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A
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
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
“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
“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
“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
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
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
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
“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
For some background, here’s an excerpt, specifically Genesis 3:4-6 (Common English Bible):
4 The snake said to the woman, “You won’t die! 5 God 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):
12 The man said, “The woman you gave me, she gave me some fruit[c] from the tree, and I ate.” 13 The Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?!” And the woman said, “The snake tricked me, and I ate.” 16 To 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
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
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
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
“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
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]
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