Find | 5ive Songs

1. DaBaby, “Find My Way”

BLAME IT ON BABY • Interscope • 2020

On “Find My Way” ( BLAME IT ON BABY ), DaBaby shows off his flow, jam-packed with lyrics. Interestingly, he raps over a backdrop where ‘urban guitar’ leads the charge.  Perhaps a bit ‘un-DaBaby like,’ “Find My Way” is still anchored by a punchy, trunk rattling, southern rap beat. What’s not surprising is the fact that he raps about sex.

While DaBaby does veer away from the universal three letter word temporarily, for the most part, ‘it’s goin’ down.’ He drops a decent chorus, if you’re not totally annoyed or offended by his selfishness and objectification: “I fuck with her to ease my mind, ‘cause I been in my feelings” or “And I’m sittin’ here with the car in park while she ride dick to my song.”

Also appears on :

Way: 5ive Songs No. 44 (2021)

2. Beyoncé, “Find Your Way Back”

The Lion King: The Gift • Sony • 2019

“Find Your Way Back” is one of many gems that appears on Lion King: The Gift.  The Lion King: The Gift is truly a ‘gift’ from Beyoncé and the various artists inspired by the culture of Africa, and the storylines and wisdom from The Lion King itself.

The groovy joint (produced by Beyoncé, Bubele Booi, and Robert Magwenzi) embodies ‘remembering from whence you came’ and never forgetting life lessons.  The melody is rhythmic, while Africa remains present with the groove and the supporting vocals.  The centerpiece of the standout is the chorus:

“He said, ‘Find your way back
Big, big world, but you got it, baby
Find your way back
Don’t let this life drive you crazy
Find your way back
Come back home ‘fore the streetlights on
Find your way back
Find your way back’.”

Also appears on :

Alluring Songs Where the Keyword is Back, Vol. 1

3. The National, “I Am Easy to Find”

I Am Easy to Find • 4AD • 2019

Five words: “I am easy to find.” Among the best moments from I Am Easy to Find, the 2019 album by Grammy-winning alternative rock collective, The National, is the title track.  On “I Am Easy to Find,” Kate Stables harmonizes lovely with Matt Berninger, continuing the collaborative spirit of the LP.

Although the tempo is on the slower side of the metronome, “I Am Easy to Find” is absolutely gorgeous, possessing a haunting quality.  One of the best moments regarding songwriting comes by way of the bridge:

“There’s a million little battles that I’m never gonna win anyway
I’m still waiting for you every night with ticker tape, ticker tape.”

4. Tyler, The Creator, “Find Your Wings”

Ft. Roy Ayers, Syd & Kali Uchis

Cherry Bomb • Odd Future • 2015

“Find your wings (Fly) / Find your wings (Find your wings).” “Find Your Wings” hails from the 2015 Tyler, the Creator album, Cherry Bomb (2015). Although Cherry Bomb is one of those ‘rougher around the edges’ albums for Tyler, the song at hand is quite beautiful.

Here, the listener hears the musicianship of Tyler.  “Find Your Wings” is lush and jazzy – a palette comprised of vibraphone, horns, strings, and of course, keys/synths.  Notably, the title/titular lyric appear throughout Cherry Bomb. Tyler enlists the services of Syd, Kali Uchis, and Roy Ayers on vocals, in addition to his own vocals. Again, the beauty of the record is quite surprising – shocking at that point of the musician’s career.

Also appears on :

Take Flight with These 11 Wings Songs

5. Daniel Caesar, “We Find Love”

Freudian • Golden Child Recording • 2017

“You don’t love me anymore / Let’s see how you like this song.” Indeed! “We Find Love” is one of the best songs from Freudian, the debut album by Grammy-winning Canadian R&B artist, Daniel Caesar. In the context of Freudian, “We Find Love” gives Freudian a bit more oomph, even if it only pushes the tempo up a few beats per measure. It’s still slow, but there’s greater intensity, greater confidence, and greater presence.

Beautiful choral vocals amplify “We Find Love” to the nth degree, blurring the lines between contemporary R&B and contemporary black gospel.  The best moment is the final chorus, which is incredibly stirring.

“We find love, we get up
Then we fall down, we give up.”