Awesome Songs: January 2023 | Playlist 🎧

1. Sam Smith, Koffee & Jessie Reyez, “Gimme”

💿 Gloria • 🏷 Capitol • 🗓 2023

“Gimme, gimme what I want, what I want.” Woo! It is not hard to deduce what 🎙 Sam Smith, 🎙 Koffee, and 🎙 Jessie Reyez want on 🎵 “Gimme” – relax, it’s just sex! “Gimme” marks the third single from Smith’s fourth studio album, 💿 Gloria. “Gimme” is a ball of fun – infectious from an initial listen.  It begins with Reyez repetitive and utterly simplistic chorus, which is a VIBE and a half – NO CAP! Throw in an infectious beat that totally slaps (production courtesy of Smith, 🎛 Jimmy Napes, StarGate, and Anju Blaxx) and “Gimme” is on fi-ya!

While Reyez arguably gets the best part of the song, Smith and Koffee shine too. Smith continues to open up about themself song after song, album after album. Admittedly a sexual person, they reveal the cards in the first verse and pre-chorus.  “So, nut before you come over,” they assert, adding, “Your eyes on my dun, dun-dun-dun / I need you closer.” Day-um, Sam! As for the pre-chorus, “Voyeurs are watching us / Giving me such a rush / When I’m crazy and drunk on love / Give me what I want…” Koffee brings the reggae energy on this tropical, reggae-tinged joint, which means we get the patois.  “Mi rock yuh body, ooh suh go rock yuh body fi mi / Come over yah so may mi push yuh body to the limit.” Yup, it’s giving good sex, ladies and gents! Clearly, on “Gimme,” the 🏆 Academy and Grammy-award winning nonbinary singer/songwriter is embracing his sexual side. We know Smith can slay a ballad, but it is also cool to hear him switch things up and open up.

Appears in 🔻:

• 13 Big Mood, Surefire Vibe Songs (2023)

2. Ava Max, “Dancing’s Done”

💿 Diamonds & Dancefloors • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 2023 

“I wanna give into your dark temptation / I wanna touch you like nobody does, oh.” 🎙 Ava Max does NOT tame things down on 🎵 “Dancing’s Done” (💿 Diamonds & Dancefloors). A vibe from the onset, it all begins with the picturesque sound palette courtesy of 🎛 BURNS and LOSTBOY.  The musical cues set up Max for ample success, penned alongside BURNS and LOSTBOY as well as 🎼 ✍ R.I. Pablo and Sean Douglas. The chorus, the centerpiece, continues, “People like you and me were born to run / So where we going when the dancing’s done?” It is a legit question, right? Beyond the memorable, melodic chorus, and superb, slick production work, Max sings proficiently, bringing punch to this dance-pop cut.  She is firmly in command from the onset, elevating her game to higher heights in the chorus.  The verses are short but enticing, followed by a pre-chorus that sets up the chorus. Clocking in under three minutes in duration, “Dancing’s Done” is of reasonable length, with Max and company successfully delivering the goods –  awesome production, stellar vocals, and an infectious chorus.

3. Ñengo Flow & Bad Bunny, “Gato de Noche”

🎵 “Gato de Noche” • 🏷 Rimas Entertainment • 🗓 2022

Ah, there is nothing like a steamy, scandalous pop song! Latin music standouts 🎙 Ñengo Flow and 🎙 Bad Bunny drop a surefire steamy, scandalous reggaeton gem with 🎵 “Gato de Noche”.  If you know some basic Spanish or remember your cognates, that title translates as “Night Cat” – meow 🐈! If you are familiar with the Bad Bunny catalog, you are well versed in his penchant for sex, so, it should not surprise you in the least what he is getting at with the cat references. Admit it – we all love a bad boy, particularly when he’s hot and spitting pure game! Post- 🎵 “Safaera”, Ñengo Flow and Bad Bunny make a formidable team.  Check out the English translation and it is clear that the experience is a sinful one involving a taken woman! Expectedly, there are references to her booty and how potent ‘the stick’ is. This is fitting subject matter for these artists, making for an entertaining listening experience.  The production is fire, courtesy of 🎛 Smash David and Foreign Teck. From the first listen, 🎵 “Gato de Noche”  hits, with no extensive analysis necessary. Gato de Noche” warms up playlists everywhere in 2023!

