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

‘15 T Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason’ features music by 6ix9ine, Demi Lovato, Drake, Hozier, Lizzo & Trippie Redd.

Ah, fun creating a playlist with limited criteria – freedom feels so free! After dropping G-, P-, S-, L-, R-, A-, and N- songs selected with no rhyme or reason (not to mention numbers), it felt totally right to drop another playlist with NO RHYME OR REASON.  Keeping things random, the letter of choice for the latest edition just happens to be T, hence, T SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON.

Just as a reminder, the main criteria for T SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON are that the title of the song must begin with the letter ‘T’ OR the word that begins with ‘T’ must be the first word of note. T SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON features music courtesy of 6ix9ine, Demi Lovato, Drake, Hozier, Lizzo, and Trippie Redd among others. Without further ado, join into this random T-song list which has NO RHYME OR REASON!

1. 6ix9ine & Nicki Minaj, “TROLLZ”

“TROLLZ” • Create Music Group • 2020

6ix9ine is never short of polarizing.  That’s the case with his both his music, as well as his life.  That said, he seems to do well when it comes to one particular collaborator: Nick Minaj.  Honestly, very little popped for me on his 2018 album, DUMMY BOY, but “FEFE” was one of those moments.  On “TROLLZ”, he recaptures some of the magic with the assist from Nicki. The production by SADPONY contributes to the overall effectiveness of “TROLLZ.”

Canon F8 actually serves up a ‘refrain’ at the beginning of “TROLLZ,” which is certainly a vibe.  The effect of the refrain – money.  6ix9ine, fueled by Canon F8’s fire, delivers a chorus that’s all about cash and ass.  Yep, that’s about the size of it.  He then drops the first verse, which begins with a rhythmic flow that is pop-rapped – more melodically driven.  Even so, the rapper is still blunt, asserting, “I don’t worry ‘bout you n***as, please stop talking ‘bout me.” Of course, tame 6ix9ine wouldn’t be characteristic, so, we get the scream-tastic version beginning with the line, “Forgiatos on a Benz truck, make her friends fuck.” Charming.

After another chorus, Nicki Minaj arrives for the second verse.  Expectedly, it’s filthy AF – sexed-up to the nth degree.  Predictable? Yes.  “Just put it in his face, all this cake, he wanted a taste,” she raps, later adding, “He a slave to this pussy, call me master / Real wet, I said, ‘Slurp it like it’s pasta.” Damn… She also goes on to say, “My flow’s still sick, I ain’t talkin’ a pandemic,” which very woke to the times, haha.  What does one make of “TROLLZ?” If you stan 6ix9ine, you’ll probably be on board.  It’s definitely a vibe if nothing else – a respectable banger.  Game changing? Nah.

2. Kehlani, “Toxic”

It Was Good Until It Wasn’t • Atlantic • 2020

“And that damn Don Julio made me a fool for you…” Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kehlani has been on a musical tear in 2020, releasing numerous singles leading up to her marvelous sophomore album, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t. Perhaps the best moment from It Was Good Until It Wasn’t commences the album, “Toxic”. On “Toxic,” Kehlani knows this guy is bad news, even as she participates in his ‘toxic’ sexual endeavors.  The lush record, set in a minor key, is produced by G.ry and K.Beazy.  Keyboard serves as the primary instrument, yielding moody backdrop which perfectly supports the theme of the record. The focus of the song –matters of the heart.

“All of this love is toxic / … All these kisses and hugs is knock shit / You a damn drug, you’re toxic.” Yep, look no further than the chorus for how Kehlani is affected by love – it definitely sums it up.  The verses provide additional details, particularly the second verse, which keeps it 100. “Uh, all the sex on replay / Run it back like a DJ,” she sings, continuing, “Surfin’ on your face while you eat that / Tryna make a bad bitch behave, no…” Wow! Adding to the colorful nature of “Toxic” are familiar, uncredited vocals (Ty Dolla $ign).  Ultimately, “Toxic” is enjoyable thanks to a well-rounded vocal performance, sound production, and alluring songwriting.  Definitely nothing toxic about the listening experience, among the best songs of 2020.

3. 5 Seconds of Summer, “Teeth”

CALM • Interscope • 2020

“Sometimes, you’re a stranger in my bed / Don’t know if you love me or you want me dead.” Woah, woah, WOAH!  The script of the energetic “Teeth” encompasses the extremes of love.  “Teeth” appears as the fifth track off of CALM, the fourth studio album by Australian pop collective, 5 Seconds of Summer.  CALM, of course, marked the second LP (Youngblood being the first) where the band embraces a more modern pop sound that contrasts the rock leanings of their first two albums.  But, let’s focus on the T song at hand, shall we?

