Almost | 5 Gems

Almost: 5 Gems features songs by Brandy, Hozier, Kurt Carr, Mike Reno & Ann Wilson, and Sabrina Carpenter.

“But you can’t get to heaven half off the ground / Everybody knows, ALMOST doesn’t count.” Truer words were never spoken, Brandy! The center of the bite-sized, 5 Gems playlist at hand is the word, almost.  Almost, an adverb or an adjective, is defined by Merriam-Webster as follows: (1) adverb, ‘very nearly but not exactly or entirely,’ and (2) adjective, ‘very near but not quite.’ Word.  Almost: 5 Gems features songs by Brandy, Hozier, Kurt Carr, Mike Reno & Ann Wilson, and Sabrina Carpenter. So, without belaboring the background on almost-ness, let’s jump right in!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Sabrina Carpenter, “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night”	2. Hozier, “Almost (Sweet Music)”	3. Brandy, “Almost Doesn’t Count”
4. Mike Reno & Ann Wilson, “Almost Paradise”	5. Kurt Carr, “Almost Let Go”

 

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1. Sabrina Carpenter, “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night”

Man’s Best Friend » Island » 2025

Word, Sabrina Carpenter, word. The Grammy-winning pop artist continues, “I hear it in his eyes, he sees it in my tone / Is what it is, and it’s predictable.” Again, word.  Those lyrics comprise the first verse from “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night”, the fifth track from Carpenter’s seventh studio album, Man’s Best Friend, released in 2025. Matters of the heart, particularly matters of the bedroom, play a role in this pop joint. Carpenter penned “We Almost Broke Up…” with Amy Allen and Jack Antonoff.  Carpenter and Antonoff produced it.

Like many Sabrina Carpenter songs, there are blunt and humorous moments, as evidenced by the first verse.  The innuendo is on point, too: “We almost / Got so close.” Those lyrics, from the post-chorus, reference that almost break up, and, of course, sex itself 😏.  In the second verse, Carpenter shares her reluctance to end it, singing, “When I reach to pull the plug / I swear he starts working out.” She adds, “I know how it looks, I know how it sounds / Least we’ll give ‘em something to talk about.” That’s for damn sure! Other highlights lyrically include the bridge, where they aren’t perfect yet don’t appear to be quitting each other, and the centerpiece, the chorus:

“All the ‘I love yous’ and ‘I’m sorry’s’ were said

We had our sex and then we made amends, that’s right

Called it a false alarm to all of our friends

Then we almost broke up again last night.”

Beyond the striking lyrics, Carpenter delivers a nuanced and respectable vocal performance.  She marvelously brings those tuneful melodies alive, particularly when she ascends into her upper register. During the outro, she’s on fire as she informs us, “Gave me his whole heart, then I gave him head and then…” Ooh-wee! The musical accompaniment is sweet, particularly the drums, acoustic guitar, keys, and lush strings, which provide fuel for the non-breakup and Sabrina’s fire.  There’s also a modulation that amplifies intensity.  “We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night” marks one of many bright spots from Man’s Best Friend.  

Appears in:

Sabrina Carpenter, We Almost Broke Up Again Last Night: Bangerz N Bopz No. 102 (2025)

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2. Hozier, “Almost (Sweet Music)”

Wasteland, Baby! » Columbia » 2019

That’s several different songs referenced, to say the least, on “Almost (Sweet Music)”, one of the highlights from Wasteland, Baby!, the sophomore album by Irish singer/songwriter, Hozier. Notably, Hozier references jazz icons like Duke Ellington, Chet Baker, and later, John Coltrane (“The very thought of you and am I blue / A Love Supreme seems far removed”). Like many songs by the Grammy-nominated musician, there’s plenty to adore.  First and foremost are his distinct, powerful vocals. The production and sound are another selling point, with an incredible instrumental palette that includes guitar, piano, various percussion, and organ courtesy of Booker T. Jones (b. 1944) – #ICONIC.  This backdrop superbly fuels the singer/songwriter’s fire. Of course, the songwriting is arguably the most awesome thing, particularly the catchy chorus.

“I wouldn’t know where to start

Sweet music playing in the dark

Be still, my foolish heart

Don’t ruin this on me.”

Appears in:

11 Songs That Are Incredibly Sweet, Vol. 2 (2023) 13 Ill Songs with 🎶 MUSIC 🎶 in the Title (2024)

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3. Brandy, “Almost Doesn’t Count”

Never Say Never » Atlantic Recording Corporation » 1998

Almost is the keyword for Grammy-winning R&B singer Brandy (Brandy Norwood, b. 1979) on “Almost Doesn’t Count”. Anytime that the word almost is used, that means you didn’t quite reach the expectation, goal, or the mountaintop. Moral victories aren’t true victories, which is the point that Brandy makes loud and clear on the single and fifth track from her 1998 album, Never Say Never.  “Almost” was a hit on the pop charts, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999. Impressive. Shelly Peiken and Guy Roche penned it, while Roche and Fred Jerkins III produced it.

