An Alphabet of Random Songs | Playlist 🎧

A is for amoeba.

Clairo, “Amoeba”

💿 SLING • 🏷 Fader / Republic • 📅 2021

🎵 “Amoeba” appears as the second track on 💿 SLING, the critically acclaimed sophomore album by alternative/indie artist, 🎙 Clairo (Claire Cottrill).  “Amoeba” keeps SLING going strong.  It commences with a brilliant instrumental introduction.  Where it contrasts “Bambi,” the preceding song on the album, is the groove.  The groove ends up being among the most potent of the LP.

Clairo sings in an undertone initially, giving more post-verse. Like the opener, the songwriting continues to be mature, personal, and thoughtful.  Cottrill reflects on needing to make changes within herself, highlighted on the memorable chorus:

“Aren’t you glad that you reside in a Hell and in disguise?
Nobody yet everything, a pool to shed your memory
Could you say you even tried?
You haven't called your family twice
I can hope tonight goes differently
But I show up to the party just to leavе.”

B is for build (and bitch, too).

Bella Poarch, “Build a Bitch”

🎵 “Build a Bitch” • 🏷 Warner • 📅 2021

The eyebrow raising 🎵“Build a Bitch” finds Filipino-American pop singer🎙 Bella Poarch singing about women’s empowerment and criticizing guys looking for physical perfection. There’s lots to heart about this record with the messaging being the biggest triumph.  The chorus, which appears at the onset, sets the tone. “This ain’t Build a Bitch (a bitch) / You don’t get to pick and choose,” Bella sings, continuing to name the details so many men scrutinize when it comes to women.  She adds at the end of the chorus, “I’m filled with flaws and attitude / So, if you need perfect, I’m not built for you.”

Poarch makes it clear far too many men set an impossible standard for their own benefit.  On the verses, she goes on to elaborate about the opposite sex’s search for perfection, further illustrating her point.  Beyond the songwriting and a strong performance from Poarch, “Build a Bitch” features sleek production work (🎛 Elie Rizk and 🎛 Sub Urban) that’s ear catching.  Ultimately, Bella delivers on this brief, colorful pop song; among the best of 2021.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Build: 3BOPS No. 29 (2021)
🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2021
🔗 🎧 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)

C is for choker.

Twenty One Pilots, “Choker”

💿 Scaled and Icy • 🏷 Fueled By Ramen • 📅 2021 

🎵 “Choker”, the second track from 💿 Scaled and Icy, ticks the usual boxes for 🏆 Grammy-winning alternative duo 🎙 Twenty One Pilots. The record is incredibly groovy from the onset, establishing a clear rhythmic identity. There’s solid, well-rounded production including keys and colorful synths. Add to those checked boxes solid vocals from 🎙 Tyler Joseph who remains true to self.   He never under- nor over- sings – always a win.  He always manages to infuse personality into his performances, which also, in this case, means serving up some of his spoken word/quasi-rapped moments.

Beyond the production and performance, kudos should also be given to the 🎼✍ songwriting.  What is Joseph imparting narratively and thematically in “Choker” – “choking” situations in life.  Eventually, he progresses to a more positive place and moves beyond the choking, asserting, “You get taller, bolder, stronger, and the rearview only blinds you.” So true!

D is for dinosaur. 

Manchester Orchestra, “Dinosaur”

💿 The Million Masks of God • 🏷 Loma Vista • 📅 2021

🎵 “Dinosaur” stands out from 💿 The Million Masks of God, the sixth studio album by Georgia alternative rock collective, 🎙 Manchester Orchestra. On “Dinosaur,” the band begins rather enigmatic, opting for restraint and poise as opposed to full-blown, ‘hits your chest’ rock.  No worries though, because the record eventually reaches an epic fever pitch, with front man 🎙 Andy Hull digging deep for his grittiest vocals of the album on the bridge (“Over and over”).

