Emotional Songs Where It’s All About the Feel, Vol.  1, features songs courtesy of BJ the Chicago Kid, Clairo, Kehlani, Lauv, and The Weekend.

Consider the playlist at hand, EMOTIONAL SONGS WHERE IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FEEL something of a follow-up to a 2018 playlist, 14 Songs Where Musicians Are ‘In Their Feelings’.  Because there are so many emotional songs where it’s all about the feel, instead of creating one gargantuan list, I prudently decided to divide the list into volumes! EMOTIONAL SONGS WHERE IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FEEL, VOL. 1 features songs courtesy of BJ the Chicago Kid (“Feel the Vibe”), Clairo (“Feel Something”), Kehlani (“Feels”), Lauv (“Feelings”), and The Weekend (“Can’t Feel My Face”) among others. Without further ado, let’s get all EMOTIONAL with the FEEL of this intriguing playlist!

1. Lauv, “Feelings”

~ how I’m feeling ~ • AWAL • 2020

Lauv (Ari Leff) gets emotional on “Feelings”, one of many singles released in 2019 appear on his 2020 debut studio album, ~how I’m feeling~. ~how I’m feeling~ follows up the pop musician’s playlist album, I met you when I was 18., which featured gems including “I Like Me Better” and “Paris in the Rain”.  It’s safe to say, the pop singer/songwriter is totally ‘in his feelings’ on his “Feelings.”

Lyrically, “Feelings” is relatively simple and straightforward, yet relatable and quite effective.  On the first verse, Lauv shows a sizable amount of anxiety regarding his feelings: “Is my love too much? / Or is it just enough for you… / … I’m bad at reading signs.”  Later, on the second verse, he mentioned “A tiny war within [his chest],” again, regarding his state of ‘like’ for this particular girl.  On the pre-chorus, he wants to be more than friends, ultimately stating on the chorus, “Feelings are hard to find.”

Musically, “Feelings” checks off the boxes we’re accustomed to hearing from Leff’s songs at this point.  The production is bright, while his vocals are emotional and commanding enough without overdoing it.  As far as the form, like the lyrics, it’s straightforward with clear verses, pre-choruses, chorus, and a bridge section.  All in all, “Feelings” is another bop for the talented musician. He delivers a successful vocal performance, a relatable theme, and an overall enjoyable and well-rounded listening experience. “Feelings” will definitely make you FEEL some type of way.

2. Kehlani, “Feels”

While We Wait • Atlantic • 2019

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kehlani returned in February 2019, following a two-year hiatus.  In 2017, she released her official debut album, SweetSexySavage, to rave reviews.  The tight, nine-song, 31-minute project, While We Wait serves as a mixtape as opposed to the urban contemporary singer’s sophomore album.  Nonetheless, While We Wait has its fair share of satisfying moments including “Nunya Business” (featuring DOM KENNEDY) and crown jewel, “Nights Like These” (featuring Ty Dolla $ign).  Also, worth noting from While We Wait, is the set’s fifth track, “Feels.”

“I ask myself, ‘Is this shit real?’ / I contemplate ‘bout how I feel / But you make it way too hard to think / That this could be what true love is.” Ah, feelings! Matters of the heart and such! In the context of While We Wait, “Feels” maintains consistency – it remains sound to the nth degree. It isn’t a game changing record – the concept and lyrics are pretty straightforward – but Kehlani delivers it successfully, particularly the pre-chorus and the following chorus:

“You give me feels and I
Know that it, know that it, know that it’s real
You give me, you give me feels.”

3. Mark Ronson, “Late Night Feelings” (Ft. Lyyke Li)

Late Night Feelings • Sony • 2019

“My heart keeps pulling in the wrong direction / I’m about to cross that line / Looking for the wrong affection / Night after night.” Ah, FEELINGS – matters of the H-E-A-R-T!!! The song at hand, “Late Night Feelings,” serves as the opener and title track of Late Night Feelings.  Late Night Feelings is the 2019 studio album by Grammy-winning British musician and producer Mark Ronson. Late Night Feelings arrived four years after Uptown Special, a well-rounded pop, contemporary R&B/soul album, led by the gem, “Uptown Funk.”  The marvelous Late Night Feelings proves that the four-year wait was worthwhile, particularly where the title track, featuring Lyyke Li, is concerned.

The pros seem endless on “Late Night Feelings.” Those pros include gorgeous, breathy vocals by Lykke Li and the grooving, vintage backdrop constructed by Ronson and Picard Brothers.  Adding to the excellence is memorable songwriting, affected by feelings, including the chorus:

“When I get too on ya
And I wanna call ya
With late night feelings.”

