15 More Songs That Incorporate Virtues (Vol. II) | Playlist

15 More Songs That Incorporate Virtues includes music by Ariana Grande, Carrie Underwood, KIDS SEE GHOSTS, Shawn Mendes, and Travis Scott.

Back on November 21, 2017, The Musical Hype published a playlist entitled 15 Songs that Incorporate Virtues.  When the playlist first arrived, it performed poorly – understatement.  Sometimes, that’s what happens when you write something that you think can make an impact, but might not.  In the case of “15 Songs,” it ended up gaining more steam after the fact, in May 2018 – seven months after it was written.  So, in celebration of the original list becoming one of the more successful playlists, we decided to assemble a second volume, 15 MORE Songs That Incorporate Virtues.

Once again, a variety of virtues are embodied by this playlist, including faith, gratitude, hope, humility, humbleness, and righteousness among numerous others. Musicians helping to fuel the fire on the second volume include Ariana Grande, Carrie Underwood, KIDS SEE GHOSTS (Kanye West and Kid Cudi), Shawn Mendes, and Travis Scott.

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1. Shawn Mendes, “In My Blood”

Shawn Mendes • Island • 2018

Virtues: Confidence; Determination; Fortitude; Resoluteness

“Help me, it’s like the walls are caving in / Sometimes I feel like giving up / But I just can’t / It isn’t in my blood.” Shawn Mendes masterfully exhibits vulnerability, resolve, and soulfulness on the emotionally-driven, and powerful “In My Blood”. From the start, he exhibits his best attribute – his voice.  On the first verse, Mendes shares his struggles: fears, insecurities, and loneliness.  He casually sings portions of this verse in his lower register, amplifying his vulnerability.  The second verse is shorter, but a more melodic. By the pre-chorus/chorus sections, the full scope of his vocal expressiveness is unleashed. The soulful beastliness of his vocals, plus the ad-libs, arrive in their full, youthful glory on the titular lyric, “It isn’t in my blood.”

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2. Ariana Grande, “No Tears Left to Cry”

Sweetener • Republic • 2018

Virtues: Confidence; Courage; Determination; Fortitude; Resoluteness

Ariana Grande made her much-anticipated return in 2018 with “No Tears Left to Cry”, her first single since the Manchester terror attack. “No Tears Left to Cry” begins moderately slowly, feeling initially as if Grande is going to unleash the balladry. Ultimately, that’s not the case.  Following the dramatic, lush, and smoothly sung intro (the eventual chorus), the danceable groove enters into “No Tears Left to Cry.” Grande shows exuberance, singing playfully in her lower register on the verses.  She gradually ascends, hitting her stride – her commanding upper register – on the chorus.  The chorus is catchy, though what truly stands out about it is how uplifting it is.

“Right now, I’m in a state of mind / I wanna be in, like, all the time / Ain’t got no tears left to cry / So, I’m pickin’ it up, pickin’ it up / I’m lovin’, I’m livin’, I’m pickin’ it up / Oh, I just want you to come with me / We on another mentality / Ain’t got no tears left to cry / So, I’m pickin’ it up, pickin’ it up / I’m lovin’, I’m livin’, I’m pickin’ it up.”

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3. Travis Scott, “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD”

ASTROWORLD • Epic • 2018

Virtues: Humility; Humbleness; Obedience

“Stop tryna be God Almighty / F**k the money, never leave your people behind, yeah / It’s never love, no matter what you try.” “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD” definitely ranks among the crème de la crème of ASTROWORLD.  Travis Scott is totally team anti-god-status/anti god-complex, which have been prevalent in the hip-hop community.  At one time, god-status was ‘trending’ in hip-hop music.  It hasn’t disappeared, but rappers have also moved to other things.

Kid Cudi and legendary Earth, Wind & Fire singer Philip Bailey appear on the pre-chorus and chorus (“Hmm, hmm / Stop tryna be God”).  Arguably the best uncredited guest feature (lots on ASTROWORLD) comes courtesy of hip-hop’s ‘it boy,’ James Blake. He sounds fantastic as he sings the inquiring bridge.  “Is it the complex of the saint / That’s keepin’ you so, so still?”  Also, there’s a Stevie Wonder feature (harmonica primarily).

