15 ‘G’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason features songs by Ariana Grande, BROCKHAMPTON, Cattle Decapitation, Lewis Capaldi & Summer Walker.

Sometimes, when ideas run short, you opt for total, utter randomness.  That’s how this particular list came about.  Ultimately, there is ‘no rhyme or reason’ for this latest compilation, in all serious. The main criteria for 15 ‘G’ SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON are the title of the song must begin with the letter ‘G’ OR the word that begins with ‘G’ must be the first word of note. 15 ‘G’ SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON features songs by Ariana Grande (“Ghostin”), BROCKHAMPTON (“Ginger”), Cattle Decapitation (“The Geocide”), Lewis Capaldi (“Grace”) and Summer Walker (“Girls Need Love (Remix)”) among others.  Without further ado, get your ‘G’ on and dig into this playlist, which features lots of ‘G’ songs from 2019.

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1. ROLE MODEL, “gucci chair”

oh, how perfect (EP) • Interscope • 2019

Here’s a name you need to KNOW: Tucker Pillsbury. The singer/songwriter is better known by the name ROLE MODEL.  ROLE MODEL first entered onto my radar with the song, “thank you for coming,” which I used on the playlist 11 Thankful Songs to Show Gratitude For.  The matters he sings about throughout his EP, oh, how perfect, are incredibly honest and relatable. He doesn’t mask or sugarcoat his emotions, offering listeners a clear, unobstructed view into his life, mind, and of course, romantic endeavors and lack thereof.  And since the only requirements for this playlist is there must be a word that begins with a ‘G,’ “gucci chair” is a perfect fit to this ‘no rhyme or reason’ list.

“Gucci chair” certainly commences Oh, how perfect in moody fashion. “Put your hands ‘round my neck / Skin is rough like the sex,” ROLE MODEL sings on the opening lines of verse from “gucci chair.” He continues, “One day I’m a mess / And the next day I’m the best.”  Pillsbury’s candidness and honesty regarding his feelings is one of the selling points.  It also doesn’t hurt that this is a gorgeous ballad, further accentuated by production work (Benjamin Miller) that adds lush strings amplifying the singer’s expressive vocals.

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2. Summer Walker, “Girls Need Love (Remix)”

Ft. Drake

Over It • Interscope • 2019 

R&B artist Summer Walker shines on her highly anticipated debut album, Over It. It should come as no surprise that Over It is dominated by matters of the heart. Among the crème de la crème of the LP is “Girls Need Love (Remix).” Yes, Over It closes with a bang thanks to the record featuring the biggest collaboration, Drake.

As is the case throughout Over It, Summer Walker’s honesty is quite appreciated:

“I just need it now, better swing my way
I just need some dick, I just need some love
Tired of fucking with these lame niggas, baby
I just need a thug.”

As for Drake, like many of Walker’s other male collaborators, he brings the masculine perspective.  One lyric that is a direct response is when he states, “You just need some dick with no complications / You just need some, you just need some / Late night attention, un-condition.” Honestly, “Girls need love, too.”

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3. Cattle Decapitation, “The Geocide”

Death Atlas • Metal Blade • 2019

There is one thing is for sure – death/extreme metal band Cattle Decapitation has a distinct, totally unforgettable name.  Maybe the best way to characterize the name is as disturbing. Regardless, Travis Ryan and company back up the name with an intriguing brand of music that certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.  A few of song titles that stand out from the collective: “Gestation of Smegma”, “Carnal Fecophelia Due to Prolonged Exposure to Methane”, and “Colonic Villus Biopsy Performed on the Gastro-Intestinally Incapable”. Following a four-year hiatus, the Cattle Decapitation returns turned-up on their ninth studio album, Death Atlas. 

Death Atlas explores the Anthropocene, the most recent geological time period.  This particular period is one is highly influenced by humans. Cattle Decapitation certainly are pessimistic regarding it, evidenced by the lyrics, “Fuck the future / Fuck all mankind,” that appears on the brutally honest “The Geocide.” The music is incredibly chaotic and unsettling, certainly a fitting soundtrack for the destruction of earth (see how the future is suspect?).  The guitars are utterly infernal, while the drums pummel to the nth degree.  Adding to this most damned occurrence, Travis Ryan delivers thrilling, incredibly malicious vocals, not to mention the brutally honest, pessimistic lyricism.  The keyword is brutal, as exemplified by the chorus:

“The universe, it always finds a way to purge
The sustainably inappropriate numbers that once surged
Death always wins, his molten torch forever burns
And to the ashes and the ground we are returned
Life exists to infuriate, berate, and subjugate
The hapless mortals shit-birthed on a human-altered planet Earth.”

