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“15 Must-Hear, All-American Songs” features music courtesy of Arctic Monkeys, Childish Gambino, Gary Clark, Jr., Kevin Abstract, and Lana Del Rey.

“Don’t wanna be an American idiot / Don’t want a nation under the new media / And can you hear the sound of hysteria? / The subliminal mind-fuck America.” Wow, Billie Joe Armstrong – “American Idiot” the song and the album were a huge deal back in 2004 during the George W. Bush presidency. Also, being a teen at the time, it was pretty rad hearing the phrase “subliminal mind-fuck.” A few years later, Estelle, assisted by Kanye West, asserted, “I really want to come kick it with you / You’ll be my American boy.” The American examples continue, with Common asserting on “Black America Again” (2016) that “We hold these truths to be self-evident / all men and women are created equal / including black Americans.” As for R&B artist August Alsina, a year prior on “American Dream” (This Thing Called Life) stated “They told me / We’re supposed to be kings and queens… / Tryna live the American Dream”

 

What’s the point of all those examples? They all focus on America – DUH! This playlist, 15 Must-Hear, All-American Songs features songs that explore the country, many seeking to atone the wrongs occurring in the greatest country in the world.  There are way more than just 15 songs about America, but this is a hand-picked, diverse list. Musicians fueling the fire include Arctic Monkeys (“American Sports”), Childish Gambino (“This is America”), Gary Clark, Jr. (“This Land”), Kevin Abstract (“American Boyfriend” and “American Problem”), and Lana Del Rey (“God Bless America – And All the Beautiful Women in It”).

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1. Kevin Abstract, “American Problem”

ARIZONA BABY • RCA • 2019

“I drink, I smoke, I drink, I smoke, I drink until I sleep.” Now that’s definitely could be a problem, though perhaps not specifically an “American Problem” (see what I did there?). Anyways, this playlist’s opener, “American Problem.” actually appears near the end of ARIZONA BABY, the 2019 album by Kevin Abstract of BROCKHAMPTON fame (Iridescence is a must-hear album btw).  ARIZONA BABY follows Abstract’s 2016 debut album, American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story, which has representation later on this American-centric playlist. So, what exactly does make Abstract an ‘American problem?’ Well…

 “American Problem” finds Abstract reflecting on his past, as well as his current reality.  Part of that includes being gay, something that has been a prevalent theme in his previous work, not to mention the work of BROCKHAMPTON. On the second verse, he states, “And all my girlfriends, they tell me / ‘Well, you would’ve been better if you picked someone who was just like you’.” Later, he mentions being influenced by Tyler, the Creator (“Ninth grade, Tyler was the illest shit I ever heard”) before returning to matters of sexuality:

“I thought a brother was cut…

I was a flaming faggot, that’s when the principal called me

Not to my face, but I felt when I was stuck in his office

I’m just a, I’m just another American problem…”

Quite a unique listen, the production work is distinct, while Abstract’s vocals are pitch-shifted at times, and there’s singing and rapping.

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2. Gary Clark, Jr., “This Land”

This Land • Warner Bros. • 2019

“Paranoid and pissed off / Now that I got the money / Fifty acres and a model A / Right in the middle of Trump country.” Uh oh – we see where this is going! “This Land,” the electrifying minor-key title track from Gary Clark, Jr.’s 2019 album This Land, is the only song on this playlist that doesn’t feature some form of America in its song title. That said, “This Land” has America, or at least the American plight of people of color written all over it.  Throughout the course of the song, the eclectic blues/rock singer/guitarist depicts the prevalence of racism within the world’s greatest country.

The most powerful lyrical statement that is made on “This Land” comes courtesy of the chorus, where Gary Clark, Jr. unapologetically states the mindset of racists:

“‘Nigga run, nigga run

Go back where you come from, uh

Nigga run, nigga run

Go back where you come from

We don’t want, we don’t want your kind

We think you’s a dog born’

Fuck you, I’m America’s son

This is where I come from.”

Following the utterly ridiculous statement made about the American-born black musician, who represents numerous African-Americans, he packs a mighty punch on the post-chorus where he asserts, “This land is mine.”  Also, worth noting, Clark, Jr. delivers a totally badass guitar solo.

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3. Childish Gambino, “This is America”

This is America [Single] • RCA • 2018

Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) returned with a bang in 2018 with single “This is America”.  While the lyrical approach is simple on this record, the socially-conscious message that Glover makes is pitch-perfect – clearly relevant to the times. Throughout the course of the record, he references policing in America and gun violence, important issues in the black community, as well as focusing on excess as a distraction from those truly important matters.  A stark contrast from the throwback soul of “Awaken, My Love!”, Glover shows incredible giftedness and versatility as a musician.

