18 Light & Dark Songs, In Three Phases | Playlist

18 Light & Dark Songs, In Three Phases features music courtesy of Breaking Benjamin, Camila Cabello, Justin Timberlake, John Legend and MGMT among many others.

The word light has numerous meanings.  According to Merriam-Webster, light is “something that makes vision possible,” as well as “electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a speed of 299,792,458 meters per second.” With even more definitions, light has a lot going on. Dark is none too shabby itself, defined by good ole Merriam-Webster as “devoid or partially devoid of light,” or “wholly or partially black.” Again, the meanings go on and on.

What’s clear is that light and dark are two contrasting things – total opposites.  18 Light & Dark Songs, In Three Phases features nine light songs and nine dark songs.  Keeping things interesting, we’ve divided this list into six groups – phases if you will – each comprised of three songs.  The groups alternate between a phase of light and phase of dark songs. Among the artists featured on this playlist are Breaking Benjamin, Camila Cabello, Justin Timberlake, John Legend, and MGMT.

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Light: Phase I

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1. Justin Timberlake, “Morning Light”

Ft. Alicia Keys

Man of the Woods • RCA • 2018

Justin Timberlake gets ‘first blood’ on light: phase I thanks to the song “Morning Light” from his 2018 album, Man of the Woods.  In the context of Man of the Woods, “Morning Light” is the first of only two collaborations, tapping Alicia Keys. This slick urban contemporary cut has a dash of country and tropical flavor, featuring Chris Stapleton as a co-writer.  Although “Morning Light” is low-key, it’s definitely alluring.

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2. Lorde, “Green Light”

Melodrama • Republic • 2017

“Green Light” served as an early indication that Kiwi artist Lorde was evolving her sound.  As a departure, “Green Light” gave her a fresh start.  While Lorde doesn’t sound particularly smooth vocally, her raspy, coarse tone is quite appealing. Furthermore, her intensity is a selling point, as she exhibits feistiness from the onset. After delivering the pre-chorus in her lower register, everything comes together on the infectious chorus. Danceable production work and fantastic backing vocals provide the cherry on top.

“‘Cause honey I’ll come get my things, but I can’t let go
I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it.”

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3. Luke Bryan, “Light it Up”

What Makes You Country • Capitol Nashville • 2017

Luke Bryan keeps things short and sweet “Light It Up”, the promo single from his 2017 album, What Makes You Country.  The production work is slick, firmly planted in the new vein of country. The chorus is the crème de la crème – big, intense, and chocked-full of objectophilia. Bryan is infatuated with a lady (normal), but develops a ‘relationship’ with his phone because he’s become obsessed with what his lady is doing (paraphilia). Oh Luke.

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Dark: Phase I

1. MGMT, “Little Dark Age”

MGMT • Columbia • 2018

“Little Dark Age” initiates with alluring, mysterious synths, which serve as the pre-cursor to a sick, infectious, alt-pop groove.  The production is arguably, the best feature of the highlight from the MGMT comeback album, Little Dark Age.  Even so, vocally, Andrew VanWyngarden quickly proves he hasn’t missed a beat, sounding as tuned-in as ever. Throughout “Little Dark Ages,” he compellingly delivers the ‘frightening,’ poetic lyrics.  While he never force things, VanWyngarden sounds more assertive compared to the past, which suits the lyrical content and theme.

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2. Camila Cabello, “In the Dark”

Camila • Epic • 2018

The arrival of Camila certainly warmed up the cold winter weather of January 2018. The debut album by 20-year old Cuban pop artist Camila Cabello isn’t devoid of flaws but showcases immense potential.  “In the Dark,” the ninth track from Camila, arrives timely, incorporating more groove, a moderate pace, and an assertive performance.  The ad-libs and vocal nuances are particular appealing.

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3. Lil Uzi Vert, “Dark Queen”

Luv is Rage 2 • Atlantic • 2017

“Mama love me so I can do no wrong (do no wrong) / Mama in the trap so this her favorite song (favorite song).”

Lil Uzi Vert is a Grammy-nominated artist – shocking right? To his credit, the rapper had a big year in 2017, led by a number one album, Luv is Rage 2.  One of the highlights from Luv is Rage 2is the song “Dark Queen.” While the execution of the record is debatable, the theme and message aren’t.  Lyrics like, “She don’t want me locked up / Momma I’m gon’ wash up” stand out, particularly given the reality of the number of incarcerated black men.

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Light: Phase II

4. Doja Cat, “Morning Light”

Amala • Kemosabe / RCA • 2018

Rapper and singer DojaCatis already proving herself as a bold, risqué addition to pop music.  The sensual “Morning Light” serves as the seventh track on her debut album, Amala. Also, this is the second “Morning Light” of the playlist (Justin Timberlake dropped his own “Morning Light” earlier).  Like many other songs on the album (“Go to Town” and “Body Language” come to mind), there’s an element of play involved.

“Don’t wanna waste your time
Go ‘head, live your life
I could be yours tonight
We will be up ‘til the morning.”

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5. NF, “Green Lights”

Perception • Capitol • 2017

“Green Lights” is among best of the best of NF’s 2017 album, Perception. The production work is excellent. Sure, this is Christian rap, but the hard and malicious sounds make you rethink the definition of the style. NF flexes, exhibiting an superb flow, showcasing the utmost confidence and swagger. The hook is fire.

“All I see is green lights
All I see is green lights
All I spit is real life
Bet you don’t know what that’s like.”