Besides the gargantuan bridge, the chorus is quite delightful, continuing the reflective, thought-provoking vibes of the other cuts that precede it on the album.  Notably, the chorus is reprised from another The Million Masks of God gem, 🎵 “Keel Timing.” Very interesting! According to an interview with Bernard Zuel, “Dinosaur” was written about Hull’s son.  “Dinosaur” is a terrific song from a truly terrific album, also considered among the best of the year.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Dinosaur: 3BOPS No. 27 (2021)
🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2021
🔗 🎧 11 Songs Loosely About Carnivorous Animals
🔗 🎧 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)

E is for everything.

Billie Eilish, “everything I wanted”

🎵 “everything I wanted” • 🏷 Darkroom / Interscope • 📅 2019 

“I had a dream / I got everything I wanted / But when I wake up, I see / You with me.” You know, they say that the rich get richer.  That seems to be the case with 🏆 Grammy-winning alternative pop artist 🎙 Billie Eilish, who came through big at the 2020 Grammys with 💿 WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?.  Once again, Eilish is nominated for more Grammys, thanks to her post-album single, 🎵 “everything I wanted.” Once more, Eilish enlists the services of her bro, 🎛️ FINNEAS, working those boards. As always, Finneas provides his sister with some musical magic.

“If I could change the way that you see yourself
You wouldn’t wonder why you hear
‘They don't deserve you’”

Billie Eilish is not a flashy singer – understatement.  Once again, she delivers a calm, cool, and collected vocal performance on “everything I wanted.” Even so, the listener leans on every word and every note that Eilish sings – she’s quite hypnotic, sucking you in.  Adding to her own hypnotic approach, Finneas’ production yields a similar effect – well put together, yet much more subtle as opposed to overt.  The end result is a gorgeous record that honestly provides just about “everything you’d want.”

Also Appears On 🔽:
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F is for family.

Badflower, “Family”

💿 This is How the World Ends • 🏷 Big Machine / John Varvatos • 🗓 2021

L.A. alternative rock band 🎙 Badflower kills it on 🎵 “Family”, the promo single from their sophomore album, 💿 This is How the World Ends.  “Family” is a complete, well-rounded alternative rock record.  There are several components that make it stellar.  For one, this a ‘musical’ track.  Early on, the band pulls back rather than showcasing the full deck of cards. Front man 🎙 Josh Katz takes the time to sing with poise while still holding the audience’s attention.  He tells this authentic, personal story about family, that leads to things a huge climax.

On the magnificent peak, both Josh and band kick things up considerably.  Gone is all sense of poise and control in favor of aggressive, bad ass, hard rock.  Here, you get a sense of the emotions Katz is experiencing:

“‘Cause I let you down
And I lost my fucking mind
Then everything got messy
And everyone got angry
I cursed my blood tonight
It happens all the time
Is everyone against me?
Has everyone goddamned me?
What happened to this family?”

Woo! Katz ‘brings it down’ after that gargantuan burst of aggression, again showing awesome musicianship. “Family” is epic to the nth degree.  This is a fabulous rock record that features great vocals, personal songwriting, and superb attention to detail from the band musically.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: July 2021

G is for good.

Olivia Rodrigo, “good 4 u”

💿 SOUR • 🏷 Geffen • 📅 2021

Energetic single 🎵 “good 4 u”. “Good 4 u” gives 🎵 “drivers license” – the crowning achievement of 💿 SOUR, the debut album by 🎙 Olivia Rodrigo – a run for its money. Written by Rodrigo and 🎼 ✍ Daniel Nigro, Nigro also produces alongside 🎛 Alexander 23. Nigro and Alexander 23 craft a lit pop-punk oriented backdrop filled with angst. 

Rodrigo matches the intensity, bringing ample personality via her angst-filled Gen-Z teenage persona!  Furthermore, she has the songwriting to sell via her performance, dabbling in that ever-relatable topic of heartbreak. The best moment is the chorus where she’s “Cryin’ on the floor of my bathroom / But you’re so unaffected, I really don’t get it / but I guess good for you.”  Fancy sufficiently tickled!

