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Playlist “21 Songs With ‘Like’ in their Titles” features songs courtesy of artists including Cardi B, Flume, Janelle Monáe, Rich Brian, and Thomas Rhett.

You know the expression “put in work?” Well in the case of this ‘likable’ playlist 23 Songs With ‘Like’ in their Titles, not too much work was put in. The premise of this list is incredibly simple – the songs must feature the word ‘like’ in their title. Obviously, this opens the door to a bajillion songs. This list selects 23 songs released between 2016 and 2018. That means, lots of your favorite ‘like’ songs didn’t even make the cut! Nonetheless, there’s definitely plenty to like about this list, regardless of the lack of work put in. Cardi B, Flume, Janelle Monáe, Rich Brian, and Thomas Rhett all make appearances on this playlist.

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1. Cardi B, “I Like It”

Ft. Bad Bunny & J Balvin

Invasion of Privacy • Atlantic • 2018

Cardi B exploded in 2017 with her number one hit single, “Bodak Yellow”. In 2018, she scored a number one album with Invasion of Privacy, which turned out to be a well-rounded debut by all means. One of the highlights no named “Bodak Yellow” or “Bartier Cardi” is “I Like It.” “I Like It” brilliantly samples the Pete Rodriguez classic, “I Like It Like That” bringing some serious Latin vibes into Invasion of Privacy. Amplifying the brilliance even more are appearances from Puerto Rican rapper/singer Bad Bunny and Colombian reggaeton singer J Balvin.

2. Vance Joy, “Like Gold”

Nation of Two • Atlantic • 2018

Vance Joy serves up a well-written song with “Like Gold”.“Like Gold,” a gem from Joy’s sophomore album Nation of Two, commences with acoustic guitar accompaniment; It possesses a folksy, singer-songwriter sound. After limited production initially, “Like Gold” grows more robust, but still embraces an acoustic-driven sound. Vocally, Joy gives a solid performance without histrionics, successfully and sufficiently conveying emotion. His lyrics pack a punch, with the best moment coming by way of the chorus.

“Gold, when you see me

Hi, if you need me

Babe, that’s the way it was

That’s the history

Blue, how we used to roar

Like an open fire

That’s the way it was

But that’s history.”

3. Janelle Monáe, “I Like That”

Dirty Computer • Bad Boy • 2018

Janelle Monáe characterizes herself throughout the course of the soulful “I Like That”, among many highlights from her third studio album, Dirty Computer. On the verses, she paints a picture of eclecticism and nonconformity. On the second verse, she asserts, “Take a different type of girl to keep the whole world afloat.” There’s dualism about the particular lyric. In one token, Monáe is revealing more about her sexuality to the world. In another token, she simply seems to be asserting she’s a special, truly unique person who can’t be pigeonholed. On the pre-chorus, she continues this characterization, while she snarls on the chorus.

“And I like that

I don’t really give a f*ck if I was just the only one

Who likes that

I never like to follow, follow around, the chase is on.”

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4. Rich Brian, “Glow Like Dat”

Amen • 88rising / EMPIRE • 2018

“Glow Like Dat” served as an advance single for Amen, the debut album by Indonesian rapper Rich Brian. “Glow Like Dat”has its fair share of pros. Contextually, the production is much kinder and gentler than “Attention” which precedes it. This cooler, mellower sound is fitting given the fact that the song is about an ex. It’s not his most heavy-hitting record, but sound and worthy of spins.

5. Kali Uchis, “Feel Like a Fool”

Isolation • Virgin • 2018

Kali Uchis quietly released her debut album, Isolation, in 2018. Even though the project arrived with little fanfare, there’s nothing ‘quiet’ about the quality of the LP, particularly moments like “After the Storm”. Retro is the middle name of penultimate gem “Feel Like a Fool,” save for the explicitness exhibited by Uchis. Back when, that salty language wouldn’t fly missy – ha! Still, the horns and strings are characteristic of the soul of old.

6. Thomas Rhett, “When You Look Like That”

Life Changes • Big Machine • 2017

Thomas Rhett incorporates some soul on “When You Look Like That,” an instant hit from his Grammy-nominated, third studio album, Life Changes. While the record doesn’t sound traditional per se, there are still plenty of country fundamentals in play. These are most notable lyrically, particularly on the chorus.

“How are we not supposed to crawl to the next bar

Make out on the dance floor

Take it too far out the back door

Leave an open tab, when you look like that?”

Among the best moments are the ad libs at the end, where Rhett lets loose.

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7. K. Michelle, “Crazy Like You”

Kimberly: ThePeople I Used to Know • Atlantic • 2017

On “Crazy Like You,” gifted R&B singer/songwriter K. Michelle balances contemporary and soul soundly. On the stand out from Kimberly: ThePeople I Used to Know, the melodic lines are quick, incredibly rhythmic, and at times, half-rapped. The third verse is all rap, and bold rap for that matter. She’s got bars. All in a day’s work for Michelle, sigh. She ‘brings it on home’ on the soaring chorus.

