15 S Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason | Playlist 🎧

1. Gunna, “SKYBOX”

“SKYBOX” – Single • 300 Entertainment • 2020

Grammy-nominated southern rapper Gunna returned in 2020 with a sky-high new single, “SKYBOX”, produced by Taurus. Taurus certainly sets up the rapper with an alluring backdrop.  He ignites the fire with the anchoring, trap beat, and further sweetens the deal some rhythmic, vibe-filled synths and chilled-out pads.  Basically, the fuel is there for Gunna to absolutely kill it.  As far as flow is concerned, he does a bang-up job.  Even if you don’t follow ever word he spits, the rhythm is a selling point, as is his overall tone.

The best part of “SKYBOX” lyrically occurs on the chorus, which is memorable enough:

“Gettin’ high in the skybox, I can see, yeah
Hot spot and it’s plushed out, honestly, yeah
Exclusive drop, hmm, Gucci socks, got ‘em drippin’
Fuck the cops, we can’t be stopped, just admit it.”

Basically, it’s all about the drip, baby! Of course, on the verses, Gunna expands his script to include drugs (“We in the low, we smokin’ dope”) and sex (“Fuckin’ her friend, break her in bed”).  Okay, maybe ‘expand’ isn’t the right word.  That said, can anyone deny that the lyric, “I’m in the castle fuckin’ a genie” is a gem? Didn’t think so! “SKYBOX” won’t change your life, but the production, flow, select rhymes, and of course, the aforementioned sky-high chorus make it worthwhile.

2. Lady Gaga, “Stupid Love”

“Stupid Love” – Single • Interscope • 2020

Post-A Star is Born, “Poker Face”, “Bad Romance”, and “Born This Way” hitmaker Lady Gaga is back returned in 2020 with a brand-new solo single, “Stupid Love”. “Stupid Love” finds Gaga putting her dance-pop shoes back on – quite a stark contrast to, say “Million Reasons”.  The sleekly produced, energetic number is produced by Bloodpop and Tchami.  Besides those producers (and co-writers), Ely Rise and Max Martin assist Gaga when it comes to songwriting.  Vocally, Gaga is assertive, showing off her powerful pipes through the driving, ‘in your face’ production (synths, pummeling drums) and quick tempo.  Her energy is appreciated throughout, shining most on the simple, but potent chorus: “I want your stupid love, love / (Oh-oh-oh…).”

The theme is love – cliché.  On the verses, Lady Gaga makes it clear she’s found ‘a mighty love,’ you might say.  So much so that on the second verse she asks, “Could this love protect me from the pain? / I would battle for you (Even if I break in two).” Can you say dedication?  That said, she “freaks out” on the refrain, prior to the pre-chorus where “All [she] ever wanted was love.” Fair enough. “Stupid Love” doesn’t revolutionize the game or reach the level Gaga established ‘back in the day,’ but it’s definitely energetic and fun.

3. Bad Bunny, “Si Veo a Tu Mamá”

YHLQMDLG • Rimas Entertainment • 2020

Puerto Rican Latin trap artist Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio) proved that he was a star on his Grammy-nominated debut album, X 100PRE. Even if you’re no Latin music enthusiast, Ocasio makes the style quite compelling.  After impressing with standouts “Vete” and “Ignorantes” (with Panamanian singer Sech), Ocasio dropped his second studio album, YHLQMDLG – Yo Hago Lo Que Me De La Gana (“I do what I want”) –  in 2020. As awesome as the aforementioned singles are, the song at hand, “Si Veo a Tu Mamá,” is pretty sweet.  Hey, it definitely fits the vibe of S SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON!

“I don’t know why the hell I fool myself / Saying I forgot you, when I miss you…” “Si Veo a Tu Mamá” commences YHLQMDLG brightly and energetically in a major key.  On this sleekly produced number (Subelo NEO and Elikai), it’s the classic scenario of ‘I’m not over my ex.’ As to be expected, Bad Bunny references missing the sex early on, as well as letting lots of things in life fall by the wayside because of his depression essentially.

“I still love you
But I know it’s a mistake
Because you don’t love me anymore
And without you, I do better
And if I see your mom
I ask her about you
To see if you have have someone
Someone that makes you happy.”

