15 Songs Where the Prefix is Un- | Playlist 🎧

15 Songs Where the Prefix is Un-  features songs by Alicia Keys, D’Angelo, Hozier, Sam Smith, Toni Braxton, and XG. 

It’s sort of unbelievable that I have never made an un- playlist! Now, the un-playlist has successfully materialized. Woo-hoo! 15 Songs Where the Prefix is Un- is exactly what it says it is: all 15 songs feature an ‘un-word’ in their titles.  It’s all about the prefix, un- 🤭! 15 Songs Where the Prefix is Un- features songs by Alicia Keys, D’Angelo, Hozier, Sam Smith, Toni Braxton, and XG. What more is there to say? Let’s celebrate this un- musical experience, shall we?!

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~ Table of Contents ~ 

1. XG & VALORANT, “UNDEFEATED”	2. Sam Smith & Kim Petras, “Unholy”	3. Hozier, “Unknown / Nth”	4. Alicia Keys, “Un-thinkable (I’m Ready)”
5. Tawnted, “Unwell”	6. Sevenths, “Unspeakable Things”	7. Tim McGraw & Tyler Hubbard, “Undivided”	8. Chris Brown, “Undecided”
9. Chloe x Halle, “Ungodly Hour”	10. Eminem, “Unaccommodating” (Ft. Young M.A)	11. Prophets of Rage, “Unfuck the World”	12. Toni Braxton, “Un-Break My Heart”
13. D’Angelo, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”	14. The Dave Brubeck Quartet, “Unsquare Dance”	15. The Righteous Brothers, “Unchained Melody”

 

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1. XG & VALORANT, “UNDEFEATED”

“UNDEFEATED” // XGALX // 2024

“Undefeated, uh-huh / That’s why they call me undisputed, uh-huh / I’m ranking up another season, uh-huh / I been about my stats / Now would you look at that, that, that, that-that.” Woo, Jurin and Hinata! Japanese girl group XG, collaborating with VALORANT (a 5v5 character-based, tactical shooter game) brings the heat in their single, “UNDEFEATED”.  From the opening tip, “UNDEFEATED” indeed sounds undefeated. One of the best elements of the song is the epic production courtesy of JAKOPS, Chancellor, Shintaro Yasuda, DaviDior, and Taylor. Besides the killer instrumental, XG is “locked and loaded” from the jump too (also, a lyric from the first verse). The chorus sets the tone for this undefeated, kick-ass track.  From there, the verses and pre-choruses hit hard, with various members getting their moment in the spotlight.  The lyrics are fierce and fun. In the first verse, Cocona asserts, “King of the jungle, I’m beating my chest / They say I’m posing a threat (Threat, threat) / Just took a dub and I’m cutting the net.” Word! In the pre-chorus, Chisa lets us know, “Ain’t no rivals… They can try, but they’re never ever slowing me down.” As for Harvey, at the end of the second verse, “I got ‘em shook, I’m on a roll, check on my stats.” XG brings a heaping dose of confidence and the heart of a champion on this fun global pop (rap/R&B sprinkled in as well) cut.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: April 2024

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2. Sam Smith & Kim Petras, “Unholy”

Gloria // Capitol // 2023 

“Mummy don’t know daddy’s getting hot / At the body shop / Doing something unholy.” Gah-day-um!   “Unholy” arrived as a single in 2022 by Academy- and Grammy-award-winning, nonbinary singer/songwriter, Sam Smith.  From the first note, it was clear that Smith was tweaking their sound and evolving. In the Grammy-winning single from their 2023 album, Gloria, Smith is assisted by German pop singer, Kim Petras, who fits the unholiness perfectly. “Unholy” commences unexpectedly with big, a cappella vocals by Smith (with vocal effects).  Unknowingly, upon first listen the intro is the eventual chorus of the record.  The chorus ends up being a vibe that you can’t get unstuck. Besides the epic intro and alluring chorus, “Unholy” features sleek production work by Smith, Ilya, Cirkut, Blake Slatkin, Omer Fedi, and Jimmy Napes. Although the chorus fabulously sums up the sus happenings, the verses by Smith and Petras fill in the blanks.  In the first, Smith sings, “Dirty, dirty boy / you know everyone is talkin’ on the scene / I hear them whisperin’ bout the places that you’ve been / And how you don’t know how to keep your business clean.” As for Petras,  in playful and sassy fashion, she asserts, “You gon’ need to bag it up ‘cause I’m spendin’ on Rodeo (Woo) / You can watch me back it up, I’ll be gone in the A.M.” “Unholy” is short but ultimately sweet. 

