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“Prepare to Be Numbed by These 16 Numbing Songs” features Chase Atlantic, Linkin Park, Pink Floyd, ScHoolboy Q & XXXTENTACION.

Prepare to be totally numbed! Are you shook already? Yeah, that’s a copycat of the intro I used when I compiled the original version of this list, These 13 Songs Will Totally Numb You back in March 2018.  The criteria for that list was simply the songs must feature some form of the word numb in its title. Being the perfectionist and sometimes revisionist that I am, I decided to revisit and upgrade the original playlist and lemme tell you, that list definitely needed a glow up! So, that’s where PREPARE TO BE NUMBED BY THESE 16 NUMBING SONGS comes into play.

Think of PREPARE TO BE NUMBED BY THESE 16 NUMBING SONGS as the deluxe edition of These 13 Songs Will Totally Numb You. I added three additional songs (could’ve added more but, it didn’t happen), which is often the case with an expanded edition of a studio album. Furthermore, I tweaked the blurbs adding additional details, lyrical quotes, and basically whatever made them slightly more descriptive than before.  So, what I’m saying is, PREPARE TO BE NUMBED BY THESE 16 NUMBING SONGS isn’t a total copy and paste job, even though I shouldn’t feel guilty regardless because I’m copying and pasting – I mean – retooling my own work.  Enough being needlessly verbose.  PREPARE TO BE NUMBED BY THESE 16 NUMBING SONGS features music courtesy of Chase Atlantic (“Numb to the Feeling”), Linkin Park (“Numb”), Pink Floyd (“Comfortably Numb”), ScHoolboy Q (“Numb Numb Juice”) and XXXTENTACION (“Numb the Pain” and “NUMB”) among others. Let the numbing commence!

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1. Linkin Park, “Numb”

Meteora • Warner • 2003

“I’m tired of being what you want me to be / Feeling so faithless, lost under the surface / Don’t know what you’re expecting of me / Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes.” R.I.P. Chester Bennington, sigh – hard to believe the gifted singer/songwriter is no longer alive.  We might as well begin with one of the most famous numb song, shouldn’t we? Let’s take it back to the aughts baby!

 

“Numb,” from the 2003 hit album Meteora, represents the crème de la crème of the Linkin Park catalogue without question.  It’s quite possibly the band’s crowning achievement.  On “Numb,” the vocals, the lyrics, the messaging, and the angst exhibited are nothing short of awesome. The chorus is the centerpiece, not to mention one of the truly memorable and easily recognizable choruses of the aughts.

“I’ve become so numb; I can’t feel you there
Become so tired, so much more aware
I’m becoming this, all I want to do
Is be more like me and less like you.”

Worth noting, Linkin Park and Jay-Z would release a joint, mashup album in 2004, including the mashup of “Numb/Encore.”

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2. ScHoolboy Q, “Numb Numb Juice”

CrasH Talk • Interscope • 2019

“I mean that’s bitch shit / Faking like you got it in your pockets, yeah, that’s bitch shit / Talking to them hoes, you steady gossip, yeah, that’s bitch shit.” Even with just two minutes to work with, ScHoolboy Q manages to do work on “Numb Numb Juice”. “Numb Numb Juice” is one of the best songs from Q’s 2019 studio LP, CrasH Talk.

 

On “Numb Numb Juice,” ScHoolboy Q backed by a minimalist, malicious-sounding backdrop – perfect fuel for the grimy fire of the rapper, who’s profane and unapologetic. Q mostly raps about violence, specifically shooting, fakes – “gangsta shit” you might say.  Sure, “Numb Numb Juice” is ‘been there and done that,’ but Q is potent as ever.  Worth mentioning, the “Numb numb juice” mentioned on the chorus below is a reference to both alcohol and E-40.  Alcohol certainly has a numbing effect.

“Two-door coupe, hoppin’ out like Jack-in-the-Box, nigga
I’m gon’ shoot if this 30’s all that I got, nigga
Y’all on mute, ain’t no back-talk on my block, nigga
Numb numb juice to the head, fuck up the opps, nigga.”

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3. XXXTENTACION, “Numb the Pain”

Bad Vibes Forever • Bad Vibes Forever • 2019

“It just keeps me wonderin’, this goddamn silence / It just keeps me goin’ insane / Numb the pain like I was Novocaine / Numb the pain, pain.” The late XXXTENTACION often dealt depression, pain, and tough topics in his music. Despite embracing a more minimalist, eclectic style musically, prior to his death, it was obvious XXXTENTACION was much more than a record like the utterly filthy, unapologetic “Look at Me” (“Can’t keep my dick in my pants /… Look at me, fuck on me…”) On “Numb the Pain,” released posthumously on the 2019 compilation, Bad Vibes Forever, he sings authentically and emotionally about eradicating the pain he’s experienced.  The above-mentioned lyrics comprise the entirety of the ultra-brief, though numbing, guitar-accompanied song.