The intro of “This is America” is performed by a black choir.  Notably, there’s a hint of tropical, international flavor – clearly an ‘African’ influence, which seems intentional to say the least.  The tropical, international flavor is more pronounced on the bridge performed by Childish Gambino.  The tone of the chorus is an about-face from the extended intro/bridge section.  The sound is clearly darker, more pessimistic, and more serious in tone.  Childish Gambino raps, “This is America / Don’t catch you slippin’ up… / Look what I’m whippin’ up…”

The first verse settles into the darker, hip-hop driven sound introduced upon the chorus. Glover is the lead, but there are ad-libs inserted from a variety of rappers.  As aforementioned, Glover makes references to policing in America and gun violence, important issues in the black community. A contrasting refrain, performed by the choir with a response by Glover, embodies the exuberance of the intro with different lyrics: “Get your money, black man (get your money).” Once again, the minor key returns on the chorus, followed by the second verse by Childish Gambino.  Here is where the ‘excess as a distraction’ comes into play. Such excess includes material things, as well as referencing hustling.  Following another refrain that incorporates Young Thug for two lines, who provides the outro for this Grammy-winning gem.

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4. Arctic Monkeys, “American Sports”

Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino • Domino • 2018

Grammy-nominated British alternative rock darlings Arctic Monkeys returned in 2018 in conceptual, experimental, and quirky fashion on their sixth studio album, Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino. Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino had its fair share of intriguing musical moments, including “American Sports”. Short yet incredibly sweet, “American Sports” explores political issues throughout its course.  On the first verse, frontman Alex Turner sings, “So, when you gaze at planet Earth from outer space / Does it wipe that stupid look off of your face? / I saw this aura over the battleground states.”

Clearly, Turner is referencing the shock of the election of Donald Trump in 2016, a ubiquitous topic. On the second verse, he references political ineptness with lyrics like, “Breaking news, they take the truth and make it fluid,” and “Soundtracked by a chorus of ‘You don’t know what you’re doing.’” The best lyric, arguably: “All of my most muscular regrets / Exploded behind my eyes like American sports.”

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5. Janelle Monáe, “Americans”

Dirty Computer • Bad Boy • 2018

“Love me baby, love me for who I am / Fallen angels, singing ‘Clap your hands’ / Don’t try to take my country, I will defend my land / I’m not crazy, baby, naw, I’m American.” “Americans” concludes Dirty Computer, the critically-acclaimed, Grammy-nominated album by Janelle Monáe. Interestingly, as awesome as “Americans” is, in the context of Dirty Computer, it’s a bit more underrated compared to gems like “PYNK”, “Make Me Feel”, and “I Like That”.

As the aforementioned chorus suggest, “Americans,” embracing 80s production cues, delivers the ultimate socially-charged message.  Janelle Monáe expounds upon the all-encompassing, changing face of America, which embraces a multitude of different races (“Until Latinos and Latinas don’t have to run from walls…”), lifestyles (“Uncle Sam kissed a man”), and religions.  Monáe also tackles resistance towards equality for women (“…She can wash my clothes / But she’ll never ever wear my pants”) and guns (“I keep my two guns on my blue nightstand”).

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6. The 1975, “I Like America & America Likes Me”

A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships • Polydor • 2018

“My skin is fire, it’s so desired / No gun required / Oh, will this help me lay down?” Many critics went gaga for A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships, the third studio album by British alternative band The 1975.  Personally, I was less enthusiastic than the multitude, but acknowledge the album has its fair share of intriguing moments.  One of the more experimental and unique moments from the album comes courtesy of “I Like America & America Likes Me.”

“Kids don’t want rifles, they want Supreme / No gun required / Oh, will this help me lay down?” Vocal effects are at an all-time high on this record – understatement. Furthermore, the influence of modern hip-hop is clearly perceptible.  Frontman Matthew Healy channels his inner melodic-/pop-rap persona, which is certainly an acquired taste.  All things considered, “I Like America & America Likes Me” is notable because of its experimentation, as well as the messaging (gun violence and the need for gun control).  It may not be everybody’s “cup of tea,” but it’s worth mentioning by all means.

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7. Ice Nine Kills, “The American Nightmare”

The Silver Scream • Fearless • 2018

“I’m the American nightmare / With American dreams / Of countin’ the bodies while you count sheep / I’m the American nightmare / Yeah, I’m livin’ the dream / I’m slashing my way through the golden age of the silver scream / Sweet dreams.” Honestly, that is definitely an unsettling, totally disturbing chorus.  The chorus hails from “The American Nightmare,” which serves as the opening cut from The Silver Scream.  Did you catch that album title – ‘scream’ instead of ‘screen’? Anyways, The Silver Scream, released in 2018, marks the fifth studio album from metalcore collective Ice Nine Kills.  The majority of the album is steeped in horror, including other songs such as “Stabbing in the Dark” and “Merry Axe-Mas.”

