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“Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in May 2020” features Ariana Grande, Call Me Karizma, Lady Gaga, Sinead Harnett & Todrick Hall.
Ah, it’s time to select the best songs of month: AWESOME SONGS THAT TICKLED MY FANCY IN MAY 2020! All of the songs on Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in May 2020 were released as singles or as an album track in May 2020, or whereabouts (I reserve the right to make exceptions). Musicians that made our ears perk up in the month of April include Ariana Grande, Call Me Karizma, Lady Gaga, Sinead Harnett and Todrick Hall among others. Without further ado, here are Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in May 2020 – 15 of them to be exact!
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1. Lady Gaga, “Rain on Me”
Ft. Ariana Grande
Chromatica • Interscope • 2020
“I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive / Rain on me, rain, rain…” Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande on the same track? Yes please! That’s what goes down on “Rain on Me”, the second single from Chromatica, the first new solo album by Lady Gaga in nearly four years (Joanne, 2016)! After easing up on the dance, electronic-infused pop, Lady Gaga appears to be doubling down on it with “Rain on Me.” The production is potent from the start, thanks to the services of BloodPop®, BURNS, and Tchami – what a team! Despite any preconceptions about the quality of vocals in this vein, both her and Ariana Grande deliver strong, compelling vocals. Neither play the role of background vocalists, which is sometimes the case in a dance-pop setting.
Lady Gaga fittingly asserts herself early on, delivering the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. There are ‘water works’ you might say.
“I never asked for the rainfall At least I showed up, you showed me nothing at all.”
Ariana Grande brings her high-flying, contrasting vocals on the second verse, extending upon the ‘water works’ and most importantly, being honest from an emotional standpoint. “I can feel it on my skin,” she sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “Teardrops on my face / Let it wash away my sins.” She collaborates with Gaga throughout the remainder of the song. One of the best moments is the bridge, where the positivity and uplifting vibes are a huge selling point. “Rain on Me” is a total bop with two awesome artists doing their thing – ‘doing the damn thing!’ All things are working on “Rain on Me” – great production, memorable songwriting, and excellent vocals. Fancy tickled!
2. Sinead Harnett, “Quarantine Queen”
“Quarantine Queen” • Thairish Limited • 2020
“When the world got turned upside down and we went into lockdown, life as we knew it changed catastrophically. Though there are good sides to this, ie: the slower pace, appreciating the simple things and being able to relax, the chilling question that weighs on my heart is ‘am I gonna die alone?’” What thoughtful insight that UK R&B/soul singer Sinead Harnett gives on her coronavirus inspired single, the absolutely gorgeous “Quarantine Queen”. If you haven’t previously partaken of the gift that is Sinead Harnett, well, you are totally missing out. In 2019, she released her debut album, Lessons in Love, following up with an acoustic edition of seven of its songs in 2020. But, let’s remain focused on “Quarantine Queen.”
“I don’t wanna be alone / I don’t wanna stay here on my own,” Harnett sings at the beginning of the first verse, continuing, “Every time that I look, there’s another headline on my phone.” The coronavirus pandemic definitely increases anxiety and messes with your mental health and stability, something that Harnett captures perfectly in those three lines. She goes on the expand the scope to the need for love to atone for all the bad, miscues, and misgivings. Perhaps it’s simple to some extent, but ultimately, it’s incredibly complex.
“What a time to be alive Are we all just pretending That the world isn’t ending? I’m afraid, that I ain’t done enough And if we go up above I never learned how to love.”
Wow – nothing simple about that – that’s deep, introspection right there. Continuing her characterization of this incredible contemporary soul ballad, Harnett asserts, “That worrying emotion is what brought about ‘Quarantine Queen.’ Though a sad thought, there is hope in the song from a wider standpoint – what can we as a nation learn from this time in terms of how we are living. I hope that we will change for the better, that’s really what I was getting at.”
The point is loud and clear, Sinead Harnett. Also, worth noting, besides the ‘woke’ lyricism and exquisite production, Harnett sounds nothing short of incredible. She sings with such authenticity and expression; how can you not buy what she is selling? And the bridge section – gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! This is the perfect atonement for the COVID-19 blues. Absolutely sublime! “Quarantine Queen” previously appeared on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 3.
