A Playlist Comprised of 13 ‘What’ Songs | Playlist 🎧

“A Playlist Comprised of 13 ‘What’ Songs” features songs courtesy of Ali Gatie, Drake, KAYTRANADA, P!nk, and Trivium.

“Ooooh, ooh / Been wishin’ for you / Ooh, ooh / Tryna do “What Lovers Do” (ooh).”  Okay Adam Levine, Maroon 5, and SZA I see you on the stand out from Red Pill Blues.  According to Russ, the same year (2017), There’s Really a Wolf  and he’s knows exactly “What They Want”. Okay – I’m feelin’ it! Backtracking to 2006, that’s when my boy T.I. had me banging the hell out of the totally ‘what’ gem “What You Know.” That epic production by DJ Toomp is untouchable, sigh. Oh, and one more that I’m not going to give the full-blurb treatment on A PLAYLIST COMPRISED OF 13 ‘WHAT’ SONGS – Bruno Mars informing us on 24K Magic, “That’s What I Like”.

Hopefully, I made my point.  A PLAYLIST COMPRISED OF 13 ‘WHAT’ SONGS is exactly WHAT it says it is.  Each song title simply features the word – wait for it – WHAT! There are a plethora of songs that could’ve been featured, but alas, I randomly selected an unlucky – I mean lucky 13. Songs appearing on this list arrive courtesy of Ali Gatie (“What If I Told You That I Love You”), Drake (“Nice for What”), KAYTRANADA (“What You Need”), P!nk (“What About Us”) and Trivium (“What the Dead Men Say”) among many others. Without further ado, let’s get down to the WHAT!!!

1. Ali Gatie, “What If I Told You That I Love You”

“What If I Told You That I Love You” • LISN / Warner • 2020

Ali Gatie is a pop/R&B/rap singer-songwriter based in Toronto, born in Yemen.  Notably, he first appeared on The Musical Hype on the playlist, 12 Unique Songs Loosely Associated with the Moon. After reviewing his 2020 single, “What If I Told You That I Love You”, why wouldn’t I totally include it on this playlist comprised of ‘what’ songs?

“What If I Told You That I Love You” is a pleasant record through and through.  The record is written and produced by Gatie, DANNYBOYSTYLES (Danny Schofield), and Sam Wish (Samuel Wishkoski).  The backdrop is characteristic of the contemporary pop/R&B sound, and well attuned to Gatie’s voice. Vocally, Gatie sings soundly, exhibiting a beautiful tone, nuance/color, while not overreaching or underwhelming. Thematically, he asks his fair share of hypothetical questions, with the prime example occurring on the chorus:

“What if I told you that I love you?
What if I told you that I love you?
What if I told you that I need you?
Would you tell me that you need me, too?
What if I told you that I love you?”

Gatie seems to be trying to solidify the relationship status.  It seems, whatever her response is, he’s going to base his response similarly: “I don’t wanna say, ‘I miss you’ / If I don’t know that you miss me back…” All in all, on “What If I Told You That I Love You,” Ali has a pretty good thing going here.

2. Jack Harlow, “WHATS POPPIN”

Sweet Action • Generation Now / Atlantic • 2020 

As you can gather from the title, “WHATS POPPIN” is a banger – a flex-fest.  Louisville, Kentucky-bred rapper Jack Harlow serves up ample drip on this short, entertaining record. Harlow has superb production work to spit over, courtesy of JetsonMade and Pooh Bear.  As far as the lyrics, “WHATS POPPIN” commences with the chorus, which also appears at the end of the song.  This is where the flex begins…

“What’s poppin’?
Brand new whip just hopped in
I got options
I could pass that bitch like Stockton
Just joshin’
I’ma spend this holiday locked in
My body got rid of them toxins
Sports Center, top ten.”

