Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: August 2020 | Playlist 🎧

1. Cardi B, “WAP”

Ft. Megan Thee Stallion

“WAP” • Atlantic • 2020

“There’s some whores in this house! / There’s some whore’s in this house!” If you thought that “WAP”, the one song everyone’s been talking about and reacting to throughout August 2020 wouldn’t appear at the top of AWESOME SONGS THAT TICKLED MY FANCY, I don’t know what you were thinking! Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are known for their fiercely, sexed-up personas, and “WAP” shows them straight-up flexing. Sure, an argument can be made that both rappers flaunt sexuality too much to a distasteful extreme.  That said, there’s also an argument to be made that they champion women having the same abilities to desire and discuss pleasure the way men have for some time.

Modesty is never the modus operandi, with “whores” being the first word of the song on the intro (the record samples “Whores in This House” by Frank Ski). Cardi B asserts at the end of the intro, “Wet-ass pussy, make that pullout game weak, woo.” She goes on, on the chorus to speak about the wetness, while on the first verse, asserts, “Hop on top, I wanna ride / I do a Kegel while it’s inside.” As for Megan Thee Stallion, on the second verse, she begins with a bang: “Gobble me, swallow me, drip down the side of me / Quick, jump out ‘fore you let it get inside of me.”  It doesn’t stop there as both have additional verses with absolutely shocking, highly sexual lyrics. The ‘freaky’ perspective won’t be relatable or win everyone over but give them credit for such a raw joint that at least temporarily distracted us from all the bad beats in the world.

2. Mariah Carey, “Save the Day”

Ft. Ms. Lauryn Hill

The Rarities • Columbia • 2020

Celebrating 30 years in the game, Mariah Carey drops The Rarities in October 2020.  Sure, The Rarities comprise of unreleased tracks, but we get a ‘brand-new’ gem out of the mix via “Save the Day”. Save The Day” not only has one legendary musician, but two: Ms. Lauryn Hill. Hill arrives via sampling – “Killing Me Softly” (Fugees).  While it’s not a traditional, brand-new duet, the way that the sample is wove in is utterly brilliant. Elements of the remake of an iconic classic shine through “Save the Day” consistently. This definitely allows the record to hearken back to Mariah Carey’s own heyday, the 90s, where the majority of her classics can be found.

Carey, who is 50 years old (can you believe it), sounds incredibly strong throughout “Save the Day.” That, my friends, is the biggest takeaway. There has been some criticism of the abilities of her voice as she gets older and past her lucrative prime, but she’s still quite potent here.  Furthermore, this recording doesn’t play it conservative – we get the full range of Carey from the lows to those soaring, dynamic highs. All I’ve got to say regarding “Save the Day” is Mimi, u betta sang gurl!

3. Omar Apollo, “Stayback”

“Stayback” • Warner • 2020

Shirtless Omar Apollo on the cover artwork of “Stayback” suggests his new single is intended to have a sexier vibe. The young, handsome, and gifted Mexican American musician captivates on the short, but sweet and incredibly soulful “Stayback.” The recurring lyric, “I can’t help that you been on my mind, confirms the love-centric nature of the record.  Furthermore, check out the music video – a wild party and Apollo locking eyes with a former lover (or something along those lines) – and you’ll get the gist.  2:40 is ample time for him provide us with a soulful hit, diving into R&B, alternative R&B, and neo-soul. Amongst the cool sounds are distorted guitar, a rad guitar solo (Omar’s guitarist, Oscar), and a robust bass line. The groove is simple but incredibly effective, anchoring the record down superbly.

Vocally, Omar sounds utterly sublime; he excels in this vibe, without questions.  His falsetto is ripe, while his playful delivery is incredibly alluring.  As far as the songwriting, the catchy chorus is definitely the centerpiece:

“You know I been feeling you since way back
But I couldn’t even make the words to say that, say that
If I could switch bodies you know I’d change that, change that
But you could never love me so stayback, stayback.”

Omar remembers a relationship from the past but also seeks to move past it, having his former lover “stay back.” Essentially, his love issues/pain/plight are our listening pleasure – definitely an awesome song that tickled my fancy in August 2020!

