7 Songs Where Shade Plays a Role | Playlist

Lana Del Rey, Sufjan Stevens, and The Weeknd are among the artists appearing on 7 Songs Where ‘Shade’ Plays a Role.

Keeping things short and sweet, we’ve compiled a playlist – rather a mini-playlist – of seven songs where ‘shade’ plays a role.  Shade is used in various ways, depending on the respective song.  There’s nothing more captivating than when context comes into play.  Artists featured on this brief offering are Sufjan Stevens, Christon Gray, Alaska Thunderfuck, Raheem DeVaughn, The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey, and Chase Rice.

1. Sufjan Stevens, “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross”

Carrie & Lowell • Asthmatic Kitty • 2016

“I slept on my back in the shade of the meadowlark / Like a champion / Get drunk to get laid / I take one more hit when you depart.” Sufjan Stevens has written a number of superb songs.  Few come close to the excellence of “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross,” arguably the centerpiece of his 2016 album, Carrie & Lowell.  “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross” is a heavy, autobiographical penultimate cut to say the least.

The death of Stevens’ mother, despite a tenuous relationship, caused him to become rebellious, questioning his Christianity and overall morality.  This may be most apparent when he sings:

“There’s blood on that blade
Fuck me, I’m falling apart.”

Notably, numerous YouTubers have covered the gorgeous tune.

2. Christon Gray, “50 Shades”

Writers: Chris Shaban, Christon Gray, Elvin Shahbazian & Jonathan Baker

The Glory Album • RCA • 2016

Christon Gray, an urban artist who sings, raps, and incorporates gospel and inspirational messaging into his music, delivers a musical blessing on his glorious 2016 album, The Glory Album. One of the highlights from the spiritually-fueled urban-contemporary album is “50 Shades.” “50 Shades” nails the two-part song, beginning with an edgier, hip-hop driven sound before a Kirk Franklin interlude leads to a more reverent, soulful quality.

3. Alaska Thunderfuck, “The Shade of it All”

Ft. Courtney Act & William

Anus • Sidecar / Producer Entertainment Group • 2015

There’s no escaping a name like Alaska Thunderfuck – just calling it like I see it. Furthermore, the album that “The Shade of it All” hails from is titled Anus.  Subtle AF. Anyways, Alaska Thunderfuck delivers the goods on this gorgeous, uplifting ballad, assisted by Courtney Act & William.

“We’ve gotta fight away the shade
Let's start today
And we all can shine on as one.”

4. Raheem DeVaughn, “Sun Proof Room (50 Shades)”

Love Sex Passion • Entertainment One Music • 2015

Few urban contemporary artists do – rather sing – about sex better than Raheem DeVaughn. On “Sun Proof Room (50 Shades),” all he needs is a “Sun proof room, king size bed, legs spread.” It’s incredibly sensual, and ultimately, who can be mad at that good game he has?

5. The Weeknd, “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)”

Writers: A. Balshe, Abel Tesfaye, Jason Quenneville & Stephan Moccio | Producers: Jason “DaHeala” Quenneville & Stephan Moccio

Beauty Behind the Madness • Republic • 2015

Beauty Behind the Madness finally gave The Weeknd that breakthrough album.  After experiencing a degree of success with compilation Trilogy and his official debut album Kiss Land, it was his sophomore album that propelled him to superstar status.  One of the key catalysts was sexy, falsetto-laden, old-school R&B single, “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey).” Furthermore, “Earned It” is the rare record from a soundtrack with high replay value.

“‘Cause girl, you’re perfect
You’re always worth it
And you deserve it
The way you work it
‘Cause girl, you earned it, yeah
Girl, you earned it, yeah.”

6. Lana Del Rey, “Shades of Cool”

Writers: Lana Del Rey & Rick Nowels

Ultraviolence • Interscope • 2014

To this day, Ultraviolence remains the best Lana Del Rey album IMO.  Regardless if it is or isn’t your personal favorite album by the enigmatic musician, “Shades of Cool” is among the best songs of her career.  Notably on the chorus, for a change, Del Rey shows off her stunning upper register.

“‘Cause you are invincible
I can’t break through your world
Cause you live in shades of cool
Your heart is unbreakable.”

7. Chase Rice, “50 Shades of Crazy”

Ignite the Night • Dack Janiels • 2014

One has to believe the Chase Rice record “50 Shades of Crazy” was ‘inspired’ by the title of a certain book series.  The 11^th song from Ignite the Night isn’t near as risqué as E.L. James’ series, but the girl has definitely made Rice go out of his mind.

“I can’t quit, can’t kick this kind of craving
Girl you drive me to 50 shades of crazy.”