Awesome Songs: July 2022 | Playlist 🎧

5. Lizzo, “Break Up Twice”

💿 Special • 🏷  Nice Life / Atlantic • 🗓 2022

🎵 “Break Up Twice” samples the beloved 🎙 Lauryn Hill no. 1 hit, 🎵 “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and 🎵 “Private Number” by 🎙 Judy Clay and 🎙 William Bell.  “Break Up Twice” is one of the most soulful numbers on 💿 Special, the sophomore album by 🏆 Grammy-winning pop standout, 🎙 Lizzo. Yes,  Lizzo is, indeed, “the whole damn meal!” Woo!

It’s not surprising, with 🎛 Ricky Reed and 🎛 Mark Ronson behind the boards, two producers who do a fine job integrating retro elements.  Thematically, Lizzo sings about love taking time, and a willingness to work things out. That said, she also gives a clear warning to that boy that wants a second chance: “‘Cause, boy, you know me better / You know me so much better / You know that I don’t break up twice.” Better heed her warning!

Appears in 🔻:

• Break: 5ive Songs No. 38 (2022)
• 13 Marvelous Break Songs

6. Calvin Harris, “New Money” (Ft. 21 Savage)

💿 Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2 • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment UK • 🗓 2022

“Gucci garments, kush smell like armpits / You domestic, all I ride is foreign shit / Sippin’ Hi-Tech and I got a hot TEC / I got new money, it ain’t even out yet.” Did anybody expect 🎙 Calvin Harris and 🎙 21 Savage to collaborate? Probably not, but that’s exactly what happens on 🎵 “New Money”, the second single from 💿 Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 2.

What makes “New Money” so potent? Even though 21 Savage is known for his deadpan style of rapping, there’s something endearing about this approach.  Furthermore, the 🏆 Grammy-winner still manages to pack a mean punch even if he’s not dynamic when it comes to the decibels.  Here, he touts material things, in all their glory even if ultimately, they are just things.  Still, there’s something awesome about him mentioning Gucci, Hermes, and Diamonds over ‘funky’ production.  As terrific as 21’s flow is, Calvin Harris’ production seriously kicks ass.  It preserves a soul/disco/dance sound of old while remaining fresh and non-anachronistic in 2022.  The combination of locked-in if low-key 21 and the soulful Harris backdrop is utterly sublime.

7. Dermot Kennedy, “Dreamer”

💿 Sonder • 🏷 Island • 🗓 2022

Irish musician 🎙 Dermot Kennedy can flat out sing his butt off.  He possesses a soulfulness that many singers would envy – an expressiveness that feels natural.  Kennedy returns with his sophomore effort, 💿 Sonder, in September 2022. 🎵 “Dreamer”, his third advanced single, suggests Sonder is bound to be good.

“Dreamer” is elite, beginning with the artist himself, who sounds utterly sublime. “Dreamer” was penned by Kennedy alongside 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Dan Nigro and 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Scott Harris.  Nigro and Harris also produce this splendid folk-pop track, alongside 🎛 Ryan Linvill.  The production blends lushness, warmth, folksiness, and gargantuan sounds (during the chorus, of course).  Dermot describes the record as “all about the little things in love.” That’s an accurate summary, with no shortage of love-driven instances, such as “Take my love and all my loss an get the darkness to dance,” “Told me you were mine, already knew I was yours / So, isn’t that worth something?” and “I’m still the one you call when there’s a story to tell / I’m still the one you call whenever you’re hurt.” Of course, the centerpiece of this love-oriented joint is the chorus, in all its glory – it’s certainly ‘worth something!’

“I might show up a little late

I’ll try to learn from my mistakes

Ain’t got a song to sing without your loving

Yeah, isn’t that worth something?”

“Dreamer” sounds like a dream to the ears.

8. Rina Sawayama, “Catch Me in the Air”

💿 Hold The Girl • 🏷 Dirty Hit • 🗓 2022

“Only took nine months and a lot of love / Carried all our dreams and she’s ready now, ooh.” 🎙 Rina Sawayama follows up her first single from 💿 Hold The Girl, 🎵 “This Hell”, with another terrific record, 🎵 “Catch Me in the Air”.  In “Catch Me in the Air,” the Japanese-British singer/songwriter gets personal, singing about her relationship with her mother.  There is undoubtedly a special bond, particularly considering her mom was a single mother.

