Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: December 2021 | Playlist

Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: December 2021 features Camilo, Gabrielle Aplin, Joshua Bassett, Lil Durk & Mary J. Blige.

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h, it’s time to select the best songs of month: Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: December 2021! All the songs on Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: December 2021 were released as singles or as an album track in December 2021, or whereabouts (I reserve the right to make exceptions).

Musicians that made our ears perk up in the month of December include  Gabrielle Aplin, Joshua Bassett, Lil Durk, Mary J. Blige (x2), and Rick Ross among others.  So, without further ado, here are those Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: December 2021!

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1. Gabrielle Aplin, “Skylight”

“Skylight” • Never Fade / AWAL • 2021

“Life gets so loud / We don’t need to listen / You make me feel like Friday / When I’m Sunday PM.”  English singer/songwriter Gabrielle Aplin gives listeners everywhere a ‘slice of heaven’ with her love-fueled single, “Skylight”.  Sure, heaven only lasts four minutes, but both your ears and spirit will be blessed!

The production ( Mike Spencer) is marvelous, consisting of an awesome drum groove, rich bass line, and lovely pad/keys – a lush, warm instrumental.  The aesthetic and vibe of the instrumental set up Gabrielle for success.  Aplin’s vocals are marvelous!  She sings with ease, never forcing things – embodying a state of sheer bliss. I love her upper register on the chorus, arguably the best moment of the entire song.

“We don’t need to rush this feeling, feeling

Trying is a waste of time

We don’t need to rush, just breathe out, breathe in

Flying is a state of mind.”

I also heart the electrifying ad-libs she serves up as the record percolates and progresses.  They are smooth yet also pack a punch. Besides the talented singer, amplifying the excellence of “Skylight” is a tuneful, magical melody.  Further contributing to success is well-rounded songwriting (Aplin, Anna Straker, Josie Mann, and Liz Horsman) and a relatively straightforward form. “Skylight” is a magnificent record that hypnotizes you from start to finish with all boxes checked off.

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2. Rick Ross, “The Pulitzer”

Richer Than I Ever Been • Epic • 2021 

“Doctor J in the bank, scorin’ title in the paint / Ray Kroc on my block, double cup my purple drank.” Now that’s some surefire confidence, NO CAP! Grammy-nominated rapper Rick Ross is on fire on the brief but utterly sweet banger, “The Pulitzer”. “The Pulitzer” appears as the second track on his 11^th studio album, Richer Than I Ever Been. If you wonder why the beat bangs as hard as it does on this award-referencing gem, that’s because Ross taps Timbaland (Timothy Mosley) for the production.  If you weren’t aware, Mosley isn’t cheap, something Ross highlights: “Timbaland rich, two-fifty a beat.”  Not $2.50, of course, but $250K! Woo!

While that Timbo backdrop is expensive, he ‘puts in work’ on this hard-knocking beat fo shizzle! Furthermore, Rick Ross spits over it like a BAWSE! His flow is agile, his rhymes are electrifying, dishing out ample compelling lines.  “In the club, we party until we get sweaty,” he asserts on the first verse, adding, “In her eyes, I can see that lil mama been ready.” On the second verse, he kicks things off in lit fashion: “They say that the floor is facetious / Fat boy just keep fillin’ the bleachers / Went from sellin’ yayo with the nosebleeds / Young niggas only got rich with the wrong things.” While I’m skeptical whether Rick Ross deserves a Pulitzer Prize for “The Pulitzer,” you can’t discredit the best line from this certified rap banger: “I got the prize, motherfucker, it’s the Pulitzer!”

Also appears on :
Rick Ross, “The Pulitzer”: Rap BNGRZ No. 1

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3. Mary J. Blige, “Good Morning Gorgeous”

“Good Morning Gorgeous” • Mary Jane Productions Inc • 2021

There’s a lot to heart about “Good Morning Gorgeous”, one of two bada$$ singles to grace this list from ‘The Queen of Hip-hop Soul,’ Mary J. Blige! First and foremost are the awesome, commanding vocals from MJB who sounds as elite as ever.  The Grammy winner has a fine melody to work with that’s quite rhythmic, particularly on the second verse.  Thematically, she reflects on past pain and vows not to let it bring her down now.  She resolved to uplift herself, exemplified on the chorus, where she’s supported by superb backing vocals, upping the ante.

“I wake up every morning and tell myself

‘Good morning gorgeous’

Sometimes you gotta look in the mirror and say,

‘Good morning gorgeous’

No one else can make me feel this way

‘Good morning gorgeous’

‘Good morning gorgeous’

‘Good morning gorgeous.’”

Worth noting, “Good Morning Gorgeous” was written by Blige, D’Mile, David Brown, H.E.R., and Tiara Thomas – an elite team.  As far as the production (D’Mile and H.E.R.), the sound embodies slow, soulful R&B with old-school vibes.  I love the use of a lilting, six-eight meter as well as a robust bass line. Blige sounds potent and powerful as ever.  This song plays to her strengths, reminding us why she’s among the best in the game.