  

Appears in 🔻:  

• Awesome Songs: September 2022 
• 14 Exceptional LGBTQ Songs from 2022 
• 50 Best Songs of 2022
• 11 Songs Where Spirituality is Sus… (2023)
• 13 Compelling Holy Songs (2024)

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3. Hozier, “Unknown / Nth”

Unreal Unearth // Rubyworks Ltd. / Columbia // 2023

“You know the distance never made a difference to me / I swam a lake of fire, I’d have walked across the floor of any sea.” Oh, the poetry… and mention of literal hell 😈. “Unknown / Nth” is the penultimate cut from Unreal Unearth, the ambitious 2023, third studio album by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, Hozier. “Unknown / Nth” has ample pros. It features lovely guitar playing by the Irishman. His vocals are incredibly expressive and nuanced.  His best weapon, however, is his songwriting, as evidenced by the excerpted lyrics from the first verse.  Those lyrics throughout reference Dante’s Inferno from The Divine Comedy, specifically the ninth circle of hell, while also commentating on breaking up in a relationship. Hozier produced “Unknown / Nth” alongside Sean Cook.

“Funny how true colors shine in darkness and in secrecy / If there were scarlet flags, they washed out in the mind of mе,” Hozier sings in the second verse, continuing to impress with his deep, thoughtful lyricism. Complex and thought-provoking, the allusions are everything.  Angelic talk is firmly planted in the third verse, though Hozier admits, “Going unknown as any angel to me.” Lucifer, a fallen angel, is alluded to. The bridge is gargantuan and continues to showcase the singer/songwriter’s elite pen. In the chorus, he reflects on what’s most troubling about the end of a relationship – the unknown:

“It ain’t the being alone (Sha-la-la)

It ain’t the empty home, baby (Sha-la-la)

You know I’m good on my own (Sha-la-la)

Sha-la-la, baby, you know, it’s more the being unknown

So much of the livin’, love, is the being unknown.” 

As complex as “Unknown / Nth” is, it is a brilliant and beautiful song.

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4. Alicia Keys, “Un-thinkable (I’m Ready)”

The Element of Freedom // RCA // 2009

“If we gon’ do somethin’ ‘bout it, we should do it right now.” Oh, snap 🥵! The Element of Freedom, the fourth studio album by Alicia Keys, was the first that didn’t land a top 10 hit on the pop charts 😢.  Also, it was the first album by the Grammy darling NOT to score any nominations 🤯. Pleasant promo single “Doesn’t Mean Anything” failed to reach the top 40, peaking modesty at no. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart” was far more successful, spending 20 weeks on the pop charts and peaking at no. 27 in January 2010.  The most successful song from the album was the chill, well-rounded urban ballad “Un-thinkable (I’m Ready).” “Un-Thinkable” barely missed the top 20, settling for no. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Keys penned “Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready)” alongside Drake, Kerry “Krucial” Brothers, and 40 (Noah Shebib). Drake provides background vocals and is the featured guest on the remix. Keys, Brothers, and Shebib produced the incredibly sensual and smooth joint.  Keys sings marvelously, barely breaking a sweat as she details advancing the relationship. “Moment of honesty / Someone’s gotta take the lead tonight / Who’s it gonna be?” she asks in the first verse.  Ooh-wee! In the pre-chorus, Keys describes a new, special feeling – ‘un-ignorable’ true love! In the tuneful chorus, she memorable asserts:

“I was wonderin’, maybe, could I make you my baby?

If we do the unthinkable, would it make us look crazy?

