Awesome Songs: March 2023

Reading Time: 16 min read

Awesome Songs: March 2023 features music courtesy of features music courtesy of Kip Moore, Lana Del Rey, Nicki Minaj, Ryan Beatty, Smokey Robinson & Usher.

It’s that time! What time it is? Why, Monthly round-up time, of course! It is the time to select the best songs of the month! All the songs on Awesome Songs: March 2023 were released as singles or as an album track in late February 2023, March 2023, or whereabouts (exceptions are possible). Musicians that made our ears perk up in March 2023 include Kip Moore, Lana Del Rey, Nicki Minaj, Ryan Beatty, Smokey Robinson, and Usher among others. The musical styles are all over the map on this musical compendium. So, without further ado, here are those Awesome Songs: March 2023! Also, feel free to check out the previous month’s awesome songs!

via GIPHY

1. Smokey Robinson, “How You Make Me Feel”

Gasms • Smokey Robinson • 2023

“You make me feel like everything’s okay everyday / You make me feel like everything’s alright, every night.” Oh, the feels, Smokey Robinson! The iconic Motown legend returns in 2023 with a brand-new album, Gasms, his first LP in nine years. After impressing with the promo single, “If We Don’t Have Each Other”, Smokey comes through ‘one mo gin’ with the enjoyable, feel-good “How You Make Me Feel”. “How You Make Me Feel” commences with piano – both acoustic and electric. Soon enough, the record is anchored by a solid percussive groove that recalls the soul music of old. Robinson is the star, of course, delivering clear, smooth vocals. Well into his 80s, his tone remains pure and beautiful – once in a lifetime. Notably, that signature Robinson vibrato is potent. Beyond a well-rounded performance, “How You Make Me Feel” features solid songwriting. Lyrically and thematically, it’s all about love – having that special somebody whom you adore. Musically, the melody is quite tuneful. The production (Robinson, Cory Rooney, and Leon Lacey) marks another selling point. Some of the best musical touches include the harmonized vocals beneath Smokey’s lead, as well as the strings which complement the keyboard work and groove. All in all, Robinson remains a force. “How You Make Me Feel” is a solid, chill adult contemporary R&B joint.

via GIPHY

2. Lana Del Rey, “The Grants”

Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd • Interscope • 2023

In advance of her ninth studio album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, Grammy-nominated alternative pop standout Lana Del Rey released three singles. Arguably, the third and final single, “The Grants”, was the best of the three. Interestingly, “The Grants” commences with a mistake. The intro features the soulful vocals by gospel vocalists ( Melodye Perry, Pattie Howard, and Shikena Jones), who, while learning the chorus, make a mistake. Del Rey loved this mistake, and informed co-producer to include it at the top of the song, which is also the first song from Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd – pretty cool. After the intro, there is a change of pace with more structure, just before the one-minute mark. Here, Del Rey takes over, sounding true to self . Furthermore, melodically, “The Grants” is utterly stupendous. The arrangement and production are gorgeous (Del Rey, Drew Erikson, Zach Dawes, and Mike Hermosa), including a blend of piano, acoustic guitar, and strings. As the record progresses, it expands in scope with a more dynamic instrumental, and of course those soulful, gospel-infused choral backing vocals .

Beyond elite vocals, background vocals, and production, the songwriting is elite too! The lyrics are not complicated but poignant and marvelously penned. The pre-chorus stands out, as Del Rey sings, “Do you think about heaven? / Oh-oh, do you think about me? / My pastor told me when you leave, all you take / Oh-oh, is your memory.” Some key takeaways regard legacy and memory, particularly related to family (“My sister’s first-born child / I’m gonna take that too with me / My grandmother’s last smile”). All told, “The Grants” is an awesome way to commence Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd. Lana Del Rey is true to herself and her style, yet, there are enough tweaks to make this record different from anything else she’s ever released.

via GIPHY

3. Kip Moore, “Damn Love”

Damn Love • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2023

“Got you fakin’ that smile / But you can’t let go of her hand.” Country singer Kip Moore perfectly characterizes love, the universal four-letter word which incites varying emotions on his single, “Damn Love”. “Damn Love” serves as the promo single and opener for Kip’s fifth studio album, also titled, Damn Love. “Damn Love” was written by Jason McNair, Jaren Johnson, and Jason Gant. Johnson and Moore produce the love-centric joint.

