Free 🆓 3.0: A Compendium of 30 Songs | Playlist 🎧

1. Kygo, “Freedom”

Ft. Zak Abel

Golden Hour • Sony • 2020

“You give me freedom, freedom / Freedom I’ve been looking for.” Hallelujah 🙌!  Oops – this isn’t a gospel song – sorry! “Freedom” is a single from Golden Hour, the third studio album by Norwegian producer Kygo.  As with many dance/electronic music producers, Kygo often seeks out collaborators that complement his music.  On “Freedom,” he struck gold with British pop standout, Zak Abel.  Abel first caught my attention back in 2017 with his debut album, Only When We’re Naked.

Where does the “Freedom” occur on Golden Hour? It happens early on the album – the fourth track! Zak Abel, for those unaware, has quite a potent, soulful voice on his hands.  He unleashes them here, mostly untouched on the verse.  That said, on the chorus, those pipes get some of the Kygo treatment, with some cool, playful effects.  Beyond Abel reflecting on the freedom, Kygo is busy at work, delivering balanced and tasteful production.  What I’ve always liked about his approach is how he never overdoes it, which is again the case on “Freedom.”  Still, when he wants to ‘let her rip,’ well, he ‘lets her rip’ – for the most part, on the chorus.  Oh, FREEDOM!

2. Ariana Grande, “Break Free”

Ft. Zedd

My Everything • Republic • 2014

“I only wanna die alive / Never by the hands of a broken heart / I don’t wanna hear you lie tonight / Now that I’ve become who I really am.” Okay… “Break Free”  arrived as an electro-pop standout from My Everything, the 2014 sophomore LP by Grammy-winner Ariana Grande. Amazingly, it seems it’s been forever since Grande dropped Everything and the many hit singles (“Problem” and “Bang Bang” included) given her hella impressive run of albums released afterwards (Dangerous Woman, Sweetener, and thank u, next). Zedd guests on “Break Free,” producing alongside pop hitmaker Max Martin.

The premise of this EDM/pop record is Ariana Grande “breaking free” from a potential broken heart and unhealthy relationship. Hence, on the chorus, she asserts:

“This is the part when I say I don’t want ya
I’m stronger than I’ve been before
This is the part when I break free
‘Cause I can’t resist it no more.”

Some other notes. The bridge is pretty sweet, as Grande dreams and is wooed by the thought of his body, but ultimately, “woke up every time.” Also, her falsetto – for lack of a better word – is stunning!

3. Drake, “Free Smoke”

More Life • Young Money / Cash Money • 2017

Five words: “Free smoke, free smoke, ayy!” 🆓 🚬 “Free Smoke” kicks off Drake’s 2017 playlist-album, More Life, in electrifying fashion. Following a sample-driven introduction, hard drums and ferocious rhymes take over: “Yeah, I couldn’t get a bill paid / You couldn’t buy the real things / I was stayin’ up at yo place / Tryin’ to figure the whole thing out…”

It is great to hear Drizzy come out swinging, initially giving More Life punch.  What does he drop bars about? A familiar topic to say the least: his come-up. Regardless, it gives the opening banger authenticity. The first verse from Drake continues as follows:

“...I saw people doin’ things
Almost gave up on the music thing
But we all so spoiled now
More life, more everything.”

Again, 🆓 🚬.

4. Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa, “Young, Wild & Free”

Ft. Bruno Mars

Mac and Devin Go to High School • Atlantic • 2011

“So, what we get drunk? / So, what we smoke weed? / We’re just having fun / we don’t care who sees…” “Young, Wild & Free” is the perfect anthem that exemplifies carefree youthfulness. The aforementioned lyrics provide the perfect portrait of being young and totally not giving a shit. This Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa record appeared on the soundtrack from a weed-driven stoner comedy, Mac and Devin Go to High School.  Helping Snoop and Wiz supply their high is none other than Bruno Mars.

The chorus, the centerpiece, continues as follows:

“So, what we go out?
That’s how it’s supposed to be
Living young and wild and free.”