8. Chris Young, “Woke Up Like This”

Losing Sleep • RCA • 2017

Losing Sleep isn’t a flashy album by country artist Chris Young. Arguably, Young isn’t a flashy artist. That considered, Losing Sleep is a consistent album. Likewise, the record at hand, “Woke Up Like This,” is consistent. No, it’s not groundbreaking or transcendent, but ultimately, Young is charming as he sings about waking up beside his girl.

“Yeah, I can’t help but love, this view, I can’t get enough
Of looking at you with that sleepy little smile on your face
Girl, you got away
With a touch, you can get to me
This morning is like a dream
Maybe the only think better than all night long with you is
That we woke up like this.”

9. SZA, “Garden (Say It Like Dat)”

Ctrl • RCA • 2017

On “Garden (Say It Like Dat),” a highlight from Ctrl, SZA seems to question her worth, once again, recalling “Drew Barrymore”. She spends the second verse of the song focused on her insecurities – specifically about her butt. Does her butt really matter? No, it’s just one lyrical aspect. Ultimately, she believes – or at least hopes – her man loves her for the way that she is. She claims:

“But I believe you when you say it like dat

Only you need me when you say it like dat

Oh, I believe you when you say it lake dat

You must really love me.”

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10. Eminem, “Like Home”

Ft. Alicia Keys

Revival • Shady / Aftermath • 2017

“Like Home” wouldn’t be the first time that Eminem has been angry about something, exhibiting the deadly sin of wrath. Alicia Keys joins him on the highlight from his critically-panned 2017 album, Revival. Clearly, “Like Home” is an anti-Trump statement. It should be noted, this isn’t the first time the rapper has criticized a president (“Mosh” from Encore). While his criticism towards the president is understandable, his wrath is still sinful.

“Someone get this Aryan a sheet

Time to bury him, so tell him to prepare to get impeached

Everybody on your feet

This is where terrorism and heroism meet, square off the street

This chump barely even sleeps

All he does is watch Fox News like a parrot and repeats

While he looks like a canary with a beak…

Take it back to the Shady national convention

Wish I woulda spit on it before I went to shake his hand

At the event…”

“Like Home” previously appeared on the playlist, 21 Songs Associated with the Seven Deadly Sins.

11. The Chainsmokers, “Something Just Like This”

Ft. Coldplay

Memories… Do Not Open • Columbia • 2017

One of the bright spots on The Chainsmokers’ questionable debut album, Memories…Do Not Open, is “Something Just Like This”, featuring Coldplay. Chris Martin naturally handles lead duties. Martin utilizes his lower register, which works, but truly soars once he switches to his calling card, his falsetto. The record’s best moments come on the chorus, which is chocked-full of exuberance, courtesy of the vocals, synths, and driving rhythm. The production is superb throughout.

“But she said, where’d you wanna go?

How much you wanna risk?

I’m not looking for somebody

With some superhuman gifts

Some superhero

Some fairytale bliss

Just something I can turn to

Somebody I can kiss.”

**12. Playboi Carti, “wokeuplikethis*”**

Ft. Lil Uzi Vert

Playboi Carti • Interscope • 2017

“I’m a rock star.” Technically not Lil Uzi Vert– you’re a rap star – but we won’t go there. On banger “wokeuplikethis*”, Playboi Carti, assisted by the rock star, basically brags about being the shit. Honestly, the repetitive hook by Playboi Carti sums it up well.

“Woke up to n*ggas talking like me, talk

Woke up to n*ggas sounding like me talk…”

If you do venture farther, Carti’s confidence – rather cockiness – is never-ending.

“I done fell in love with a thottie, fuck

She just wanna f*ck me for my clout, f*ck.”

Really? Lil Uzi Vert also references sex, as well as smoking and drinking that dirty sprite.

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13. Weezer, “Feels Like Summer”

Pacific Daydream • Crush / Atlantic • 2017

“Feels Like Summer” doesn’t sound like a traditional, rock-driven emo record or like the majority of Weezer records. The groove and overall production sounds more like a pop record, specifically, urban-pop – a slick, modern sound. Lyrically, this selection from Pacific Daydream is a random and lacks cohesiveness. Did Rivers Cuomo and company completely miss the mark? Basically, it’s ‘okay,’ but there’s nothing particularly transcendent or clever, save for a few lyrical highlights.

14. Rick Ross, “I Think She Like Me”

Ft. Ty Dolla $ign

Rather You Than Me • Atlantic • 2017

“I once got no allowance, now I got the crown / I said I was ‘The Boss,’ nobody made a sound.” “I Think She Like Me” represents Rick Ross in his element. The single is certainly a highlight from Ross’ somewhat underrated 2017 album, Rather You Than Me. Opening with a soul sample courtesy of The Stylistics (“People Make the World Go Round”), the lush production work is fuel for his lyrical fire. He enlists the services of a saturated, but ultimately effective Ty Dolla $ign on the hook.

