An Engaging, Unorthodox Soundtrack to Spring | Playlist 🎧

1. serpentwithfeet, “Hyacinth”

💿 DEACON • 🏷 Secretly Canadian • 📅 2021

🎙 serpentwithfeet (Josiah Wise) is definitely an artist everyone should totally check out.  The openly gay musician brings his own distinct style to his music – sort of an alternative/experimental brand of R&B with electronic cues.  Honestly, you just have to hear it to experience the eclecticism Wise brings to the table.  He opens his second studio album, 💿 DEACON, with the perfect ‘spring’ song, 🎵 “Hyacinth.”

From the onset, serpentwithfeet distinguishes himself from everybody else in the game.  “Hyacinth” is lush with ear catching production by Wise, 🎛 Justus West, and 🎛 Batu. Simultaneously, it sounds a bit unorthodox, at least upon a first listen.  We get vocals sung in an with restraint at some points, as well as vocals that are rhythmic and drenched in effects, making for a very unique sound and vibe.  In the process, Wise tackles a very familiar, almost always successful theme for a song: romance.  He asserts, “I think my green thumb has led me to a real one / So glad the soil has yielded something more than bad luck.” That’s gorgeous, and that’s merely the first two lines of the first verse.  He gets more specific about this awesome guy stating on the second verse, “He never played football / But look at the way he holds me.” Say that, say that! Of course, the crowning achievement is the chorus:

“Don’t tell me the universe ain’t listening
I went to bed single now I’m kissing
A man that was once a hyacinth
A man that was once a hyacinth.”

Serpentwithfeet = one talented, talented musician.

2. Lady Gaga, “Rain on Me”

Ft. Ariana Grande

💿 Chromatica • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2020

“I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive / Rain on me, rain, rain…” 🎙 Lady Gaga and 🎙 Ariana Grande on the same track? Yaaaasssss! The production (🎛 BloodPop®, 🎛 BURNS, and 🎛 Tchami) is potent from the start on 🎵 “Rain on Me”, the crowning achievement from 💿 Chromatica, where Lady Gaga fully embraces her dance, electro-infused pop roots. Both her and Grande deliver strong, compelling vocals. Gaga asserts herself early on. There are ‘water works’ you might say (“I never asked for the rainfall / At least I showed up, you showed me nothing at all”).

Grande unleashes high-flying, contrasting vocals on the second verse, extending the ‘water works’ and most importantly, being honest from an emotional standpoint. “I can feel it on my skin,” she sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “Teardrops on my face / Let it wash away my sins.”  Both collaborate together throughout the remainder of the record.  One of the best moments is the bridge, where the positivity and uplifting vibes are a huge selling point. “Rain on Me” is a total bop – among the best songs of 2020 – with two awesome artists at the tip-top of their game.

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3. The Isley Brothers, “Friends & Family”

🎵 “Friends & Family” • 🏷 R. I. Top Ten • 📅 2021

Iconic R&B collective 🎙 The Isley Brothers (🎙 Ron Isley and 🎙 Ernie Isley) shine on their classy, feel-good, soulful comeback single, 🎵 “Friends & Family”. “Friends & Family” screams family gathering – barbecue and cookout vibes.  While we generally associate such gatherings most with summer, let’s not forget that Memorial Day (May) and much of the month of June is actually still part of Spring.  Just think about it!

“Friends & Family” definitely appeals to lovers of old-school R&B. No, The Isley Brothers don’t take it back to their ‘truly old-school days,’ but the sound still hearkens back to a previous era of contemporary R&B.  The moment I heard “Friends & Family,” it reminded me of the 💿 Chocolate Factory era of 🎙 R. Kelly. Kelly also wrote many songs for the collective during the aughts.  This sound is a sweet spot for Ron Isley, one where he’s able to show off that silky smooth tenor and continue to compel with a ripe falsetto.  The record is incredibly feel-good, groovy, and very clean-cut.  Sure, 🎙 Snoop Dogg, not the cleanest musician ever, guests, but he keeps things classy and ‘classic,’ riding the beat with ease.  Ultimately, we get classy songwriting, awesome vocals – Ron is pushing 80 – and classy production (big bass line, horns, keys). Perfect for spring and any other time of the year! #Vibes

4. Hayley Williams, “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris”

💿 Petals for Armor • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 2020

“I have seen your body / And I have seen your beauty / They are separate things / Pretty, pretty, pretty things…” 🎙 Hayley Williams is best known as the front woman of 🏆 Grammy-winning rock band, 🎙 Paramore, released her debut solo album, 💿 Petals for Armor, in 2020. Among the best moments on the album is the ‘flowery’ 🎵 “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris.”

