A Sampling of Marvelous Worldwide Songs | Playlist 🎧

A Sampling of Marvelous Worldwide Songs features songs by ARON, Ayra Starr, Miriam Makeba, Luis Fonsi, Stromae, and Tems.               

The United States has some awesome musicians who record awesome music.  Likewise, worldwide, there are plenty of talented musicians from different countries and cultures who are also ‘killin’ it’ from a musical perspective. A Sampling of Marvelous Worldwide Songs seeks to highlight some fabulous musicians, worldwide, who have plenty to offer through their music.  This musical compendium includes songs from musicians who hail from Brazil 🇧🇷, Denmark 🇩🇰, France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪, Israel 🇮🇱, Italy 🇮🇹, Japan 🇯🇵, Mexico 🇲🇽, Nigeria 🇳🇬, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷, Spain 🇪🇸, and South Africa 🇿🇦. A Sampling of Marvelous Worldwide Songs features songs by ARON 🇪🇸🇩🇪, Ayra Starr 🇳🇬, Miriam Makeba 🇿🇦, Luis Fonsi 🇵🇷, Stromae 🇫🇷, and Tems 🇳🇬. So, without further ado, let’s experience a brilliant sampling of marvelous worldwide songs from talented musicians!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee, “Despacito” (Ft. Justin Bieber)

2. Tems, “Love Me JeJe”

3. Stromae, “Santé”

4. Ayra Starr, “Last Heartbreak Song” (Ft. Giveon)

5. CHAMELEO, “wet dreams”

6. ROSALÍA, “HENTAI”

7. ARON, “Invisibilidad”

8. Fujii Kaze, “damn”

9. Peso Pluma & Arcángel, “PESO COMPLETO”                                               

10. Rammstein, “Zeit”

11. Saint Levant, “Very Few Friends”

12. Nejure, “BOYFRIEND”

13. Rauw Alejandro, “Déjame Entrar”

14. Asbjørn, “Child of the City”

15. Miriam Makeba, “Pata Pata”

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1. Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee, “Despacito” (Ft. Justin Bieber)

Luis Fonsi // VIDA // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2019

The handsome, talented Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi began his career in the 1990s. That may be mind-blowing to some considering the biggest hit of his career, “Despacito” (“Slowly”), didn’t arrive until 2017. Let that sink in! When “Despacito” arrived, Fonsi was nearly 39 years old… His fellow Puerto Rican collaborator, Daddy Yankee, was almost 40.  While ‘age ain’t nothin’ but a number,’ earning a no. 1 pop hit pushing 40 is rare. However, Fonsi and Yankee landed a dominant hit on the Billboard Hot 100, which remained no. 1 for a whopping 16 weeks.  Helping the cause in the remixed version of the song is the addition of Canadian Grammy-winning musician Justin Bieber. Bieber, still young in ’17 (23 years old), had already landed four no. 1 hits (“What Do You Mean?”, “Sorry”, “Love Yourself”, and “I’m The One”). “Despacito” was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA, and was nominated for three Grammys: Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

But, for Luis Fonsi, “Despacito” is his sole hit on the pop charts.  Four of his songs have charted on the Billboard Hot 100, yet, the second-highest peak is outside of the top 40.  Still, if you’re going to be classified as a ‘one-hit-wonder,’ isn’t “Despacito,” a dominant, ultra-memorable Latin pop cut the perfect choice?  What makes “Despacito” the sugar honey iced tea? For one, it’s a sexy song, and what’s better than a Latin sex song? The smooth, sexy vocals of Fonsi and Bieber, bring the tuneful melodies to life.  Bieber, who appears at the top of the remix is a treat, showcasing the beauty of his pipes, singing exclusively in English (“You fit me tailor-made, love how you put it on / Got the only key, know how to turn it on”).  He also sings in Spanish too, in the memorable chorus:

“Despacito

Quiero respirar tu cuello despacito

Deja que te diga cosas al oído

Para que te acuerdes si no estás conmigo…”

Read the English translations, and the innuendo is ripe.  In the second half of the chorus, Fonsi tells her, “I want to undress you with my kisses, slowly.” Daddy Yankee provides sound contrast in the second verse with his agile rhymes against the sleek reggaetón backdrop, produced by Josh Gudwin, El Dandee, and Andrés Torres. In the bridge, Fonsi lets us know how it’s ‘done’ in Puerto Rico… sexually.  Ultimately, the infectious “Despacito” is unforgettable – an unsurprising no. 1 hit. Following its dominance, it finally appeared on Fonsi’s 2019 album, VIDA.

