Hour… ⌛| 5ive Songs

1. Chloe x Halle, “Ungodly Hour”

Ungodly Hour • Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia • 2020

“Ungodly Hour” appears as the sixth track on Ungodly Hour, the brilliant sophomore by Grammy-nominated R&B sister duo, Chloe x Halle.  The longest song on the album, “Ungodly Hour” is the sole record that surpasses four minutes in length. Sigh, the ladies have more to say over the sleek backdrop produced by Disclosure.  Expectedly, the results are glorious, perfectly attuned to such youthful, yet highly skilled pipes. Disclosure always ‘gets it done’ blending electronic, pop, and R&B seamlessly (Remember the Mary J. Blige bop, “Right Now” from The London Sessions?). The chorus is absolutely golden – 💯.

“When you decide you like yourself (Holler at me)
When you decide you need someone (Call up on me)
When you don't have to think about it
Love me at the ungodly hour.”

2. Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours”

“10,000 Hours” • Warner Music Nashville • 2020

“When you close your eyes, tell me what are you dreamin’? / Everything, I wanna know it all…” In 2019, Grammy-winning country duo Dan + Shay dropped “10,000 Hours”, featuring fellow Grammy-winner, Justin Bieber. “10,000 Hours” features chill, contemporary country production work with smooth guitars, and a relatively easy-going drum groove.  There are pop sensibilities from the onset, which definitely fit all parties involved.  Furthermore, all parties serve up smooth vocals, beginning with D+S on the first part of the song, and Bieber on the second. In regard to songwriting, questions drive the lyrics on every line of both respective verses. “Hours” features a catchy, memorable chorus that places emphasis on the power of love. Surefire ‘hour’ hit? You bet!

3. The Weeknd, “After Hours”

After Hours • Republic • 2020

“After Hours” (After Hours) is a throwback for The Weekend; it sounds like his ultra-moody music of the past.  It’s long (north of six-minutes), but the vibe, vocal performance, and the production compensate.  The production is satisfying to the nth degree: dark and moody (in a minor key) with cutting-edge synths and an infectious groove.  Of course, it’s that potent falsetto by The Weeknd atop the backdrop that seals the deal.  Beyond the sound and vocals, the theme encompassing matters of the heart amplifies excellence.  He thrives on heartbreak.  The crowning achievement is the chorus. Abel Tesfaye is in his zone here, and that’s always a winning formula.

4. Alicia Keys, “3 Hour Drive”

Ft. Sampha

Alicia • RCA • 2020

“Three-hour drive, I’m headin’ nowhere / I’ve got the time now that you’re not here…” On the mid-tempo ballad “3 Hour Drive,” the sixth track off Alicia, Alicia Keys enlists the services of Sampha. Sampha co-produces, also lending his own distinct, expressive vocals on the second verse and bridge (“Heart on my sleeve / No you, no me / It’s more than I can take…”). Additionally, he joins Keys on the second chorus, yielding sweet chemistry (“I can’t deny / As hard as I try / That you give me life”). “3 Hour Drive” is a pleasant record by all means, even if it’s not one that moves the needle or swings the pendulum per se.

5. Jhené Aiko, “10K Hours”

Chilombo • Def Jam • 2020

On “10k Hours,” Jhené Aiko collaborates with Nas.  This is definitely an unexpected collabo, but a successful one.  The production is old-school R&B at its best, a very fitting backdrop for Aiko and Nas to sing and rap over respectively.  Like much of Chilombo, past love is the theme.  “I’ve been missing you for ten thousand hours,” Jhené sings on the chorus, continuing, “I cannot let go, ten thousand memories.” As for Nas, “Now it’s cold, thought I had control, thought I took your soul / Nah, I took your mind, engraved my name / You told me that my mind is your favorite place to hang.”