4. K. Michelle, “Something New”

All Monsters are Human • Chase Landin / No Color No Sound • 2020

On her fifth studio album, All Monsters are Human (2020), K. Michelle is no longer signed to Atlantic, instead, opting to release independently.  The good news is that on All Monsters are Human, she remains true to herself – unapologetic AF. A prime example of her bold, unapologetic side? Look no further than “Something New,” another welcome addition to for S SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON.

On “Something New,” Michelle is S-A-S-S-Y, period.  The soulful production is surefire fuel for her fire, not to mention her ‘go to topic,’ SEX.  On the first verse, she asserts, “And I took you from your ex, she can have your ass back.” Damn! Of course, the crème de crème is the chorus, where she expresses her needs: “I need a new whip, some new dick to help me forgive the shit I’ve been through / … I need something new, better than you.” Yep, that’s the K. Michelle we know and love, living on the edge!

5. Ozzy Osbourne, “Straight to Hell”

Ordinary Man • Epic • 2020

Ordinary Man arrived as the 12^th studio album by metal icon Ozzy Osbourne. It’s release marks the first new original music by ‘The Prince of Darkness’ since his 2010 album, Scream. While Osbourne is past his prime, he certainly sounds reinvigorated throughout the course Ordinary Man at the ripe young age of 71. Opener “Straight to Hell”, a perfect fit for S SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON, marks one of the best moments from Ordinary Man.

Your dance be dead so we must celebrate / I’ll make you scream; I’ll make you defecate.” My God! “Straight to Hell” kicks off Ordinary Man hellishly. Musically, aside from a brief, semi-celestial intro, the hellish tone arrives early on with hard-rocking, heavy guitars leading the charge.  Additionally, there are pummeling drums, and energetic, ‘infernal’ vocals from Ozzy Osbourne.  This 3:45 number is consistently intense. Lyrically, there’s some ‘shock’ from Ozzy, such as, “Enjoy the ride, I’ll plant my bitter seed / You’ll kill yourself and I will watch you bleed.” Damning by all means.  That said, it’s the chorus where Ozzy is taking us “Straight to Hell tonight,” repeatedly for that matter. “Straight to Hell” doesn’t supplant Osbourne’s many classics, but it definitely rocks.

6. H.E.R., “Sometimes”

“Sometimes” – Single • RCA • 2020

Grammy-winning R&B artist H.E.R. walked out empty handed during the 62^nd Annual Grammy Awards (her second Grammys cycle with I Used to Know Her), but she debuted an awesome new single, “Sometimes”.  “I had a plan, I had it mapped out / I knew where I was going when I left out /… But now I know things change for better or worse / You say that I’m the same, but I ain’t adjusted to all the hurt…” “Sometimes” is a complete record that not only checks off the boxes for a R&B song, but also features some pop/rock elements and strong songwriting.  Dernst (DMile) Emile II, one of the co-writers, also handles the production, which is quite lush, soulful, and most of all alluring.

Focusing on H.E.R., her vocals are simply marvelous.  She delivers a lovely performance, never overreaching nor overwhelming.  Besides soulful lead vocals, she’s accompanied by lovely backing vocals who harmonize superbly with her.  Returning to the songwriting, it’s quite philosophical and thoughtful, particularly the chorus:

“Sometimes shit don’t go your way, sometimes
And sometimes you gon’ have those days, yeah
And sometimes you’ll feel out of place
You can’t promise me it’ll be the same
‘Cause sometimes change.”

The verses, (with the first excerpted above) also contribute to the philosophical message and vibe. As she sings so truthfully, “sometimes shit don’t go your way.” Ultimately, this is another fantastic record from the extremely gifted, Grammy-winning R&B artist. “Sometimes” previously appeared on the playlist, Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: February 2020.

7. All Time Low, “Sleeping In”

Wake Up, Sunshine • Fueled by Ramen • 2020

Alex Gaskarth, the front man of All Time Low, is 32 years old. The once youthful alternative rock collective has certainly aged.  That said, even though ATL has matured from their pop-punk heyday (Last Young Renegade being a prime example), they still possess an edge and energy. “Some Kind of Disaster”, the promo single from Wake Up, Sunshine, was a prime example of a band who’s still got it. So is the follow-up, “Sleeping In”.

