Awesome Songs: October 2022 | Playlist 🎧

1. Taylor Swift, “Lavender Haze”

💿 Midnights • 🏷 Taylor Swift • 📅 2022 

Back in the aughts (2000s), I’m not sure I would’ve characterized 🏆 Grammy-winning artist 🎙 Taylor Swift as a versatile musician.  No shade, of course, but she seemed locked into country and country-pop solely.  However, after multiple albums, Grammys, stylistic shifts, and prudent business decisions, Swift has built an empire and proven time and time again just how versatile she is.  After dabbling in alternative and indie stylings over the course of two superb albums – 💿 folklore and 💿 evermore – Swift returns to pop on 💿 Midnights. Notably, she kicks off Midnights with a colorful record,  🎵 “Lavender Haze.”

From the onset, “Lavender Haze” is nothing short of a vibe.  It is exquisitely produced by a team including Swift, 🎛 Jack Antonoff, 🎛 Jahaan Sweet, and 🎛 Sounwave (!).  As you might expect, the sound is distinct, contrasting any and everything else that Swift has released to date.  The slickness of the backdrop is ear catching but it’s Swift’s lyrics (and hazy vocals) that make “Lavender Haze” so delightful.  She’s bothered by the noise made by others such as, “All they keep asking me / Is if I’m gonna be your bride / The only kinda girl they see / Is a one-night or a wife.” Those are mic-drop worthy lyrics right there! The chorus, of course, is where Swift’s bread is buttered – Parkay, baby!

“I feel the lavender haze creeping up on me

Surreal

I’m damned if I do give a damn what people say

No deal

The 1950s shit they want from me

I just wanna stay in that lavender haze.” 

Appears in 🔻:

• 15 Songs Characterized by Their Colors, Vol. II

2. Omar Apollo, “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All) [Live At NPR’s Tiny Desk]”

🎵 “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All) [Live At NPR’s Tiny Desk]” • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 2022

Far too many folks slept on my boy, 🎙 Omar Apollo, in 2022, sigh. The handsome, Chicano standout from Indiana released a marvelous debut album, 💿 Ivory, as well as an expanded edition, 💿 Ivory (Marfil).  Omar is honest about heartbreak, particularly on a personal favorite record, 🎵 “Evergreen”.  Another thing that stands out about “Evergreen” is the transparency with which Apollo sings about a defunct relationship: “Evergreen, he controls me / Was there something wrong with my body?”

“She don’t know you like me

She could never love you more

More than me

But sometimes I pray that you fall in love…”

Clearly, Apollo was totally infatuated with him, so much so that he sometimes pray his ex falls in love.

Notably, he released 🎵 “Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All) [Live At NPR’s Tiny Desk]” as a single.  The live take is absolutely stunning – the highlight of his Tiny Desk concert for Latinx Heritage Month. The live instrumentation is part of the allure, with horns – 🎙 Fabian Anthony Chavez (saxophone) and 🎙 Marcus Clayton Paul (trumpet) – adding color.  Also adding color are the background vocals by 🎙 Astyn Turrentine, 🎙 Phylicia Hill, and 🎙 Brian Antonio Gazo Martinez, who support Apollo’s lead superbly.  Of course, the main attraction is none other than Omar, who masterfully and expressively shares his love pains through this gorgeous record.  The fact that he sings so great in a live setting is impressive – he proves he’s the real deal.

3. SG Lewis, “Vibe Like This” (Ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Lucky Daye)

💿 AudioLust & HigherLove • 🏷 Jasmine Music Limited / PMR • 🗓 2023 

“Been around the world, I did / Never felt a vibe like this,” 🎙 Lucky Daye sings in the chorus of 🎵 “Vibe Like This”.  The 🏆 Grammy winner continues, “Might be worth the risk / To make up for the time I missed.” Honestly, listening to this single from 💿 AudioLust & HigherLove, the sophomore album by English DJ, producer, and singer-songwriter 🎙 SG Lewis, I must concur with Daye – about the vibe, that is! On “Vibe Like This,” Lewis not only tapped Daye for the assist on vocals but also the walking, ultra-versatile vibe himself, 🎙 Ty Dolla $ign. This record is absolutely glorious!

