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“Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in March 2020” features The 1975, Alicia Keys, Fiona Apple, The Rolling Stones & Twenty One Pilots.  

Ah, it’s time to select the best songs of month: AWESOME SONGS THAT TICKLED MY FANCY IN APRIL 2020! All of the songs on Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in April 2020 were released as singles or as an album track in April 2020, or whereabouts (I reserve the right to make exceptions). Musicians that made our ears perk up in the month of April include The 1975 (“Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America”), Alicia Keys (“Good Job”), Fiona Apple (“Shameika”), The Rolling Stones (“Living in a Ghost Town”) and Twenty One Pilots (“Level of Concern”) among others. Without further ado, here are Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in April 2020.

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1. Twenty One Pilots, “Level of Concern”

“Level of Concern” • Fueled by Ramen • 2020

“Wonderin’ would you be my little quarantine? / Or is this the way it ends?” Twenty One Pilots (Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun) release an instant hit with their hella catchy, groovy quarantine anthem, “Level of Concern”. “Level of Concern” is one of the musical crown jewels born out of the “horrible, awful, no good” coronavirus pandemic.  Joseph delivers an honest vocal performance, as he shares his thoughts on the state of the world and of course, his anxiety. “Panic on the brain, world has gone insane / Things are starting to get heavy,” he sings on the first verse, adding, “I can’t help but think I haven’t felt this way / Since I asked you to go steady.” Indeed, COVID-19 is not only novel in its virility but it also has forced a ‘new normal’ that’s uncomfortable, particularly the social effects.

Of course, the centerpiece of “Level of Concern” is the chorus, speaking directly to anxiety, discomfort, and uncertainty:

“Cause I told you my level of concern
But you walked by like you never heard
And you could bring down my level of concern
Just need you to tell me you’re alright
Tell me we’re okay.”

Joseph is accompanied by one of the most danceable, funky backdrops of his career, driven by the drum groove (Dun), rhythmic guitar, and keyboards. Joseph wrote this awesome record, producing it with Paul Meany. Twenty One Pilots are as concerned as anyone else about the novel coronavirus and its effects on everyday life, but “Level of Concern” is a truly outstanding means to convey it.  This is a well-written, well-produced, and an exceptionally performed record by all means, tailor made for Fun Friday No. 3 from Weekly Gems No. 3: Week of 4-13-2020.

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2. Alicia Keys, “Good Job”

Alicia Keys • Alicia • RCA • 2020

Alicia Keys was set to release her seventh studio album, Alicia, in Spring 2020.  Then, the coronavirus pandemic shifted her plans, among many other musician’s plans.  While some artists have went on with the release of their planned albums, others have postponed project indefinitely.  Look at preorders for many albums, and the expected date of arrival is December 31, 2020 – yikes! Regardless, some artists (Keys included) continue to release singles, giving fans something to sink their teeth into during a state of utter flux.  Keys released her fourth single in advance of Alicia (we presume, but who knows), “Good Job”. 

There are lots of things to like about “Good Job.”  First and foremost, it is incredibly thoughtful, giving thanks to everyone affected and helping to combat the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.  Yes, this record should definitely appear on an updated version of 10 Songs That Capture and Embody the Pandemic. Alicia Keys is being encouraging and uplifting, providing that positive reinforcement that educators seek to give their students.  “Good job, you’re doin’ a good job, a good job,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “Don’t get too down / The world needs you now / Know that you matter, matter, yeah.”  Essentially, lyrically, Keys says all the right things.  Also, as she sings, she infuses her soul into it, given it that next level of authenticity.  While the production eschews a bunch of bells and whistles, it suits the tone of this record. 

As aforementioned, Alicia Keys does a lot of things well on “Good Job” – more things than not. The most important takeaway is the messaging.  All in all, Keys does a ‘good job’ on “Good Job.” Fancy tickled! “Good Job” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 More Really ‘Good’ Songs… It’s That Simple.

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3. The 1975, “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America”

Notes on a Conditional Form • Interscope • 2020

“I’m in love with Jesus Christ / He’s so nice.”  Honestly, a lot of people are Matthew Healy, but we all know that you are an atheist/secular humanist, so… what gives?  Perhaps the front man of The 1975 actually isn’t speaking about his religious beliefs as much as the character he portrays on “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America”, an advance single from Notes on a Conditional Form.  Featuring uncredited vocals by Phoebe Bridgers, “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” tackles faith and sexuality.