Appears in 🔻:

• Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee, Despacito: 1 Hit WONDERful 37 (2024)

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2. Tems, “Love Me JeJe”

Born in the Wild // RCA / Since 93’ // 2024 

“Hold me in your arms, in your love and your light.” Ooh-wee! Grammy-winning Nigerian Afrobeats and R&B singer Tems shines on “Love Me JeJe”. “Love Me JeJe,” which samples the 1997 song, “Love Me JeJe” by Seyi Sodimu is the fifth track on her album, Born in the Wild. “Love Me JeJe” is pleasant and well-rounded. The production by GuiltyBeatz is a selling point.  The repurposing of the Seyi Sodimu song bodes in Tems’ favor.  The sound is chill and smooth.  Furthermore, the rhythmic groove that anchors is lit. Tems delivers beautiful, easygoing vocals.  Does she ever break a sweat? Nope, it doesn’t seem like it! The melodies and the verses are tuneful making the ears perk up. Matters of the heart drive the narrative – not surprising given the song title. “I need your lovin’, so fresh, so clean / Love me in and out, unfailingly,” she sings in the first verse, asserting in the pre-chorus, “Because I love, and I love, and I love, and I love you only.” That’s a lot of love!  The section to beat is the chorus!

“I’m on your wave right now (wave)

I’m on your wave right now, yeah (wave)

I’m on your vibe now, you got me on your side now, yeah

I’m on your wave right now, woah, woah, woah, yeah.”

“Love Me JeJe” = V-I-B-E.

Appears in 🔻:

• Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 1 (2024)
• 40 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far)

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3.Stromae, “Santé”

Multitude // Monsaert Label / Polydor // 2022

After an eight-year hiatus, Belgian musician extraordinaire Stromae (Paul Van Haver) returned with a surefire bop with “Santé” (Multitude, 2022). Take one listen to “Santé” (French for “Health”) and you’ll find yourself playing it on repeat.  Vocally, Van Haver gives a strong performance, singing pleasantly. Furthermore, his rapped/chanted moments satisfy too. Lyrically, “Santé” celebrates workers who don’t get any thanks or far too often go unappreciated.  Translated from French, in the chorus, he sings:

“Yes, let’s celebrate those who don’t celebrate

Once again, I would like to raise my glass to those who don’t have

Those who don’t have

Those who don’t have.”

It’s a nice, thoughtful sentiment.  With a great performance, intriguing and thoughtful songwriting, and a stellar music video, arguably the crowning achievement is the sound.  This is a superbly produced record (Stromae, Juanpaio Toch, and Moon Willis), one that leaves you in awe of its creativity.  It’s bright, ear-catching, and groovy.  The guitar, synths, the rhythms – it’s EVERYTHING. “Santé” is a must-hear sure to boost your musical health!

 

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: October 2021
• Best Songs of 2021: 50-36

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4. Ayra Starr, “Last Heartbreak Song” (Ft. Giveon)

The Year I Turned 21 // Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Republic / UMG Commercial Services // 2024

“It feels good to love somebody and somebody love you back.” True, by Ayra Starr. The Nigerian musician continues singing, “But it feels one-sided now.” That is a bummer! “Last Heartbreak Song” appears as the 9^th track on her debut album, The Year I Turned 21. On “Last Heartbreak Song,” she’s assisted by Grammy-nominated R&B artist, Giveon. Louddaaa produced the two-and-a-half-minute cut. It features a chill, easygoing instrumental accompaniment, with a dash of Afrobeat.  Worldwide, baby! Arya Starr draws first blood, singing the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. I adore the huskiness of her voice. Her tone is stunning! She sings with patois, true to her Nigerian roots. Given the distinctness, depth, and huskiness of Giveon’s voice, he complements Starr superbly.  He performs in the second verse, singing “smooth like butter.” “I’ve been actin’ foolishly / Forgettin’ what you’re worth,” he sings, continuing, “You stopped lovin’ me, I noticed (I know, I know) / But even chaos serves a purpose.” The chorus is the section to beat – tuneful.

“I’ll be better on my own

I’ll be better on my own, na, na

Nobody should call my phone

Nobody should call my phone, na, na

This is my last heartbreak song

This is my last heartbreak song, na, na

I’ll be good all on my own

I’ll be good all on my own, na, na”

“Last Heartbreak Song” is a surefire winner from the ascending Ayra Starr.

