Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: December 2020 | Playlist 🎧

1. Taylor Swift, “Willow”

💿 evermore • 🏷 Taylor Swift • 📅 2020 

“Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind.” An awesome lyric from an awesome song!  🎵 “Willow” initiates 💿 evermore – the SECOND surprise album from the ever-dominant, 🏆 Grammy-winning musician, 🎙 Taylor Swift – brilliantly, ranking among the best of the album. The production by 🎙 Aaron Dessner is gorgeous, featuring both standard instrumentation (piano/keyboards, guitar, bass, drums), as well as adding wind and string instruments.

Swift sings with ease, never getting too high, yet packing a punch, nonetheless.  Much like the aforementioned lyric, the song is incredibly well-written, including a memorable, tuneful chorus.  Ask yourself this question: Would a weeping willow tree even weep hearing this glorious song? Fancy sufficiently tickled!

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2. Rina Sawayama, “LUCID”

💿 SAWAYAMA (Deluxe Version) • 🏷 Dirty Hit • 📅 2020

If you were someone who slept on 🎙 Rina Sawayama in 2020, well, you totally need to wake up! Her debut album, 💿 SAWAYAMA was easily one of the best albums of 2020, yet another omission by the ‘corrupt’ Grammys… Sawayama dropped a new bop, 🎵 “LUCID”, which appears on the deluxe version of SAWAYAMA. On “LUCID,” she’s decided she wants to dance – or at least, she wants her audience to dance! Always dabbling in various genres, here, she opts for a dash of dance/house music.  As with everything she’s done to this point in her career, she excels at it.  She gets some help from one of pop’s elite hitmakers, 🎙 Bloodpop, who never fails to shine behind the boards.  So, with the artistry of Rina (voice and personality), and strong production work (Bloodpop), what about the songwriting – the theme and lyrics?

Theme and lyrics are huge in the music of Rina Sawayama and “LUCID” is no different.  Unafraid to embrace queerness 🏳️‍🌈 (she’s bi/pan), Sawayama sings about dreaming about being or being with a dream girl. “I’ve been lucid dreaming just to see you,” she sings on the first verse, adding on the pre-chorus, “‘Cause, hey girl, you are what I’ve been dreaming of.” Clearly, whoever this girl is, she’s the object of her affection.  Apparently, the fantasies run a bit deeper, particularly on the second verse (“I’ve been searching for a lonely pleasure”), which may be where the purported masturbatory aspect of “LUCID” comes into play. Rina Sawayama = QUEEN.  “LUCID” is another bop by Rina, period. It checks off all of the boxes: 🔥 artistry, 🔥 production, 🔥 songwriting, and another awesome addition to the queer catalog. What more could you possibly ask for? BOP! Fancy sufficiently tickled!

3. Trey Lewis, “Dicked Down in Dallas”

🎵 “Dicked Down in Dallas” • 🏷 Trey Lewis • 📅 2020

“She’s gettin’ dicked down in Dallas, railed out in Raleigh / Tag teamed up in Tennessee / Analed in Austin, butt-fucked in Boston / Givin’ neck down in New Orleans.” Wow – just wow!  What makes 🎵 “Dicked Down in Dallas” even more shocking is the fact that it’s a country song.  I mean, just examine the lyrics by 🎼 ✍ Brent Gafford, 🎼 ✍ Drew Trosclair, and 🎼 ✍ Matt Mckinney, and it’s definitely NOT what you normally hear in country music.  That said, perhaps that’s the genius (if that’s the correct word for it) of this surprising 🎙 Trey Lewis number.

“Dicked Down in Dallas” should be ‘taken with a grain of salt.’ It’s definitely a tongue-n-cheek country record.  What isn’t far-fetched about this song is that it (1) has a countrified backdrop and (2) manages to tell a story.  Trey Lewis definitely fits the country bill, and honestly, if you eliminated, say, the chorus, post-chorus, and second verse (haha), this could fly on country radio 😉. Of course, the sexual references and profanity – several f-bombs – bring sheer raunch, even if it’s entertaining AF. Might as well share the rest of the chorus:

“Puttin’ me through hell, fuckin’ someone else
Now I’m the one on my knees
Prayin’ she’ll come back, gimme that sweet ass
But I already know that she’s gettin’ dicked down in Dallas.”