“Vibe Like This” may be best characterized as a pop record.  That said, it’s R&B-infused pop/electronic, considering both Daye and Dolla $ign are known for R&B. This record has love and sex on the brain – that’s the vibe.  Following Daye’s chorus, Ty starts spitting game, including offering her “Crocodile Birkin, I did it for Steve Irwin /Whatever it takes to get you back, girl I’ll put the work in…” Daye echoes $ign’s sentiments in the pre-chorus – “…in your arms wish we could freeze time, I need mine / ‘Cause you’re the only one in here I wanna try” – before delivering that sweet chorus once again, this time with some help from Ty on the back half.  Ty gives us another noteworthy verse, trying to secure the P, if you catch my drift.  Beyond the vocals, theme, and lyrics, what about the production by SG Lewis? “Vibe Like This” is groovy, features a colorful palette of sounds, and easily catches the ear.  The man is a beast behind the boards. All told, SG Lewis, Ty Dolla $ign, and Lucky Daye make a formidable team.  Fancy sufficiently tickled!

4. Weyes Blood, “Grapevine”

💿 And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow • 🏷 Sub Pop • 🗓 2022

“If a man can’t see his shadow, oh / He can block your sun all day,” 🎙 Natalie Mering aka singer/songwriter 🎙 Weyes Blood sings in the first verse of 🎵 “Grapevine”, the second single from her fifth studio album, 💿 And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow.  Mering continues singing in the first verse, “He can make you small / He has the power to take his love away.” Clearly, matters of the heart are at play on “Grapevine” where Mering paints this guy in a sus light, yet, admits, “But I still think of him at night.”  

“Grapevine” features superb songwriting, which continues well beyond the first verse.  The second verse, in particular, is clever, referencing the infamous fatal car crash of 🎭 James Dean and her own car break down. It contrasts the first, showing Mering’s range, but is also connected.  Likewise, the third verse, more like the verse, connects with the first two (“And it hits me for the first time / Now we’re just two cars passing by”).  Vocally, Natalie sings beautifully, never forcing things yet lacking no energy.  Musically, “Grapevine” has all the uniqueness expected from an alternative song – interesting harmonic progression, gorgeous, thoughtfully crafted instrumental ideas, and perhaps, most important, contrast. Also, worth shouting out is the utterly sublime production (Mering and 🎛 Jonathan Rado).

Appears in 🔻:

• Grape: 5ive Songs No. 63 (2022)

5. Joshua Bassett, “Lifeline”

💿 Sad Songs In A Hotel Room • 🏷 Warner • 📅 2022

“Doc said I got twelve hours / I called you without a second thought / Plane ride within the hour / As she pictures life without her son.” Can you imagine, as a 20-year-old receiving the devastating news that you had merely 12 hours to live? That happened to 🎙 Joshua Bassett, who called his lifeline, his mom, to be by his side.  Obviously, he feared the worst in real life, and on the gem at hand, 🎵 “Lifeline”, which appears on his 2022 EP, 💿 Sad Songs In A Hotel Room.  The positive news for Bassett is, he lived to tell about it. His fears, rightfully, motivated him spiritually: Lately, I’ve been prayin’ / To a god I’ve never known / I can’t do this on my own.”

“Lifeline”, arguably, can be considered to be more a heavier, sadder song than an uplifting one.  I’d argue it’s uplifting because (1) Bassett lived to testify about his survival and (2) he gives thanks to his Mom for keeping him alive – being that lifeline. “One hour visitation / She beats me in chess, another round,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “Don’t matter what we’re sayin’ / I’m just glad you made it into town…” On this highly personal record, the songwriting is on-point –poetically and authentically constructed.  Furthermore, Bassett sings with incredible.  The centerpiece is the utterly sublime chorus, where he sings, “I won’t say goodbye just yet… / Oh, I’ll be fine for tonight / With you by my side, oh my / Don’t you know you’re my lifeline.” “Lifeline” is incredibly moving.