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4. Lizzo, “Good as Hell (Remix)”

Ft. Ariana Grande

Good as Hell (Remix) [Single] • Nice Life / Atlantic • 2019

“So, girl, if he don’t love you anymore / Then walk your fine ass out the door.” Attitude! Lizzo, who had a tremendous year in 2019, has received buzz from songs recorded in years prior.  This includes her number one hit, “Truth Hurts,” as well as a song from a previous EP, “Good as Hell”.  “Good as Hell” originally appeared on Lizzo’s 2016 EP, Coconut Oil.  Much like the two-year-old “Truth Hurts” (which appears on the deluxe version of Cuz I Love You), “Good as Hell” is a hot commodity, made hotter via a remix featuring Ariana Grande.

The deal is, the original “Good as Hell” is indeed, good as hell.  The vocals from Lizzo are on-point, filled with energy.  The personality she infuses into her performance, coupled with brilliant production work by Ricky Reed makes this a totally infectious, can’t-miss, sub-three-minute gem.  But, adding Ariana Grande, particularly with a degree of control and subtlety, works out well.  Lizzo remains the star, but Grande provides a nice contrast, as she sneaks in on the second half of the second verse.  From there on, the two trade lines or sing together with remarkable results.  By the final chorus, the duet is quite ripe, giving listeners some epic ear candy – or something like that.  Even if you’re a dude, who can resist:

“And do your hair toss, check my nails
Baby, how you feelin’ (Feelin’ good as hell).”

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5. Lewis Capaldi, “Grace”

Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent • Universal Music GmbH • 2019

Scottish artist Lewis Capaldi flaunts expressive, powerful vocals throughout his debut LP, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent.  Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent features a number of memorable songs, including the likes of “Fade”, “Someone You Loved,” and the song at hand, “Grace.” That said, the biggest selling point in regard to the album itself is the incredibly distinct and gifted Capaldi. But, let’s keep the focus on “Grace,” shall we?

“Grace” kicks off the album powerfully, showcasing Capaldi’s marvelous voice.  On the verses, he flaunts his magnificent tone, never growing too riled up. Beginning on the pre-chorus, he debuts his upper register, while he lets loose on the simple but moving chorus:

“Your grace
Your grace
Your grace
Don’t take it away.”

What stands out about the chorus is the sheer beauty of the melody, which, to reiterate, is delivered powerfully.

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6. Lana Del Rey, “The Greatest”

Norman Fucking Rockwell! • Interscope • 2019

Grammy-nominated alternative pop singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey delivered arguably her best album to date with the explicitly titled, sixth studio album, Norman Fucking Rockwell!. Some people adore Lana, while others are mixed.  She’s a truly polarizing musician, yet, possesses quite the distinct, beautiful musical instrument.  Arguably, she’s only improved over the years.  She shines on “The Greatest,” among the crème de la crème of NFR!.

“I want shit to feel just like it used to / When, baby, I was doing nothing’ the most of all.” Ah, “The Greatest” provides some more punch to NFR!, with its spirited guitars and retro-tinged sound. This is one of the late, truly great songs on the album.  Here, Lana Del Rey is reminiscent, missing a past romance (“I miss Long Beach and I miss you, babe”), New York, and rock (“I miss New York and I miss the music / Me and my friends, we miss rock ‘n’ roll”).  The outro is quite scintillating, as Del Rey lists the current happenings, which include forest fires in Los Angeles and Kanye West’s state of mind.

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7. Post Malone, “Goodbyes”

Ft. Young Thug

Hollywood’s Bleeding • Republic • 2019 

“Me and Kurt [Cobain] feel the same, too much pleasure is pain…” Grammy-nominated hip-hop sensation Post Malone has stepped up his artistry as he’s progressed in his career.  His debut album, Stoney (2016) left much to be desired while his sophomore album, Beerbongs & Bentleys (2018) was quite the improvement and filled with hit singles “Rockstar”, “Psycho”, and “Better Now.”  Many of his singles from his third studio album, Hollywood’s Bleeding,  have been certified bops, including “Goodbyes” featuring Young Thug.

“I want you out of my head
I want you out of my bedroom tonight
There’s no way I could save you
‘Cause I need to be saved, too
I’m no good at goodbyes.”

“Goodbyes” is awesomeness exemplified.  Post Malone excels at pop-rap, taking it to another level with his melodic prowess.  His expressiveness shines over the course of two verses here, as well as a fantastic chorus.  Further amplifying the goodness that is “Goodbyes” is brilliant production work that’s dramatic – its rousing and quite decadent ear candy.  Also boding well in Malone’s favor is a respectable narrative, songwriting, and theme. Young Thug should be commended for a sensational collaboration.  He’s often ‘hit or miss’ in my eyes thanks to his idiosyncratic style but he’s perfectly suited here, given his own melodic sensibilities as well as how he contrasts Post.  All in all, Post Malone has a surefire bop on his hands with “Goodbyes.” It checks off all boxes. There’s really little to complain about; it’s a well-rounded, enjoyable offering.

