‘15 C Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason’ features Ellie Goulding, Logic, ROSALÍA, Summer Walker, Taylor Swift & The Weeknd.
Ah, fun creating a playlist with limited criteria – freedom feels so free! After dropping G-, P-, S-, L-, R-, A-, N- and T- songs selected with no rhyme or reason (not to mention numbers), it felt totally right to drop another playlist with NO RHYME OR REASON. Keeping things random, the letter of choice for the latest edition just happens to be C, hence, C SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON.
Just as a reminder, the main criteria for C SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON are that the title of the song must begin with the letter ‘C’ OR the word that begins with ‘C’ must be the first word of note. C SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON features music courtesy of Ellie Goulding, Logic, ROSALÍA, Summer Walker, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd among others. Without further ado, join into this random C-song list which has NO RHYME OR REASON!
1. Juice WRLD & Marshmello, “Come & Go”
Legends Never Die • Grade A Productions / Interscope • 2020
“I don’t wanna ruin this one / This type of love don’t always come and go.” “Come & Go” marks the second Marshmello collaboration on Legends Never Die, the posthumous album by Juice WRLD. One of the crème de la crème moments, “Come & Go” packs punch, while also embracing the introspective vibes the rapper was well known for. From a production standpoint, Marshmello definitely gets more of his flex on, showing his incredible abilities as a producer. As for Juice, well, he sounds damn good – truly a beast. What more needs to be said? RIP Juice.
“Guess I got it all wrong all along, my fault My mistakes probably wipe all the rights I’ve done Sayin’ goodbye to bygones, those are bygones Head up, baby, stay strong, we gon’ live long.”
“Come & Go” previously appeared on the playlist, Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: July 2020.
2. Taylor Swift, “cardigan”
Folklore • Taylor Swift • 2020
“And when I felt like I was an old cardigan / Under someone’s bed / You put me on and said I was your favorite.” Folklore is the very best Taylor Swift to date– 💯. One of the best songs from the surprise album is “cardigan,” the promo single.
Following the marvelous opening statement (“the 1”), “cardigan” keeps the momentum afloat on folklore. Love plays a pivotal role as Swift (her character) explores the beauty of what ends up being long lost [teen] love. Even though she felt unworthy, he made her feel extra special. Losing him stings, something she explores on the emotional third verse. That said, this “new shit” that Taylor Swift is on (per “the 1”) proves to be pretty awesome.
3. Drake, “Chicago Freestyle”
Ft. Giveon
Dark Lane Demo Tapes • OVO / Republic • 2020
“Chicago Freestyle” gives Dark Lane Demo Tapes a third consecutive standout. Dark Lane Demo Tapes, of course, arrived as a second mixtape from rapper/singer Drake post-Scorpion (2018). After making previous appearances on 11 Songs Where Free 🆓 is Key 🔑 and FREE 🆓 3.0, “Chicago Freestyle” reappears on 15 C SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON. Why? Well, the first word of its title starts with a C – duh!
The subtle, moody “Chicago Freestyle” features a memorable, low-key chorus by Giveon. Giveon creates a vibe, something that’s been key to Drizzy’s music for a minute!
“Windy city, she blowin’ me kisses, no Thirty degrees, way too cold, so hold me tight Will I see you at the show tonight?”
Drake packs more punch than Giveon, but even so, he doesn’t ‘slaughter’ with biting rhymes. Again, it’s about vibe, so he’s more calm, cool, and collected. That’s fine; he’s a grown-ass man who’s free to do whatever TF he wants to!
4. Megan Thee Stallion, “Captain Hook”
Suga • 300 Entertainment • 2020
“Dance on the dick, now, you been served / I like a dick with a little bit of curve / Hit this pussy with an uppercut / Call that nigga Captain Hook.” WOW! “Captain Hook” is a sexed-up, unapologetic gem from Suga, the 2020 EP by rapper Megan Thee Stallion. On “Captain Hook,” Megan Thee Stallion is bold and fierce AF. Consider the aforementioned lyrics as Exhibit A – an exemplification of naughty, X-rated-ness.
“Captain Hook,” which appeared as Steamy Saturday from Weekly Gems No. 2, isn’t the least bit transcendent, considering Megan’s mind is on a joystick and clearly, the game she seeks filled with pleasure. She doesn’t stop there, mind you, whether her and a “bi chick… [are] just trying shit” (experimentation) or her desire for “Mr. Clean, make that pussy beam.” “Captain Hook” is a banger, albeit it an absolutely, filthy one.
5. The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
Beauty Behind the Madness • Republic • 2015
“I can’t feel my face when I’m with you / but I love it, but I love it.” For some reason, many listeners mistake the former no. 1 hit as a love song. That’s just not the case when it comes to the hella-infectious, “Can’t Feel My Face,” by Grammy-winning R&B artist, The Weeknd.
The standout from Beauty Behind the Madness dabbles in a topic which The Weeknd has tackled many times throughout his career – drugs.
“And I know she’ll be the death of me At least we’ll both be numb And she’ll always get the best of me The worst is yet to come.”