Appears in 🔻:

• Joshua Bassett, “Lifeline”: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 22 (2022)

6. Jazmine Sullivan, “Stand Up (From the Original Motion Picture ‘Till’)”

🎵 “Stand Up (From the Original Motion Picture ‘Till’)” • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2022

“You got a purpose / What is your reason? What is you fightin’ for?”  Those are the questions that 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter 🎙 Jazmine Sullivan asks on the single, 🎵 “Stand Up”.  “Stand Up” appears in the 2022 original motion picture, Till, described as ‘the never-before-told story of Mamie Till Mobley’s quest for justice for her son, Emmett.’ Sullivan’s song, which she composed with songwriter/producer 🎼 ✍ 🎛 D’Mile, captures the spirit of activism, perseverance, and strength.

“Yeah, everyone’s hurtin’

But you gotta fight, get up, and keep movin’ forward

See, don’t back away with your hand up

‘Cause somebody need you stand up.”

Beyond thoughtful lyrics that are appropriate for a theme encompassing racial justice, there’s lots to rave about “Stand Up.”  Expectedly, D’Mile shines behind the boards.  The production work is lush including keys, guitar, and strings. As lovely as his backdrop is, it’s the vocals by Jazmine Sullivan that elevates “Stand Up” to even higher heights.  As always, Sullivan’s lead vocals are incredibly expressive and soulful.  Furthermore, the harmonized background vocals are to die for, upping the ante even more. Also strengthening “Stand Up” is a radiant melody and strong harmonic progression – those musical underpinnings, gotta love them! All in all, Jazmine Sullivan brings the heat on 🎵 “Stand Up”.  It’s a nice addition to her musical collection, and certainly captures the themes encompassed in Till perfectly.

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Marvelous Songs That Stand Tall

7. Arctic Monkeys, “Body Paint”

💿 The Car • 🏷 Domino • 🗓 2022 

“So predictable, I know what you’re thinking.” After a four-year hiatus, 🏆 Grammy-nominated alternative collective 🎙 Arctic Monkeys finally returned with their seventh studio album, 💿 The Car. 🎵 “Body Paint” served as the second piece of the puzzle – the second single from The Car.  It’s absolutely and utterly stupendous.

The music is gorgeous, with warmer keys (and synths), strings, and eventually, a more raucous electric guitar. Arctic Monkeys never fail in the instrumental department.  Furthermore, 🎙 Alex Turner serves up sublime vocals and colorful lyrics.  Honestly, not just anybody could commence a record with, “For a master of deception and subterfuge / You’ve made yourself quite the bed to lie in.” It doesn’t stop there either.  In the second verse, “My teeth are beating, and my knees are weak / It’s as if there’s something up with the wiring.” Yep, that’s some serious pain, particularly that toothache! Uniquely, the chorus is one line – “So predictable, I know what you’re thinking” – while there’s also a bridge, instrumental break, and a refrain.  Turner first references ‘body paint’ in the first verse but doesn’t explicitly mention it until the bridge and again during the refrain.   So, what’s he getting at thematically? It seems to be a mix of covering up and masking feelings, deception, and cheating – ooh-la-la! All told, 🎵 “Body Paint” is a cleverly written, well-performed, and well-produced record.

Appears in 🔻:

• 13 Songs Associated with the Body, Vol. 2 

8. Paramore, “This Is Why”

💿 This Is Why • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 2023

“This is why I don’t leave the house / You say the coast is clear / But you won’t catch me out / Oh, why? / This is why.” After a five-year hiatus, they’re back! Who? 🎙 Paramore, of course! The lineup has changed throughout the lifetime of the 🏆 Grammy-winning band, at one time comprised of five members.  The current lineup features 🎙 Hayley Williams, 🎙 Taylor York, and 🎙 Zac Farro.  This lineup seems to work well, particularly on their spirited comeback single, 🎵 “This Is Why”, which serves as the title track for the band’s sixth studio album, arriving February 10, 2023.

