‘A’ Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2 | Playlist

1. Conan Gray, “Astronomy”

“Astronomy” • Republic • 2021

“As much as it seems like you own my heart / It’s astronomy, we’re two worlds apart.” Ah, Conan Gray captures the plight of love perfectly on single, “Astronomy”. The aforementioned lyrics excerpted from the chorus of this Gray/ Daniel Nigro co-write (Nigro produces as well) show a relationship dying – running its course. Despite having “Seen everything from Saturn to Mars,” keeping the astronomy references going, things have changed, and two people have, regrettably, drifted apart.

A classy record through and through, Conan Gray sings beautifully, expressively, and most notably, sincerely.  His tone matches the singer/songwriter vibe, as he depicts the good times they’ve experienced as couple, yet ultimately admits, “It’s time to go, it’s time to go.” On the second verse, one of the most gut wrenching and poetic lyrics is when Gray sings, “I thought if I wandered, I’d fall back in love / You said distance brings fondness but guess not with us.” Ouch – that totally stings.  One of the best moments is the bridge, where the intensity is ramped up exponentially relative to the rest of the song.  Here, Gray just lets her rip – more than I’ve ever heard – as he asserts:

“Stop tryna keep us alive
You can’t force the stars to align
When they’ve already died
Oh, we’ve died, ooh.”

Once again, Conan Gray has totally delivered the goods.  “Astronomy” is intriguing from start to finish.  This is a relatable singer/songwriter styled pop cut that shows the versatility of Gray, particularly the rousing ending from the bridge on.

2. P!nk, “All I Know So Far”

All I Know So Far: Setlist • RCA • 2021

On “All I Know So Far”, a new studio single appearing on her live album, All I Know So Far: Setlist, Grammy winning pop superstar P!nk (Alecia Moore) shows just how elite her artistry is. “All I Know So Far” runs north of four-and-a-half-minutes. No worries, it’s well worth the duration! Written by Moore, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the great Greg Kurstin produces . “All I Know So Far” commences with prominent rhythm guitar, which serves as the primary accompaniment for a while.  Later, drums enter the mix on the chorus, truly asserting themselves on the second verse, where the production evolves more. From start to finish, the backdrop is ample fuel for the fire as we get gorgeous, nuanced vocals by the pop star.  Beyond production and the vocals, the lyrics are absolutely beautifully-penned – very poetic and thoughtful throughout the course of the song.

Of course, there are a few salty words thrown in, but they don’t take away from the excellence and refined nature of this song. The chorus is clearly the centerpiece, where P!nk is able to show just how elite she is vocally. Of course, she has nothing left to prove at this point! A few more notes. The songwriting on the chorus is particularly special – it definitely gives off those feels.

“You throw your head back and you spit in the wind
Let the walls crack, ‘cause it lets the light in
Let ‘em drag you through hell
They can't tell you to change who you are
That's all I know so far.”

Furthermore, I love when Moore further lets loose on the post-chorus (or refrain), backed by harmonized vocals and delivering some stellar ad-libs.  Also, the bridge provides fine contrast, as well as that signature f-bomb. Every box is checked off as P!nk continues to impress us with her artistry.

3. Justin Bieber, “As I Am”

Ft. Khalid

Justice • Def Jam • 2021 

“Take me as I am, swear I’ll do the best I can / Say, ‘I’m not goin’ anywhere.’” Grammy-winning pop artist Justin Bieber definitely captures our eyes (and ears) on his “I” song, “As I Am.”  “As I Am” appears as the third track on his 2021 studio album, Justice.  Bieber isn’t all alone though – it’s not just about “I” or rather himself, LOL.  No, he brings along Grammy-nominated R&B standout Khalid for the assist.  Written by a host of songwriters (including Bieber and Khalid), “As I Am” is produced by The Monsters & Strangerz, German, Josh Gudwin, and Ido Zmishlany.  Safe to say, this was an expensive “I” track!

As to be expected, the vocals are elite – beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Honestly, this is the biggest selling point of “As I Am.” Bieber sounds incredibly nice when he sings softer and resides in his lower/middle register.  Don’t get it twisted though! He also ascends, showing the power of his higher register, singing more dynamically.  As for Khalid, there are few singers that possess his particular timbre; it’s special to say the least.  “As I Am” is tailor made to his voice and style. I love the stacked background vocals – awesome .  Then, of course, JB and Khalid join forces, quite harmoniously, backed by that aforementioned expensive pop production.  Lots to like about this record, which runs under three minutes in duration.

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4. Andra Day, “All of Me”

The United States vs. Billie Holiday (Music from the Motion Picture) • Warner • 2021

Cheers to the Fall, one of the best R&B albums of 2015, arrived courtesy of Grammy-nominated R&B singer, Andra Day.  While the album didn’t get it’s just due commercially, its crowning achievement, “Rise Up”, remains ubiquitous years later.  After the world hadn’t heard from this phenomenal talent for years and she returned in a big way playing the Golden Globe-winning/ Academy Award-nominated role of jazz icon Billie Holiday in Lee Daniels’ film, The United States vs. Billie Holiday.  She also provides the soundtrack, The United States vs. Billie Holiday (Music from the Motion Picture), featuring Holiday staples such as “All of Me.”

