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“15 Gems from One Never-ending ‘Never’ List of Songs” features music from artists including Camila Cabello, Flume, Hayley Kiyoko, Rich Homie Quan, and The Weekend.

If you’ve never heard a song that features the adverb never, then something’s wrong.  That’s not insult, it’s just simply an inescapable part of numerous song titles.  After assembling a gargantuan, never-ending playlist of never songs, I chose 15 to highlight on this playlist.  This list focuses on the 10s, so even poor Jaheim is left out the mix with his 2007 hit, “Never”. Still, 15 Gems from One Never-ending ‘Never’ List of Songs features music from artists including Camila Cabello, Flume, Hayley Kiyoko, Rich Homie Quan, and The Weekend

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1. Camila Cabello, “Never Be the Same”

Writers: Adam Feeney, Camila Cabello, Jacob Ludwig Olofsson, Leon Rami Dawod, Noonie Bao & Sasha Yatchenko « Producer: Frank Dukes

Camila • Epic • 2018

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Hard drums anchor “Never Be the Same”, the opening song from Camila, the debut studio album from former Fifth Harmony member, Camila Cabello.  On the verses, Cabello never pushes her voice much. Her stunning falsetto shows up, in all its sexiness and sweetness, beginning on the pre-chorus. She exhibits the most vocal oomph during the high-flying chorus.

“It’s you babe / And I’m a sucker for the way that you move, babe / And I could try to run, but it would be useless / You’re to blame / Just one hit of you, I knew I’ll never be the same.”

Although somewhat casual, “Never Be the Same” is a solid start to Camila, as well as a solid start to this playlist.

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2. The Weeknd, “I Was Never There”

Ft. Gesaffelstein

Writers: Abel Tesfaye, Adam Feeney & Mike Levy « Producers: Frank Dukes & Gesaffelstein

My Dear Melancholy, (EP) • Republic • 2018

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“I Was Never There” serves as the fourth track on the surprise 2018 The Weeknd project, My Dear Melancholy, (EP).  The Weeknd brings French DJ and producer Gesaffelstein into the fold.  The sound of the record is incredible, retaining the dark tilt established from the start of the EP as a whole. Lyrically, there’s ample repetition, with the heartbroken, melancholic singer emphasizing the pain.  Despite lyrical limitations, “I Was Never There” is the lengthiest record of the set.  Even so, there’s a well-executed, tasty production shift, and continual expressiveness courtesy of the distinctly-voiced singer.

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3. Rich Homie Quan, “Never Fold”

Writers: Dequantes Lamar, Lamont Porter & Samuel Gloade « Producer: 30Roc

Rich as in Spirit • RAIS / Motown • 2018

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“For all the money in the world, wouldn’t sign my soul.” That’s certainly great to know Rich Homie Quan.  The 28-year old Atlanta rapper released his debut album, Rich as in Spirit on March 18, 2018.  “Never Fold” serves as the sixth track on the album.  It finds the rapper showing incredible resolve and strength, unwilling to give up, let alone sell his soul for money.    

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4. Stone Temple Pilots, “Never Enough”

Writers: D. DeLeo, E. Kretz, J. Gutt & R. DeLeo « Producers: Stone Temple Pilots

Stone Temple Pilots (2018) • Rhino • 2018

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“No, it’s never enough

You hide it away

Where no one can touch.”

Grunge band Stone Temple Pilots returned in 2018 with a new self-titled album (designated with a year not to confused with their 2010 album).  Notably Stone Temple Pilots (2018) arrives after the death of former lead vocalist Scott Weiland, who appeared on the band’s previous six albums. Jeff Gutt began handling lead vocal duties in 2017.  “Never Enough” finds Gutt exhibiting anger and resentment.

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“Now you tell me

That you can do better

But we both know you can’t

‘Cause you’ll never

Put away your anarchy

‘Cause we both know

That you’re no good for me.”

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5. Jack Antonoff & MØ, “Never Fall in Love”

Writers: Jack Antonoff & Karen Marie Ørsted « Producer: Jack Antonoff

Love, Simon (OMPS) • RCA • 2018

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Jack Antonoff is “kind of a big deal” in general. Specifically, he’s “kind of a big deal” on the soundtrack for the 2018 film, Love, Simon. Laying claim to several songs from the soundtrack, “Never Fall in Love” is credited to himandSwedish artist MØ.  “Never Fall in Love” is a fun record that contrasts the two solo Antonoff records that precede it on the soundtrack.  Notably, there’s a key change, quite old-fashioned in 2018, but a staple of 80s music, an era that highly influences Antonoff.

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6. Ruben Studdard, “Never Too Much”

Ruben Sings Luther • Seg Events • 2018

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“Never Too Much” is by far the oldest song on this playlist. Luther Vandross recorded and released the staple back in 1981 on his Epic debut, Never Too Much.  American Idol season two winner Ruben Studdard was often compared to the late, great R&B artist, thanks in particular to a stunning cover of Vandross’ cover of The Carpenters’ “Superstar.” On his quietly released 2018 album, Ruben Sings Luther, Studdard does just that – covers Luther Vandross classics. Among them is arguably the crowning achievement, “Never Too Much.”

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7. Jim Jones, “Never Did 3 Quarters”

Producer: The Heatmakerz

Wasted Talent • Vamplife / EMPIRE • 2018

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Jim Jones has sadly never received his just due as a rapper. Arguably, Dipset has been an extremely underrated, underappreciated hip-hop collective in its own right.  Despite flying under the radar, Jones quietly released a new studio album in 2018 entitled Wasted Talent.  We are more than happy to give Jones some love.  He has a song that qualifies for this NEVER-driven list, “Never Did 3 Quarters.”  Those familiar with Jones will hear that his unique flow and ad-libs are fully intact after years in the game.