Perhaps it’s indeed harmless freedom, but sometimes being ‘young wild & free’ has its consequences.  In 2020, a prime example that comes to mind is a 30-year old who recklessly attended a COVID party, contracted coronavirus, and ultimately, died.  So, to you young, wild, and free folks out there, just be careful, okay?

5. Lady Gaga, “Free Woman”

Chromatica • Interscope • 2020

In the context of Chromatica, how does Lady Gaga follow up a strong trio the likes of “Alice”, “Stupid Love”,  and “Rain on Me”? Well, the answer is with “Free Woman,” which is pretty strong in its own right.  With Chromatica reestablishing Gaga as an elite, dance-pop queen, listening to “Free Woman, you’ll want to keep those dance shoes on. Why? Well, she breaks out those house music vibes and there’s simply NO WAY you’ll eschew dancing.

More important than dancing and the lit house sound is the message of female empowerment.  Furthering the empowerment are assertive pipes by Lady G to match:

“I’m not nothing without a steady hand
I’m not nothing unless I know I can
I’m still something if I don’t got a man
I’m a free woman.”

Fkn slay 👸!

6. Sia, “Bird Set Free”

This is Acting • RCA • 2016

“Clipped wings, I was a broken thing / Had a voice, had a voice but I could not sing / You would wind me down / I struggled on the ground.” Sigh just read those poetic, thoughtful lyrics once again.  Adding to the awesomeness are expressive, authentic, powerhouse vocals by Sia. Amazingly, somebody passed on the liberating, unleashed, soaring ballad, “Bird Set Free,” which commences the pop singer/songwriter’s 2016 album, This is Acting.

“And I don’t care if I sing off key
I found myself in my melodies
I sing for love; I sing for me
I shout it out like a bird set free.”

Again, why did anyone pass this up? Regardless, Sia absolutely kills this awesome song, co-written by the great Greg Kurstin. “Bird Set Free” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs to Channel Your Inner Animal.

7. Kids See Ghosts, “Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2)

Kids See Ghosts • GOOD / Def Jam • 2018

“I don’t feel pain anymore / Guess what, baby? I feel freeee (scoop!)!” Following a fitting Marcus Garvey sample, Kanye West explodes with a hook sure to make you giggle the first time you hear it on “Freeee (Ghost Town, Pt. 2),” which appears on the self-titled Kids See Ghosts album released in 2018.  It’s a bit dramatic – perhaps even a wee bit outlandish – but he makes his point crystal clear with honesty.

Beyond the chorus, he’s assisted on a left-of-center, yet pleasing verse by Kid Cudi, and more frequently Ty Dolla $ign.  It’s weird mind you, but Ty’s unique tone is a perfect fit.  Throw in contributions from Anthony Hamilton alongside Ty and things grow even more soulful.  Also, worth noting, Cudi gets his own chorus and bridge to testify: “Died and came back twice / Now I’m freeee.”  Notably, it is the continuation of the 070 Shake outro from “Ghost Town” (Ye, 2018).  “Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2)” previously appeared on the playlist 13 Songs About All About Ghosts…Sort Of.

8. Louis the Child & Drew Love, “Free”

Here for Now • Interscope • 2020

Okay, after some smooth, heartfelt R&B, how about some more dance-pop? Lady Gaga already confirmed her status as a “Free Woman”. Chicago DJ duo Louis the Child (Robby Hauldren and Freddy Kennett) taps R&B singer Drew Love for “Free.” “Free” actually arrived as a single in 2019. Louis the Child’s album, Here for Now, didn’t arrive until 2020, with “Free” appearing as the 12^th track.

Drew Love sounds absolutely amazing over the colorful, electro-pop backdrop, singing about a break-up (“Don’t understand how you could wake up one day and just walk away”).  He remains smooth and expressive, painting the canvas with his gorgeous, nuanced instrument. His best moments arguably occur on the simplest portion of the song – the chorus (“At least you’re free”).  As for Louis the Child, they kill it where the production is concerned.  There are warm pads, twinkling piano, rhythmic synths, and an electric groove that appears beginning on the second iteration of the verse and beyond.  The pacing is spot-on.