“Dicked Down in Dallas” definitely accomplishes its task to shock people. If nothing else, it’s definitely filthy entertainment.

4. Arlo Parks, “Caroline”

💿 Collapsed in Sunbeams • 🏷 Transgressive • 📅 2021

20-year-old British singer/songwriter 🎙 Arlo Parks has plenty to offer. She’s part of the ever-expanding LGBTQ+ musicians 🏳️‍🌈 delivering some truly fresh, compelling music.  If you’re in need for a starting point for Parks, look no further than her latest bop, 🎵 “Caroline”, set to appear on her 2021 debut album, 💿 Collapsed in Sunbeams.

“I was waiting for the bus one day / Watched a fight between an artsy couple escalate,” Arlo Parks sings on the first verse, continuing, “Strawberry cheeks flushed with defeated rage / Then he spilled his coffee as he frantically explained.” Clearly, the poetic nature of Parks is front and center from the start of “Caroline.”  This narrative-driven songwriting is one of the biggest selling points. Written with 🎼 ✍ Gianluca Buccellati, Buccellati also produces 🎛️.  Musically, “Caroline” is a straight-up vibe.  The backdrop is simultaneously chill and soulful.  The same can be said of Parks, who sings with incredible ease, yet manages to pack a punch.  Her voice just sort of floats – definitely a desirable quality. All in all, “Caroline” is a triumph where the songwriting, narrativizes “seeing situations unfold without context,” and the music, melody, and vocal performance are all elite.  Throw in a memorable chorus and “Caroline” is indeed a surefire hit.

5. YUNGBLUD, “mars”

💿 weird! • 🏷 Locomotion Recordings / Interscope • 📅 2020

Alternative musician 🎙 YUNGBLUD (Dominic Harrison) is ‘one of a kind’ – understatement.  What’s really cool about him is his absolute fearlessness.  Musically, he’s quite aggressive, bringing ample punch.  As a person, he’s unafraid to push the envelope, constantly challenging conformity.  🎵 “Mars” appears as a highlight from his sophomore album, 💿 weird!. “Mars” was written by YUNGBLUD and 🎙 Matt Schwartz, while it’s produced by a team comprised of 🎼 ✍ Mike Crossey, 🎼 ✍ Chris Greatti, 🎼 ✍ Zakk Cervini, and 🎼 ✍ Omer Fedi.  The songwriting is notable, as Harrison imparts the tale of a transgender girl looking for acceptance, particularly from her parents.

Harrison highlights her struggles throughout the song.  On the first verse, he asserts, “But she can’t be herself when she’s somebody else.”  On the second, he sings, “Yeah, her Mum and Dad, they couldn’t understand / Why she couldn’t turn it off, become a better man.” He goes on to sing on the chorus her desires to “go to California / There everyone would adore her,” given the progressiveness of the state.  The chorus, is simple but nothing short of awesome as he asks, “Is there any life on Mars?” The first thing that comes to mind given the title, chorus lyrics, and the bombastic nature of this song? David Bowie, of course, which is clearly intentional. YUNGBLUD’s progressive spirit shines bright on “Mars.” The beautiful message of the song is nothing short of awesome.  All boxes are checked off: production, songwriting, and vocals.

6. Taylor Swift, “No body, no crime”

Ft. HAIM

💿 evermore • 🏷 Taylor Swift • 📅 2020 

🎙 Taylor Swift and 🎙 HAIM? Yes please! That’s what happens on the adult alternative gem, 🎵 “No body, no crime,” which has a strong case as the very best of 💿 Evermore. All parties feel totally locked in – totally in their element.  From the jump, with HAIM’s assertion, “He did it,” “No body, no crime” feels totally elite.  Swift confirms the elite nature of this minor-key, criminal cut on the first verse (“Her husband’s actin’ different, and it smells like infidelity”).