Interestingly, The Weeknd speaks on the misconception of “Can’t Feel My Face” in another standout song, “Reminder” from Starboy (2016):
“I just won a new award for a kids show Talking ‘bout a face numbing off a bag a blow I’m like goddamn bitch I am not a Teen choice Goddamn bitch I am not a bleach boy.”
“Can’t Feel My Face” previously appeared on a number of different playlists, including 13 Songs that Focus on the Face and Emotional Songs Where It’s All About the Feel, Vol. 1.
6. Summer Walker & Usher, “Come Through”
Over It • Interscope • 2019
“Come Thru” marks the second collaboration of Over It, the debut studio album by R&B singer Summer Walker. On “Come Thru,” Walker enlists R&B royalty – Grammy winner Usher. Notably, Over It possesses plenty of 90s R&B nostalgia, propelled by samples. The 90s roar once more on “Come Thru,” courtesy sampling Usher’s 1997 classic, “You Make Me Wanna…” (My Way) sampled.
While Usher is sampled, he also exclusively appears on the second verse. It’s not all sample! So, what’s the modus operandi for Summer? A potential sexual reconnection between exes, sigh.
“You make me wanna come through Quarter after two Just to put it down on you.”
7. Logic, “Celebration”
No Pressure • Def Jam • 2020
“Ayy, it’s a celebration, bitches / Came a long way from bus stops and washing dishes / From rags to bitches / Stovetop to Mastro’s, man, this shit is delicious.” For Logic, the pressure is off, or so the title of his purported final studio album, No Pressure (2020), informs us. If No Pressure is indeed the last we hear from Bobby, as a musician, then it is a fitting closing. One of the best songs from the album is “Celebration,” the fourth track.
“Celebration” features three verses. Two of those verses – the first and third – belong to Logic, while the second comes courtesy of rapper Silas. Silas gets a full verse, but concludes his bars mid-phrase, allowing Logic to segue into a briefer third verse. The transition is pretty smooth mind you and definitely a cool effect. Indeed a ‘celebration,’ the record is a flex-fest in just about every way, including agile, exuberant rhymes, and sample-laden, old-school production (No I.D and Logic).
8. Ellie Goulding & Diplo, “Close to Me”
Ft. Swae Lee
Brightest Blue • Interscope • 2020
Following a five-year hiatus, Grammy-nominated British pop artist Ellie Goulding made a compelling comeback with her fourth studio album, Brightest Blue. Unfortunately, folks in the United States totally slept on this totally worthwhile LP – sad! On “Close to Me”, which appears on the EG.0 portion of the album, Ellie and Diplo bring the ever mellow Swae Lee along for the ride.
“Close to Me” benefits from its soundness overall. The production, a pro is collaboration between Diplo and a team: Ilya, Alvaro, and Will Grands (Bas van Daalen) – LIT 🔥. Also ‘lit’ are the vocals with Goulding being automatic while Lee brings his own brand of uniqueness on the second verse. As smooth and suave as he can be, he’s a bit edgier in this setting: “I had to cut my bitch off, she bein’ stubborn / I make it known I fuck with you, not undercover.” Damn! The chorus, of course, serves as the centerpiece.
“And I don’t wanna be somebody without your body Close to me And if it wasn’t you, I wouldn't want anybody Close to me ‘Cause I’m an animal, animal-al like Animal like you And I don’t wanna be somebody without your body Close to me.”
9. Conan Gray, “Comfort Crowd”
Kid Krow • Republic • 2020
“The hurt that I’m holding’s gettin’ heavy / But I’ma keep a smile on my shoulders ‘til I’m sweaty…” Conan Gray commences his debut album, Kid Krow thoughtfully with “Comfort Crowd.” “Comfort Crowd” is a relatable record where the lonely protagonist simply needs friends and friendship. He needs a ‘comfort crowd,’ sigh. Don’t we all Conan, don’t we all!
After lying and saying, “‘I’m fine, I don’t really need nobody,’” on the chorus, he expresses the truth: “I just needed company now / Yeah, I just need someone around…” Gray sings beautifully, approaching the record with a calm, cool, and collected approach. Ultimately, “Comfort Crowd” is a ‘C’ Song you don’t want to sleep on – it’s quite successful.
10. Dua Lipa, “Cool”
Future Nostalgia • Warner • 2020
Following up the electric “Don’t Start Now”, the crowning achievement of Future Nostalgia, is no easy task. Grammy-winning pop artist Dua Lipa does a bang-up job with “Cool,” another memorable, well-rounded record. All the ingredients that made “Future Nostalgia” and “Don’t Start Now” elite remain intact on “Cool.”
Stuart Price and TMS give Dua Lipa a colorful backdrop to work with, incorporating the best of pop of old as well as that ‘futuristic’ script. Most notably, she has the personality and pipes to construct a terrific performance. Once again, the chorus ranks among the biggest selling points – catchy and energetic AF.
“Got me losin’ all my cool ‘Cause I'm burnin’ up on you In control of what I do And I love the way you move We’ll get the heat and the thrill Gives you more than any pill Never runnin’ out of juice When it’s only me and you You got me, you got me losin’ all my cool I guess we’re ready for the summer.”