“I ran away where clouds kiss the mountain peaks,” Sawayama sings in the pre-chorus, continuing, “I was afraid, but you put the wings on me / Feet on edge.” Ah, such great lyrics! Throughout “Catch Me in the Air,” the songwriting, as well as the vocals, are on-point.  Besides the honest and thoughtful lyrics, the production is well-rounded, successfully capturing a pop/rock vibe. “Catch Me in the Air” showcases Sawayama’s artistic range as well, separating itself from the first single from Hold The Girl.  Besides strong vocals, strong songwriting, and impressive instrumentals, shout out the harmonic progression too.  While “Catch Me in the Air” has some standard chords, there are also some harmonic surprises, which keep things interesting. All told, Rina has another gem on her hands with 🎵 “Catch Me in the Air”.  The theme and lyrics are marvelous – I love the personal nature of this record.

Appears in 🔻:

• Catch or Caught: 5ive Songs 40 (2022)

9. Panic! At The Disco, “Middle of a Breakup”

💿 Viva Las Vengeance • 🏷 Fueled By Ramen • 📅 2022

“Oh shit, you’re kissin’ my neck, kissin’ my chest / Now I remember why we fell in love.” Oh, sugar-honey-iced-tea indeed, 🎙 Brendon Urie! Urie and 🎙 Panic! At The Disco shine on 🎵 “Middle of a Breakup”, the second single from the collective’s seventh studio album, 💿 Viva Las Vengeance.  Man can this hunky, talented musician S-A-N-G 🤩!

There’s plenty to heart about “Middle of a Breakup.”  It commences with the signature, sped-up drum runs, something that has graced P!ATD’s music many times. I love the prominence of the guitar on this track, as well as the driving bass line. It’s incredibly gorgeous when harmonized guitar enters into the mix.  There are also other musical touches, like strings and harmonized backing vocals that make “Middle of a Breakup” a surefire vibe. Of course, the biggest draw is Urie.  The lyrics are another selling point beginning with the pre-chorus (excerpted above) and of course the chorus where makeup sex enters into play. Of course, prior to “Keep your disco, give me T. Rex” (in the chorus), Urie makes it clear “We ain’t no star-crossed lovers, we just get carried away” (verse one) and later, “You and me ain’t no Bonnie and Clyde” (verse two). Woo! All told, 🎵 “Middle of a Breakup” is another catchy single by Panic! At The Disco that also offers ample musicianship.

Appears in 🔻:

• Middle: 5ive Songs No. 41 (2022)

10. Tiësto & Charli XCX, “Hot In It”

🎵 “Hot In It” • 🏷 Musical Freedom, LLC / Atlantic • 🗓 2022

🎙 Tiësto and 🎙 Charli XCX make a formidable team on 🎵 “Hot In It”.  The record is just two minutes and some change, but that’s sufficient to create an earworm you won’t easily get out of your head. Tiësto produces with 🎛 Goldfingers on this lit dance joint. As to be expected, the production is exuberant and energetic to the n^th degree. This is the perfect fuel for Charli XCX’s fire.

Charli exhibits ample personality, exuding confidence that’s through the roof. “You won’t see me cryin’ on the bathroom floor, I ain’t never comin’ back for more,” she asserts in the first verse, later informing him, “Boy, you just lost a ten out of ten.” Woo! Of course, the biggest attraction is the chorus, where Charli – well – she’s unstoppable!

“Tonight, I’m gon’ be rockin’ it, droppin’ it

Shake my ass, no stoppin’ it

I look hot in it, hot in it

I look hot in it.”

Charli outdoes herself on the performance end of things, “shaking her ass, no stoppin’ it!” Meanwhile, Tiësto and Goldfingers get it done behind the boards.  “Hot In It” is – wait for it – HOT!

11. Latto, “Pussy”

🎵 “Pussy” • 🏷 Streamcut / RCA • 🗓 2022

🎙 Latto raises eyebrows on 🎵 “Pussy”.  The expectation is that this record is nothing more than sex before listening to it.  However, “Pussy” is empowering with Latto calling out the boys! One of the best aspects of “Pussy” is the sample.  Producer 🎛 Johnny Goldstein samples the 🎙 Betty Wright classic, 🎵 “Girls Can’t Do What the Guys Do”.  Wright’s vocals grace the chorus, hence, making it central to the record.  Latto contributes with ad-libs, but it’s the core by Wright that seals the deal (“Girls, you can’t do what the guys do / And still be a lady”).