While the songwriting exceptionally captures the sheer chaos and elation that love can bring, maybe what’s more interesting is the sound of the record. Initially, “Damn Love” does not sound like a country song. That is more commonplace with the genre incorporating cues and musical influences from various styles, but initially listening, I questioned, when does the ‘country’ enter the picture. Sure enough, we get those guitars which instill that country edge, not to mention those gritty, nuanced vocals of Kip Moore. Something that always shined about Moore’s voice is the coarse nature – it is incredibly expressive. Moore sounds strong throughout with the centerpiece, the chorus, being where his bread is most buttered:

“Oh, no you can’t tell it nothing

Oh, it’s that strong kind of something

For the bees, for the birds

No surprise, it’s a four letter word

It’ll heal, it’ll kill, it’ll hurt

I hope you’re tough

Damn love.”

All in all, “Damn Love” marks another solid record from the country standout.

via GIPHY

Appears in :

13 Dayum Good Damn Songs (2023)

4. Nicki Minaj, “Red Ruby Da Sleeze”

“Red Ruby Da Sleeze” • Republic • 2023

“Who the fuck told bitches they was me now?” Da-yum, Nicki Minaj! The ever unapologetic rapper gives no fizzucks on “Red Ruby Da Sleeze”, her first single of 2023. Always ferocious when it comes to energy and bars, she has a popular aughts classic fueling her fire. That’s right, producers Go Grizzly and Cheeze Beatz sample “Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)” courtesy of Lumidee. Nicki takes the rhythmic, spirited instrumental and runs with it.

Besides the lift Lumidee gives Nicki Minaj, it is Minaj’s colorful rhymes that ‘take the cake.’ It is safe to say there are shots fired – an understatement. “But I don’t fuck with horses since Christopher Reeves” appears to be a cold diss towards Megan Thee Stallion. There is also the shady “We don’t be Karen like Donna-na, na-na-na-na,” another diss to multiple Nicki enemies. All the female rappers seem to get dissed with lines like, “When the Queen leave, bitches wanna come out like a cockroach,” or “Shout out to hoes that’s watchin’ me like Movados.” So, what does one make of “Red Ruby Da Sleeze”? It’s a surefire rap banger, PERIOD. Is Nicki Minaj pressed by the competition? Perhaps, but to her credit, she brings the heat here, backed by a killer choice of sample.

via GIPHY

5. Usher, “GLU”

“GLU” • gamma. • 2023

“You done made it messy / I guess that means you qualified.” Wow! Usher isn’t the least bit shy on his first single of 2023, “GLU”. Sex is the modus operandi, period. Making the sex even more pronounced is the hella sensual, naughty, and ripe falsetto by the 44-year-old R&B superstar. Sounding as if he hasn’t missed a beat, If anything, he’s more freaky and nastier compared to the past: “How the fuck you choke then don’t choke / Then do it both from the side.” OMG!

“GLU” commences with a terrific groove, set in a lilting, soulful compound duple meter. Produced by a formidable team – Sean Garrett, The Avila Brothers, and Lil Jon – the backdrop is lit. The combination of piano and electric guitar during the intro, which last about 35 seconds, is lovely. Even so, the star of the show is Usher, who brings a dramatic, sexed-up performance for the ages. Sex sells, and Usher sells it to us, titillating with lyrics involving licking and, of course, f#¢king . The chorus is the centerpiece, where that glue is in full effect: “I just love that glue, ooh / That slides down you whenever we start touchin’ / It gets all on you, all on me from fuckin’ / That’s when that glue done got you / Hey.” Gah-day-um, Usher !