From the jump, “Sleeping In” cooks.  Alex Gaskarth is locked-in, singing ab out his desires to, well, sleep in with his babe. “Can we stay all day? Lay low in our lazy luxury,” he sings on the first verse, continuing, “Sex in a rosé daze / All day, it’s a real good thing.”  The lighthearted lyrics continue onto the pre-chorus (“There you go, making it hard to stay on track / Got shit to do, you got work…), and shine brightest on the infectious, double-time chorus:

“If I said I want your body, would you hold it against me?
Seven in the morning, wanna listen to Britney
Everything you wanna, baby, that’s okay with me now
(We don’t sleep, but we like sleeping in)
Closing up the curtains while you call out of work now
Turning off my phone while you take off your shirt now
Waste another day, ‘nother night, ‘nother weekend
We don’t sleep, but we like sleeping in.”

Sigh, pretty damn sexy, right? So much for ‘maturity’ from All Time Low! Adding to the excellence is an energetic backdrop comprised of rhythmic guitars, punchy drums, and a robust, sliding bass line. 

Toss out the comments made about maturity – All Time Low still wanna have some fun! In this case, it’s hot, electrifying sex.  The bed is calling, just no sleeping is going down. Also, worth mentioning, the music video incorporates animals, which help ‘mend heartbreak’, not to mention being in partnership with North Shore Animal League America (NSALA). “Sleeping In,” previously appeared on the playlist, Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: February 2020.

8. Lil Baby, “Sum 2 Prove”

My Turn • Quality Control Music / Motown • 2020

On “Sum 2 Prove” (My Turn), Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Baby continues to bless us with an agile flow.  From the jump, he doesn’t show any let up, rapping like his life depends on it.  No, the lyrics aren’t characterized by a great deal of depth on this single but give him credit for being invested in what he spits. With some notable one-liners (“I’ma shoot by myself like a technical foul”), the crowning achievement in regard to form and memorability when it comes the lyrics, is none other than the chorus.

“Yeah, my diamonds be VV’s
They don’t wan’ see us on TV unless it’s the news
I got somethin’ to prove
Yeah, I’m young, but got somethin’ to lose
In the street, I done paid all my dues
No extortion, ain’t talkin’ bout literally
I be walkin’ on beats, Is you hearin’ me?
I just pray that my kids be a bigger me, they can’t get rid of me.”

Furthermore, the production is pretty sweet. He’s backed by a trap beat, with knocking drums that hearken back to his hit single, “Yes Indeed” with Drake.  The backdrop is nothing brand-new mind you, but certainly ignite the rapper’s fire. “Sum 2 Prove” definitely proves that he can make hits.

9. Halsey, “SUGA’s Interlude”

Ft. SUGA (BTS)

Manic • Capitol • 2020

On “SUGA’s Interlude” (Manic, 2020), Halsey collaborates with South Korean rapper SUGA from standout K-pop collective, BTS.  She commences “SUGA’s Interlude” with the intro, which ends up being an excerpt from the eventual chorus. As always, her vocal tone is quite beautiful – she sounds cool and quite smooth.

That said, the chorus is her sole vocal contribution:

“I been trying all my life
To separate the time
In between the having it all
And giving it up, yeah (Hey)
I wonder what’s in store
If I don't love it anymore (Hey)
Stuck between the having it all
And giving it up, yeah (Hey).”

SUGA takes the reins on the first and second verses.  The first verse is exclusively in Korean, while the second verse has three lines worth of English.  Without digging deep into the translation, the vibes are definitely mellow throughout, from both his and her perspective.  The production is smooth, and there’s a sense of mellowness.  The piano-based sound is a perfect fit. If nothing else, “SUGA’s Interlude” is a nice vibe, and the production is a selling point (Lido, Pdogg, and SUGA himself).

10. Conan Gray, “The Story”

Kid Krow • Republic • 2020

“And the movie’s always runnin’ in my head / All the people, all the lovers, all my friends / And I hope that they all get their happy end / In the end.” “The Story” is an absolutely stunning record – an awesome promo single from Kid Krow, the debut studio album from pop star and YouTuber Conan Gray.