Appears in 🔻:

• 13 Intriguing Songs That Reference Animals (2023)

4. Queen Naija, “Let’s Talk About It”

🎵 “Let’s Talk About It” • 🏷 Queen Naija/UMG Recordings, Inc. • 🗓 2023

“Sick of puttin’ all these egotistical, niggas on a pedestal.” Woo, 🎙 Queen Naija comes out swinging on 🎵 “Let’s Talk About It”. Clearly, the talented R&B singer is mad as hell at these – wait for it – MEN! Understandable, given the fact that they are, “Always at the club but can’t pick up your son / Fuckin’ all them hoes, can’t even make ‘em cum.” Say what?! Explicit and unapologetic as Naija may be, she has a fair point that we all should be talking about. The chorus is simple but speaks volumes as she reflects on these lame dudes.  Furthermore, in the second verse, she continues her vitriol: “Won’t put a ring on her finger but put a baby up in her / Another child in a broken home ’cause you afraid (Let’s talk about it).” Besides the real talk, the Queen sounds fantastic, singing authentically with ample soul.  While the lingo is edgier than the R&B of old, Naija preserves the sanctity of the genre.  Furthermore, 🎛 Oak gives her a marvelous backdrop to sing over, clearly emulating the R&B and neo-soul sound of old.  Clocking in under three minutes, there’s so much to heart despite the brevity. She brings the heat!

5. Skrillex, Fred again.. & Flowdan, “Rumble”

🎵 “Rumble” • 🏷 OWSLA / Atlantic  • 🗓 2023

Three words: “Hear the rumble.” Woo! 🎙 Elley Duhé is the first voice heard on 🎵 “Rumble”, a lit single attributed to the superstar team of 🎙 Skrillex, 🎙 Fred again.., and 🎙 Flowdan. Skrillex and Fred again… handle the production duties, which entails some sick percussion, synths, and of course, those pitched-up vocals by Duhé that recur. The heavy lifting vocally arrives courtesy of English Grime MC Flowdan, who is a VIBE from the start of the first verse.

“Run for dem life when I step into the jungle,” Flowdan asserts, adding, “Said they wanna group up, they better move up / Never gonna win a Royal Rumble.” Woo! As stellar as those lines are, his best moments arrive on the refrain: “Yo, listen, you hear that? Killers in the jungle.” The music brilliantly matches his jungle reference with an intense percussive, tribal groove and a sense of enigma.  During the drop, Duhé also references the rumble. Beyond the refrain, Flowdan also drops some vibe-laden smoking references in the second verse (“Yo, you hear that? Over, smell the aroma”). All told, 🎵 “Rumble” is a big mood, surefire vibe bop. Just the energy needed for 2023.

Appears in 🔻:

• 13 Big Mood, Surefire Vibe Songs (2023)

6. Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”

💿 Endless Summer Vacation • 🏷 Smiley Miley, Inc. / Columbia • 🗓 2023 

“Yeah, I can love me better than you can.” Oh snap 🫰, 🎙 Miley Cyrus! The 🏆 Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter returned in 2023 with 🎵 “Flowers”, the groovy promo single from her eighth studio album, 💿 Endless Summer Vacation (March 10, 2023). Despite antics that have raised eyebrows in the past, the one constant, consistent aspect of Cyrus’ career has been her stellar voice.  She has a distinct tone that is truly ear catching and versatile, straddling various musical styles.  She has landed on pop once again on “Flowers” singing about loving herself post-relationship.

“We were right ‘til we weren’t,” she asserts in the first verse, continuing, “Built a home and watched it burn.” That is an accurate, poetic way to cap off an ended union.  The second verse has a similar tenor about it, as she sings, “No remorse, no regret / I forgive every word you said.”  The centerpiece, of course, is the chorus where she is better off alone, at least, for now: “I can buy myself flowers / Write my name in the sand /… I can hold my own hand / Yeah, I can love me better than you can.” Besides entertaining, emotional, and relatable lyrics, the music is lit too, thanks to production by 🎛️ Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson.  That groove is electric! Despite her love troubles (Liam Hemsworth definitely appears to be the big culprit here),  Miley Cyrus makes sweet lemonade out of sour lemons on 🎵 “Flowers”.  Her voice is amazing, the songwriting memorable, and the sound – quite an ear-catching vibe.