If you ask me, I’m ready (I’m ready)

If you ask me, I’m ready (I’m ready).”

She’s ready, y’all! Woo! The Element of Freedom was overshadowed by As I Am (2007) and Girl on Fire (2012), but the multiplatinum “Un-thinkable (I’m Ready)” is a bright spot.

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5. Tawnted, “Unwell”

“Unwell” // Tawnted // 2023 

“I’m a little unwell if you really couldn’t tell,” Tawnted (Jonathan Armswood) asserts in the chorus of his 2023 single, “Unwell”. Well, considering we don’t know the New Jersey independent artist personally, it would be hard to judge his health, mentally or physically.  But, to give us insight, he delivers the totally, unwell chorus at the top of the song. Mentally, Tawnted is not in a good place, blaming his pride for not asking for help, and characterizing the arduousness of life. With the chorus behind the gay musician, we get to the source of Tawnted’s malaise in the first verse – a boy.  Sigh, it’s always a boy, isn’t it!  “He’s playing Jenga with my heart / Just one more piece, I’ll fall apart,” he asserts, continuing, “I have been convinced I am just a game / But why can I not hit restart.”  This bad romance has thrown Tawnted off.  In the second verse, he has digital friends as opposed to physical friends, which is another sign of his altered state of mind.  “Broken, I am the pinnacle, no wonder I am cynical / I bend ‘till I break.” Da-yum, Tawnted! Unfortunately, this chill but emotional indie pop cut doesn’t offer much resolution for Tawnted, who, in real life, had to make bold changes: leaving his religious practice, coming out, and pursuing music, which he was previously forbidden to do, there is a glimpse of hope: “One day, one day, one day / Maybe I might be okay.” Until then, he’s “a little unwell, oh well.”

Appears in 🔻:

• Tawnted, Unwell: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 15 (2023) 

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6. Sevenths, “Unspeakable Things”

“Unspeakable Things”// Sevenths // 2022 

“I wanna do, wanna do unspeakable things.” What are those “Unspeakable Things”, Sevenths (Kieran David Lewis)? The out and proud 🏳️‍🌈 English pop musician/producer/songwriter is talking about sex in his 2022 single. He superbly sings about pleasure in this tasteful and tasty sex-positive gem.  The sleek instrumental and the vocals are seductive. Kieran provides some details about the desires of his, um, nether, but opts for innuendo generally instead of explicitness. Don’t get it twisted though – Kieran Lewis is NOT that innocent! “Desires held within us / We are angels until light withers,” he asserts in the first verse, continuing, “When impulses begin to steer us / And the purest turn to sinners.” Still respectable, touch drives Kieran in the initial pre-chorus (“What I want, what I need / Is to get your hands on me / In all the places, in all the spaces / Other people don’t see”).  In the chorus, he’s more unbuttoned: “I wanna (uh) you dry, let you (uh) inside me / Your body’s my fantasy tonight.” The bridge marks his freakiest moment:   

“In my darkest dreams, in the most obscene 

I can see your uh, then it’s up in me 

Yeah I call your name, then I scream it 

Boy, what you’ve got’s not a want, yeah, I need it.”

Hmm, wonder what that uh is referencing? 🍆 🍑…  If you haven’t experienced the sickening sexy bop that is “Unspeakable Things”, you’re missing out.  Also, you’re missing out if you’re not partaking in such unspeakable things 🫢 🤭.

Appears in 🔻:

• Sevenths, Unspeakable Things: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 48 (2024)

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7. Tim McGraw & Tyler Hubbard, “Undivided”

