ALWAYS: 13 Songs That Exemplify Utmost Consistency | Playlist 🎧

1. Jeremy Zucker, “always, I’ll care”

love is not dying • Republic • 2020

“Flipping through our photographs / Those moments never seem to last / Listening to self-control / Those feelings that you’ll never know…”Jeremy Zucker impresses with his charming sweetness on the ‘short, but sweet’ “always, I’ll care”. Zucker sings beautifully, never overreaching nor underwhelming vocally.  He doesn’t need to sing endless runs to be effective.  Furthermore, there’s an incredible sense of authenticity.  Thematically, Zucker tackles matters of the heart. He does so with reminiscent, thoughtful lyrics, further amplifying the excellence (aforementioned).

The centerpiece, of course, is the chorus:

“I’ll be better than I was before (Hey)
Despite every text of yours ignored (Hey)
Will you call me still, just to hear my voice
I swear, always
Always
Always, I’ll care.”

Vocals, theme, and lyrics play a pivotal role in the success of “Always, I’ll Care.” Production also propels the love is not dying standout, evolving gradually.  Initially a piano ballad (played by Zucker), “Always, I’ll Care” adds drums/drum programming, crisp rhythmic guitar, and additional colorful keyboard work.  Ultimately, it’s just another reason why “Always, I’ll Care” is, well, pretty fly. “Always, I’ll care” previously appeared on 11 Songs Filled with Care.

2. Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love You”

The Bodyguard – Original Soundtrack Album • Arista • 1992 

If I should stay / I would only be in your way / So I’ll go, but I know / I’ll think of you every step of the way.”  The best R&B record from 1992 wasn’t even a brand-new, original song.  Though listening to the untouchable rendition, you’d think otherwise. It’s pretty amazing how Whitney Houston totally transformed a country song written by Dolly Parton isn’t it? Really, there’s not much commentary needed for to describe “I Will Always Love You,” the centerpiece from The Bodyguard – Original Soundtrack Album.

Arguably, “I Will Always Love You” is the greatest of Whitney Houston’s many, many hits.  At her best, who could out-perform her?  The best moment is the modulation (key change), where from then on, Houston goes to a completely different level. “I Will Always Love You” previously appeared on 11 Best R&B Songs: 1990 – 2000.

3. Conan Gray, “The Cut That Always Bleeds”

Kid Krow • Republic • 2020

After much anticipation, rising pop artist Conan Gray released his highly anticipated debut album, Kid Krow in March 2020. Kid Krow marked a big milestone for the 21-year-old California-born artist, who gained attention early on as a YouTube personality.  Ultimately, he’s quite impressive throughout the course of the album, showing off compelling vocal and songwriting skills. Kid Krow, hence, is a must-hear pop album. Also, it’s pretty cool that Gray gives us a record that’s a ‘cut above the rest’ you might say… well, rather, “The Cut That Always Bleeds.”

Within the context of Kid Krow, “The Cut That Always Bleeds” continues on with ‘matters of the heart’ fueling Gray’s fire.  The lyrics are darkly poetic – thoughtfully penned to say the least.  A prime example occurs on the first verse when he sings, “‘Cause you keep me on a rope / And tied a noose around my throat / You’re gone then back at my door.” Gray contradicts himself at times, essentially painting the perfect picture of the plight of love – liking someone, yet knowing it’s best to move on, yet not being able to move on, etc.  “The Cut That Always Bleeds” previously appeared on 11 Cutting Edge Cut Songs.

4. Mariah Carey, “Always Be My Baby”

Daydream • Columbia • 1995

Daydream, released in 1995, features some essential Mariah Carey songs. The biggest song of the bunch is undoubtedly “One Sweet Day” with Boyz II Men, which previously held the record for longest running no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  A huge song, there was room for another big-time hit as well, “Always Be My Baby.” “Always Be My Baby” would give Carey her third no. 1 from Daydream, following (“Fantasy” was the first to top the Hot 100).

“Always Be My Baby” is a masterful blend of pop and contemporary R&B – a great crossover cut. Written by Carey, Jermaine Dupri, and Manuel Seal, “Always Be My Baby” remains fresh and iconic 25 years its original release.  The songwriting is memorable and relatable, particularly the chorus.

“You’ll always be a part of me
I’m part of you indefinitely
Boy, don’t you know you can't escape me?
Ooh, darling, ‘cause you’ll always be my baby
And we’ll linger on
Time can’t erase a feeling this strong
No way you’re never gonna shake me
Ooh, darling, ‘cause you'll always be my baby.”