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2021

H is for hood.

DMX, “Hood Blues”

Ft. Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher & Conway The Machine

💿 Exodus • 🏷 Def Jam • 📅 2021

The world lost a musical icon in 2021 with the passing of gruff-voiced, East Coast rapper 🎙 DMX on April 9, 2021.  Simmons was ‘rough around the edges,’ but the sheer talent and influence he brought to the game, as well as his tremendous faith, is undeniable.  He’s on fire on the song 🎵 “Hood Blues,” a highlight from his 2021 posthumous album, 💿 Exodus, named after his youngest son.

The production is marvelous, a product of 🎛 Avenue Beatz and 🎛 Swizz Beatz.  Creating the jazzy backdrop is a sample of “Shady Blues” (🎙 Lee Mason).   Of course, beyond the picturesque production, the highlight are the performers.  🎙 Westside Gunn shines on the first verse, asserting, “Pray five times a day, get on the wave, nigga.” 🎙 Benny The Butcher follows on the second verse, with numerous clever lines. 🎙 Conway The Machine gets to work on the third verse, quoting Nas: “‘Cause Nas said a G at night wasn’t good enough, and he was right.” Finally, the ‘man of the hour’ closes things out on the fourth verse, asserting, “I done Punk’d more niggas than Ashton Kutcher (C’mon, c’mon).” Woo!  He also memorably states on the outro, “I’m not fifty years old for nothing.” R.I.P. DMX.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Blues: 3BOPS No. 31 (2021)
🔗 🎧 40 Best Songs of 2021 (So Far)

I is for industry.

Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow, “INDUSTRY BABY”

🎵 “INDUSTRY BANGER” • 🏷 Columbia • 🗓 2021

“I ain’t fall off, I just ain’t release my new shit.” Anyone who thought that 🎙 Lil Nas X would be a one-hit-wonder was totally tripping.  The unapologetic, openly gay pop artist has been ‘eating it up’ throughout 2021 – NO CAP!  Sure, 🎵 “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” had some folks upset because he embraced being queer, gave Satan a lap dance, and sold some Satan shoes, but those folks who love and respect art didn’t give two flips. Once more, he’s killing it on 🎵 “INDUSTRY BABY” collaborating with red hot rapper 🎙 Jack Harlow (Harlow doesn’t lie when he asserts, “I didn’t peak in high school, I’m still out here gettin’ cuter”).   

Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow on the same track? Magical. How about throwing in the production genius of 🎛 Take A Daytrip and 🎛 Kanye West?  The sound of the record is epic with hard-hitting drums and bright, accented brass.  Unsurprisingly, some samples shape the backdrop, which fuels both Lil Nas and Harlow.  I love the sheer confidence of Nas as well as the fact he doesn’t shy away from who he is: “I don’t fuck bitches, I’m queer, hah / But these niggas bitches like Madea, yeah, yeah, yeah, ayy.” Harlow gets his in too, beyond the ‘cute’ line cited earlier: “I sent her back to her boyfriend with my handprint on her ass cheek.” Day-um, Jack!

Can Lil Nas X do any wrong? That’s a resounding HELL NO!!!

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: July 2021

J is for jailhouse.

Elvis Presley, “Jailhouse Rock”

💿 Elvis 30 #1 Hits • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 📅 2002

“Let’s rock, everybody, let’s rock / Everybody in the whole cell block / Was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock.” Woo! There are few prison or jail-related songs that are more infectious than 🎵 “Jailhouse Rock” – FACTS! Rock icon 🎙 Elvis Presley would end up having a slew of hits in his short lifetime of just 42 years.  That said, if only one of those hits had caught on, ‘The King’ would’ve solidified his legacy.  Of course, the energetic, novel, and vintage 1957 gem “Jailhouse Rock” ranks at the top of his catalog.