There are lots of things to like about “This Is Why.” First and foremost, Hayley Williams sounds as awesome as ever, locked in from start to finish.  Beyond her fine vocal performance, her fellow band members are on-point too.  Farro sounds great on drums, anchoring things down with some sick grooves.  Furthermore, York, shines on guitar.  One of the big question marks is about the void left by their ex-bassist… Well, on “This is Why” their guest bassist rocks out, providing a fat foundation.  Of course, beyond the excellent performance by all parties, what does “This is Why” entail lyrically and thematically? It encompasses protecting one’s mental health, especially from hateful, insensitive, and opinionated folks, whom Williams considers to be toxic.  She warns of the toxicity and how it can affect her.  It’s best exemplified in the chorus, though the bridge is another masterful illustration:

“One step beyond your door

It might as well have been a free fall

…One step beyond your door

And I’m floating like a cannonball.”

Despite the toxicity of some people in the world, there’s nothing toxic in the least about 🎵 “This Is Why”.  It’s pretty sweet!

9. Charlie Puth, “Charlie Be Quiet!”

💿 Charlie • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 2022

“Charlie, be quiet, don’t make a sound / You’ve got to lower the noise a little bit now / If she knows you’re in love, she’s gonna run away.” Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter/producer Charlie Puth refers to himself, in the third person, in the short but relatable 🤩 🎵 “Charlie Be Quiet!”. Why does Charlie tell himself to be quiet on this gem from his third studio album, 💿 Charlie? He doesn’t want to get hurt (as in heartbreak) or ruin his chance at love.

Even as Puth is excited about a prospective serious relationship, he asserts, “… It’s all getting too loud.”  He doesn’t want to get ahead of himself, hence, he’s toning things down.  A prime example is in the second verse, where he asserts, “I’ll act like I don’t even care, yeah / I’m not going out looking dumb.” Charlie makes his point loud and clear. Even though he’s quieting down, the chorus is big, showing off his upper range and his ability to pack a punch behind his vocals.  It contrasts the quieter, more tentative verses, which represent being tame – calm, cool, and collected – regarding love.  Besides relatable songwriting and respectable vocals, “Charlie Be Quiet” is respectably produced.

Appears in 🔻:

• 13 Quiet Songs U Should Turn Up Loud

10. Muni Long, “Conversation”

💿 Public Displays of Affections: The Album • 🏷 Supergiant / Def Jam • 📅 2022

“Can we have a conversation? / Just wanna talk, nothing complicated / I wanna know what’s on your mind.” That seems reasonable, 🎙 Muni Long.  Long commences her debut album, 💿 Public Displays of Affections: The Album, with this conversation piece, fittingly titled, 🎵 “Conversation.”  She goes on to sing in the first verse, “It ain’t no rush, baby, take your time /… I can see it written on your face / All the things you wanna say.”  Ooh, wee!

On this lushly produced contemporary R&B track (🎛 Carter Lang and 🎛 Sir Nolan), Muni Long emphasizes the importance of communication.  She has a point. “Tell me how you feel if you can,” and “Tears don’t make you less of a man” are some of the key lines she sings during the chorus.  Men often box things in rather than open up and discuss them.  Muni wants him to talk and express himself: “It’s open door, no right or wrong /… And self-expression doesn’t make you weak.” It’s a great way to commence Public Displays of Affections: The Album.

Appears in 🔻:

• Conversation: 5ive Songs No. 57 (2022)
• 11 Songs Filled With Conversation

11. Lil Baby, “Stand On It”

💿 It’s Only Me • 🏷 Quality Control Music • 📅 2022

“Go and ask the streets about lil’ Dominique, I’ve been a beast / Really got my name from shootin’ dice and sellin’ niggas weed.” Woo! 🎙 Lil Baby does what he does on 🎵 “Stand On It”, which appears as the second track on his 2022 album, 💿 It’s Only Me. The 🏆 Grammy-nominated rapper brings the heat, of course! He raps agilely, delivers real talk with his distinct tone, and impresses with a compelling flow. Enhancing his skills is beautiful yet malicious, minor key production work courtesy of 🎛 Mattazik Muzik, 🎛 nicoonthekeys, and 🎛 Figurez Made It.  The listener is treated to sweet guitar lines, warm keys, and a banging beat.