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8. Ariana Grande, “Ghostin”

Thank U, Next • Republic • 2019

“I know that it breaks your heart when I cry again / Over him / I know that it breaks your heart when I cry again / ‘Stead of ghostin’ him.” “Ghostin” is arguably the most innovative record on thank u, next, DEFINITELY the best album by Grammy-winning pop artist, Ariana Grande.  Perhaps “Ghostin” isn’t a ‘game changer’ per se, but up to this point in her career, Grande certainly hasn’t released a ballad that sounds quite like this one.

Her vocals are hella smooth (expected), while the lyrics that she sings are beautiful and thoughtfully penned – “Every tear’s a rain parade from hell.” The longest record on thank u, next (it beats out “Bad Idea” by a couple of seconds), it’s also among the crème de la crème if not the crowning achievement. ILYA and Max Martin outdo themselves on the production, which is radiant to the nth degree – awe-inspiring.

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9. Blake Shelton, “God’s Country”

God’s Country [Single] • Ten Point Productions, Inc. / Warner Bros. • 2019

“The devil went down to Georgia, but he didn’t stick around / This is God’s country.” Veteran country musician Blake Shelton returned with a superb, moving, and powerful hit with “God’s Country”. “God’s Country,” set in a minor key, has a darker, more enigmatic quality compared to many songs that Shelton has released in the past, not to mention the country music that dominates the radio these days.  Perhaps what truly makes “God’s Country” stand out is that it hearkens back to the outlaw sound of old.

Even with vintage vibes tapped, “God’s Country” still sounds fresh, and even incorporates some modern cues within its production to give it that extra oomph.  Where the ‘bread is buttered’ is the songwriting, which features underrated California country singer/songwriter Devin Dawson as a co-writer.  The crowning achievement lyrically comes on the big-time chorus, where Blake Shelton is turned-up and locked-in to the nth degree:

“I saw the light in the sunrise
Sittin’ back in the 40 on the muddy riverside
Gettin’ baptized in holy water and shine
With the dogs runnin’
Saved by the sound of the been found
Dixie whistled in the wind, that’ll get you Heaven bound
The devil went to Georgia, but he didn’t stick around
This is God’s country.”

Shelton deserves ample credit for one of the grittiest performances I’ve personally heard from him.  He perfectly captures the pride he and the citizens have for the United States, as well as the awesomeness of who ultimately created it.

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10. Brittany Howard, “Georgia”

Jaime • Brittany Howard / ATO • 2019

“I just want Georgia to notice me…” Brittany Howard is best known as the front woman to the Grammy-winning, soul-infused, alternative rock collective, Alabama Shakes.  On Jaime, Howard ‘goes solo,’ releasing quite the unique and captivating project.  One of the songs that caught my attention while listening to Jaime was “Georgia”. “Georgia” isn’t necessarily the crowning achievement of Jaime but it’s certainly an attention getter that is quite honest and open.

The aforementioned lyrics, which hail from the chorus, could be interpreted a couple of ways without context.  Perhaps Howard is referencing the state of Georgia, though we all know that she’s from Alabama… Yeah, that doesn’t make sense! The interpretation that is accurate is her attraction to/crush on Georgia, a lady, of course.  She confirms this on the verses, as she opens up about her sexuality essentially.  On the first verse, she sings, “Georgia, see you don’t know it, but / I’m afraid to tell you how I really feel.”  On the second verse, she adds, “And I can’t help the way that I was born to be / I ain’t no little boy.” Then there’s the bridge, where Howard asks, “Is it unnatural? / Georgia, is it cool? / I wanna tell you that I love you…” Add another awesome song to the LGBTQ+ playlist.

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11. Badflower, “Girlfriend”

OK, I’M SICK • Big Machine • 2019

One of the very best records from OK, I’M SICK , the debut album by Los Angeles doesn’t arrive until the 11th track, and it’s a non-single at that! “Girlfriend” is funky to the nth degree, in the most alternative-rock way possible.  Here, frontman Josh Katz makes someone he’s checking out online his ‘girlfriend’ without ever meeting or ultimately, building a relationship.  Perhaps it’s exaggerated for effect, but again, it’s not far-fetched, particularly with the millennials and even younger generations.

There’s an element of hilarity, as well as an element of truth.

