Border | 5ive Songs

1. Brandy, “Borderline”

b7 • Brandy Nu, Inc. / Entertainment One U.S., LP • 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

2. Tame Impala, “Borderline”

The Slow Rush • Modular Recordings Pty Ltd / Island • 2020

Tame Impala reworked “Borderline” compared to the original single released in advance of The Slow Rush. The drums are hard hitting and quite potent. Groove bodes well in Kevin Parker’s favor throughout the LP.  Furthermore, the keyboards are also hard hitting, remaining firmly planted throughout this four-minute standout.  Vocally, the listener gets a heaping dose of falsetto, further enriched by the band’s most beloved studio effect, reverb.  “Borderline” also gives Parker another golden chorus, with lyrical variations throughout.

“We’re on the borderline
Caught between the tides of pain and rapture
Possibly a sign
I’m gonna have the strangest night on Sunday.”

3. Ed Sheeran, “South of the Border”

Ft. Camila Cabello & Cardi B

No.6 Collaborations Project • Warner • 2019

“South of the Border” arrives as the second song off of No.6 Collaborations Project, the 2019 studio album by Grammy-winner Ed Sheeran. On “South of the Border,” he enlists Camila Cabello and Cardi B for the assist. As title and personnel suggest, Sheeran opts for a fun, Latin-tinged pop joint.  It is well organized in regard to form, and quite catchy from the start, especially the chorus.

Cabello continues to ‘kill it’ in a featured role, exhibiting marvelous chemistry with Sheeran on the chorus/bridge sections.  As for Cardi B, she provides a welcome contrast, keeping it tasteful, sans the “Legs open, tongue out, Michael Jordan” line.  Still, “South of the Border” isn’t, um, merely about geography…

4. Ariana Grande, “Borderline”

Ft. Missy Elliott

Sweetener • Republic • 2018

Pharrell Williams serves as a producer on numerous songs from Sweetener, the fourth studio album by Ariana Grande.  Among the tracks he helms is “Borderline.” Here, the beat is sick – a surefire catalyst for head nodding and foot tapping, period. Perhaps the bigger news is that Missy Elliott is a featured guest – ICONIC! Of course, the person who I’ve least mentioned is the lead artist, Ariana Grande! As always, she sounds exceptional and exhibits plenty of personality.

“Baby, I just want you to be mine
Won’t you give me a bit o’ your time? Oh, whoa
Chasin’ you, no, I won't stop tryin’
Just meet me at the borderline.”

5. Solange, “Borderline (An Ode to Self Care)”

Ft. Q-Tip

A Seat at the Table • Sony • 2016

“Borderline (An Ode to Self Care)” (featuring Q-Tip) represents another powerful moment from A Seat at the Table, the 2016 studio album by Solange. A Seat at the Table is engrained with social issues, particularly those tied with the black experience. On “Borderline,” she “takes an intermission” from the issues that have been plaguing the world and focuses on taking care of herself and her own. She’s not neglecting mind you; she’s ensuring she’s in a good place mentally with everything going on. She confirmed this mindset on “Borderline” via an interview from W Magazine.

“You know I have the world to think
And I know I gotta go ahead and take some time
Because the last thing that I want
Is think that it’s time to leave the borderline.”