4. Miley Cyrus, “Midnight Sky”

“Midnight Sky” • RCA • 2020

“The midnight sky is the road I’m takin’ / Head high up in the clouds (Oh, oh).” So many Miley Cyrus singles of late have left me desiring more. “Midnight Sky” finally finds this talented musician showing her superstar power.  All boxes are checked off on “Midnight Sky,” expected to appear on her forthcoming album, Plastic Hearts.

“Midnight Sky” is written and produced by some of the best in the game. Notably, “Midnight Sky” samples “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks, nothing short of an awesome choice.  Obviously, the sample alone signals another about face for Miley: ‘disco-pop.’ Most importantly, “Midnight Sky” features aggressive, assertive vocals from Miley Cyrus.  Her instrument has always been her best weapon; she has a distinct, cutting, powerful voice. She uses her vocals to command this fresh, yet retro dance/disco pop number.  Well written, it features a straightforward, easy navigable form. Cyrus delivers her most passionate vocals on the chorus:

“I was born to run, I don’t belong to anyone, oh no
I don’t need to be loved by you (By you)
Fire in my lungs, can’t bite the devil on my tongue, oh no
I don’t need to be loved by you.”

5. Troye Sivan, “Rager teenager!”

In a Dream (EP) • Capitol • 2020

“Rager teenager!” is arguably the crowning achievement from In a Dream (EP), the 2020 EP by South African/Australian pop sensation Troye Sivan. OZGO (Oscar Görres) spoils us with his production skills with lovely warm pads, big, pummeling drums, and a great harmonic progression. Troye’s sound is ‘liberated’ throughout, particularly the pre-chorus and chorus. His vocals are top-notch, sounding incredibly masculine, expressive, and sexy simultaneously.

Examining key sections, the pre-chorus might be the best.  It’s more dynamic than the chorus, and establishes the ‘liberated’ sound:

“I just wanna go wild
I just wanna fuck shit up and just ride
In your car tonight
In your bed tonight
I just wanna sing loud
I just wanna lose myself in a crowd
In your arms tonight
Or in his arms tonight.”

The pre-chorus is varied each time, keeping things fresh and providing variance. The chorus remains the same each time with no variation. Calmer, it’s potent as well: “Hey, my lil’ rager teenager / Tryna figure it out…”. Besides those two sections, the instrumental outro is a nice touch. Great singing, great writing, and great production makes “rager teenager!” a gem.  The swear words also give it a little more pizzazz!

6. The Killers, “My Own Soul’s Warning”

Implode the Mirage • Island • 2020

The Killers get off to an electrifying start on their 2020 album, Implode the Mirage. Opener “My Own Soul’s Warning” is a prime example of an awesome song that was tailor made to tickle one’s fancy. The record is the exemplification of ‘go big or go home!’ The production is epic and turned up to the nth degree.  Furthermore, front man Brandon Flowers is locked-in and from the jump.

Flowers shows poise on the verse, but kicks things up a notch beginning with the pre-chorus (“I tried going against my own soul’s warning / And in the end, something just didn’t feel right”). He absolutely soars on the chorus, flexing his gorgeous tone as well as how truly powerful and potent he can be.

“But then I thought I could fly
And when I hit the ground
It made a messed up sound
And it kept on rattling through my days
And cutting up my nights
Like a goddamn knife
And it got me thinking, no matter how far
I just wanted to get back to where you are.”

7. Billie Eilish, “my future”

“my future” • Darkroom / Interscope • 2020

Grammy-winning alternative pop musician Billie Eilish returned with “my future”, a single that serves up familiarity as well as a couple new wrinkles from the wunderkind. Eilish, who is known for her subtlety, continues in that vein, but does opt for more optimism compared to her music of the past. She remains hypnotic when it comes to her vocal performance – you are drawn into every lyric and every note she sings.  That particularly notable on the first half of the song which is slow and quite indulgent. Here, Eilish shows her ability to deliver balladry sans gospel histrionics or breaking a sweat.  It’s subtle, yet quite beautiful and successful.  As always, her bro, FINNEAS, has her back, with marvelous production work.

