Elements of Art, Illustrated Via Song | Playlist 🎧

1. Ryan Beatty, “Dark Circles”

Dreaming of David • Mad Love / Interscope • 2020

Element of Art: Shape

In 2020, Ryan Beatty released his sophomore album, Dreaming of David.  One of the standouts from the record, “Dark Circles”, perfectly fits the elements of art concept of this list (shape, baby!). There is plenty to about this circle-tinged record. First and foremost, it can be described as hypnotic and unique, exemplifying and embodying the alt R&B sound.  Interestingly, expressive, pitch shifted vocals are used throughout as opposed to standard, expected vocals – nothing ‘vanilla’ here in the least. Contributing to the sound is colorful production work courtesy of Austin Anderson and Daniel Fox Anderson and Fox also co-write alongside Beatty.  The colorful production work consists of unique synths, rhythmic drum programming, and thoughtful harmonic elements.  “Dark Circles” concludes in satisfying fashion thanks to the excellent fade out.

Although nearly five minutes in duration, “Dark Circles” is quite compelling.  Adding to the allure? The songwriting of course.  “I swear, if I could give you up, I would erase you,” Beatty sings on the second verse, continuing, “Get you out of my mind (He is all I think about).” Ah, there’s that openness from Boy in Jeans once more – I 💓it! There’s more of course, such as “I don’t have the bones to be free / I believe in love when he confesses himself inside me,” as well as the fact that Beatty “Never wanna be someone else’s lover.” “Dark Circles previously graced 11 Circular Songs Sure to Keep You Goin ‘Round in Circles.

2. Charli XCX, “pink diamond”

how I’m feeling now • Warner UK • 2020

Elements of Art: Color; Shape

“pink diamond” is the first indication that how i’m feeling now – the ‘quarantine’ album by Charli XCX – is quite a trip. The ‘raw’ nature of the LP begins here. The synths are wild – totally in your face.  Furthermore, when there is a groove, it’s also quite aggressive and feels like it’s going to pummel the shit out of you. Of course, it also technically covers two of the elements of art: color (pink) and shape (diamond). Now that’s education right there!

Okay – returning to the focus of “pink diamond.” Charli actually isn’t turned up to the same overt degree as her backdrop, yet manages to capture the same emotion – weird, but true.  Here, her lines are fast-paced, rhythmic, and chanted/pop-rapped.  If it does nothing else, “pink diamond” sets the tone.

3. Roddy Ricch, “The Box”

Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial • Atlantic • 2019

Element of Art: Forms

Because boxes are part of forms when it comes to the elements of art, any of the 13 songs featured on Don’t BOX Yourself in With These 13 Songs could’ve reappeared on ELEMENTS OF ART, ILLUSTRATED VIA SONG. Well, ultimately, I reprised only two including the former Billboard Hot 100 no. 1 hit by Roddy Ricch via Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial,   “The Box.”

“The Box” is a contemporary classic, wouldn’t you say? It begins with the endearing, signature vocal sample by Ricch, before he goes H.A.M. on the absolutely memorable chorus:

“Pullin’ out the coupe at the lot
Told ‘em, fuck 12, fuck SWAT
Bustin’ all the bells out the box
I just hit a lick with the box,
Had to put the stick in the box, mmh
Pour out the whole damn seal, I’ma get lazy...”

You get the idea – you might even have it all memorized at this point! All of that over terrific, minor-key production by 30 Roc and Datboisqueeze.  And what about that fierce Ciara sample (“Love Sex Magic”)? Beyond the chorus, Roddy Ricch is on autopilot on the verses as well.  What does he rap about? Drip, violence, sex… normal rap 💩 essentially.  Of course, with ‘the box’ being key, there’s no shortage of the sexual context, as the aforementioned chorus touches upon.  Of course, one of my favorite lines, despite being X-rated is, “She sucked a n***a soul, gotta Cash App,” hehe.

4. Victoria Monét, “Touch Me”

JAGUAR • Tribe • 2020

Element of Art: Texture

The J. Paul Getty Museum describes texture as “…The surface quality that can be seen and felt. Textures can be rough or smooth, soft or hard” and “do not always feel the way they look.” Honestly, finding a musical representation of texture, as it stands an element of art, is no easy task (texture is an element of music too, but we’re not going there in this particular case).  So, what does a playlist curator extraordinaire like myself do? Stretch and get somewhere in the ballpark of a musical example.  So, I settle on a ‘touch’ song, courtesy of 11 Marvelously Tactile Touch Songs, because there is a touch element to this element of art…sometimes!

“Went from hands on the wheel to hands on my thigh / To hands on my body in the back of the Porsche / I’m in love with your fingertips / I reminisce places you kiss / Girl, it’s been too long.” “Touch Me” appears as the ninth track on JAGUAR, the debut studio album by R&B singer/songwriter, Victoria Monét.  Monét delivers cool, calm, collected, and incredibly smooth vocals throughout the three-minute-plus joint. Furthermore, she sounds incredibly sexy in the process.  Add in ‘girl’ in the mix, and “Touch Me” becomes a stellar addition to LGBTQ+🌈 collection of songs.

