger voice in the future. “Armor” previously appeared on 15 Songs That Reference Things Associated with Religion and 13 Songs That Are Biblical – Sort of.

11. Martin Garrix, “Animals”

“Animals” • Spinnin / Silent / Republic • 2016

We’ll keep it short and sweet for this one and let the music speak for itself. Dutch EDM wunderkind Martin Garrix delivered the thrilling “Animals” in 2016. This energetic, mostly instrumental gem is set in a minor key, yet still bursts with brightness in light of its dark key.

What makes “Animals” so great is Garrix’s colorful variety of synths, pummeling drum programming (sick beats), and thoughtful musical contrasts throughout the course of the record. As aforementioned, this is ‘mostly-instrumental’ only because there are a few vocals that actually play more of an instrumental/sound effects role. “Animals” previously appeared on 11 Totally Animalistic Songs.

12. Bring Me the Horizon, “Avalanche”

That’s the Spirit • Sony Music Entertainment • 2015

“It’s like an avalanche, I feel myself go under / ‘Cause the weight of it’s like hands around my neck,” Bring Me the Horizon frontman Oli Sykes sings on the chorus of “Avalanche.” He continues on the gigantic chorus of the seventh track from That’s the Spirit (2015): “I never stood a chance; my heart was frozen over / An’ I feel like I am treadin’ on thin ice.” The lyrics of the record are associated an avalanche, “a rapid flow of snow down a hill or mountainside” (National Snow & Ice Data Center). As stated on 11 Colorful Songs That Reference Devastating Disasters – the previous appearance of the song – CAIC (Colorado Avalanche Information Center) maintains the database of avalanche deaths in the United States. Definitely sad data.

Refocusing on the record itself, Oli Sykes is clearly in a bad place, evidenced by the ‘chronic’ nature of the lyrics. “And no, it’s not a phase, ‘cause it happens all the times,” he sings on the first verse, while he’s seeking a cure – “an antidote” – on the second verse. The thing is, why would Oli Sykes be looking for a ‘cure’ for an avalanche? That seems like the incorrect terminology. Well, that’s because he’s NOT talking actually talking about a literal avalanche on this ‘A’ song selected with no rhyme or reason. Instead, he’s referencing his condition, ADHD.

“I need a cure for me, ‘cause a square doesn’t fit the circle
Give me a remedy, ‘cause my head wasn’t wired for this world.”

13. Maroon 5, “Animals”

V • Interscope • 2014

“Baby, I’m preying on you tonight / Hunt you down, eat you alive / Just like animals, animals, like animals-mals…” Hmm, wonder what this one’s about? “Animals,” a controversial hit single by Maroon 5, drew its fair share of criticism for its music video that “confuses violence and love”, according to Charlotte Alter (Time). Yes, the music video is sketchy as a four-letter word, involving butchery, sex, stalking, but the lyrics can also be considered sketchy as well.

The song is utterly catchy, but like the video, the lyrics send a potentially ‘animalistic’, bad message.

“…Maybe you think that you can hide
I can smell your scent from miles
Just like animals, animals, like animals-mals
Baby, I’m…”

That said, this song all about ‘doin’ it’ wouldn’t be the first time Adam Levine and company had a song where the lust was turned TF up. One of my favorites by the band, “This Love” (Songs About Jane, 2002) was pretty intense, particularly the lyric where Levine sings, “I tried my best to feed her appetite / Keep her coming every night / So hard to keep her satisfied.”

14. Nicki Minaj, “Anaconda”

The Pinkprint • Cash Money • 2014

“Oh my gosh, look at her butt!” Arguably, there’s really not that much privacy when it comes to the bars that Nicki Minaj spits. Sex, and ample doses of it, are a big part of her persona. “Anaconda,” an absolutely filthy song, is the crème de la crème of the rapper’s 2014 album, The Pinkprint.

“My anaconda don’t, my anaconda don’t
My anaconda don’t want none unless you got buns, hun!”

“Anaconda,” which samples the Sir-Mix-a-Lot classic “Baby Got Back”, explores animalistic tendencies in regard to sex. “Anaconda” is chocked-full of sex (understatement) and is one of the horniest records you’ll ever hear. Minaj not only discusses her ‘assets’ and her private parts, but she also discusses his ‘size’ and how the sex goes down:

“This dude named Michael used to ride motorcycles
Dick bigger than a tower, I ain’t talking about Eiffel’s
Real country-ass nigga, let me play with his rifle
Pussy put his ass to sleep, now he calling me Nyquil…
He can tell I ain’t missing no meals
Come through and fuck him in my automobile
Let him eat it with his grills and he tellin’ me to chill…”

“Anaconda” has appeared on numerous playlists: 11 Songs to Channel Your Inner Animal; 11 Totally Animalistic Songs; 15 Songs That Focus on Private Matters; 20 Songs All About ‘Doin’ It’.

15. Prince, “Adore”

Sign ‘O’ the Times • Warner • 1987

“When we be makin’ love / I only hear the sounds / Heavenly angles cryin’ up above / tears of joy pourin’ down on us…” Ah, we conclude ‘A’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason with a Prince classic, “Adore.” “Adore,” previously featured on the commemorative Prince playlist, In Remembrance: 13 Provocative Songs from Prince, ranks among his very best. It definitely has an argument as the crown jewel of Sign ‘O’ the Times from 1987, even with the many hits that grace that album. “Adore” happens to be the sole song on Sign ‘O’ the Times that earns the ‘explicit’ tag. It’s probably due to the fact he drops the f-bomb on the second verse: “They know this is serious / I ain’t fuckin’ just for kicks.” Of course, it’s in a sexual context.

Otherwise, while “Adore” is sensual, it’s certainly classier than some of the records that grace this list.

“From the first moment I saw you
I knew you were the one
That night I had to call you
I was rappin’ ‘till the sun came up
Tellin’ you just how fine you look
In a word, you were sex
All of my cool attitude you took
My body was next…”

Yes, Prince is making love with an “angel.” Even so, there’s actually authenticity where an emotional connection with this woman is concerned. In other words, he balances his inner freak with true, committed love transcendent of physicality.

15 ‘A’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason [Photo Credits: BMG Rights Management, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Cash Money, Epic, Interscope, Island, Listen Back Entertainment, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Republic, Silent, Sony, Sony Latin, Spinnin, The Musical Hype, Warner]

15 ‘A’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on May 5, 2020May 5, 2020