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4. Camila Cabello, “Real Friends”

Camila • Epic • 2018

Virtues: Cooperation; Dependability; Friendliness; Respect; Sensitivity

“I’m just lookin’ for some real friends / All they ever do is let me down / Every time I let somebody in / Then I find out what they are all about.” “Real Friends”, the seventh track from Camila, is an enjoyable, thoughtful, low-key offering from Camila Cabello. The production work is simple, with few frills.  Despite the conservative backdrop, it’s an effective, fitting accompaniment. Vocally, there’s more cooing than an overt, dramatic statement. Cabello sounds beautiful and sincere, but she doesn’t pack a huge punch.  Even so, the message is strong (the power of friendliness, respect, and sensitivity) and vocal harmonization and subtle cues are enough to carry the record.

“I just wanna talk about nothin’ / With somebody that means somethin’ / Spell the names of all our dreams and demons / For the times that I don’t understand.”

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5. Panic! At the Disco, “High Hopes”

Pray for the Wicked • Fueled by Ramen • 2018

Virtues: Ambition; Determination; Hope 

“High Hopes” serves as a highlight from the 2018 Panic! At the Disco album, Pray for the Wicked. The record is incredibly consistent, kicking off with driving brassy, exuberant production work, once more set in a major key. “Have to have high, high hopes for a living / Shooting for the stars when I couldn’t make a killing,” Brendon Urie sings on the optimistic chorus, continuing, “Didn’t have a dime but I always had a vision / Always had high, high hopes.”  Elsewhere, he speaks about destiny, dreams, “rewriting your history,” and being true to self.  Clearly, this is an anthem for dreamers and encouragement for the non-conformists of the world.

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6. Carrie Underwood, “The Champion” (Ft. Ludacris)

Cry Pretty • Capitol Nashville • 2018

Virtues: Ambition; Confidence; Determination; Enthusiasm; Focus; Perseverance; Resoluteness

Grammy-winning country artist Carrie Underwood returned “invincible, unbreakable, unstoppable, unshakable” on the energetic, uplifting pop record, “The Champion”. She doesn’t do it all by herself – she’s assisted by Grammy-winning rapper, Ludacris.  The first thing that listeners will notice is the attitude and grit exhibited vocally. Underwood exhibits utmost feistiness and intensity.  Rather than being smooth, she’s resolute, proven on the epic chorus.

“I am invincible, unbreakable / Unstoppable, unshakeable / They knock me down, I get up again / I am the champion, you’re gon’ know my name / You can’t hurt me now, I can’t feel the pain / I was made for this, yeah, I was born to win / I am the champion.”

Jim Jonsin does a great job with the urban-pop production. Ludacris adds some southern rap on the third verse, keeping things clean, positive, and tasteful.

“The C is for the courage I possess through the trauma

H is for the hurt, but it’s all for the honor

A is for my attitude working through the patience…”

Perhaps the record is a bit sappy, but the good vibes and uplifting, winning message is undeniable.

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7. Jason Mraz, “Love is Still the Answer”

Know. • Atlantic • 2018

Virtues: Love; Prudence; Unity; Zeal

“There’s only one answer that matters / Even if your heart has been shattered / Whatever you want, whatever you are after / Love is still the answer.” “Love is Still the Answer” is the longest song on Know., the sixth studio album by pop singer/songwriter Jason Mraz. Even though Mraz draws things out past the six-minute mark, it’s well worth the time.  As he’s been throughout the course of Know., love seems to be everything to him, as it should be for entirety of the world. “Love is Still the Answer” is a soulful, absolutely beautiful conclusion to the album.

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8. Christina Aguilera, “Fall in Line” (Ft. Demi Lovato)

Liberation • RCA • 2018

Virtues: Ambition; Defiance; Justice; Persistence; Purposefulness; Steadfastness

“Fall in Line”, the third single from Liberation, features a grinding, soulful, six-eight groove, perfect fuel for the fire for Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato. Aguilera gets to work with controlled, but nuanced vocals on the first verse.  The message, aimed towards girls, is pitch-perfect:

“Little girls, listen closely /…in this world, you are not beholden / You do not owe them / Your body and your soul.”