3. For KING & COUNTRY, Tori Kelly & Kirk Franklin, “TOGETHER”
“TOGETHER” • Curb / Word Entertainment • 2020
“And if we fall, we will fall together / Together (together, together).” That’s definitely the spirit, and Australian-born, American-based Christian pop duo For KING & COUNTRY capture it perfectly on “TOGETHER”. Just to brush you up on the background of the duo, it’s comprised of two brothers, Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone. Notably, they have a famous sister, Rebecca St. James. Anyways, focusing on “TOGETHER,” the duo enlists some big-name friends for the assist on this comforting record for a pandemic, fellow Grammy winners Tori Kelly and Kirk Franklin.
From the start, “TOGETHER” is radiant; lovely production work to say the least. Also, accompanying this thoughtful, uplifting gem, there is a moving music video. The first and second verses, performed by Luke Smallbone, are a bit more subtle compared to the what comes. Even so, it’s fitting, and seems to be by design – you never want to show all of your cards early on. Afterward, Joel Smallbone takes the reins on the pre-chorus, providing a nice vocal contrast to his brother. Both sing together on the chorus, excerpted earlier, which is quite powerful. Honestly, even given its simplicity, it affects you the very first time you hear it.
Tori Kelly arrives on the second verse, delivering a more assertive performance than Luke does. With “TOGETHER” featuring short verses, she makes the most of a few solo moments. She does go onto join Joel on the pre-chorus and the chorus. Her voice sounds absolutely amazing, particularly the ad-libs. Last but not least, the bridge is ‘da bomb’ featuring Kirk Franklin and choir. As usual, Franklin serves in the ‘ministerial’ role. The big takeaway from “TOGETHER” is simply is togetherness during adversity and tough times – “We are in this together.” “TOGETHER” previously appeared on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2 and 15 Songs Where We are in This Together!
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4. YEBBA, “Distance”
“Distance” • RCA • 2020
“Take me back to the distance / Late night cooking in my kitchen /… Dirty dancing in my room / … Sending my love all over to you.” Abbey Smith, best known as YEBBA earned her first Grammy years prior to releasing her debut album. She showcases her prodigious musical talent on “Distance”, the promo single from her debut album.
“Distance” plays to Smith’s strengths – it doesn’t compromise her eclecticism or versality. While it falls under the umbrella of pop, this classy record has elements of R&B/soul, jazz, and singer/songwriter. YEBBA sings with incredible refinement, never under nor over-singing in the least. Her sense of balance and control is nothing short of amazing to the nth degree. Besides a classy vocal, she gets a production assist by one of the best of the best, Mark Ronson. Given Ronson’s hand in the production, “Distance” gets retro cues that only amplify its awesomeness – who doesn’t love to hear horns?
As far as the songwriting, the form of the song is a bit unconventional, yet maintains both order and stability. There is only one true verse, which doesn’t arrive until after a chorus and a refrain, both of which follow it in reverse order. Yeah, it’s different, yet works perfectly. The most dynamic section of this love-driven joint is the outro, where YEBBA becomes even more potent, yet still barely breaks a sweat. “I’ll be sending all my love,” she sings, continuing, “You’re the only one that I’ve been dreamin’ of, it’s true.” “Distance” is a beautiful, chill, must-hear single from this rising star. “Distance” previously appeared on the playlist, 10 Intriguing Measurement, Quantification Songs.
5. Nick Jonas, “Until We Meet Again”
“Until We Meet Again” • Island • 2020
Encouragement is vital during hard times, particularly something so unprecedented like the COVID-19 pandemic has been. Thankfully, Nick Jonas serves up just what the doctor ordered with “Until We Meet Again”, a single premiered on The Voice season finale on May 20, 2020. Beginning in 2014, it seems, Jonas suddenly became a man. I mean, he was already a man, but he ditched the bubblegum image in favor of an edgier, sexier, and more adult vibe. He’s been able to maintain it since reuniting with the Jonas Brothers. Anyways, it’s not edginess or sexiness that makes “Until We Meet Again” a bop – it’s the authenticity, messaging, and sincerity.
