Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: October 2021 | Playlist 🎧

1. Adele, “Easy on Me”

💿 30 • 🏷 Melted Stone / Columbia • 📅 2021

“I know there is hope in these waters / But I can’t bring myself to swim / When I am drowning in this silence / Baby, let me in.” Woo – that hits deep! 🎙 Adele returned formidably on 🎵 “Easy on Me”, a personal promo single from her anticipated fourth studio album, 💿 30. The 🏆 Grammy winner’s voice is the biggest selling point of “Easy on Me,” which she wrote with 🎼✍ Greg Kurstin. Kurstin, a mastermind when it comes to the boards, does work on the production end of things too.  That said, “Easy on Me” is primarily a piano ballad, though we add a robust bass line and some light drum programming (nothing too crazy).

With soaring vocals, sound production, and a tuneful melody, the last box to be checked off is songwriting.  “Easy on Me” is the perfect song that allows Adele to get personal.  Divorce seems to be the primary culprit of the singer’s petition for ‘ease,’ though she also asserts, “I was still a child / I didn’t get the chance to / Feel the world around me.” That seems to open the door to a variety of things that have affected her in her life.  The return of Adele alone is enough to tickle my fancy!

2. Elton John & Stevie Wonder, “Finish Line”

💿 The Lockdown Sessions • 🏷 Mercury • 📅 2021

Two highly decorated, iconic musicians – 🎙 Elton John and 🎙 Stevie Wonder – make sweet music together on the spirit, ear catching 🎵 “Finish Line”.  “Finish Line” appears on John’s 32^nd studio album, 💿 The Lockdown Sessions.  John penned this compelling record with 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Andrew Wotman aka Watt (who also produces), 🎼✍ Ali Tamposi, and 🎼✍ Roman Campolo). The record commences with soulful keys – acoustic and electric – before a slick groove kicks in.  John ‘takes first blood,’ singing expressively with his full-bodied, mature vocals.  Following a fab verse, he delivers the centerpiece, the chorus, backed by gospel choir. As expected, the spirit is high, and the ears perked up with the throwback vibes.

The icing on the cake? The second verse performed by Wonder, who sounds as youthful as he did back in his heyday.  His marvelous tenor brings contrast, and helps to drive “Finish Line,” well, onward to the finish line.  He meshes well with John and choir on the chorus following his verse.  Amplifying the spirit and musicianship even more is his harmonica solo.  The finish line of “Finish Line” itself is eventful with John, Wonder, choir, and an unnamed soloist making all listeners want to witness – hallelujah!

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Finish: 3BOPS No. 65 (2021)

3. Asbjørn, “Be Human (Pride Version)”

🎵 “Be Human (Pride Version)” • 🏷 Embassy of Music • 📅 2021

He’s done it again! Who? Danish pop artist 🎙 Asbjørn (Asbjørn Toftdahl Terkelsen), of course! On 🎵 “Be Human (Pride Version)”, Terkelsen writes a marvelous, personal, and transcendent sermon to the LGBTQ community that speaks volumes. Regarding representation, Terkelsen asserts, “…Queer youth doesn’t only need representation once a year. They need support every single day, so nobody grows up feeling wrong in our society.” Agreed!

Vocally, on “Be Human,” Terkelsen gives a marvelous performance, including a rich middle register and ripe falsetto. His tone is gorgeous and the nuances spot-on.  Lyrically and thematically, he candidly speaks about gender and gender stereotypes. Ultimately, rather than focus on gender – being a man or woman – he places emphasis on being human.  He executes this masterfully on the chorus, the centerpiece of “Be Human.” Beyond the chorus and those personal verses, I heart the contrast on the bridge, where he doubles down on the narrow-minded nature of labels.  In addition to a fine vocal and sublime songwriting, “Be Human” features fantastic, slick production (Terkelsen, 🎛 Tom Stafford, and 🎛 Rangeklods).  We should all take the wisdom Asbjørn serves up here to heart – why should we conform? Aren’t we all human regardless of if we walk, talk, or act differently than others?

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 13 Marvelous Human Songs

4. Swedish House Mafia & The Weeknd, “Moth to a Flame”

🎵 “Moth to a Flame” • 🏷 SSA Recording, LLP / Republic • 🗓 2021

“Like a moth to a flame / I’ll pull you in, I pulled you back to / What you need initially.”  🎙 Swedish House Mafia (🎙 Axwell, 🎙 Steve Angello, and 🎙 Sebastian Ingrosso) collaborates with one of today’s biggest pop and R&B stars, 🎙 The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) on 🎵 “Moth to a Flame”.  Unsurprisingly, they make a formidable team on the irresistibly catchy, minor-key dance single.

The production work on “Moth to a Flame” is intriguing from the beginning. The soundscape is ear catching – slick to the nth degree.  Swedish House Mafia does a fine job of pairing The Weeknd with a backdrop that plays to his strengths. When that groove kicks in, you can’t help but to move your body.  As always, Abel’s tenor is clear and pure.  Besides having a marvelous instrument to work with, the melody is also marvelous – incredible tuneful. Lyrically and thematically, matters of the heart are conveyed, finding Tesfaye entangled with another man’s girl. On the chorus, he asks:

“But does he know you call me when he sleeps?
But does he know the pictures that you keep?
But does he know the reasons that you cry?
Or tell me, does he know where your heart lies?
Where it truly lies.”

