Chemicals | 3BOPS

On the 18^th edition of 3BOPS, we select three awesome songs that are associated with CHEMICALS in some form or fashion.

On 3BOPS, we are totally dedicated to keeping things L-I-T-E! Similar to 5ive Songs, there’s a topic and a short blurb, only with THREE songs instead of FIVE.  Yes, it’s a playlist, but it’s a miniature playlist that shouldn’t take much time to consume.  On the 18^th edition of 3BOPS, we select three awesome songs that are associated with CHEMICALS in some form or fashion.

1. SG Lewis, “Chemicals”

Chemicals • PMR / Universal Music Operations Limited • 2021

“Chemicals” has a strong case for the crowning achievement of Times, the debut album by British DJ, producer, singer, and songwriter SG Lewis. “Chemicals” is incredibly assertive – that beat is overt and in your face.  Notably, Lewis produces alongside Julian Bunetta, as well as Chad Hugo ( The Neptunes).  That’s a team right there! In addition to the beat, the canvas, which Lewis paints with his own bright, sexy vocals, is quite splashy – picturesque to the nth degree.   The chorus is absolutely epic!

“But if you stay

We could always blame it on the chemicals

I might be seein’ double, but I need you both

Might be seein’ double but I need you both.”

2. Beck, “Chemical”

Hyperspace •  Capitol •  2019

Much of the synth-heavy Hyperspace, 14^th studio album by Grammy winning musician Beck, finds him collaborating with Pharrell Williams.  including the song at hand, “Chemical.” This ballad fuses R&B, alternative pop, and singer/songwriter.  It’s pretty sweet when you can blend acoustic and electronic elements as soundly as Beck and Pharrell do here. Notably, “Chemical” features an ornate backdrop.  Also, in the context of Hyperspace, like preceding songs, this is a tuneful number, with the chorus leading the charge: “I’m so high / Love is a chemical / Start it, start it again.”

Beyond the chorus, there is a terrific bridge, followed by two additional verses (a total of four), and a high-flying, can’t miss outro.  “Chemical” is arguably the song to beat on Hyperspace.

3. Watsky, “Chemical Angel”

x Infinity • Steel Wool / EMPIRE • 2016

On “Chemical Angel,” from the 2016 album, x Infinity, rapper/slam poet Watsky tackles abstaining… from prescription pills of course! “My doctor says I’m being reckless (reckless) / That quitting’s risky for my health (and I’ll fuck up my life real bad).” Here, he claims that the medicine prescribed for his epilepsy affects him as a person.

Watsky would rather take the risks associated with not taking his medicine.  That’s a real conundrum, isn’t it?  So, ask yourself this question: is this chemical really angelic or devilish?

Also Appears On :

• 18 Songs About Angels & All Things Angelic (2018)

Chemicals: 3BOPS No. 18 (2021) [: Brent Faulkner, EMPIRE, The Musical Hype, PMR, Steel Wool, Universal Music Operations Limited]