“16 R Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason” features music by Arizona Zervas, Fiona Apple, Gregory Porter, Joji, Juice WRLD & Selena Gomez. 

Ah, fun creating a playlist with limited criteria – freedom feels so free! After dropping  15 G Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, 13 P Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, 15 S Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, and 15 L Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, it felt totally right to assemble another playlist with NO RHYME OR REASON.  Keeping things random, the letter of choice for the latest edition just happens to be R, hence, 16 R SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON.

Just as a reminder, the main criteria for R SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON are that the title of the song must begin with the letter ‘R’ OR the word that begins with ‘R’ must be the first word of note. R SONGS SELECTED WITH NO RHYME OR REASON features music courtesy of Arizona Zervas (“Roxanne (Remix)”) Fiona Apple (“Relay” and “Rack of His”), Gregory Porter (“Revival”), Joji (“Run”), Juice WRLD (“Righteous”) and  Selena Gomez (“Rare” and “Ring”) among others. Without further ado, join into this random R-song list which has NO RHYME OR REASON!

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1. Fiona Apple, “Relay”

Fetch the Bolt Cutters • Epic • 2020

Fiona Apple only releases an album “once in a blue moon.” It’s true; there is a gap of at least three years between every album in her discography. After releasing The Idler Wheel…, her sole album of the 2010s, her fifth album, Fetch the Bolt Cutters, arrives nearly eight years later! Who knows when the next new studio album from Apple will arrive at this rate! The good news? Fiona Apple never releases a bad album and Fetch the Bolt Cutters ranks among the best albums I’ve heard in years by any musician. Luckily, Apple has two ‘R’ songs from her new album, both of which are worth including on 16 ‘R’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason.

Some of the biggest selling points of “Relay,” the fifth track from Fetch the Bolt Cutters, are the groove, rhythmic identity, and liberal use of percussion.  Apple’s fellow percussionists include Amy Aileen Wood, Sebastian Steinberg (bassist throughout the album), and David Garza.  Besides the superb music touches, Apple speaks on a state of evil and expressing resentment towards a number of people and things, including Brett Kavanaugh and influencers.

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2. Joji, “Run”

Nectar • 88rising / 12Tone Music • 2020

In 2020, Joji (George Miller) released what would end up being the second single from his sophomore album (Nectar), “Run”. “Run” features production by Justin Parker, who also co-writes along with Joji and Daniel Wilson.  Joji steps aside from the R&B vein of BALLADS 1 (2018), in favor of an alternative pop vibe; quite a compelling contrast.  Rather than rely on keyboards and synths, Miller is backed by electric guitar.

Furthermore, it’s also alluring to hear Joji sing in falsetto, flaunting his upper register on the chorus:

“I know you’re not in love, like you used to be
Guess I’m not the one, like you used to think
So, you just run
I know that I’m stuck in this misery
Guess I’m not enough, like you used to think
So, I’ll just run.”

Of course, he, doesn’t merely rely on falsetto.  He sings quite robustly (chest voice) on the both the verses.  The lyrics are emotionally charged, with matters of the heart fueling the fire. “I fell for your magic, I tasted your skin,” he sings on the first verse, continuing, “And though this is tragic, at least I found the end.”  On the second verse, he asks, “Will I pay my dues? / Your love was a mystery / Yeah, my love is a fool / And I travel the country just to get to you.”

Perhaps Joji’s lover (or ex-lover) is running away, and he is too, but you won’t want to ‘run’ away from “Run” itself – it’s a terrific song. “Run” is gorgeously performed, features a memorable chorus and emotionally charged, relatable lyrics, and it is superbly produced. It previously tickled my fancy on Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: February 2020.

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3. Selena Gomez, “Rare”

Rare • Interscope • 2020

Prior to the arrival of Rare in 2020, the last time Selena Gomez released an album was in 2015 (Revival). I’ve rarely been able to personally connect to Gomez. The main rub? Vocals tbh. In the past, Gomez admitted that she’s not the best vocalist.  Her honesty definitely elevates my respect level.  She gets more respect from me because her sixth album has plenty of selling points.  Also, Rare, like Fiona Apple’s Fetch the Bolt Cutters, earns two spots on 16 ‘R’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, starting with the title track.

 “It feels like you don’t care / Why don’t you recognize I’m so rare?” Title track “Rare” successfully kicks things off, finding Selena Gomez schooling her lover how special – how rare – that she is. Ultimately, she’s NOT going to let him bring her down: “I’m not gonna beg for you / I’m not gonna let you make me cry.” The percussion, with its retro sensibilities, and bass line stand out in particular, on the first of a couple productions courtesy of Sir Nolan and Simon Says. As for Gomez, even being assertive in attitude, she’s as cool as a cucumber atop the backdrop.