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8. Hayley Kiyoko, “He’ll Never Love You (HNLY)”

Writers: Cara Salimando, Cecil Bernardy, Hayley Kiyoko & Jono Dorr « Producers: Hayley Kiyoko & Jono Dorr

Expectations • Atlantic • 2018

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Hayley Kiyoko, also known as “lesbian Jesus,” came out roaring on her debut album, Expectations.  Throughout the course of Expectations, Kiyoko isn’t afraid to speak from a queer perspective. On “He’ll Never Love You (HNLY),” she encourages her ex-girlfriend to come back to her and ditch her boyfriend.  While “He’ll Never Love You” isn’t particularly complex, it does shed light on a relevant bisexual or perhaps even “hetero-curious” situation.

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9. CHVRCHES, “Never Say Die”

Writers: Greg Kurstin, Iain Cook, Lauren Mayberry & Martin Doherty « Producer: Greg Kurstin

Love is Dead • Glassnote • 2018

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Alternative trio CHVRCHES are back with “Never Say Die”, the third advanced single from their 2018 album, Love is Dead. Lauren Mayberry serves up clear, effectives vocals on the verses, sans frills. She elevates her game on the dynamic pre-chorus and chorus sections.  Alongside her burgeoning assertiveness, the production grows as well.  The biggest selling point of “Never Say Die” is its exuberance. Set in a major key, this is an alluring, bright, energetic cut.

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10. Bishop Briggs, “Never Tear Us Apart”

Writers: Andrew Farriss & Michael Hutchence « Producer: Hybrid

Fifty Shades Freed • Republic • 2018

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A second soundtrack cut makes its way on this list that is fueled by its never-ness, or something along those lines. Rising alternative artist Bishop Briggs gives the 1987 INXS gem, “Never Tear Us Apart”, new life on the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack. Legendary INXS frontman Michael Hutchence possessed a slightly lighter vocal tone compared to Briggs’. Other contrasts include a different key and slightly slower tempo. Briggs showcases her robust, expressive, and powerful vocals.  From start to finish, she exhibits supreme command of this record.

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11. Jhené Aiko, “Never Call Me”

Ft. Kurupt

Writers: Adam Feeney, Bejamin Levin, Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo & Magnus Hoiberg « Producer:Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat & Frank Dukes

Trip • Def Jam • 2017

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Jhené Aiko possesses one of the smoother, softer voices in the urban contemporary game. Regardless, she’s proven time and time again that she’s tough and unapologetic regardless. “Never Call Me” finds Aiko keeping things relatively cool, yet gritty at the same time with her rhythmic vocal flow, not to mention the profanity and straight talk.

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12. Circa Survive, “Never Tell a Soul”

Writers: Antony Green, Brenden Ekstrom, Colin Frangicetto, Nick Beard, Steve Clifford & Will Yip

The Amulet • Hopeless • 2017

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“We don’t pray ‘cause we don’t give a shit.” Wow, okay then.  Anyways, following a three-year hiatus, Anthony Green and post-hardcore band Circa Survive returned with a new album in 2017, The Amulet.  Among the highlights from the album, “Never Tell a Soul,” earns a spot on this playlist, for reasons NEVER to be revealed.  In addition to the heretical aforementioned excerpt, the lyrics are dramatic, such as “Amputate the legs of all the non-believers.”  Listen and look it up – it’s there.

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13. Brand New, “Could Never Be Heaven”

Science Fiction • Procrastinate! Music Traitors • 2017

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Brand New made a comeback in 2017, self-releasing their new album, Science Fiction. The song at hand, “Could Never Be Heaven,” appeared on a previous playlist, Religiously Skeptical Gems 2.0. Perhaps “Could Never Be Heaven” isn’t the boldest denouncement of religion or God, but there’s clear skepticism. Frontman Jesse Lacey sings:

“The whale is well-rehearsed

Swimming in circles in the church

A cardinal fish says, ‘God is dead’

The whale sales, ‘Get out of my head…’”

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14. Halsey, “Now or Never”

Writers: Benny Blanco, Brittany Talia Hazzard, Halsey, Magnus August Hoiberg & Nathan Perez « Producers: Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat & Happy Perez

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom • Astralwerks • 2017

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On “Now or Never”, Halsey is firmly planted in pop (there’s a debate just how alternative she is artistically). Anyways, on “Now or Never,” the modus operandiis love versus non-love. She keeps it real, yet simple. From her perspective, her lover is “hot n cold” (*cues up Katy Perry classic*).  “Now or Never” isn’t particularly innovative (or ALTERNATIVE) in its subject matter, production, vocal performance or otherwise, but it’s ultimately enjoyable.

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15. Flume, “Never Be Like You”

Ft. Kai

Skin • Mom+Pop • 2016

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“I try to keep Flume far from the EDM world”. Grammy-winning EDM artist Flume (aka Harley Streten), ultimately wants his music to reach further and transcend “commercial EDM.” Good for him. He definitely delivered ‘the goods’ on his 2016 album, Skin.  The crowning achievement of skin was “Never Be Like You,” featuring Kai. A mix between urban, pop, and electronic cues, Flume masterfully synthesizes all. Kai paints over Flume’s production radiantly, flexing with f-bombs and flaunting her upper register.

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