“Roses, roses, roses, roses / Show no concern for colors of a violet / Lotus… / Hope it won’t spark envy in your irises…” Brilliant chorus! Anyways, “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris” features an enigmatic intro that eventually settles into another Grade-A groove and unshakable stability on Petals for Armor. The magnificent backdrop never crowds Williams’ vocals, always making her the focal point. Furthermore, there are many instrumental highlights: the rhythm and prominence of the bass line, impressive drumming, subtleness of the guitar, and various spare synths and ‘accoutrements.’ That doesn’t even shout out great background vocals from 🎙 boygenius (🎙 Julien Baker, 🎙 Lucy Daucus, and 🎙 Phoebe Bridgers). Maybe most important is how lit the girl power is on “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris.” A prime example comes on the second verse:

“Think of all the wilted women
Who crane their necks to reach a window
Ripping all their petals off just ‘cause
‘He loves me now, he loves me not’
I myself was a wilted woman
Drowsy in a dark room
Forgot my roots
Now watch me bloom.” 

Also Appears On 🔽:

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5. Troye Sivan, “Bloom”

💿 Bloom • 🏷 Capitol • 📅 2018 

“And it’s true, baby / I’ve been saving this for you, baby.” Alternative pop musician 🎙 Troye Sivan has been honest about his life as an openly gay man, highlighted by his superb debut album, 💿 Blue Neighbourhood.  He continues such honesty and openness on 🎵 “Bloom”, which appears on his sophomore album, also titled 💿 Bloom.

On the first verse, he takes us on a trip:

“Take a trip into my garden
I’ve got so much to show ya
The fountains and the waters
Are begging just to know ya.”

Following the first verse, the refrain provides more perspective as to where Sivan is going – He’s seems willing to bloom sexually.  The innuendo is ‘out of the roof.’ Even though “Bloom” encompasses the physical, Sivan also highlights the emotions of the experience, which is what separates this from songs merely about empty sex.  On the pre-chorus, he sings, “Hold my hand if I get scared now,” which represents vulnerability, a legitimate emotion associated with losing one’s virginity.  On the chorus, Sivan exhibits dedication to his boyfriend, willing to ‘give it up’ because he truly ‘feels some type of way’ about him.

Also Appears On 🔽:

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6. Emeli Sandé, “Garden”

Ft. Jay Electronica & Áine Zion

💿 Long Live the Angels • 🏷 Virgin • 📅 2016

“Let me love, let me touch, let me love / Baby, give it up, let me drink from the fountain.” 🎙 Emeli Sandé had a gem on her hands with 🎵 “Garden”, featuring 🎙 Jay Electronica and 🎙 Áine Zion. “Garden” appears on Sande’s excellent, but underrated 2016 sophomore album, 💿 Long Live the Angels.

In the context of the album, “Garden” serves as a contrast – a ‘different look’ if you will. It features unique production work (🎛 Chris Loco) that is firmly planted in the R&B vein. The pace is slow and grinding, but laden with swagger. Excellent, hard drums buttress the song.  Zion handles intro and outro duties, both spoken word. Jay Electronica offers a respectable, enjoyable guest verse.  As always, Sandé shines, riding the production like the beast that she is.

Also Appears On 🔽:

🔗 🎧 10 Songs Centered Around the Garden

7. SuperM, “I Can’t Stand the Rain”

💿 SuperM – The 1^st Mini Album • 🏷 SM Entertainment • 📅 2019

K-pop supergroup 🎙 SuperM released 💿 The 1^st Mini Album in 2019, debuting at no. 1 on the Billboard 200. The supergroup is comprised of seven members from various other K-pop groups: 🎙 Taemin (🎙 SHINee), 🎙 Baekhyun and 🎙 Kai (🎙 Exo), and 🎙 Taeyong, 🎙 Ten, 🎙 Mark, and 🎙 Lucas (🎙 NCT).  The 1^st Mini Album is comprised of only five tracks that run a mere 18 minutes, but the EP packs a punch, nonetheless.

Mammoth-like drums and slick, sparkling synths bode well for SuperM on 🎵 “I Can’t Stand the Rain.” Adding to the superb backdrop are sensational vocal performances.  The falsetto is abundant, while the rhymes are dripped in swagger.  There are far more Korean moments compared to the album opener (🎵 “Jopping”) but the key lyrics from the chorus instantly latch:

“I can’t stand the rain anymore
I can’t stand the cold any longer.”

Also appears on 🔽:

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8. Alessia Cara, “Growing Pains”

💿 The Pains of Growing • 🏷 Def Jam • 📅 2018

🏆 Grammy-winning pop artist 🎙 Alessia Cara released her underrated sophomore album, 💿 The Pains of Growing, in Fall 2018.  The Pains of Growing commences with the honest promo single, 🎵 “Growing Pains”.  “Growing Pains” features great production work, comprised of a driving synth, rhythmic, urban-infused drum programing, and lovely harmonized backing vocals.