Ultimately, “Until We Meet Again” is a pop record, but it also incorporates soulful, gospel vibes. This is where that encouraging, uplifting sensibility comes from, coupled with the lyrics. “Wish I could reach through the distance / Show you my heart and all that I’m feeling,” Jonas sings on the first verse, capturing the anxiety and longing social distancing constructs. Even though it seems things have taken a toll, he expresses those positive vibes, from the chorus and beyond:
“So, until we meet again I’ma keep smile, smile, smile, smiling We could be miles apart But you know I’m never too far My friend, until we meet again.”
As expressed above, after the first verse, there’s essentially an elevated level of positivity. Jonas sings on the second verse, “Gonna find light for facing tomorrow,” which is far more optimistic than the first verse’s lament of distance. While the bridge highlights the potential struggles, it still seems to have eyes on the prize of those better days. “Until We Meet Again” previously appeared on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 3.
6. Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber, “Stuck with U”
“Stuck with You” • Silent Record Ventures / Def Jam / UMG Recordings, Inc. / Republic • 2020
Is there any way that an Ariana Grande / Justin Bieber duet can miss, especially considering that said duet is a fundraiser (First Responders Children’s Foundation)? No, it can’t miss nor does it miss in the least. The resulting single, “Stuck with U”, is a sensual, but tasteful and romantic quarantine record (born out of the coronavirus pandemic).
“I lock the door and throw out the key / Can’t fight this no more, it’s just you and me / And there’s nothin’ I, nothin’ I’d rather do / I’m stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you.” “Stuck with U” exemplifies soulfulness. Producers Gian Stone and Freddy Wexler help to craft the throwback sound. As far as Grande and Bieber are concerned, both artists, of course, have shown their R&B chops to some extent throughout their careers. The sound is quite old-school; much older and more traditional than both artists tend to be generally. Each artist possesses the pipes to sell it successfully. The end in particular is quite high-flying – love the vocal chemistry. The No. 1 hit previously appeared on the playlist, Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2.
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7. Brett Young, “Lady”
“Lady” • Big Machine • 2020
Country singer/songwriter Brett Young releases a meaningful, sentimental, and thoughtful record with “Lady”, paying ode to his daughter and wife. The name of the song itself doesn’t stand out – “Lady” is quite common – bug there are ample reasons to praise it. Produced by Dann Huff, “Lady” is written by Young, Jon Nite, and Ross Copperman who definitely get the job done.
“Lady” fits the country billing, never meandering from such roots. That said, as I listen to the theme and lyrics, I think more about what Brett Young is singing and conveying than genre. This is a special song that transcends genre. Yes, it showcases a truly a ‘country subject,’ but anybody who values family and the most important things in life will be moved by “Lady.” As proud as Brett feels about being her daddy, he has greater admiration for the relationship between his wife (momma) and her. The chorus is simply gorgeous:
“I hope you look just like your momma And love her like I do You’ll see close to perfect patience If you watch your every move You can always run to daddy You’ll always be my baby But, look at her, baby girl And you’ll learn How to be a lady Just how to be a lady.”
Honestly, there’s not much more that needs to be said about “Lady.” Brett Young says it all, and so eloquently. He has mad love and respect for his wife and is thrilled about how his daughter will learn to become a lady thanks to the example set by her. Powerful.
8. Kehlani, “F&MU”
It Was Good Until It Wasn’t • Atlantic • 2020
“F&MU”, marks one of the best moments from It Was Good Until It Wasn’t, the sophomore album by Grammy-nominated R&B singer, Kehlani. “We both know it’s never really goodbye / I swear it’s like we do this all the time, yeah / That shit be turnin’ me on, I cannot lie, lie…” “F&MU,” is characterized by its brevity. Even so, that’s ample time for Kehlani to be potent about love, SEX, and relationships. As the aforementioned lyrics suggests, the relationship has its fair share of issues, but ultimately, makeup sex atones.