“Moth to a Flame” doesn’t show us a side of The Weeknd we haven’t already heard, but it didn’t need to! The wave Abel has been riding has yet to become stale.  “Moth to a Flame” is highly effective, with all participants shining.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Flame 🔥: 5ive Songs 90 (2021)

5. Role Model, “Death Wish”

🎵 “Death Wish” 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2021

“Who is she? She got this way about her / She’s pretty, but wtch what you say around her.” Woo! 🎙 Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury), has ample swagger.  There’s something about the approach he brings to pop.  His music is expressive; he’s honest, vulnerable, and captivating.  He shines on the brief but potent 🎵 “Death Wish”, “which brings plenty of crossover appeal to the table.  It’s a pop song with some urban touches stylistically from both Pillsbury himself as well as the production.  Constructing the dark but ear catching backdrop is 🎛 Spencer Stewart, who also writes alongside Pillsbury.  In a minor key, Tucker’s at his best, allowing his beautiful, distinct voice to shine.

Besides his awe-inspiring vocal, the female character concocted through the songwriting makes “Death Wish.” “She’s evil, that’s all I know about her / She’s lethal, I don’t feel safe around her,” Pillsbury sings on the second verse, continuing, “I heard that she killed a man out in Hollywood / Now we’re holding hands, pray to God she’s good.” Woo! Obviously, his devilish love interest is sketchy, which makes “Death Wish” that more alluring.  My favorite section of the song? The post-chorus, specifically lines like “She wears a cross ‘round town and it upside down,” and, “She got two horns on her head and a tail by her legs.” “Death Wish” is a vibe –a dark yet satisfying, ‘fancy tickling’ pop record.

6. Måneskin, “MAMMAMIA”

🎵 “MAMMAMIA” • 🏷 Epic • 📅 2021

“You wanna handle me, but I’m a bit too much / I’ll burn all the place down ‘cause I’m too fucking hot.” Ooh wee – those lyrics are indeed ‘fucking hot’ and it doesn’t stop there for Italian rock band, 🎙 Måneskin. 🎵 “MAMMAMIA” is NOT innocent, at least where matters of the bedroom are concerned.

Besides ripe sexual innuendo involving size and genius placement of the f-bomb, singer 🎙 Damiano David sings on the chorus:

“Oh, mamma-mamma mia, spit your love on me
I’m on my knees and I can’t wait to drink your rain
I’ll keep the secret if you let me get a taste
Tell me your limits and we’ll cross the line again
Oh, mamma-mamma mia.”

Hmm, “Drink your rain,” huh? Wow!  While the sex is lit and “MAMMAMIA” is undoubtedly raunchy and risqué, there’s a bigger, more transcendent message beyond sex.  Måneskin has been criticized as a band in the past, and many instances on “MAMMAMIA” address it.  For example, David feels as if him and the band have been treated ‘criminal’ despite doing nothing ‘criminal,’ including the false perception the band uses drugs.

“They wanna arrest me, but I was just having fun
I swear that I’m not drunk and I’m not taking drugs
They ask me why I’m so hot, ‘cause I’m Italiano.”

It’s the sex, as well as the electrifying music that makes “MAMMAMIA” most engaging though I love the fact Måneskin defend themselves as well.  Fancy sufficiently tickled 🎸🤘! 

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎸🤘 Måneskin, “MAMMAMIA”: Outlandish Rock 🎸🤘 No. 3

7. Stromae, “Santé”

🎵 “Santé” • 🏷 Monsaert Label / Polydor • 📅 2021

After an eight-year hiatus, Belgian musician extraordinaire 🎙 Stromae (Paul Van Haver) returned with a surefire bop with 🎵 “Santé”.  Take one listen to “Santé” (French for “Health”) and you’ll find yourself playing it on repeat.  Vocally, Van Haver gives a strong performance, singing pleasantly. Furthermore, his rapped/chanted moments satisfy as well.

Lyrically, “Santé” celebrates workers who don’t get any thanks or far too often go unappreciated.  Translated from French, on the chorus, he sings:

“Yes, let’s celebrate those who don’t celebrate
Once again, I would like to raise my glass to those who don’t have
Those who don’t have
Those who don’t have.”

It’s a nice, thoughtful sentiment.  With a great performance, intriguing and thoughtful songwriting, and a stellar music video, arguably the crowning achievement of “Santé” is the sound.  This is a superbly produced record (Stromae, 🎛 Juanpaio Toch, and 🎛 Moon Willis), one that leaves you in awe of its creativity.  It’s bright, ear-catching, and groovy as albeit.  The guitar, synths, the rhythms – it’s EVERYTHING. “Santé” a must-hear sure to boost your musical health!