So, the opening lyric from “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” comes off incredibly spiritual – quite Christian.  However, the issue comes into play on the second verse, with Bridgers assisting: “I’m in love with a boy I know / But that’s a feeling I can never show.”  Why can’t he show it? Well, there’s been plenty of friction between being homosexual and Christian. Often, Sodom and Gomorrah are cited in the purported sin.  Of course, the phrase “Adam and Eve, Not Adam and Steve” predates those ‘sinful’ happenings in Sodom and Gomorrah.  Back to the song though!

Bridgers has her own moment where sexuality comes to the forefront:

“I’m in love with the girl next door
Her name’s Claire
Nice when she comes ‘round to call
Then masturbate the second she’s not there.”

Wow.  Of course, because both Healy and Bridgers are Christian (in the context) of the song, ‘it’s all good’ – NOT. The chorus is clearly the centerpiece of this alternative, singer/songwriter record.

“Fortunately, I believe, lucky me
Searching for planes in the sea, and that’s irony
Soil just needs water to be, and a seed
So, if we can turn into a tree, can I be the leaves?”

Reexamining the song after previously reviewing it, I found that chorus has another Biblical allusion to Faith being like a mustard seed.  Here, you can argue that Healy desires faith that he doesn’t possess, while simultaneously, captures the plight of the gay Christian who is essentially a walking contradiction. Definitely, “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” is a lot to unpack.  “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Songs That Are Biblical – Sort of.

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4. Fiona Apple, “Shameika”

Fetch the Bolt Cutters • Epic • 2020

Fiona Apple only releases an album “once in a blue moon.” It’s true; there is a gap of at least three years between every album in her discography. After releasing The Idler Wheel…, her sole album of the 2010s, her fifth album, Fetch the Bolt Cutters, arrives nearly eight years later! Who knows when the next new studio album from Apple will arrive at this rate! The good news? Fiona Apple never releases a bad album and Fetch the Bolt Cutters ranks among the best albums I’ve heard in years by any musician.

Among the crème de la crème of Fetch the Bolt Cutters is “Shameika,” a memorable record that will surely grace a future edition of 13 Songs That Feature Proper Names in Their Title.  “But Shameika said I had potential / But Shameika said I had potential,” she sings on the infectious chorus. While Fiona doesn’t describe this Shameika as a friend, she certainly had an influence on her – one of many stories that adds to the sheer excellence of Fetch the Bolt Cutters. Throughout, she recounts her experiences as a child, not to mention throwing in a colorful lyric inspired by bassist, Sebastian.  Musically, the listener is blessed with acrobatic piano lines, and quick, rhythmic, and playful melodic lines. Sometimes, they’re not even melodic – chanted, spoken word.  This is art pop with a lot of approaches idiomatic of jazz.  Fancy totally tickled!

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5. The Rolling Stones, “Living in a Ghost Town”

“Living in a Ghost Town” • Promotone B.V. • 2020

“Once this place was hummin’ / And the air was full of drummin’ / The sound of cymbals crashin’ / Glasses were all smashin’.” The key takeaway from the chorus of “Living in a Ghost Town” is that now everything is literally dead.  Honestly, this ghost town that The Rolling Stones describe via “Living in a Ghost Town” perfectly captures the way life feels during the coronavirus pandemic. While Mick Jagger makes it clear “Living in a Ghost Town” wasn’t inspired by the coronavirus pandemic, it feels appropriate for times such as those. He told Apple Music, “It was written about being in a place which was full of life but is now bereft of life so to speak.”

“Living in a Ghost Town” has ample pros.  First and foremost, the lyrics, though not inspired by COVID-19, perfectly capture how the world feels and what they’ve experienced.  “Life was so beautiful / Then we all got liked down,” Jagger sings on the first verse, continuing, “Feel like a ghost / Living in a ghost town.” The second verse is also very representative of the times, with Jagger adding, “So much time to lose / Just starin’ at my phone / Every night I am dreamin’ that you’ll come and creep in my bed / Please let this be over, not stuck in a world without end, my friend.” Lyrically and thematically is where The Rolling Stones’ bread is buttered. 

Lyrics and theme are the crowning achievements.  But, there’s even more excellence! Mick Jagger is very much, well, Mick Jagger!  He sings well, infusing plenty of personality.  The instrumental is incredible, with ripe guitars, a robust bass line, and groovy drums. Throw in harmonica, and the musical sickness is undeniable.  This is old school, bluesy, traditional rock-n-roll, yet it sounds so incredibly refreshing. “Living in a Ghost Town” is just what the doctor ordered.

