‘Bask in These 13 Wet River Songs’ features music courtesy of Adele, Breaking Benjamin, Bishop Briggs, and Frank Ocean among others. 

Sometimes, the concept for a playlist is more conceptual, such as 21 Songs Associated with the Seven Deadly Sins or Inferno: 13 Songs Representing the 9 Circles of Hell.  Other times, the concept is simpler, fueled by a word or a couple of words, such as 17 Songs Associated with the Body or 10 Urban Songs That Either Drip or Drop. On this particular playlist, the concept is latter – simple, simple, SIMPLE.  The key word that fuels the fire is river, and we’ve compiled 13 contemporary songs to fill out the playlist.  To spice things up a smidge, we come up with a slightly colorful title – Bask in These 13 Wet River Songs.  But again, this list is all about simplicity.  Adele, Breaking Benjamin, Bishop Briggs, and Frank Ocean are just a few of the artists who appear on this ultra-simple, watery, wet, river-loving playlist.

1. Breaking Benjamin, “Red Cold River”

Writers: Aaron Bruch, Benjamin Burnley, Jasen Rauch & Keith Wallen « Producers: Aaron Bruch, Benjamin Burnley & Jasen Rauch

Ember • Hollywood • 2018

Soft and Breaking Benjamin don’t belong the same sentence. Nonetheless, initially, “Red Cold River,” a song from their 2018 album, Ember, seems like frontman Benjamin Burnley is going to keep things, well soft.  Ultimately, the softness is only temporary, occurring on the introduction and recurring for brief spells during the song.  For the most part, however, Breaking Benjamin are ‘turned all the way up’ on the dynamic, minor-keyed “Red Cold River.”  The accompanying music video has a tragic storyline.

2. Bishop Briggs, “River”

Writers: Ian Scott, Mark Andress Jackson & Sarah Grace McLaughlin « Producers: Ian Brendon Scott & Mark Andress Jackson

Church of Scars • Island • 2018

There is no denying that Bishop Briggs (Sarah Grace McLaughlin) has a powerful voice on her.  She lays claim to one of the best moments from the Fifty Shades Freed soundtrack, a brilliant cover of the INXS classic, “Never Tears Us Apart.” The song at hand, “River,” originally appeared on Briggs’ 2017 EP, Bishop Briggs– EP.  Here, Briggs fuses alternative, pop, and rock in alluring, impressive fashion.  Those vocals cut like a knife, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

3. Frank Ocean, “Moon River”

Blonded • 2018

On Valentine’s Day 2018, Frank Ocean released a gem, “Moon River”. Moon River” is a well-known classic – a truly beautiful song. Frank Ocean covers it, infusing his own, distinct artistry, adding layered vocals, pitch-shifted vocals, ad-libs, and other effects, most notably reverb. A ‘one of a kind’ artist, Ocean shows why he’s special.

4. Lord Huron, “Wait by the River”

Vide Noir • Republic • 2018

Lord Huron returned in 2018 with its first new studio album in three years, Vide Noir. Stunning third single “Wait by the River” features a prominent bass line early-on, exhibiting old-school vibes.  After an air of mysteriousness complementing the robust bass line, the full-fledged soulfulness kicks in, including a marvelous upper register piano ostinato straight from the vintage bag of tricks. Frontman Ben Schneiderprovides the “the cherry on top” with his cool, yet potent vocals.

5. Mary J. Blige, “Mighty River”

Writers: Mary J. Blige, Raphael Saadiq & Taura Stinson

Mudbound • Netflix / Milan • 2017

Mary J. Blige had a fantastic 2017-18 – outside of her underperforming Strength of a Woman album that is. She was nominated for multiple supporting acting awards for her role in the film Mudbound.  In addition to Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for character Florence Jackson, she also earned nods as a songwriter and performer of “Mighty River.” “Mighty River” is the centerpiece of the Mudbound soundtrack, opening it with the utmost emotion and power.

