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“Champions Only: 9 Songs That Are #Winning” is composed of music courtesy of Carrie Underwood, Fall Out Boy, and Jay Rock among others.

“We are the champions, my friends / And we’ll keep on fighting, till the end / We are the champions, we are the champions / No time for losers ‘cause we are the champions… of the world.”  Just like the Queen gem is #winning, there is no room for any pessimistic, #losing records on this playlist.  Keeping it short and sweet at a tight, ultra-selective nine tracks, Champions Only: 9 Songs That Are #Winning is composed of music courtesy of Carrie Underwood, Fall Out Boy, and Jay Rock among others.

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1. Carrie Underwood, “The Champion”

Ft. Ludacris

The Champion – Single • Capitol Nashville • 2018

Grammy-winning country artist Carrie Underwood returned “invincible, unbreakable, unstoppable, unshakable” on the energetic, uplifting pop record, “The Champion”. She doesn’t do it all by herself – she’s assisted by Grammy-winning rapper, Ludacris.  The first thing that listeners will notice is the attitude and grit exhibited vocally. Underwood exhibits utmost feistiness and intensity.  Rather than being smooth, she’s resolute, proven on the epic chorus.

“I am invincible, unbreakable / Unstoppable, unshakeable / They knock me down, I get up again / I am the champion, you’re gon’ know my name / You can’t hurt me now, I can’t feel the pain / I was made for this, yeah, I was born to win / I am the champion.”

Jim Jonsin does a great job with the urban-pop production. Ludacris adds some southern rap on the third verse, keeping things clean, positive, and tasteful.

“The C is for the courage I possess through the trauma / H is for the hurt, but it’s all for the honor / A is for my attitude working through the patience…”

Perhaps the record is a bit sappy, but the good vibes and uplifting, winning message is undeniable.

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2. JayRock, “WIN”

Redemption • Interscope • 2018

“You either with me or against me, ho!” That’s that heat – the cockiness and confidence – that Jay Rock brings to the mic on closing “WIN”, the closing cut from his 2018 album, Redemption.  Part of the “Win” for Jay Rock is the production of the record. The listener is spoiled with a spirited, minor-key brass loop, as well as hard-nosed, trap drums.  The backdrop is perfect fuel for Jay’s flex-fest, beginning with a confident hook.  The hook is cliché, but definitely perfect for turning up.  The same can be said of Jay Rock’s verses, which are nothing ‘brand-new,’ but worthwhile ultimately. He does have some clever moments, not to mention every reason to celebrate #winning.

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3. Fall Out Boy, “Champion”

M A N I A • Island • 2018

“Champion, champion / And I can do anything!” That’s that winning spirit Fall Out Boy! “Champion”, the second advance single from M A N I A, wasn’t quite a God-save for Fall Out Boy following the sketchy “Young and Menace”.  That said, the record is and was better-rounded and more enjoyable without question. Patrick Stump delivers a more understated approach, thoughtful approach to the vocals on the verse. Naturally, he powers through on the chorus, which is catchy, despite a lack of deep or flashy lyrics: “If I can live through this / I can do anything!” The production is well-rounded; the focus on guitars as opposed to synths is a plus for the band.

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4. Charlie Wilson, “In It to Win It”

In It to Win It • RCA • 2017

On “In It to Win It,” the legendary Charlie Wilson reflects on the hardships of his childhood in Oklahoma – being called names (“lil’ n**** boy”), being told he’d be nothing, and slipping up with drugs (“‘Cause I did end up on the streets at one point in my life doin’ drugs and alcohol”).  Despite his hardships, he shows his determination to overcome adversity to be his best.  Like many songs on his 2017 LP In It to Win It, the title track is uplifting – built upon positive, feel-good vibes.

“‘Cause I’m in it to win it / I’m gonna reach to the top / Nothing’s gonna make me stop.”

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5. Luke Bryan, “Win Life”

What Makes You Country • Capitol Nashville • 2017

“Well, I don’t know it all / Hey, but I know how it feels / To be the guy that’s trying to come back from behind / Just trying to win life.” Luke Bryan concludes his 2017 album What Makes You Country with “Win Life,” a reflective cut about living his best life.  Throughout the course of the song, Bryan makes it clear he’s a normal guy (or at least that the character he plays), has had his share of mistakes and missteps, but just wants to live to the best of his abilities. “Just be more drunk in love and habits kicked / More miracles than magic tricks.”  After all, Trix are for kids!

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6. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, “Come and Be a Winner”

Soul of a Woman • Daptone • 2017 

“Come and Be a Winner” is a relatively short joint from Soul of a Woman, the final studio album by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings. It clocks in at under three minutes.  It embraces funkiness and ‘the art of groove.’ Even with a foundation built upon electricity, Sharon Jones never over-sings, packing just the right amount of punch and pushing at the appropriate moments. On this uplifting record, Jones makes it clear that losing isn’t possible.

“So, take some time, understand / Life’s a race for each and every man / Sometimes people will treat you like a worn-out shoe / But they don’t know that you can’t lose / Come and be a winner.”

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7. Meek Mill, “Wins & Losses”

Wins & Losses • Atlantic • 2017

“As I walk through the valley with my ladder in flex / I’m the realest n***a in it, I just happen to rap.”  In July 2017, energetic Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill returned with his third studio album, Wins & Losses. More often than not, the wins on Wins & Losses outweigh the losses – he’s way above .500. Title track “Wins & Losses” opens the album energetically with ample intensity.  Perhaps it doesn’t trump the mean, kickass “Lord Knows” that kicked off Dreams Worth More Than Money, but it definitely comes close.  As always, Meek Mill goes H.A.M. “Couldn’t tell me shit when I was broke, fuck they gon’ tell me now?”

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8. Panic! At the Disco, “Victorious”

Death of a Bachelor • Fueled by Ramen • 2015 

“Tonight, we are victorious / Champagne pouring over us / All my friends were glorious / Tonight we are victorious.” “Victorious” was a single from Death of a Bachelor, the Grammy-nominated, fifth studio album by Panic! At the Disco.  A fierce opener, “Victorious” sets the tone. Brendon Urie serves up a heavy dosage of left-of-center lyrics, robust vocals, and epic production work.  “Victorious” is quirky, incredibly spirited, and #winning.

“Oh, we gotta turn up the crazy / Livin’ like a washed-up celebrity / Shooting fireworks like it’s the Fourth of July / Until we feel alright / Until we feel alright.”

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9. Kim Burrell & Pharrell Williams, “I See a Victory”

Hidden Figures: The Album • Columbia • 2016

“I See a Victory” is a winning track from the first listen. It is an intriguing mix of contemporary gospel and urban contemporary. Call it the rare gospel record including 808s. Pharrell Williams’ production is unique as always. Kim Burrell delivers a lovely, nuanced vocal performance, perfectly suited for this cut with her commanding vocal presence. Furthermore, she receives sound support from the choir. The bridge is handled by the choir, allowing her to perform her signature, golden, jazzy runs.

“They’ll call it a mystery / But we’re gonna call it victory / We’ll be writing history / It’s gon’ be victory / They’ll be signs on top of signs / Just so you know the history / It’s saying victory is with me.”

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Photo Credits: Atlantic, Capitol Nashville, Columbia, Daptone, Fueled by Ramen, Interscope, Island, RCA

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