The four-minute-plus opener commences with a sample that sounds directly from television or a movie, regarding sleeping.  From there, Ice Nine Kills gets to work, creating a vibe characterized by its horror.  The energy and intensity are turned all the way up, further amplified by screamed vocals, jagged, rhythmic guitars, and a sense of hell on earth really. It’s not all screamed vocals as “The American Nightmare” has its fair share of melodic moments, even if their steeped in the infernal.  What is clear is the fact that this song conveys a nightmare, confirmed by such lyrics as, “You’ll never sleep again / All your friends are fucking dead / You can’t turn down your ow deathbed.” That’s damning for sure.  And we didn’t even mention the play on the children’s nursery rhyme on the bridge… wow.  ‘Merica.

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8. Frank Turner, “Make America Great Again”

Be More Kind • Universal Music Operations • 2018

“Well I know I’m just an ignorant Englishman / But I’d like to make America great again.” Indeed, singer/songwriter Frank Turner is English, but he offers common sense solutions on his anti-Trump anthem, “Make America Great Again.”  This major-key, protest anthem appears on his 2018 studio album, Be More Kind.  Did you catch that album title – Be More Kind!

After confirming his status as ‘an outsider looking in’ to repair a purported broken America, Frank Turner offers the first solutions on the epic chorus.  His solutions:

“Let’s make America great again

By making racists ashamed again

Let’s make compassion in fashion again

Let’s make America great again.”

The big takeaway from Turner’s solution? I quote the album title once more: Be More Kind.  On the second verse, Turner speaks of the positive experiences he’s had with Americans, but denounces President Trump, brilliantly references The Declaration of Independence, and plays on words with the word ‘independent’:

“The program and the name of the President

Because it seems to me the truth is self-evident

You fought our king to be independent.”

A truly brilliant song that speaks American all the day long, on the bridge, Turner even tackles immigrants (“In the shining city on the hill / Where nobody can be illegal”).

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9. Pennywise, “American Lies”

Never Gonna Die • Epitaph • 2018

“Glad you’re in America, there’s hatred everywhere / Those people always judge a book, but no one seems to care.” Oh ‘sugar foot,’ veteran punk rock band Pennywise are socially-conscious and politically-charged on “American Lies.”  As with Frank Turner above, Pennywise aren’t too excited about the age of Trump, and use their music as a platform to protest.

“American Lies” serves as the second track from Pennywise’s 2018 album, Never Gonna Die.  The band’s passion is indisputable; the up-tempo gem is electric from the start.  The middle fingers are up as we “Salute the flag and puppet the lie” and struggle to “Tell…children the truth, our youth are fucked.” Sure, Pennywise are being profane, but do they really need their mouths washed out with soap? Absolutely not! “American Lies” previously appeared on the playlist 13 ‘Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire’ Songs.

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10. Khalid, “American Teen”

American Teen • RCA • 2017

“Going up for the night / But who cares, who cares / This is our year.” “American Teen” commences American Teen bubbly and exuberant in sound.  American Teen, of course, is the Grammy-nominated debut album by R&B singer Khalid, who possesses quite a distinct set of pipes.  On “American Teen,” the then teenage musician celebrates being young and carefree. On the bridge, he sings, “My youth is the foundation of me / Living life as an American teen.”

The single borrows from 80s pop and urban cues as its basis. Set in major key, as insinuated, the optimism is formidable.  Vocally, while Khalid is firmly invested, without forcing things. Lyrically, the vibes are positive, with Khalid exploring the great opportunities ahead of him.

“‘Cause this is our year

So, wake me up in the Spring

While I’m high off my American dream

We don’t always say what we mean

It’s the life of an American teen.”

Ultimately, this gem sets the tone for the entire album.  It also previously appeared on different playlist, Sweet 6Teen: 16 Teenage Songs.

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11. Lana Del Rey, “God Bless America – And All the Beautiful Women in It”

Lust for Life • Interscope • 2017

“God bless America, and all the beautiful women in it / May you stand proud and strong like Lady Liberty shinin’ all night long.” Lana del Rey delivers quite a blessing on “God Bless America – And All the Beautiful Women in It,” a women’s empowerment record, written in anticipation of politics affecting women. In addition to being a blessing, “God Bless America…” also appeared on the playlist Songs Supporting Equality, Justice & Resistance, Vol. 1.

Interestingly, “God Bless America” follows “Coachella – Woodstock in My Mind” in the sequence of Lust for Life, a record that is the catalyst for numerous social and politically-charged records. The melody on the chorus is simple, yet beautiful, while the messaging is pitch perfect for the current climate.

“Keep your light on, babe, I might be standin’ outside

You let me in, don’t leave me out, or leave me dry.”