4. Clairo, “Feel Something”

Immunity • FADER • 2019

“Wanna go back to the place where we started / At the party, I see you, but you keep your guard up / We could be something special if you wanted…” 2019 marked a breakout year for Clairo (Claire Cottrill). The alt-pop singer/songwriter became famous for one particular viral song, “Pretty Girl”.  Post-“Pretty Girl,” Cottrill made a fine guest appearance on Wallows’ single, “Are You Bored Yet?” (Nothing Happens). Her debut album, Immunity, led by advance singles “Bags” and “Closer to You”, is a definite BOP. The song at hand, “Feel Something,” contributes to the bop status.

“Feel Something” appears near the end of Immunity.  In the context of the album, it slackens the pace, while adding more contemporary, urban-pop cues to the mix.  The key word is context – Clairo is no urban-pop artist, of course! Rostam Batmanglij (formerly of Vampire Weekend fame) gives sheer excellence in the production department, while Clairo sounds lovely on both solo and harmonized moments.  Love is troublesome for Cottrill, as she’s lonely and longing for a love that’s clearly in the past.

“You wanna feel something
But I don’t feel nothing
Trying so hard to get over you.”

5. BJ The Chicago Kid, “Feel the Vibe” (Ft. Anderson .Paak)

1123 • Motown • 2019

BJ the Chicago Kid certainly isn’t a headline-grabber, but he definitely should be.  In 2019, following a three-year hiatus, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter returned with an excellent sophomore album, 1123.  1123 possesses no glaring cons.  Also, it’s safe to say that the album commences with quite the vibe.

On “Feel the Vibe,” BJ the Chicago Kid taps Anderson .Paak for the assist.  Following an intro by BJ (“Roll up…”), Paak delivers the sole verse of the record.  Rapping, he’s on autopilot, telling us about his come-up and smoking some potent weed.

“I quit with the beef, then I gave up the pork, then I
Snatched up a cosign from one of the GOATs…
The weed’s too potent so I had to call mama
Tell her how much I love her for cookin’ them home products
When them bills would pile up, cereal with the water
If Lord couldn’t help us, we had Hamburger Helper…”

As for BJ, he brings the soulfulness with a chill-vibe-filled chorus:

“We got macaroni and cheese, collard greens and chicken inside
Can’t forget the cornbread
Talkin’ shit with the old heads.”

#Roll up and #Feel the Vibe.

6. Janelle Monáe, “Make Me Feel”

Dirty Computer • Bad Boy • 2018

Dirty Computer, the third album by eclectic R&B artist Janelle Monáe, was by far her boldest, most personal, and most transcendent album of her career. It wasn’t surprising that this accomplished 2018 album was nominated for the Grammy’s most prestigious category (or once most prestigious), Album of the Year.  Sure, Monáe would lose to Kacey Musgraves, but even to be acknowledged by the Recording Academy was DEFINITELY a big deal.  One of the best songs from Dirty Computer is single, “Make Me Feel”.

On “Make Me Feel,” Monáe blends throwback 80s R&B-funk production, and modern, urban contemporary fare.  Notable instruments used are guitars and of course, keyboards. Also, Grammy-nominated pop singer-songwriter Julia Michaels serves as a co-writer. The influence of Prince is evident, particularly the yelps that occur on the bridge section.  Monáe delivers sexy-sounding vocals, in line with liberated, risqué, and sensual nature of Dirty Computer.  The chorus is the crème de la crème:

“That’s just the way you make me feel
That’s just the way you make me feel
So good, so good, so fuckin’ real
That’s just the way you make me feel.”

“Make Me Feel” was ranked as the 29^th best song of 2018 on the year in review playlist, 100 Best Songs of 2018.

7. Drake, “In My Feelings”

Scorpion • Cash Money / Young Money • 2018

“Kiki, do you love me? Are you riding? / Say you’ll never ever leave from beside me / ‘Cause I want ya, and I need ya / And I’m down for you always.” “In My Feelings” was an inescapable, number one hit by Grammy-winning rapper Drake, appearing on his fifth studio album, Scorpion. It’s no surprise that the rapper/singer has numerous songs dripping in feelings – he wears his emotions on his sleeves.

The excerpted opening lyrics by Drake are simple, but as ear-catching and infectious as they come.  While he later changes the girls’ names, without a doubt it’s Kiki who makes “In My Feelings.” In addition to Kiki, musically, the sample-heavy record integrates New Orleans Bounce music, sampling the late Magnolia Shorty. Additionally, the City Girls and Lil Wayne, all uncredited, are sampled.  “In My Feelings” is definitely representative of studio wizardry, and definitely intriguing. It is reprised on this playlist from a previous list, 14 Songs Where Musicians Are ‘In Their Feelings’.