Of course, it’s not just the epic production or sample alone that makes “Pussy” so good.  Latto gets these men together and speaks up for the ladies.  “Y’all sexualize lesbians for y’all entertainment,” she bites in the first verse, later adding, “If you don’t give the pussy up, then they’ll take it (Fuck it) / Y’all misogynistic ways sow the size of your dick.” Woo! In the second verse, she goes H.A.M. at the end, asserting:

“How you ain’t got a pussy, but got opinions on pussy?

That’s pussy (Pussy), my ovaries ain’t for you to bully

Y’all the reason we make music, teaching bitches how to use you (Yeah)

Speak up and they gon’ defend the abuser, these niggas losers.”

“Pussy” is explicit and makes sexual references.  That said, Latto makes some excellent points about how men treat women as well as how there is a double standard for women.  In her eyes, the girls should be able to do what the boys do – “and still be a lady!”

12. Matt Jaffe, “Just An Echo”

🎵 “Just An Echo” • 🏷 Matt Jaffe • 🗓 2022

“You look at me with such conviction…” Honestly, even sans context, isn’t that a clever, thought-provoking lyric? It instantly piques interest and makes you conjure up an image – imagine a scene.  It graces the second verse of  🎵 “Just An Echo”, the brilliant, must-hear single from independent pop singer/songwriter,  🎙 Matt Jaffe.  Jaffe totally outdoes himself on “Just an Echo,” which will blow you away the first time you hear it.

The musicianship that he showcases is awe-inspiring.  That includes the instrumental, the vocals, and the songwriting.  The palette of sounds is quite impressive. Love the pulsating synths, which fade in at the beginning.  There is also an awesome groove established at the onset – always a pro.  One of the biggest triumphs, instrumentally, is the massive guitar.  Of course, there are also those awesome vocals by Jaffe, who not only has a beautiful timbre but epic vocal production supporting him.  The songwriting is the final piece of excellence, including an awesome melody that is tuneful throughout.  The most tuneful section, as to be expected, is the chorus.  It’s incredibly catchy, and I heart the playful vocals. All in all, the writing is thoughtful; the lyrics are marvelously penned by Jaffe. Have you experienced Matt Jaffe in your life yet? If not, 🎵 “Just An Echo” is the perfect opportunity – seize it, it’s epic!

13. Jxckson, “Siren”

🎵 “Siren” • 🏷 Jxckson Music • 🗓 2022 

How do you like your music? I like mine sickening and independent pop artist 🎙 Jxckson excels at being sickening!  His latest bop, 🎵 “Siren” has an argument for his best work to date.  Adding to the excellence – the sickening vibes – is a marvelous music video, which is as fun to watch as the song is to listen to.  So, what makes “Siren” a surefire vibe? Staring with the production,  🎛 Boy Sim cooks up slick, energetic backdrop for Jxckson to sing over. The groove is an inspiration for the pop artist.

Of course, Jxckson is already locked-in with playful vocals, attitude, and sickening lyrics.  You know it’s ‘on’ at the top in the intro: “Proceed with caution / Ring the alarm.” From there, Jxckson compels, making us lean onto his every lyric, such as “Start my engines / Rev it up and rev it up / I’m so ready and well equipped / I’ll have you right / Right at my fingertips.” You do darling – you do! Of course, the crowning achievement – the centerpiece – is the chorus:

“Ring the alarm

I’m calling out for you baby

Ring the alarm

Bringing you in like a siren

We could have it all

Just answer my call.”

“Siren” is another great awesome contribution to the Texan’s catalog, period. Two words: IT’S GIVING!

14. dvsn, “If I Get Caught”

🎵 “If I Get Caught” • 🏷 OVO Sound / Warner • 🗓 2022

“It’s fuckin’ them girls, I was gon’ / I was gon’ get right back…” Say what, 🎙 dvsn? The Canadian R&B duo comprised of vocalist 🎙 Daniel Daley and producer 🎙 Nineteen85 are back with a hot single, 🎵 “If I Get Caught”.  Sampling a 🎙 Jay-Z classic, 🎵 “Song Cry”, Daley suggests the fact that he cheated doesn’t mean he doesn’t love his main squeeze.  It’s an interesting perspective, one that many women are probably rolling their eyes about, but that’s what he asserts in the chorus, nonetheless.

“If I get caught cheating, that don’t mean I don’t love you

… Don’t let one little fuck

Mess all this up

Don’t let one mistake

Take all this away.”