Appears in 🔻:

• 13 Heartfelt ❤️ HEART ❤️ Songs (2024)

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5.CHAMELEO, “wet dreams”

ALTA TENSǍO // CHAMELEO // 2023

Na ponte, CHAMELEO canta: “Ei gatinho, sonhei com você essa noite / Eu não lembra exatamente o que era / Mas eu lembro que era molhado”.  In English, the statement in Portuguese reads as follows: In the bridge, CHAMELEO sings, “Hey baby, I dreamt about you last night / I don’t remember exactly what it was / But I remember it was wet.” Wet as in a wet dream, CHAMELEO? CHAMELEO, for context, is an indie-pop musician from Brazil. The lyrics hail from his song, “wet dreams”, the ninth track from his 2023 album, ALTA TENSǍO. “Wet dreams” was composed by CHAMELEO, Bibi, and Jenni Mosello. Lucas Vaz and Zur Parsiaty produced it.  The backdrop is colorful and ear-catching. CHAMELEO’s vocals are ear-catching too.  He sings expressively as he depicts sweet fantasies.

“Você entra na minha cama toda noite, nos meus sonhos,” CHAMELEO sings in the first verse, adding, Quanto mais ‘cê me ignora, mais eu fico fantasiando.” In English, the lyrics translate as, “You come into my bed every night, into my dreams” and, “The more you ignore me, the more I fantasize.” Ooh-la-la. That is the spirit of a wet dream, isn’t it? Other highlights include (translated in English), “My desire, my need / Wet dreaming in an empty bed” (verse two) and, “You come home, and we kiss / You put me on the table so you can control me / I start at the neck, go down, and stay there for half an hour” (pre-chorus). Oh, snap! In the chorus, the tongue is key: “Ah-ah, ah-ah / I lick everything / La-ah, la-ah / I lick you.” All told, CHAMELEO sufficiently stimulates in “wet dreams”. The music is sweet, and the theme – sexy AF!

Appears in 🔻:

• CHAMELEO, wet dreams: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 64 (2024)
• 15 Wet Songs About Wet Dreams (2024)

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6. ROSALÍA, “HENTAI”

MOTOMAMI // Columbia // 2022

Just in case you weren’t aware, Hentai is NSFW – a sexually explicit anime or manga. That sounds like the perfect catalyst for some midnight heat! Grammy-winning Spanish singer/songwriter ROSALÍA isn’t being subtle on “HENTAI”, the sixth track on her 2022 LP, MOTOMAMI.  In the chorus, she asserts, “Te quiero ride como a mi bike / Hazme un tape modo Spike.” In English: “I wanna ride you like I ride my bike / Make me a tape like Spike.” Oh, snap! Riding doesn’t sound innocent, nor does that tape because it’s giving sex tape! She continues (translated), “I whipped it until it got stiff.” Ooh wee! ROSALÍA tapped a whole team of songwriters to compose “HENTAI,” producing alongside Pharrell Williams, Michael Uzowuru, and Noah Goldstein. In the second verse, ROSALÍA sings, “Enamorá’ de tu pistola, roja amapola / Crash esa ola, casi me controla,” which translates in English as, “In love with your pistol, red poppy / Crash this wave, almost controls me.” A pistol, huh? How long, might I ask? The point is the Spanish popstar is being naughty.  Even so, she also shows her sense of humor on “HENTAI” too.  Vocally, she sounds angelic – go figure!

Appears in 🔻:

• ROSALÍA, HENTAI: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 27 (2024)

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7. ARON, “Invisibilidad”

“Invisibilidad” // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2024 

“Quisiera matarme, mi alma donarte, que de mí ya no quede na.” Oh, snap, that is deep, ARON (kill yourself, give her your soul so there’s nothing left 😳)! The handsome and talented ARON (Aron Piper) shines on “Invisibilidad”, a bop readymade for summer. Performed exclusively in Spanish,  it was written by Piper, Benjamin Alerhand Sissa, and producer, Manuel Lara.

“Voy a usar, mi invisibilidad, pa que no me sientas y a tu lado poder caminar, pa estar a tu lado toda la vida y poderte observar, no quiero que mi presencia te pueda molestar.”