“How someone that only had sex once, we gon’ try to have a kid ‘round me? / Once you cross that line, you dead, really, that’s how it is with me.”  Oh $hi†, Lil Baby!  furthermore, you should know, “This shit different, it gotta go through my assistants, just to reach me /If nobody else gon’ show ‘em, I’ll teach ‘em (I’ll teach ‘em).” Beyond his bold and unapologetic bars on the verse, Dominique delivers a memorable and tuneful melodic chorus.  It sounds fantastic over that sweet backdrop!

“Outside in your city, lookin’ good (Lookin’ good)

It’s a Draco’ call it ‘Wish a nigga would’ (It got wood on it)

And she think that she special, but I’m good on her (Good on her)

Handle business like I’m posted, everythin’ I say, I stood on it.”

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Marvelous Songs That Stand Tall

12. Meghan Trainor, “Rainbow”

💿 Takin’ It Back • 🏷 Epic • 📅 2022

“You’re as colorful as a rainbow / You’re as bright as the moon / Everyone can see your halo /Everybody but you,” 🏆 Grammy-winning pop artist 🎙 Meghan Trainor asserts on 🎵 “Rainbow”.  “Rainbow” appears as the eighth track on her fourth studio album, 💿 Takin’ It Back, released in the fall of 2022.  In the inspiring chorus on this retro pop cut (regarding the sound), Trainor continues singing, “Go and show ‘em all your rainbow / You’ll feel better when you do / Come on out when the rain goes / ‘Cause this world’s gonna love you.”  “Rainbow” was written by Trainor, 🎼 ✍ Andrew Haas, 🎼 ✍ Ian Franzino, and 🎛 Teddy Geiger.  Geiger produces alongside 🎛 Gian Stone and 🎛 Afterhrs.

In the first verse, Meghan sees this person struggling.  Despite the fact that the people – the world – doesn’t understand such struggles, she plays the role of encourager, making it crystal clear, “But you ain’t alone / No, no, when it’s getting dark / I’m a light you up, my love.” Similarly, in the second verse, she uplifts them despite their doubts and self-esteem issues. “‘Cause you beautiful, you intelligent / You emotional, but you the baddest bitch,” she sings, continuing, “Ain’t no one compared, so why you care / Whatt anybody says about you?” She has a point.  Ultimately, it leads to the crowning achievement, the rainbow-laden chorus, as well as the post-chorus, where Meghan makes it crystal clear, “They gonna love you.” “Rainbow” is both uplifting and sweet, sweet music to the ears.

Appears in 🔻:

• Meghan Trainor, “Rainbow”: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 30 (2022)

13. Måneskin, “The Loneliest”

🎵 “The Loneliest” • 🏷 Epic • 🗓 2022

“You’ll be the saddest part of me / A part of me that will never be mine…” Oh, snap – those pesky matters of the heart are in play on 🎵 “The Loneliest”. “The Loneliest” marks the second single released by the Italian rock band, 🎙 Måneskin in 2022. Beyond the press surrounding the band and eye-catching front man 🎙 Damiano David (😍), Måneskin proves time and time again they have talent, as showcased on “The Loneliest.”

Damiano David is depressed to the n^th degree because she will never be his. “In case of death, that’s what I want /… So don’t be sad when I’ll be gone / There’s just one thing I hope you know / I loved you so.” His heart is aching and pained so bad that he doesn’t mind if he dies… Wow! He confirms she’s crucial to his survival in the chorus, singing, “You’re still the oxygen I breathe…” Oxygen is essential to survive, so, without her, things don’t look good.  The premise of the record is simple but relatable to anyone who’s experienced the plight of love, particularly unrequited, unreciprocated love.  David sounds fantastic, singing in an undertone initially with incredible poised before unveiling the fullness of his pipes.  Furthermore, it’s great to hear a truly spirited, rock-driven backdrop, including a guitar sandwiched between the final two choruses.  Arguably, “The Loneliest” begins a bit slow, but once the cards are revealed, and things progress, it’s pretty awesome.