Additionally, Victoria pens a set of sexy lyrics alongside Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II and B. Edmonds – great songwriting team to say the list.  Amplifying the closing cut from JAGUAR even more is slick, balanced production from D’Mile. The sound is modern yet soulful, and highly effective when it’s all said and done.  You’ll definitely be touched (and perhaps wanna be touched) after indulging into this gem from this talented R&B singer/songwriter.

5. Christina Aguilera, “Fall in Line”

Ft. Demi Lovato

Liberation • RCA • 2018

Element of Art: Line

Lines are a big, big part of art – the first element! That said, “Fall in Line”, the third advance single from Liberation, isn’t about literal lines.  Yeah, this joint which features a grinding, soulful, six-eight groove is a stretch when it comes to visual art.  That isn’t the case when it comes to a memorable, dynamic performance by Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato. Aguilera gets to work with controlled, but nuanced vocals on the first verse.  The message, aimed towards girls, is pitch perfect.

“Little girls, listen closely...
...in this world, you are not beholden
You do not owe them
Your body and your soul.”

Aguilera’s beastly vocals begin to appear on the pre-chorus, letting her pipes rip on the chorus (joined by Demi Lovato). Lovato takes the lead on the second verse, similarly, maintaining composure and poise, before spreading her wings and flying on the chorus.  The true magic occurs throughout when these two join forces, particularly the second and third iterations of the chorus.  Clearly, empowerment is the central message. “Fall in Line” previously graced the playlist 11 Songs Centered Around Lines.

6. Kacey Musgraves, “Space Cowboy”

Golden Hour • MCA Nashville • 2018

Element of Art: Space

The Virtual Instructor describes space as follows: “In terms of art, space is the area around, above, and within an object.” In terms of Kacey Musgraves and “Space Cowboy” (Golden Hour), she’s definitely going to give him his space…COWBOY! Anyways, Musgraves delivers beautiful, expressive vocals from the jump. The clarity that she sings is a major selling point.  Notably, she doesn’t employ twang, which takes away an ‘in your face’ countrified vibe.  While this is clearly a country song, it has a wider appeal than most because it doesn’t feel forced.

Musically, on “Space Cowboy,” the country cues happen naturally, particularly the subtlety and timely appearance of steel guitar. What does the title mean? Ultimately, Musgraves speaks about breaking things off, best evidenced by the chorus.

“You can have your space, cowboy
I ain’t gonna fence you in
Go on, ride, away in your Silverado
Guess I’ll see you ‘round again
I know my place, and it ain’t with you
Well, sunsets fade, and love does too
Yeah, we had our day in the sun
When a horse wants to run, there ain’t no sense in closing the gate
You can have your space, cowboy.”

“Space Cowboy” previously appeared on the playlist, 10 Alluring Songs That Reference Cowboys.

7. J Balvin, “Blanco”

Colores • Universal Music • 2020

Elements of Art: Color

Latin music saw a substantial uptick in popularity in the United States beginning in the second half of the 2010s.  J Balvin has become one of the most popular artists in Latin music. He’s been quite ubiquitous, collaborating with fellow Latin artists (Bad Bunny, ROSALÎA, etc.) and non- Latin musicians (Beyoncé, Cardi B, and Liam Payne) alike.  His colorful sixth studio album, Colores, is all about him. With consistently positive results, it was hard to pick only one colorful song. So, how about the absence of color, “Blanco” (“White”)?  

“To any net I score (goal) / Like Cristiano Ronaldo / Throw me the beat that I deliver (pew, pew) / Hands up, this is an assault / This is not mass, but I came in white…” That’s definitely electrifying stuff right there! J Balvin concludes Colores with the fiery banger. “Blanco” shines thanks to its hip-hop sensibilities (within the Urbano Latino umbrella).  The production by Sky Rompiendo and Dee Mad is minimalist yet potent, while Balvin never has any shortage of swagger, let alone sex appeal.  Exhibit A: “For real, made in Medellín, eh / I give it to you without you having to ask for it.”  “Blanco” previously appeared on the playlist, Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: March 2020.

8. ODESZA, “Line of Sight”

Ft. WYNNE & Mansionair

A Moment Apart • Counter • 2017

Element of Art: Line

“And I don’t learn, no I don’t learn / It’ll all be fine this time / And I don’t learn, no I don’t learn / Cos you always seemed so kind.” Electronic duo ODESZA concocted a gem in 2017 with Grammy-nominated dance record “Line of Sight”, featuring WYNNE and Mansionair. “Line of Sight” is a highlight from their Grammy-nominated sophomore album, A Moment Apart.  Also, it’s another loose associate with the elements of art, specifically, line (had to throw that in there).