9. Fantasia, “Free Yourself”

Ft. Missy Elliott

Free Yourself • 19 Recordings • 2004

“If you don’t want me, then don’t talk to me / Go ahead and free yourself.”  On 13 Songs That Exemplify Being Free, I used this Fantasia quote from “Free Yourself” to introduce the list.  The thing is, the Grammy-nominated “Free Yourself” from Free Yourself, the platinum-certified, 2004 debut album by the eventual Grammy-winning artist, deserves its own write-up.  What ‘Tasia tells him is simple, but I’mma break it down even more: Don’t want me? GTFO.

Of course, Fantasia is far more nuanced than my blunt breakdown on this classy, silky smooth ballad, produced by Craig Brockman and Missy Elliott.  Besides writing and producing “Free Yourself,” Elliott also provides backing vocals alongside a then, unknown Jazmine Sullivan (this was 2004 after all).  The big takeaway are Fantasia’s gorgeous, soulful pipes as she not only encourages him to ‘free himself,’ but she also seems to be ‘freeing herself’ of utterly needless bullshit. She says it best, with the help of her backing vocals, asserting, “Time and time again I tried it over and over and over / But the love I had inside has died.”

10. The Chicks, “Set Me Free”

Gaslighter • Columbia • 2020

“Decency / Would be for you to sign and release me / If you ever loved me.” Oh shit! Sounds like The Chicks – specifically Natalie Maines – definitely need to experience a certain degree of freedom. It’s no secret that Maines has been entangled in a messy divorce, and on Gaslighter, the group formerly known as Dixie Chicks, reflects the turbulence.

“Don’t you feel you’re wasting time? / You have the power to make it right.” “Set Me Free” is Maines’ plea to her ex to end the drama, messiness, and legal battles associated with their separation.  This is a beautiful, thoughtful, and incredibly sincere ballad about a totally undesirable situation.  Essentially, Natalie just wants to move on and get past this.

“Just because you’ve been a bad guy
I’ve seen it with my own eyes
There’s a good guy in there.”

C’mon man – set her free already!

11. G-Eazy, “Free Porn Cheap Drugs”

Everything’s Strange Here • RCA • 2020

“Free Porn Cheap Drugs” marked an about face for G-Eazy.  Not only does he sing, the backdrop (produced by Jesse Ack and Austin Ward) is quite a far cry from a hip-hop backdrop. Truly, Everything’s Strange Here, indeed. Sure, there’s a ‘vibe,’ but it’s alternative rock oriented to the core. What should be appreciated about “Free Porn Cheap Drugs” is the innovative spirit exhibited; it’s a surprising shift. The form isn’t standard, even if it uses a chorus (twice) and one verse.

Also, despite its bold title, lyrically, Eazy is far more conservative than normal:

“This vicious cycle spins and spins
It picks back up where it begins
Is this how the story ends?
Free porn, cheap drugs, and late-night friends...” 

What does one make of “Free Porn Cheap Drugs?” Honestly, I’m still not sure! Within the context of an unpredictable, experimental album, it ranks among the better moments.

12. Rick Ross, “Free Mason”

Ft. Jay-Z

Teflon Don • The Island Def Jam Music Group • 2010

“Free Mason, freelancer / Free agents, we faster / Big contracts, big contractors / Built pyramids, period, we masters.” First and foremost, “Free Mason” is one of my very favorite Rick Ross songs.  Honestly, Teflon Don is one of my favorite Rick Ross albums.  Here, Ross collaborates with Jay-Z and an uncredited John Legend, who provides the soulful sung vocals on the chorus.  Not only are Legend’s vocals soulful, so is the production, which fuses soul and gospel cues with hip-hop.

Rick Ross commences the first verse of “Free Mason” unapologetic AF: “I go to the grave before I be a bitch nigga / Better behave, you dealing with some rich niggas.” Mic drop! Essentially, Ross paints the picture of the ambitious king who is a free thinker and of course a rich, savvy businessman.  Jay-Z echoes such sentiments on the second verse, as well as, um, some interesting religious references:

“Fuck all these fairytales; go to hell, this is God engineering
This is a Hail Mary pass, y’all interfering
He without sin shall cast the first stone
So, y’all look in the mirror, double check your appearance...”

