15 Songs Where We are in This Together! | Playlist 🎧

1. For KING & COUNTRY, Tori Kelly & Kirk Franklin, “TOGETHER”

“TOGETHER” • Curb / Word Entertainment • 2020

“And if we fall, we will fall together / Together (together, together).” That’s definitely the spirit, and Australian-born, American-based Christian pop duo For KING & COUNTRY capture it perfectly on “TOGETHER”. Just to brush you up on the background of the duo, it’s comprised of two brothers, Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone.  Notably, they have a famous sister, Rebecca St. James.  Anyways, focusing on “TOGETHER,” the duo enlists some big-name friends for the assist on this comforting record for a pandemic, fellow Grammy winners Tori Kelly and Kirk Franklin.

From the start, “TOGETHER” is radiant; lovely production work to say the least.  Also, accompanying this thoughtful, uplifting gem, there is a moving music video. The first and second verses, performed by Luke Smallbone, are a bit more subtle compared to the what comes.  Even so, it’s fitting, and seems to be by design – you never want to show all of your cards early on. Afterward, Joel Smallbone takes the reins on the pre-chorus, providing a nice vocal contrast to his brother.  Both sing together on the chorus, excerpted earlier, which is quite powerful.  Honestly, even given its simplicity, it affects you the very first time you hear it.

Tori Kelly arrives on the second verse, delivering a more assertive performance than Luke does.  With “TOGETHER” featuring short verses, she makes the most of a few solo moments. She does go onto join Joel on the pre-chorus and the chorus.  Her voice sounds absolutely amazing, particularly the ad-libs.  Last but not least, the bridge is ‘da bomb’ featuring Kirk Franklin and choir.  As usual, Franklin serves in the ‘ministerial’ role.  The big takeaway from “TOGETHER” is simply is togetherness during adversity and tough times – “We are in this together.” “TOGETHER” is the perfect way to commence this list, as it was the perfect way to conclude as the 10^th song on a previous list, Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2.

2. Mariah Carey, “We Belong Together”

The Emancipation of Mimi • Island Def Jam • 2005

Question(s): “Who else am I gonna lean on when times get rough? / Who’s gonna talk to me on the phone ‘til the sun comes up / Who’s gonna take your place? There ain’t nobody better / Oh, baby, baby, we belong together.” Really, is there any introduction needed? Mariah Carey was everywhere in 2005, experience a resurgence in popularity that many music artists only dream could happen. “We Belong Together” was a big reason for that, earning 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  The Emancipation of Mimi gave Carey her biggest critical and commercial triumph in years following duds with Glitter (2001) and Charmbracelet (2002).

“When you left, I lost a part of me / It’s still so hard to believe / Come back, baby, please / ‘Cause we belong together.” “We Belong Together” is simply an enjoyable, well-rounded R&B break-up song.  Mariah Carey misses her man and begs him to come back because, in her eyes, they “belong together.” It’s well produced (Carey, Jermaine Dupri, and Manuel Seal) without being incredibly flashy. The production does get a lift from two samples – “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” (Bobby Womack) and “Two Occasions” (The Deele featuring Babyface). Its simplicity and straightforwardness serve it well.    The biggest selling point? The voice – marvelous!

3. The 1975, “Me & You Together Song”

Notes on a Conditional Form • Interscope • 2020

It’s safe to say, you never know what exactly Matthew Healy has up his sleeves.  The 1975 is certainly best characterized as an alternative collective.  Throughout their career, they’ve incorporated rock, pop, and even emulated gospel on a personal favorite, “If I Believe You.”  Given their unpredictability, each new song from the band is often surprising. “Me & You Together Song” is definitely true to self – rather the band – released as the fourth single in advance of Notes on a Conditional Form.

The sound of “Me & You Together Song” is quite loud. There’s a lot going on. The backdrop just doesn’t let up; it’s robust.  That robustness comes from the bright, rhythmic guitars, which are quite pronounced in the mix. One questions the balance here, particularly when you throw Healy’s lead vocals, as well as backing vocals into the mix.  Additionally, there’s a big bass line and anchoring drums. Beyond the sound, we get into the songwriting and theme.  Infatuation.  The chorus sums it up soundly:

“I’ve been in love with her for ages
And I can’t seem to get it right
I fell in love with her in stages
My whole life.”