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4. Juice WRLD, “Righteous”

“Righteous” • Interscope • 2020

Juice WRLD – another tragic, untimely passing in hip-hop.  He passed away December 8, 2019, only days after his 21^st birthday. While alive, Jarad Anthony Higgins had his fair share of demons.  His music reflected a troubling, unsettling relationship with drugs. Even so, both his potential and talent were undeniable. The first posthumous single from the rapper’s estate, “Righteous”, represents him in top-notch form musically, even if the drug references are still troubling.

Musically, “Righteous” represents Juice WRLD’s sweet spot musically.  He embraces a melodic approach, while also exhibiting both chill and swagger.  He has a fitting backdrop (Nick Mira and Charlie Handsome), comprised of smooth guitars and anchored by a sleek urban beat. Following the intro, Juice gives us ‘the juice’ with a sweet chorus:

“All white Gucci suit, I’m feeling righteous, yeah
I know that the truth is hard to digest, yeah
Five or six pills in my right hand, yeah
Codeine runneth over on my nightstand…”

Sure, it’s hard to call something druggy sweet, but the chorus is one of the selling points, even representing Juice’s demons.  Those demons spill over into the verses, as the drugs are potent: “We may die this evening / Coughing, wheezing bleeding / … Blood moons are my eyes, stay low / Red and black, they glow.” Unsettling to say the least… It doesn’t stop there, as on the second verse, Juice WRLD goes on to say, “Too busy drinking codeine doin’ high speeds / Crash, pour a four, sip it slow, make the time pass.” 

Again, I reiterate, Juice WRLD is another tragedy for hip-hop.  His talent shines bright, evidenced here on “Righteous” without question.  Unfortunately, even listening to “Righteous,” it seems tragedy and an unfortunate end was inevitable.  Though his career was a brief, Juice certainly made an impact.

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5. Gregory Porter, “Revival”

All Rise • Decca • 2020 

Grammy-winning musician Gregory Porter certainly ‘brings the spirit’ on “Revival”, the epic promo single and closing cut from his sixth studio album, All Rise.  This Porter, Oliver Rockberger, and Troy Miller co-write is special! Focusing just on Porter, he is an incredibly gifted, versatile musician.  Sure, he’s best characterized as a jazz vocalist, but has the ability to dip into multiple genres.  His pipes are absolutely stunning.

Perhaps the first thing to note is that “Revival” expands beyond a jazz script. Yes, it’s jazz, but it’s not solely jazz. Gregory Porter infuses the blues, soul, and gospel into the mix.  Furthermore, the anchoring rhythmic groove is hip enough for 2020 without ultimately compromising or sacrificing the sanctity of jazz and its classic sounds and cues.  Vocally, Porter gives a balanced performance, not revealing all his cards initially.  He saves some of his soulful nuances and runs until the “Revival” percolates.  Furthermore, he’s accentuated by an epic sounding gospel choir, and punchy horns.  The spirit is definitely patterned after the high-flying feel of a church revival or ‘tent meeting.’  One particularly moment that shines is when “Revival” is unapologetically ‘jazz,’ with some sick, rhythmic ‘comping’ from the pianist (Miller) towards the end.

Ultimately, Porter ‘does his thing’ on “Revival.” Vocally, he’s superb.  Musically, Miller delivers an awesome arrangement/production, and all of the musicians excel at their respective roles.  The songwriting gets an enthusiastic thumbs up.  What’s not to like about “Revival?” “Revival” previously appeared on Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2020.

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6. Fiona Apple, “Rack of His”

Fetch the Bolt Cutters • Epic • 2020

Again, to reiterate, Fiona Apple only releases an album “once in a blue moon.” It’s true; there is a gap of at least three years between every album in her discography. After releasing The Idler Wheel…, her sole album of the 2010s, her fifth album, Fetch the Bolt Cutters, arrives nearly eight years later! Who knows when the next new studio album from Apple will arrive at this rate! The good news? Fiona Apple never releases a bad album and Fetch the Bolt Cutters ranks among the best albums I’ve heard in years by any musician. Luckily, Apple has two ‘R’ songs from her new album, both of which are worth including on 16 ‘R’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason.

Within the context of Fetch the Bolt Cutters, the epic nature of the album doesn’t cease after the opening quintet of songs (“I Want You to Love Me,” “Shameika,” “Fetch the Bolt Cutters,” “Under the Table,” and “Relay”). If nothing else happened to stand out about “Rack of His,” the way Fiona Apple compares the lack of affection she’s received to a guitarist and his many guitars is reason enough to listen.