7. Tiësto, “Lay Low”

💿 DRIVE • 🏷 Musical Freedom Label Ltd. • 🗓 2023 

“Lay low with the sun / Everybody have a real good time / Real good time.” Woo! That is exactly what the single 🎵 “Lay Low” (💿 DRIVE) by🎙 Tiësto is – a real good time!  It commences with the excerpted intro which eventually evolves into the carefree, feel good chorus. Tiësto handles production duties which means the backdrop is sheer fire – lit to the n^th degree. The backdrop is sophisticated with its crisp, electrifying beat, pulsating synths, and various effects. The music is at its fiercest during the chorus where “we cool, yeah, we drunk / Lost my mind and, baby, I feel high, I feel high.” Easy to be lifted off those vibes! Worth noting, the vocals are incredibly robust here, thanks to the effects.  Despite the exuberance of this joint, it is set in a minor key.  The minor sound isn’t malicious per se, but there is a dark tilt in the verses. “I’m hearing voices in my head, there’s no way to escape,” the vocalist sings in the first verse, adding, “And the timing ain’t right, my mind in the air /…surround me (lay low).” Similarly, the second verse reemphasizes these claustrophobic feelings before the bail out by the centerpiece, the chorus. Tiësto is the man – the sugar honey iced tea.  Once again, the long-time DJ/producer has dropped a surefire bop with its picturesque sound palette, dark but entertaining lyrics, and effects-heavy vocals.

8. Arlo Parks, “Weightless”

💿 My Soft Machine • 🏷 Arlo Parks / Transgressive • 🗓 2023

“Cardamom and jade as your eyes streamed / On the night you showed your volcanic side.” What poetry 🎙 Arlo Parks (Anaïs Marinho) serves up on 🎵 “Weightless”, the promo single from her sophomore album, 💿 My Soft Machine (May 26, 2023). The tone of “Weightless” is set by bright production work anchored by an electrifying groove before Parks sings one note.  Her vocal tone is lovely, with a charming British accent. The songwriting continues to impress in the pre-chorus, varied after the first and second verses, keeping things fresh.  Also, the production gets contrast as well, stimulating the listeners ears.  Those punchy synths are stellar during the pre-chorus, coupled with that mainstay groove.  Furthermore, more picturesque keyboard work joins the mix during the tuneful, repetitive chorus, where Parks sings, “I don’t wanna wait for you / But I need you, so I won’t go.” With fine writing and production in the verses, pre-chorus, and chorus sections, the bridge cannot be neglected! Here, we get a total harmonic contrast.  Furthermore, there is a timbral change, with glorious, detuned elements.  Also, during the bridge, Parks delivers un-pitched vocals (pseudo rap you might say).  All things come together – stellar songwriting, superb production (🎛 Paul Epworth), and marvelous performance – to successfully construct “Weightless.”

9. The National, “Tropic Morning News”

💿 First Two Pages of Frankenstein • 🏷 The National / 4AD • 🗓 2023

“You wait around in a conversation / While I get in and start stumbling through it.” Interesting 🎙 Matt Berninger.  Clearly, 🎙 The National front man is on the struggle bus where connecting is concerned on 🎵 “Tropic Morning News”, the five-minute-plus promo single from their ninth studio album, 💿 First Two Pages of Frankenstein (April 28, 2023).  The key lyric, “The tropic morning news was on” is derived from what Berninger describes as doom-scrolling. Given the noise, and being in a dark, depressive place, Berninger and company exceptionally execute “Tropic Morning News.” The second verse sheds even more light on this dark place. “But it somehow got switched around /… My dumb, automatic chit-chat,” Berninger sings, adding, “It’s not what I meant to say at all / There’s no way you can attach me to that.” Notably, in the bridge, despite conversational shortcomings, and connection issues, he asserts, “You found the slush in my sentiment / You made it sound so intelligent /… I would like to move on and be through with it.” The chorus is the centerpiece, where he opens up further about his dark state, admitting, “I was suffering more than I let on.” Despite the dark tilt of the lyrics, the music itself sounds brighter. Perhaps this is a representation of Berninger getting to a better place and the band’s ability to begin their latest chapter.  The backdrop is picturesque, blending rhythmic and more lush musical cues and ideas.