If you didn’t figure out what the meaning of the title, well, it’s clear AF on the chorus:
“We fuck and make up like it’s Maybelline We do petty things Then mess up the sheets, yeah You be runnin’ back once we let it go I already know Did it time before (Oh).”
Sure, it’s an oversimplification to suggest that good sex fixes things, but, in the case of “F&MU,” it’s quite entertaining to hear Kehlani make the assertion. The second verse has its fair share of colorful lyrics, whether it’s the opening “Damn, it’s good, I might have to piss you off,” or “Why I gotta fuck you up to make you fuck like that.” Wow! “F&MU” is definitely steamy and fancy tickling – if fancy tickling is actually a thing…
9. Evanescence, “Wasted on You”
The Bitter Truth • BMG Rights Management • 2020
Sometimes, musicians go through extraordinary means to complete music. That’s sort of what happened with “Wasted on You”, the single released by Grammy-winning rock collective Evanescence. “Wasted on You” is definitely a product of the abnormal state of the world during a pandemic. How so? Well, “Wasted on You” was ultimately finished through a mixture of studio and remote work. Perhaps more than the song itself, the fact that such means went into completing it was reason enough to highlight it on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 3.
“Wasted on You” is definitely emotional and hard hitting. Throughout its course, we see Amy Lee balance subtler, tenderer vocals with a more overt, oomph-filled approach. As always, the sound is very ‘Evanescence,’ if you catch my drift. Piano arrives in an accompaniment role early on, with synthesizers and souped-up guitars eventually filling things out. Nick Raskulinecz certainly does a fine job of producing. The end product is strong, particularly considering the circumstances in conception.
As far as the songwriting, it’s very emotionally driven. Amy Lee is so chocked-full of pain that a degree of numbing can’t even hope to assuage the pain. “Numb my head / ‘Til I can’t think anymore / But I still feel the pain,” she sings on the pre-chorus. The chorus, which makes a reference to six feet (albeit death), is where Lee is completely ‘wasted on him,’ in the context of a sketchy relationship:
“I don’t need drugs I’m already six feet low Wasted on you Waitin’ for a miracle I can’t move on Feels like we’re frozen in time I’m wasted on you Just pass me the bitter truth.”
What is captivating about this song in relation to COVID-19 is how there are so many questions about what the future looks like. On the chorus, Lee exhibits little hope, stifled by her situation. The same can be said about the world – “Feels like we’re frozen in time.” The bridge really nails it, but also exhibits more optimism:
“Will I ever be the same? (Will I ever be the same?) Am I strong enough to change? (Am I strong enough to change)? Is it in my blood? Shield my eyes to face the day Come too far to slip away But it’s killing me to go on without you.”
“Wasted on You” is just one of many songs with a meaning that is applicable to some degree to the global pandemic.
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10. Moses Sumney, “Cut Me”
Græ • Jagjaguwar • 2020
Sometimes, it’s easy to cry foul about a lack of experimentation and innovative spirit in popular music. Conformity runs rampant and so many songs and musicians sound like carbon copies of one another. That certainly isn’t the case for Moses Sumney, who ranks among the more distinct musicians, unafraid to try new things. Sumney is a blend of multiple styles, best placed under the umbrella of music’s most eclectic genre, alternative. “Cut Me,” the ‘song of the hour,’ appears on his 2020 album, Græ.
“Cut Me” specifically could be described as an experimental soul song. The backdrop definitely hearkens back to the past, and Sumney has made clear his intentions to pay tribute to Aretha Franklin. Even though the sound is vintage to an extent, it’s certainly not straightforward. There are plenty of surprises, even with horns, piano, and standard soul instrumentation. As interesting as the backdrop is, nothing tops Moses, who delivers an incredibly colorful, playful performance. Sure, he ascends into a gorgeous, ripe falsetto, idiomatic of R&B and soul, but he takes ample risks, creating something that’s actually much newer than it is so much nostalgic.
