Forever | 5ive Songs

1. Charli XCX, “forever”

How I’m feeling now • Warner • 2020

“I will always love you (Love you) / I’ll love you forever / Even when we’re not together…” “forever” is standout from how I’m feeling now, the album that Charli XCX record during the COVID-19 quarantine. Here, Charli sings with number of vocal effects and some vocal layering.  The production (A.G. Cook and BJ Burton) has is ‘rough around the edges,’ but kinder and gentler compared to the track that precedes it on the album (“pink diamond”). “Forever” is about matters of the heart, specifically, the singer’s boyfriend.

2. Lil Baby, “Forever”

Ft. Lil Wayne

My Turn • Quality Control Music • 2020

Lil Baby is assisted by Lil Wayne on “Forever,” the 10th track of his incredibly successful 2020 album, My Turn. Although he enlists royalty for the assist, Baby makes sure that he ‘takes first blood’ and is the head honcho – the main attraction!  He drops a worthwhile chorus, followed by an agile, fierce first verse.

No worries, Weezy stays true to self on the second verse:

“Suavé, sippin’ promethazine latte
Sticky-ass weed like Scotch tape
Big beast, call me Banijay
Me and Lil Baby compadre...”

Twysted Genius deserves a big round of applause for his kick ass production – NO CAP!

3. Halsey, “Forever… (is a long time)

Manic • Capitol • 2020

According to Halsey, “Forever … (is a long time)” marks the first song of a trio of songs that are meant to be listened to successively on her 2020 album, Manic.  Fair enough.  “Forever” is certainly interesting, beginning in a major key, comprised of intro and verse, before an interlude shifts to a minor key. The minor section might be the crowning achievement, with Halsey bringing more bite.  The keyword is EMOTION.  Also, the production (co-produced with Lido) at the end kicks…ass, of course!

4. Robin Thicke, “Forever Mine”

“Forever Mine” • Robin Thicke Music / EMPIRE • 2020

“Forever Mine” plays to the strength of Robin Thicke; it embraces an old-school R&B sound.  The lush, laidback backdrop – produced alongside Pro Jay –feels right.  The instrumental palette includes warm guitar, jazzy keyboard lines, robust bass, strings, and horns. Chill, floating, and refined vocals by Thicke really drive “Forever Mine.” His falsetto, in particular is incredibly potent.  Throughout this love-oriented joint, his approach exemplifies utmost finesse. He never underwhelms, nor does he get too high, as he expresses dedication.  Lyrically, he doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but successfully conveys his point.

“Forever mine
Before each other
Dance like no other
Once in a lifetime, ooh
Can’t let a love like this pass you by.”

5. Ben Platt, “In Case You Don’t Live Forever”

Sing to Me Instead • Atlantic • 2019

“In case you don’t live forever, let me tell you now / I love you more than you’ll ever wrap your head around.” Ben Platt is totally ‘in his feelings’ on the ultra-sincere ballad, “In Case You Don’t Live Forever,” from his debut album, Sing to Me Instead.  The feelings actually go beyond a boyfriend, as Platt pays ode to two important men in his life, his father, as well as his late uncle, who like Ben, also happened to be gay. A stunning record, Platt asserts on the bridge, “I have a hero whenever I need one / I just look up to you and I see one / I’m a man ‘cause you taught me to be one.”