Alessia Cara serves up clear, nuanced lead vocals, delivered with great authenticity but never forcing things. Her rhythmic, melodic lines are influenced by hip-hop without being pop-rap. The substance of this stands out as she’s honest about her lot in life, singing about real issues.

“And I’ve always been a go-getter
There’s truth in every word I write
But still, the growing pains, growing pains
They’re keeping me up at night.”

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9. Slipknot, “Birth of the Cruel”

💿 We Are Not Your Kind • 🏷 Roadrunner • 📅 2019 

🏆 Grammy-winning Nü metal collective 🎙 Slipknot released their sixth studio album, 💿 We Are Not Your Kind, in 2019, following a five-year hiatus. One of the best songs from the album was the third track, 🎵 “Birth of the Cruel.” Within the context of We Are Not Your Kind, “Birth of the Cruel” remains dark and is firmly planted in a minor key.

Notably, there is tunefulness to be found early-on during the first verse, before pitch transforms to shouted, aggressive vocals. Fists ascend into the air on moments like, “I’m all fucked up and I make it look good / Adrenaline sight tonight.” The chorus features a menacing backdrop (jagged guitars) and biting lyrics.

“Sick, sickened, I’m sickening, I’m stricken by the fist
Blessed are the fires that have burned me
Listen to this, the lesson is, never underestimate the agony
Death of the fool, birth of the cruel.”

Also Appears On 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Born: 5ive Songs No. 5 (2020)

10. Katy Perry, “Daisies”

💿 Smile • 🏷 Capitol • 📅 2020

🎵 “Daisies” stands out on 💿 Smile, the fifth pop album by 🏆 Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, 🎙 Katy Perry. On “Daisies,” a pop song readymade for spring, Perry gets great production work courtesy of 🎛 The Monsters & Strangerz.  While the backdrop is predominately electronic, it also incorporates acoustic rhythmic guitar. The best instrumental moments occur on the chorus, also, the crowning achievement of “Daisies.” In addition to production by one of pop music’s production elites, “Daisies” features songwriting by 🎼✍ Jon Bellion.

With a solid backdrop supporting her, Perry delivers a successful performance.  The record commences with a certain degree of poise on the brief but thoughtful first verse. Even if she doesn’t ‘dig right in,’ “Daisies” builds up to a truly dynamic level, which comes to head via the chorus. There, we get assertive, powerhouse vocals.

“They said I’m going nowhere, tried to count me out
Took those sticks and stones, showed ‘em I could build a house
They tell me that I’m crazy, but I’ll never let ‘em change me
‘Til they cover me in daisies, daisies, daisies.”

11. Bleachers, “Dream of Mickey Mantle”

💿 Gone Now • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2017

On 🎵 “Dream of Mickey Mantle,” 🎙 Jack Antonoff references legendary baseball player, ⚾ Mickey Mantle. “Dream of Mickey Mantle” appears as the opener from his band’s –  🎙 Bleachers – sophomore album,  💿 Gone Now, During the chorus, the death of the legendary baseball player is implied.

“Rolling thunder had cursed my bedroom
Heard from your mother, she don’t recognize you
Now Mickey Mantle left on a Sunday
And all the neighborhood rushes home to play.”

“Dream of Mickey Mantle” is also interesting in a number of other regards.  Antonoff cites two additional songs from Gone Now in a particular lyric – 🎵 “I Miss Those Days” and 🎵 “Don’t Take the Money”.  He sings, “I miss those days, so I sing a don’t take the money song.” If nothing else, it kicks off the effort with an alternative bang.

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12. Isaac Dunbar, “Isaac’s Insects”

💿 Isaac’s Insects (EP) • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2020 

“Why are all of Isaac’s Insects insane? / Terrorize his life and pick apart his brain.” Good and quite intriguing question, by all means – thought provoking! 🎙 Isaac Dunbar showcases his  incredible talents on the unique 🎵 “Isaac’s Insects” from his 2020 EP, 💿 Isaac’s Insects. Apparently, the ‘insects’ know too much about Isaac, something he emphasizes throughout the course of the song.  From the onset of this minor key cut, he sings, on the first verse, “Insects know my secret life / They on my walls only at night / To judge me / Oh, how they judge me.”

On the second verse, the ‘creepy crawlers’ are even worse. As much as he tries to rid of them, they simply won’t go away, best exemplified by the crowning achievement, the chorus where “I’ve had enough of beady eyes /And men in black who know my lies…” Obviously, via the compelling lyrics, Dunbar isn’t talking about literal insects, but fans who go to the absolute extreme.  He sounds fantastic, whether he’s singing in harmony, falsetto, or even dabbling in autotune/pitch shift.  The backdrop is also pretty sweet, with the synths and the infectious, enigmatic groove.

