Old | 5ive Songs

1. Lil Nas X, “Old Town Road”

Ft. Billy Ray Cyrus

7 (EP) • Columbia • 2019

“Yeah, I’m gonna take my horse to the old town road / I’m gonna ride ‘til it can’t go no more.” History-making, black LGBTQ+ artist Lil Nas X is responsible for the countrified/melodic hip-hop smash, “Old Town Road” (7 – EP) that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a record 19 weeks! “Old Town Road – Remix,” the most popular version, features Billy Ray Cyrus, singing the aforementioned refrain (once), as well as the third verse.  

“Old Town Road” is quite charming for a variety of reasons including lyrics that play off of clichés associated with country music. Furthermore, the hip-hop beat, coupled with ‘country-folk’ guitars, fueled by a prominent Nine Inch Nails sample (“34 Ghosts IV”), add to the sheer excellence. Although a novel cut, it’s one for the ages!

2. 5 Seconds of Summer, “Old Me”

CALM • Interscope • 2020

“Old Me” (CALM) exemplifies the modern pop sound. There are guitars but synths and urban beat ‘rule the roost’ on this 5 Seconds of Summer standout.  No worries – the boys still have an edge, dropping a couple of swear words along the way, whether it’s the regretful “And I did some shit I never should’ve done,” or  “Had to fuck it up before I really got to know me.”

Potty mouth or not, Luke Hemmings is at least regretful about past mistakes, actions, and playing a poor role as a lover. “Old Me” is a relatable, winning pop record.

3. Kesha, “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You)”

Ft. Dolly Parton

Rainbow • Kemosabe • 2017

One of the very best songs from Rainbow, the 2017 album by Grammy-nominated pop staar Kesha, doesn’t arrive until near the end. “Old Flames (Can’t Hold a Candle to You)” is certainly worth the wait. It also happens to be a cover, co-written by Kesha’s mom, Pebe Sebert.

“Old Flames” actually marks the second country song from the album, with this one being most successful. Helping the cause is the fact she enlists country royalty, Dolly Parton, who also once covered this gem.  Ultimately, the duet is magical, memorable, ranking among the crème de la crème of the pop star’s career.

4. blackbear, “I Miss the old u”

Digital druglord • Alamo / beartrap / Interscope • 2017

“I miss the old you / Before you fucked G-Eazy / Both the Migos too…” “I Miss the old u” (digital druglord) finds blackbear pissed at his girl – understatement.  Essentially, she’s become shallow in his eyes, hence losing her authenticity.  His descriptions are definitely profane, including characterizing her as “ungrateful” and later “cold.” On the chorus, he blames her for his issues in which HE misses the old HIM!

“I miss the old me
I miss the way I used to be
I miss the old me
And now these drugs controllin’ me
It’s all your fault, baby
Still reaching for the Henny.”

5. CeeLo Green, “Old Fashioned”

The Lady Killer • Elektra • 2010

“My love’s old fashioned / But it still works, just the way it is / This love is classic / And not just, simple because, I say it is.” The biggest CeeLo Green from his 2010 album The Lady Killer is undoubtedly “Fuck You” – it’s inescapable! That said, his retro soul record, “Old Fashioned” is much classier, featuring one of the most soulful vocal performances of his illustrious career.

Sure, a record this vintage-sounding wasn’t idiomatic of 2010, but that’s part of what made it quite charming and refreshing.  I mean, oldies definitely have ample character, and “Old Fashioned” certainly falls in that same category.