This is simple and quite relatable – nothing objectionable.  Throughout the verses, Matthew Healy fills in the blanks about his love, specifically his mishaps and quirks.  On the first verse, he sings, “I can’t remember when we met / Because she didn’t have a top on.” You dog! Then on the second verse, there some queerness, supposedly: “I’m sorry that I’m kinda queer, it’s not as weird as it appears /… Oh, it’s okay, lots of people think I’m gay.” Wow, Matty, wow! By the end, he emphasizes how long he’s been totally into her – “ages, and ages.” If nothing else, “Me & You Together Song” is quite interesting.

4. King Princess, “Ain’t Together”

Cheap Queen (Deluxe) • Zelig • 2020

“You know that it’s God, baby, when you’re around her / She’s God and I’ve found her.” In 2018, genderqueer and gay artist King Princess gained attention (while raising eyebrows) with the risqué “Pussy is God”. It was one of several singles, and an EP (Make My Bed), building her profile leading up to her 2019 debut album, Cheap Queen.  “Pussy is God” doesn’t appear on Cheap Queen, interestingly, but 13 other songs do, including the ‘together’ single “Ain’t Together.”

“We say, ‘I love you’ but we ain’t together / Do you think labels make it taste much better? / Darling do you think that if I talk enough / I will make you wanna be mine? We ain’t together.” “Ain’t Together” arrives on Cheap Queen as the fourth track. As King Princess tells it on this intriguing pop track, “Everybody knows / That you and I got that something,” but the problem is, “We ain’t together.” Why aren’t they together? Well, apparently, given the fact that the song can be used for various occasions, per the artist, it depends.  According to a tweet by King Princess:

There it is.  Besides relatable lyrics, regardless of your sexual preference, “Ain’t Together” features a sweet backdrop courtesy of King Princess and Mike Malchicoff.

5. RAC, “Together”

Ft. Evalyn

BOY • Counter • 2020

Grammy winning, Portland, Oregon producer RAC (André Allen Anjos) released his third album, BOY in 2020. In case you were unaware, RAC is an acronym for Remix Artist Collective. Thanks to the song “Together,” featuring Evalyn, RAC earns a spot on 15 Songs Where We are in This Together! 

“Together” is produced by Anjos and nicopop.. It commences with a lovely instrumental intro, (sounds like vocal manipulations/synths). Evalyn delivers cool but potent vocals against relatively minimal but superbly executed production. “Together” sounds quite colorful, with its use of finger snaps, electric guitar.  There is subtlety throughout the verses, with “Together” hitting harder during the chorus (expanded instrumentation).  Lyrically and thematically, “Together” keeps it simple as well – matters of the heart:

“So, if it’s broken, I’m all good knowin’ (We’ll put it back together)
You and I got something unspoken
And if it shattered, it wouldn’t matter
You and I
We’ll put it back together.”

The bridge is where the song shows its most dramatic change.  Here, Evalyn’s vocals are harmonized, further accentuated and sweetened by vocal effects.  The snaps increase, in effect shifting from a half time to double time feel (the tempo is unchanged). This is a thoughtful, very musical contrast that feels totally right – natural to say the least.  “Together” is a pretty awesome record by RAC with the help of Evalyn to say the least!

6. Chris Brown, “Come Together”

Ft. H.E.R.

Indigo • RCA • 2019

On his 10^th studio album Indigo, Grammy-winning urban contemporary artist Chris Brown seemed to be ‘feeling himself’ just a little bit too much.  Actually, a lot too much.  Why? After releasing the excessively long Heartbreak on a Full Moon in 2017,  he felt that he needed to drop another overstuffed album – ugh.  Indigo isn’t three hours long, but still exceeds two hours which is absolutely too much.  The good news is that Indigo has its moments, which includes the third track, “Come Together.”