Perhaps the biggest surprise, beyond the optimism (“‘Cause I’m in love / with my future / Can’t wait to meet her…”) is a change of pace.  Had Billie Eilish kept going with balladry, “no future” would’ve still been a winner.  The contrast, adding a sick groove and picking up the tempo, was very thoughtful and unexpected ultimately. All in all, “my future” is another winner from this talented teen, period. Fancy tickled!

8. Juice WRLD, “Smile”

Ft. The Weeknd

Legends Never Die • Interscope • 2020

“Smile” is another prime posthumous example where Juice WRLD is in top-notch form.  If you are going to open the vault following a high-profile musician’s death, you want the material to be quality.  “Smile” is high quality by all means. He drops a fantastic chorus at the top, very much representative of his emo-trap, melodic-driven style.  The first time you hear the chorus, you know it’s a B-O-P.  Beyond that, Juice delivers a familiar but highly effective verse which references his demons and his love for his girlfriend. “I’m sad that I can’t satisfy,” he raps on the first verse, continuing, “Yeah, I pray that I get it right this time / Maybe we’ll be alright.”

Hard to find a more suitable collaborator for Juice WRLD than The Weeknd; this is a perfect match.  As always, Abel Tesfaye brings emotion, sex, and those silky-smooth tenor vocals.  “When our skin is touching, I need drugs to love you,” he sings, continuing, “You want so much more from me, but I can only fuck you.” Yep, that’s The Weeknd.  Both musicians get quite a boost from sleek production work courtesy of Cxdy, Nick Mira, and Taz Taylor. Ultimately, this late addition to Legends Never Die is pretty awesome to say the least.

9. Alicia Keys, “So Done”

Ft. Khalid

ALICIA • RCA • 2020

Half of the singles Grammy-winner Alicia Keys released in advance of her delayed seventh studio album, ALICIA have been socially conscious.  That’s positive.  That said, it’s nice to see the awesome, fancy-tickling “So Done” move away from that direction, giving Keys that desperately needed more ‘commercial’ record. Enlisting Khalid for the assist shows Keys, a true OG of R&B, willing to assimilate and evolve, at least to some extent.

“So Done” features a lovely harmonic progression, which helps to construct a chill, sensual, and soulful sound. The production is strong with guitars serving as the main accompaniment.  The sound is throwback but also refreshing in 2020. The biggest reason why it’s a winner for Keys is her voice. Keys has had her share of vocal imperfections with some of her later album releases (compared to her early classics), but she sounds strong here. Furthermore, I like the vocal chemistry that she has with Khalid. She ensures that she’s the star, with Khalid serving masterfully as a role player in the overall timbre.

10. The Neighbourhood, “Cherry Flavoured”

Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones • Columbia • 2020

Prepare for your fancy to be tickled once more! Though a bit quirky, Jesse Rutherford and The Neighbourhood deliver quite the alluring, charming, vibe-laden record with “Cherry Flavoured”. “Cherry Flavoured” appears a promo single and sixth track from the band’s forthcoming album, Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones.

With The Neighbourhood songs, you’ve got to appreciate that aesthetic and vibe are quite important.  That’s the case here on “Cherry Flavoured,” where we have a detuned pad and acoustic rhythm guitars that help establish a ‘druggy’ sound.  That druggy sound appears to be by design as ‘highness’ is mentioned throughout the record.  We get the first taste of it on the very brief first verse when Jesse sings, “Sweet and sour motivation / Wish I could keep concentration.” Of course, he doesn’t as the chorus addresses his unhealthy high… That said, the refrain, a distinct section that follows the post chorus speaks of a more positive high:

“Cherry flavoured conversations with you
Got me hanging on
Down to Earth from all the waiting
Take me somewhere beyond.”

It seems as if Rutherford and company could be referencing fans and those who love them as opposed to potentially destructive drugs.  The second verse is longer and more dynamic than the first, fitting given the progression of the record itself.  It’s followed by the chorus, post-chorus, and an abbreviated refrain – wacky form to say the least.  An outro, which is an about face, concludes this intriguing, unique record.