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12. Logic, “America”

Ft. Black Thought, Chuck D, Big Lenbo & No I.D

Everybody • Def Jam • 2017

“George Bush doesn’t care about black people / 2017 and Donald Trump is the sequel so / Shit, I’ll say what Kanye won’t / Wake the fuck up and give the people what they want.” On “America,” the sixth song on Everybody, Grammy-nominated rapper Logic assembles a cast featuring Black Thought, Chuck D, Big Lenbo, and No ID.  Arguably, save for Chuck D, none of the guests are ‘flashy,’ but fit the vibe that Logic has assembled.

Like numerous musicians, Logic drops his anti-Trump sentiment:

“Fight the power, fight the power

Fight for the right to get up and say fuck white power

Everybody come and get up, get on

And no matter what you fighting for I promise that it’ll live on

Like Make America great again

Make it hate again

Make it white

Make everybody fight…
And everybody wonder why the world insane.”

Expectedly, the supporting cast follows suit, criticizing the Trump presidency and his respective followers. Notably, Chuck D makes reference to the Flint, Michigan water crisis, in relationship to the larger problem of dirty politics.

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13. Kevin Abstract, “American Boyfriend”

American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story • QUESTION EVERYTHING, INC. / EMPIRE • 2016

“Burn bridges, American boyfriend / No one knows, no one calls home / American boyfriend.” Kevin Abstract, who makes his second appearance on this playlist, released a solo album, American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story, in 2016.  As aforementioned, Abstract is ‘out and proud,’ and doesn’t shy away from referencing his sexual orientation.  Fittingly, we include “American Boyfriend,” the title track, and 14^th overall track from American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story.

“American Boyfriend” definitely doesn’t sound like your stand urban contemporary record.  The sound of this slow jam is idiomatic of alternative R&B, incorporating elements of alternative rock. Safe to say, the record is very much a vibe.  Lyrically, Kevin Abstract keeps things simple, yet, there’s another level of complexity given the effect sexuality has on his career and life.  On the second verse, which references dying, Abstract asserts, “My parents wanna kill me, let them kill me / I’ll finally be on TV.” He never says it outright on this record, but clearly, it’s a reference to his parents’ disapproval of homosexuality. “American Boyfriend” previously appeared on the playlist 10 Alluring Boyfriend or Girlfriend Songs.

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14. Halsey, “New Americana”

BADLANDS • Astralwerks • 2015

“We know very well who we are / So, we hold it down when summer starts / What kind of dough have you been spending? / What kind of bubblegum have you been blowing lately?” Hmm, quite an intriguing bridge from “New Americana,” a surefire gem from the 2015 album, BADLANDS.  On “New Americana,” alternative pop musician Halsey paints a portrait that doesn’t look like your parents’ America: “We are the new Americana / High on legal marijuana / Raised on Biggie and Nirvana / we are the new Americana.”

Previously appearing on the proud 53 LGBTQ Songs That Beam With Pride, beyond the marijuana and gangsta rap, Halsey tackles same-sex marriage, breaking stereotypes.

“Young James Dean, some say he looks just like his father

But he could never lover somebody’s daughter

Football team loved more than just the game

So, he vowed to be his husband at the altar.”

A good-looking dude on the football team who is also gay and eventually marries a guy?  All part of “The New Americana.” “New Americana” has also previously appeared on the playlist 11 ‘New’ Songs That Will Tickle Your Fancy.

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15. Steve Grand, “All-American Boy”

All-American Boy • Grand Nation • 2015

A male country artist who is gay? Do those even exist? Yes, there are, and they have nothing to be ashamed of. In this case, the openly gay country musician we are referencing is the hunky Steve Grand. Grand did something that no mainstream country artist would dare do – he recorded a same-sex love song, “All-American Boy,” in 2013. “All-American Boy,” which appeared on a previous playlist, 53 LGBTQ Songs That Beam With Pride, would appear on his 2015 album, All-American Boy.

Love songs are commonplace in country music, where hunky male artists sing about wooing girls.  While Grand has the “hunky” part covered, the fact that the object of his affection is a male shocked the world at the time: “Ripped jeans, only drinks whiskey / I find him by the fire while his girl was getting frisky, oh / I say we go this road tonight…” All said and done, the one thing that truly separates “All-American Boy” from any other country love song is sexual preference. Few country songs address the LGBTQ community. Grand filled a gap and initiates the discussion.  He does a damn good job of doing so too.

“Be my all-American boy tonight

Where every day’s the fourth of July

And it’s alright, alright

And we can keep this up ‘til the morning light

And you can hold me deep in your eyes

It’s alright, alright

So be my, be my

My all-American boy.”

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[Photo Credits: Astralwerks, Bad Boy, Def Jam, Domino, Epitaph, Fearless, Grand Nation LLC, Interscope, Pexels, Pixabay, Polydor, QUESTION EVERYTHING INC. / EMPIRE, RCA, Universal Music Operations, Warner Bros.]

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