Learn… | 5ive Songs

On the 6th edition of 5ive Songs, we select five songs that are associated with learning, usually in a personal context.

On 5ive Songs, we (I) keep things short and sweet – no extra calories or needless fluff.  There’s a topic, five songs, and a short blurb that doesn’t exceed a paragraph.  Yes, it’s a playlist, but it’s a miniature playlist that shouldn’t take much time to consume.  On this edition of 5IVE SONGS, we select five songs that are associated with learning, usually in a personal context.

1. G-Eazy, “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime”

Everything’s Strange Here • RCA • 2020 

G-Eazy actually gets off to a good start on Everything’s Strange Here despite the strangeness (and flawed nature) of the album.  “Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime” is a cover of British pop band, The Korgis.  Ultimately, the James Warren-penned classic gets a respectable interpretation, overall. While the harmonic scheme remains true to the original, the production is updated to make it sound ‘brand-new’ and idiomatic of 2020. Honestly, it’s one of the better moments from Everything’s Strange Here.  As the opener, it gives the listener hope that there are possibilities that this could be a successful album.  Unfortunately, that isn’t ultimately the case…

2. Halsey, “Still Learning”

Manic • Capitol • 2020

“But I’m still learning to love myself…” “Still Learning” serves as the penultimate record from Manic, the third studio album from Grammy-nominated alternative pop artist, Halsey.  In the context of Manic, “Still Learning” marks another personal record. Here, she reflects on life, particularly as she’s became a famous pop star.  On the second verse, she sings, “You think I’m swimmin’ in green / But it’s passed around my family tree / No man wants to really commit / Intimidated ‘cause I get paid and 💩.” What’s amazing about “Still Learning” is how this quick-paced, slick pop cut manages to go so deep.

3. Surfaces & Elton John, “Learn to Fly”

“Learn to Fly” • Surfaces Music / TenThousand Projects • 2020

“Our music exists too spread love and positivity across the word. For those hurting, for those lost, we want every song to be a pathway that can lead anyone to brighter days.” Those words hail from Surfaces, a pop duo comprised of Forrest Frank and Colin Padalecki (best known for their breakthrough hit, “Sunday Best”). On “Learn to Fly,” the positive vibes are endless.  “All the broken people put your hands up high,” they sing on the chorus, later adding, prudently, “If you loosen up, you might just learn to fly.” They even manage to get the rare featured appearance from musical icon Elton John, who like Forrest and Colin, spreads the good vibes on the second verse: “Just keep your head up, don’t you worry, it will be alright.”

4. Kesha, “Learn to Let Go”

Rainbow • Kemosabe • 2017

“Learn to Let Go”, the third single from Rainbow, the Grammy-nominated third album by Kesha.  “Learn to Let Go” is a prime example of the newfound maturity associated with Kesha in 2017 (she’d have a bit more fun on High Road in 2020). She reflects on the past on “Learn to Let Go” but arrives at the point that she must move forward in order to heal.  Being an encourager to others, she realizes she needs to embrace her own advice for herself.

“I think it’s time to practice what I preach
Exorcise the demons inside me
Whoa, gotta learn to let it go
The past can’t haunt me if I don't let it
Live and learn and never forget it
Whoa, gotta learn to let it go.”

5. Ne-Yo, “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)”

R.E.D. • Motown • 2012

“Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself)” certainly has an exhaustive, wordy title. Even so, the record ends up being a well-rounded record – one of the best from R.E.D. On “Let Me Love You…,” Grammy-winning R&B artist Ne-Yo aims for pop-crossover, much like previous hits “Closer” and “Beautiful Monster”. On the chorus, he sings, “Girl let me love you and I will love you / Until you learn to love yourself… don’t be afraid, girl let me help…” Essentially, this relationship is beneficial to both parties.  Ne-Yo loves her, and even if she lacks confidence and love for herself, he is going to show her true love, so she begins to love herself.

Learn… | 5ive Songs [Photo Credits: Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Kemosabe, Motown, The Musical Hype, Pixabay, RCA, Surfaces Music, TenThousand Projects]