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6. Ricky Dillard, “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Choirmaster • Motown Gospel • 2020

Gospel standout Ricky Dillard joined by a mass choir and an anointed countertenor (Thomas Allen), delivers a record for ‘times like these’ with “Let There Be Peace on Earth (Live)”, an advance from his 2020 album, Choirmaster. 2020 has proven to be quite the turbulent year – not the way anyone anticipated commencing a new decade.  The biggest shocker has been the heartbreaking and deadly COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the entire world. What better time, hence, to petition for ‘peace on earth?’

Dillard’s rendition of “Let There Be Peace on Earth” yields amazing results. Honestly, you don’t have to be a believer to arrive at that takeaway.  The mass choir rendition finds the spirit is lofty, led by the compelling, technically sound Thomas Allen. The arrangement also deserves recognition, opting against merely being tried and true version, expanding beyond. If you’re in need of music to help assuage and sooth anxiety, doubts, and troubles, particularly given the turbulence of 2020, “Let There Be Peace on Earth (Live)” is definitely worth adding to your listening rotation. Worth noting, “Let There Be Peace on Earth” was featured as the third track for Somber Sunday, which appears in the weekly playlist, Weekly Gems No. 3: Week of 4-13-2020. Additionally, this gem appears among 11 Captivating Songs About the Earth – Well – Some of Them and 10 Songs That Capture and Embody the Pandemic.

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7. Tyga & Curtis Roach, “Bored in the House”

“Bored in the House” • Last Kings / Columbia • 2020

“Okay, I’m bored in the house and I’m in the house bored / Bored in the house and I’m the house bored.” Hmm, that’s, um, definitely enthralling stuff Curtis Roach.  Here’s the thing, though.  Roach and Tyga are actually ‘relatable’ on the utterly dumb, minimalist banger “Bored in the House”. Both rappers were bored AF, so they decided to make us all less bored with the minimalist, COVID-19 banger, “Bored in the House.” Does either rapper say anything noteworthy? Absolutely not, but with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting everybody in 2020, well “Bored in the House” definitely has more relevance than it ordinarily might.

“Bored in the House” hearkens back to the skeletal bangers of old (Think “Wait (The Whisper Song)”).  After Roach ‘brings it on home’ with the chorus and the utterly repetitive post-chorus (“I’m bored, bored…”), Tyga goes into his usual, sexed-up spill.  Naturally, he “Need [him] a thick chick” because he’s “Sittin’ on the couch… goin’ through Netflix.”  Even if he’s ‘healthy at home,’ he still thinks with his penis: “At home like Depot, ayy (Depot) / She gon’ suck it like mosquito, ayy.” Yeah, really rousing stuff there…

 Roach gets his own verse to play up the effects of COVID-19, totally setting the mood: “I’m in the crib like an infant / With some Badu playin’, burning incense.” I would argue he has the more intriguing verse, with lines like “I’ma socialize at a distance / I’m living my best life, minding my business” and more specific examples of epic boringness that often eludes busy celebs like “Ramen noodles every night for my din-din / Hulu, binge watchin’ episodes of Ben-10.”  Sure, “Bored in the House” goes hella dumb – but, it definitely fits the times.  Transcendent it’s not, but hey, we all need something to lift our spirits.

“Bored in the House” previously appeared on playlists 15 Boring Songs That Are Totally Exciting and 10 Songs That Capture and Embody the Pandemic. Additionally, it was featured as the third track for Wacky Wednesday, which appears in the weekly playlist, Weekly Gems No. 3: Week of 4-13-2020.

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8. Wallows, “OK”

“OK” • Atlantic • 2020

Wallows, comprised of Dylan Minnette, Cole Preston, and Braeden Lemasters – dropped a groovy alternative smash with “OK”.  Yes, it arrived March 20, 2020 if we’re being technical, but this is one of those exceptions! On “OK,” Minnette shows off the beauty of his pipes, including some falsetto, sigh.  It’s safe to say, his vocals are locked in.  Besides the prowess of the singer himself, the melody, particularly on the chorus, is quite tuneful.

The words are pretty sweet too:

“There’s no need to explain
I know what you gonna say
‘Cause you say, ‘Goodnight,’
If you think that’s alright
There’s no need to explain
I know that we can relate
Can we get up and try to feel okay again?
Can we get up and try to feel okay again?”