Aguilera’s beastly vocals begin to appear on the pre-chorus, letting her pipes rip on the chorus (joined by Demi Lovato). Lovato takes the lead on the second verse, similarly maintaining composure and poise, before spreading her wings and flying on the chorus.  The true magic occurs throughout when these two join forces, particularly the second and third iterations of the chorus.  Clearly, empowerment is the central message.

 

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9. Stryper, “God Damn Evil”

God Damn Evil • Frontiers • 2018

Virtues: Benevolence; Cleanliness; Faith; Faithfulness; Integrity; Obedience; Piety; Righteousness

“God damn evil / God damn it all / But God save the people / But God damn the walls.” For many Christians, the word goddamn (or god damn) is offensive. Perhaps that’s why it’s a bit surprising that a Christian rock band, Stryper, would be so bold to title their 2018 album God Damn Evil.  Even though the band clearly is anti-evil, anti-sin, and definitely don’t pose the title as taking the Lord’s name in vain, it was enough to dissuade good ole Wally World from carrying the LP.  I could go on a rant about how inconsistent Walmart’s censorship policies and practices are (did back in 2012 actually), but this isn’t about them.

Throughout “God Damn Evil” (has a ring to it, doesn’t it?), frontman Michael Sweet talks about the sinfulness and ungodliness of various things.  “Self-control is all but gone / The weak time after time / Take the bait and break the bond / But never pay the crime.” Pretty ridiculous that the band created such a stir in the name of God damning evil… couldn’t resist.

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10. KIDS SEE GHOSTS, “Freeee (Ghost Town, Pt. 2).”

KIDS SEE GHOSTS • GOOD / Def Jam • 2018

Virtues: Contentment; Gratitude; Thankfulness; Reponsibility

Following a fitting Marcus Garvey sample, Kanye West explodes with a hook of “Freeee (Ghost Town, Pt. 2),” sure to make you giggle the first time you hear it.  It’s a bit dramatic – perhaps even a wee bit outlandish.  Nonetheless, he makes his point crystal clear with honesty.

“I don’t feel pain anymore / Guess what, baby? I feel freeee (scoop!)”

Beyond the chorus, he’s assisted on a left-of-center, yet pleasing verse by fellow KIDS SEE GHOSTS member Kid Cudi, and Ty Dolla $ign.  It’s weird mind you, but Ty’s unique tone is a perfect fit.  Throw in contributions from Anthony Hamilton alongside Ty and things grow even more soulful.  Also, worth noting, Cudi gets his own chorus and bridge to testify: “Died and came back twice / Now I’m freeee.”  This is the continuation of the 070 Shake outro from “Ghost Town,” from the 2018 Kanye West album, Ye.  Both West and Cudi are essentially testifying about getting to a better mental health space.

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11. AJR, “Burn the House Down”

Burn the House Down – Single • BMG Rights Management • 2018

Virtues: Assertiveness; Defiance; Determination; Justice

“Should I hang my head low? / Should I bite my tongue? / Or should I march with every stranger from Twitter to get shit done? / Used to hang my head low / Now I hear it loud / Every stranger from Twitter is gonna burn this down.” It’s safe to say that fire is on the minds of pop trio AJR. The collective, comprised of three brothers, dropped “Burn the House Down” at the end of March 2018.  What’s on the minds of these boys? The current political climate, and igniting the revolution… or something along those lines.

Jack Metzger delivers clear, lovely, easy-going tenor vocals, chocked-full of charm. There are some notable musical cues throughout, including cartoonish, Dixieland brass, accentuating the novel quality of this record.  The chorus is full-blown, gargantuan pop.  This includes hard-hitting drums, as well as incorporating the aforementioned brass.  The music in itself is a sight to behold, or rather, some truly decadent ear candy. The chorus, is incredibly catchy.