“Jailhouse Rock” was penned and produced by the heavyweight team of 🎼✍🎛 Jerry Lieber and 🎼✍🎛 Mike Stoller. Lyrically, it’s tongue-n-cheek (“You shoulda heard those knocked out jailbirds sing”), but that’s part of the novel charm.  Of course, it makes sense that there’s outlandish, absurd stories given it’s the title track of Presley’s movie, 🎦 Jailhouse Rock.  Also, it was the 1950s, a starkly different time.

“Number forty-seven said to number three
‘You the cutest jailbird I ever did see
I sure would be delighted with your company
Come on and do the ‘Jailhouse Rock’ with me.’”

Still, decades after this groovy juggernaut was born, it remains timeless, led by the charismatic, gifted Elvis.  

Also appears on 🔽:
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K is for kilometre (kilometer).

Burna Boy, “Kilometre”

🎵 “Kilometre” • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 2021

“Kilome, kilome, kilometres!”  🏆 Grammy winning Nigerian rapper/singer 🎙 Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) returned with the electrifying 🎵 “Kilometre”. Despite being just a little more than two-and-a-half-minutes, it’s a total vibe! “Kilometre” was produced by 🎛 Chopstix, who gives Burna Boy a sick backdrop to work with. The groove is potent, while the sound is vibrant, idiomatic of global music.  This provides Burna Boy with ample fuel for the fire.

Burna is on autopilot from the start, beginning with a hella catchy chorus that will stick in your head for days. On the verses, he’s also fiery, performing in his native dialect, dropping some sensational bars.  Even with the distinct differences “Kilometre” has compared to an American pop/ rap song, there are numerous bars that truly hit hard and resonate throughout.  Truly talented, Burna Boy proves he is indeed an African Giant on “Kilometre.”

Also appears on 🔽:
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L is for last.

John Mayer, “Last Train Home”

💿 Sob Rock • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2021

“And if you’re gonna hurt me / Then you gotta hold me next to you.” In 2021, following a hiatus, 🏆 Grammy-winning pop/rock artist 🎙 John Mayer returned.  Mayer released a new studio album, 💿 Sob Rock. The ‘last’ song at hand, 🎵 “Last Train Home” serves as the opener on the EP, reappearing on the full-length.

Mayer penned the pleasant “Last Train Home,” co-producing with 🎛 Don Was.  Here, the listeners are blessed with those distinct, signature vocals by Mayer.  As always, he has a gorgeous tone.  Despite a limited vocal range, John has always made it work superbly. “Last Train Home” possesses a clear 80s influence. There is more synthesizer compared to his past work. No worries, as we still have guitar and Mayer remains one of the elite guitarists of our time. Oh, and besides his skills with the strings, the words work well too, particularly the chorus:

“I’m not a fallen angel, I just fell behind
I’m out of luck and I’m out of time
If you don’t wanna love me, let me go
I’m runnin’ for the last train
I’m runnin’ for the last train home.”

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Last: 5ive Songs No. 60 (2021)

M is for mercy.

Anthony Hamilton, “Mercy”

Ft. Tamika D. Mallory

🎵 “Mercy” • 🏷 My Music Box / BMG Rights Management • 📅 2020

🏆 Grammy-winner 🎙 Anthony Hamilton has been one of the most consistent musicians in the game throughout his career.  At the end of 2020, assisted by social justice leader 🎙 Tamika D. Mallory, he drops a soulful R&B gem via the socially conscious 🎵 “Mercy”. Mallory sets the tone, highlighting the value of black men, as well as the struggles they face.  She stirs up the audience with her empowering, uplifting message, which is chocked full of resolve.