All of that and no mention of the lyrics – isn’t that at least a component of this list? Well, the lyrics are poetic, which may be cliché, but simply put, they were so thoughtfully and carefully penned. There are no shortage of highlights, whether it’s “That’s when I feel the most alive / Masochistic kisses are how I thrive,” “Endurance is the source of my pride,” or the personal “Guess I’m a true immigrant son / No vacancies, no vacations.” As for the cutting, well, it appears on the chorus, where Sumney sings:
“Might not be healthy for me but seemingly I need What cuts me, cuts me, cuts me, cut me, cut me, cut me.”
11. Haley Williams, “Dead Horse”
Petals for Armor • Atlantic • 2020
Hayley Williams is best known as the front woman of Paramore, a band that has had ample success critically and commercially. Paramore even did something only few bands can tout – a Grammy win! In January 2020 it was revealed that Williams had a solo project in the works, Petals for Armor. Petals for Armor was released gradually (EP and single style) with the eventual three-disc, full-length project arriving on May 8, 2020. Ultimately, Petals for Armor is nothing short of a superb debut LP. Among the best songs from the album is the song “Dead Horse,” appearing as the opener from Petals for Armor II.
“I beat it like a dead horse, I beat it like a drum / Oh, I stayed with you too long / Skipping like a record, but I sang along / To a silly little song /… A shitty never-ending song…” “Dead Horse” commences Petals for Armor II with a bang, referencing William’s divorce. Once more, the listener is blessed with ear catching production. The tone of the guitar, continual robustness of the bass, and the drum groove are sublime. The aforementioned chorus is quite catchy, with Williams continuing to showcase ample personality, understandable given the personal nature of the track.
12. Trey Songz, “Back Home”
Ft. Summer Walker
“Back Home” • Atlantic • 2020
Trey Songz, assisted by collaborator extraordinaire Summer Walker, returned with an enjoyable and relatable R&B single in 2020, “Back Home”. “Back Home” depicts a love-hate relationship. There is no question about the identity of “Back Home.” It’s a contemporary R&B record through and through, featuring sleek urban production work by Chrishan and Hitmaka. The backdrop consists of a robust bass line, keyboards, and more of a ‘throwback’ R&B beat (the drum programming that dominated R&B in the aughts, to clarify ‘throwback’).
With the vibe established via the production, Trey Songz does work vocally. His tone is rich and sexy, perfectly suited for a record that embraces a love-hate relationship, with more emphasis on the love, it seems. On the chorus, he sings:
“If it isn’t love, why I keep coming back I keep coming back, back home.”
Must be love considering prior, he says, hypothetically, “Ayy, I could cuss you out, hit my side bitch / You think she flew out; I deny it.” Summer Walker excels on the second verse, providing a response to Trey’s dedication. She captures that love-hate dynamic perfectly:
“You get on my damn nerves Then I say that I’m done Then I miss you in the middle of the club By the end of the night I’m calling you drunk So, if this isn’t love.”
Trey responds with a final verse, essentially confirming that despite their disagreements, “It’s never really over” because, again, “If this isn’t love, why do I keep coming back?” All in all, “Back Home” is a solid, enjoyable contemporary R&B cut. Trey sounds terrific, as does Summer Walker. What more can you say but #winning.
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13. Todrick Hall, “Mas(k)ot”
Quarantine Queen • Todrick Hall • 2020
Like many musicians, entertainer extraordinaire Todrick Hall decided to make the best out of bad situation. Quite prolific when it comes to releasing music, he unleased the six-track EP, Quarantine Queen upon the world. As expected, it’s quite a fabulous affair. Given its inspiration and subject matter, songs from Quarantine Queen appeared on two of The Musical Hype’s pandemic playlists – Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2 and Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 3. The song at hand, “Mas(k)ot,” featuring Jerry Harris, appeared on the latter playlist.
“Prom, did they cancel this / Field trip, did they cancel this / Graduation, did they cancel this / I didn’t think they could cancel this.” “Mas(k)ot” is EVERYTHING – #FACTS. The effects of COVID-19, social distancing, and quarantining, particularly on the kids is perfectly captured on this bright, energetic Quarantine Queen opener. The lyrics are absolutely perfect, keeping things real, yet incredibly entertaining. Beyond the aforementioned introduction lyrics, there are numerous lyrical gems. Among my favorites:
“Corona, she on a spree She wanna stop everything So, dance if you’re on our team The class of COVID-19.”