13. Khalid, “Free Spirit”

Free Spirit • RCA • 2019

“We’ll be free spirits, free spirits / Can you hear me calling? / Oh, it’s all or nothing…” “Free Spirit” appears on Free Spirit, the 2019 sophomore LP by Grammy-nominated R&B musician, Khalid. On the 11^th track on the album, contextually, Khalid continues to showcase his versatility.  That versatility encompasses embracing crossover appeal on this ‘pop’ song.  He’s arguably more effective on the more ‘urban-leaning’ songs from the album, but one can see the appeal this particular song/style of song can have.

Lyrically, there are plenty of highlights, beginning with the aforementioned excerpted chorus, which continues as follows: “When you’re free spirits, free spirits / Can you hear it calling? / ‘Cause I don’t wanna live and die alone, don’t let me go.” The verses also have notable moments such as “You were so in love with simple things / And now we’re searching for the fire dipped in kerosene” (Verse one) and “Is this heaven or Armageddon? / I’ll be getting’ high with you to watch the endin’” (Verse two). It feels so good to be free, right?

14. Elton John, “Philadelphia Freedom”

Diamonds [via Captain Fantastic] • Island • 2017 [1975]

“Because I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom / From the day that I was born I’ve waved the flag.” Pennsylvania itself doesn’t have much of ring to it in regard to being the title of a song.  Hence, there aren’t many songs written explicitly about the state using its lengthy name as a title. However, Elton John and longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin knew that “Philadelphia Freedom” had a ring to it, or at least, superb songwriting, singing, and most of all, the makings of a hit.

The song is a tribute to Billie Jean King, a renowned tennis player who played on the Philadelphia Freedoms.  King, like John, is a member of the LGBTQ community. “Philadelphia Freedom” originally appeared on the playlist, 50 Songs About the 50 States, representing the fine state of Pennsylvania, as well as making a reprisal on 18 Songs that Encompass Various Sports.

15. Jack White, “Freedom at 21”

Blunderbuss • Sony / Third Man • 2012

Jack White is truly a musical genius.  He pretty much has the music thing on lockdown whether he’s releasing his own solo albums, performing with a band, or producing and writing songs for others.  His debut album as a solo artist, Blunderbuss (2012), was nothing short of intriguing. Unsurprisingly, White found himself nominated for a total of five Grammys associated with Blunderbuss, including a nomination for Album of the Year.  White won none of those, but don’t be sad – he’s came out victorious 12 times out of 33 nominations.  Among the best moments from this captivating affair comes by way of “Freedom at 21.”

Three things in particular stand out about “Freedom at 21.”  First is the production and sound, which is characterized by the prominent use of electric guitar and the drum groove.  Second is the vocal performance by Jack White, which is quite distinct, yet exemplifies the spirit of rock and roll you could say. White quasi-sings and quasi-‘raps’ within the context of an alternative rock of course – he’s not really dropping ‘bars.’ The third and final thing that shines about “Freedom at 21” is the songwriting.  A prime example:

“Two black gadgets in her hand
That’s all she thinks about
No responsibility, no guilt or morals
Cloud her judgement, smile on her face
She does what she damn well please...”

16. Meek Mill, “What’s Free”

Ft. Rick Ross & Jay Z

Championships • Atlantic • 2018

“What’s free? / Free is when nobody else could tell us what to be / Free is when the TV ain’t controllin’ what we see / …Stay up, I know these times ain’t true / Real life, what’s free?” “What’s Free” runs long (six-minutes-plus in duration) but definitely keeps the hits coming for Meek Mill on his Grammy-nominated 2018 album, Championships. The aforementioned chorus, performed by Meek, is just part of the charm of the record.

Meek Mill secures solid guest spots from Rick Ross (“Pot and kilo go hand in hand like we Gamble and Huff”) and Jay-Z (“In the land of the free, where the blacks enslaved / Three-fifths of a man, I believe’s the phrase”). Arguably, Jay-Z serves up the best verse on this soulful joint, but Meek has his moments, including the closing line from his verse: “Is we beefin’ or rappin’? I might just pop up with Drizzy like…” Of course, we all know that Drake ends up appearing on Championships a few tracks later (“Going Bad”).