From there, Hamilton gets to work, blessing us with a mix of buttery smooth and gospel-infused pipes.  Throughout the course of this ‘woke’ joint, he petitions for mercy given such struggles experienced by his community.  Further strengthening the messaging, the awesome songwriting is supported by a marvelous backdrop. “Mercy” ends up being a powerful record with a statement perfectly attuned for turbulent times – Black Lives do indeed Matter!  Mr. Hamilton checks off every box.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Mercy: 3BOPS No. 4 (2021)
🔗 🎧 ‘Say it Loud,’ Beautiful Black Voices

N is for need.

Doja Cat, “Need to Know”

💿 Planet Her • 🏷 Kemosabe / RCA • 📅 2021

On 🎵 “Need to Know”, one of the best moments from 💿Planet Her, 🎙 Doja Cat is accompanied by sleek, modern production work from 🎛 Dr. Luke.  This smooth, fresh backdrop plays to her strengths, which lie in the realm of pop, R&B and melodic rap. Here, Doja gives us a little bit of everything, singing often, but dropping some un-pitched rhymes on the second verse.

So, what is the theme and topic of choice for Doja?  SEX!  What really sells this sexed-up joint is her big personality and as we all know, size matters (“What’s your size? (Size) / Add, subtract, divide (‘Vide)”).  The crème de la crème – the crowning achievement – is the memorable chorus:

“Wanna know what it’s like
Baby, show me what it’s like
I don’t really got no type
I just wanna fuck all night.”

Doja Cat remains on an upward trajectory, period.  “Need to Know” finds the pop artist thriving with her cutting edge, unapologetic approach.  Fancy tickled silly!

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: June 2021

O is for overdrive.

Conan Gray, “Overdrive”

🎵 “Overdrive” • 🏷 Republic • 🗓 2021

🎙 Conan Gray dropped his first single of 2021, 🎵 “Overdrive”.  Clearly on “Overdrive,” Gray is on-point – he absolutely kills it. Starting with the sound, the production is L-I-T.  He works with a team comprised of pop’s elite producers: 🎛 The Monsters & Strangerz, 🎛 Chris Stracey, 🎛 Tobias Jesso Jr., and 🎛 German.  Awesome!  The record commences with an enigmatic introduction that’s certainly ear catching.  Beyond that intro, the sounds only grow more enticing, with a driving groove and ultimately, an epic chorus.

Of course, “Overdrive” isn’t merely all sound. As always, Gray blesses us with his beautiful, youthful vocals – very expressive and sweet. Along with the production itself, Gray builds things up leading the chorus (verse and pre-chorus).  Even if all the cards aren’t revealed on the verse, Gray is unapologetic, with that IDGAF attitude.  Exhibit A: “Don’t give a fuck bout labels.” There it is! Of course, it’s the ‘overdrive’ chorus that shines brightest.  Also, worth noting is the bridge, where Gray has some cool vocal effects going on, fitting the futuristic vibes of this totally intriguing pop joint.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: February 2021
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P is for peaches.

Justin Bieber, “Peaches”

Ft. Daniel Caesar & GIVĒON

💿 Justice • 🏷 Def Jam • 🗓 2021

“I got my peaches out in Georgia (Oh, yeah, shit) / I get my weed from California (That’s that shit).” There’s nothing profound about either of those lyrics 🏆 Grammy-winning pop superstar 🎙 Justin Bieber sings on his 📉 no. 1 Hot 100 hit, 🎵 “Peaches” and yet, it’s absolutely and utterly infectious to the nth degree.  He continues on the golden chorus of this 💿 Justice gem, “I took my chick up to the North, yeah (Badass bitch) / I get my light right from the source, yeah (Yeah, that’s it).”  While it seems that Bieber has this fruit-loving number on lockdown all by himself, he enlists the services of 🏆 Grammy winner 🎙 Daniel Caesar and 🏆 Grammy nominee 🎙 GIVĒON.