The centerpiece, of course is none other than the chorus, where Swift and HAIM join forces on the chorus:

“She says, ‘I think he did it, but I just can’t prove it’
I think he did it, but I just can’t prove it
...No, no body, no crime
But I ain’t lettin’ up until the day I die.”

Fancy more than tickled!

7. Cordae, “The Parables”

🎵 “The Parables” • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 2020

🏆 Grammy-award nominated rapper 🎙 Cordae returned with his second new single in 2020, 🎵 “The Parables” in late November 2020. “The Parables” is set to appear on his 2021 studio album. In “The Parables,” Cordae imparts stories from his lifetime. We’ll assume, of course, his parables aren’t ‘fictitious’ but rather, ‘real talk.’ Even if one were to be skeptical of his parables, he’s definitely assertive and passionate in his delivery.  “First and foremost, for every door that’s opened, a door close,” he spits on the second verse, continuing, “Beat a nigga, take his Bordeauxs, upgrade my wardrobe.” Yeah, doesn’t sound fake to me.

Add to his aggressive rhymes a banging backdrop courtesy of 🎛️ Nami and 🎛️ Cardiak, and “The Parables” comes over incredibly sweet. We even get a strong chorus too:

“I can tell you ‘bout the time was goin’ hard up in the paint
And I can tell you shit the other niggas can’t, lemme tell you...”

Honestly, there’s lots to dig about this “The Parables.”  Great rhymes, flow, and attitude from the rapper – check! Minor-key backdrop anchored by an impactful beat – check! Song with replay value – also, a big-time check! Fancy sufficiently tickled! 

8. Britney Spears, “Swimming in the Stars”

💿 Glory [Deluxe] • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2020

After 🎵 “Mood Ring (By Demand)” arrived on a reissued version of 🎙 Britney Spears’ 2016 studio album, 💿 Glory, another previously unheard cut, 🎵 “Swimming in the Stars” arrived in December 2020.  There’s plenty to like about “Swimming in the Stars,” even beyond that fact that “It’s Britney, bitch” – sorry – had to do it! 🎛️ Matthew Koma definitely gives the pop queen 🔥 production to do work with.  It’s lush, sleek, smooth – perfect for Spears to put in work.   Obviously, she’s not, um, particularly renowned for her voice itself.  That’s no shade, as it’s always been more about the sound of the record, as well as the degree of infectiousness.  That’s partially the case here on “Swimming in the Stars.” That said, as far as her vocals are concerned, she delivers some nice moments on this moderate ballad.

What’s the theme of “Swimming in the Stars?” Carefree, dedicated love.  Essentially, Britney and her guy are going all-in on the relationship.  “In gravity’s arms we’ll drown,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “The world is ours / When we’re swimming in the stars.” Bad year for Britney Spears in many respects? Yes, but “Swimming in the Stars” is definitely a positive for both her and us the listeners. Fancy tickled!

9. Ant Clemons, “Better Days”

Ft. Justin Timberlake

🎵 “Better Days” • 🏷 A. Blessing / Legion / Human Re Sources • 📅 2020

R&B artist 🎙 Ant Clemons is on the rise. That includes being nominated for a 🏆 Grammy for Best R&B Album with his 2020 EP, 💿 Happy 2 Be Here.  Another big accomplishment? Collaborating with one of pop’s biggest artists, 🎙 Justin Timberlake, on a pretty sweet single, 🎵 “Better Days”. From the jump, “Better Days” feels like a blend of classic and more modern R&B – alternative R&B to some extent.  Produced by Clemons and Timberlake alongside 🎛️ 1500 or Nothin’ and 🎛️ Bongo, the record sounds incredibly lush and smooth.  Adding to the vibe and overall soulfulness is the lilting compound duple meter.  Of course, the biggest triumph of “Better Days” are the vocal performances.

Clemons serves up beautiful, dynamic, soulful vocals from the onset, beginning with the pre-chorus, and following up with centerpiece, the chorus:

“‘Cause we’re on our way to better
Better’s ahead, better’s ahead
It gets worse ‘fore it gets better
But better’s ahead, better’s ahead
Better days are comin’.” 