via GIPHY

6. Halsey, “Die 4 Me”

“Die 4 Me” • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2023

“Said you’d die for me, you’d die for me, you’d die for me / But you lied to me, you lied to me, you lied to me, yeah.” Halsey, a featured guest on the 2019 Post Malone track, “Die For Me” ( Hollywood’s Bleeding), drops a solo version in 2023, “Die 4 Me” with brand-new verses with positive results. The production on “Die 4 Me” still has a hip-hop, R&B vibe, much like the Post Malone version. Regardless, it plays more to Halsey’s strengths – more pop driven. Throughout, she delivers clear, expressive vocals, all the while crying foul regarding this person’s assertion to be there through thick and thin. Following the tuneful chorus, she is fired up from the opening line of the first verse: “I hope you think about me every time you touch it / I hope your new girl hears it and she loves it.” In the second verse, she unveils her vengeful, bi side: “I don’t play anymore, I went through your phone / And called the girls in your DMs and took them all home.” Oh, snap! Another notable moment: “I sold 40 million copies of our break-up note.” Da-yum! The alternative pop singer/songwriter didn’t play in the slightest on “Die 4 Me”, WOO! Halsey made it known she’s unbothered (essentially) after he treated her the way that he did. She learned a difficult love lesson, yet, ultimately, she’s better off. Her love pain is our listening pleasure on this fine solo joint.

via GIPHY

Appears in :

15 Epic Songs Worth Dying For (2023)

7. Jxckson, “DROWNING”

“DROWNING” • Jxckson Music • 2023

“I’m drowning / Waves crashing over me.” Don’t drown, Jxckson – you are far too talented to let those waves consume you! The Austin, Texas independent alt-pop artist returned boldly and fiercely in 2023 with single “DROWNING”. “DROWNING” marks his reintroduction, and that reintroduction is giving sheer excellence through and through. He describes the record as “the feeling of being both overwhelmed and numbed by the waves of emotions after a relationship and then trying to find a way to cope.” Jxckson sings, “I never knew I would need you this much / Lost forever, yea I was void of your touch.” Those pesky matters of the heart are the real cause for the drowning. The end of a relationship can truly be overwhelming, something that is captured brilliantly throughout “DROWNING.” “I don’t feel anything / Why can’t I feel anything?” he asks, continuing, “All I have is me / My past is my only enemy.” As always, he captivates with his playful vocals, showcasing plenty of personality. That playfulness, personality, along with the authenticity captured within the songwriting and vocal performance itself, makes this dramatic, experimental pop track a triumph. Produced by Boy Sim, Boy the sick beat and slick, dizzying synths provide the perfect fuel for Jxckson’s fire.

8. Marc E. Bassy, “god damn, god damn”

“god damn, god damn” • New Gold Metal • 2023

“Goddamn, Goddamn / You play your cards close to your chest ‘til the final hand / Goddamn / You had me thinking I was the man.” Clearly, Marc E. Bassy was NOT the man, or so he sings on his colorful single, “god damn, god damn”. The chorus is the best part, with Bassy expressing that his lady, whom HE was cheating on, also cheated on his cheating @$$! Of course, it’s his own fault. During an interlude that prefaces the second verse, Bassy asserts, “You know the craziest part is, I fucked up first. And she found out, but she didn’t tell me that she found out.” Gah-day-um! Bassy continues singing in the chorus, which precedes the interlude, “It taste a little bitter in my cup / The high ain’t feeling quite the same / Told me two could always play that game, yeah, yeah.” Basically, the player got played on this scandalous but highly entertaining pop/R&B song. Bassy sounds great on the chorus (the timbre in the verses is different but unique), while the production – Alex Hau, Mike Woods, and Ian McDonald– is a major selling point.

Appears in :

13 Dayum Good Damn Songs (2023)

9. Maluma, “La Reina”

“La Reina” • Sony Music Entertainment • 2023

“Mami, es que tú ere’ una reina, mírate bien / Que hasta el espejo se sorprende cuando te ve.” Maluma crowns her on the short but sweet single, “La Reina” (“The Queen”). Translated in English, the handsome, gifted Colombian sings, “Mami, you are a queen, take a good look at yourself / Even the mirror is surprised when it sees you.” High praise, indeed! “La Reina” commences with smooth guitar. From the jump, it is clear this record is all about those chill, laid back, yet royal vibes – she’s a queen, after all! As always, Maluma delivers radiant vocals, wowing with his smooth, impeccable tone and marvelous nuance. Beyond his superb performance, he also serves up plenty of personality, including concluding the single with his signature phrase, “Maluma, baby!” As far as the verse, Maluma continues to praise her, characterizing her as la octava maravilla – the eighth world wonder. Additional things to admire regarding “La Reina” is the production ( Edge, Casta, and L.E.X.U.Z), including the aforementioned guitar and the epic beat. Also, shout out the tuneful, rhythmic melody which contributes to the surefire vibe. #BIG MOOD! So, does Maluma baby come through again or nah? Of course, that handsome, talented, hunk of a man shines ! Sure, he only gives us about 2:20 of song but that is sufficient.

