15 Songs Whose Focus is on Forever | Playlist 🎧

1. Charli XCX, “forever”

How I’m feeling now • Warner • 2020

“I will always love you (Love you) / I’ll love you forever / Even when we’re not together…” “forever” is standout from how I’m feeling now, the album that Charli XCX recorded during the COVID-19 quarantine. Here, Charli sings with number of vocal effects and some vocal layering.

The production (A.G. Cook and BJ Burton) is ‘rough around the edges,’ but kinder and gentler compared to the track that precedes it on the album (“pink diamond”). “Forever” is about matters of the heart, specifically, the singer’s boyfriend.

2. Lil Baby, “Forever”

Ft. Lil Wayne

My Turn • Quality Control Music • 2020

Lil Baby is assisted by Lil Wayne on “Forever,” the 10th track of his incredibly successful 2020 album, My Turn. Although he enlists royalty for the assist, Baby makes sure that he ‘takes first blood’ and is the head honcho – the main attraction!  He drops a worthwhile chorus, followed by an agile, fierce first verse.

No worries, Weezy stays true to self on the second verse:

“Suavé, sippin’ promethazine latte
Sticky-ass weed like Scotch tape
Big beast, call me Banijay
Me and Lil Baby compadre...”

Twysted Genius deserves a big round of applause for his kick ass production – NO CAP!

3. Halsey, “Forever… (is a long time)

Manic • Capitol • 2020

According to Halsey, “Forever … (is a long time)” marks the first song of a trio of songs that are meant to be listened to successively on her 2020 album, Manic.  Fair enough.  “Forever” is certainly interesting, beginning in a major key, comprised of intro and verse, before an interlude shifts to a minor key.

The minor section might be the crowning achievement, with Halsey bringing more bite.  The keyword is EMOTION.  Also, the production (co-produced with Lido) at the end kicks…ass, of course!

4. Lauv, “Sad Forever”

~ how I’m feeling ~ • AWAL • 2020

Lauv (Ari Leff) brilliantly tackles mental health issues on “Sad Forever”, a single released in 2019 that appears on his 2020 debut studio album, ~how I’m feeling~. “Sad Forever” is produced by Lauv and Halatrax.  Interestingly, it’s a mix of a singer/songwriter vibe with some modern pop cues.  Clearly, Leff wants to invite the listener into the anxiety and depression issues he was facing.

On the first verse, Lauv sets up the turbulence he’s experienced, asserting, “Whispers in the nighttime / Voices always keeping me up / Telling me that I should give up.” One of the most beautiful moments occurs on the pre-chorus, as Leff sings, “‘Cause lately I’ve been in the backseat to my own life / Trying to take control, but I don’t know how to.”  On the chorus, he is resolute – determined, essentially, not to let sadness weigh him down and destroy him. On the second verse, he looks ahead, more positively:

“I’m coming through to the other side
I’ll make it through to tomorrow
‘Cause that’s all I can do today, do today.”

What stands out about “Sad Forever” is the resolve shown by the artist.  Also, his falsetto is pretty sweet on the chorus.  “Sad Forever” previously appeared as an entry on the playlist I curate, Music to Atone to, as well as The Musical Hype playlist, 11 Songs Where the Sadness is Legit.

5. Chrisette Michele, “A Couple of Forevers”

Better • Motown • 2013

Better was a well-rounded album by Grammy-winning R&B artist Chrisette Michele. Filled with a number of excellent songs, none compare to the soulful gem, “A Couple of Forevers.”  Despite the fact that “A Couple of Forevers” arrived in the 2010s (2013 to be exact), it sounds like a lush, soulful throwback to the 1970s. The record is laden with soul crafted by a thoughtful sample of The O’Jays’ “Stairway to Heaven”.

On “A Couple of Forevers,” the relaxed, lush production work allows for Michele to spoil us with her vocal ‘goodness’ to the nth degree. Anchored by a top-notch chorus, Chrisette truly has us right in the ‘palm of her hand.’ Heartfelt and sincere, “A Couple of Forevers” is a cut you’ll surely desire to spin forever and beyond.

“Just a couple of forevers
A couple of forevers
I’m the only one, you’re the only one
Together till never
I’m talking my forever
Just a couple of forevers
I’m the only one, you’re the only one
Together till never.”