17.Mary J. Blige, “Set Me Free”

Strength of a Woman • Capitol • 2017

Strength of a Woman, released in April 2017, can be best described as a post-divorce album.  It follows Mary J. Blige’s divorce from Kendu Isaacs and finds her capturing the sentiment of such. Jazzy, soulful highlight, “Set Me Free,” the third track from the album, certainly exemplifies love pain at its finest. 

“Tell me how you figure that you made me
And you gave me what I had before I met ya
Ain’t gon’ have it when you’re gone
And how you fix your mouth to say I owe you
When you had another bitch and taking trips and shit
With my money for so long.” 

Blige exhibits fierceness, even with jazzier cues employed here. She’s incredibly blunt (“When you had another bitch and taking trips and shit / … You must have lost it, nigga, you won’t get a dime”).  Clearly pissed, on the chorus she sings: “There’s a special place in hell for you / You gon’ pay for what you did to me / I’ma tell you ‘cause the truth will set me free.” Yeah, MJB just threw the bible at that M-F’er!

18. The Amity Affliction, “Set Me Free”

Misery • Roadrunner • 2018

“Oh God, I’m a broken man / Nothing left for me, and I am pleading / Heaven, take me now / Heaven, take me now.” Safe to say, Australian post-hardcore collective The Amity Affliction definitely need to be ‘set free.’  At least, that’s the request of Ahren Stringer and Joel Birch on the penultimate track, “Set Me Free” from their 2018 album, Misery.  For some context, Stringer handles the ‘clean’ vocals while Birch digs in with the ‘unclean’ vocals.

Things begin quite melodic for The Amity Affliction, with those smoother, cleaner vocals of Stringer dominating the first verse.  Birch provides some supporting vocals on first verse and following chorus (excerpted at the top of this blurb), before taking the reins on the aggressive, totally unclean second verse:

“Set me free, yeah
Let me bathe in your sunlight
Take my hand, and we’ll take flight
I’ve been feeling your love
I know you are the one who holds it all.”

A number of other happenings make “Set Me Free” a captivating track.  There’s a ‘breakdown’ by Birch, a spoken sample, and a key change that sounds like it’s straight from the 80s rock playbook.  Hey, I’m personally glad The Amity Affliction ‘freed’ the key change – underused these days for sure!

19. alt-J, “Left Hand Free”

This is All Yours • Atlantic • 2014

“Well, your left hand’s free / And your right’s in a grip / With another left hand / Watch his right hand slip / Towards his gun / Oh, no.” Well, alt-J, “Left Hand Free” doesn’t sound, um like a freeing experience.  Nonetheless, the song, which appears on the trio’s 2014 album, This is All Yours, is rad. It’s rad even though there’s been rumors that the band wasn’t as high, which were ultimately debunked by the gift that is twitter:

Glad to see you guys loving Left Hand Free. Contrary to some reports it was written in a spirit of pure joy to please no one but us and you.

— Δ (alt-J) (@alt_J) July 8, 2014

One of the reasons that “Left Hand Free” is so rad is that it sounds quite commercial, which is where some of the rumors come into play via Genius. Don’t get it twisted, regardless of the commercial sensibilities, “Left Hand Free” is still ‘alternative.’  What is the difference compared to some alternative records? It’s definitely hookier, looser, and more infectious.  Also, as is the case with alt-j songs, there are no shortage of annotations.

20. Kendrick Lamar, “For Free? (Interlude)”

To Pimp a Butterfly • Interscope • 2015

Four words: “This dick ain’t free.” Only a select few musicians can make an interlude be a highlight.  Kendrick Lamar is special – understatement.  As to how To Pimp a Butterfly missed out on winning the Grammy for Album of the Year, well, I just don’t know.  Focusing on this playlist, the ‘free’ song that we highlight from the album is “For Free? (Interlude).”