Is Daley really convincing? I guess it depends on the kind of person his lady is. Maybe she takes truly ponders lines like “Would you rather be the girl that cry in a Corolla or a foreign?”  Regardless, I think Daley plays a character who’s not repentant and too full of himself.  Even if you love to hate the scenario he serves up, it’s incredibly compelling.  In addition to strong vocals and an entertaining theme, Daley is aided by colorful production by Nineteen85, 🎛 Jermaine Dupri, and 🎛 Bryan-Michael Cox.

Appears in 🔻:

• Catch or Caught: 5ive Songs 40 (2022)

15. Yeat, “Rich Minion”

🎵 “Rich Minion” • 🏷 Universal Studios / Back Lot Music • 🗓 2022

“I call my Minion my children (children) / I call my children my Minions.” Um, okay, 🎙 Yeat – whatever you say! “We taking over the world (The world) / We make a whole lot of millions.” The Portland rapper, who’s in his early 20s, has been on the up-and-up – ah, the come-up! Sigh, it’s too bad his single, 🎵 “Rich Minion”, didn’t end up on the 💿 Minions: The Rise of Gru soundtrack.  Nonetheless, “Young Minion” is an interesting record.

Yeat brings plenteous energy to “Rich Minion” – it’s a vibe from the start.  Following the intro by The Minions (😂), the rapper unveils the chorus, which includes the excerpted lyrics.  The big takeaway, beyond the “Minion my children” is money. Money, of course, is a common theme in rap, no matter how shallow it can be. Backed by a beat produced by 🎛 LOTTO, Yeat makes it clear that money is a big, big deal.  Of course, besides talking about “the bands,” he makes it clear he doesn’t like Vector – “Yeah, I don’t like Vector (Take ‘em out)” – woo!  The vibe – the aesthetic – of “Rich Minion” is enjoyable, all told.  Fancy sufficiently tickled!

16. YUNGBLUD, “Don’t Feel Like Feeling Sad Today”

💿 YUNGBLUD • 🏷 Locomotion Recordings Limited / Geffen • 🗓 2022

“I don’t wanna go out today / I wanna lie in bed so that I run away / From what the internet says, all the playground games / Don’t feel like feeling sad today.” Honestly, can’t you identify with 🎙 YUNGBLUD’s feelings? He continues the chorus of 🎵 “Don’t Feel Like Feeling Sad Today” as follows: “I don’t wanna go out tonight / I wanna be right here, right by your side / While all the people are cruel, you’re an hour away / Don’t feel like feeling sad today.” The world is a whirlwind, filled with sadness, but Dominic Harrison wants no parts of the bad vibes – it’s all positivity baby!

While “Don’t Feel Like Feeling Sad Today” lacks duration, there’s no shortage of energy. Also, the quality and sufficient content are there too! YUNGBLUD always brings plenteous personality and attitude to the table.  That’s the case with this advanced single from his third studio album, YUNGBLUD (💿 September 2, 2022).  Set in a major key, with a quick tempo, Harrison is locked in from the get-go – he’s ready to rock TF out!  He mentions a number of situations that aren’t optimal in both verses, including a prudent observation about politics: “Better pull myself together / How long does it take to figure it out? / The politician ain’t gonna help you / He’s only gonna try and take your house.” Woo! That’s a mic drop! YUNGBLUD doesn’t solve world problems on “Don’t Feel Like Feeling Sad Today,” but his positive vibes and anti-sadness carry ample weight.

17. Benson Boone, “Better Alone”

💿 Walk Me Home • 🏷 Night Street / Warner  • 🗓 2022

Ah, there’s nothing better than fresh, young talent.  🎙 Benson Boone exemplifies those characteristics, not to mention that he totally looks the part of a star.  It makes perfect sense to me why 🎙 Dan Reynolds (of 🎙 Imagine Dragons) signed him to his label. Boone has unleashed another impressive pop ballad, 🎵 “Better Alone” which appears on his debut EP, 💿 Walk Me Home.

Boone doesn’t reveal all of his cards at first on “Better Alone”.  He’s more poised on the verses yet still brings ample expression and nuance. After building up slow but steady, Benson busts free on the chorus, which is simple but incredibly telling:

“Maybe I’m better alone (Alone, alone)

I’ll say I’ll get better, I won’t (ooh-ooh)

Maybe I’m better alone.”

Besides his soaring lead, the backing vocals are gorgeous, and the production (🎛 Jason Suwito and 🎛 Chris Murdoch) shines brightly.  The backdrop is colorful and sets up Benson superbly.  Of course, the best part of this reflective, heartfelt record is the end from the bridge onward.  Boone showcases some of the most inspired vocals you’ll ever hear from someone so young and still emerging as an artist. So, so talented!