“Undivided” // McGraw Music / Big Machine // 2021

“We’ve been hateful long enough / Let the Good Lord reunite / ‘Til this country that we love’s / Undivided.” Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard have a point. You can’t question the thoughtful, tuneful chorus of their single, “Undivided”. It comes from a good, unifying place, though fails to change an extremely polarized nation. “Undivided” is meant to give the feels – incite being better, more thoughtful people.  Fair enough. Supported by rhythmic production work, McGraw and Hubbard have a respectable canvas.  McGraw, who ‘draws first blood,’ imparts a tale of Billy who’s been bullied and struggles to fit in. He ultimately states, “I wish that I’d have been the friend / That Billy never knew.” Yeah, we all know ‘Billy,’ and we should all be regretful we weren’t as supportive as we should’ve been.  In the second verse, Hubbard contrasts McGraw with a twang-heavy approach.  Hubbard is ‘woke’ to some degree in the lyric, “Why’s it gotta be all white or all black? / And when we gon’ learn to try on someone’s shoes sometimes.” As aforementioned, “Undivided” comes from a good place, even if the execution is questionable to some extent. Still, give McGraw and Hubbard some credit.

Appears in 🔻: 

• 13 U Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason (2021) 

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8. Chris Brown, “Undecided”

Indigo // RCA // 2019

In “Undecided” (Indigo, 2019), Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Chris Brown is undecided about being in a committed, serious relationship or keeping things sexual. Sex and Brown’s music go hand-in-hand.  Case in point: “Girl, you know what pussy is my weakness.” Ugh. Brown is taken with a girl who wants to take the relationship to the next level.  Chris considers it but admits, “No, I’m not ready for, you want me all alone.”  In this bright, major-key urban contemporary record (fueled by a Shanice sample), the sex is where Brown is fully decided, evidenced by the pre-chorus (“I’m taking off your clothes / We getting sexual / Hit it so good, think I’ll propose / I don’t know but”). It is the chorus where he struggles with being monogamous or hooking up and playing the field.

“I’m undecided, excited, ignited

And I don’t wanna feel the way I do, but I like it

Look at all these sparks flying

But I’m still indecisive

And she want me to wife it

But I’m undecided.”

Ultimately, “Undecided” is an enjoyable single.

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9. Chloe x Halle, “Ungodly Hour”

Ungodly Hour //  Parkwood Entertainment / Sony // 2020

“You know that I, I heard it all before / You’re hesitant, but you could give me more / I know you like to play those silly games / When you’re done, call my name.” “Ungodly Hour” is the sixth track on Ungodly Hour, the brilliant sophomore by Grammy-nominated R&B sister duo Chloe x Halle (Chloe Bailey and Halle Bailey).  The longest song on the album, “Ungodly Hour” is the sole record surpassing four minutes in length. Sigh, the ladies have more to say over a sleek backdrop produced by Disclosure.  Expectedly, the results are glorious, perfectly attuned to such youthful yet highly skilled pipes. Disclosure always ‘gets it done’, blending electronic, pop, and R&B seamlessly. The chorus is golden – 💯. 

“When you decide you like yourself (Holler at me) 
When you decide you need someone (Call up on me) 
When you don’t have to think about it 
Love me at the ungodly hour.” 

Appears in 🔻: 

• Hour: 5ive Songs No. 35 (2020)
• 11 Interesting Songs Associated with Hours (2020)
• 13 U Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason (2021)

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10. Eminem, “Unaccommodating” (Ft. Young M.A)

Music to Be Murdered By // Shady / Aftermath // 2020

“I am the complete opposite of these retards who spit these weak bars, I’ma leave carnage / Each thought’ll be so toxic, it’ll block the wind through your esophagus.” Ooh-wee! In the banger “Unaccommodating,” the second track on his 2020 album, Music to Be Murdered By, Eminem enlists tough-minded rapper Young M.A. Young M.A drops the first verse over a sick beat and a hard-nosed, malicious-sounding backdrop. One of her best lines is, “Yeah, her ass fake, but she came for real,” a nod to her skills in the bedroom.  Eminem courts a huge controversy lyrically. In the second verse, he raps: “But I’m contemplating yelling ‘Bombs away’ on the game / Like I’m outside of an Ariana Grande concert waiting.” Yikes! Not cool, Eminem! He’s true to self by being quite unaccommodating instead of accommodating, referencing Osama Bin Laden, JonBenét Ramsey, and John Wayne Gacy.  Holy moly! He’s always been offensive; “Unaccommodating” is a prime example.