11. Fousheé, “Deep End”

“Deep End” • 2020

Fousheé seems destined to do big things, period. The R&B singer is on [autopilot] from the start of “Deep End”. This brief record – a mere two minutes and 21 seconds – is incredibly potent.  Backed by a vibe-filled backdrop, “Deep End” is fresh, moody, and set in a minor key. Primarily R&B, there are hip-hop sensibilities, which only make things fresher.  It commences with an intro, which eventually becomes the chorus (the crowning achievement).

“I been trying not to go off the deep end
I don’t think you wanna give me a reason...”

Fousheé gives us commanding, expressive, and nuanced vocals.  Furthermore, she conveys a big personality, which speak to her artistry.  She’s classy but also unafraid to bring in some ‘stank.’ Sung vocals dominate, however, she’s equally effective when she ‘busts a rhyme.’ “Deep End” previously appeared on 13 Deep Songs Where the Depth is Real.

12. EARTHGANG, “Powered Up”

“Powered Up” • Dreamville / Interscope • 2020

If you need to be ‘powered up,’ what better way to do so than an EARTHGANG track right? Right! “Powered Up” features some crazy-@$$, banging production that is perfectly suited to the rap collective. The backdrop definitely sets the tone for “Powered Up,” which is nothing short of a banger! Doctur Dot raps the first verse.  His confidence is through the roof: “Overflowin’ with the sauce, I’m never holdin’ back, I’m goin’ / In my coffin, middle finger pokin’ through the casket.” Whoa – still able to flip the bird despite being deceased!

As for Johnny Venus, he delivers the simple and repetitive, but highly effective chorus: “I’m powered up, it’s now or nothing.”  Can’t go wrong with that! Furthermore, Venus raps the second verse – a prime example of eccentric genius:

“Baby doll, break a leg, electric lady, power sex
Sippin’ on the sun and a cup of Windex
Cause she ain’t really seen none like me yet
Cannibalistic, animal instinct, you n***as hurt and Jesus wept.”

Bars, bars, and more bars ladies and gentlemen! Hence, an awesome song that definitely tickled my fancy in August 2020!

13. Brandy, “Borderline”

b7 • Entertainment One • 2020 

There is some serious tension on “Borderline,” among the top tier of b7, the comeback album by Grammy-winning R&B singer, Brandy. On the five-minute-plus “Borderline,” listeners are treated to gorgeous, lush, harmonized vocals.  Perhaps more notably, listeners easily perceive the love pain experienced by the singer.

“Heart drops to the floor / ‘Cause there’s no you and I,” she sings on the fourth verse, continuing, “Maybe in another lifetime (Right place) / Caught me at the wrong time (Wrong time).” If nothing else, one appreciates the consistent authenticity and personal nature of the lyricism throughout b7.  Honestly, there were a number of ‘awesome songs that tickled my fancy’ from the album.

14. Joji & Diplo, “Daylight”

Nectar • 88rising / 12Tone Music • 2020

“Right now, laying here alone is heaven.” Hmm, that’s not usually the sentiment when it comes to sleep sans a lover but that’s the case with Joji on “Daylight”. Collaborating with Diplo, “Daylight” is the fourth single from his sophomore album, Nectar. Diplo taps Greg Kurstin and Maximillian Jaeger for the assist with the production.  Those big names all provide Joji with a solid backdrop to fuel his fire.

This record sounds quite different from the previous singles released in advance of Nectar, which is a selling point. As for Joji, he’s on autopilot addressing the topic of love – breaking up/heartbreak. Sure, he claims not to care – “I’m not layin’ in bed with a fucked-up head” – but clearly, the breakup has affected him.  He even says so on the pre-chorus prior:

“And I’ve been a hero, helpless
I’m in hell
And I’ve cried up and down in these hallways
Blamed myself.”

Basically, with “Daylight,” it’s the idea that you’re fine that things have ended, yet, you still experience pain or at least a bad memory. He makes it clear how different he is from his ex, who’s “Hiding on the FM radio / I sing along just to sing my thoughts at someone.”

15. BTS, “Dynamite”

“Dynamite” • BigHit Entertainment • 2020

BTS have carved out ample success in the United States. Quite prolific, the boys are back with something they’d never done before – a single performed exclusively in English! That’s right, there’s no need for any translation on “Dynamite”. “Dynamite” is hella likable, thanks to being carefree, positive and sunny to the nth degree.  The vocals are incredibly potent, particularly the falsetto.  The lyrics are fun, with tongue-n-cheek and some gimmickry with repetition.