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4. Brett Eldredge, “Holy Water”

“Holy Water” • Warner Music Nashville • 2021

“I got used to broken hearts / Watchin’ my world fall apart / Didn’t know I needed you / But now I do, now I do.” On “Holy Water”, country singer/songwriter Brett Eldredge keeps things relatively brief. Eldredge makes brevity sound so sweet.  “Holy Water” commences with rich piano, along with some light percussive touches – some hi-hat and tambourine. Once Brett starts singing, he delivers beautiful, robust, full-bodied vocals. He commands throughout “Holy Water,” upping the ante within the final 45 seconds – the most exciting portion of the record.

“Holy Water,” produced by Dave Cobb, isn’t merely a piano ballad. It adds organ, giving the country joint a dash of gospel flavor! A record that percolates as it progresses, additional instrumentation includes soulful backing vocals, guitar, and of course, the full drum kit.  Also contributing to the success of this single is the theme and lyrics. The songwriting – Eldredge, Heather Morgan, and Mark Trussell – is #winning, particularly the chorus, by far the most memorable section:

“You are my holy water

You are my river thee

Wash me away and take me higher

‘Cause somethin’ ‘bout your love just sets me free

Somethin’ ‘bout your love just sets me free.”

That holy water isn’t associated with God, but rather, his significant other – his love!

Also appears on :
Holy Water: 5ive Songs No. 100 (2021)

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5. Alicia Keys, “Nat King Cole (Originals)” / “Nat King Cole (Unlocked)”

KEYS • RCA • 2021

Among the best songs on KEYS, the final major-label album from multi Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Alicia Keys is “Nat King Cole (Originals).” Here, Keys sings in sultry fashion, embracing the jazzy vibes of a torch song.  Keys co-produces with Mike WiLL Made-It, providing an additional lift as well as contrast.

So, what does the late, great Nat King Cole have to do with this song?  Well, Keys references his beloved song, “Unforgettable” on the chorus, the crowning achievement:

“If you wanna take it all

Let the chandeliers fall (Fall)

While you’re standing tall like the Taj Mahal

Be unforgettable

Like Nat King Cole

Like Nat King Cole.”

In the context of KEYS, “Nat King Cole” didn’t require unlocked treatment.  That said, “Nat King Cole (Unlocked)” is another gem of KEYS – and December 2021 – in its own right. It’s grander than the ‘Originals’ version. Lil Wayne does a marvelous job rapping the first verse.  While he retains his Weezy-ness, he also reins himself in, fitting the classy vibes of this modern-day torch song of sorts. Both versions sufficiently tickle my fancy!

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6. Lil Durk, “Broadway Girls”

Ft. Morgan Wallen

“Broadway Girls” • Alamo / Sony Music Entertainment • 2021

“There’s two things that you’re gonna find out / They don’t love you and they only love you right now.” Now that’s some damning stuff right there! Left-field collaborations can cause the mind to be blown.  Did anyone – ANYONE – expect Lil Durk and Morgan Wallen to EVER collaborate? I didn’t see it coming.  However, the SUCCESSFUL melodic rap fused with country collaboration materializes on “Broadway Girls”.

On paper, “Broadway Girls” looks like the mismatch of all mismatches. Nonetheless, both manage to share sketchy experiences with these women they can’t trust! “I’ve been kinda crazy ever since it went down,” Wallen sings expressively on the first verse, continuing, “I get kind of lost, and, baby, this what I found /Girls like you just wanna take me around, around and around.” Woo! He’s polarizing but undeniably, Wallen has a great country voice. In the second verse, Durk asserts, “This town just told me, ‘Don’t trust ‘em’ / Broadway girls a trap / They on me, they tryna finesse me / They see me with Morgan and know that I rap.” Oh, snap! Throw in production that combines both worlds ( Charlie Handsome) and “Broadway Girls” is something.  What solidifies the hit status of the crossover joint, however, is the chorus:

“There’s two things that you’re gonna find out

They don’t love you and they only love you right now

If I was smarter, I’da stayed my ass at home

And leave them Broadway girls alone.”

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7. Mary J. Blige, “Amazing”

Ft. DJ Khaled

“Amazing” • Mary Jane Productions Inc • 2021

“Cut out all that noise, only positive vibes / I don’t it pay no mind, I don’t pay it no mind (No mind).” Ooh wee! Da ‘Queen of Hip-Hop Soul’ is back with a vengeance, baby! Mary J. Blige may be 50 years old, but she didn’t come to play around on “Amazing”! Energetic from the jump, MJB gets the DJ Khaled treatment on the intro – you know how Khaled does it! Additionally, he’s credited to the banging production work alongside  Streetrunner, and Tarik Azzouz. Giving the production a lift is a Dawn Penn sample, “You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No)”.

Although she’s a vet, Blige sounds fresh, revitalized, and young on this brief banger. I love the aggressive approach and attitude that she brings to the table. Furthermore, I love the rhythmic, melodic rap delivery of the verses. The chorus is infectious and feel-good – undoubtedly the centerpiece.