“Way up way up we go / Been up and down that road / Way up way up, oh no / We gon’ burn the whole house down / Watch me stand in the line / You’re only serving lies / You’ve got something to hide / We gon’ burn the whole house down / We gon’ burn the whole house down.”

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12. Dierks Bentley, “Woman, Amen”

The Mountain • Capitol Nashville • 2018

Virtues: Caring; Commitment; Devotion; Gratitude; Piety; Sincerity; Thankfulness

“She gives me faith / She gives me grace / She gives me hope / she give me strength.” Dierks Bentley definitely exhibits faith on “Woman, Amen.” The premise of “Woman, Amen” is both paying ode and giving thanks.  Bentley pays ode to his wife (“I need all the cracks in my shattered heart / Cause that’s where her love gets in”) and gives thanks to God (“Every night I should be on my knees… / Thank God for this woman, Amen”). That’s some high character stuff right there!

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13. Daniel Caesar, “Blessed”

Freudian • Golden Child Recordings • 2017

Virtues: Faith; Faithfulness; Gratitude; Righteousness; Thankfulness

“Everywhere that I go, everywhere that I be / If you were not surrounding me with your energy /…Anyplace that I can’t feel you, I just wanna be near you.” The gospel sensibility is deep on “Blessed”, one of many highlights from Daniel Caesar’s Grammy-nominated R&B album, Freudian. Freudian focuses on both romantic and spiritual matters, and “Blessed” is no exception, dealing with Caesar’s relationship with God. In the context of the album, “Blessed” is a natural follow-up to “We Find Love.”  While it pulls things back compared to the preceding number, it doesn’t compromise quality or energy. By the bridge, the spirit is lofty: “And I’m coming back home to you.”

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14. Halestorm, “Amen”

Into the Wild Life • Atlantic • 2015

Virtues: Defiance; Fortitude; Idealism; Justice; Persistence; Resoluteness

“My life / My love / My sex / My drug / My lust / My god, it ain’t no sin / Can I get it? / Can I get an amen?” With the biting, hard-hitting “Amen”, Lzzy Hale and Halestorm is all about having freedom and control over life without any barriers.  In the accompanying music video, that point is illustrated brilliantly, as incredibly disgruntled workers basically say ‘F it’ and refuse to let their lives be controlled and ruined by someone else.

“Someone’s gotta hate / It’s never gonna change / Gets harder everyday / This is one hell of a place / Keep your heart from freezing / To keep yourself believing / But I won’t run / I’m not afraid / I’ll look ‘em in the eye / Gonna hear me say / It’s…”

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15. Trey Pearson, “Love is Love”

Love is Love • Trey Pearson • 2017

Virtues: Defiance; Justice; Idealism; Love; Unity

Trey Pearson, the former frontman of Christian rock band Everyday Sunday, shocked the world when he came out as a gay man in 2016.  Homosexuality is far more widely accepted than it once was, but the Christian/Christian music community is a bit of a different situation.  Unsurprisingly, Pearson exited the band as well as left the Christian rock scene.  According to a Huffington Post article written by Curtis M. Wong, Pearson states:

“When I came out, I lost a lot of people in my life…I had to just completely start over and rebuild relationships and figure out my life as an out gay man.”

Pearson may have had to rebrand and rebuild himself, but he certainly didn’t quit music.  On November 17, 2017, he released his brief debut album, Love is Love.

“And I never believed before now / Maybe tonight we’ll find out / Don’t wanna leave / Can’t get enough / I know that love is love.”  Title track “Love is Love” beams with pride for many reasons.  Firstly, the song arrived on October 11, which is National Coming Out Day. Secondly, via his conversation with Billboard, Pearson describes the song as “an anthem celebrating the freedom to love each other, without fear, because all you need is love.” In the aforementioned Huffington Post article, regarding the music video for “Love is Love,” Pearson states, “I really wanted to capture the range of emotions I’ve felt in the past year… I felt like I was able to feel completely vulnerable.”

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Photo Credits: Atlantic, BMG Rights Management, Capitol Nashville, Def Jam, Epic, Frontiers, Fueled by Ramen, GOOD, Golden Child Recordings, Island, RCA, Republic, Trey Pearson

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