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4. XXXTENTACION, “NUMB”

? • Bad Vibes Forever • 2018

Prior to that numbness experienced on “Numb the Pain,” while he was alive, XXXTENTACION also offered up “NUMB,” which appeared on the 2018 album, ?.“And every single year / I’m drowning in my tears, I’m drowning in my tears again / I can’t seem to forget the pain I seem to give / The pain I seem to give, my friend.” With ? exploring a variety of styles, XXX opted for is pop/rock on this John Cunningham / Robert Soukiasyan production.

 

Among key features of the production are the driving bass line, pummeling drums, and biting guitars.  The vibe is definitely a key component to “NUMB.”  Notably, unlike “Numb the Pain,” as well as some of the other songs on ?, “NUMB” is a full-length, three-minute-plus song.

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5. Carlos Vara, “Numb”

“Numb” • Carlos Vara • 2018

“You fill me up to pour me up / You build me just to break me down.” “Numb” is the stunning debut single by 20-year old, openly gay, Nashville-based pop-soul artist, Carlos Vara. It blends old-school soul with some modern pop and urban contemporary trickery.  Among the superb sounds are the vintage guitar chords, dusty, hard-hitting drums, a dash of trumpet, and synths. Narratively, Vara’s lover has him completely out of sorts.

 

With his expressive, robust pipes, he sums up his feelings, particularly on the record’s centerpiece, the chorus.

“You make me go numb
Hypnotized, I know it’s dangerous
Don’t speak, just make me come down.”

Discussing the viral success of “Numb,” Vara tells Patrick Crowley (Billboard):

“‘Numb’ is written in a way where it sounds very relationship-y, but it was really written at a time in my life when there were just so many emotions going on with a bunch of different relationships and I felt, well, numb to it all.”

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6. Chase Atlantic, “Numb to the Feeling”

“Numb to the Feeling” • Warner • 2018 

“My tolerance is going up / And I’m getting numb to the feeling, yeah / And I’ve been abusing drugs / I’m getting numb to the feeling, yeah…” Alternative might be the best way to categorize and characterize Australian collective Chase Atlantic (Mitchel Cave, Christian Anthony, and Clinton Cave), at least regarding their 2018 single, “Numb to the Feeling”. In regard to overall sound and vibe, “Numb to the Feeling” sounds like an urban contemporary or hip-hop record.  No, Michel Cave doesn’t necessarily drop bars, but the rhythmic approach to the lines, coupled with some colorful language, make “Numb to the Feeling” fit into the current musical landscape without a hitch.

 

Cave has boyish tenor, which is both appealing and charming. That said, he quickly erases any sense of innocence as he sings about drugs and sex.  Essentially, he’s numb to the feeling of drugs after abusing them, and numb to sex as well, requiring “extra” to put it respectably.  The chorus sums up the barrage of numbing issues that are taking down Cave.

“…I need you to show me love
'Cause I’m getting numb to the feeling, yeah
I need you to ride me harder when we fuck
‘Cause I’m getting numb to the feeling, woah.”

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7. Ryan Caraveo, “Numb”

At Least I Tried • Ryan Caraveo • 2018

“Don’t wake me up, I’m having good dreams / I can’t feel nothing, and that’s a good thing / I feel useful when I get used / So numb, I don’t wanna hear the truth.” Melodic hip-hop artist Ryan Caraveo hails from the Pacific Northwest – Seattle, Washington. Caraveo delivers “Numb” (At Least I Tried, 2018) in cool, calm, and mellow fashion, yet the record still packs a punch.

 

Naturally, throughout the course of “Numb,” Caraveo speaks on his inability to feel – numb to it all.

“So numb (so numb, so numb)
We've become so numb (so numb, so numb)
How'd we get so numb? (so numb, so numb)
We've become so numb (so numb)
So numb.”

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8. Rihanna, “Numb”

Ft. Eminem

Unapologetic • Def Jam • 2012

“Ecstasy in the air / I don’t care / Can’t tell me nothing / I’m impaired /No worse for wear.” “Diamonds” was the clear centerpiece of Rihanna’s 2012 album, Unapologetic – period.  That said, Unapologetic has its fair share of sick bangers.  Among those bangers was “Numb,” where she’s assisted by Eminem. 

“Numb” features superb production work, from a team that includes Oak, Flippa123, Kuk Harrell, and “Pop” Wansel.  Besides the team itself, it’s worth mentioning “Numb” samples one of my favorite Kanye West songs – “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”.   But, of course, we’re focused on the numbness and the numbness only! So, with that said, Rihanna is “going numb” from excess and clearly, she doesn’t give a – !