Later, the bridge is incredibly distinct – gimmicky and a bit novel. Thematically, “OK” encompasses insecurities in a relationship, and ultimately embracing it, per a newsletter from the band.  While all of that’s worth noting, arguably, it’s the sound and vibe that truly makes “OK” a treat.  Musically, there are so many pros.  The colorful palette comprised of keyboards, synths, and guitar is pretty sweet. The groove – well – it’s awesomeness just goes without saying. The harmonic progression isn’t incredibly complex, but a couple quirks give make it a major player in the song’s overall success.  Ultimately, “OK” thrives off of its strong vocals, colorful production and musical elements, and thoughtful, relatable songwriting.

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9. ROSALÍA, “Dolerme”

“Dolerme” • Columbia • 2020

“For all those times I put myself second / And I changed what I wanted for you what you wanted…” Grammy-winning Latin pop musician ROSALÍA is awesome to the nth degree.  After killing it on her previously released 2020 single, “Juro Que”, she’s on-point once again on “Dolerme”.  “Dolerme” serves as another great example of the sheer artistry of the Spanish singer/songwriter.  It’s always fascinating to read the translations of a Spanish exclusive record.  “Dolerme” certainly possesses its fair share of colorful lyrics, with ROSALÍA possessing the personality to sell these lyrics.  On “Dolerme,” she sings about her EX.

On the pre-chorus, she’s blunt AF: “Those bitches you got now, baby, they don’t know / What awaits them…” Da-yum!  On the chorus, the ‘hurt’ inflicted upon her seems too shift from him to her:

“I don’t know why he doesn’t want to hurt me anymore
I accelerate to see if I can crash
I want you to see it, don’t try to stop me
And so, you can show me that you could forget me…”

Wow. In addition to the lyrics, “Dolerme” is quite sublime in about every other way.  From a vocal standpoint, ROSALÍA owns her upper register, sounding incredibly refined and sweet. Musically (instrumentally), the Grammy-winner is backed by a chill production, led by rhythmic guitars.  Honestly, it’s all pretty compelling. Sure, she’s emotional as albeit – hurt, angry, and sad – but her pain is our listening pleasure, as messed up as that may sound. “Dolerme” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Totally Relatable Songs About Exes.

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10. Declan McKenna, “The Key to Life on Earth”

Zeros • Tomplicated • 2020

Declan McKenna has proven himself to be wise behind his years.  In 2015, he released the accomplished single, “Paracetamol”, a stunning socially conscious record surprisingly coming from a 16-year old.  He wouldn’t stop there, eventually releasing a brilliant EP, Liar (2016) before unveiling a superb but totally underrated full-length debut album, What Do You Think About the Car? in 2017. His 2020 sophomore album, Zeros, arrives via Tomplicated Records, and includes the impressive, earth-referencing single, “The Key to Life on Earth.”

“The Key to Life on Earth” excels across the board.  First and foremost, Declan McKenna is a star, delivering bright, expressive, and energetic vocals. McKenna possesses a degree of rawness, which easily cuts through the production.  He’s also assisted by some pretty sweet, multitalented background vocalists: Nathan Cox (also keyboards, xylophone, and bass), Isabel Torres (also guitar), and Gabrielle King (also drums). The production is bright and shimmering, bursting with energy.  Like Declan’s vocals, the enthusiasm level is high.  What stands out specifically is the tone color and timbre, particularly the keyboards and guitar.

The vocals are great, and the instrumental is great too, so, that leaves lyrics and theme.  As expected, McKenna brings in some socially conscious elements.  He sings about young people in England:

“Holy smokes
You kids and your jokes
Asking where we got our jeans and where the hell we found our coats
‘Cause dirty streets these days are graced by Nikes of black and green
And headstrong boys in chinos barely grasp what that could mean.”

Also, he references being ‘trapped’ because, “They’ve got it in for me”:

“We’ve been held back for after-school meetings
They’ve got it in for me
For all it’s worth
The key to life on Earth
Jokers, happy go xenophobe locals
Have got it in for me
For all I’m worth
The key to life on Earth.”

The outro is quite a treat too. Honestly, Declan McKenna is ALWAYS a treat, and “The Key to Life on Earth” is a prime example. #Winning. “The Key to Life on Earth” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Captivating Songs About the Earth – Well – Some of Them.