Caesar and GIVĒON owe Bieber you might say. Why? Both earn career-first no. 1 hits lending their awesome vocals to this joint.  This isn’t a game changing record, yet the more you listen, the more you find yourself hypnotized and wooed.  In the context of Justice, Bieber loosens up (the profanity on the chill chorus), while still focused on the modus operandi, LOVE. Both Caesar and GIVĒON devote their verses to their respective lovers ❤️. “Peaches” is definitely a one of 2021’s crowd pleasers.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Peach: 3BOPS No. 23 (2021)
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Q is for  queen.

Perfume Genius, “Queen”

Too Bright • Matador • 2014

“No family is safe / When I sashay.” 🎙 Perfume Genius delivers quite the LGBTQ gem with 🎵 “Queen,” the second track off his 2014 album, 💿 Too Bright.  Thematically, the lyrics encompass fierceness as well as false, often homophobic perceptions of the gay community.

On the first verse, Perfume Genius references AIDS and its perceived connection to the LGBTQ+ community, singing, “Don’t you know your queen? / Cracked, peeling / Riddle with disease / Don’t you know me?” On the second verse, he seems to reference Silence of the Lambs, ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, and perceived negative gay influence.  Regardless of if you’re a full-fledged member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, “Queen” is a must-hear.     

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs

R is for rise.

Tyler, The Creator, “Rise!”

Ft. DAISY WORLD

💿 CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2021

“When I rise to the top / I’m tellin’ you right now / I’m tellin’ you right now / Oh, I’ll show you something.” 🎵 “Rise!” marks an utterly superb moment from 💿 CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, the 2021 studio album by 🏆 Grammy winning rapper, 🎙 Tyler, The Creator. On “Rise,” Tyler enlists 🎙 DAISY WORLD for the assist.  Furthermore, he produces alongside 🎛 Jamie xx, one of rare moments he isn’t the sole person behind the boards.  The result of the collaboration is one of the best backdrops of the entire album.  Those syncopated drums and synths – woo!

As I listen, I hear the influence of say, The Neptunes, one of the greatest production teams of all time.  Throw in the jazzy harmonic scheme as a big-time selling point.  Of course, it should be noted both Tyler, The Creator and DAISY WORLD give spirited performance – ‘rising’ to the occasion (“With the rockets in my mind, yeah / I could touch the sky, I don’t see any ceilings”)! “Rise!” is one of the best of CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Rise: 3BOPS No. 43 (2021)
🔗 🎧 13 Songs That Encourage All to Rise Up

S is for solar.

Lorde, “Solar Power”

💿 Solar Power • 🏷 Universal Music New Zealand Limited • 📅 2021

“I hate the winter, can’t stand the cold / … But when the heat comes, something takes a hold.” Yeah, baby! 🎵 “Solar Power”, the comeback single by 🏆 Grammy-winning alternative pop artist 🎙 Lorde is a certified vibe.  While Lorde sings in relatively low-key fashion, she exudes ample personality – the same magic she had on 💿 Melodrama.  The songwriting, evidenced by the lyrical excerpt, is terrific.

She touts the power of summer, and everything associated with it, including ‘the heat’ in a more passionate sense (“My cheeks in high colour, overripe peaches / No shirt, no shoes, only my features”).  Of course, the centerpiece is the glorious chorus, which is readymade for a carefree, fun and sexy summer:

“Turn it on in a new kind of bright
It’s solar (Solar, solar, solar, solar)
Come on and let the bliss begin
Blink three times when you feel it kickin’ in.”

“Solar Power” marks an utterly sublime return from O’Connor.  Low-key but expressive vocals, solid production (🎛 Jack Antonoff), and on-point songwriting make this a must-hear.  Fancy sufficiently tickled!

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: June 2021

T is for thank. 