“Some days, you’re the best thing in my life
Sometimes, when I look at you, I see my wife
Then you turn into somebody I don’t know
And you push me away, push me away, yeah.”

Sometimes it’s great, while other times, as Luke Hemmings sings so convincingly, you “Don’t know if [you’re] gonna make it out alive.” Where do those ‘teeth’ come into play though? That would be the chorus, where the Hemmings and company assert, “Talk so pretty, but your heart got teeth.”

4. Lizzo, “Truth Hurts”

Cuz I Love You [Deluxe] • Nice Life / Atlantic • 2019

“I just took a DNA test, turns out I’m 100% that bitch / Even when I’m crying crazy…” Sigh, Lizzo kicked some serious ass throughout the course of 2019.  Her album, Cuz I Love You, was filled with hits, though none bigger than this Grammy-winning gem that landed at no. 2 on 51 Best Songs of 2019.  “Truth Hurts” only appears on deluxe and super deluxe editions of the album.  “Truth Hurts” actually materialized years earlier, but didn’t make its impact until 2019, earning the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks – the rare, female rapper to sit atop the Hot 100 (things would change in 2020, of course).

What makes “Truth Hurts” the certified bop that it is? Well, glad you asked! It’s a combination of a feisty attitude from Lizzo (“Why’re men great ‘til they gotta be great?”), robust sung vocals, relatable songwriting (“You’re ‘posed to hold me down, but you’re holding me back”), and sleek production work (Ricky Reed).  Basically, Lizzo tells this loser the truth, even though it hurts, and she’s kicked his ass to the curb.  Perhaps what makes this among the best songs of the years is the hilarity of the record, further accentuated by the music video, not to mention that BET Awards performance where Lizzo broke out the flute… Epic.

“I put the sing in single
Ain’t worried ‘bout a ring on my finger
So, you can tell your friend, ‘Shoot your shot’ when you see ‘em
It’s okay, he already in my DMs.”

5. Drake, “Toosie Slide”

Dark Lane Demo Tapes • OVO / Republic • 2020

“Don’t you wanna dance with me? No? / I could dance like Michael Jackson / I could give you thug passion / It’s a Thriller in the trap where we from.” Former number one hit “Toosie Slide” (Dark Lane Demo Tapes) is named after Atlanta choreographer Toosie. On “Toosie Slide,” we don’t get any hard-nosed bars from Drake but rather smooth, vibe-laden pop rap.  Over the course of four-minutes-plus, it honestly doesn’t sound as if Drizzy ever perspires.

Even though reference to ‘the street’ is made, “Toosie Slide” doesn’t sound ‘street,’ though don’t characterize the movement as dance-pop either:

“It got right foot up, left foot, slide
Left foot up, right foot, slide
Basically, I’m sayin’ either way, we ‘bout to slide, ayy
Can’t let this one slide, ayy (Who’s bad?).”

Besides melodic vocals, Drake pretty much chills over smooth, hypnotic production work.  Much like the rapper himself, OZ doesn’t construct a backdrop that ever gets too high, save for that hard hitting, trap percussion.  The production works well for the ever-mellow rapper without being particularly distinct.

6. Ariana Grande, “thank u, next”

Thank u, next • Republic • 2019

“Thank U, Next”, the title track from Thank U, Next, the fifth studio album by Grammy-winning pop singer Ariana Grande, created quite a buzz when it arrived as an advance single.  “Thought I’d end up with Sean / But he wasn’t a match / Wrote some songs about Ricky / Now I listen and almost laugh.” Grande reflects on her relationships, also adding more recent exes like the deceased Mac Miller and Pete Davidson to the mix. She continues to focus on her exes on the first pre-chorus and chorus, profanely proclaiming, “Thank you, next / I’m so fuckin’ grateful for my ex.”

On the second verse, Grande focuses on herself – her own well-being. She flips the script on the second pre-chorus, focusing on her own excellence. On the bridge, she anticipates marriage, but ultimately plans to “make that shit last.” Ultimately, “thank u, next” is an honest, therapeutic record that finds Grande reflecting on life, love, and bettering herself.  Definitely a perfect fit on 11 Thankful Songs to Show Gratitude For, as well as the T SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON list at hand.