8. Walker Hayes, “U Gurl”

🎵 “U Gurl” • 🏷 Monument / Sony Music Entertainment • 🗓 2021 

Fresh off the success of the ‘Applebee’s song’ (🎵 “Fancy Like”) country artist 🎙 Walker Hayes strikes while the fire is hot on the infectious “U Gurl”. “U Girl” is a record likely to anger country traditionalists – it’s not traditional! Sure, “U Girl” uses country cues, including lyrics that reference country and southern things, but there’s also ample pop.

“Guys like me like girls that look like you girl
Cherry bottom boom girl
Every shade of blue jeans look mean with a body like that
Woah-woo girl
Southern flowin’ through girl
Do what you do girl
Guys like me like girls that look like you girl.”

Woo! Turn up! It’s this pop sensibility that has made Hayes connect to a new audience, one that’s NOT middle-aged (42) like himself.  He has a swagger, and even if the lyrics and theme is corny as albeit, it’s working – successful. “U Gurl” lacks transcendence but hey, there’s something so likable and endearing about Mr. Hayes.  Fancy sufficiently tickled!

9. Pink Sweat$, “I Feel Good”

🎵 “I Feel Good” • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 2021

“Livin’ life in color / Everything around me looks so beautiful and sweet.” In need of a vibe? Look no further than 🎵 “I Feel Good”, the two-and-a-quarter-minute gem courtesy of Philly standout, 🎙 Pink Sweat$ (David Bowden)! You are sure to feel good (or feel better) after listening to this bright, mellow single. What makes “I Feel Good” such a bop? It starts with the production, courtesy of Pink Sweat$, 🎛 Dante Bowden, and 🎛 Ruffin.  The sound is colorful, lush, warm, and ear catching.  David has a terrific canvas to paint upon with his smooth vocals.

Pink Sweat$ sings with ease, never forcing things.  He does, however, rise to the occasion on the best part of the song, the high-flying chorus:

“I feel good
When there's a million stars in the sky
I feel good
When the sun is shining so bright
I feel good, yeah
When the world keeps goin’ ‘round
Goin’ ‘round
I feel good.”

The positivity of the chorus is infectious – we need those feel-good vibes! Even prior to the centerpiece, the verses radiate with goodness, as does the pre-chorus, where “All the immersive colors” are “picture perfect.” Awesome!

10. Quavo, “Strub Tha Ground”

Ft. Yung Miami

🎵 “Strub Tha Ground” • 🏷 Quality Control Music / Motown • 🗓 2021

What do you get when you put 🎙 Quavo (of 🎙 Migos fame) and 🎙 Yung Miami (of 🎙 City Girls fame) on the same track?  The answer is a certified bop. The trap is alive and well on 🎵 “Strub Tha Ground”, a catchy banger featuring minor-key production and an electrifying beat (🎛 Budda Beats).  The most famous Migo doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but he doesn’t need to, believe it or not.

Fittingly, Quavo dominates the majority of “Strub Tha Ground.” Following the intro, he unleashes the chorus, in all its catchiness (“Scrub the ground” repeated over and over).  Then, rather than dive into that first verse, Q gives us a more varied post-chorus, which involves popping, urging her to “Shake that ass, scrub the ground,” and reacting to when “She put on them forty inches / I say ‘Woo’ and scrub the ground.” From there, we get two, confident verses, chocked-full of flex. “Bitch, I’m on the scoreboard, yes, I up the score for now,” he asserts on the second verse, adding, “Bitch, I told you scrub the ground.” Yung Miami arrives on the third verse, and she’s unapologetic AF.  “Got me a condo in Jersey,” she brags, adding, “He wanted to lease it, but I made him purchase.” Woo! That’s that game right there! No one will leave “Strub Tha Ground” enlightened, but everyone should leave entertained.

11. Lana Del Rey, “Dealer”

💿 Blue Banisters • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 2021

Arguably, 🎙 Lana Del Rey is predictable.  That isn’t to say that the 🏆 Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter is uninteresting, but, after numerous albums, we kind of know what to expect.  Well, we thought we knew what to expect when her second album of 2021, 💿 Blue Banisters arrived.  Some of the characteristic moments are firmly in play but Del Rey surprises the hell out of us with 🎵 “Dealer” which is unlike anything she’s released to date.

On “Dealer,” Lana Del Rey collaborates with 🎙 Miles Kane, who also appears as a writer on the track.  In addition to the vocals and pen of Kane, Del Rey co-writes with Tyler Parkford, Loren Humphrey, and Zach Dawes with successful results.  Kane sets the tone of the record, sounding splendid as he sings the first and second verses.  Between the verses, Del Rey ‘shocks the world’ by ‘yelling’ on the chorus.  Maybe yelling is too strong a characterization, but her vocals are assertive and incredibly expressive – her punchiest ever!

“I check in, I wreck it, I turn it around
I gave you all my money, gave you all my money
I don’t wanna live
I don’t wanna give you nothing
‘Cause you never give me nothing back.”

The shock of “Dealer” is enough to earn it a spot on October 2021’s Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy.  Furthermore, it’s a fab moment from Blue Banisters.