Appears in 🔻:  

• 13 U Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason (2021) 

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11. Prophets of Rage, “Unfuck the World”

Prophets of Rage // Concord // 2017 

“What the fuck are you waiting for? / Stand up and rise like the tide.” Fuck yeah! “Unfuck the World” commences in a spirited fashion, sounding mean, resolute, and war ready. Prophets of Rage are angry, with the venom ready to infect those who have fucked the world by their estimations.

“No hatred

Fuck racists

Blank faces

Time’s changin’

One nation

Unification

The vibration

Unfuck the world!”

The chorus is a component of the resistance movement, aimed at President Donald Trump and some of his followers. He’s never mentioned specifically, but the implications are clear. “Unfuck the World” is a perfect single supporting the resistance by all means. More resistance is necessary for his shocking second term…

Appears in 🔻:

• Songs Supporting Equality, Justice & Resistance, Vol. 2 (2017)

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12. Toni Braxton, “Un-Break My Heart”

Secrets // LaFace // 1996 

“Don’t leave me in all this pain,” Toni Braxton sings in the first verse of her adult contemporary R&B classic, “Un-Break My Heart”. She adds, “Bring back those nights when I held you beside me.” Heartbreak plagued a young Braxton back in 1996.  “Un-Break My Heart,” the biggest hit of her career, was a dominant no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, crowning the charts for 11 weeks. A platinum-certified single, “Un-Break My Heart” earned Braxton one of her seven Grammys – Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Parent album, Secrets, it’s been certified octuple platinum. There are a plethora of reasons why “Un-Break My Heart” is a timeless classic.  The distinct, expressive, and husky voice of Braxton shines. The richness of her instrument is perfect for capturing the ‘love pain.’  “Come and kiss the pain away,” she sings in the second verse, “I can’t forget the day you left.” Sad. While Toni brings those sad lyrics and melodies to life, iconic songwriter Diane Warren penned this masterpiece.  The best moment comes in the tuneful chorus: 

“Un-break my heart 

Say you’ll love me again 

Undo this hurt you caused 

When you walked out the door 

And walked out of my life 

Un-cry these tears 

I cried so many nights 

Un-break my heart 

My heart.”

Also, credit producer David Foster who crafts an ultra-classy, refined backdrop for Braxton. “Un-Break My Heart” is a once-in-a-lifetime record. 

 

Appears in 🔻:  

• Toni Braxton, Un-Break My Heart: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 3 (2024)
• 13 Possessive Songs Featuring the Adjective, MY (2024)
• 13 Heartfelt ❤️ HEART ❤️ Songs (2024) 

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13. D’Angelo, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”

Voodoo // Virgin // 2000

“I’d love to make you wet / In between your thighs ‘cause / I love when it comes inside you.” WOW! Cutting straight to the chase, D’Angelo delivered one of the sexiest, most soulful gems of all time with “Untitled (How Does it Feel)”.  Yes, the music video stole plenty of attention, and how could it not? A nude, chiseled D’Angelo was certainly a sight to behold 🤤.  That said, no matter how fine D was, the song itself is the crowning achievement. Listening to “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” you can’t help feeling a bit guilty.  Why? Well, D’Angelo goes all in on the neo-soul sound, meaning the influence of gospel music is crystal clear.  Some of the most soulful R&B hearkens back to the sounds of the church with big bass lines, marvelous piano riffs, harmonized vocals, and the groove. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” checks off those boxes, adding guitar to the mix.  Those layered harmonized vocals are utterly sublime! As heavenly as this seven-minute aughts R&B classic sounds, there’s nothing godly about this record. Mr. Archer is all about S-E-X.  Yes, there’s dedication, but “I can provide everything that you desire” certainly indicates plans to stick [his] key in [her] ignition. Also, later, he asserts, ‘Let me take off your clothes…” All told in “Untitled (How Does it Feel)”, D’Angelo sings his ass off, and understandably, women (and men too) felt ‘some type of way’ listening to this one.  