14. Dermot Kennedy, “Innocence and Sadness”

💿 Sonder • 🏷 Riggins Recording / Island • 📅 2022 

“I woulda waited for you all night to talk for a minute / I’ll sing into the cold dark night till you listen…” Oh, the 🎵 “Innocence and Sadness”! “Innocence and Sadness” appears as the fifth track off of 💿 Sonder, the 2022 sophomore album by Irish singer/songwriter, 🎙 Dermot Kennedy.  In the chorus, Kennedy continues singing, “People spend their life heads down, souls hidden / I’m tryin’ to be who you need me to be, well.” Kennedy penned this gorgeous piano ballad himself, while 🎛 Jonah Shy and 🎛 Scott Harris produce.

Throughout the course of “Innocence and Sadness,” Dermot Kennedy serves up expressive, nuanced vocals. He sings with incredible authenticity – you totally buy what he is selling! “Never felt alone till the late night / Never knew she was my home till the king cried,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “Lost inside the forest, but it feels fine / Innocence and sadness in the same night.” Woo! Kennedy’s performance is commanding to the n^th degree and incredibly sweet. His poetry is magnificent.

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Songs Where The Boys Are Sad

15. Jxckson & Eddie the Kidd, “Favorite Obsession”

🎵 “Favorite Obsession” • 🏷 Jxckson Music • 🗓 2022

Are you in need of a musical obsession? Well, well, look no further than Austin-based pop artist 🎙 Jxckson, who has a serious knack for bops! 🎵 “Favorite Obsession”, his latest bop, finds him enlisting a fellow Texan, 🎙 Eddie the Kidd, for the assist.  The union is a marvelous, ear-catching one, made even better thanks to the slick production of UK producer, 🎛 Sevenths.  These boys tear it up on “Favorite Obsession”!

I love the wall of sound at the onset of the enigmatic intro of “Favorite Obsession” (“Maybe it’s not marrying / Maybe it’s love / Well, whatever it is, pray that it never hits you / I’ve got a feeling love don’t have to be the way you say it is”), which prefaces a fun if dark listening experience.  Sevenths does his thing with a hard-hitting, danceable beat and those picturesque synths.  The palette is perfect for Jxckson and Eddie the Kidd to paint their magnificent voices upon. Jxckson performs in a delightful, playful style, while Eddie The Kidd puts in work as well, making our ears totally perk up. The centerpiece is the chorus, which is tuneful and further amplified by the synth-heavy production.

“Tell me what is it you want

What are you here for

Cause if love is pain

Does that make me your disaster

Every thought of you

Forces me into submission

Out of everyone

You’re my favorite obsession.”

As for the bridge, well, it’s pretty sweet too! I have no doubt that 🎵 “Favorite Obsession” stands a great chance of being your favorite musical obsession from the month of October 2022!

16. JORDY, “I Get High”

🎵 “I get high” • 🏷 300 Entertainment • 🗓 2022

“I don’t wanna feel, I don’t wanna feel, I don’t wanna feel sometimes.” Okay, 🎙 JORDY – you do you boo! “I just wanna feel, I just wanna feel, I just wanna feel sometimes.” Um… conflicting feelings much? Regardless, the LGBTQ pop singer goes on to assert, “So I, I get high.” It seems on 🎵 “I get high” that JORDY is trying to mask the pain, hence why he gets high.  Even if he’s all over the place on this two-minute single, it’s hella relatable.

Beyond the aforementioned scenarios, JORDY offers more.  Out with a stranger versus being at home with someone I love.  Awake versus asleep…  Growing up versus being young.  In all these complicated, triggering situations, JORDY gets high to blow off steam, etc. During this brief record, he sings incredibly well, as always, particularly toward the end when the record expands dynamically and instrumentally.  The production (🎛 Drew Polovick) is also a selling point, giving JORDY a fine backdrop to sing over. All in all, he delivers the goods. We all have our means of escape, right? For JORDY, it’s getting high.

17. blink-182, “Edging”

🎵 “Edging” • 🏷 Viking Wizard Eyes, LLC / Columbia • 🗓 2022

“I ain’t that cool, a little fucked in the head / They’ll be hangin’ me quick when I’m back from the dead.” Woo! Now those are mic-drop-worthy lyrics! Do you know what’s really mic-drop-worthy, though? The original line-up of 🎙 blink-182 is back together – 🎙 Tom DeLonge, 🎙 Mark Hoppus, and 🎙 Travis Barker.  Blink-182 returns to form with an inappropriately titled single that suits their immature sensibilities: 🎵 “Edging”.