via GIPHY

10. Logic, “Come On Down” (Ft. Jordan Harris)

College Park • Three Oh One Productions, LLC / BMG Rights Management (US) • 2023

College Park marked the first independently released album by Grammy-nominated rapper, Logic after a successful run on a major label. Among the highlights on the conceptual LP is “Come On Down,” which enlists Jordan Harris, who performs the intro. That intro speaks to the death of one’s goodness and pureness to become a star. Logic embraces this in the chorus, where he asserts, “I want the world, I want the money, I want the respect…” Furthermore, in the verse, he continues, “Let me get it all, get all the money, get the women / Motherfucker better give me ten of them.” While his aspirations seem have a degree of shallowness, dig deeper, and it’s more than just the money and women he can hook up with. The rapper lets us peak into the door of a painful past as he spits, “Can’t speak on the things that done happened to me as a child / I’m talkin’ ‘bout sodomy / Oh no, I can’t let you see that side of me.” Also, it’s worth noting that the outro by Lil Keke makes listeners rethink perceptions about gangsters. Thought provoking commentary to say the least.

11. Ryan Beatty, “Ribbons”

Calico • Warner Music UK • 2023

Reflective piano is one of many glorious production touches on “Ribbons”, the first Ryan Beatty single of 2023, appearing on his third studio LP, Calico. Focusing on the production (Beatty and Ethan Gruska), in addition to reflective piano, “Ribbons” features more ear catching keys, as well as strings. In fact, nearly the final minute-and-a-half of the song is instrumental. Ultimately, the backdrop is one of the big selling points of “Ribbons.” Of course, the best touch regarding “Ribbons” are the vocals by Beatty. He has a gorgeous tone and excels at balladry. Another pro for is the vocal production, which has consistently amplified his solo music. A tuneful melody bodes well as Beatty sings about the plight of love/ fleeting love (“It took all of California / To remind you while you came / … Ribbons running down your face / ‘Cause you’ve never known love like that”). Things grow more depressing in the second verse, where Beatty asserts, “And suddenly you’re older / Spinning the turnstile over and over / Who’s gonna hold you while you sleep? Well, / It’s brave to be nothing to no one at all.” Thought-provoking for sure… and sad . Ultimately, “Ribbons” is well written, authentically performed, and thoughtfully produced. Ryan Beatty is a vibe and “Ribbons” is a vibe, too.

Appears in :

Ribbon ️: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 25 (2023)

12. Saint Levant, “Tell Me I’m Dreaming”

From Gaza, With Love • 2048 LLC • 2023

On “Tell Me I’m Dreaming,” the opener from From Gaza, With Love, the debut EP by rising multicultural musician, Saint Levant (Marwan Abdelhamid), shows off his trilingual skills (English, French, and Arabic). Sure, Abdelhamid focuses mostly on English, but throws in a few Arabic and French lines too. Furthermore, on this introductory track, he references his popular hit, “Very Few Friends”: “Just the son of a nation that will never fall / I’m the grandson of immigrants that saw it all / They talk about us online but we know who we are / And I got very few friends that know who they are.”Notably, Marwan sets the tone with easygoing vibes. He’s buttery smooth, never seeming to perspire, yet still manage to drop some kick-ass bars . The production work is a vibe in its own right, further fueling the fire with soul sample. Is it far-fetched to cite the influence of Drake? Nope, not in the slightest!

via GIPHY

13. JSJ, “Honey”

“Honey” • JSJ • 2023

According to the handsome, incredibly talented Canadian musician, JSJ (Joshua Säde James), “Honey” is “by far the sexiest song I’ve ever written, from the vocals to the lyrics.” Ooh-wee! It’s getting hot in here! From the intro of “Honey,” where the incredibly slick production work is unveiled, it is clear that this single is fueled by the sensual. Of the brief, but incredibly potent, sub-two-minute record, JSJ comments, “When I wrote ‘Honey’, I was in a long-distance relationship and missing my other half. I wanted it to feel like the song has the same message throughout; one of wanting someone else with you.” Mission accomplished, Joshua!