“I can’t say that I never dreamed of touchin’ on you / Ain’t that what wild dreams are made of,” Chris Brown sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “So many feelings involved / We can’t pretend, don’t play it off / I wanna feel everything and I want you, whoa.” Fair enough.  As aforementioned, “Come Together” is among the finer moments on Indigo.  Brown collaborates with fellow Grammy-winner H.E.R. There’s a cool throwback sensibility, coupled with the über-slick backdrop that clearly has 2019 written all over it. The vocal chemistry between the two is arguably the biggest selling point.  “Come Together” is sensual from both sides, but Brown favors suggestiveness as opposed to utter explicitness.  It bodes well in his favor here. Maybe, just maybe, he should consider it more often, and let his dynamic voice shine as opposed to his penchant for the hedonistic.  That said, filthy single “Wobble Up” is a bop…

7. Lauv, “Tattoos Together”

~how I’m feeling ~ • AWAL • 2020

An infatuated Lauv (Ari Leff) potentially ‘jumps the gun’ by getting matching ink with his newfound love interest on “Tattoos Together”. Yes, it’s definitely a head shakable moment on the part of Leff who asserts, “Said I’d never fall, I’d never fall, I’d never fall / But then I fell for you, mmm.”  “Tattoos Together” appears as the 16^th track of Leff’s 2020 debut album,  ~how I’m feeling ~.

The lyrics reflect Leff’s impulsiveness, especially the pre-chorus leading into the chorus:

“One weekend in Portland
You weren’t even my girlfriend
We were walking and talking
Then somebody said let’s get...
Tattoos together, something to remember
If it’s way too soon, fuck it, whatever
Give me shapes and letters, if it’s not forever
Then at least we’ll have tattoos together.”

“Tattoos Together” is a pretty lighthearted pop record – it doesn’t get too high ultimately.  The production (Lauv himself) is well-rounded without being incredibly flashy or game changing.  Vocally, Leff serves up a pretty chill performance, particularly when he casually drops “fuck it” on the aforementioned chorus. All in all, it’s another enjoyable single off of ~how I’m feeling~, not to mention a totally ‘we’re all in this together’ song.

8. ILLENIUM, “All Together”

With OEKIIN

ASCEND • Astralwerks / Nick Miller • 2019

“No proof of God above me / I only know what I see / And we can only help ourselves / All together.” Hmm, wouldn’t be the first time that a song by DJ/producer ILLENIUM (Nicholas D. Miller) referenced some good old religious skepticism (see single “God Damnit” for another example, or even “Pray” on ASCEND).  Of course, it is OEKIIN (Jeff D’Agostino) who handles the vocals, including the aforementioned, ‘godless’ chorus. But the main point of “All Together,” the seventh track from ILLENIUM’s third studio album ASCEND isn’t so much religion or lack thereof, but rather how we need to work together instead of against one another.

OEKIIN serves up brilliant vocals throughout the course of “All Together,” sensationally conveying this narrative of clashes against one another.  “You can go ahead and judge me / Just so you can say you’re right,” he sings on the first verse, later asserting on the pre-chorus, “When a war with each other / Is a war against ourselves / We both lose when we start the fight, oh no.” He has a legitimate point.  Even if you’re not all in on the ‘lack of faith’ exhibited on the chorus, the embrace of togetherness is quite prudent.

Of course, “All Together” appears on an album by ILLENIUM, so we should probably definitely mention his contributions!  Miller is a beast behind the boards; the production absolutely, positively kicks ass.  It’s dark, enigmatic, and sleekly produced. The sound palette is rich and quite pleasing to the ear, even with a minor key in play. ILLENIUM co-produces alongside Devrim Karaoğlu and Rock Mafia. It totally slays.

9. Norah Jones, “Tryin’ to Keep it Together”

Pick Me Up Off the Floor • Capitol • 2020

“Tryin’ to keep it together, ooh ooh…” Grammy-winning pop artist Norah Jones is releasing a new album in 2020, Pick Me Up Off the Floor.  It’s been much quieter in the 10s compared to the aughts for Jones, who exploded onto the scene with Come Away with Me in 2002.  Focusing on the present, the song at hand, “Tryin’ to Keep it Together,” doesn’t appear on the standard edition of Pick Me Up Off the Floor; it’s expected to appear as a deluxe/bonus cut.  Well, it’s worth splurging on, that’s for sure!

