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“9 Songs Chocked-Full of History” features music courtesy of John Legend, Michael Jackson, One Direction, and Rich Brian among others.

Ah, history – such an important subject in school! Furthermore, each and every day, we are adding to not only our own history, but a collective one as well.  Okay, perhaps this playlist, 9 Songs Chocked-Full of History isn’t that deep or transcendent, but all of the songs explore history in some context.  Artists appearing on this historically-stimulating compilation include John Legend, Michael Jackson, One Direction, and Rich Brian. 

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1. 88rising & Rich Brian, “History”

Head in the Clouds • 88rising • 2018

“We got history (history) / Got me feeling the nostalgia / When you look at me (look at me) / Thinking ‘bout what could’ve happened / Or what could’ve been.” Mass media company/record label 88rising has served as a catalyst for Asian artists such as Indonesian standouts Rich Brian and NIKI, as well as the Japanese-Australian artist, Joji. On the label’s first compilation, Head in the Clouds, there is no shortage of talent. On the opening song of this playlist, Rich Brian is at the helm for the song, “History.” As always, his distinct, bassy pipes are quite alluring.  The subject matter of “History” is a bit more cliché, as his topics of choice are love – specifically a break-up – and sex.

“Like your dress, but you fit better in my wrinkled tee

We moved on to newer things, but we got history.”

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2. Cosmo’s Midnight, “History”

What Comes Next • Nite High / Sony • 2018

“‘Cause we got too much history / And all you wanna do is f**k with me / But we got too much history / To wake up in my bed / With you lying next to me.” Who is Cosmo’s Midnight? Cosmo’s Midnight is a Australian electronic music production duo composed of twin brothers, Cosmo Liney and Patrick Liney.  On June 15, 2018, they released their debut album, What Comes Next, which features a number of collaborations.  The song that fits this playlist is “History,” which features distinct, uncredited vocals by Melbourne pop artist Paige IV, who sings the aforementioned, historically-sound chorus.  The main premise of the record? They can’t be together – too much history, back chapters, etc. Paige IV gets a great lift from sleek production from the duo, including colorful, urban-pop synths and a fantastic beat.

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 3. John Legend, “History Has Its Eyes on You”

The Hamilton Mixtape • Atlantic • 2016

“Let me tell you what I wish I’d known / When I was young and dreamed of glory / Don’t nobody have control / Who lives, who dies, who tells your story.” John Legend has a voice like none other, chocked-full of soul and grit. If you are a vocalist, it is easy to be envious of the contemporary soul singer – who wouldn’t want to sound like him? He was a perfect fit for a spot on The Hamilton Mixtape, a compilation that featured contemporary artists covering standouts from the Broadway musical.  The song he covers is “History Has Its Eyes on You,” which he compels with a thrilling old-school, gospel-tinged performance. Legend successfully contrasts the original, putting his own spin on it.

“History has its eyes on me / History, history, history / Ah, history has its eyes on me / History, history, history.”

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4. Olivia Holt, “History”

Olivia (EP) • Hollywood • 2016

21-year old Olivia Holt is the perfect example of the dual threat – she’s both an actress and singer. Holt released her debut EP in 2016, fittingly titled Olivia (EP). She also makes “History” by appearing on this historical playlist – see what we did there? “History” served as a single from her five-song EP.  Here, Holt addresses an ex-, who she characterizes as “perfect,” but goes on to say that the guy she’s dating now is “the perfect one for me.”  While she ends the relationship, she does so in a respectful manner – that’s worth something.

“Baby, you’re so perfect / But he’s the perfect one for me / I know that you’re worth it / But somethin’ ‘bout him gets to me / Gets to me, all I need / Plus, we got history.”

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5. Björk, “History of Touches”

Vulnicura • One Little Indian • 2015

On “History of Touches,” Icelandic alternative musician Björk contrasts the first two songs of Vulnicura, settling for a modest three-minute duration.  Briefer it may be, the ‘3 months before’ joint hints at an inevitable breakup, though takes the time to enjoy the physical experiences.  As suggested by its suggestive title, the music practically ‘screams’ sex.  Then throw in sensual lyrics like “Stroke your skin and feel you / Naked I can feel all of you…” or “Every single f**k / we had together / Is in a wondrous time lapse / With us here at this moment,” and it’s easy to see what Björk is getting at.

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6. One Direction, “History”

Made in the A.M. • Columbia • 2015

“You and me got a whole lot of history / We could be the greatest team that the world has ever seen / You and me got a whole lot of history / So don’t let it go, we can make some more, we can live forever.” Maintaining love and their current relationships are on the minds of the four members of One Direction on “History,” a highlight from their 2015 LP, Made in the A.M.  Basically, the boys are fighting through a lot to remain in love and harmony.  On the second verse, Liam Payne asks, “All of the rumors, all of the fights / But we always find a way to make it out alive / Thought we were going strong / Thought we were holding on / Aren’t we?”  On the bridge, Louis Tomlinson emphasizes the importance of her – the material things “don’t mean anything.” Why? “You and me got a whole lot of history.”

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7. State Champs, “All You Are is History”

Around the World and Back • Pure Noise • 2015 

“Talk is cheap, I said that before / But you can still taste it / And that’s one more reason why you’re never gonna make it.”  That’s pretty pessimistic stuff.  Interestingly, prior to singing these lyrics that close out the first verse of “All You Are is History,” State Champs frontman Derek DiScanio asserts, “I’m a realist and an optimist.”  However, he goes on to say, “But I swear to you, I’m not getting over this.” That’s not the last time he sings of bad blood, as the lyrics reappear on the song’s chorus.  Clearly, DiScanio simply can’t forgive the person who has wronged him, hence, he wants them to be history that’s forgotten.

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8. Olly Murs, “History”

Never Been Better • Sony Music UK • 2014

“Something in your eyes, something in your eyes / Telling me we’re running out of time, running out of time / Baby, if we only got tonight, only got tonight / Can you just stay with me?” For British pop singer Olly Murs, he keeps things pretty simple on “History.” What kind of history does he want to make exactly? The kind that involves nighttime and the bedroom.

No, he doesn’t get raunchy in the least, but clearly, Mr. Murs wants the night to be truly ‘historical.’

“We don’t need anything or anyone

We can rise higher than the sun

The only thing we’ll ever need is you and me

We can make history.”

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9. Michael Jackson, “History”

HIStory – Past, Present and Future – Book 1 • Epic • 1995

We close out this historically-driven list with one of the ‘deeper’ cuts of Michael Jackson’s career, “History.” By deeper, I’m referencing the fact that “History” isn’t the first, second, or perhaps even tenth Michael Jackson song that comes to mind.  It appears on his 1995 double album, HIStory – Past, Present and Future – Book 1, which features both greatest hits as well as originals and covers.  When this album comes to mind, the songs that stand out are the likes of “Scream” (with Janet Jackson), “They Don’t Care About Us”, “Earth Song” (a personal favorite), and number one hit, “You Are Not Alone”.  So yeah, “History” is a deeper cut. Even so, Michael Jackson keeps things socially-conscious, making the record a thoughtful, worthwhile listen.  He’s particularly prudent on the refrain:

“Every day create your history / Every path you take you’re leaving your legacy / Every soldier dies in his glory / Every legend tells of conquest and liberty.”

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Photo Credits: 88rising, Atlantic, Columbia, Epic, Hollywood, Nite High, One Little Indian, Pure Noise, Sony

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