“Check out that rack of his, look at that row of guitar necks
… They don’t know what they are in for and they don’t care, but I do
I thought you would wail on me like you wail on them, but it was just a coochie-coo-coups.”

Apple is hella in love, but she just doesn’t receive the attention and love that she longs for from him. She continues to sing incredibly expressively, backed by few instruments used quite effectively.  Love the tone of the drums, as well as the use of mellotron.

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7. Adam Lambert, “Roses”

Ft. Nile Rodgers

Velvet • More is More • 2020

On “Roses”, a highlight from his electrifying, ‘funked-out,’ gem-of-a fourth studio album, Velvet, Adam Lambert collaborates with musical royalty – Nile Rodgers of Chic notoriety.  The resulting “Roses” is among the grooviest, most LIT records appearing on Velvet.  I love the restraint that Lambert shows on the verses and pre-chorus, bringing more punch on yet another spot-on chorus.

Lambert is a bit upset on “Roses” though.  Why? Well, he received ROSES but sans emotion –matters of the heart!

“And all that I got was roses
Don’t mean a thing without emotions
Baby, just do it right, focus
‘Cause I just needed your love tonight, tonight, tonight.”

Basically, Lambert wants more of an emotional connection, so much so that on the second verse he asks, “Is it love or are we just fuckin’? / Tell me, baby, you can’t keep me waiting.”  “Roses” previously appeared on Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: March 2020.

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8. Ricky Dillard, “Release”

Ft. TIFF JOY

Choirmaster • Motown Gospel • 2020

Gospel is a style of music perfectly suited for live performance – black gospel in particular.  Capturing the spiritual highs only adds to the authenticity and purpose of the genre in the first place. Ricky Dillard is absolutely terrific at what he does – understatement.  On his latest album, Choirmaster, he blesses us all with north of an hour-and-a-half of energetic and spiritually uplifting songs, including some truly compelling, enhanced and rearranged covers. Save for one, all songs extend beyond the five-minute mark, with a couple running well beyond 10 minutes.  Perfect genre and medium to do so.

Choirmaster continues to be nothing short of marvelous.  The opening quintet is fiery to the nth degree.  It doesn’t fade with “Release,” featuring the vocal talents of TIFF JOY.  Smartly, “Release” is more reverent compared to the ‘electric from the start’ “He’s My Roof Top.” As “Release” percolates, though, it packs even more of a punch. Eventually, TIFF JOY ascends to astonishing heights, fully touting that glorious release that the Lord has “already released.” The shortest record on Choirmaster, “Release [Live/Edit]” concludes the album as the 12^th track.

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9. LoveLeo, “Rosie”

“Rosie” • GODMODE / Republic • 2020

Pop (‘anti pop’) artist LoveLeo (Leo Reilly) earned a breakout, viral hit at the end of 2019 with “BOYFREN”.  With “BOYFREN,” a number of factors made it infectious – the production (rather simple, yet potent), the vocals, and maybe most of all, the lyrics. The same can be said of the ‘R’ song at hand, Reilly’s second single, “Rosie”.

Like “BOYFREN,” “Rosie” is a bop too.  The lyrics are simple, but quite effective.  The chorus lifts off/references “Ring Around the Rosie” of all things.

“Ring around the Rosie
Barely even know me
Pockets full and I don’t care
Now you getting nosy
Acting like you know me
Fire burnin’ everywhere.”

Beyond “Ring Around the Rosie,” LoveLeo concocts his own original, straightforward lyrics that end up being quite potent.  “It’s a match, then a spark / I can help you see in the dark,” he sings on the second verse, later adding, “But I don’t mind, I don’t care / Picture perfect guys sitting everywhere / Do my best, fuck the rest / I try… for you.” Besides colorful lyrics, there’s unique production, with incredible character, with something of an underground appeal.  And last but not least, there are the vocals by Reilly where he exhibits great personality. Ultimately, “Rosie” is a short, but sweet, absolutely infectious, left-of-center bop.

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10. Selena Gomez, “Ring”

Rare • Interscope • 2020

Reiterating the aforementioned, prior to the arrival of Rare in 2020, the last time Selena Gomez released an album was in 2015 (Revival). I’ve rarely been able to personally connect to Gomez. The main rub? Vocals tbh. In the past, Gomez admitted that she’s not the best vocalist.  Her honesty definitely elevates my respect level.  She gets more respect from me because her sixth album has plenty of selling points.  Rare earns two spots on 16 ‘R’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason, including “Ring.”