“For Free? (Interlude)” features a superb jazz production work courtesy of Grammy-winner Robert Glasper on piano.  With an ambitious backdrop to work with, Kendrick Lamar devises unorthodox rhymes that fit the production perfectly.  Beastly to the nth degree, the second half of his verse is nothing short of epic:

“Matter fact it need interest, matter fact it’s nine inches
Matter fact see our friendship based on business
Pension, more pension, you’re pinchin’, my consensus
Been relentless, fuck forgiveness, fuck your feelings...”

“For Free? (Interlude)” also appeared on the playlist, 15 Colorful Songs, Approximately Two Minutes or Less.

21. DJ Khaled, “For Free”

Ft. Drake

Major Key • Epic • 2016

“I got girls that I shoulda made pay for it / Got girls that I shoulda made wait for it.” Wow! The premise of DJ Khaled’s “For Free”, featuring Drake, is pretty simple.  “For Free” is an infectious anthem about awesome sex.  Finding something more meaningful within “For Free” simply isn’t possible. This 2016 summer anthem (Major Key) is nothing more than “dessert” – it’s certainly not nutritionally sound.  Booty is the modus operandi; there’s no doubt about it, particularly with the occasional stripper reference…

Drake on autopilot with his lustfully assembled rhymes.  The chorus is the song’s best attribute, with Drake spitting, “I always wonder if you ask yourself / Is it just me? / Is it just me? / Or is this sex so good I shouldn’t have to fuck for free?” Obviously, the “free” part adds a whole new level of ‘scandalous.’ Besides the hook, there are plenty of other clever references.  The best is his reference to Kendrick Lamar’s aforementioned “For Free? (Interlude)”: “And like your boy from Compton said / you know this dick ain’t free!”

22. Drake, “Chicago Freestyle”

Ft. Giveon

Dark Lane Demo Tapes • OVO / Republic • 2020

“Chicago Freestyle” gives Dark Lane Demo Tapes a third consecutive standout.  Dark Lane Demo Tapes, of course, arrived as a second mixtape from rapper/singer Drake post-Scorpion (2018). The compilation has its share of moments, including “Chicago Freestyle.” Of course, the sole reason it appeared on 11 Songs Where Free 🆓 is Key 🔑 and reappears on FREE 🆓 3.0  is because of its very loose use of the word 🆓.  There are lots of freestyles out there, and few of them actually embody the meaning of freedom.  But no need to get really deep here!

The subtle, moody “Chicago Freestyle” features a memorable, low-key chorus by Giveon.  Giveon creates a vibe, something that’s been key to Drizzy’s music for a minute!

“Windy city, she blowin’ me kisses, no
Thirty degrees, way too cold, so hold me tight
Will I see you at the show tonight?”

Drake packs more punch than Giveon, but even so, he doesn’t ‘slaughter’ with biting rhymes.  Again, it’s about vibe, so he’s more calm, cool, and collected.  That’s fine; he’s a grown-ass man who’s free to do whatever TF he wants to!

23. Tom Petty, “Free Fallin’”

Full Moon Fever • MCA • 1989

“And I’m free, free fallin’ / Yeah, I’m free, free fallin’.” It’s amazing – more like SAD – that “Free Fallin’” managed to miss both 13 Songs That Exemplify Being Free and 11 Songs Where Free 🆓 is Key 🔑 . What the actual, bloody hell was I thinking? Honestly, I don’t know. At least I right the ship for the late, great Tom Petty. The man was a beast and I was just plum dumb EVER passing up on the iconic opener from Full Moon Fever (1989).

Furthermore, “Free Fallin’ is considered by many to be one of the greatest songs of all time.  I wouldn’t argue that.  Tom Petty definitely delivers one of his most energetic, rousing vocals ever.  The music is equally captivating – bright, sunny, and very much a musical portrait of California.  “It’s a long day, livin’ in Reseda / There’s a freeway, runnin’ through the yard,” Petty sings on the first verse, continuing, “And I’m a bad boy, ‘cause I don’t even miss here / I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart.” Besides Reseda, Petty also mentions Ventura Boulevard (verse two) as well as Mulholland Drive (verse three) on this Grammy-nominated, no. 7 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

24. Queen, “I Want to Break Free”

Bohemian Rhapsody (The Original Soundtrack) • Hollywood • 2018 

“God knows, God knows I want to break free.” “I Want to Break Free” is undoubtedly one of the greatest hits by Queen. Amazingly, the Freddie Mercury fronted rock collective NEVER won a Grammy – ain’t that a big, fat, stinky load of 💩 ? Focusing on the song at hand, “I Want to Break Free” brought the band some controversy.