6. Robin Thicke, “Forever Mine”

“Forever Mine” • Robin Thicke Music / EMPIRE • 2020

“Forever Mine” plays to the strength of Robin Thicke; it embraces an old-school R&B sound.  The lush, laidback backdrop – produced alongside Pro Jay –feels right.  The instrumental palette includes warm guitar, jazzy keyboard lines, robust bass, strings, and horns. Chill, floating, and refined vocals by Thicke really drive “Forever Mine.” His falsetto, in particular is incredibly potent.  Throughout this love-oriented joint, his approach exemplifies utmost finesse. He never underwhelms, nor does he get too high, as he expresses dedication.  Lyrically, he doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but successfully conveys his point.

“Forever mine
Before each other
Dance like no other
Once in a lifetime, ooh
Can’t let a love like this pass you by.”

7. Ben Platt, “In Case You Don’t Live Forever”

Sing to Me Instead • Atlantic • 2019

“In case you don’t live forever, let me tell you now / I love you more than you’ll ever wrap your head around.” Ben Platt is totally ‘in his feelings’ on the ultra-sincere ballad, “In Case You Don’t Live Forever,” from his debut album, Sing to Me Instead.  The feelings actually go beyond a boyfriend.

Here, Platt pays ode to two important men in his life, his father, as well as his late uncle, who like Ben, also happened to be gay. A stunning record, Platt asserts on the bridge, “I have a hero whenever I need one / I just look up to you and I see one / I’m a man ‘cause you taught me to be one.”

8. AJR, “Next Up Forever”

Neotheater • AJR • 2019

“Next Up Forever” kicks off Neotheater with a bang as AJR struggle with a common fear of all – growing up and getting older.  Following the enigmatic, lush intro, Jack Met begins to ‘spell out’ his insecurities, paranoia, and fears.  Some of the things that have Jack perturbed are releasing Neotheater itself (“Let’s push it back another week”), sex (“I kinda wish I was still a virgin”), and graduation (“I’m kinda scared of graduation / ‘Cause who am I when this is done?”).

Basically, Jack doesn’t want youth to ever escape him, even if ultimately, he realizes, “I know I gotta grow up some time,” despite the fact he’s “Not fucking ready yet.” This sleekly produced, relatable joint is a fantastic way to begin the LP.

9. A$AP Rocky, “A$AP Forever (Remix)”

TESTING • RCA • 2018

On Testing, the tepidly received third studio album by A$AP Rocky, a remixed version of single “A$AP Forever” appears as opposed to the original. “A$AP Forever Remix” heavily samples Moby (“Porcelain”). With the help of T.I., A$AP Rocky shouts out to the gang, revealing at least some of the record’s cards. A$AP Rocky delivers a respectable rhythmic flow on the first verse, rapping over the Moby strings and a hard-nosed, stomping beat.

In addition to appearances by Moby and T.I., Kid Cudi drops a verse that fits perfectly over the backdrop.  The uncredited Khloe Anna appears on the bridge and outro. Rocky doesn’t serve up much substance, but “A$AP Forever Remix” is an interesting and quirky listen. A$AP Forever? Maybe.

10. Logic, “Wu Tang Forever”

Ft. Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, RZA, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, Scotty Wotty, U-God, Masta Killa & GZA

YSIV • Def Jam • 2018

“Ayo, ayo, Wu-Tang forever, who rhyme better? / We too clever, the boom bap’s back, harder than ever / R.I.P. O.D.B, comin’ through like Killa Bee…” Throughout his 2018 studio album, YSIV, Logic has been red hot.  The streak continues on the epic sixth track, “Wu Tang Forever.” As promised, he manages to feature every member of Wu-Tang Clan: Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, RZA, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, Scotty Wotty, U-God, Masta Killa and GZA. The record is produced by 6ix and Naz, and samples “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” by Digable Planets and interpolates “Anything (Old Skool Radio Version)” by SWV featuring Wu-Tang Clan.

Just in case you were wondering, “Wu Tang Forever” does indeed LAST forever – it’s an eight-minute juggernaut! That’s definitely an ambitious length, but the bars, the backdrop, and the vibe are literally ‘everything.’ If there ever was an eight-minute record to put on repeat, “Wu Tang Forever” just might be it. Emphasis on the ‘might’…

11. Jazmine Sullivan, “Forever Don’t Last”

Reality Show • RCA • 2015

“Forever Don’t Last” is arguably the best moment from Reality Show, the Grammy-nominated third studio album by R&B standout Jazmine Sullivan.  Here, an emotionally charged Sullivan masterfully depicts the end of a relationship she believed would last forever.  Showing off her dramatic, nuanced contralto, she’s on autopilot.

