15 Nutritious Songs About Fruit | Playlist

15 Nutritious Songs About Fruit” ensures you’ll get your daily helping of fruit with songs by 88rising, Harry Styles Justin Timberlake & Lily Allen.

Who would’ve ever thought that a playlist could make you healthy! That’s right, with 15 Nutritious Songs About Fruit, you are guaranteed to get your daily helping of fruit.  Okay, okay, I’ll stop lying – we all know that a playlist isn’t a dietary supplement or replacement for essentials. But, the artists featured on this playlist and their respective songs will definitely fill you with some serious, fruity, “fruitastic” ear candy.  Among artists contributing to the ear candy are 88rising, Harry Styles, Justin Timberlake, and Lily Allen among others.  Prepare to get fruit-i-fied!

1. 88rising, Joji & BlocBoy JB, “Peach Jam”

Head in the Clouds • 88rising • 2018

“Take you on a picnic then for a ride / Ride it all, ride it alright / Hold the door open, baby, let me come inside / Spoon full of love in your peach jam.” One of the best songs from the 88rising compilation, Heads in the Clouds, arrives with the infectious, sunny-sounding “Peach Jam.” “Peach Jam” is performed by alternative R&B singer Joji (formerly YouTube personality Pink Guy/Dirty Frank) and rapper BlocBoy JB.  This is the perfect summer song, thriving off its chill, sexy, and soulful vibes.  This short little gem ‘gets down to business,’ if you catchy my drift.

2. Lily Allen, “Apples”

No Shame • Parlophone • 2018

“So cliché for me to say, I never meant to break your heart / I’m to blame for all your pain / I could never have played the part.” On the minimalist, guitar-accompanied ballad “Apples,” Lily Allen takes the blame for her divorce from husband Sam Cooper in 2016.  Notably, she sounds vulnerable, singing in an undertone as she reminisces and shares her regret for her inability to be a good wife. “We were both depressed / Towards the end we were not even having sex.” Besides their relationship, she also mentions her “beautiful babies” and the fact that “Now, I’m exactly where I didn’t want to be / I’m just like my mummy and daddy / I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Notably, her 2018 album No Shame made the shortlist for the Mercury Prize.

3. Fetty Wap, “Strawberry Kush”

Bruce Wayne • 300 Entertainment • 2018

“Love it when I touch you, I can smell you in the air / I love how you love me, feel your love all the way over here.” Fetty Wap focuses mostly on love on “Strawberry Kush,” despite referencing a strain of marijuana in the title. Literally, strawberry kush is a hybrid strain that can be described as “Strong and sweet…one well-rounded lady.” That definitely explains why Fetty Wap is so into her… his lover we assume.

“…I love how you love me got me feelin’ like you care / And the way I think aobut you evidently make it clear that / I want you forever, so forever I’ll be there / And I really meant forever, baby, not a couple years, baby.”

4. Lonely Benson, “Strawberry Afternoons”

Lonely Benson • Lonely Benson • 2018

“Strawberry afternoons by your side / Where fields of flowers bloom in your sunshine / And when we kiss, isn’t it bliss? / Strawberry afternoons.” Alternative artist Lonely Benson brings some chill, jazzy, low-key vibes on “Strawberry Afternoons,” a standout from his self-titled 2018 LP.  The song is all about L-O-V-E, as Benson asserts, “I never dreamed I’d be hear lying next to you” as well as the sweet, “‘Cause I love you where you are / When you’re here lying in my arms.”

5. Ty Dolla $ign, “Pineapple”

Ft. Gucci Mane & Quavo

Beach House 3 (Deluxe) • Atlantic • 2018

Ubiquitous hip-hop musician Ty Dolla $ign is among the most popular collaborative artists in urban and pop music in the mid 10s. While he hasn’t exactly ‘killed it’ as a solo artist, he still makes ‘bank.’ On “Pineapple”, assisted by Gucci Mane and Quavo, he returned with the delicious, enjoyable addition to his Beach House 3 album (deluxe version), originally released in 2017. The production definitely stands out.  Set in a minor key, it’s melodic record, anchored by the trap percussion on the bottom end.  The tempo is slow, while the vibe is relaxed.  The pace suits Gucci Mane, who delivers the first verse unhurried and unapologetically southern.  Ty Dolla $ign drops the catchy, repetitive hook (lots of pineapple), followed by a quasi-pop-rap/quasi-sung verse.