“Uh, I think she like me

Oh, I think she like me

I know her n*gga don’t like me

With your bitch right now, yeah, I might be.”

15. Vivian Green, “Just Like Fools (Revisited)”

Ft. Musiq Soulchild

VGVI • Make Noise • 2017

Vivian Green is underrated to the nth degree. Even that statement might be an understatement. Nonetheless, Green quietly released another well-rounded album in 2017, VGVI. Among the highlights was “Just Like Fools (Revisited)” featuring Musiq Soulchild. The vocals by Green and Musiq are awesome separately. Furthermore, when joining forces, the chemistry is ‘out-of-this-world.’

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16. Brantley Gilbert, “The Ones That Like Me”

The Devil Don’t Sleep • Valory • 2017

“The Ones That Like Me” keeps the momentum alive and well on The Devil Don’t Sleep, the 2017 studio album by rough-and-tumble country artist, Brantley Gilbert. A spirited, mid-tempo country rocker, Gilbert delivers a performance chocked-full of attitude. Call “The Ones That Like Me”the country version of the “No New Friends” vibe. He’s honest from the jump:

“Oh yeah

Ain’t gonna lie, I can count on both hands

My down to ride ‘til the day I die friends.”

17. Sampha, “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano”

Process • Young Turks • 2017

“(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano”, a highlight from Process, the debut album by Sampha, is an emotional, reflective gem that grips the listener from the jump. A subtle record, the lyrics pack a punch, not to mention the personal, authentic vocals by Sampha. In a sense, he characterizes the piano in his mother’s home as his confidante – the sole person who understands his feelings, issues, and otherwise. On the first verse, the focus seems to be solely on the piano. The chorus, which follows, suggests that there’s more to the story. Verse two personalizes the centerpiece of the song:

“An angel by her side, all the times I knew we couldn’t cope

They said that it’s her time, no tears in sight, I kept the feelings close

And you took hold of me and never, never, never let me go…”

Sampha returned home, not only for his beloved childhood piano, but according to Genius, due to the illness and eventual death of his mom.

18. Sam Hunt, “Body Like a Back Road”

Body Like a Backroad – Single • MCA Nashville • 2017

On “Body Like a Back Road”, Sam Hunt blended country music with urban music sensibilities. Some liked it, many panned it. Regardless, he knows his wife, really well, likening her body – specifically her curves – to a backroad.

“The way she fit in them blue jeans, she don’t need no belt

But I can turn them inside out, I don’t need no help

Got hips like honey, so thick and so sweet

It ain’t no curves like hers on them downtown streets.”

He also describes the sex in driving/road-speak as well.

“Body like a back road, drivin’ with my eyes closed

I know every curve like the back of my hand

Doin’ 15 in a 30, I ain’t in no hurry

I’ma take it slow just as fast as I can.”

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19. Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”

24K Magic • Atlantic • 2016

Bruno Mars pulled in a Grammy haul in 2018 with his third studio album, the retro-minded, throwback 24K Magic. Three of his six wins from 24K Magic came from his number one hit, “That’s What I Like” (Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Son). In the context of 24K Magic, “That’s What I Like” slows the tempo, yet maintains a groove. 80s cues are present, but the record is much more contemporary compared to many on 24K Magic. The bridge, not to mention the falsetto represent high-flying moments.

20. Flume, “Never Be Like You”

Ft. Kai

Skin • Mom+Pop • 2016

“I try to keep Flume far from the EDM world”. Grammy-winning EDM artist Flume (aka Harley Streten), ultimately wants his music to reach further and transcend “commercial EDM.” Good for him. He definitely delivered ‘the goods’ on his 2016 album, Skin. The crowning achievement was “Never Be Like You,”featuring Kai. A mix between urban, pop, and electronic cues, Flume masterfully synthesizes all. Kai paints over Flume’s production radiantly, flexing with f-bombs and flaunting her upper register. “Never Be Like You” appeared on a previous playlist, 15 Gems from One Never-ending ‘Never’ List of Songs.

21. Justin Moore, “You Look Like I Need a Drink”

Kinda Don’t Care • Big Machine • 2016

“You Look Like I Need a Drink” locks down the superlative for most fun song from Kinda Don’t Care, the 2016 album by Arkansas country standout Justin Moore. Rocking hard for a country cut, Moore showcases incredible attitude. The problem is, nothing about the record should be fun as his girl is about to break it off with him!

“You look like I need a drink right now

You look like you’re gonna try to let me down nice and easy

Think I know why you won’t sit down

You’re just dancin’ around what you came here to do but you’re scared to

And all I can think, the way you’re lookin’ at me

You look like I need a drink.”

Photo Credits: 88rising, Aftermath, Atlantic, Bad Boy, Big Machine, Columbia, Crush, Disruptor, EMPIRE, Epic, Interscope, Make Noise, MCA Nashville, Mom +Pop, RCA, Shady, Valory, Virgin, Young Turks

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21 Songs With ‘Like’ in their Title | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on May 8, 2018May 8, 2018