“Every day like my birthday, bring the cake in

Bring the cake in, bring the cake in

I feel good, I feel great, man, I feel amazing

Man, I feel amazing, man, I feel amazing

Every day celebrate, not just on occasion

On occasion, not just on occasion

I feel good, I feel great, man, I feel amazing

Feel amazing, man, I feel amazing.” 

To reiterate, The Queen is back! Blige sounds fierce, powerful, and ready to reclaim her throne, NO CAP!

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8. Joshua Bassett, “Set Me Free”

Crisis / Secret / Set Me Free (EP) • Warner • 2021

“I’ve been runnin’ away, I’ve been facin’ my fears / Tell my momma I’m okay while I’m holding back tears / It’s been a fuckin’ year.” Indeed!  While he’s overshadowed by noise about everything else outside of his music, there is no question that Joshua Bassett is talented.  He showcases his gift superbly on “Set Me Free,” the closing ballad from his 2021 EP, Crisis / Secret / Set Me Free.  His honesty and vulnerability are something to behold.

The incident that Bassett references in the excerpted lyrics revolve around drama involving Olivia Rodrigo, Also, perhaps, the health issues he’s experienced contribute to the negative connotation of “It’s been a fuckin’ year” as well.  Still, most of “Set Me Free” deals with a sense of imprisonment.  “And nothing I say will ease the pain,” he sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “But why do I have to hurt for you to feel okay?” It makes me sad reading and hearing such lines from Bassett because he is young, talented, and has plenty to offer.  The best part of this ballad is the soaring chorus, which is simply beautiful:

“You don’t get to take all of me (Set me free)

And I don’t need your apology (Let me be)

I don’t recognize you, not anymore

You’re not the love that I feel for

You don’t get to take all of me (Set me free).”

Also appears on :
“Set Me Free”: 5ive Songs No. 96 (2021)

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9. Shawn Mendes, “It’ll Be Okay”

“It’ll Be Okay” • Island • 2021

“Are we gonna make it? / Is this gonna hurt? / Oh, we can try to sedate it / But that never works.” The power couple of Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello is no more.  Fittingly, Mendes drops a break-up song, “It’ll Be Okay”.  As to be expected, Mendes wears his heart on his sleeve, delivering an incredible, authentic performance. “It’ll Be Okay” commences with vulnerable vocals by Mendes, accompanied by a pad.  Mendes’ tone is gorgeous + you buy what he is selling.  The honesty of the songwriting (Mendes, Eddie Benjamin, Mike Sabath, and Scott Harris) is utterly sublime.

The melody on “It’ll Be Okay” is radiant. I heart how Mendes ascends to his upper register as the song progresses; on the chorus, he dips into his falsetto. In the second verse, Mendes sounds more commanding, more powerful as he asserts, “And, oh, there’s nothing more painful / Nothing more painful.” As far as the production (Mendes, Sabath, Benjamin, and Johan Lenix), there’s plenty to like (guitars, organ, keys, strings). The chorus is the centerpiece – one of the biggest selling points of this ballad.

“If you tell me you’re leaving, I’ll make it easy

It’ll be okay

If we can’t stop the bleeding, we don’t have to fix it

We don’t have to stay

I will love you either way (Ooh-ooh)

It’ll be o—, be okay (Ooh-ooh).” 

Ultimately, Mendes does a superb job expressing himself, showcasing great authenticity and vulnerability.  His voice is a mighty weapon – simply marvelous!

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10. Camilo, “Pesadilla”

“Pesadilla” • Sony Music Entertainment • 2021 

Who has one of the sweetest voices in the game? That would be Colombian Latin pop standout, Camilo (Camilo Echeverry)! He also has quite the mustache too!  The Grammy-nominated musician is back with a marvelous single, “Pesadilla” (“Nightmare”).  Even if “Pesadilla” translates in English as a nightmare, there is nothing nightmarish listening to this certified bop!

Musically, “Pesadilla” is impressive.  There’s not an abundance of production per se, but Camilo does a nice job of providing contrast.  We get a slower first verse before the chorus increases the tempo unexpectedly. The contrast here is welcome, making the listener tune in just a wee bit closer. Thematically, Echeverry dreamed that another guy was kissing his girl and naturally, he was hurt and incredibly jealous.  Of course, in the chorus, he wakes up and realizes it was indeed a nightmare. He does, however, mention the possibility of another nightmare, translated in English (roughly) as follows:

“And if in the middle of the night someone falls asleep

And you find that guy who comes out in my dreams

Tell him, thank you very much, and come back another day

Because I don’t think I knew that my baby isn’t even taken away in my dreams.”

The big picture is that Camilo loves her something fierce, and never wants to lose her to anyone.  Ultimately, on “Pesadilla,” Echeverry delivers sick vocals, a personality-filled performance, and colorful, enjoyable, and ultimately, thoughtful songwriting.  ¡No hay pesadilla musical, aqui!

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Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: December 2021 [: Alamo, AWAL, Brent Faulkner, cottonbro, Island, Mary Jane Productions Inc, The Musical Hype, Never Fade, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Rhyan Stark, Sony, Tima Miroshnichenko, Warner]

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