Diana Ross, “Thank You”

💿 Thank You • 🏷 Decca • 🗓 2021

After a 15-year-hiatus, 🎙 Diana Ross returns with a brand-new studio album, 💿 Thank You. Woo! The soul icon is a ripe, young 77. 🎵 “Thank You” proves to be a compelling and fitting lead single for Thank You. It’s an exuberant, impressive showing – a welcome addition to a timeless collection that shows a legend filled with life.  Her energy is infectious to the nth degree.  As you listen to this 🎛 Troy Miller-produced number – patterned after pop and soul of old with the advances of modern technology – you feel the nostalgia of 🎙 The Supremes/Ross solo cuts of old.  Furthermore, I hear that assertive, cutting, timeless voice, coupled with a playful performance, and I hear something us, the music enthusiasts, have been missing for years.

Diana Ross is ‘giving’ from start to finish, particularly the moments when she ad-libs and shows off an awesome personality.  I’d just like to say, ‘thank you’ to Ross for sharing a surefire contemporary soul bop with “Thank You.” This is an awesome reintroduction for an icon.  Ross sings well, showcasing tremendous personality.  The production is the right balance of old school while sounding refreshing in 2021.  The songwriting, also, is fitting for a queen.  Fancy sufficiently tickled!

Also appears on 🔽:
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U is for up.

Cardi B, “Up”

🎵 “Up” • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 2021

“If it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s up, then it’s stuck, huh!” WOO! 🏆 Grammy-winning rap sensation 🎙 Cardi B dropped the short but sweet 🎵 “Up” in February 2021. The record is set in a minor key and features relatively simple but banging production courtesy of 🎛 DJ SwanQo, 🎛 Sean Island, and 🎛 Yung Dza. It’s perfect ⛽ for the 🔥 to say the least.

On “Up,” we get an aggressive, energetic performance by Cardi B.  She’s unapologetic AF, pushing the envelope being utterly risqué: “If I had a dick, you’d probably lick it like a lollipop.”  As to be expected, she delivers some truly colorful rhymes that raise eyebrows and at times, make you either (1) open your mouth with in complete and utter awe or (2) giggle (“He nutted on my butt, I said, ‘I’m glad that you came’”). The hook (appearing at the top) is quite simple, but also catchy, infectious, and incredibly effective. Of course, the hook is part of the controversy surrounding “Up” – plagiarism allegations.  That’s a separate discussion, of course.  Ultimately, it’s a banger that you should totally turn ⬆.

Also appears on 🔽:
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V is for vaccine.

Migos, “Vaccine”

💿 Culture III • 🏷 Quality Control Music • 📅 2021

🎛 Jabz and 🎛 Buddah Bless set up 🎙 Migos for success on 🎵 “Vaccine.” How so? Well, one of the best features of the song is the sample, which is totally unlikely: Peter Tchaikovsky.  That’s right, the Russian composer sees the famed riff from The Nutcracker, Act 1: No. 2 “March” flipped from major to minor to fit this drippy gem from 💿 Culture III.

Honestly, “Vaccine” is Migos at their best.  It begins with a killer chorus courtesy of the chorus king himself, 🎙 Quavo: “Pop out (Skrrt-skrrt), what’s up? / We makin’ money in quarantine (quarantine) / Dirty my stick and my whip clean (whip clean) / It’s the blue Benjamin’s, vaccine (Vaccine).” From there, all three members, beginning with Quavo, 🎙 Takeoff, and 🎙 Offset drop verses, with the Quavo chorus following each.  Do any of them say anything particularly deep? No, but they ride the Tchaikovsky loop with the robust bass line like champs! Ultimately, “We makin’ money in quarantine,” or so Quavo proclaims regarding his 🏆 Grammy-nominated group.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 V: 5ive Songs No. 49 (2021)
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🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: June 2021

W is for wood.

Serpentwithfeet, “Wood Boy”

💿 DEACON • 🏷 Secretly Canadian • 📅 2021

🎵 “Wood Boy” marks one of the best songs from 💿 DEACON.  DEACON is the sophomore album from openly gay, alternative R&B artist 🎙 serpentwithfeet (Josiah Wise).  This incredibly sensual record represents one of the biggest discussion pieces of DEACON.