 

Appears in 🔻:  

• D’Angelo, Untitled (How Does it Feel): After Dark 🕛 🌃 34 (2021)
• 15 Ultra Compelling HOW Songs (2023)
• Incredible Songs: 2000s, Vol. 1 (2023)

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14. The Dave Brubeck Quartet, “Unsquare Dance”

Time Further Out // Sony Music Entertainment Inc. // 1961

Jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck (1920 – 2012) had no shortage of innovative spirit as a musician. He opted against the tried and true and pushed boundaries.  One such way he did so was by exploring nontraditional and asymmetric meters. In 1961, The Dave Brubeck Quartet – Brubeck, Paul Desmond (saxophone), Joe Morello (drums), and Eugene Wright (bass) – released Time Further Out, which features the 7/4 masterpiece, “Unsquare Dance”.

“Unsquare Dance” runs merely two minutes in duration. Wright provides a mighty foundation with the string bass highlighting key beats – one, three, and five.  It’s not only Wright who maintains a groove.  Handclaps play a pivotal role – part of the charm of “Unsquare Dance.” Who performs those claps? Did Desmond clap since he didn’t play alto sax on it? Eventually, Brubeck enters the mix incorporating the blues (it’s still built on a blues progression) and country/western flavor.  Eventually, Joe Morello brings the drums in alongside the handclaps but doesn’t embrace the whole kit – it’s the rim of the snare action, baby! Minimalist yet brilliant musically, “Unsquare Dance” ranks among the best songs of the Dave Brubeck catalog.

Appears in 🔻:

• The Dave Brubeck Quartet, Unsquare Dance: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 31 (2024)
• 13 More Epic Songs Fueled by DANCE (2024)
• Incredible Songs: 1960s, Vol. 5 (2024)

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15. The Righteous Brothers, “Unchained Melody”

Just Once In My Life // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1965

“Whoa, my love, my darling / I’ve hungered for your touch / A long, lonely time…” Alex North and Hy Zaret penned a classic song in 1955 with “Unchained Melody”, a soundtrack cut 🤯! An oft-covered song (understatement), the most famous rendition of the song belongs to The Righteous Brothers – originally a duo comprised of Bill Medley (1940 – )  and the late Bobby Hatfield (1940 – 2003). Notably, it is Hatfield that performed the lead on this song – a solo recording to be precise. “Unchained Melody,” which appeared on the duo’s 1965 album, Just Once In My Life, was one of six top-10 hits for the duo, peaking at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Also, interestingly, a re-recorded version also performed well on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990, peaking at no. 19.  Of course, it is the original that is the ace-in-the hole for The Righteous Brothers – well, Hatfield. 

 

The melody of “Unchained Melody” is to die for – splendid! It is easy on the ears and tuneful, brought to life by Hatfield’s expressive, nuanced performance.  The two verses truly shine, with the conclusion of the second verse shining brightest historically.  Intensifying lyrics that also appeared at the end of the first verse, Hatfield tweaks the melody, showing off his impressive range, and setting the tone for how “Unchained Melody” was to be performed for eternity: “I need your love / I, I need your love / Godspeed your love to me.” Besides the famous artistic liberty, the bridge section marks another brilliant part of this beloved classic.  Form-wise, it does what a bridge is expected to – separate itself from the other sections of the song, in this case, the verses.  Harmonically and melodically, it is a contrast, one that Hatfield executes flawlessly: “Lonely rivers flow / To the sea, to the sea / To the open arms of the sea, yeah.” We could analyze and analyze “Unchained Melody” but honestly, the music speaks for itself on this easy listening, pop gem. 

Appears in 🔻:  

• The Righteous Brothers, Unchained Melody: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 116 (2023)
• 15 Dazzling, Elements of Music Songs… Sort Of! (2023)

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15 Songs Where the Prefix is Un- (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Aftermath, Big Machine, Capitol, Columbia, Concord, LaFace, McGraw Music, RCA, Rubyworks Ltd., Sevenths, Shady, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., Tawnted, UMG Recordings, Inc., Virgin, XGALX; David Mosquera from Pexels]

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