Natural | 5ive Songs

1. Bob Marley & The Wailers, “Natural Mystic”

Exodus • Island / UMG Recordings • 1977 

What could possibly feel more NATURAL than authentic, soulful reggae music? Nothing! Reggae is a style of music that requires proper execution to attain the proper effect.  Many a folk have tried reggae, but only the – wait for it – NATURALS do it best. Bob Marley isn’t considered a musical icon for nothing. He was a boss when it came to evoking the sounds of Jamaica, never forcing things in the least.  “Natural Mystic” is the opening gem from his beloved 1977 classic, Exodus.  Everything feels right from Marley’s expressive vocals to that epic, lazy reggae groove that’s definitely ‘in the pocket.’

2. ZAYN, “Natural”

Icarus Falls • RCA • 2018

“It feels so natural, natural / When we come together / Like a force of nature / It feels so natural, natural.” In 2018, ZAYN returned with an ambitious, if overly-long and over-stuffed sophomore album, Icarus Falls.  Among the best moments from the hour-and-a-half-long LP is “Natural.” “Natural” continues a strong start for the project, finding the pop star embracing his role as a balladeer.  Clearly, this is a strength of ZAYN’s. Vocally, he’s on-point, whether it’s chest or that sick ‘head’ voice, aka falsetto. Yeah, he’s a ‘natural’ alright!

3. Imagine Dragons, “Natural”

Origins • Interscope • 2018

Alternative rock collective Imagine Dragons commences their fourth studio album, Origins, ‘naturally.’ “Natural” begins with an enigmatic introduction, composed of a rich choral vocal pad. Confirming the darkness, the record is set in a minor key. The first verse doesn’t begin with a clearly-defined groove. After Dan Reynolds begins and continues to sing on the first verse, the ear perceives the pulse, seeing where “Natural” will eventually arrive. The first pre-chorus has more rhythmic definition, though it isn’t until the chorus that the listener is treated to the signature hard-hitting drums.  Besides the gargantuan nature of the chorus, another expectation is fulfilled – catchiness and memorability.

“Natural
A beating heart of stone
You gotta be so cold
To make it in this world
Yeah, you’re a natural
Living your life cutthroat
You gotta be so cold
Yeah, you’re a natural.”

The second verse begins with the groove in place, making it feel more stable than the first.  As always, Reynolds serves up clear, nuanced vocals.  He’s at his best when he roars, achieving that signature edge.  Even so, the fact that Reynolds exhibits more poise on the bridge, contrasting the heavy chorus is a selling point.

4. Sun Kil Moon, “Richard Ramirez Died Today of Natural Causes”

Benji • Caldo Verde • 2014

Over the course of “Richard Ramirez Died Today of Natural Causes,” singer-songwriter Sun Kil Moon (Mark Kozelek) covers a variety of topics, not only Richard Ramirez.  Ramirez, of course, is considered to be one of the most repugnant individuals to walk the earth. Per The Biography.com, Ramirez “killed at least 14 people and tortured dozens more before being captured in 1985.” He died in 2013, hence the title of this record. Kozelek devotes plenty of lyrics to the Satanic murderer.

“Richard Ramirez died today of natural causes
Got amped up on speed and broke into houses
Bludgeoned people to death and wrote shit on their skin and left ‘em
They finally got him and he went to San Quentin.”

5. Aretha Franklin, “You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)”

Lady Soul • Atlantic • 1968

“Before the day I met you / Life was so unkind / And you’re the key to my piece of mind / ‘Cause you make me feel / You make me feel / You make me feel like a natural woman (woman).” “You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)” was written specifically for Aretha Franklin by Gerry Goffin, Carole King, and Jerry Wexler. On “Natural Woman,” Franklin’s powerful pipes are chocked-full of the church as she sings magnificently on this fantastic secular soul classic.  “A Natural Woman” was nominated for a Grammy in the now defunct Best Contemporary Female Solo Vocal Performance category.