10. Ice Spice, “In Ha Mood”

💿 Like..? (EP) • 🏷 Dolo Entertainment, Inc. / UMG Recordings, Inc. • 🗓 2023

“Like, damn, she in her mood.” Yup, those are the lyrics that grace the chorus of 🎵 “In Ha Mood”, the opening song from 💿  Like..? (EP). Although “In Ha Mood” barely crosses two minutes in duration, 🎙 Ice Spice gives the listeners ample vibe. Fueling the fire on this brief single is production courtesy of 🎛 RIOTUSA. Why is Ice “In Ha Mood?” Basically, she’s a bad bitch.  Even though “he packin’, I know by his pants,” she makes it clear, he “don’t got a chance” with her. Her flow is on-point throughout – rhythmic and not too slow or too fast. Always confident, she also spits, “They like, ‘Ice, how you always stay hot?’ / Oh, they mad ‘cause I keep makin’ bops.” The second verse continues to find her locked-in and loaded with no shortage of biting, unapologetic lines.  A surefire bullet: “Lamborghini roarin’ when I hop out the truck / Pretty bitch like Lauryn with a big ass butt, yup.” No further explanation or analysis necessary. “If I was bitches, I’d hate me a lot.” That says it all, doesn’t it?

11. Fall Out Boy, “Love From The Other Side”

💿 So Much (For) Stardust • 🏷 Fall Out Boy Inc. • 🗓 2023

“Sending my love from the other side of the apocalypse.” Um, okay, 🎙 Patrick Stump and 🎙 Fall Out Boy – we see 👀 you! After a five-year hiatus, the alternative rock collective is back, baby! 🎵 “Love From The Other Side” serves as the opener and promo single from their eighth studio album, 💿 So Much (For) Stardust.  In its extended version, it commences with ethereal keys and strings, which establish quite the aesthetic.  The sound is lush and incredibly warm, prior to embracing a rock identity. The tide changes with the entrance of guitar, bass, and pummeling drums. The riffs used throughout are a selling point and certainly idiomatic of FOB. Once those powerful, soulful vocals of Stump enter the mix, it sounds like the FOB of old. Additionally, the harmonized vocals are a nice music touch, appearing during the second half of the verses.  The melody is incredibly tuneful and rhythmic. The chorus is the centerpiece – it is incredibly catchy. The verses yield colorful lyrics which have come to be expected from the collective.  Another selling point is the contrast presented during the bridge section, incorporating strings and the groove. 🎵 “Love From The Other Side” benefits from great production, a strong performance by Stump, tuneful melody, and memorable lyrics.

12. Bailey Zimmerman, “Get to Gettin’ Gone”

🎵 “Get to Gettin’ Gone” • 🏷 Warner Music Nashville / Elektra • 🗓 2022

According to 🎙 Bailey Zimmerman, on 🎵 “Get to Gettin’ Gone”, “Girl, oh, we had a good long run.” Uh-oh, what is the BUT, Bailey! Later in the first verse, the rising country musician informs us, “We used to be on the same damn page / Now it’s like we’re on two different chapters.” It is safe to say, regarding their relationship, the run has come to an end.  What has not come to an end for Zimmerman, however, is his ascent as one of country’s brightest young stars. “Get to Gettin’ Gone” shows exactly why Zimmerman has been dubbed a promising up-and-coming star.  He has a beautiful, rich tone, crafting a colorful, yet relatable lyrically.  He penned “Get to Gettin’ Gone” alongside 🎼 ✍ Greylan James and  Jason Massey.  The verses are intriguing with the chorus being the most memorable section:

“To get to getting’ gone

Get on my no-look-back, yeah

And like an old song

Fadin’ off in the radio static

We had it good, ain’t no good time for goodbye

Don’t you think it’s about time?

That this life we been livin’, lips you been kissin’

Ties that I’m settin’ on

Get to getting’ gone.”

Beyond the expressive vocals, fine rhythmic and melodic lines, and the songwriting, the sound and production bode well for Zimmerman.  🎛 Austin Shawn does a fine job behind the boards. To reiterate, the relationship has expired for Bailey, but his stardom is only beginning.