“I had high hopes for us baby / like I was on dope for us baby,” she sings robustly on the first verse, continuing, “Chasin’ after a high that I’d never get back again.”  While she certainly doesn’t reinvent the wheel or the soul script, “Forever Don’t Last” finds her flexing – NO CAP. On the moving record, she comes to the realization that the perceived love was nothing more than pyrite:

“But I guess forever, doesn’t last too long...
And I tried to believe that we could make it
But trying don’t work, so I just have to face that forever
Doesn’t last too long these days.”

12. Andra Day, “Forever Mine”

Cheers to the Fall • Buskin / Warner • 2015

“I just want you to be forever mine / Be forever mine.” As of publication, the beautiful and talented Andra Day has released just one album.  That album is Cheers to the Fall, which arrived in 2015.  The R&B singer definitely turned heads with her incredibly distinct vocals.  Honestly, she sounds like nobody else, period.  One of the best songs from the album is “Forever Mine,” which commences this fine LP.

“Forever Mine” is ferocious from the jump, roaring like a lion.  Clearly Andra is the “queen of the jungle,” delivering a vocal master class on this romantic, throwback, retro soul gem. In addition to lush production (Rob Kleiner), the melody, as well as the songwriting (Day, Kleiner,  Al Dubin, and Harry Warren) is pretty rad too.  On the first verse, she sings:

“My heart has been a chessboard
Making moves and losing out
Played so many times before
And there ain’t nothing to brag about.”

There are more lyrical gems on the second and third verses, as well as the bridge.  Of course, the most memorable lyrics will be forever stuck in your head – the simple but fitting chorus. Get it Andra!

13. Father John Misty, “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings”

Fear Fun • Sub Pop • 2012

“Jesus Christ, girl / What are people going to think? / When I show up to one of several funerals / I’ve attended for Grandpa this week.” Say what, Father John Misty? “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” is quite an entertaining, folk-rock record from singer/songwriter Josh Tillman.  “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” appears on his debut solo album, Fear Fun, released in 2012.

What makes “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” so entertaining? Well, it’s the clever, left of center lyrics. Specifically, there’s a clear element of freak and kinkiness in play throughout the record.  While it’s a bit more subtle on the first verse, the freakiness arrives full throttle on the third verse:

“Jesus Christ, girl
It hasn’t been long, so it seems
Since I was picking out an island and a tomb for you
At the Hollywood Cemetery
You kiss on me
But we should let this dead guy sleep
We should let this dead guy sleep.”

Weird.  Drugs enter into the mix as well on the third verse (“Retracing the expanse of your American back / With Adderall and weed in my veins”), but the eyebrow-raising lyric is “You came, I think?” Oh my! The final statement of the song is “Someone’s got to help me dig.” Notably, Kid Cudi sampled this record on “Young Lady” from his 2013 album, Indicud.  Can you blame him? It rocks! “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” previously appeared on 11 Intriguing Songs That are Totally Hollywood.

14. Miguel, “Where’s the Fun in Forever”

Kaleidoscope Dream • RCA • 2012 

To date, Kaleidoscope Dream represents the best album by Grammy-winning R&B artist, Miguel. Stacked with hits, “Where’s the Fun in Forever” marks one of the better moments by all means, even if it’s not the crowning achievement (that’s reserved for “Adorn”, duh).  “Where’s the Fun in Forever” brings an assortment of co-writers, most notably Alicia Keys.  If you take a listen, you can definitely tell Keys’ signature writing style is present here.

The drums are dusty and soulful (idiomatic of hip hop-soul), intact with a largely compressed, soulful bass line.  Miguel is full throttle here, allowing his vocals to be overt and pop atop the production.  The chorus is incredibly well thought out:

“Tomorrow’s just a day away yea
Tomorrow’s just a day away...and tomorrow isn’t promised
Where’s the fun in forever? Celebrate.”

15. Heatwave, “Always and Forever”

 Too Hot to Handle • GTO • 1976 

“Always and forever, each moment with you / Is just like a dream to me, that somehow came true…” Sigh, “Always and Forever” is the perfect record for the mature, developed relationship. This, my friends, is the exemplary model. On this 1976 classic by Heatwave, lifelong dedication is the modus operandi by all means.

“Every day, love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me, you really care
And we’ll share tomorrow, together
I’ll always love you forever.”

The power of love is hella strong on “Always and Forever,” hence, why the record has been used ample times at the altar.  Even if the love hasn’t grown quite that serious as in matrimony, “Always and Forever” definitely provides a boost – the inspiration. “Always and Forever” previously appeared on ALWAYS: 13 Songs That Exemplify Utmost Consistency.