Yes… now what did ARON sing? In English, Piper wants to be invisible, to be with her but not bother her. He sings beautifully, showing off his smooth, sexy vocals. The man is suave AF. Besides a strong vocal, memorable melodies, and respectable songwriting, “Invisibilidad” is sleekly produced.  The synths, groove, and fat, anchoring bass line are fire.  Adding to the allure is a sweet electric guitar solo. No deep commentary is needed for “Invisibilidad” which is a perfect bop for summer and beyond.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: July 2024

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8. Fujii Kaze, “damn”

LOVE ALL SERVE ALL // Universal Music LLC // 2022

“Tho I shouldn’t give a flying shit about it / Tho I absolutely have nothing to do with it / Then why do I have to care this much about it.” Woo! Sometimes, you just don’t give a flying shit or a D-A-M-N!  From the onset, “damn” is a damn good song by Fujii Kaze – WOO! It appears as the lucky number seventh track on the handsome 😍 Japanese artist’s 2022 album, LOVE ALL SERVE ALL.  The production is a selling point (Yaffle), thanks to its infectious groove (Shumsuke Uehara plays a danceable, kick-heavy beat), Wurlitzer/keys (Kaze), guitar (Sho Ogawa), and bass (Takumi Katsuya). Most of the lyrics on “damn” are in Japanese, including the lyrics excerpted earlier! However, the centerpiece, that final, damn catchy chorus, is performed in English.  Kaze sings, profanely, “Damn, damn, don’t give a damn / Just love in my head / (Hey little father won’t u come with me) / We’ll just dancing away / From bullshits ahead…” Again, I say, WOO! Kaze sounds incredibly enthusiastic during this section and the other choruses that precede, delivering a memorable melody and sensational ad-libs. Given the fierceness of this damn song, J-pop deserves far more attention and love!

Appears in 🔻: 

• Fujii Kaze, damn: FIERCE Pop + Rock 🔥🤘 No. 13 (2023)
• 13 Dayum Good Damn Songs (2024)

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9. Peso Pluma & Arcángel, “PESO COMPLETO”

“PESO COMPLETO” // Double P / Rimas Entertainment // 2024

“Andamo’ en alta, el peso con Arca, vuela dinero, ah-ah / Estos cabrone’ los tengo chupando, parecen hookero’, yeah-eh.”  Yeah… methinks! Translation, please! “We’re on a high, Peso with Arca, money flies / These bastards I have sucking, they look like hookers, yeah-eh.” Grammy winner Peso Pluma (Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija) and Arcángel drop a sleek, Latin trap banger with “PESO COMPLETO”, produced by Dímelo Flow and DJ Maff.

Peso Pluma and Arcángel make a formidable team.  Arcángelo performs the intro and takes the reins in the first half of the chorus.  His flow is smooth and rhythmic – compelling to say the least.  Likewise, Plumo’s keeps the same energy, with slightly more cutting pipes.  The chemistry and contrast between them are part of the charm.  After the coro, Arcángelo brings the heat in the first verse. Even without understanding any Spanish, the confidence, the energy, and the intensity are easily perceived. Check out the translation, and Arcángelo delivers lyrics like, “I have a suite in Condado / Four bitches I nail,” and “You hate me? Fuck you three times.” The scenario is similar in the second verse, where Peso Pluma both builds on the first verse and brings contrast too (“The kid is from Mexico and here I am, counting little bills / That’s why I never get discouraged or suffer for any pussy”). Facts! “PESO COMPLETO” is a surefire vibe.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: April 2024

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10. Rammstein, “Zeit”

Zeit // RAMMSTEIN GBR / Universal Music GmH // 2022

“Zeit / Bitte bleib steh’n, bleib steh’n (“Time / Please stand still, stand still”).” In 2022,  renowned German metal band Rammstein returned with its eighth studio album, Zeit. “Zeit” (“Time” in English) served as the promo single.  It’s a reflective, thoughtful, and well-crafted record. Why does Rammstein want time to stand still? Till Lindemann understands that life is fleeting, and its great moments don’t last forever.  Essentially, he wishes he could make time stop so that great moments won’t disappear.  He captures this marvelously with his authentic, rich vocal performance. “After us, there will be a ‘prior,’ / Youth will turn into hardship,” he sings in the first verse (roughly translated from German), adding, “We are drifting towards the end.” It’s pessimistic but true.  In the second verse, he captures the disappointment of moments fading:

“I’m lying here in your arms

Oh, if only it could just be forever!

But time knows no mercy

Already, the moment is over.”

Besides the reflective, thoughtful lyrics, the music is ear-catching.  I love the radiance of the production, including keys and programming alongside the guitars and traditional metal instrumentation.  “Zeit” checks off all boxes.  Till kills it from a vocal perspective.  The songwriting and theme are relatable and reflective and thought-provoking.  The sound is fantastic, blending kinder, gentler sounds with more dynamic metal cues.