There are plenty of awesome moments for Andra Day throughout the course of The United States vs. Billie Holiday. She kicks things off with a bang with the beloved torch classic, “All of Me.” What’s impressive is how close vocally Day sounds, doing an awesome job emulating the one-of-a-kind jazz vocalist.  While Holiday was untrained, singing in a similar fashion is no easy task.  Furthermore, Salaam Remi drops a well-rounded backdrop – fuel for Day’s fire.

5. Shelley FKA DRAM & Summer Walker, “All Pride Aside”.

Shelley FKA DRAM • EMPIRE / Atlantic • 2021 

Grammy-nominated artist DRAM has been reborn as Shelley FKA DRAM. On his long-awaited sophomore album, Shelley FKA DRAM, the “Broccoli” hit maker embraces R&B exclusively – a smart choice! Shelley runs just 10 tracks deep and 38 minutes long but proves to be incredibly rewarding, beginning with the soulful opener, “All Pride Aside.”

“All Pride Aside” is buttery smooth in all aspects.  Beginning with Shelley himself, he serves up expressive, sophisticated vocals, showing off his gorgeous upper register.  He enlists fellow R&B standout Summer Walker for the assist.  As we’ve come to expect from Walker, she continues to deliver a cooler brand of R&B – more laid back and chill, yet still expressive.  While I’d argue DRAM is the more dynamic of the two vocalists on “All Pride Aside,” the end result is positive, period.

6. Lucky Daye, “Access Denied”

Ft. Ari Lennox

Table for Two (EP) • Keep Cool / RCA • 2021

On “Access Denied,” among the crème de la crème of Lucky Daye’s 2021 EP, Table for Two, he enlists the Shea Butter Baby herself, Ari Lennox.  As to be expected, this is a superb collaboration.  What particularly stands out is the fact that this is more collaborative than the duets that precede on the EP.

Throughout, Daye and Lennox either trade lines, harmonize, or sing in unison.  Besides the awesome vocal chemistry, the groove is lit AF, in the most soulful way possible. This is ‘old school’ yet doesn’t feel anachronistic.  Allen Ritter and Vinylz definitely set up Daye and Lennox for success.  Fancy is definitely tickled listening to this R&B B-O-P!

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7. Charlie Wilson, “All of My Love”

Ft. Smokey Robinson

“All of My Love” • P Music Group, Inc. / BMG Rights Management • 2020

Charlie Wilson and Smokey Robinson on the same track? Count me in! ‘Uncle Charlie’ dropped an independently released R&B single entitled, “All of My Love”, in 2020. Wilson is the ripe young age of 67 but you couldn’t tell it given how awesome his voice continues to sound. Likewise, his featured guest, Robinson, the ripe young age of 80, still has his smooth, tenor pipes working for him. Both musicians ‘bring the heat’ on “All of My Love.”

“All of My Love” isn’t intended for the young crowd – this is grown-n-sexy, adult contemporary R&B at its finest. While “All of My Love” isn’t a traditional soul joint per se, it’s still chocked-full of soul and has that classic vibe that’s so rare in 2020.  Thematically, love has been sung about a million times, yet, like so many love-oriented joints, it never gets old. Sure, Charlie and Smokey bring nothing revolutionary to the table but, it’s refreshing to hear that old-school magic.

8. serpentwithfeet, “Amir”

DEACON • Secretly Canadian • 2021

R&B singer/songwriter serpentwithfeet (Josiah Wise) shines on his short but sweet sophomore album, DEACON.  The openly gay musician brings his own distinct style to his music – sort of an alternative/experimental brand of R&B with electronic cues.  The best way to describe Wise isn’t to describe him but rather listen to experience the eclecticism he brings to the table.  He earns a spot on ‘A’ SONGS: NO RHYME OR REASON, VOL. 2 thanks to the song, “Amir.”

In addition to his own contributions on “Amir,” it features writing and production from Sampha and Lil Silva. Here, he dabbles in matters of the heart, like the majority of DEACON, switching his fancy from Malik ( “Malik” precedes, FYI) to Amir.  He has a host of questions for his love interest (“Boy you look good, damn, where you stay? / Can I take, take you on a date? / Do you like beer or like rosé?”), much like we all experience when we have our eyes set on someone.  Ultimately, Wise is taken by him, asserting, “Damn, I could shed a tear.”

9. Manchester Orchestra, “Angel of Death”

The Million Masks of God • Loma Vista • 2021

On The Million Masks of God, Atlanta, Georgia alt rock band Manchester Orchestra deliver one of the most accomplished albums of 2021. Among key themes on The Million Masks of God are life and death.  One of the very best songs from this ultra-consistent LP is “Angel of Death,” a nearly six-minute record.