Following the drippy chorus, Jack Harlow drops one verse that certainly doesn’t lack in confidence.  Notably, he references his hometown a couple of times, including the restaurant, Vincenzo’s, as well as the Louisville Cardinals basketball team.  Beyond those shout outs, Harlow offers many clichés – sex (“She heard of my deep stroke”) and money (“Spending money at the club like Sam’s”) primarily.  Sure, we’ve ‘been there, done that’ obviously, but he possesses confidence, personality, and swagger. That’s “WHATS POPPIN’!” This popping WHAT song previously appeared on the playlist 13 Splendid Songs Where the Men Ask Questions.

3. Kacey Musgraves, “Oh, What a Wonderful World 2.0 (Earth Day Edition)”

“Oh, What a World 2.0 (Earth Day Edition)” • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2020

The introduction of the original “Oh, What a World,” from Golden Hour (2018), commences with vocoder.  In my review of the album, when discussing the song, I made the remark ‘how country music has changed.’  It’s true, and Grammy-winning country musician Kacey Musgraves only expanded the genre further with that awesome album that drew rave reviews across the board.  Focusing on “Oh What a World,” the original version of the record is laid-back and beautiful.  Musgraves sounds calm, cool, and collected – incredibly mellow.  The sounds reflect the same – even the banjo comes off relaxed.

The same can be said of the new version, “Oh What a World 2.0 (Earth Day Edition),” which was released on Earth Day 2020 (April 22).  It is shorter than the original, and while it retains the mellow, laid back vibes, it has more of a stripped, even more subdued sound.  In a press release of the reworked version of the song (via Pitchfork), Kacey Musgraves asserts:

“…In the face of a pandemic that has brought cities to their knees, a song can feel small. A melody can seem insignificant. This is a global moment of acknowledgment and respect for the power of nature and for so many of us – extreme challenges and sadness. But in the midst of all the loss and uncertainty there are signs everywhere of human compassion and renewal… In spite of all its troubles, it’s still a wild, beautiful world and if you need proof, it’s out there… Right now, there are so many brave people that deserve Medals of Honor: the nurses, doctors, grocers, the delivery and truck drivers, cashiers, gas station attendants, the scientists, restaurant workers, the single parents, and SO many others…“Oh, What a World” – dedicated to our planetary home and all the quiet heroes this Earth Day: You’re the northern lights in our skies.”

Oh, and in case you were worried, the vocoder that dominates the beginning of the original makes its way into “Oh What a World 2.0.” “Oh What a World 2.0” previously appeared on the playlist, 10 Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic.

4. Trivium, “What the Dead Men Say”

What the Dead Men Say • Roadrunner • 2020

“What the dead men say / It’s just between us / What the dead men say / You can’t let go.” Okay… Metal collective Trivium isn’t new to the game.  The Florida band was formed back in 2000 – two decades ago as of the publication date.  Say ‘what!’ What the Dead Men Say, released at the end of April 2020, marks their ninth LP.  Fittingly, the title track graces this playlist, thanks to the ‘what’ in the song title.

“I’m calling out to you, can you hear me / Numb and disconnected, just beyond your sight / I’m not myself anymore / But I’m not alone.”  The dark “What the Dead Men Say” arrives as the second track on the album.  Of the song, Paolo Gregoletto tells Kerrang on the track-by-track guide that it was inspired by a book inspired by an article of the same title as the song, as well as in-between states, death, and grieving.  Even with so many inspirations, Gregoletto makes it clear, “I don’t think that’s one hundred per cent exactly what this song means, but I want people to be in that mindset and know about some things that inspired it.”

The lyrics definitely seem to confirm Gregoletto’s various inspirations.  Such is obvious on the second verse when lead vocalist/guitarist Matt Heafy sings, “I’m waiting for a sign of life / And I can’t let go.”  Musically, “What the Dead Men Say” is about as infernal as you’d expect – angular, athletic, jagged, distorted guitar lines, prominent bass, and heavy, pummeling drums serve as an epic soundtrack.