What makes “The Story” so stunning? Well, it all starts with ‘the man of the hour,’ Conan Gray, whose voice is simply angelic. Gray sings with incredible control and expression.  His approach is one that the listener literally hangs on to every note (and lyric) he utters.  He is the crowning achievement of “The Story” obviously, however, the pros are abundant to the nth degree.

Besides the spectacular performance by Gray, “The Story” is accomplished when it comes to production and songwriting. Daniel Nigro handles the production, which begins very restrained and minimalist, placing the emphasis on Gray’s illustrious vocals.  With such adept pacing, the production percolates at the perfect moment, with Conan’s pipes following suit. As respectable as the production is, the songwriting is even more magical.  Written solely by Gray, his ‘story’ encompasses unfortunate suicide (“They were just sixteen when people were mean / So they didn’t love themselves, and now they’re gone / Headstones on a lawn”) and unrealized romance (“I knew a boy and a boy / Best friends with each other, but always wished they were more”).  The ‘sequel’ encompasses two friends trying to make a better life for themselves beyond their evil parents.

Just to reiterate (if I didn’t already ‘fan boy’ enough), “The Story” is an absolutely stunning record.  Gray sounds fantastic, and his songwriting prowess is awe-inspiring.  Furthermore, Nigro stitches up a fantastic canvas for him to sing upon.  All boxes are checked off on this totally must-hear, narrative gem. “The Story” previously appeared on the best of the month playlist, Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2020.

11. Sam Hunt, “Sinning with You”

Southside • MCA Nashville • 2020

Perhaps “Sinning with You” (Southside, 2020) isn’t nearly as catchy as Sam Hunt’s hits from his debut album, Montevallo (2014).  That said, the ballad has its fair share of positives.  First and foremost, vocally, Hunt sounds terrific.  His vocals are quite expressive, nuanced, and incredibly masculine given his full-bodied sound and tone.  Honestly, one of the things that made him standout in the first place (besides his dashing looks) was his voice, in all its glory.  Even with his ‘masculine sound,’ Hunt’s dedication to the wifey on “Sinning with You” is incredibly romantic, sensitive, thoughtful, and sensual.

“Your body was baptized, so disenfranchised / I was your favorite confession.” Focusing on the sensual, another pro occurring on “Sinning with You” is the liberal use of spiritual references.  In addition to baptism and confession, Hunt mentions Yeshua (verse one), forgiveness (verse two), and The Holy Spirit (bridge).  Sigh, one of my personal favorite approaches that musicians use is fusing secular and spiritual.  Sure, there’s blasphemy often involved, but it makes for a compelling record more often than not.  The chorus is the prime example of the sinfulness, of course:

“I never felt like I was sinning with you
Always felt like I could talk to God in the morning
I knew that I would end up with you
Always felt like I could talk to God in the morning
If it’s so wrong, why did it feel so right?
If it’s so wrong, why’d it never feel like sinning with you,
Sinning with you.”

The pros clearly outweigh the cons on “Sinning with You”; there are no cons. “Sinning with You” has its fair share of enjoyable and respectable moments. It original appeared on the sinful playlist, 12 Thrilling, But Utterly Sinful Songs.

12. Kristin Bell, Idina Menzel & Jonathan Groff, “Some Things Never Change”

Frozen II (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • Disney Enterprises, Inc. • 2019

“Like an old stone wall that’ll never fall / Some things are always true / Some things never change / Like how I’m holding on tight to you.” “Some Things Never Change” arrives as the second song from the Frozen II original motion picture soundtrack.  Who specifically is responsible for performing here? Why, that would be Kristin Bell (Anna), Idina Menzel (Elsa), and Jonathan Groff (Kristoff).

“Some Things Never Change” is certainly a pleasant, positive, and uplifting record – you read the aforementioned lyrics courtesy of Anna, right? Furthermore, the production and orchestration are strong suits.  It features a blend of pop musical cues (drums, rhythmic guitar) as well as classical, theatric instrumentation (strings).  As is the case with a soundtrack cut, the actors/singers exhibit excellent chemistry – they sell it sensationally. Bell, Menzel, and Groff also get some excellent choral support. The performance is tongue in cheek, but that’s the expectation of musicals in general, particularly Disney musicals.