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13. Mark Ronson, “Daffodils”

Ft. Kevin Parker

💿 Uptown Special • 🏷 Sony Music • 📅 2015

When the album 💿 Uptown Special by Grammy-winning musician/producer 🎙 Mark Ronson comes to mind, the first record mentioned is 🎵 “Uptown Funk” featuring 🎙 Bruno Mars.  While that record absolutely kicks some serious ass, it’s not the only gem on the Englishman’s fine LP. There’s also the funky 🎵 “Feel Right” featuring 🎙 Mystikal, as well as the awesome song at hand, 🎵 “Daffodils” featuring 🎙 Kevin Parker of 🎙 Tame Impala.

“Run your fingers down the cool / Underbelly of the blue evening / Crack that vapor-wagon / Start that kick dragon beating.” Poetic lyrics, to say the least.  In addition to the lyrics, what makes the five-minute “Daffodils” so awesome? For one, it’s Kevin Parker’s amazing tenor pipes, riding like a champ over production work by 🎛 James Ford and 🎛 Riton.  That production work, like the aforementioned hits from Uptown Special, is chocked-full of funkiness – driving rhythm, sick groove, and soulful goodness.  It’s Parker’s effortless, light, psychedelic-styled vocals that provide a ripe contrast that works sensationally.  Going back to the lyrics, where do the flowers – the daffodils – come into play? Well, there are some key lyrics that reference the daffodil:

“Drop another daffodil
We can push on through till morning.”

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🔗 🎧 13 Amazing Songs About Flowers

14. Jhené Aiko, “Lightning & Thunder”

Ft. John Legend

💿 Chilombo • 🏷 Def Jam • 📅 2020

“Been up since 6 doin’ rituals / Burning incense just to wish you well / Throw all my sense into wishing wells / Smelling your scent, I do miss you still.” Okay… 🏆 Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter 🎙 Jhené Aiko released her third studio album, 💿 Chilombo, in 2020.  Regarding Chilombo, titled after her last name, Aiko told Carl Lamarre of Billboard, “In a sense, I am a like a volcano and this album is an eruption.” Fair enough.  While the album, as a whole, ends up being too long, Aiko does a nice job of expressing feelings in the aftermath of a breakup, healing, and ultimately, working towards moving forward.  On 🎵 “Lightning & Thunder,” Aiko taps the soulful 🏆 Academy Award and Grammy-winner John Legend for the assist, singing about matters of the heart.

The collaboration with John Legend is a bit surprising and unexpected. Why? Legend tends to be an overt, powerhouse, where we associate Aiko being much more chill – cool, calm, and collected.  Surprisingly, the four-and-a-half-minute “Lightning & Thunder” is effective, with both vocalists meeting somewhere in the middle of two very distinct vocal approaches.  In addition to their respective, solo verses, they join forces on the final chorus and post-chorus, singing about their relationship/the plight of love:

“What kind of spell do you have me under?
Oh, what in the hell, I’m starting to, starting to wonder
Can’t help myself, lightning and thunder
...It’s just like lightning and thunder...”

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15. Kacey Musgraves, “Rainbow”

💿 Golden Hour • 🏷 MCA Nashville • 📅 2018

“Well, the sky has finally opened / The rain and wind stopped blowin’ / But you’re stuck out in the same ol’ storm again…” Oh, what beautiful, beautiful lyrics, sigh.  At the 🏆 61^st Annual Grammy Awards, 🎙 Kacey Musgraves came out victorious, winning the highly coveted, prestigious award for Album of the Year (💿 Golden Hour).  It was somewhat surprising, yet, critically, Golden Hour was one of the most beloved albums of 2018.  A mellow, but well-rounded affair, there are a number of memorable songs, including the gorgeous, colorful ballad on hand, 🎵 “Rainbow.” Honestly, what’s more peaceful than a rainbow after a downpour?

The superb chorus, excerpted above, continues, “You hold tight to your umbrella / Well, darlin’, I’m just tryin’ to tell ya / That there’s always been a rainbow hangin’ over your head.” “Rainbow” doesn’t arrive until the end of Golden Album.  Despite this, it caps off this fabulous affair incredibly meaningfully. This is among those totally can’t-miss, expressive piano ballads, period. Her voice, which is consistently ‘on-point’ throughout Golden Hour, is at its very best on “Rainbow.”  This record, penned years before Golden Hour, was special to Musgraves – a favorite of her late grandmother’s. Furthermore, “Rainbow” has taken on a new, anthemic role in the LGBTQ community.  Pretty cool, right? Arguably, this is one of Musgraves’ very best performances and songs of her career.

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