It’s not the escapist lyrics that are controversial – many people can relate to those in some capacity. It’s the music video, where the band famously dressed up as the cast of the British soap opera, Coronation Street (us Americans are more familiar with Victor Newman and The Young and the Restless, of course).  Flamboyant, as we often associate with Freddie, we come to find out the liberating music video wasn’t actually his idea – now that is shocking.  Unique video aside, the song is Queen through and through with powerful vocals and a rocking backdrop.

25. Bfb Da Packman, “Free Joe Exotic”

Ft. Sada Baby

“Free Joe Exotic” • The Lunch Crew Company • 2020

“My bitch ‘bout to leave me ‘cause I’m built like Patrick / I nut super quick and I be weighin’ down the mattress…” Well, that should give you an idea of how blunt and unapologetic rapper Bfb Da Packman is. Naturally, with Tiger King being a guilty pleasure during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no way that a song referencing Joe Exotic could be ignored. Indeed, Bfb Da Packman actually references the idiosyncratic gay zookeeper on “Free Joe Exotic” (“Came up from sellin’ pussy, free my n***a Joe Exotic”), if only briefly.  He does also mention the equally infamous Carole Baskin, for good measure (“My bitch cheatin’, fed her to the animals, Carole Baskin”). Most of his two verses on the record focus on sex and food.

He’s joined by Sada Baby, who delivers two verses on his own.  Sada Baby also keeps things sexed-up, opening the second verse with “I tell a bitch if she ain’t suckin’ dick, then leave me be.” Wow.  He is ‘woke,’ at least in one particular instance, asserting, “Hmm, fuck a pandemic, Flint water been fucked up, huh / Ain’t nobody send nobody there to help us, huh.” This hookless rap joint, which runs nearly five minutes in duration, is an interesting listen to say the least.

26. Ruel, “Free Time”

Free Time • RCA • 2019

My God can Ruel sing! Yes, I know – lots of people can sing well, too.  That said, this Sydney, Australian teen has an incredibly distinct, expressive, and soulful voice that transcends his youthfulness. He brings that maturity to one of the additions on Free 🆓 3.0, “Free Time.” “Free Time” serves as the seventh and final cut from Ruel’s 2019 album, also titled Free Time.

The crowning achievement, if you didn’t already gather for the aforementioned paragraph, is the voice.  The authenticity is what really sells “Free Time” beyond a teen bubblegum pop audience.  Sure, perhaps on the surface there are some normal, ‘first-world teen issues,’ but the big takeaway is Ruel is down after a breakup, which is something everyone faces at some point in their lives.  Yeah, you might say a 17-year old rebounds easier, and there’ll be plenty more fish in the sea, but still, he captures the feels perfectly.

“All of my friends said, ‘Don’t worry
I promise you'll be fine’ (Be fine)
But now I’m alone and I’m lost in my phone
With this free time (Free time)
I used to spend it with you
All of the stupid shit we used to do
Now that you’re tied up
I’m tired of all of this free time (Oh)’.”

27. DeJ Loaf & Leon Bridges, “Liberated”

“Liberated” • Columbia • 2018

Socially charged songs are often some of the best and most meaningful songs written and performed. “Liberated” qualifies as that breed of song.  The single brings rapper/singer DeJ Loaf and Grammy-winning R&B singer Leon Bridges together. Dej Loaf kicks off the liberation, representing for “the girls that don’t need no makeup when they wake up” as well as “the introverts, no, we don’t gotta say much.”  She follows up the verse with a pre-chorus that encourages freedom of expression and a lack of judgement for sexuality or race.