5. Post Malone, “Take What You Want”

Ft. Ozzy Osbourne & Travis Scott

Hollywood’s Bleeding • Republic • 2019

Hollywood’s Bleeding – certainly a dramatic album title by Post Malone to say the least.  After experiencing ample success post-Beerbongs & Bentleys, the Grammy-nominated pop-rapper returned ‘sooner than later’ with his third studio album. Post Malone amplifies the pop more pronouncedly on Hollywood’s Bleeding compared to his debut, Stoney, or sophomore LP, Beerbongs & Bentleys.  One of the awesome songs that tickled my fancy from Hollywood’s Bleeding was “Take What You Want.”

“I feel you crumble in my arms down to your heart of stone / You bled me dry just like the tears you never show / Why don’t you take what you want from me?” “Take What You Want” pairs Post Malone with Ozzy Osbourne and Travis Scott (Worth noting, “Take What You Want” reappears on Osbourne’s 2020 comeback album, Ordinary Man). Can you say vibes?  Ozzy Osbourne sounds particularly awesome here, singing the aforementioned chorus at the beginning and following Travis Scott’s verse (verse two).  Of course, Post sings the first verse and his own version of the incredibly catchy chorus following his verse.  Easily among the crème de la crème of Hollywood’s Bleeding.

6. KAYTRANADA, “What You Need”

Ft. Charlotte Day Wilson

BUBBA • RCA • 2019

In 2019, KAYTRANADA (Louis Kevin Celestin) released his sophomore album, BUBBA.  Backtracking a bit, if you are unfamiliar with KAYTRANADA, Andy Kellman (AllMusic) provides some biographical info: “Known for J Dilla-inspired beats and woozy house grooves, a Montreal-based producer whose full-length debut won the 2016 Polaris Music Prize.”  Also, worth noting, Celestin is gay, something he discussed in a 2016 Fader article penned by Alex Frank.  On the ‘what’ song that hails from BUBBA, “What You Need,” Celestin enlists the services of a fellow Canadian, Charlotte Day Wilson, on vocals. Also, worth mentioning, Wilson is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community.  Her brilliant song, “Funeral,” appears on both 11 Songs Where the Focus is on the Funeral, and the gargantuan LGBTQ+ list, A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs. Okay – totally more than you bargained for – let’s focus on “What You Need.”

“I never wanted you / Too see this part of me / Now all I can hope to do / Is tell you still / That it’s what you need…” “What You Need” appears on the second half of BUBBA, specifically the tenth track.  The production is a glorious mixture of groovy, sensual, and smoothness.  The synths that KAYTRANADA uses are marvelous, characterized by balance, decadence, and potency. The beat = stellar, stellar, STELLAR!  Add Celestin’s instrumental with those cool, smoky vocals of Charlotte Day Wilson, and the vibe is nothing short of killer.  The result is a great blend of dance, electronic, and R&B.   

7. JACKBOYS & Travis Scott, “WHAT TO DO?”

Ft. Don Toliver

JACKBOYS • Epic • 2019

Travis Scott is one of a kind – understatement.  ASTROWORLD (2018) marks his masterpiece, at least at this point in his career.  At the tail-end of 2019, he released the seven-track compilation JACKBOYS with artists from the Cactus Jacketc. One of the songs of note, at least for our purposes on this ‘what’ centric affair, is “WHAT TO DO?” Here, JACKBOYS and Travis Scott enlist the services of Don Toliver.  Toliver, of course, would go on to release his own project in 2020, Heaven or Hell.

A few seconds in, it’s clear that “WHAT TO DO?” is a vibe.  That said, has there ever been a song by or associated with Travis Scott that isn’t a vibe? The biggest selling point and contributor to the vibe is the production by London Cyr, Jenius, and MIKE DEAN. Simply put, it is quite ear catching.  The beat anchors, while the keyboards and synths provide color.  There’s an assortment of sounds, sound effects, and musical ideas.  Of course, the performers themselves must be acknowledged.