It’s absolutely awesome hearing Tom DeLonge with blink-182 again.  He’s biting and unapologetic in his first verse and the following chorus.  Mark Hoppus takes the reins in the second verse, asserting, “I got a fire in my eye, a little blood on my shirt / Let’s hit the road, hit the road.” He goes on to say in the pre-chorus, “I know there’s a special place in hell / That my friends and I know well / There’s a perfect place to go / When it’s time to lose control.” Woo! Also, can you help but giggle when Hoppus talks about time to lose control given the song title? Just saying! The music matches the lyrics – it’s bright and boisterous, which is the perfect fuel for that punk-rock fire! Perhaps the most important lyrics hail from the chorus, seeming to reference DeLonge’s exits from the band in the past:

“No way, no, I leaven them broken-hearted

…Oh no, I lead the broken hearts this way.” 

Yes, they are aging punks – all in their late 40s (Hoppus is 50 as of publication time) – but the nostalgia is undeniable.  🎵 “Edging” is short, sweet, and utterly satisfying!

Appears in 🔻:

• Edge: 5ive Songs No. 62 (2022) 

18. Marshmello & Juice WRLD, “Bye Bye”

🎵 “Bye Bye” • 🏷 Joytime Collective LLC / Grade A Productions / Interscope • 🗓 2022

“I hit her with a bye-bye, bye-bye / You’re out your mind / I’m out of pills / And you’re out of lies.” Believe it or not, 🎙 Juice WRLD has been dead nearly three years. 🎵 “Bye Bye”, was recorded three years ago, but wasn’t officially released. Now, this brief collaboration with 🎙 Marshmello gets its proper bow. “Um, see you later, uh / Girl, I got a question for you, yeah, I need a favor / Turn yourself back to a demon, I’m a demon slayer.” Even though Juice is no longer with us, his spirit, in all its glory, is written all over this track.

Juice’s melodic performance is spot-on, as he leaves this girl – giving her that bye-bye after all! Also, true to self, Juice references drugs, throws in some captivating pop cultural references (The Matrix and Hell’s Kitchen), and mentions his dreamcatcher (“I remember havin’ a dream catcher when I was like ten / Set that bitch on fire, all my dreams been comin’ true since”).  What’s interesting about the set that bitch on fire lyric is how it applies to his disdain for this girl! Also, can’t fail to mention the rad trap production Marshmello serves up.  It’s the perfect backdrop for the late melodic rapper, whose memory and music legacy is enduring.

19. Taylor Swift, “Anti-Hero”

💿 Midnights • 🏷 Taylor Swift • 📅 2022

“I have this thing where I get older, but never wiser,” 🏆 Grammy-winning artist 🎙 Taylor Swift sings on the third straight gem from 💿 Midnights, 🎵 “Anti-Hero.” She continues singing in the first verse of the single, “Midnights become my afternoons.” That’s just one instance of the poetry of her pen, which seems endless on this particular record.  See the second pre-chorus where she sneaks in words like narcissism and altruism perfectly.  Woo!

Beyond the impeccable lyricism, Swift delivers a respectable vocal backed by sound production (another fine collaboration with 🎛 Jack Antonoff).  The centerpiece of “Anti-Hero” is the chorus, something that Swift has excelled at since the beginning of her career.  In the chorus, Swift asserts, “I’ll stare directly at the sun, but never in the mirror / It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero.” Woo! Her honesty is epic in itself.

Appears in 🔻:

• Hero: 5ive Songs No. 64 (2022)

Awesome Songs: October 2022 [📷: 300 Entertainment, Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Columbia, Def Jam, Domino, Epic, Grade A Productions, Island, The Musical Hype, Interscope, Jasmine Music Limited, Joytime Collective LLC, Jxckson Music, PMR, Quality Control Music, RCA, Riggins Recording, Sub Pop, Supergiant, Taylor Swift, Viking Wizard Eyes, LLC, Warner, Kelsie Cabeceiras via Pexels, fontgenerator.com]