“Shorty seen my wrist, said it look like pineapple
Shorty super thick, bet she taste like pineapple
Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, pineapple
Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, pineapple.”

Other than the groove itself, the Quavo lays claim to the quickest part of the record, going against the overall balanced, relaxed vibe. For the millionth time, he references Patek.  All in all, “Pineapple” ends up being catchy and enjoyable enough.

6. Lana Del Rey, “Cherry”

Lust for Life • Interscope • 2017

“I fall to pieces when I’m with you.” Sigh, it is safe to say Lana Del Rey loses her chill on “Cherry,” a highlight from Lust for Life. “Love, is it real love? / It’s like smilin’ when the firin’ squad’s against you / And you just stay lined up.”  Ultimately, the moody number finds her overcome with love for him.  Even so, she paints love as dangerous.  The chorus confirms such love, something most would consider positive, was ruined: “My cherries and wine, rosemary and thyme / And all of my peaches are ruined.” Note: she’s NOT really talking about edible cherries.

7. N.E.R.D, “Lemon”

Ft. Rihanna

No One Ever Really Dies • Columbia • 2017

“The truth will set you free / But first, it’ll piss you off.” Following the introductory statement, Pharrell then proceeds to go crazy, pop-rapping over the up-tempo, frantic backdrop of “Lemon”, the crowning achievement of No One Ever Really Dies. Following the unapologetic verse, he drops the refrain, for lack of a better description. It’s incredibly catchy and as bizarre as everything else. Following another high-flying verse, Pharrell steps aside for the real star of the show, Rihanna, who delivers the feisty chorus over a beat /production switch. Although bizarre, there’s nothing sour about “Lemon.” Drake appears on the remixed version.

8. Rick Ross, “Apple of My Eye”

Ft. Raphael Saadiq

Rather You Than Me • Epic • 2017

“Just being somebody that the neighborhood respected / And my mama could be proud of, was the apple of my eye.” The soulful “Apple of My Eye” commences Rather You Than Me, the 2018 LP by Rick Ross.  Ross is assisted by Raphael Saadiq, who helps give the record that soulful edge.  Ross is reflective, commenting about his crew (“I told Meek, ‘I wouldn’t trust Nicki’ / Instead of beefing with your dawg you just give ‘em some distance’”), his come-up, and referencing 45 (“I’m happy Donald Trump became the president / Because we gotta destroy, before we elevate”).  All in all, he’s certainly ‘in his wheelhouse.’   

9. Harry Styles, “Kiwi”

Harry Styles • Columbia • 2017 

“She’s driving me crazy, but I’m into it, but I’m into it / I’m kinda into it / It’s getting crazy, I think I’m losing it, I think I’m losing it / I think she said ‘I’m having your baby, it’s none of your business.’” Harry Styles retained the high-flying nature of his self-titled solo debut on “Kiwi.” On this fruity gem, he’s aggressive and energetic as ever. Simply put, he’s on autopilot, singing ferocious line after ferocious line, killing it on the aforementioned chorus.  Does “Kiwi” in the hands of Styles having anything to do with the delicious Chinese fruit I’d ask grandparents to buy for me at the grocery as a child? Nope, absolutely nothing.

10. Miguel, “Pineapple Skies”

War & Leisure • RCA • 2017

“There’s a breeze strong enough baby / Leave ya so high, ya feet won’t touch the ground / Can we look up, look up, baby? / There’s pineapple purple skies / Promise everything gon’ be alright.” “Pineapple Skies”, the second track on War & Leisure, keeps the momentum rolling following a stellar opening record, “Criminal.” Vocally, Miguel consistently exhibits exceptional energy, soulfulness, and swag. Artistically, he understands his musical identity and niche, continuing to excel.  The smooth, soulful “Pineapple Skies” benefits from vintage pop and R&B cues, keeping the eclectic script is alive and well.