“Tryin’ to Keep it Together” is a piano ballad that is perfectly suited for Norah Jones.  When you have such a distinct voice as hers, an intimate setting such as this is like ‘a match made in heaven.’ Her voice is absolutely gorgeous, both in a solo capacity and even more so when harmonized.  There’s a haunting, organic quality about this record.  It never gets too high, yet, it’s also incredibly potent.  Jones never over-sings, maintaining an even-keel that exceeds expectations ultimately.  Besides the aforementioned chorus (or however you want to label it), the following section also stands out: “I’ll be quiet, and you’ll be quiet too / As we are, ooh…”

10. Vampire Weekend, “We Belong Together”

Ft. Danielle Haim

Father of the Bride • Sony • 2019

“We go together like sound and sight / Black and white, day and night / We go together like left and right / Oh, we go together…” Ah, how sweet! After a six-year hiatus, Grammy-winning alternative music collective Vampire Weekend returned with new music in 2019.  Prior to the release of their fourth studio album, Father of the Bride, the last time that we’d heard from Ezra Koenig and company was in 2013 when they released the utterly superb Modern Vampires of the City. Despite the long wait for album number four, the resulting Father of the Bride ended up being pretty sweet. Adding to the togetherness of this particular playlist is “We Belong Together,” the 15^th track of Father of the Bride.

 “…We go together like give and take / Pains and aches, real and fake / We go together, don’t be opaque / It’s clear we go together.” That’s pretty clever – opaque and clear.  Anyways, “We Belong Together” is the third (and final) cut where Danielle Haim (Haim) ‘officially’ appears as a featured guest during the course of Father of the Bride.  Like their previous collaborations, Koenig and Haim make a formidable team, singing separately as well as – you guessed it – together! The best of their collaborations on FOTB is arguably “Married in a Gold Rush,” but “We Belong Together” is pretty sweet as well, another moment of consistency on the album.  It’s pretty straightforward, with the chorus summing things up excellently:

“We belong together
We belong together
Baby, there’s no use in being clever
Baby, it don’t mean we’ll stay together.”

11. Rich The Kid, “Stuck Together”

Ft. Lil Baby & Future

BOSS MAN • Republic • 2020

“The money get stuck together (Stuck) / My bitch, she bad as ever (She bad) / My n***as, they rich forever (They rich) / Better go get your shit together (Woo).” For Rich The Kid, clearly it’s a different kind of togetherness on “Stuck Together,” which appears as the opening track from his third studio album, BOSS MAN (this is the remixed version). BOSS MAN didn’t have the same impact that either The World is Yours or The World is Yours 2 had… understatement.  Regardless, the opener from the album does just happen to have the word ‘together,’ not to mention high profile guests Lil Baby and Future.

Lil Baby actually raps the second half off the aforementioned chorus and performs portions of the first verse with Rich the Kid.  They definitely have chemistry, considering the similar sound of their voice, and of course, the trap style of rap. That verse is focused on drip mostly, with a sex reference thrown in as well (“I crash in the pussy like an accident”).  It’s cliché, though backed by malicious, minimalist production courtesy of DY and Dre Moon.  Future provides some contrast on the second verse, but the focus is still heavy on drip (“I been making an M once a week”) and utter cockiness (“You done wifed up a thot I would never kiss”).  On the third and final verse, Rich the Kid isn’t exactly profound, serving up more of the same.

12. Dan + Shay, “Alone Together”

Dan + Shay • Warner Music Nashville • 2018

“I couldn’t help but notice you were sitting by yourself / Dropping limes in a Corona like you’re trying to get over somebody else…” Country music duo Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney) formed in 2012 and have managed to carve out success for themselves.  The duo has released three top-10 studio albums with Where it All Began (2014), Obsessed (2016), and the album that features the song at hand, Dan + Shay (2018).  Notably, the tight, 11-track, 35-minute self-titled LP kept the two-year gap between albums going.  Maybe more notable is that Smyers and Mooney earned their first Grammy (“Tequila”) from the album.  “Tequila” doesn’t necessarily embrace togetherness (though it could), but “Alone Together” certainly does.

“We can be blue as a neon light
Singing them sad up songs all night
We can say goodbye, just head home
But if we're gonna be alone.”