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11. Ledisi, “Anything for You”

“Anything for You” • Listen Back Entertainment / BMG Rights Management • 2020

It wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that Grammy-nominated R&B singer Ledisi (Ledisi Young) has one of the most powerful voices in the game.  For years, Young has been preserving the ‘sanctity’ of old-school, grown-folks R&B.  While this hasn’t made her ‘trendy’ by any means, she is incredibly respected – quite revered.  Young ‘brings the heat’ once more on her soulful single, “Anything for You”. 

“Anything for You” is Ledisi at her best, period.  Rex Rideout produces with Young, and as in the past, the results are excellent.  No, the wheel is not reinvented on this throwback, adult contemporary R&B record, but the nostalgia of that gospel-tinged, highly soulful sound can’t be written off.  The introduction, led by its lazy piano sounds hearkens back to the D’Angelo gem, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”. If you’re a lover of neo-soul, you feel like you’ve hit the jackpot here.

Adding to the allure of course is none other than Ledisi, who sings like a beast. Always a powerhouse, she gives us a little bit of everything here.  She exhibits vocal control, but also knows when to ‘let her rip.’  The nuances and the runs are absolutely everything.  The one part of “Anything for You” not touched upon? The songwriting.  Here, Young is willing to do anything for you, best exemplified by the memorable, emotional chorus:

“I’ll do anything for you (I will do anything for you, you)
Heart and soul, I
I’ll do anything for you (You are my life)
My life (One means us two)
Yeah, yeah, I’ll do anything
Anything for you.”

Just to reiterate, “Anything for You” is Ledisi at her best, period. For those who love vintage, retro-sounding music, this is everything.

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12. Aaron Avis, “Bad Bitch Walk”

“Bad Bitch Walk” • Arctic Spell • 2020

“Some days I wish / I didn’t turn out like this / One month’s pride doesn’t heal this slit / So you stonewall strong when you feel this shit.” Those clever, compelling, emotional, and thought-provoking lyrics, appear on a must-hear single entitled “Bad Bitch Walk”. “Bad Bitch Walk” arrives at the hands of Aaron Avis, an artist who I also had the distinct pleasure of interviewing. During that interview, Avis provided ample insight into his life, discussing trauma, mental health, and sexuality. He characterizes the record as “a very personal and vulnerable account of the feelings surrounding coming out as bisexual. It expresses the pain, anger, and spiteful confidence that grew as I started accepting myself.”  Even had Avis not provided commentary, it’s clear listening to “Bad Bitch Walk” that there’s no BS here – there are real, legit emotions being conveyed.  Easily among the more powerful songs that tickled my fancy in April 2020.

“Well, I guess the F word was wet in my drip
Fuck off, I’m beyond being pissed
I just laugh when I see straight cis
In the face straight sick, since the queer came in.”

The lyrics and theme represent the biggest selling points. Sexuality never tends to be a boring topic. Lyrically, Avis masterfully incorporates aspects of the queer world along with awesome wordplay. He doesn’t stop there, delivering a number of ‘bullets’ including certain perceptions you might say:

“Not a pussy or a fag while the chest stays closed
I keep my legs dead straight
I hid my femme shake
I can def speak straight
That’s how we relate.”

Amazingly, that’s merely the first verse – this is a record with so much to unpack. Moving ahead, on the chorus is where we get the bitching titular line, but not before Avis asserts, “Lord, don’t make me clean,” sigh.  And just to mention the second verse, that’s where we get overtness about coming out.  Quite telling: “And dudes that you would hang out before you came out / Hardly can look at you the same now.”  Lyrically, “Bad Bitch Walk” is a surefire work of art.  Musically, it’s also pretty sick.  Avis is spot on when he asserts “‘Bad Bitch Walk’ is heavily influenced by emo trap, pop, and gothic rock.” It’s in a minor key, features a rhythmic melodic line, and some badass guitars. “Bad Bitch Walk” is definitely a vibe.

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13. Sam Smith & Demi Lovato, “I’m Ready”

“I’m Ready” • Capitol • 2020

“I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready / For someone to love me.” Yep, those simple lyrics appearing on the chorus pretty much sum up “I’m Ready”.  “I’m Ready” encompasses matters of the heart – tried and true subject matter.  That said, adding magic to familiarity in this particular instance is a superstar collaboration – Academy Award and Grammy-winning artist Sam Smith and Grammy-nominated artist Demi Lovato.  For the first time, these two powerhouse vocalists come together on this soulful, contemporary pop number.