13. Måneskin, “GOSSIP” (Ft. Tom Morello)

💿 RUSH! • 🏷 Epic • 🗓 2023

“Sip the gossip, drink ‘til you choke / Sip the gossip, burn down your throat.” 🤩 🎵 “GOSSIP” is high octane, thanks to a lit groove, minor key, and energetic vocals from the unstoppable 🎙 Damiano David.  Måneskin came in hot on the fifth advanced single from 💿 RUSH!, the band’s international debut album. Joining Måneskin is 🎙 Tom Morello, who gives the guitars some surefire grit! 🎛 Fabrizio Ferraguzzo doesn’t disappoint in the production department either. The instrumental is a big reason why “GOSSIP” is entertaining and full of energy.  Of course, the other reason is Damiano, who commands this song like a champ.

David matches the intensity of the instrumental, bringing out those gossipy lyrics! “Welcome to the city of lies,” for example, seems to be shade towards Los Angeles. Another shady moment comes at the end of the first verse where David sings about superficiality – “Just put some plastic on your face.” The characterization gets no better in the pre-chorus, referencing fake people, a jaded American Dream, ultimately leading to the toxic, ear-catching chorus: “You’re not iconic, you are just like them all.” The second verse is similar to the first, with the cards revealed early on.  Fittingly, Morello gets a guitar solo, something that all guitar gods should be entitled to. All told, great vocals, and electrifying instrumental, memorable lyrics, and high energy make “GOSSIP” a fun one.

14. clide, “INFINITE”

🎵 “INFINITE” • 🏷 clide • 🗓 2022 

“You remind of July / Like it’s summer all the time / Counting stars up in the sky / Someone said that they go on forever.” Berlin singer/songwriter 🎙 clide serves up sheer excellence on his ode to that special someone, 🎵 “INFINITE”. The chorus, excerpted above, is the centerpiece of this dedicated, thoughtful record, concluding with him asserting, “Tell ‘em we’re not finished yet / Love you like it’s infinite, infinite.” “INFINITE” is well-rounded from start to finish.  Clide sings beautifully and most importantly, with authenticity and sincerity.  He penned “INFINITE” alongside 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Sean Myer who also produces.  Musically, the record is calm, cool, and collected, expanding scope on the truly heartfelt chorus.  Still, the lyrics in the verses carry ample weight as he compares the experience with his lover as “Like driving when I close my eyes / You got me feeling so alive,” as well as, “I wish that it was infinite, don’t wanna be finished yet / I guess that what I’m saying is that I’m kinda into this.” Not only is he into the relationship, we, the listeners, are into what he delivers musically.

15. Joesef, “Borderline”

💿 Permanent Damage • 🏷 Bold Cut / AWAL Recordings Ltd • 🗓 2023 

“The edge of an argument stings on the tip of my tongue (You have something to say?) / Don’t you want me like you used to?” On 🎵 “Borderline”, queer Scottish, soul-pop musician 🎙 Joesef speaks to how complicated relationships are. Furthermore, this standout from 💿 Permanent Damage highlights perception, reality, and, per Joesef (via Dork), ‘knowing you’ll never be able to be the version of yourself that someone who otherwise would have been perfect deserves, a right person, wrong time kind of song.’ “‘Cause you were so hard to find,” he sings, adding, “I want you all the time.” Joe is struggling with this relationship which appears to be running its course. Even though the issues seem plenteous, there is desire for success, despite imperfections, mistakes, and shortcomings. The centerpiece is the absolutely beautiful chorus. “Remember what you love me for / Even when I’m on the floor,” he sings, continuing, “Hope is hard to find / In between the things I’ve said / A version of me in your head / But I could never toe the borderline.” Besides brilliant songwriting and expressive vocals, the production keeps things simple and intimate – perfect for this incredibly reflective, conversational joint.