Travis Scott drops a simple but fitting chorus, particularly given the slow pacing of “WHAT TO DO?” “Still fucked up (Yeah) / Still fucked up (Uh-uh, yeah) / Don’t know what to do.” That’s pretty clear, if I do say so myself. After the chorus is revealed early on, Toliver arrives on the first verse, showing off his distinct voice.  He drops a cool Clyde Drexler line: “Step with the three like Clyde, slide, slide.” Travis drops his own verse, with the lyrical gems, “Always thought T was a rex / Never thought T was a wreck,” referencing Toliver, of course. Definitely a ‘what’ song worth indulging in.

8. Mike Posner, “Look What I’ve Become”

Ft. Ty Dolla $ign

Keep Going • Island • 2019 

Mike Posner is a perfect example of a versatile musician – huge understatement. Honestly, he’s quite hard to categorize or pinpoint stylistically.  “Look What I’ve Become”, a single that seemed to come out of nowhere, tapped Ty Dolla $ign for the assist as he dipped back into hip-hop…maybe… Anyways, “Look What I’ve Done” appeared as the fifth track on Posner’s quietly released 2019 album, Keep Going.

The production is very sleek, with an urban sensibility.  Dwilly handles the boards with successful results. Posner references his Walk Across America at the onset, singing, “Walked across Ohio, took me 50 days / I talked to the stars, they were happy that I came…” Essentially, he’s in full-on introspective, reflective mode, thinking about the beauty of life.  This is best exemplified on the refrain:

“Yeah, I took a little time right now just to count my blessings
Count my blessings, count, count, count
Took a little time right now just to count my blessings
Count my blessings, okay.”

Fair enough.  On the second verse, Posner goes on to say:

“If I think ‘bout paradise, I’d imagine this
No drugs or no alcohol ‘cause I’m high as it is
Yeah, I don’t want your money, I am simply done
I just walked away, huh, look what I’ve become.”

The repetitive, self-explanatory chorus follows, before Ty Dolla $ign closes things out on the third verse. Dolla $ign speaks about what he’s become in regard to his success (“God don’t make no accidents, look what I’ve become”). Ultimately, “Look What I’ve Become” is quite an interesting record.

9. Thomas Rhett, “Look What God Gave Her”

Center Point Road • Big Machine • 2019

“Look What God Gave Her”, an advance single from the Grammy-nominated Best Country Album, Center Point Road, blends contemporary country and modern pop. The result is a very sleekly produced record. As always, Thomas Rhett delivers beautiful vocals that are ultimately well-produced.

On the relatively quick-paced “Look What God Gave Her,” Rhett manages to keep things brief, south of three minutes in duration. The chorus is memorable, with some ‘swagger’ about it – rhythmically, embracing a ‘hip-hop identity,’ while remaining idiomatic of country.

“Look what God gave her, how perfect He made her
She walks in the room, it’s like He answered my prayers
The way that she moves, how could anybody blame her?
I know she’s got haters, but it ain’t her fault, nah
Look what God gave her.”

Rhett serves up some excellent ad-libs towards the end without ever over-singing or growing overindulgent.  The question is, what exactly did God give her that Rhett is so thankful for? Well… just think about that one for a minute… it’s not particular religious either, which leads me to noting that “Look What God Gave Her” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Secular Songs from 2019 that Reference Jesus or God, which was published at the end of the year in 2019.

10. Marlon Williams, “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore”

Ft. Aldous Harding

Make Way for Love • Dead Oceans • 2018

New Zealand musicians Marlon Williams and Aldous Harding make a brilliant pair on “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore”, a gem from Williams’ 2018 sophomore album, Make Way for Love. Quite the accomplished ‘what’ song, I handpicked “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore” for my elite list of 100 Best Songs of 2018.

“Isn’t it strange, impossible to claim your reward.” Ah, Aldous Harding gets first blood on “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore,” exhibiting pure, robust vocals. The initial accompaniment is simply guitar. Simple it may be, the sound is lush and ultimately, appealing.

Marlon Williams arrives on the following line, taking command of the verse.

“I cannot explain, emotions I can barely afford to contain
You’re the same, you hide away from anything that turns you on
Nobody gets what they want anymore.”