6. Eminem, “River”

Ft. Ed Sheeran

Writers: Emile Haynie, Ed Sheeran & Marshall Mathers « Producer: Emile Haynie

Revival • Shady / Aftermath • 2017

Veteran rapper Eminem garnered mixed reactions with his 2017 album Revival.  Nonetheless, the set had its moments, including the Ed Sheeran-assisted “River.”  Sheeran serves up a repentant, well-performed chorus, the first thing listeners hear. On the verses, Eminem imparts a narrative encompassing a cheating boyfriend, vindictive girlfriend, and a one-night stand that results in pregnancy.

7. Zak Abel, “The River”

Writers: Cass Lowe & Zak Abel « Producer: Cass Lowe

Only When We’re Naked • Atlantic UK • 2017

Rising British pop singer Zak Abel shined on his debut album, Only When We’re Naked, released in the fall of 2017.  Pop-soul highlight “The River” is set in a minor key, featuring a dark, enigmatic quality.  In the context ofthe album, “The River” incorporates some of the sleekest production. Notably, it incorporates fuller production work compared to preceding cuts. The chorus is the crème de la crème – memorable and well-written.

8. Sufjan Stevens, “The Hidden River of My Life”

Writer: Sufjan Stevens « Producer: Sufjan Stevens

The Greatest Gift • Asthmatic Kitty • 2017

Stevens sings quietly in haunting fashion on “The Hidden River of My Life.” After commencing with spare production, the record grows more ornate, not to mention dynamic. Stevens still manages to retain his poise, never pushing his delicate but radiant instrument.

9. Mac DeMarco, “Moonlight on the River”

This Old Dog • Captured Tracks • 2017

“Moonlight on the River”arrives courtesy of Canadian singer/songwriter and self-proclaimed “jizz-jazz” artist, Mac DeMarco.  The lengthiest record from his 2017 This Old Dog, it’s easy to be lilted to sleep by the chill, mellow vibes and the signature detuned guitars.  DeMarco sings in cool, calm, and collected fashion, with incredible ease.  “Moonlight on the River” made an appearance on the short, ‘moonlit’ playlist 7 Contemporary Songs to Bask in the Moonlight To.

10. Alessia Cara, “River of Tears”

Writers: Alessia Caracciolo & Coleridge Tillman « Producer: Sebastian Kole

Know-It-All (Deluxe) • Def Jam • 2015

Know-It-All was a sensational debut album by Grammy-winning Canadian artist Alessia Cara.  Most of the focus of Know-It-All centers around the standard edition, specifically the likes of “Here” and “Scars to Your Beautiful.”  That’s certainly fair – those are gems.  That said, perhaps there’s a chance folks missed out on the radiant, soulful deluxe edition piano ballad, “River of Tears.” Cara serves up some of her most beautiful, mature, and nuanced vocals of the album.

11. Adele, “River Lea”

Writers: Adele Adkins & Brian Burton

25 • Columbia • 2015

With her 25 (2015), 15-time Grammy winning artist Adele earned a second consecutive Album of the Year trophy from the Recording Academy. The most decorated song from 25 was rightfully number one hit single “Hello,” but non-single “River Lea” alsoranked among the elite moments of the LP.  River Lea references a river located in England, where Adele grew up.  In the context of “River Lea,” Adele struggles with moving beyond her roots and past.

12. Leon Bridges, “River”

Writers: Austin Michael Jenkins, Chris Vivion, Joshua Block & Todd Bridges « Producer: Niles City Sound

Coming Home • Columbia • 2015

“River” concludes Coming Home, the soulful, well-rounded debut album by Leon Bridges.  On “River,” notably, Bridges sounds like he’s a 60s soul singer as opposed to a contemporary retro-soul singer.  His authenticity is indisputable – the listener connects with his emotions, amplified by the gospel cues.  Bridges never overdoes it with his singing, delivering a balanced performance.

13. James Bay, “Hold Back the River”

Writers: Iain Archer & James Bay « Producer: Jacquire King

Chaos and the Calm • Republic • 2014

James Bay made an impressive debut album with Chaos and the Calm.  For the fruits of his labor, he earned three Grammy nominations.  “Hold Back the River” – the set’s main attraction – earned one of those three nominations (Best Rock Song).  Heartfelt and well-written, Bay’s musical authenticity is unquestionable as he urges memorably, “Hold back the river, let me look in your eyes,” a sensational, poetic metaphor.