Aiding Ant Clemons on select lines are 🎙 Justine Skye and 🎙 Lucky Daye.  Similarly, on the first verse, where Timberlake first appears, Skye and Daye appear on select lines.  Post-verse, Timberlake takes over the reins on pre-chorus and chorus. Clemons returns on the second verse, collaborating with all aforementioned vocalists in some degree on the outro, a variation on the chorus.  The title makes it crystal clear what this record is about, while the verses set things up. If you need encouragement – emotionally or musically – look no further than “Better Days.” It’s a modern, soulful R&B joint that’s thoughtfully penned and well-produced. Definitely a vibe. 

10. Gwen Stefani, “Let Me Reintroduce Myself”

🎵 “Let Me Reintroduce Myself” • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2020

Clearly in 2020, 🎙 Gwen Stefani has been laying the groundwork for a comeback.  That’s evident on her new, re-introductory single, 🎵 “Let Me Reintroduce Myself”. “Let me re-, let me reintroduce myself / ‘Cause you forgot, no, I’m not records on yourself,” Stefani sings on the chorus, continuing, “I’m still the original-riginal old me.” The reintroduction definitely hearkens back to the past for Gwen.  How so? While it’s still clearly ‘pop’ music, she returns to the ska sound that made 🎙 No Doubt so popular back in the day.  Honestly, if you think back to her solo albums prior to this single, the ska element wasn’t nearly as pronounced as her work with the band.

On “Let Me Reintroduce Myself”, she embraces, with the help of producer 🎛️ Luke Niccoli who gives her an exuberant, energetic backdrop to work with.  In addition to writing with Niccoli, Stefani also writes with 🎼 ✍ Ross Golan, crafting that compelling reintroduction.  On the second verse, she says of this return, “See in color like new crayons / I feel good, I feel great, I feel alright, alright, oh.” All in all, Stefani successfully reintroduces herself.  She’s 51 with plenty to offer!

11. Mr. Eazi & J Balvin, “Lento”

🎵 “Lento” • 🏷 Eazi Core / emPawa Africa Limited • 🗓 2020

On 🎵 “Lento”, two very talented individuals join forces: Nigerian singer, 🎙 Mr. Eazi, and Colombian reggaeton singer, 🎙 J Balvin.  With Nigeria and Colombia in the house, we get a mix of Dancehall and Latin Urban (urbano latino) on this three-minute, international bop. Early on, the vibe is 🔥 on “Lento,” period.  It definitely begins with the backdrop, produced by 🎛️ Killertunes.  The result is a chill, cool, and relaxed sound, driven by an infectious beat.  Additionally, throughout, there are some relatively subtle, yet potent cues that manage to give such a cool, casual joint some oomph – pretty cool. Of course, the ‘ultimate vibe’ is established by the two men who perform.

The vibe begins with the intro, where J Balvin serves up shout outs, with Mr. Eazi responding in both African and English.  From there, both collaborate on the chorus, in a mixture of English and Spanish:

“Softly, softly (Softly)
Baby, make you roll am softly (Make you roll it out)...
Lento (Suave), lento (Suave)
Baby, vamo’ a hacerlo lento.”

Then, Mr. Eazi performs the first verse, using vocables as opposed to meaningful lyrics – part of the vibe and international flavor.  On the bridge, Eazi returns to English, with lyrics recurring from the chorus.  J Balvin then delivers the most complete verse of the song, performed exclusively in Spanish, setting up a sexy sentiment.  Post-verse, we revisit the chorus, adding a post-chorus and outro. Mr. Eazi and J Balvin make a pretty sweet team.  Nigeria and Colombia definitely come through on this certified bop.  Need some serious ear candy? Look no further than “Lento!” 