Woo! That only scratches the surface, as Todrick tackles makeshift proms, “Netflix game strong,” and throws his own romantic endeavors into the mix (“I’ll take a brother with a mask, hot”). Something else that really makes “Mas(k)ot” such a fabulous, fantabulous bop is the production, which is dynamic, exuberant, and over-the-top. What a way to make the best of a global pandemic! Fancy has most definitely been tickled!
14. Call Me Karizma, “Quarantine with Me”
“Quarantine with Me” • CallMeKarizma / Arista • 2020
“Quarantine with Me” is an honest and relatable pandemic song; it gets the job done for sure. Released outside of the ‘parameters’ of this particular awesome songs that tickled my fancy, I reserve the right to make an exception on the grounds that I first heard this Call Me Karizma song in May 2020. Call Me Karizma perfectly captures all of the emotions of the devastating coronavirus situation. A prime example occurs on the first verse of this guitar-driven pop record, when he sings: “Yeah / I feel it in my gut, yeah / The media just fucks with me / Headline: ‘We’re dead.” Indeed, there’s definitely been quite a damning, unsettling nature while tuning into media coverage regarding the virus. On the second verse, he even cleverly throws in toilet paper, saying, “‘Cause the shit I’m spittin’ water…” Of course, the most important thing that Karizma references is the hardest part for everyone – missing loved ones. He, of course, has a specific love one in mind: his girlfriend.
On the intro, which excerpts the eventual chorus, Call me Karizma first informs us of his dedication, loneliness, and desire to quarantine with his bae. On the pre-chorus, after questioning potential fatality, he accepts social distancing, with one sole exception – her of course, DUH! The chorus is the centerpiece, in all its catchy, quarantine-love-driven glory:
“The world’s gone mad, a travesty But us in bed is all I need Come over, and quarantine with me (Yeah) The grocery stores are all empty But I’ve got sex and mac and cheese Come over, and quarantine with me.”
15. Ricky Dillard, “He’s My Roof Top”
Ft. Keith Wonderboy Johnson
Choirmaster • Capitol CMG / Motown Gospel • 2020
Let’s close with some chu-uchhh, shall we? Sure, gospel music speaks most to believers, but even the most unapologetic religious skeptic would be hard-pressed to deny the spirit cultivated on “He’s My Roof Top (Live)”. The fifth song on Choirmaster, the 2020 album by Grammy-nominated gospel standout Ricky Dillard isn’t brand-new. No, it’s actually an enhanced cover of a The Mighty Clouds of Joy staple, “He’s My Rooftop”, from the 1983 album, Sing and Shout. The Mighty Clouds of Joy version was funky in its own right – a progressive sound for contemporary black gospel music at the time. But we won’t focus on the iconic version – just the awesome take by Ricky Dillard, who enlists the awesome Keith Wonderboy Johnson for the vocal assist.
Where the original clocked in at five minutes, Ricky Dillard and company go eight-and-a-half minutes and man, oh, man, is it energetic, funky, and high-flying to the nth degree. Characterizing it as spirited is an understatement – it’s that potent. Lyrically, the themes are familiar and idiomatic of black gospel: God is my all, and “I’m gonna serve him.” Again, regardless whether you are particularly pious or not religious at all, it’s hard to deny the power of this song, not to mention the rooftop metaphor (“For he’s my rooftop in the rage of the storm / He’s my protector, There will never be no harm”). Fancy is totally tickled – let the chu-uchhh say yesssssss!
Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2020 [Photo Credits: Arista, Atlantic, Big Machine, BMG Rights Management, Brent Faulkner, CallMeKarizma, Capitol, Curb, Def Jam, Interscope, Island, Jagjaguwar, Motown Gospel, The Musical Hype, Pixabay, Pexels, RCA, Republic, Silent Record Ventures, Thairish Limited, Todrick Hall, UMG Recordings Inc., Word Entertainment]
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