He delivers equally glorious vocals.  Eventually, following another verse in a similar vein, the two join forces, in exquisite harmonies, singing the titular lyric.  With combined forces comes expanded production that’s more dynamic and fuller in instrumentation. Williams dominates the end of the song, which contrasts the majority, though in the most positive, musical way.

“What am I going to do when you’re in trouble
And you don’t call out for me…”

Also, worth noting, Make Way for Love has another pretty good ‘what’ song – “What’s Chasing You”. 

11. Drake, “Nice for What”

Scorpion • Young Money / Cash Money • 2018

Drake had a huge year in 2018 with his double album, Scorpion. “God’s Plan” was certainly his ‘ace in the hole,’ but the superb “Nice for What” replaced “God’s Plan” at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Nice for What” brilliantly samples the beloved, Lauryn Hill classic, “Ex-Factor” (“Care for me, care for me, you said you’d care for me / There for me, there for me, said you’d be there for me…”).  The producers soundly use the sample, speeding it up, yet retaining its original glory. Furthermore, an excellent, old-school, hip-hop soul beat anchors down the record.

Drake drops a compelling, rhythmic flow, oscillating between pop-rap and unpitched rhymes. Musically, he makes good choices, specifically the use of space allowing Hill’s sampled vocals to shine.  Pretty ‘nice’ ear candy from this ‘what’ song you ask me! Among my personal favorite rhymes:

“Gotta hit the club, gotta make that ass jump
Gotta hit the club like you hit them motherfuckin’ angles
With your phone out, snappin’ like Fabo
And you showin’ off, but it’s alright
And you showin’ off, but it’s alright
It’s a short life.”

I selected “Nice for What” as the 10^th best song on 100 Best Songs of 2018.  Furthermore, the song appeared on the ‘nice’ playlist Prepare to Feel the Kindness of These 8 ‘Nice’ Songs.

12. P!nk, “What About Us”

Beautiful Trauma • RCA • 2017

“What about us? / What about all the times you said you had the answers? / What about us / What about all the broken happy ever afters?” After a five-year hiatus, P!nk came back strong with Beautiful Trauma in 2017. The ‘strength’ wasn’t merely represented by the quality of the album, but also the commercial performance week-one – she did that! P!nk sounds top-notch on “What About Us”, arguably the crowning achievement of the album.  Vocally, she manages too pack a punch, but also exhibits great control.

The chorus, excerpted at the beginning of the opening paragraph, and continued down below, is a major selling point:

“…What about us
What about all the plans that ended in disaster?
What about love? What about trust?
What about us?”

“What About Us” appeared previously on the question-driven playlist, 14 Songs Posed as Questions, dating back to November 2017.  Archives my friends, archives! In addition to the crown jewel, P!nk has another pretty stellar ‘what’ song from Beautiful Trauma: “Whatever You Want”.

13. Taylor Swift, “Call It What You Want”

Reputation • Big Machine • 2017

“My castle crumbled overnight / I brought a knife to a gunfight / They took the crown, but it’s alright / All the liars are calling me one / Nobody’s heard from me for months / I’m doin’ better than I ever was…” Wow.  In the lyrical excerpt from “Call It What You Want”, the penultimate track from her 2017 album, Reputation, Taylor Swift seems to be discussing various issues she has with others. From the start, she plays the victim, informing the listener of the ‘healing process.’

The catchy chorus is one of the best features of “Call It What You Want.”  Swift references her current boyfriend and being at a happy place following adversity.

“My baby’s fit like a daydream
Walking with his head down
I’m the one he's walking to
So, call it what you want, yeah
Call it what you want to
My baby’s fly like a jet stream
High above the whole scene
Loves me like I’m brand new…”

“Call it What You Want” isn’t the sole ‘what’ song from Reputation.  The bigger ‘what’ song is the album’s promo single, “Look What You Made Me Do”.

A Playlist Comprised of 13 ‘What’ Songs [📷: Atlantic, Big Machine, Cash Money, Dead Oceans, Epic, Generation Now, Island, LISN, RCA, Roadrunner, UMG Recordings Inc., Warner, Young Money]