The crowning achievement, unsurprisingly, is the catchy, infectious chorus; it instantly gets stuck in your head!

“‘Cause I, I, I’m in the stars tonight
So watch me bring the fire and set the night alight (Hey)
Shining through the city with a little funk and soul
So I’ma light it up like dynamite, woah-oh-oh.”

Also, worth praising is the sleek production, something we’ve come to expect from BTS and K-Pop music in general.  This contemporary disco-pop single is a nice blend of retro, modern pop and contemporary R&B – sweet! Furthermore, I must say, I appreciate the key change that comes at the end of the record; we only rarely get modulations in pop music these days.  Fancy tickled!

16. Travis Scott, “The Plan”

“The Plan” • Warner Bros. Entertainment • 2020

Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott shines on “The Plan”, which appears on the 2020 Christopher Nolan film (and soundtrack), Tenet. “The Plan,” indeed, sounds like a record tailor-made for a soundtrack. Production work by WondaGurl and Ludwig Göransson help to construct this genius bop!

“The Plan” features an enigmatic intro. It’s intense, rhythmic, and unsettling, set in a minor key.  Upon a first hearing, I asked myself, what the hell is happening? Post tone-setting intro, the listener is even further off-put, with those wild, pitched vocals by Travis Scott.  Without listening closely, or cheating by checking out the lyrics, initially, he sounds unintelligible. Of course, said lyrics are actually the chorus, with the clearest words being the titular lyric: “You don’t know where we stand / It’s true / Know the plan.” After things settle in, the magic of “The Plan” is, revealed in all its glory. Scott starts dropping some bars that are easy to discern and certainly entertaining. Not deep, there are definitely noteworthy moments:

“Close the opera
Hear the red and blue outside, I think our option’s up
I recrossed it ‘round the map, I had to line it up...”

17. Surf Mesa, “Somewhere”

Ft. Gus Dapperton

“Somewhere” • Astralwerks • 2020 

Seattle, WA electronic musician Surf Mesa (Powell Aguirre) caught my attention by chance – thanks Spotify. The 20-year-old released his debut EP bedroom, in 2019.  Since bedroom, Aguirre has released a couple of singles, including the ‘awesome song that tickled my fancy’ at hand, “Somewhere”. On “Somewhere,” he taps the unique singer Gus Dapperton.

“Somewhere” is an enjoyable record from start to finish.  The production by Surf Mesa is well-rounded, suited to Dapperton’s vocal style.  Aguirre constructs a sleek backdrop, characterized by sugary sweet synths, warm pads, and anchored by an infectious groove.  Dapperton completes the painting that Aguirre begins bringing colorful, expressive vocals and lyrics to the table.  Dapperton reveals the cards at the beginning; the chorus is the first section we hear:

“By the stroke of my hand
I’ll never hold you again
Go and save that love for someone
For something, for somewhere
And by the weight of my head
I’ll always drown in regret
You saved that love for someone
For something, for somewhere.”

It’s pretty catchy and relatable with love fueling the fire.  From there, Gus provides the details of the narrative.  It’s all about the breakup. Things are broken between two former lovers and Gus is bummed about it to say the least. All in all, there’s lots to like about this joint.

18. Bazzi, “Crazy”

“Crazy” • Atlantic • 2020

Cutting straight to the chase, the brief single “Crazy” is among the best I’ve heard from pop singer Bazzi (Andrew Bazzi) to this point. It commences with a ticking clock, followed by Bazzi accompanied by old-school piano chords. The production isn’t merely limited to clock and piano, there are a number of intriguing ideas, with the best yet to come. Vocally, Andrew is quite expressive, serving up a heaping dose of swagger.

Bazzi’s best moment is undoubtedly the chorus, where his falsetto is ripe AF:

“Bitch, you crazy
How’d you get so out of your mind?
Tell me, baby
When did this get so out of line?
Don’t understand, it’s so wild
It’s like a child that’s in denial
Bitch, you crazy (What?)
How’d you get so out of your mind?
Mind, mind, mind.”