11. Gabriel Garzón-Montano, “Sour Mango”

Jardín • Stones Throw • 2017

“Atop a hill under the mango tree / Wishing on a memory / Hoping you were sitting, thinking of me / Although I played with myself baby I had to weep / In tribute to a very funky tragedy / I plucked a piece of fruit it wasn’t so sweet.” How poetic! “Sour Mango” serves as the first ‘full-length song’ off of Jardín, the stunning, underrated 2017 LP by Gabriel Garzón-Montano. Groovy, “Sour Mango” lays back on the beat, giving off truly chill vibes.  While Garzón-Montano flaunts his soulful abilities, he never forces anything – no gospel histrionics.  “Sour Mango” feels completely natural, yet, it’s not the least bit sour – well, not according to Gabriel: “I’m sick of sour mangos, give me some sweet.”

12. Die Antwoord, “Banana Brain”

Mount Ninji and da Nice Kid • Zef • 2016

“Banana brains, you’re the apple of my eye / Stay with me tonight / ‘Cause I’m having the best time of my life.” South African collective, Die Antwoord can best be described as “one of a kind.”  “Banana Brain”, the promo single from their 2016 album, Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid, is eccentric, but enjoyable. Yolandi delivers the aforementioned, compelling and catchy hook. Ninja offers contrast to Yolandi’s pitched vocals, with engaging rhymes that embrace sex:

“Boobie one, boobie two
Bouncing like a Looney Tune
Booty boomin’, cookie juice
You’re so cute, like Pikachu.”

Sigh, Ninja’s second verse is more thoughtful – he’s thankful for his girl.  As for the rest of “Banana Brain,” the outro stands out in particular. The outro is loud, exciting, and intriguing.

13. Snoop Dogg, “Peaches N Cream”

Ft. Charlie Wilson

Bush • Columbia • 2015

On “Peaches N Cream” featuring Charlie Wilson, Snoop Dogg unleashes his more salacious side on his 2015 R&B album, Bush.  This salaciousness is evidenced by the hook: “She ‘bout to go in / She likes that low end / Damn, her ass is so big / Just keep it bumpin’ / Peaches N Cream.” After keeping things relatively clean, in the context of Bush, this sounds more like the Snoop Dogg of old.  Still, even with an increase in the innuendo and more rapping from Snoop, he still delivers with more class than his past work.

14. Justin Timberlake, “Strawberry Bubblegum”

The 20/20 Experience • RCA • 2013

“Baby please don’t change nothing / Because your flavors so original / And It all started when she said / Hey, hey, hey, smacking that Strawberry Bubblegum.” “Strawberry Bubblegum,” the fourth track from The 20/20 Experience, clocks in at an ambitious eight minutes.  Despite its exhaustive length, this Justin Timberlake joint exemplifies the modern pop, urban contemporary sound, featuring electronic, synthesized sounds and a relatively low-key vibe.  A specific detail about “Strawberry Bubblegum” worth noting are the melodic changes on the second verse, where the listener is hears more piercing falsetto from Timberlake. Timberlake and falsetto is always a win.

15. The Brothers Johnson, “Strawberry Letter 23”

Right on Time • A&M • 1977

We close with this fruity playlist with a classic – “Strawberry Letter 23” as performed by funk/soul group, The Brothers Johnson. Believe it or not, The Brothers Johnson didn’t originally record this familiar gem.  Nope.  Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shuggie Otis first wrote and recorded it before The Bro. Johnson version would become the definitive take, produced by the legendary Quincy Jones.

Photo Credits: 88rising, 300 Entertainment, A&M, Atlantic, Columbia, Epic, Interscope, Lonely Benson, Parlophone, RCA, Stones Throw, Zef]