11. Harry Styles, “Cherry” 🍒
Fine Line • Columbia • 2019
“Cherry” 🍒 appears as the fifth track on Fine Line, the successful sophomore album by Harry Styles. The record embraces a Brit-pop, retro pop/rock sound, a good sound for Styles. Two albums in, Harry continues to incorporate pop/rock musical styles of the past that are quite older than he is.
“Cherry” is another lovely, thoughtful record, all said and done. Specifically, its written about an ex-girlfriend. Styles sings on the chorus, “Don’t you call him ‘baby’ / We’re not talking lately,” continuing, “Don’t you call him what you used to call me.” Matters of the heart is always perfect fuel for the fire of a great record, sigh.
12. Doja Cat, “Cyber Sex”
Hot Pink • Kemosabe / RCA • 2019
In 2019, Amala Zandile Dlamini – better known as Doja Cat – returned with her sophomore album, Hot Pink. A defining characteristic of Hot Pink? Sex, sex, and more sex! Would you expect any less from the “Go to Town” hit maker?
Doja Cat commences Hot Pink unapologetically with the ‘C’ song, “Cyber Sex.” Throughout the course of the relatively brief number, the sex is amplified to the nth degree. A prime example:
“Pussy all pink with a tan And I play with it ‘til my middle fingers are cramped up.”
My, my, my. In regard to the performance, she balances rapping and singing, making her point loud and clear.
13. Post Malone, “Circles”
Hollywood’s Bleeding • Republic • 2019
“Seasons change and our love went cold / Feed the flame ‘cause we can’t let go / Run away, but we’re running in circles / Run away, run. Away.” “Circles” sounded starkly different from the previous advance singles released in advance of Hollywood’s Bleeding, the third studio album by Post Malone. Here, Post Malone opts for a more pop-centric direction, one that makes the record sound mostly, if not completely, removed from hip-hop.
There is no rapping from PM whatsoever, only singing, intact with that ever-unique vibrato. As a pop song, “Circles” is pleasant, quite sunny in sound, and respectable. It’s not surprising that it’s experienced the pop success that it has, reaching no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The theme is about the ever familiar, relatable topic of love, specifically, fading love. Ah, those “seasons [do indeed] change.” “Circles” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Circular Songs Sure to Keep You Goin ‘Round in Circles.
14. ROSALÍA & J Balvin, “Con Altura”
Ft. El Guincho
“Con Altura” • Columbia • 2019
Spanish standout ROSALÍA became a Grammy winner at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards – you go girl! In 2019, she released one of the best songs of the year, the infectious gem, “Con Altura,” alongside Colombian artist, J Balvin. The pair also enlisted Spanish musician El Guincho, who performs on the chorus and produces alongside ROSALÍA and Frank Dukes.
There’s lots to love about “Con Altura.” First and foremost, this is a Latin pop/ reggaeton record that’s infectious AF, period. The production is sleek, with the beat being the defining feature. The minute that groove kicks in, one senses “Con Altura” is nothing short of a gem. Furthermore, the performers bring attitude, particularly ROSALÍA who is nothing short of a star. Her voice is fierce to the nth degree. Of course, J Balvin shines as well, but we all know who’s the star… Without going in too deep, what does “Con Altura” mean? According to the Genius verified video for this bop, ROSALÍA asserts, “I believe that ‘Con Altura’ is like saying, ‘I do it hard, I do it strong, I do it at this level…” She does it strong by all means!
15. $uicideBoy$, “Carrollton”
I Want to Die in New Orleans • G*59 • 2018
After releasing numerous projects, cousin rap-duo $uicideBoy$ (Scott Arceneaux, Jr. and Aristos Pertrou) released their debut album, I Want to Die in New Orleans, in 2018. One of the highlights from the project is hard-nosed banger “Carrollton” where both exhibit an ‘IDGAF’ attitude. “Carrollton” features sick production work – bass-heavy 808s and the sound of utter, minor-key maliciousness. Lil Cut Throat (aka $crim aka Arceneaux, Jr.) raps the first verse, setting the tone by initially performing in a low-key, yet grimy fashion, before becoming totally amped-up.
His rhymes are tough-minded and unapologetic to the nth degree:
“Smoke leaking from the sticky that we smoking, boy Fuck a backwood, Swisher’s what I used boy Smoke what I choose, do what I wanna do Mother-fuck you and your punk friends too.”
Ruby da Cherry (Pertrou) blesses the second verse, beginning more low-key, before getting totally wild. His own colorful verse closes as follows:
“‘I don’t give a fuck’ is my fucking epithet Lace up my Nike Decades, meet me at Heaven’s Gates 7th Ward by the lake ‘till my death.”
#BANGER!
15 C Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason [Photo Credits: 300 Entertainment, Brent Faulkner, Columbia, Def Jam, G*59, Grade A Productions, Interscope, Kemosabe, OVO, RCA, Republic, Taylor Swift, The Musical Hype, Unsplash, Warner]