12. The Kid LAROI & Juice WRLD, “Reminds Me of You”

🎵 “Reminds Me of You” • 🏷 Grade A / Interscope • 📅 2020

If you’ve been following 🎙 The Kid LAROI, you’ll know that 🎙 Juice WRLD was a mentor to him.  When Juice WRLD died in 2019 at the age of 21, it was devastating, not only for those close to him, but also, his many, many fans. Despite his early departure from life, new music has continued to arrive including a new collaboration between mentor and mentee – albeit posthumously – 🎵 “Reminds Me of You”. On “Reminds Me of You,” The Kid LAROI dominates much of the record, as to be expected.  He delivers a melodic, emotional performance, detailing the plight of love.

The first part of the song the listener hears is the chorus, which definitely shines like a beacon:

“I can’t play that song ‘cause it reminds me of you
I can’t watch that show ‘cause it reminds me of you
I can’t even go there, it reminds me of you
I don’t wanna do that, it reminds me of you...”

Meanwhile, we get sleek, warm production work by a team comprised of 🎛️ Dr. Luke, 🎛️ Sean Small, 🎛️ Sam Sumser, 🎛️ Theron Thomas, and 🎛️ Aaron Joseph.  Juice WRLD doesn’t arrive until the second verse, playing off of what The Kid served up. “Fightin’ for my heart and baby, I never lose,” he sings, “No I can’t get high, ‘cause it reminds me of you…” Following a bridge, derived from the end of the verse, The Kid closes things out with the chorus. It’s awesome that “Reminds Me of You” was released on the one-year anniversary of Juice’s passing (December 8).  It’s another nice addition to what’s ended up being a robust collection of music previously unreleased.

13. Twenty One Pilots, “Christmas Saves the Year”

🎵 “Christmas Saves the Year” • 🏷 Fueled by Ramen • 📅 2020 

Months after 🎙 Twenty One Pilots exhibited a high 🎵 “Level of Concern” regarding COVID-19, they returned in December 2020 with the band’s first ever Christmas song, 🎵 “Christmas Saves the Year”. While not even the jolliest holiday of the year can atone for the hellishness coronavirus has unleashed, it is a time for us to spend with family (safely) and be thankful for the most important things we have.  That’s the sentiment that 🎙 Tyler Joseph seeks to emphasize on this thoughtfully penned and tenderly performed number.  Joseph acknowledges the challenges of Christmas 2020 – “Plans are thrown to the wayside / Frozen days of the week” – but also gives a sense of hope.  This is best captured on the centerpiece, the chorus:

“But everybody wants to make it home this year
Even if the world is crumblin’ down
‘Cause everybody’s got somebody who’s got their name on a shelf
With cheap décor and flavored cheer
You rest assured that Christmas save the year.”

Twenty One Pilots come through once again and give people the glorious gift of uplifting music.  It won’t destroy the virus, but the messaging assuages by all means.

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14. Ed Sheeran, “Afterglow”

🎵 “Afterglow” • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 2020

“Oh, I will hold on to the afterglow.” 🏆 Grammy-winner 🎙 Ed Sheeran returned with a new single, 🎵 “Afterglow”, just days before Christmas Day 🎄 2020. “Afterglow” is a singer/songwriter-style pop cut, which in a sense, is a return of the Sheeran of old.  Early on, the accompaniment arrives courtesy of rhythm guitar, delivering a simple but effective harmonic progression.  Eventually, there’s synthesizer, courtesy of one of the song’s producers, 🎛️ Parisi, which adds more depth.  Still, there’s always this sense of simplicity, yet it feels sufficient. In addition to Parisi, Sheeran produces alongside 🎛️ FRED.

Ed Sheeran sounds quite nice here, delivering a mix of tender and more energetic and emotionally charged vocals on this ‘stripped’ number.  It’s not truly stripped, thanks to the addition of synthesizer, as well as the use of vocoder.  Still, that seems to be the effect Sheeran was going for, and he successfully executes.  It should come as no surprise, like so many musicians in love, “Afterglow” is written about his wife.  Further reason for our fancies to be sufficiently tickled!

“We were love-drunk, waiting on a miracle
Tryna find ourselves in the winter snow
So alone in love like the world had disappeared
Oh, I won’t be silent, and I won’t let go
I will hold on tighter ‘til the afterglow
And we’ll burn so bright ‘til the darkness softly clears.”

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