Crave | 3 or 4 BOPS

On the 3^rd edition of 3 or 4 BOPS (2022), we select awesome songs that are associated with the word CRAVE in some form or fashion.

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h, sometimes it’s better to keep things lite on the fat and calories ! That’s the goal of the miniature playlists gracing The Musical Hype.  On 3 or 4 BOPS, we select a topic or theme, choose three or four relevant songs, and provide a lit , electrifying blurb.  3 or 4 BOPS shouldn’t take too much time to consume – typically 5 minutes or less! On the 3^rd edition of 3 or 4 BOPS (2022), we select awesome songs that are associated with the word CRAVE (or CRAVING) in some form or fashion.  Without further ado, let the BOPS begin!

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1. Years & Years, “Crave”

Night Call • Polydor • 2022

Safe to say, on “Crave,” the craving is S-T-R-O-N-G for Years & Years.  The first three lines out of frontman (and sole member) Olly Alexander’s mouth: “You come in and out of my dreams / Fuck with my head / Making me crazy.” The thing is, he’s spitting straight-up facts.  However, there’s more to it than mere fantasy.

The man that Olly sings about has caused him ample love pain, yet he craves it because he “don’t ever wanna replace all the heartache / For a dream come true / The only thing I crave is the pain from you.” Is that crazy? Yes, but as we all know and can sympathize, love is a crazy thing.  He masterfully captures its effects on “Crave,” a surefire gem from his 2022 album, Night Call.

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2. Thomas Rhett, “Craving You” (Ft. Maren Morris)

Life Changes • Big Machine • 2017

“Craving You” serves as both the promo single and opener for Life Changes, the 2017 album by country musician, Thomas Rhett. It is a spirited way to commence an enjoyable, contemporary country album.  On “Craving You,” Rhett enlists Grammy-winner Maren Morris for the assist.  On this solid country-pop joint, the chemistry between Rhett and Morris is excellent.

Like many Thomas Rhett records, “Craving You” isn’t straight-ahead country.  It’s not as pop centric as some moments that have graced his career but still not traditional. Vocally, Rhett sounds polished, singing with ease during his verses. Morris joins him in the chorus, playing a bigger role towards the end of the song.  While we crave more Morris on this record, perhaps the balance is optimal as it allows Rhett to shine and not be overshadowed. Morris gets her moments with tasty ad-libs and a powerful lead-in transitioning from the bridge to the final chorus.

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3. James Bay, “Craving”

Chaos and the Calm • Republic • 2015

“And I’m craving, craving, craving something I can feel / Where do I go, what do I need, is it ecstasy or is it fear.”  My, oh my, those are some thought provoking lyrics there! They hail from Grammy-nominated, British singer/songwriter James Bay.  Bay is on the struggle bus on this electrifying opener from his 2015 debut album, Chaos and the Calm.

“Never thought the night could get so lonely

‘Til she called me up

Never thought these streets could’ve outgrown me

I guess it wasn’t enough

So, I put my faith in everyone around me

Then she sold all my stuff

Sheer and wild abandon that’s all I need

And someone I can trust.”

The spirited “Craving” certainly sets the tone for Chaos and the Calm. Here, a youthful James Bay showcases vocal grit, urgency, and a dab of falsetto. He manages to rock while adding a dash of soul for good measure, all the while “craving something [he] can feel.” Love, intimacy – you get the gist!

 

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Craving: 3 or 4 BOPS No. 3 (2022) [: Big Machine, Brent Faulkner, DistroKid, Erlian Zakia via Pexels, The Musical Hype, Polydor, Republic, Wilson Blanco from Pixabay]

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