7. Lauv, “Tattoos Together”

~ how I’m feeling ~ • Lauv / 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. Khalid, “Talk”

Ft. Disclosure

Free Spirit • RCA • 2019

“Yeah, started off right / I can see it in your eyes / I can tell that you’re wantin’ more…” “Talk” is among the best things regarding Free Spirit, the relatively disappointing sophomore LP by Grammy-nominated R&B. musician Khalid. “Talk” is sleekly produced to the nth degree, thanks to the talents of Disclosure.  The synths are warm, yet also have the right amount of bite.  The beat itself is perfectly suited for the singer and a modern, urban contemporary record in general.

As always, Khalid delivers a strong vocal performance, showcasing his inescapable, distinct tone.  Besides his compelling chest voice, he also delivers some lovely falsetto as well.  Adding to the strength of “Talk” is a memorable chorus which serves as the crème de la crème.

“Can we just talk? Can we just talk?
Talk about where we're goin’
Before we get lost, lend me your thoughts
Can’t get what we want without knowin’
I’ve never felt like this before
I apologize if I’m movin’ too far
Can we just talk? Can we just talk?
Figure out where we're goin’.”

“Talk,” unsurprisingly, was ranked among the best songs of 2019, in addition to gracing Small Talk + More Songs Worth Talking About.

9. Post Malone, “Take What You Want”

Ft. Ozzy Osbourne & Travis Scott

Hollywood’s Bleeding • Republic • 2019

Hollywood’s Bleeding – certainly a dramatic album title by Post Malone to say the least. Post amplifies the pop more pronouncedly on Hollywood’s Bleeding compared to his debut, Stoney, or sophomore LP, Beerbongs & Bentleys.  One of the awesome songs on Hollywood’s Bleeding highlighted previously in September 2019 is “Take What You Want.”

“I feel you crumble in my arms down to your heart of stone / You bled me dry just like the tears you never show / Why don’t you take what you want from me?” “Take What You Want” pairs Post Malone with Ozzy Osbourne (!) and Travis Scott.  Can you say vibes?  Ozzy Osbourne sounds particularly awesome here, singing the aforementioned chorus at the beginning and following Travis Scott’s verse (verse two).  Of course, Post sings the first verse and his own version of the incredibly catchy chorus following his verse.  Easily among the crème de la crème of Hollywood’s Bleeding and a pretty rad song outside the confines of the album.

10. Demi Lovato, “Tell Me You Love Me”

Tell Me You Love Me • Hollywood / Island • 2017

“Oh, tell me you love me / I need someone on days like this, I do / On days like this.” “Tell Me You Love Me” is a standout from the album of the same title. The pros are ample throughout, beginning with the music itself.  The production work is on-point, particularly during the rousing chorus.  Hard-hitting drums and brassy synths make “Tell Me You Love” ‘pop-solid.’ Next come the voice, as Demi Lovato delivers a terrific performance filled with powerful, heartfelt, high notes.

Pros continue.  “Tell Me You Love Me” has the Midas Touch working in its favor.  The song latches from a first listen, inviting multiple spins. The verses catch your attention, while the chorus hits you right in chest, face – everywhere.  By the time you get to the final iteration, you personally want to tell Demi, “I love you” on this undeniable gem from 2017.

11. Dan + Shay, “Tequila”

Dan + Shay • Warner • 2018

“Tequila” checks off an obligatory box for Grammy-winning duo Dan + Shay on their 2017 self-titled album. That box this is checked off being the unsaid alcoholic requirements for any country album – beer, liquor, tequila, whiskey, etc.  Alcoholic “Tequila” may be, in the context of Dan + Shay, it’s a fine follow-up to the opening record, “Alone Together.” But, let’s focus no the alcohol, shall we? 

In addition to mentioning tequila, Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney also reference whiskey and scotch – of course they do – I told you, it’s a country album requirement peeps! “Tequila” is a relatively modern-sounding country record, though nothing too left of center.  The premise of the record is that the tequila reminds the duo “How bad I need ya.”  So, there’s love involved on this T song in addition to drink – sweet!