It doesn’t stop there though. I like the fact that he throws some spoken-word lyrics during the second verse, further amplifying his personality:

“A world on fire and you couldn’t care less
‘Til we can’t take a breath (Oh no)
And the air in our chest is some air full of death (Oh-oh)...”

“Crazy” is successful for a variety of reasons. The vocal performance is chief amongst them.  Furthermore, it’s quite accessible, with an easy navigable form, on-point production, and a sweet, utterly sublime chorus. HYFR my fancy’s tickled!

19. Nas, “Ultra Black”

Ft. Hit-Boy

King’s Disease • Mass Appeal • 2020 

“Ultra Black” featuring Hit-Boy, finds Nas exuberant in celebrating blackness. On this gem from King’s Disease, the rapper is backed by more ‘old-school’ production, which always seems to suit him, honestly. Interestingly, for a man not known for hooks he drops one here.  Perhaps the chorus isn’t the catchiest thing you’ll ever hear, but it’s moderately catchy. Celebrating blackness is the big takeaway as Nas cites specific notable blacks and things associated with ‘the culture.’ 

One truly clever lyric comes near the end of the second verse: “Hall & Oates, I can’t go for that / Motown Museum, Detroit, I’m ultra black.” Essentially, the rapper doesn’t want the ‘culturally appropriated’/whitewashed version – no disrespect intended – he wants the legit, black and proud version.  I debated several songs to include from King’s Disease honestly, ultimately settling on the promo single which is perfect for time such as these.

20. Myylo, “Bored to Tears”

“Bored to Tears” • Myylo • 2020

“And from the minute I hit it I felt we should be friends / I think I need something different and this isn’t isn’t it / Don’t feel the sparkies or fireworks when I’m kissing him…” Oh Myylo, you can make even the most bored, mundane days “shine bright like a diamond.” It’s true, the Nashville-based pop musician seems to churn out those bops like they’re nothing.  Of course, what makes those bops especially potent is the subject matter: BOYS (Exhibit A ⬆). After pulling off the quarantine LGBTQ+ bop “Kissing on Your Dad”, he does it again with “Bored to Tears”, sure to leave you anything but bored!

With Myylo, we know we’re going to get boys – that box is always ticked off the checklist.  What we never know is what a new song will sound like.  He’s awesome at surprising us even if we can predict the subject matter.  On “Bored to Tears,” we get a dash of urban-pop production.  The beat is definitely idiomatic of modern music times with its hip-hop/trap sensibilities. Has he ever gone this hard?  Even with those hip-hop cues and electronic synths, this is still very much a pop song. As always, Myylo doesn’t underwhelm in the attitude department.  He gives us playful vocals and lyrics.  In this case – as you read in Exhibit A at the 🔝, he’s “Bored to tears /…with these boys round here.” Amen – hallelujah! As always, we get even more fun, particularly the bad date with the “Hank in a tank with a nip slip” from the gym. Fancy tickled!

21. Lecrae, “Deep End”

Restoration • Reach • 2020 

“I’ve been tryin’ not to go off the deep end / Give me a reason / I’ve been tryin’ not to.” John Summit – we definitely don’t want you to do that! Summit, by the way, is sampled on “Deep End,” the sixth track on Restoration, the 2020 studio album by rapper Lecrae.  The sample has been slowed down compared to the original, with additional dramatic production by MrWriteNow.

Lecrae delivers an awesome flow – something we’ve come to expect from the rapper over the years.  He sounds agile, expressive (vocal inflections, breaths, etc.), and incredibly energetic. On “Deep End,” he’s open and honest about wrestling with faith, and about his feelings regarding the issues plaguing the world (racial inequality, police brutality, coronavirus).  Of course, the big takeaway is that God prevented him from going ‘off the deep end’ and has helped him and continues to help work through all of this.  Sure, “Deep End” is spiritual like most Lecrae songs, but also, he keeps things fresh and interesting, particularly with the woke pop cultural references (“Yeah, I might go crazy / I might go MJ back in the 80s”). “Deep End,” just like the aforementioned “Deep End” by Fousheé, previously appeared on 13 Deep Songs Where the Depth is Real. Fancy tickled!