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6. John Legend, “Darkness and Light”

Ft. Brittany Howard

Darkness and Light • Columbia • 2016

John Legend made an awesome return in 2016 with his album Darkness and Light.  The album was underrated unfortunately but filled with stellar songs nonetheless (“I Know Better”, “Love Me Now”, and “Penthouse Floor” are the best of the best). On energetic, thrilling retro-soul/rock title track, Legend taps Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard for the assist.  Man, what chemistry does the pair have, sigh.  All in all, the results are impressive, successfully contrasting Legend’s past work and strengthening an already strong catalogue.

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Dark: Phase II

4. Breaking Benjamin, “The Dark of You”

Ember • Hollywood • 2018

“The Dark of You” is the sixth song on Ember, the sixth studio album by rock band Breaking Benjamin. Though “The Dark of You” is an intense record, it’s also a beautiful one.  A slower number, frontman Benjamin Burnley sings with incredible expression, particularly on the catchy, dramatic chorus.  Notably, he’s backed by Derek Hough (Dancing with the Stars) on this most dark cut.

“Fade away to the wicked world we left
And I become the dark of you
Say a prayer for the wounded heart within
As I become the dark of you.”

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5. The National, “Dark Side of the Gym”

Sleep Well Beast • 4AD • 2017

“Dark Side of the Gym” serves as the penultimate record from The National’s Grammy-winning 2017 album, Sleep Well Beast. The song excels at love, serving as a companion piece and natural follow-up to a previous song, “Carin at the Liquor Store”. While “Dark Side of the Gym” is straightforward for the most part, frontman Matt Berninger has some fun lyrically.

“I have dreams of anonymous castrati

Singing to us from the trees.”

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6. Imagine Dragons, “Dancing in the Dark”

Evolve • Interscope • 2017

“Dancing in the Dark” serves as the closer for Evolve, the Grammy-nominated ‘pop’ album by Grammy-winning band, Imagine Dragons (Best Rock Performance, “Radioactive”).  “Dancing in the Dark” is a more restrained ballad that utilizes a nice palette of sounds. There are ample vocal effects, making “Dancing” gimmicky.  Nonetheless, the core of where Imagine Dragons desire to take its music is easily perceptible.

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Light: Phase III

7. Marvin Sapp, “Light the Way”

Close • Provident • 2017

“Light the Way” has the arduous task of following the dynamic title track and crowning achievement of Close.  It doesn’t supersede it by any means, but smartly embraces groove and energy, which goes a long way.  While Pastor Marvin Sapp could have successfully closed with the moving “Close”, the record at hand is slick, funky, enjoyable and ultimately, well-performed and well-rounded.

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8.Big Sean, “Light”

I Decided. • Def Jam • 2017

On “Light,” Big Sean segues from “Intro,” the tone-setter for his 2017 I Decided. Notably, Big Sean gets an assist from R&B singer Jeremih. Featuring a couple of prudently selected samples, he has an excellent backdrop to paint his positive rhymes upon. “Light” is as bright as the title suggests, with the rapper in full-on shine mode.  After all, “A loaded mind is more dangerous than a loaded weapon.”

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9. Linkin Park, “One More Light”

One More Light • Warner Bros. • 2017

Following the tragic death of Chester Bennington, Linkin Park’s 2017 album One More Light grew more chilling, and in some respects, more meaningful.  Even prior to Bennington’s suicide however, the title track came off as morbid.  There’s no angst, as there’s little throughout the album, but “One More Light” is by far the saddest song from the album.  The record is reflective, with sound messaging, even though it lacks sufficient development.

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Dark: Phase III

7. Devin Dawson, “Dark Horse”

Dark Horse • Warner Music Nashville • 2018

“No, I ain’t no white knight / I’m a little more / Dark horse.” “Dark Horse” serves as the title track and concluding number from Dark Horse, the 2018 debut album from California country musician Devin Dawson. What stands out about “Dark Horse” is the honesty of the songwriting and openness of Dawson himself. Just as the aforementioned lyrics and title suggest, Dawson sees himself as a dark horse.

“No, I don’t go to church, can't quote a bible verse
I couldn’t sing a song but that don’t mean that I don’t talk to Jesus
Girls say I push them off, that I can’t open up
But I ain’t afraid of love, when I say it I just want to mean it.”

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8. Grace VanderWaal, “Darkness Keeps Chasing Me”

Just the Beginning • Columbia • 2017

Grace VanderWaal was 13 years old when her debut album, Just the Beginning, was released (2017).  Among the gems of the album are “Moonlight”, “Sick of Being Told” and “So Much More Than This”. Just the Beginning concludes with “Darkness Keeps Chasing Me.” Somewhat restrained initially, the record and Grace herself percolate, growing more overt and dramatic.  The strings are a gorgeous production feature.

“Every now and then
The darkness tries to chase me
And my legs are getting tired of running
Oh, please don’t
Please don’t let it get to me
Oh, I don’t wanna give up that easily
But the darkness keeps chasing me.”

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9. Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Dark Necessities”

The Getaway • Warner Bros. • 2016

“Dark Necessities” is the best song from Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2016 album The Getaway. From a first listen, the magic of the record is clear, finding RHCP on autopilot.  The funk is real, led by Flea’s masterful bass playing.  Additionally, a sick groove anchors “Dark Necessities” down, not to mention the use of piano.  Frontman Anthony Kiedis is at his best.

“You don’t know my mind
You don’t know my kind
Dark necessities are part of my design.”

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