“Almost Doesn’t Count” is a stunning, rhythmic R&B ballad.  Brandy is the star of the show, expectedly.  Her voice is buttery smooth and distinct.  She brings the striking, tuneful melodies and memorable, thought-provoking lyrics to life.  At the end of the first verse, excerpted earlier, she asserts, “But you can’t get to heaven half off the ground / Everybody knows, almost doesn’t count.” In the second verse, there is plenty of almost happening, but it’s not good enough regarding love.  Looking for a “no doubt, be there kind of man,” Brandy sings, “You came real close / But every time you built me up, you only let me down.” The sentiment is similar in the third verse. The chorus is the crowning achievement:

“I can’t keep on lovin’ you one foot outside the door

I hear a funny hesitation of a heart that’s never really sure

Can’t keep on tryin’ if you’re looking for more

Than all that I could give you, than what you came here for.”

Beyond top-notch musicianship showcased by Brandy and stellar songwriting, the musical backdrop is elite.  “Almost” is quintessential contemporary R&B of the late ‘90s, with ample soulfulness added to the mix.  All in all, this is another gem from the Brandy catalog. Yes, “The Boy Is Mine” and “Have You Ever” were bigger, but “Almost Doesn’t Count” is an epic gem, too!

 

Appears in:

Brandy, Almost Doesn’t Count: Throwback Vibez No. 172 (2025)  Brandy vs. Mark Wills: Head 2 Head No. 41 (2025)

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4. Mike Reno & Ann Wilson “Almost Paradise”

Footloose  » Atlantic » 1984

 “Almost Paradise” is the love theme from one of the quintessential movies of the 1980s:  Footloose.  Canadian singer Mike Reno (b. 1955) of Loverboy and Ann Wilson (b. 1950), of Heart fame, join forces for this powerful duet. The third track from Footloose peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Dean Pitchford (b. 1951) and Eric Carmen (1949 – 2024) penned the ‘80s classic. Keith Olsen produced it. As big as the song was, Footloose was stacked; the likes of “Footloose” (Kenny Loggins), “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” (Deniece Williams), and “Holding Out for a Hero” (Bonnie Tyler) arguably eclipse it.

The chorus, excerpted above, is the crowning achievement of “Almost Paradise.” It’s big, instrumentally and vocally, tuneful, and iconic.  The verses are also sweet.  Reno draws first blood during both verses, bringing terrific vocals to the table.  “I thought that dreams belong to other men / Cause each time I got close / They’d fall apart again,” he sings in the first verse. Aww! Wilson enters the mix during the back half of both.  In the first, she responds to Reno, “I feared my heart would beat in secrecy / I faced the nights alone.” They join forces, harmonizing sensationally before the chorus: “Oh, how could I have known / That all my life / I only needed you.”  The vibe is similar in the second verse.  A bridge brings contrast, yet the overarching theme is the same: LOVE.  The outro is sweet, highlighting the keyword: paradise.  Beyond high-flying vocals and love-centric lyrics, the musical accompaniment is gorgeous.  It exemplifies the 80s sound with its warm keys and big, powerful guitars.  Perhaps “Almost Paradise” is eclipsed by other gems from Footloose.  But this powerhouse duet between Mike Reno and Ann Wilson is still an unforgettable classic.

Appears in:

Mike Reno, Almost Paradise: Throwback Vibez No. 22 (2025)

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5. Kurt Carr, “Almost Let Go”

Setlist: The Very Best of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers » Sony Music Entertainment » 2011

Sigh, admit it, we have all been there at some point.  Adversity and tribulation consume, and it feels like no way out, much like Kurt Carr (b. 1964) and The Kurt Carr Singers continue singing on his beloved gospel classic, “I Almost Let Go”: “My problems had me bound / Depression weighed me down / But God held me close / So I wouldn’t let go.” Just when giving up and giving in feels inevitable, Kurt Carr and company testify to God’s mercifulness to make it through the storm.  The power of faith, despite going through what feels like hell, is key to coming out better and stronger.

A misconception of Christianity is that everything will always go smoothly.  There are tests and trials, some of which feel like they will break you down.  Even when things are at their worst, “I Almost Let Go” ministers about having the faith of a mustard seed – just enough! “I almost gave up / I was right at the edge of a breakthrough / But I couldn’t see it,” the song continues, adding, “The devil really had me / But Jesus came and grabbed me…” That is nothing short of awesome and speaks to the glory and mercy of God.  The biggest moment of this spirited gem is when the adversity has subsided, thanks to The Most High: “So I’m here today because God kept me / I’m alive today only because of His grace / Oh, He kept me, God kept me / He kept me / So I wouldn’t let go.” Years and years after Kurt Carr penned and performed “I Almost Let Go” with The Kurt Carr Singers, it remains uplifting to Believers worldwide.

Appears in:

Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers, I Almost Let Go: Music Lifts No. 28 (2023)

 

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Almost: 5 Gems No. 1 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic Recording Corporation, Columbia, Island; Canva AI; Gordon Johnson, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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