“Alone Together” makes up part of a great opening trio of songs on Dan + Shay. Specifically, “Alone Together” serves as a stellar opener – song ‘numero uno’ – characterized by its pummeling drums, rhythmic guitars, and clean and clear vocals.  The chorus shines thanks to thoughtful songwriting and great vocal chemistry, particularly the harmonies.

“We should be alone together
Kissing over there in the corner
Where nobody else can see
Keeping each other company
We should be alone together
Leaning up against my car door
Parked outside on the street
Where it's just you and me
We should be alone together.”

13. Jill Scott, “Back Together”

Woman • Blues Babe / Atlantic • 2015

“You went and put me back together / Back together again…” Jill Scott never makes a bad album – and I dare you to say otherwise! Her final album of the 2010s arrived in 2015, Woman.  Woman, like most Jill Scott albums, had a number of ‘hits,’ even if those ‘hits’ weren’t commercially successful.  In the context of R&B gems, Woman had plenty, including “Run Run Run,” “Lighthouse,” “Fool’s Gold,” “Closure,” and “You Don’t Know.”  That doesn’t even include one of the later, ‘deeper’ cuts on the album, “Back Together.” I admit, focused so much on the aforementioned gems, “Back Together” slipped my mind and was spun less frequently.  I should’ve spun it more – it’s definitely worth it.

“Back Together,” the 13^th track from Woman, is as energetic and soulful as anything else on the album.  Written by Scott alongside Aaron Pierce, who also produces, “Back Together” blends blues, gospel, and soul seamlessly.  The record allows for Scott to show off the color, nuance, and sheer power of her voice.  She doesn’t go in overt, initially showcasing balance and poise (verses), before unleashing those high-flying powerhouse pipes in all their glory (bridge):

“Now, I’m walking in the sunshine
And everything feels so right
You went and put me right back together
Put me right back together
Baby look at what you did…”

Of course, the person who put Jill back together is a truly great, loving man, sigh.

14. Taylor Swift, “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together”

Red • Big Machine • 2012

Before Taylor Swift made it official that she was leaving country music in favor of pop (1989), she’d already began the transition on her 2012 album, Red. Yes, Red still had country music flowing through her veins, but the pop (or ‘country pop’ if you like) was much more pronounced here compared to previous albums.  One such pop record fits this togetherness embracing list, “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” If making the assertion “we are never getting back together” wasn’t enough, Swift makes it crystal clear that she and her ex are “never ever EVER getting back together.”

Piggybacking on the idea that Red is a transitional Taylor Swift album, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” was co-written by Swift with pop producers Max Martin and Shellback (they produce the track as well).  Naturally, the production encompasses ‘pop’ cues including a pounding beat, rhythm guitar.  It doesn’t go as far to the left as “I Knew You Were Trouble.” from the same album – it eschews dubstep and whacky synths – but this is pop music.  Swift’s vocal performance is catchy, cutesy, and playful, while the chorus specifically was among the catchiest of 2012:

“We are never, ever, ever, ever, getting back together
…You go talk to you friends talk
To my friends talk to me/but we are never, ever, ever, getting back together.”

Pop has certainly worked out for Taylor Swift, hasn’t it?

15. Daley, “Alone Together”

Ft. Marsha Ambrosius

Days & Nights • Republic • 2014

America has been blessed with a number of incredibly talented ‘British imports.’ By British imports – this being a music site and all – I am referring to British artists impacting us in America.  One of those awesome musicians who comes in quite underrated but shouldn’t’ be is Gareth Daley, better known as simply Daley.  His tenor pipes are nothing short of beautiful, something that shines like a beacon on his 2014 debut album, Days & Nights.  The song at hand – the representative for that togetherness – “Alone Together,” actually first appeared on Daley’s EP, Alone Together, in 2012.

“I can’t help but think that this doesn’t add up
I’m trying to separate the facts from all the fiction
We’re living in a world of contradictions
And if baby you’re the truth when I’m lying next to you.”

“Alone Together” ranks among the crème de la crème of Days & Nights.  Daley is paired with fellow British R&B singer Marsha Ambrosius, formerly of Floetry notoriety, not to mention being a formidable solo artist. The vocal chemistry between the two is top-notch, particularly on and following the bridge: “You’re the desert sand, I’ll be your water and you’re the perfect plan I never thought of…” Can you say ‘power duet’ – methinks.