12. Trippie Redd, “Topanga”

A Love Letter to You 3 • TenThousand Projects, LLC • 2018

Melodic rapper Trippie Redd strikes gold with “Topanga”, a single that appears on his second project of 2018, A Love Letter to You 3.  Redd raps about Topanga, a city in California.  This beautifully-produced record (ChopSquad DJ) incorporates a contemporary gospel sensibility, amplified by a sample of the Maurette Brown Clark contemporary gospel record, “It Ain’t Over”. Furthermore, gorgeous piano, rhythmic drum programming, and angelic sounds help to make “Topanga” shine. “Topanga” appeared among the 100 Best Songs of 2018.

While there’s a sense of ‘church,’ ultimately, there’s nothing religious about this profane, T song that mentions guns and violence.

“Don’t talk to strangers
Since a youngin’ I’ve been totin’ bangers
I might take that lil bitch to Topanga
I said, ‘Stop, little bitch, you in danger’...
Know I tote bangers, boom-boom-boom-boom
Stop, you in danger.”

13. Sam Smith, “Too Good at Goodbyes”

The Thrill of it All • Capitol • 2017

One lonely piano chord precedes the beginning of Sam Smith’s vocal performance on the stunning “Too Good at Goodbyes”. “Too Good at Goodbyes” is a highlight from their 2017 sophomore album, The Thrill of It All. Smith sounds absolutely gorgeous, showing off their unique vocal tone and brilliant falsetto.  Like their best work, this elite, 2017 gem is (1) a ballad and (2) centered around love.

The verses are distinct of each another yet written in similar fashion.  A thoughtful refrain follows both verses, in advance of the pre-chorus.

“I’m never gonna let you close to me
Even though you mean the most to me
‘Cause every time I open up, it hurts.”

Structurally, the pre-chorus serves as a key section, intensifying the emotion:

“And every time you hurt me, the less that I cry
And every time you leave me, the quicker these tears dry
And every time you walk out, the less I love you
Baby, we don’t stand a chance, it’s sad but it’s true.”

The production expands on the chorus, with backing vocals supporting Smith. By the end of the heartfelt record, they lets loose with the runs and emotion. In addition to its status as one of the best songs of 2017, “Too Good at Goodbyes” previously appeared on Ballads From 2017 That’ll Give You Those Feels, Vol. 1.

14. Hozier, “Take Me to Church”

Hozier • Rubyworks / Columbia • 2014

“Take Me to Church” was a no. 2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 – a huge, breakthrough hit for Irish singer/songwriter Hozier. Furthermore, the standout from Hozier (2014) was nominated for the Grammy (Song of the Year).  Listening emptily, it’s easy to see why it was a massive hit.  Who doesn’t enjoy a song that references sex?  Considering the depth of its subject matter analytically, it’s almost unbelievable it achieved the commercial accolades it did.

In a NY Mag interview, The Irish singer/songwriter describes the song as being about sex, humanity, and disdain for the church “teaching shame about sexual orientation.”  The lyrics of the song confirm those strong feelings:

“My church offers no absolutes
She tells me ‘worship in the bedroom’
The only heaven I’ll be sent too
Is when I’m alone with you.”

Furthermore, in the interview, he tackles the influence of church in Ireland, and homophobia in Russia. Key lyrics, such as “We were born sick, you heard them say it,” confirms this.   Throughout its course, “Church” amplifies blasphemous references to make a statement.  Ultimately, that statement is that all humans, regardless of sexuality, should be able to love and be with whomever they’d like. “Take Me to Church” also appears on A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs.

15. My Chemical Romance, “Teenagers”

The Black Parade • Reprise • 2006

“All teenagers scare the living shit out of me.” I can’t agree more – they “scare the living shit out of me too,” Gerard Way. This lyric, of course, hails from one of the best songs from 00s standouts, My Chemical Romance. After growing exponentially in popularity following “Helena” (Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge), The Black Parade was definitely a big deal.  Besides “Teenagers,” The Black Parade features gems such as “Welcome to the Black Parade” and personal favorite, “Cancer”.

Essentially, Gerard Way and company capture the disgruntled teenager to perfection:

“They’re gonna clean up your looks
With all the lies in the books
To make a citizen out of you
Because they sleep with a gun
And keep an eye on you, son
So, they can watch all the things you do.”

“Teenagers” previously appeared on Sweet 6Teen: 16 Teenage Songs.

15 T Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason  🎧  [Photo Credits: Atlantic, AWAL, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Columbia, Create Music Group, Hollywood, Interscope, Island, Lauv, Nice Life, OVO, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Reprise, Republic, Rubyworks, TenThousand Projects LLC, Unsplash, Warner]

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