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11. Saint Levant, “Very Few Friends”

From Gaza, With Love // 2048 LLC // 2023

“I wanna take you to Paris and spoil you / I wanna go to Marseille and enjoy you / I want those guys in your DM’s who talk to themselves / And then tell all their friends that they know you.” Woo! Saint Levant (Marwan Abdelhamid) serves up good vibes – better yet, sexy vibes – on “Very Few Friends”.  The brief, ear-catching single, released in 2022, showcases the appeal, talent, and versatility of Abdelhamid. Like much of his 2023 debut EP, From Gaza, With Love, he never gets too high.

The sophisticated backdrop, produced by Henry Morris, gives off love-oriented, romantic, R&B vibes.  Abdelhamid raps smoothly, supporting romantic sensibilities.  After dropping some Arabic rhymes, he continues spitting in the first verse, “Love boy Levant back in the building.” He goes on to drop  French as well.  Even if you’re not proficient in Arabic or French, English lines like, “We have designer sex in the morning / Expensive when you moanin’,” as well as the memorable closing lyric, “When we come together it’s a fuckin’ problem” makes it clear what he has in mind. The chorus is a highlight: “I have very few friends / I’m focused on very few friends.” “Very Few Friends” gives a terrific snapshot of Saint Levant, showing his versatility.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: November 2022
• Friend: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 1 (2023)
• 13 Big Mood, Surefire Vibe Songs (2023)
• 13 Utterly Friend-tastic Friend Songs (2023)

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12. Nejure, “BOYFRIEND”

“BOYFRIEND” // Nejure // 2024

Italian singer Nejure is Che bell’uomo! He is a certified hottie who rocks hard without a shirt and is also alluring as a musician.  He raised the temperature on his ‘damn gay song’, “BOYFRIEND”,  written by Matteo Scarabicchi, and produced by Nejure and Pashabeats. The instrumental is one of many selling points regarding “BOYFRIEND.” The accompaniment is colorful, superbly embracing the American pop aesthetic.  The backdrop is a fabulous mixture of cool and exuberant synths, anchored by a sick groove.  Beyond the instrumental, Nejure slays vocally.  He sounds as beautiful as he looks. His accent is charming and sexy.  The sexiness is fitting given the romantic theme.  Furthermore, warm vocal production ups the ante.  The simple, repetitive lyrics of the chorus leave doubt in my mind about what Nejure desires, as well as his – wait for it – boyfriend: “I wanna be your boyfriend / You wanna be my boyfriend / I wanna be your boyfriend / You wanna be my boyfriend.”  No extensive analysis is necessary here.  Nejure is a handsome, talented individual who easily tickles my fancy with his sophomore single, “BOYFRIEND”. It’s well-produced, well-performed, and lyrically and thematically, it’s simple and relatable. Eccezionale!

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13. Rauw Alejandro, “Déjame Entrar”

“Déjame Entrar” // Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC // 2024

“Cambiamo’ la pose y me pide feroz / Llevamo’ to’ el día fumando (Oh-oh) y chingando (Oh-oh).” Ooh-wee, Rauw Alejandro! Roughly in English, these lyrics from the first verse of his single, “Déjame Entrar”, translate as “We change the position, and she asks me to do it rough / We’ve been smoking all day (Oh-oh) and fucking (Oh-oh).” Tyler Spry, MAG, El Zorro, and Mick Coogan assist the Latin Grammy-winning Puerto Rican singer with production.  Matching the steamy lyrics, the single cover art is muy caliente 🥵 (a shirtless, tatted Alejandro in the bathtub). “Déjame Entrar” benefits from its mellow, slick, smooth production. Rauw delivers gorgeous, boyish vocals, possessing a sweet sound.  As lovely as his vocals are, he’s ‘all man’ bringing ample swagger to the track.  He sings, but also incorporates melodic Latin trap – more rhythmic pitched melodies. Once the beat drops, it’s ‘on.’ After the steamy first verse, he tones it down a bit in the second (“Mami, espero que estemos juntos hasta el otro verano”). The chorus marks one of the best moments:

“No puedo descifrar lo que dice su mente (Eh)

Pero su cuerpo pide algo diferente (Oh)

Cuando se pega al mío ya no es tan inocente

Y yo quiero ponérselo entero solo si ella me deja (Oh).”

In English:

“I can’t decipher what her mind says (Eh)

But her body’s asking for something different (Oh)

When she sticks to me, she’s not so innocent anymore

And I want to put it all on only here if she lets me (Oh).”