Remaining true to who he is, serpentwithfeet describes the pleasure of gay sex. Serpentwithfeet lets us know what he likes and how he likes it.  More people should be honest about sex and sexuality, right? Anyways, there’s no escaping sexual roles (“Damn, I like him inside me”) or size (“He’s stacking that wood / Just like he should / Got my wood, wood boy”).  That’s grown-folk, adult conversation, but ultimately, it’s tastefully done.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 13 Songs That Explore the Power of the Joystick 🕹
🔗 🎧 11 Amazing Songs Associated with Trees
🔗 🕛 🌃 serpentwithfeet, “Wood Boy”: After Dark No. 2

X is for xanny.

Billie Eilish, “Xanny”

💿 When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2019

“What is it about them? / I must be missing something / They just keep doing nothing / Too intoxicated to be scared.” The ‘druggy’ 🎵 “Xanny” gives Billie Eilish a deserved spot on the 51 Best Songs of 2019.  “Xanny” definitely keeps 💿 When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? going strong, with Eilish asserting, “I don’t need a Xanny to feel better.”  Why? Well, the effects of recreational drugs, including drink and various smokes, particularly at a party, just isn’t cool from Eilish’s perspective.

The centerpiece of this delightful, minimalist production (🎛 FINNEAS, again) is the chorus.  Eilish continues to sing coolly, embracing a most glorious undertone.

“I’m in their secondhand smoke
Still just drinking canned Coke
I don’t need a Xanny to feel better
On designated drives home
Only one who’s not stoned
Don’t give me a Xanny, now or ever.”

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 51 Best Songs of 2019: Year in Review

Y for Yonaguni.

Bad Bunny, “Yonaguni”

🎵 “Yonaguni” • 🏷 Rimas Entertainment • 📅 2021

“Tell me where you are, that I’ll grab a flight for you / And I’ll go to Yonaguni.” On 🎵 “Yonaguni”, 🏆 Grammy-winning Latin superstar 🎙 Bad Bunny is willing to go to the ends of the earth to find her – she’s the one. As we’ve come to expect from a Bad Bunny record, he has awesome production supporting him.  In this case, 🎛 Tainy and 🎛 Smash David deliver a sleek, warm backdrop.  The beat plays a gargantuan role in the overall success, inciting foot tapping and head nodding. As for Bunny himself, I love the warm, bright tone he sings with.

Additionally, “Yonaguni” thrive off a tuneful melody. Thematically, Bad Bunny focuses on matters of the heart, including sex.

“You kill it with whichever outfit
Baby, you are different
Shorty, has a big butt
Too, too big
And I’ve studied it, I’m graduating now
And I’ll tattoo it on my face.”

While you can read his intentions, by the end, on the outro (performed in Japanese, mind you), he comes right out and says, “I want to have sex today.” The silver lining: “But only with you / Where are you?” All in all, Benito Martinez executes like a champ, and honestly, we’d expect no less.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: June 2021
🔗 🎧 Japan 🗾: 5ive Songs No. 61 (2021)

Z is for zombie.

The Cranberries, “Zombie”

💿 No Need to Argue • 🏷 UMG Recordings • 📅 1994

“In your head, in your head / Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie.” Ah, to this day, that’s a truly glorious, timeless chorus – one for the ages.  Of course, that zombie-driven chorus arrives courtesy of Irish alternative rock band 🎙 The Cranberries fronted by the late, great 🎙 Delores O’Riordan. O’Riordan penned this classic from 💿 No Need to Argue about unrest between Ireland and England (“It’s the same old theme, since 1916”) and most specifically, a 1993 bombing by the Irish Republican Army that killed two English children (“Another head hangs lowly / Child is slowly taken”).

This beloved classic both referencing the conflict as well as seeking peace.  🎵 “Zombie” has been covered by numerous musicians including 🎙 Bad Wolves (💿 Disobey, 2018) and Miley Cyrus (💿 Plastic Hearts, 2020).

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Zombie: 3BOPS No. 7 (2021)