“Line of Sight” has a brilliant ambient, enigmatic quality that initiates the record.  The groove is superb as well. The tone of the lead vocal (WYNNE) is marvelous. The first verse has a pleasant nebulousness, contributing to the enigma initially. The chorus, excerpted above, is catchy and well-rounded. The breakdown section is well executed, following the chorus, while the second verse is more stable. By this point, the record has become firmly established, anchored by drums, warm synths, and continually appealing vocals. The outgoing section of “Line of Sight” serves as one of its finest moments.

“Help me out, don’t let me down
I could learn from you
I could learn from you.”

“Line of Sight” previously appeared on 11 Songs Centered Around Lines.

9. Ledisi, “88 Boxes”

The Truth • The Verve Music Group • 2014

Element of Art: Form

So, earlier I said I chose two songs from Don’t BOX Yourself in With These 13 Songs to fit the element of form, via boxes on Elements of Art, Illustrated Via Song.  That’s where Ledisi and her “88 Boxes” come into play. Ledisi Young is an extremely talented but underrated R&B singer. The Truth, from which “88 Boxes” hails, did manage a no. 14 on the Billboard 200.  But, let’s get focused on the song itself, shall we?

“I was trying to pretend that the end wasn’t coming
Prolonging the inevitable
In love with what used to be
You loved yourself much more, much more than me.”

On the stellar “88 Boxes,” Ledisi feels as if her relationship – her life – has become nothing but boxed-up memories.  It’s over and it’s done – she wasted her time. “88 Boxes I counted / My life it went from years to 88 boxes,” she sings on the chorus.  If The Truth were lacking in innovative spirit, “88 Boxes” infuses some using familiar, truly authentic scenarios.  Of course, besides the terrific, minor key production (Ivan Barias and Carvin Haggins), we also get nuanced, powerhouse vocals from Ledisi – always a plus!

10. Carrie Underwood, “Two Black Cadillacs”

Blown Away • 19 Recordings Limited / Sony • 2012

Element of Art: Color

“And the preacher said he was a good man / And his brother said he was a good friend / But the women in the two black veils didn’t bother to cry…” Carrie Underwood is at her best when she’s able to exhibit ‘that attitude.’ While the song at hand, “Two Black Cadillacs” doesn’t get the same love of the likes of “Jesus Take the Wheel”, “Before He Cheats”, or “Last Name”, in my personal opinion, it ranks among the crème de la crème of her catalog.  The narrative-driven number appears as the third track on her excellent fourth studio album, Blown Away (2012).

From the onset, “Two Black Cadillacs” sounds magical, instantly engaging the listener. There is a mysteriousness and sketchiness about the production, which sets the tone before Carrie Underwood sings a note. There is a clearly defined rhythmic groove, but it’s understated which bodes well. Of course, the narrative of the song is utterly superb with Underwood setting things up perfectly the first verse:

“Two black Cadillacs driving in a slow parade...
One is for his wife
The other for the woman who loved him at night
Two black Cadillacs meeting for the first time.”

Later, the second verse expounds upon what went down – “His wife called the number on his phone / Turns out he’d been lying to the both of them for oh so long…” Of course, on the bridge, it’s clear the women secretly conspired, “Shared a crimson smile and just walked away / And left the secret at the grave.” Regardless, the centerpiece is the chorus, excerpted at the beginning of the blurb. It continues, depicting the feelings of the two women:

“...Yeah, they took turns laying a rose down
Threw a handful of dirt into the deep ground
He’s not the only one who had a secret to hide
Bye bye, bye bye, bye bye.”

“Two Black Cadillacs” previously appeared on 11 Incredibly Intriguing, Totally Black Songs and 10 Absolutely Alluring Songs About Cars.

11. Post Malone, “Circles”

Hollywood’s Bleeding • Republic • 2019

Element of Art: Shape

“Seasons change and our love went cold / Feed the flame ‘cause we can’t let go / Run away, but we’re running in circles / Run away, run. Away.” “Circles” sounded starkly different from the previous advance singles released in advance of Hollywood’s Bleeding, the third studio album by Post Malone.  Here, Post Malone opts for a more pop-centric direction, one that makes the record sound mostly, if not completely, removed from hip-hop.  Also, gotta throw the whole shape, elements of art angle in there…

There is no rapping from PM whatsoever, only singing, intact with that ever-unique vibrato.  As a pop song, “Circles” is pleasant, quite sunny in sound, and respectable. It’s not surprising that it’s experienced the pop success that it has, reaching no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The theme is about the ever familiar, relatable topic of love, specifically, fading love. Ah, those “seasons [do indeed] change.” “Circles” previously appeared on 11 Circular Songs Sure to Keep You Goin ‘Round in Circles.