Leon Bridges confirms the liberation on the chorus, exuberantly singing, “People gettin’ liberated / Get up on your feet if you got the feeling / Hey, get up on your feet.” 🙌 🙌 🙌

Bridges also supports the movement on the second verse, urging, “Baby, break on outta your chains⛓️ / You don’t have to aim to please, or be a certain way.” Adding to the success is the sunny, tropically tinged contemporary R&B production. “Liberated” is truly an awesome, thoughtful record fitting for the times we live in.  It is a message of being nonjudgmental and supportive as opposed to racist, misunderstanding, or insensitive. 🆓 dom lock-in 🔒!

28. Beyoncé, “Freedom”

Ft. Kendrick Lamar

Lemonade • Sony • 2016

“Tryna rain, tryna rain on the thunder / Tell the storm I’m new / I’ma walk, I’ma march on the regular / Painting white flags blue…” Sigh, on “Freedom,” a Grammy-nominated record from her Grammy-winning album Lemonade, Beyoncé has a new outlook. The aforementioned lyrics, excerpted from the powerful first verse, continue, “…Lord forgive me, I’ve been running / Running blind in truth / I’ma rain, I’ma rain on this bitter love / Tell the sweet I’m new.”

Clearly, no barriers can stop her from reclaiming her shine.  More importantly, black women shouldn’t let anything hold them back. Among the most powerful moments occurs on the liberated chorus:

“I break chains all by myself
Won’t let my freedom rot in hell
Hey! I’ma keep running
Cause a winner don’t quit on themselves.”

Of course, Beyoncé is assisted by the one-and-only Kendrick Lamar on the third verse and outro of “Freedom.” As always, K-Dot ‘shows out’:

“Open correction gates in higher desert
Open our mind as we cast away oppression
Open the streets and watch our beliefs
And when they carve my name inside the concrete
I pray it forever reads...”

“Freedom” previously appeared on the playlist 27 Contemporary Songs That Capture the Black Experience.

29. Rush, “Freewill”

Permanent Waves • Anthem / UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1980 

“I will choose a path that’s clear, I will choose freewill.” Yep, that’s what Canadian prog-rock veterans Rush assert on classic “Freewill.” “Freewill” appears on their 1980 album, Permanent Waves. Late, great drummer Neil Peart, also the lyricist for iconic band, was a humanist responsible for many of the freethinking references within the band’s music.  Of course, all members of Rush – Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson – are self-proclaimed atheists.

Merriam-Webster does a pretty bang-up job of defining freewill. At its simplest, freewill is “voluntary choice decision.” Adding the religious angle, free will is the “freedom of humans to make choice that are not determined by divine intervention.” Basically, Rush focuses on the latter in “Freewill,” which makes perfect sense given their collective atheism.  Simple as the concept is, Peart manages to give Lee some awesome, poetic, and thought-provoking lyrics, such as the fifth and final verse.

“Each of us, a cell of awareness
Imperfect and incomplete
Genetic blends
With uncertain ends
On a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet.”

30. Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Free Bird”

Pronounced’ Leh-‘Nerd ‘Skin-‘Nerd • MCA • 1973

“‘Cause I’m as free as a bird now / And this bird cannot change /… Lord knows, I can’t change.” You can’t be ‘free’ as a music enthusiast and not include “Free Bird” 🆓🐦 in the listening rotation, right? Damn right! “Free Bird” is one of many timeless classics by the iconic southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. The legendary joint concludes the band’s colorfully titled, 1973 debut, Pronounced’ Leh- ‘Nerd ‘Skin- ‘Nerd.  Worth noting, this particularly album has another classic, “Simple Man”, though we all know that “Free Bird” is the crowning achievement.

At nine minutes and change, Lynyrd Skynyrd had plenty sing and play.  The lyrics, particularly the aforementioned chorus are superb.  “If I leave here tomorrow / Would you still remember me?” is as classic an opening line as you’ll find.  That said, there’s a pretty epic guitar solo, that occurs as the speed accelerates, for the final four-and-a-half-minutes of the record.  It’s a reminder that at one time, rock musicians also jammed TF out without ever singing a note. “FREE BIRD!” 🆓🐦