Chains⛓… | 5ive Songs

Reading Time: 4 min read

On the 20th edition of 5ive Songs, we select five songs that are about or associated in some form or fashion with CHAINS ⛓.

On 5ive Songs, we (I) keep things short and sweet – no extra calories or needless fluff. There’s a topic, five songs, and a short blurb that doesn’t exceed a paragraph. Yes, it’s a playlist, but it’s a miniature playlist that shouldn’t take much time to consume. On this edition of 5ive Songs, we select five songs that are about or associated in some form or fashion with CHAINS ⛓.

1. Nick Jonas “Chainsaw”

Last Year Was Complicated • Island • 2016

“Chainsaw” appears as the fourth track from Last Year Was Complicated (2016), the second ‘mature’ solo album from Nick Jonas. The breakup song finds Jonas clearly unhappy. “Maybe I’ll just take a chainsaw to the sofa / Where I held your body close for so long, so long,” he sings, adding, “I’m gonna break the fucking china / Cause it’s just one more reminder you’re gone, you’re gone.” Damn! Nick is a scorned man who feels the need to destroy everything that reminds him of their former love.

2. Katy Perry, “Chained to the Rhythm”

Ft. Skip Marley

Witness • Capitol • 2017

“Chained to the Rhythm” ranks among the elite moments from Witness – it’s the crème de la crème. Katy Perry needed this moment obviously, given the meh nature of the album overall. The groove is infectious, while the production successfully blends urban- and tropical-pop. Lyrically, this song is catchy and thought-provoking; the verses are socially and politically relevant. Skip Marley only plays a small role, never overshadowing Perry. The chorus propels “Chained to the Rhythm” to the next level.

3. Wale, “Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece)”

The Gifted • Atlantic • 2013

“Jesus piece Jesus piece Jesus piece / But don’t nobody want know Jesus’ peace.” Wale delivers some clever wordplay on “Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece),” which appears on his 2013 album, The Gifted. Sigh, it wasn’t all about those “Clappers” (“Shawty got a big ol’ butt,” haha). “Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece)” is a material versus spiritual effort. The play on words is “piece” versus “peace” as in Jesus piece (golden jewelry/chain) and Jesus peace (more golden salvation).

4. Aretha Franklin, “Chain of Fools”

Lady Soul • Atlantic • 1967

“Chain, chain, chain / Chain, chain, chain / Chain, chain, chain / Chain of fools.” Aretha Franklin. “Chain of Fools.” Lady Soul (1967). Enough said, right? This is one of the best, most iconic gems from the late soul singer’s collection. She bring attitude, sassiness, and powerhouse vocals as she sings about a no good, trifling man. Aretha, you should’ve left that fool alone!

“You told me to leave you alone
My father said, ‘come on home’
My doctor said, ‘take it easy’
Oh, but your loving is much too strong.”

5. Nick Jonas, “Chains”

Nick Jonas • Island • 2014

“You got me in chains, you got me in chains for your love / But I wouldn’t change, no I wouldn’t change this love.” Before pulling out the chainsaw, young Nicholas Jonas was already chained up on his self-titled album released in 2014. The seductive “Chains” marked a grown and sexy, more mature Nick Jonas than we’d seen previously. His voice, particularly his falsetto, is incredibly ripe. The urban-pop vibe is perfect. And the lyrics – sexy as hell!

“With her wine-stained lips, yeah she’s nothing but trouble
Cold to the touch but she’s warm as a devil
I gave all my heart, but she won’t heal my soul.”

Chains⛓… | 5ive Songs

Published by the musical hype on August 14, 2020August 14, 2020

On the 20th edition of 5ive Songs, we select five songs that are about or associated in some form or fashion with CHAINS ⛓.

1. Nick Jonas “Chainsaw”

Last Year Was Complicated • Island • 2016