In the context of Rare, following up the likes of “Rare,” “Look at Her Now”, and “Lose You to Love Me” is a tall task. “Ring” is up to the challenge.  This is a playful, if subtle, tongue in cheek record that suits Gomez’s personality well.  As usual, she takes a more low-key approach, yet still manages to be quite effective in execution. “Ring” is produced by Sir Nolan, Simon Says, Sean Douglas and Johan Lenox. The backdrop features some lovely touches, led by the groove, Spanish guitar, and lovely strings.

“If I show you all my demons, and we dive into the deep end
Would we crash and burn like every time before?
…If the only other option’s letting go
I’ll stay vulnerable.”

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11. Arizona Zervas, “Roxanne (Remix)”

Ft. Swae Lee

“Roxanne” • Arizona Zervas • 2020

“Roxanne, Roxanne / All she wanna do is party all night / Goddamn, Roxanne / Never gonna love me, but it’s alright.” Maryland rapper, singer, and songwriter Arizona Zervas experienced his breakthrough single in 2019 with “Roxanne”.  How much of a breakthrough was “Roxanne?” It peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 – that’s huge.  He returned in  2020 with “Roxanne (Remix)” featuring the ubiquitous Swae Lee, a fitting addition given the melodic nature of the original.

Much of “Roxanne” remains unchanged, which is great – it’s an exuberant, infectious record by all means.  94skrt and JaeGreen definitely give Arizona Zervas a sleek backdrop to work with.  Zervas continues to handle the bulk of the aforementioned chorus, which continues as follows:

“She think I’m an asshole, she think I’m a player
She keep running back, though, only ‘cause I pay up
Roxanne, Roxanne
All she wanna do is party all night.”

Swae Lee drops some ad-libs throughout and joins Zervas for select lines on select choruses.  Zervas’ first verse remains unchanged, followed by the Malibu-driven pre-chorus (Lee ad-libs here too).  Lee replaces Zervas’ original second verse, putting his own melodic spin on the song, and complementing it.  “All she wanna do is party all night / She love Louis purses but she Off-White,” he pop-raps, continuing, “Let her spend some of it, I think I might / Sippin’ off her tits, I let her love me long time.” Lee also adds his own unique pre-chorus, this time based in Hollywood: “She from Hollywood, Hollywood / Now could trip because the money could.” “Roxanne” was already a big hit Arizona Zervas.  In remixed form, it’s remains a hit.  This is a surefire bop about a high maintenance girl, sure to tickle your fancy.

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12. Denzel Curry, “Ricky”

ZUU • Loma Vista • 2019

“Ricky,” the second track off of ZUU, the 2019 album by Florida rapper Denzel Curry, is nothing short of elite. “Ricky” thrives in part thanks to its sick, malicious production work, which fuels Curry’s fire.  The pre-chorus is pitch-shifted, giving “Ricky” a gimmicky sound before Curry’s standard vocals come through in all their glory on the catchy, rather prudent chorus:

“My daddy said, ‘Trust no man but your brothers
And never leave your day ones in the gutter’
My daddy said, ‘Treat young girls like your mother
My mama said, ‘Trust no ho, use a rubber.’”

The prudence doesn’t stop beyond the chorus.  At the end of the first verse, Curry goes on to quote ‘Ricky’ (his dad), “‘And fear no man but the man above your head’,” before once more quoting his mama, “‘Pray before you go to bed.’” On the second verse, Denzel remains charged up, reminiscing back to his first album (Nostalgic) and again, paying ode to Ricky. “Ricky” was selected as the 35^th best song of 2019.  Additionally, this 2019 gem appeared on the compelling playlist (at least in my eyes), 13 Songs That Feature Names in Their Title.

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13. The Script, “Run Through Walls”

Sunsets & Full Moons • Sony • 2019

“I’ve got friends that will run through walls / I’ve got friends that will fly once called / When I’ve got nowhere left to go / And I need my heroes / I’ve got friends that will run through walls.” Sigh, that’s a beautifully penned, thoughtful chorus if I do say so myself! It hails from “Run Through Walls,” which appears as the third track from Sunsets & Full Moons.  Sunsets & Full Moons is the sixth studio album by Irish pop/rock collective, The Script, who are best known for hits such as “Hall of Fame”, “Breakeven”, and “Superheroes”.