One of the biggest attractions of “Honey” are the vocals. JSJ is a beast – in the best way possible. His tone is to die for. His pipes are sexy, soulful, and sultry to the n^thdegree. He sings with incredible authenticity, easily convincing all who listen to buy what he is selling. Adding more fuel to his vocal fire are the top-notch ad-libs – the runs and the flawless, ripe falsetto. According to him, “The vocals build the story of this song, which drips with sexual frustration.” The praise for this pop record goes beyond that sexually frustrated voice. The melody is incredibly tuneful and rhythmic; it sounds fresh. Also, the centerpiece of this short but sweet bop is none other than the chorus, where we all fall in love with Joshua Säde James . “Honey” is an epic addition to the LGBTQ+ catalog. That said, if you are a music fan, specifically a pop enthusiast who loves to hear elite singing, “Honey” is a must-hear. Also, how about leaving you with more commentary from the artist himself: “This song is a love letter to my exes and everything they’ve missed out on. It’s time to show them what they’re missing.” Absolutely, JSJ !

Appears in :

14. Dionne Warwick & Dolly Parton, “Peace Like a River”

“Peace Like a River” • KIND MUSIC GROUP • 2023

What happens when two icons – two legends – collaborate? Magic, of course, sheer magic! Dolly Parton and Dionne Warwick join forces to praise The Most High, aka God . Parton is 77 years young, while Warwick is 82 years young. Both have been in the game for years, so, hearing both on the inspiring single, “Peace Like A River” is nothing short of awesome. Parton wrote this thoughtful Christian number. In recent times, Parton remains most active from a performance and recording standpoint. That signature, distinct set of pipes remains powerful. She does the heavy lifting on “Peace Like A River,” reminding us why she is such a national, worldwide treasure. “Peace like a river / Bathe me in your holy stream,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “In your soothing, living waters / Flood my soul and wash me clean.” Dionne Warwick joins Dolly in the second verse, continuing to serve up the praise and seek to live as a good Christian ought (“And may I be a great reflection / Of the things that’s right and good”). Warwick’s voice throughout is more coarse and weathered, yet still packs a punch and brings ample character. The contrast between the two dynamic artists is part of the charm. The best moment of record should come as no shock – the chorus: “He’s the answer / To our questions / To our prayer and to all peace / He’s the healer of imperfections / The provider of all needs.” Six words: “He is peace / Like a river.” All told, “Peace Like A River” is just what the doctor ordered, particularly if you need a lift in spirit.

via GIPHY

15. Whitney Houston, “He Can Us Me”

I Go To The Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston • Sony Music Entertainment • 2023

“I wanna live / So that God / Can use me / Anytime / Anytime / And anywhere.” That is a good word right there! “He Can Use Me” marks the second single from the posthumous gospel compilation by Whitney Houston ( I Go To The Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston). Like “Testimony” that preceded it, we hear a young Houston (recorded in 1981, when she was a teen) showcasing a truly anointed, special voice – one that would only mature, reaching higher heights.

The premise of “He Can Use Me” is simple. On this nearly five-minute gospel record, Whitney Houston is singing about serving the Lord – letting him use her as he sees fit. “See, I wanna walk, yes / Yes, in this world / So the Lord will walk with me,” she sings on the verse adding, “I wanna talk / … Just knowing that the Lord will talk with me” . Houston is supported by a reverent backdrop, one that sufficiently supports this faith-driven journey. Getting more context into the early career of Whitney Houston – her gospel roots – helps us to appreciate her once in a lifetime artistry even more. All told, “He Can Use Me” is a welcome addition to the Houston catalog.

via GIPHY

Awesome Songs: March 2023 [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 2048 LLC, gamma., Jxckson Music, KIND MUSIC GROUP, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, Three Oh One Productions, LLC / BMG Rights Management (US), UMG Recordings, Inc.; Anna Shvets, Laura Tancredi via Pexels]

Awesome Songs: March 2023 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on March 31, 2023March 31, 2023