The second track from The Million Masks of God continues to the conceptual nature of the album.  The music sounds utterly awesome with the robust bass, ripe guitars, and of course, beautiful and commanding vocals by front man Andy Hull. “I was told it wouldn’t be long / ‘Life’s a basket full of cravings’,” he sings on the second verse, as mortality drives the narrative.  On the epic, powerful chorus, he asserts, “I’m on fire / And the guilt’s doing all of the thinking / I’m alive / But it isn’t the same as before.”  Quite the fancy-tickling ‘A’ song if I do say so myself.  Also, if you need another ‘A’ song from the sing album worth checking out, look no further than “Annie,” where the lyrics suggest that a relationship has gone awry (“I thought this time I might just walk away from you”).

10. Sufjan Stevens, “America”

The Ascension • Asthmatic Kitty • 2020

“I have loved you, I have grieved / I’m ashamed to admit I no longer believe…” “America” arrived as the promo single from Sufjan Stevens’ long-awaited solo album, The Ascension. “America” is a protest song through and through, and a lushly produced one at that.  All aspects of “America” are on-point.  As always, the music is nothing short of incredible.  Stevens has provided the audience with an incredible colorful palette that easily makes you forget you are listening to a 12-and-a-half-minute song. The music is as dynamic as the lyrics.

The lyrics shape a message of utter disappointment with the direction America has gone – clearly a nosedive – and Steven seems to be angry at God.

“I have worshiped, I have cried
I have put my hands in the wounds on your side
I have tasted of your blood
I have choked on the waters; I abated the flood...”

The lyrics are incredibly dramatic and poetic, exhibiting the emotions that Stevens feels.  There seems to be a sense that Stevens is not only losing faith in America, but perhaps his own faith is being tested with God.  Part of the allure with “America” are the numerous spiritual and specific Biblical references and allusions.  Ultimately, “America” embodies and exemplifies true art, period.

Also appears on :

Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: July 2020

11. AJR, “Adventure is Out There”

OK ORCHESTRA • BMG Rights Management • 2021

In 2021, AJR released their fourth album, OK ORCHESTRA. On OK ORCHESTRA, the Met brothers have some enjoyable, intriguing moments and plenty of creative musical ideas. Of course, with the good comes the ‘not-so-good,’ meaning, sometimes, the hipster millennial alt pop script is way overdone.  “Adventure is Out There” is a prime example of AJR being, um, true to self as well as polarizing. Some’ll dig it, others, not so much.

“I keep losing my socks
Where the hell did they go?”

“Adventure is Out There” commences with that aforementioned, rather corny, tongue and cheek lyric. Jesus! For good measure, the socks return – well – technically, “I keep losing my socks / I got nothing to wear.” Ugh! What we have here is a big-time, double down on millennial spirit. As always, we get a recognizable groove, which is a pro. Compared to some of the songs that grace the album, “Adventure is Out There” has more of a folksy quality, which provides contrast. Still, can you get past the corniness?

12. Taylor Swift, “August”

folklore • Taylor Swift • 2020

Taylor Swift has won the Grammy for Album of the year thrice ( Fearless, 1989, and folklore), putting her in elite company. Arguably, two out of three times, there was a case for a different artist to win it.  In the case of folklore, she was the clear frontrunner (rightfully so). From folklore, Swift delivers a tremendous ‘A’ song with “August,” which ranks among the top tier of folklore.

Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift deliver one of their best collaborations yet.  The music is a gorgeous blend of acoustic and electronic guitars that construct a masterful folk-pop, adult alternative, indie pop amalgam. Swift opts for her ‘ace in the hole’ where the writing is concerned, singing about a lover who ultimately was never hers.  “August slipped away like a bottle of wine,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “‘Cause you were never mind.” Two other marvelous moments that stand above the rest are the bridge, where Swift sings incredibly overtly, and the outro.

13. Justin Bieber, “Anyone”

Justice • Def Jam • 2021

Grammy-winning pop artist Justin Bieber commenced 2021 with a brand-new single, “Anyone”, which eventually appeared on his 2021 studio album, Justice. Like so many pop records of recent times, “Anyone” has no shortage of songwriters including Andrew Watt, Jon Bellion, and Bieber.  Watt and Bellion join The Monsters & Strangerz behind the boards, crafting a pop/rock record. Sound-wise, the best section is the chorus.

Since this is about Bieber, well, he sounds solid, singing in his middle register on the verses, while also dipping into his upper register (chorus) and dropping some falsetto. Thematically, he focuses on true love, specifically his wife, Hailey.  Honestly, the reflective chorus says it all:

“That you, are the only one I’ll ever love
Yeah, you, if it’s not you, it’s not anyone.”

Point made and taken Justin.

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Anyone: 3BOPS No. 2 (2021)