Sunsets & Full Moons didn’t ignite the US charts, but at least we were blessed with “Run Through Walls,” which is quite personal and reflective throughout its course.  Danny O’Donoghue speaks to the power of true friendship.  On the first verse, while he asserts, “There’s no one born with X-Ray eyes,” he goes on to say, “But you always say the words that save my life.”  On the second verse, he cites a specific event – “And that day my mother died” – to reference the power of real friends.  “And you held me up and you wiped my eyes,” he sings, continuing, “It was in that moment when I realized.” Walls, indeed, have been broken down.  “Run Through Walls” previously appeared on the playlist 12 Intriguing Songs That Reference Walls.

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14. Kacey Musgraves, “Rainbow”

Golden Hour • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2018

“Well the sky has finally opened / The rain and wind stopped blowin’ / But you’re stuck out in the same ol’ storm again…” Oh, what beautiful, beautiful lyrics, sigh.  At the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, Kacey Musgraves came out victorious, winning the highly-coveted, prestigious award for Album of the Year (Golden Hour).  It was somewhat surprising, yet, critically, Golden Hour was one of the most beloved albums of 2018.  A mellow, but well-rounded affair, there are a number of memorable songs, including the gorgeous, colorful ballad on hand, “Rainbow.”

The superb chorus, excerpted above, continues, “You hold tight to your umbrella / Well, darlin’, I’m just tryin’ to tell ya / That there’s always been a rainbow hangin’ over your head.” “Rainbow” doesn’t arrive until the end of Golden Hour.  Despite this, it caps off this fabulous affair incredibly meaningfully. This is among those totally can’t-miss, expressive piano ballads, period. Her voice, which is consistently ‘on-point’ throughout Golden Hour, is at its very best on “Rainbow.”  This record, penned years before Golden Hour, was special to Musgraves – a favorite of her late grandmother’s. Furthermore, “Rainbow” has taken on a new, anthemic role in the LGBTQ community.  Pretty cool, right? Arguably, this is one of Musgraves’ very best performances and songs of her career.  “Rainbow” previously appeared on 14 Songs Characterized by Colors as well as the gargantuan A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs.

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15. Ghost, “Rats”

Prequelle • Loma Vista • 2018

“Them filthy rodents are still coming for your souls / Never to let go /Never to let go.” Grammy-winning Swedish metal collective Ghost returned amped-up on “Rats”, the promo single for their fourth studio album, Prequelle. Regarding “Rats,” Ghost mastermind Tobias Forge shared with Revolver,  “It’s actually not technically about rodents.  It’s about something spreading as wildfire and completely destroying things quicker than you know.”

Rats” commences with a pummeling, hard-hitting groove from the start.  The rhythmic guitars sound athletic, while Cardinal Copia (Forge) delivers clear, commanding vocals. In addition to the compelling lead vocals, the vocal harmonies are quite impressive.  Harmonically, “Rats” has some truly distinct moments.  As for the chorus, Ghost keeps things short and simple: “Them rats!”  The heat is turned up on this hard-rocking gem. “Rats” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs About Pets, Well, Sort of (2018).

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16. Sia, “Reaper”

This is Acting • RCA • 2016

“Don’t come for me today / I’m feeling good / I’mma savor it / Don’t come for me today / I’m feeling good / I remember when.” Sia sings about ‘death’, specifically the Grim Reaper on “Reaper,” a highlight from her 2016 album, This is Acting.  For all of her success in pop music as an artist and songwriter, things haven’t been all ‘rosy’ for Sia.  According to a Rolling Stone feature, “she’s overcome more than her share of hurdles,” including “a suicide attempt…by washing down 22 Valium with a bottle of vodka.”

Following the aforementioned pre-chorus, Sia sings in spirited, empowered fashion on the chorus:

“You came to take me away
So close I was to heaven’s gates
But no baby, no baby, not today
Oh, you tried to track me down
You followed me like the darkest cloud
But no baby, no baby, not today
Oh reaper.”

Also, worth mentioning on this previous entry on 21 Songs Where the Monsters are Out is the infamous Grim Reaper himself, a key symbolic character of death.  According to Media News (Australia), “Of all the Halloween legends, the Grim Reaper is the oldest and most widespread in folklore.”  The site goes on to say, “In the Middle Ages, when death was an ever-present possibility for even the healthiest of people, the Grim Reaper came to be represented as a skeletal figure, cloaked in black and carrying a large scythe.

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16 ‘R’ Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason [Photo Credits: 12Tone Music, 88rising, Arizona Zervas, Brent Faulkner, Decca, Epic, GODMODE, Interscope, Loma Vista, More is More, Motown Gospel, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Republic, Sony, UMG Recordings Inc.]

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