Imagine | 5ive Songs

1. Shawn Mendes, “Can’t Imagine”

💿 Wonder • 🏷 Island • 📅 2020

🏆 Grammy-nominated pop superstar 🎙 Shawn Mendes closes out his fourth studio album, 💿 Wonder, totally in his feelings ❤. 🎵 “Can’t Imagine” is a stripped record where Mendes accompanies himself on guitar.

As you might ‘IMAGINE’ (see what I did there), before even hearing the song, yet hearing the songs preceding it, Shawn tackles matters of the heart: “Can’t imagine what a world would be / without you.” Hmm, wonder who in the world he could be talking about? *Cough* ❤️ Camila Cabello ❤️ *Cough*. His dedication [to Camila] is definitely undisputed here.

2. Ariana Grande, “Imagine”

💿 thank u, next • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2019

“Imagine a world like that / We go like up ‘til I’m sleep on your chest / Love how my face fits so good in your neck / Why can’t you imagine a world like that?” 🎙 Ariana Grande is in sensually charged mode on 🎵 “Imagine”, the opener from her 2019 masterpiece, 💿 thank u, next. “Imagine” is focused on a relationship that’s ‘lit’ 🔥.

Sleek R&B production certainly supports this vibe. Grande establishes pleasure on the first verse, keeping things ‘cool’ and filled with swagger. On the second verse, the ‘picture perfect’ relationship continues. Because it’s ‘real,’ she urges him, “Tell me your secrets / All of the creep shit / That’s how I know it’s true.”  The lyrics and theme aren’t complex or game changing but are definitely successful 💯.

3. Omar Apollo, “Imagine U”

🎵 “Imagine U” • 🏷 Warner • 📅 2020

🎵 “Imagine U” is a pretty sweet single courtesy of 🎙 Omar Apollo. While perhaps best characterized as an alternative record, there’s plenty of pop and R&B sensibilities here. Apollo sings in chill fashion, yet simultaneously exhibits an expressive, well-rounded vocal.  Even if he never breaks a sweat, this cool approach fits the romantic, sexy vibes of the record. Besides a relatable theme and lyrics, adding to the excellence is balanced but colorful production.  The sense is that Omar isn’t trying to do too much – capitalize on the vibe. From the start, “Imagine U” is incredibly groovy as well as quite sound, quite enjoyable from an instrumental perspective. This ‘imagine’ record is well-rounded vocally, musically, and relatable lyrically.

4. Solange, “Things I Imagined”

💿 When I Get Home • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2019

“I saw things I imagined /… Things I imagined / Taking on, taking on the light.” Early on, it’s clear that 💿 When I Get Home, the 2019 album by 🏆 Grammy-winner 🎙 Solange, is a unique listening experience. Opener 🎵 “Things I Imagined” kicks things off enigmatically and lushly, incorporating elements of soul and jazz.  Lyrically, Solange isn’t profound (as aforementioned), leaning on repetition, coupled with the ‘vibe’ of the record itself.  Still, “Things I Imagined” packs a punch and definitely sets the tone during the course of two short minutes.

5. gnash, “Imagine if”

💿 we• 🏷 :): • 📅 2019 

There’s plenty to rave about on 🎵 “Imagine if”, a highlight from 💿 we, the 2019 album by 🎙 gnash. Gnash has an understated approach, but he continues to (1) allure and appeal with his distinct voice and (2) exhibit mad swagger.  As chill as this bro is, he has personality working on his side. His versatility shines through, as he sings and drops melodic bars.  He gets a bit salty asserting, “Imagine if I had the power to control the voices in my head / And I could tell them all to shut the fuck up.”

Naturally, he imagines lots of things as he reminisces back to an unsuccessful relationship, partially thanks to him.  Beyond the plight of love fueling his fire, the production plays a sizable role as well.  Not only does gnash handle the boards, so do 🎙 Digital Farm Animals.  Fueled by soulful piano with some synths and sick drum programming thrown in, it’s easy to see why “Imagine If” ends up being a resounding success.