Furthermore, Carey is in her prime.  Her vocals are high-flying, showcasing sheer gorgeousness and the utmost expressiveness.  Even though she has incredible technical abilities, she never over sings, delivering a balanced, well-rounded performance.

5. Kem, “Love Always Wins”

Love Always Wins • Motown • 2020

“Ain’t no mystery / That love, love / Love has laid hands on me / And quite simply / As far as I can see, hey / After all the hell that’s been / Love always wins…” Sometimes, title tracks can be a letdown – buzzkill.  That’s not the case with “Love Always Wins,” which ranks among the crème de la crème of Love Always Wins, the comeback album for Kem.

“Love Always Wins” continues to find Kem speaking to his expertise, touting the power of a thing that is universally sought.  Notably he pushes his voice more than usual.  There’s more grit towards the end especially, where he’s propelled by those soulful, choral vocals.  Sigh, it must be that ALWAYS, consistent power of L-O-V-E.

6. Lady Gaga, “Always Remember Us This Way”

A Star is Born (Soundtrack) • Interscope • 2018 

“So, when I’m all choked up and I can’t find the words / Every time we say goodbye, baby, it hurts…” Sigh! In the film A Star is Born, a star was literally born with Ally, played brilliantly by Lady Gaga.  There is definitely a ‘crowning achievement’ from the soundtrack and film – “Shallow” – duh! Besides the untouchable “Shallow,” other songs have appeared on The Musical Hype lists including “Always Remember Us This Way,” reprised here from 11 Memorable Songs You Are Sure to Remember.

So, remember when I said that a star is actually born on A Star is Born? Well, it definitely happens with this powerful, Ally/Lady Gaga solo record, “Always Remember Us This Way.”  This is a well-written pop/rock/soundtrack number, co-written by Gaga with Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, and Natalie Hemby.  Those are some stellar songwriters right there – FACTS!  Of course, Lady Gaga kills it with a thrilling, top-notch vocal performance.  The chorus, partially excerpted above, is the main attraction.  It continues as follows:

“When the sun goes down
And the band won’t play
I’ll always remembers us this way.”

7. The 1975, “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)”

A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships • Polydor / Interscope • 2018 

“You build it to a high to say goodbye / Because you’re not the same as them / But your death it won’t happen to you / It happens to your family and to your friends.” Damn, that pretty deep stuff right there. Near the end of 2018, British alternative collective The 1975 delivered an interesting third album with A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships. Many critics absolutely ‘ate it up,’ while personally, it was ‘less perfect,’ yet chocked-full of interesting, eclectic ideas and promise.  One of the more interesting tunes appears at the conclusion of the album, the reflective and suicidal “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes).”

“I can hardly speak / And when I try, it’s nothing but a squeak…” Despite having a depressing sensibility (understatement), “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)” actually has more tempo and more rock cues compared to the songs that precede it.  Crossing over the five-minute mark, the band give us a strong, driving groove, lush strings, and some turned-up guitars.  The chorus is simple, yet melodically captivating.

“And I always wanna die, sometimes
I always wanna die, sometimes
I always wanna die.” 

“I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes” previously appeared on 15 Songs That Center Around Sadness & Depression.

8. Ja Rule, “Always on Time”

Ft. Ashanti

Pain is Love • The Island Def Jam Music Group • 2001

Once upon a time, Ja Rule was ‘kind of a big deal.’ Honestly, so was Ashanti.  Both artists – one a gruff-voiced rapper and the other a modest contemporary R&B singer – had tremendous success.  This includes no. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.  Now that’s consistency! Furthermore, if one is indeed “Always on Time” as the hit 2001 song suggests, well, that’s definitely a model of consistency as well.

“Always on Time” hails from Rule’s 2001 album, Pain is Love. Kicking off with an intro by Ashanti, she goes on to sing the classic chorus:

“Baby, I’m not always there when you call, but I’m always on time
And I gave you my all, now baby, be mine.”

From there, Ja Rule serves up his beloved (or at least distinct), gruff-voice approach that to this day sounds like no one else.  The modus operandi is sex on the first verse, and there are ample references, including “the one that swing dick like no other” and a fantasy of “seeing that ass in boots and shades.” On the second verse, he moves beyond the bedroom to issues he’s had with women, while on the third, he recognizes their special bond, more sex (“She’ll be wakin’ up wet for sheezy”), etc., etc., etc.  Sure, both artists would fall off the map – keeping it real – but “Always on Time” is an aughts classic.