“I wanna see you shaking in your boots
Sucking on your fingers to the music I made
So, you could fuck me
It’s a fantasy, probably, but honestly, I can’t shake it…”

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12. Madonna, “God Control”

Madame X • Interscope • 2019 

“God Control”, a lengthy record, continues the experimental vibes that consistently characterize Madame X, the 2019, 14^th studio album by the one-and-only, Madonna.  Madame X was a better-than-expected album from Madonna, despite the off-putting nature of the singles that preceded it.  Mike Wass of Idolator describes this particular point in Madge’s career perfectly: “It’s time to accept that the Queen of Pop’s days of chasing hits are over. She’s now doing whatever the fuck she wants, and it sounds amazing.” “God Control” does end up sounding amazing.

As experimental as “God Control” is, Madonna doesn’t shy away from politically and socially charged, relevant issues. One of the key lyrics is “Get the kids ready, take them to school / Everybody knows they don’t have a chance,” referencing the frequency of school shootings and a lack of gun control/reform.  Beyond the lyrics, the music is spectacular, using a children’s choir, not to mention a colorful, unexpected beat switch.

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13. Raphael Saadiq, “Glory to the Veins”

Ft. Ernest Turner

Jimmy Lee • Columbia • 2019

Eight years.  That’s how long it had been since Grammy-winning R&B musician Raphael Saadiq released a new studio album.  Prior to 2019, Saadiq’s last album arrived in 2011 – Stone Rollin’. The good news is, Saadiq returned with a contemporary masterpiece – a very personal, socially-changed, fifth studio album, Jimmy Lee. Among the best moments from Jimmy Lee is the brief, but potent record, “Glory to the Veins”. 

Raphael Saadiq mentions AIDS hitting close to home on the powerful record, featuring pianist Ernest Turner.  “Glory to the Veins” is set in a minor key, instantly giving it a darker vibe.  Once Saadiq begins singing, it’s clear where he’s going with the song:

“It’s a world epidemic
And the whole world is in it
I lost a brother to AIDS
Still, he laughed every day.”

Following those key lyrics, Saadiq gets a bit more abstract and poetic lyrically, leading to a simple, two-word chorus, “Oh well.” The second verse remains poetic and troublesome; there’s an unsettling vibe. Once more, it’s clear that Saadiq – and/or the character he plays – needs the guidance of a higher power.  He sings:

“…There’s too many people walking behind me
I need you beside me, please come and find me
It’s been so cold, the light could blind me
God help me to find me.”

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14. BROCKHAMPTON, “Ginger”

GINGER • Question Everything, Inc. / RCA • 2019 

“Ginger,” a standout from the album, GINGER (imagine that), is a left field record that’s quite characteristic of BROCKHAMPTON.  That said, there’s interestingly more of a commercial sensibility compared to some of the and’s work – a dash of pop. This is still alternative hip-hop, but the chorus in particular is quite catchy, performed by Kevin Abstract.

“Know you got your own shit, and all of it together
And you know you got your own space right here forever
You know you got your own, know you got your own
Know you got your own, know you, know you got your own…”

Abstract also drops a compelling first verse, with Matt Champion segueing (“Tell me, goddamn, what God made me for? / I don’t even love no more / I don’t even trust no more…”).  Bearface may have the most unique sounding verse (“But I couldn’t lie, you swear and you cry / Your teeth rotting while they fall onto mine…”), with Dom and Bearface contrasting with an interlude.

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15. Ben Platt, “Grow as We Go”

Sing to Me Instead • Atlantic • 2019

“You can ebb and I can flow / And we’ll take it slow / And grow as we go / Grow as we go.” Ben Platt blesses the listeners with his radiant tone on “Grow as We Go”, which appears on his underappreciated debut album, Sing to Me Instead.  If you were unaware, Platt can sing his butt off, period. Platt is an actor, singer, and songwriter, who has appeared in some of the biggest Broadway productions in recent times (The Book of Mormon and Dear Evan Hansen), as well as the Netflix series, The Politician.

On “Grow as We Go,” Platt is accompanied by a relatively simple backdrop for the majority of the song – acoustic guitars, panned respectively to the right and the left.  That’s really all he needs, as his voice is the focal point. In addition to the core production, there are warm, harmonized backing vocals, and occasional moments where the production grows a bit more robust.  Ultimately, the result is a thoughtfully penned, sincere record.

“You won’t be the only one
I am unfinished, I’ve got so much left to learn.”

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G SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON [Photo Credits: Atlantic, ATO, Big Machine, Brent Faulkner, Brittany Howard, Interscope, Metal Blade, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Republic, Ten Point Productions, Inc., Universal Music GmbH, Warner]

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