Always | 5ive Songs

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, he tackles matters of the heart with reminiscent, thoughtful lyrics, further amplifying the excellence.  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.

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.”

2. Kem, “Love Always Wins”

Love Always Wins • Motown • 2020

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.

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

A Star is Born (Soundtrack) • Interscope • 2018

“Shallow” may be the chosen song from A Star is Born, but the soundtrack yields plenty of other worthwhile numbers, including “Always Remember Us This Way.” “Always Remember Us This Way” is a well-written pop/rock/soundtrack number, written by Lady Gaga, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, and Natalie Hemby. Lady Gaga (Ally) kills it with a thrilling, top-notch vocal performance.  The chorus is the main attraction:

“So, when I’m all choked up and I can’t find the words
Every time we say goodbye, baby, it hurts...
When the sun goes down
And the band won’t play
I’ll always remembers us this way.”

4. 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.”

5. 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.  This 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.