9. Rex Orange County, “Always”

Pony • Rex Orange County / Sony Music Entertainment • 2019

Reflectiveness and introspection are key components of “Always.” “Always” appears as the second track from Rex Orange County’s (Alex O’Connor) third album, Pony (2019). The lovely joint is a marvelous blend of alternative, neo-soul, and singer/songwriter. The ear candy is abundant, from the distinct, nuanced vocals by O’Connor, to the sleek orchestration, which includes dazzling saxophones.  Of course, the lyrics are vital to the meaningful sentiment, exemplified on the chorus:

“Yeah, there will always be a part of me that’s holding on
And still believes that everything is fine
And that I’m living a normal life
But until somebody sits me down
And tells me why I’m different now
I’ll always be the way I always am
Yeah, yeah.”

10. Franz Ferdinand, “Always Ascending”

Always Ascending • Domino • 2018

“Always Ascending”, a five-minute-long record, commences Always Ascending, the fifth studio album by Franz Ferdinand, creatively and enigmatically.  Worth noting, Always Ascending arrived after a five-year hiatus with results more positive than not. The first lyrics that appear – “Put your ladder down” – recur a countless number of times.  The iterations appear in the background, as Alex Kapranos sings an off-putting, unique intro.

Following an unstable, unsettling ride initially, “Always Ascending” gains some stability.  A hard-hitting, alternative dance-rock groove anchors the main portion of the song, while Kapranos’ lead vocals grow more assertive and more exuberant. “Always Ascending” ends up being creative, interesting, and as you should be able to perceive from this blurb, quirky.

11. Atlantic Starr, “Always”

All in the Name of Love • Warner • 1987

One of the most timeless songs to grace ALWAYS: SONGS THAT EXEMPLIFY UTMOST CONSISTENCY is, in fact, “Always”, courtesy of Atlantic Starr. The heyday for the R&B collective was the 1980s, though they formed in 1976 and would score a hit single in the early 90s.  Their three most successful singles begins with the superb no. 1 Hot 100 hit on hand, which appeared on the 1987 album, All in the Name of Love.

“Always” is a prime example of the brand of smooth, adult contemporary R&B that was affluent in the late 80s.  Written and produced by David Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, and Wayne Lewis, this record is chocked-full of love and chill vibes.  No, R&B records don’t sound like “Always” does, but it still gives you those feels more than three decades later.  The crowning achievement is none other than the chorus:

“Oh, you’re like the sun
Chasing all the rain away
When you come around
You bring brighter days
You’re the perfect one
For me and you
Forever will be
And I will love you so
For always.” 

12. Willie Nelson, “Always on My Mind”

Always on My Mind • Sony Music Entertainment • 1982

Admittedly, one of the first things that comes to mind when I think of Willie Nelson is his love of weed – just saying (and not judging btw)! That said, Nelson has given the world plenty of hits, many of which transcend country music.  When your music can have a broader appeal beyond your core fanbase, that’s pretty much the exemplification of artistic validation. “Always on my Mind,” which appears on the 1982 album of the same name, is a prime example of a country record that goes far beyond the core audience; it’s essentially become a pop hit.

“Always on My Mind” was written by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James.  The trio did a superb job of composing a timeless, transcendent record that speaks to any and everyone who listens to it.  Recorded by numerous artists long before Willie Nelson covered it, it would be his Grammy-winning version that’s received the ‘definitive’ treatment. Nelson, who I’d consider to be a more modest vocalist, does an excellent job in his own right bringing out the emotion and heartfelt sentiment of the lyrics. He’s amplified by a gorgeous backdrop that grows dynamic and rousing on the centerpiece, the chorus: “You were always on my mind / You were always on my mind.” Another section of the song I’ve always been partial too is the bridge:

“Tell me
Tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died
Give me
Give me one more chance to keep you satisfied, satisfied.”

Even after Willie Nelson claimed “Always on My Mind” as his definitively, there have been numerous covers, including a powerful, R&B take by Fantasia on her 2004 debut album, Free Yourself.

13. Heatwave, “Always and Forever”

 Too Hot to Handle • GTO • 1977 

“Always and forever, each moment with you / Is just like a dream to me, that somehow came true…” Sigh, “Always and Forever” is the perfect record for the mature, developed relationship. This, my friends, is the exemplary model. On this 1977 classic by Heatwave, lifelong dedication is the modus operandi by all means.

“Every day, love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me, you really care
And we’ll share tomorrow, together
I’ll always love you forever.”

The power of love is hella strong on “Always and Forever,” hence, why the record has been used ample times at the altar.  Even if the love hasn’t grown quite that serious as in matrimony, “Always and Forever” definitely provides a boost – the inspiration.