All told, “Déjame Entrar” is sweet, whether you understand a lick of Spanish or not!

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: July 2024
• 13 Fantastic LET Songs (2024)

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14. Asbjørn, “Child of the City”

“Child of the City” // Body of Work // 2024

“And so, we woke up in the morning feeling like ghosts in our bodies / 21 grams lighter but the weight of planets on us.” One of many brilliant lyrics from the handsome, talented, and gracious, Asbjørn (Asbjørn Toftdahl Terkelsen). The self-described ‘Danish pop rebel’ describes “Child of the City”, as a ‘fast-paced piece of pop music with a villainous touch,’ and a ‘dizzying, clubby pop song featuring boys choir, me pounding a metal lampshade and a pinch of existential crisis.” Woo! The boys choir that Terkelsen mentions is his childhood boys choir, Skt. Clemens Drengekor. The choir adds angelic sounds to the breathtaking single penned by Asbjørn. He produced it with Steffen Lundtoft.

True to his characterization, “Child of the City” exemplifies the club sound.  The unique, percussive intro marks one of the most impressive sounds from the single.  The rhythm of the intro continues in all facets of the song. Vocally, Asbjørn brings the heat.  He sounds lovely, flaunting his tone and some sweet falsetto moments. Even though he’s potent – locked in and loaded, baby – he maintains a calm, cool, and collected energy vocally. He never forces things or sounds as if he breaks a sweat. Still, Terkelsen packs a punch, convincingly singing the rhythmic, tuneful melodies. There is no shortage of intriguing lyrics, including “Gimme that veggie McD, Gen-Z in a millennial body / My boy algorithm-chic, pretty on my feed.” The chorus easily gets stuck in the head.

“You are a child of the city

Don’t know if you ever sleep at all

Yes, you are a child of the city, child of the city, child of the city.”

As “Child of the City” progresses it packs a bit more punch.  Still, that ‘punch’ is sans growing overblown or overwrought – it feels just right.  The ambient outro is unexpected but keeps the song intriguing. Once again, my boy, Asbjørn brings the heat on “Child of the City”.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: August 2024

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15. Miriam Makeba, “Pata Pata”

Pata Pata // !K7 // 1967 

“‘Pata Pata’ is the name of the dance / We do down Johannesburg way,” the late, great South African singer, songwriter, and activist Miriam Makeba (1932 – 2008) asserts. The first African singer to win a Grammy adds, “And everybody starts to move / As soon as Pata Pata starts to play.” From the first time you hear it, “Pata Pata” (“Touch Touch”) is infectious. She released her most popular recording of the classic in 1967, though it was first released in 1959.  The 1967 version from her ‘67 LP, Pata Pata, peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This was Makeba’s sole pop hit, making her a ‘one-hit wonder.’

“Pata Pata” is among the internationally best-known African songs. Makeba possessed a distinctly beautiful instrument.  Furthermore, she infused ample personality and expression into her performance.  Most lyrics are in Xhosa, but without comprehension of the language, the song remains endearing and sounds fun and joyful.  The lyrics aren’t deep – it is a song about a dance – but they don’t need to be. Arwa Haider asserts “‘Pata Pata’ captures a subversive joy, a sense of indefatigable human spirit,” adding, “Pata Pata may not have been her own favourite anthem, but it somehow embodies her grace and strength, and that of the culture she kept with her.” Notably, Makeba was exiled from her native country in 1959. She lived in the United States, Guinea, and Brussels, Belgium. Jerry Rogovoy co-wrote and produced the beloved track. The rhythm section is tight, providing superb accompaniment for this jubilant number.  The percussion is one of the best features.  “Pata Pata” is ICONIC.

Appears in 🔻:

• Miriam Makeba, Pata Pata: 1 Hit WONDERful 34 (2024)

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A Sampling of Marvelous Worldwide Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 2048 LLC, Body of Work, Columbia, Double P, Mavin Global Holdings Ltd, Monsaert Label, Nejure, Polydor, RAMMSTEIN GBR, RCA, Republic, Rimas Entertainment, Since 93’, Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC, UMG Commercial Services, UMG Recordings, Inc., Universal Music GmH, Universal Music LLC, !K7; abdulla binmassam, admknowdns, Alex, Beth, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, csharker, Duc Tinh Ngo, Jorono, Kaufdex, Kjrstie, Lawrence Olawale-Roberts, LhcCoutinho, OpenClipart-Vectors, The Digital Artist from Pixabay]

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