8. Calvin Harris, “Feels” (Ft. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean)

Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 • Sony • 2017

“Don’t be afraid to catch feels / Ride drop top and chase thrills / I know you ain’t afraid to pop pills / Baby, I know you ain’t scared to catch feels / Feels with me.” Alright… “Feels” is the perfect example of a likable, but flawed pop record. The star studded record appears on Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1, the fifth studio by Scottish DJ and producer, Calvin Harris.  The aforementioned excerpted chorus arrives courtesy of Katy Perry, one of the many big names that appears on track.  Also joining Perry are Pharrell Williams and Big Sean.

There is no shortage of star power on “Feels” with Perry, Williams, and Big Sean. That said, the record falls short lyrically and thematically. “Feels” exhibits short-lived nebulousness before one of the most infectious grooves of Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 kicks in. Summer is written all over it – the feels are care-free by all means.  Pharrell handles the vocal duties from the jump, sounding true to himself vocally and artistically. The lyrics are innocent enough, but not particularly profound or arousing.  The chorus (Perry) is okay, but not game changing. Big Sean drops a predictable verse, yet it feels right contextually. It’s a bit undercooked, but it’s an enjoyable enough record that gets a pass… I guess…

9. blackbear, “if I could I would feel nothing”

Digital Druglord • Interscope • 2017

“‘Cause if I could I would feel nothing / That’s the truth and I don’t care, baby.” Blackbear remained a busy man in 2017, releasing two albums (Digital Druglord and Mansionz alongside Mike Posner) and a mixtape (Cybersex). Our song at hand, “if I could I would feel nothing” appears from his solo album, Digital Druglord.

Blackbear is brutally honest on the standout.  Although he has money, he’s still unhappy.

“All designer when we go out
Just so people know we rich
Underneath it all the truth is that I
Really feel like shit.”

Furthermore, even though he plans to hook up, it’s nothing more than empty sex – a one-night stand. Throughout this slow, but rhythmic joint, blackbear emphasizes “no feelings, no strings attached, girl.”

“So, let’s just fuck, no strings attached
Let’s just fuck and after that, I’ma take you home
…No feelings, no strings attached, girl.”

“if I could I would feel nothing” previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Songs Fueled by ‘Nothing’.

10. Anthony Hamilton, “What I’m Feelin’” (Ft. The HamilTones)

What I’m Feelin’ • RCA • 2016 

“Tell me what I’m feelin’ / Tell me what I’m feelin’ / Are you afraid of what you feelin’ / Don’t be afraid of what you feelin’.” Anthony Hamilton exemplifies the under appreciated and underrated musician.  That shouldn’t be the case, considering the Grammy winning R&B artist is one of the most soulful in the game.  In 2016, Mr. Hamilton delivered another brilliant, contemporary soul album with What I’m Feelin’.  What I’m Feelin’ features a number of ‘hits’ (not by commercial standards, mind you), including “Ain’t No Shame,” “Amen,” and the song at hand, “What I’m Feelin’.”

“What I’m Feelin’” finds Anthony Hamilton sounding true to self.  He’s backed by a soulful, old-school backdrop (Mark Batson) that’s refreshing in 2010s, despite hearkening back to the past.  Further amplifying the nostalgia, as well as providing a lift to Hamilton himself, are backing vocals from The HamilTones, who sound terrific. The harmonic progression keeps things simple but it’s also incredibly alluring and effective as well.  Of course, it’s ‘the feels’ – the matters of the heart – coupled with Hamilton’s dynamic vocals that make this joint a true gem.

11. The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”

Beauty Behind the Madness • Republic • 2015

“I can’t feel my face when I’m with you / but I love it, but I love it.” For some reason, many listeners mistake the former no. 1 hit as a love song.  That’s just not the case when it comes to the hella-infectious, “Can’t Feel My Face,” by Grammy-winning urban contemporary artist, The Weeknd.  

The standout from Beauty Behind the Madness dabbles in a topic which The Weeknd has tackled many times throughout his career – drugs.

“And I know she’ll be the death of me
At least we’ll both be numb
And she’ll always get the best of me
The worst is yet to come.”

Interestingly, The Weeknd speaks on the misconception of “Can’t Feel My Face” in another standout song, “Reminder” from Starboy (2016):

“I just won a new award for a kids show
Talking ‘bout a face numbing off a bag a blow
I’m like goddamn bitch I am not a Teen choice
Goddamn bitch I am not a bleach boy.”

“Can’t Feel My Face” previously appeared on a number of different playlists, including 13 Songs that Focus on the Face.

EMOTIONAL SONGS WHERE IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FEEL, VOL.  1 [Photo Credits: Atlantic, AWAL, Bad Boy, Brent Faulkner, Cash Money, Fader, Interscope, Motown, The Musical Hype, Pixabay, RCA, Republic, Sony, Young Money]