 

As aforementioned, the theme is pretty familiar on “I’m Ready.”  Still, that doesn’t inhibit it from being potent. Both Sam Smith and Demi Lovato are ‘ready’ to take a risk on love.  Smith sings, on the first verse, “It’s a cold night in my bed in the heat of summer / I’ve been waitin’ patiently for a beautiful lover…” For Smith, a good man is hard to come by, but they’re willing to take chance – “I gotta take that risk tonight.”  The case is the same for Lovato on the second verse, who contrasts the summer of Smith’s verse with winter: “It’s a hot night in my head in the chill of the winter.”  For most of the song, Smith and Lovato sing independently of one another, both a pro and con.  They do sing together on the final line of the final chorus though.

Besides the awesome vocals, the production is quite ripe (Ilya).  This is among the more modern-sounding, sleek records from Sam Smith specifically. Even as slick as “I’m Ready” is, the gospel-infused choir remains intact – a clear pro for both they and her. Ultimately, “I’m Ready” is relatable, well-performed, well-produced, and well-written.

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14. Joji, “Gimme Love”

Nectar • 88rising / 12Tone Music • 2020

After releasing two marvelous singles (“Sanctuary” and “Run”) in advance of his sophomore album, Nectar, Joji (George Miller) drops another gem with “Gimme Love”.  “Gimme Love” incorporates cues of alternative R&B but transcends beyond such. This unique record commences with intense, pummeling electronic drums, unique vocals that serve capacity as a layer of the production (“Oh’s”), and of course keyboards/synths, mixed farther in the background.  Post-intro, Joji introduces the repetitive but highly effective chorus, singing airy, chill fashion, and never perspiring – at least it doesn’t sound like it!

“Gimme, gimme love, gimme, gimme love
…When I’m gone, when I’m gone.”

Could he make it any clearer what he desires? From there, on the verse, he sings in more low-key fashion, and honestly, he’s more abstract lyrically.  Still, he has his direct moments and, he’s truly longing: “You leavin’ me here with ashes and fire.” After the chorus, we get quite a surprise, as “Gimme Love” makes an about face.  The sound becomes more amorous, lush, and spirited.  There’s more of an acoustic element. Thematically, Joji remains focused on his heart (hers too) while serving up contrasting lyrics.  Call it an outro or bridge if you will – it separates itself from everything else:

“Look into your heart and let me know
Do things turn black and gray as you go?
When I’m far too gone, can you show me love?”

“Gimme Love” is successful thanks to the production (Bekon, Miller himself, and The Donuts), beautiful, expressive vocals, and relatively simple but relatable songwriting and theme. Impressive – I’m tickled fancy!

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15. Jeremy Zucker, “Julia”

Love is not dying • Republic • 2020

“Julia” arguably lays claim to the best advance single from love is not dying, the 2020 debut album from pop artist Jeremy Zucker. On “Julia,” Zucker reminisces on a now defunct relationship. The record is true to the singer/songwriter’s style – it’s never overblown or overwrought regarding the production, sound, or even the vocal performance.  Even though it never gets too high, “Julia” never sounds safe, stoic, or underwhelming; there’s a great sense of balance and space. Zucker does a terrific job using space on this nearly four-and-a-half-minute record, balancing cooler and warmer moments.

“You saw me sing last week / I was hopin’ you might ask / ‘Is this one about me?’ / but how could you just say nothin’ at all?” Thematically, as aforementioned, matters of the heart drive “Julia.” Zucker recalls a relationship, with Julia that’s no more. “Julia, I’m through with ya,” he sings on the chorus, adding, “Thought we’d never see the sun fade / Now we’ll never see that shit shinin’ / Did we use to fear the dark days / ‘Cause now I’m dancin’ in the moonlight…” Poetic, expressive, and emotional to say the least.  Though I mentioned the balance, it should be noted that Zucker does rise to the occasion vocally when the oomph feels right. Similarly, the music does the same. “Julia” is another winner from Jeremy Zucker.  The personal nature of this record is quite relatable, while the name of the ex-lover is unimportant. Still, Julia has quite a nice ring to it. “Julia” previously appeared two playlists: 11 Totally Relatable Songs About Exes and 13 Songs That Feature Names in Their Title.

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Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: April 2020 [Photo Credits: 12Tone Music, 88rising, Arctic Spell, Atlantic, BMG Rights Management, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Columbia, Epic, Fueled by Ramen, Interscope, Last Kings, Listen Back Entertainment, Motown Gospel, Pexels, Pixabay, Promotone B.V., RCA, Republic, The Musical Hype, Tomplicated]

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