“Some things never change
Turn around and time has flown
Some things stay the same
Though the future remains unknown
May our good luck last
May our past be past
Time’s moving fast, it’s true
Some things never change.”

“Some Things Never Change” previously appeared on the change-themed playlist, 10 Intriguing Songs That Reference Change.

13. Cash & Maverick, “Space Cowboy”

“Space Cowboy” – Single • Cash & Maverick • 2019

There have been a number of notable “Space Cowboy” songs.  One of the more recent examples hails from Kacey Musgraves (“You can have your space, cowboy”).  That said, did you know that there’s another “Space Cowboy,” courtesy of pop brother duo and TikTok stars Cash & Maverick? Originally gracing the cowboy-themed 10 Alluring Songs That Reference Cowboys, their countrified, hip-hop-infused pop joint continues a trend of songs incorporating country/cowboy culture – you can thank Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”, at least to a certain degree.

Where Musgraves’ “Space Cowboy” is more chill and mellow, “Space Cowboy” in the hands of Cash & Maverick has more of a youthful pulse.  Is it tongue in cheek? Totally, but given the hip-hop beat, and the energy of the two teens, it’s hard not to deny the infectious of this cowboy joint, particularly the chorus.

“I’ve got a brand-new horse
Pedal to the floor
Space cowboy like
Luke with the force
Feeling like I’m winning
This is the beginning
Grab the bull by the horns, yeah
This is how I’m living.”

14. Beck, “Saw Lightning”

Hyperspace • Capitol • 2019

“I saw wind and rain / Saw mountains fall / Saw temples burn / And prison walls / I saw floods a-comin’ / Saw children run / Got no more shelter / No more sun.” Hmm, that’s some next-level stuff going down Beck! Very, very INTERESTING. Of course, the aforementioned lyrics appear on the first verse of the song “Saw Lightning.”

“Saw Lightning” is a record that only Pharrell Williams and Beck could construct, period. The standout from Hyperspace is a distinct blend of hip-hop, space funk, and alternative folk, or something like that.  The production incorporates guitars, synths, and those signature, hyper drums associated with ‘Skateboard P.’  As left of center as it is, it’s equally infectious and irresistible.  That includes the chorus, where Beck proclaims seeing lightning, and the aftermath: “It struck me down, struck me down / Struck me down to the ground.”  Even so, on the refrain, he’s a bit playful – tongue-in-cheek – regarding his sights:

“Hey, hey, hey, I saw lightning
Ho-ho-ho, I saw lightning
He-he-he, I saw lightning
Ha-ha-ha.”

Beck may be having fun here but getting struck by lightning is NO laughing matter. “Saw Lightning” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Colorful Songs That Reference Devastating Disasters.

15. Party Pupils & MAX, “Sax on the Beach”

“Sax on the Beach” – Single • Dim Mak • 2018

“Same spot on the sand today and I see you walking by / Two-piece and a French beret, got a few things on my mind…” Hmm, like what, I wonder… hehe. Originally appearing on the musical instrument-themed playlist, 13 Entertaining Songs That Reference Musical Instruments is “Sax on the Beach.” “Sax on the Beach” arrives courtesy of Party Pupils, a duo comprised of New York pop singer MAX (known for hits like “Lights Down Low”) and multi-instrumentalist and producer, Ryan Siegel.

“Sax on the Beach” features awesome, soulful vocals from MAX from the jump.  As always, the pop singer, who deserves much wider recognition, has a magnificent tone.  This is a sleekly produced, funky dance-pop record, produced by the duo.  As the aforementioned excerpts from the first verse confirm, “Sax on the Beach” is built on ample sexual innuendo. MAX, of course, sells it sensationally, particularly on the chorus:

“Sax, sax on the beach
Sounds so sweet
When you put your hands on me
Sax, sax on the beach
Can he hit that G?
And I’m feeling so horny
Put your hands on me…”

Can he hit that G? Whoa! Anyways, naturally, there is a heaping dose of saxophone (Dominic Lalli) within the production – fitting, of course, given the title.  Also, Mr. Schneider lets loose, dropping the bomb on the risqué second verse, where there’s:

“Good kush and tequila, babe, really does that body right
Mystery like a masquerade but I’ma fuck you mask off tonight…”