Appears in 🔻:

• Joesef, “Borderline”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 2 (2023)

16. contradash, “Room number”

🎵 “Room number” • 🏷 neverstopdash llc • 🗓 2022

It is easy to get lost. Sometimes, however, being lost isn’t a bad or frightening experience. Listening to the single 🎵 “Room number” by 🎙 contradash, it is clear his sense of direction is lacking.  From the jump, he asks her, “What’s your room number? I forgot / And I’m still lost in hotel lobbies / I can’t call you , it’s no service up here.” He continues singing in the chorus, “Been on the wrong floor all night though / I can’t find a single person in here.” So, the question is, is he honestly that inept or does he enjoy being lost? Or, is he avoiding this potential love interest? Clearly, there is a carefree side to his being lost as he playfully asserts, “Fuck it, I’m lost now / Pressing every elevator button from the top down,” later adding, “Not saying that I’m happy that I’m lost (it’s kinda fun though).” 🎵 “Room number” seems like a relatively silly song that doesn’t take it self seriously. That makes this brief, two-and-a-quarter minute record a surefire, entertaining vibe. This song intentionally has little direction and contradash, or the character he plays, has little either.  That is the brilliance! Catch when he says, “I hope you forgot me.”  Also making “Room number” a success is colorful production which suits the chilled out, carefree aesthetic.

17. Ryan Mack, “Did You Love Me Ever?”

🎵 “Did You Love Me Ever?” • 🏷 Ryan Mack • 🗓 2023

For 🎙 Ryan Mack on 🎵 “Did You Love Me Ever?”, the hellish side of the love gets the nod.  Singing with incredible authenticity and a gorgeous voice, Mack showcases his vulnerable side. “I tried to love again / But it never felt right, it faded in the end,” he asserts in the first verse, following up with “I can’t believe it’s over / You’re gone, gone, gone.” Yes, his ex has him feeling some type of way. Of course, in the second verse, it’s more of the same where moving on is not possible.  Furthermore, in the second pre-chorus, he sings, “When I need someone new / I still see you.” Oh, what a bummer! Of course, the centerpiece occurs during the chorus: “When you said, ‘Forever,’ I knew no better / Now looking back, was it all an act? Did you love me ever? ‘Cause every line and every note in every song I ever wrote / Won’t make it better if you loved me never.” True.  Besides great vocals, and the relatable and thoughtful songwriting, the sound and production (Mack and 🎛 Robert Grace) is also worth mentioning.  The vocal production itself is alluring, while the keys scream reflection, sensitivity, and vulnerability. Yes, love can be hell, and it is for Mack on 🎵 “Did You Love Me Ever?”, BUT, his pain is our listening pleasure.

18-19. HARDY, “the mockingbird & THE CROW”/ “RADIO SONG”

💿 the mockingbird & THE CROW • 🏷 Big Loud / Big Loud Rock • 📅 2023

On 🎵 “the mockingbird & THE CROW” (💿 the mockingbird & THE CROW), country singer/songwriter 🎙 HARDY (Michael Wilson Hardy) is in reflection mode.  Interestingly, the record plays up the idea of copycatting.  This begins with the opening line, in which he sings, “I grew up in a little town named after another” (Philadelphia, Mississippi as opposed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). It doesn’t cease there as he admits to clichés growing up country, emulating songs he’s already heard, hence why he’s “always been a mockingbird but now I’m a mockingbird with a microphone.” By the third verse, there is a shift, which finds “the mockingbird & THE CROW” adding more rock sensibilities, not to mention dropping some f-bombs (“Throw in a slow love song or two / Well, fuck that, and fuck you ‘cause”). HARDY introduces a new chorus in this two-part song, changing course as he “Refuse(s) to be another / Mockingbird with a microphone / I’ll fly the line I choose to, brother / Even if that makes me the crow, the crow, the crow.” Safe to say, “the mockingbird & THE CROW” is epic.

🎵 “RADIO SONG” marks another notable moment from HARDY’s 2023 LP.  Here, he enlists 🎙 Jeremy McKinnon, from 🎙 A Day To Remember, for the assist.  This is clearly NOT your father’s country music. “RADIO SONG” has its country moments – the chorus – but otherwise, it is, um, its own distinct record. The appearance of McKinnon alone signals “RADIO SONG” hits different. For one, arguably, the most important, screamed lyric that he ‘sings’ is “Fuck”… There’s metalcore energy, for sure.  Furthermore, HARDY, save for the chorus, drops quasi-rapped verses, for lack of a better description.  One of the bullets he serves up: “Well if it ain’t under four minutes it ain’t gon’ be a hit / If there ain’t no steel in it they ain’t gon’ play yo shit.” That $h!† right there is cold!