“‘Cause I’m going numb
I’m going numb, I’m going numb
I’m going numb, I’m going numb…
(Let the champagne splash, let that man get cash
Let that man get past, let that man get cash).”

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9. 21 Savage, “Numb”

Issa Album • Epic • 2017

“Mama, it’s a lot of secrets that I had to keep from you / Got in so much trouble, thought the teachers had beef with you /And it paid off ‘cause we livin’ like the Greeks and Jews / Used to leave your stove runnin’, stove runnin’.” Despite the pain he’s experienced throughout his life, Grammy-winning 21 Savage chooses to “Numb the pain with the money, numb the pain with the money,” or so he asserts on “Numb.” “Numb” appears as one of the highlights from his debut album, Issa Album.

So, why does “Numb” shine? Number one, this record shines because it’s dark – “No shit, Sherlock!” Production work by the ubiquitous Metro Boomin helps cultivate the darkness.    When you hear the word ‘numb,’ it has a negative connotation.  Honestly, any of these ‘numb’ songs would’ve been welcome on 15 Songs That Possess a Negative Connotation. Anyways, focusing on the song at hand, another reason why it shines is that 21 Savage himself shows a bit more edgy compared to some other tracks.

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10. Nick Jonas, “Numb”

Ft. Angel Haze

Nick Jonas X2 • Island • 2015

“This is so dumb, this is so bad / Gotta be numb to push you like that / Liftin’ me up, lettin’ me fall / Fuck with my head like it’s nothin’ at all.” Nick Jonas X2 showed Nick Jonas evolving from a teen heartthrob to a more mature young man.  In the process, on “Numb,” he drops the f-bomb, showing a bit more edgy, and dare I say ‘badass’ tendencies.  Of course, if you tuned in to his 2016 follow-up, Last Year Was Complicated, the man was letting bombs fly right and left.

 

Anyways the focus here is not Nick Jonas’ potty mouth, so let’s move on. On “Numb,” Nick isn’t taking being dumped well.  That’s to be expected. Ultimately, on this Angel Haze feature, her effect by dumping him and finding a new man leave him – wait for it – NUMB!

“You don’t know what it is you do to me
Yeah, you stole my heart
And all I have is a hole where it used to be
And the hardest part is
Now you’ve got some substitute for me
But he’s not the one
You don’t know what it is you do to me
Yeah, you leave me numb.”

Worth noting, Mike Posner served as one of the writers on the record while Nick Monson produces.

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11. Phora, “Numb”

Yours Truly Forever • Warner • 2017

“Look, I know I ain’t been myself lately / I’ve been feelin’ like someone else lately / It’s prolly this empty Colt 45 that’s numbing the pain inside / ‘Cause truthfully I ain’t felt lately…” Phora delivers the sole verse on the brief “Numb,” which appears on his 2017 album, Yours Truly,  with incredible honesty and authenticity.  In the aforementioned excerpt, the rapper numbs pain of a defunct relationship with substance, specifically liquor.

 

Phora continues, rapping:

“I’m still a sinner, I’m losing myself, I need a sign
I needed space, I needed love, I needed time
And I never understood how you could treat me so heartless
Until I realized that you just needed mine.”

He’s in full-on reminiscent and reflective mode on “Numb.” As with most ‘numb’ songs, well, the connotation is negative.

“We running from the past and we numb ourselves hoping that it lasts
‘Cause you left me when I need you most
I said we always seem to run from those that love us the most
And never open up because we scared to get close.”

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12. Flume, “Numb & Getting Colder”

Ft. Kučka

Skin • Mom+Pop • 2016

“‘Cause you say it, but you won’t admit it, oh / Numb and getting colder, physical existence disappears.” “Numb & Getting Colder” (Skin, 2016) commences in agitated fashion – mysterious and unsettling. Things grow more stable – at least somewhat. Kučka’s vocals are drenched in effects, amplifying the experimental nature of the record.

 

Kučka plays a pivitol role, but it’s definitely important to acknowledge the lead artist. Quite ambitious, Grammy-winner Flume deserves ample credit for thinking outside of the box on “Numb & Getting Colder.”  

“Said you begged to leave
I won’t be behind you
And I can’t breathe, breath
I won’t be behind you.”

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13. Ibeyi, “Numb”

Ash • XL Recordings • 2017

“Numb / Alone / Numb / I ache for home.” Ibeyi, a duo comprised of French-Cuban twin sisters, first arrived on the scene in 2015.  Their self-titled album showcased a progressive spirit in regard to music.  Perhaps the most notable record on their sophomore album, Ash (2017), is “Deathless”. Nonetheless, their own contribution to this numbing list, “Numb,” has a killer vibe, anchored by dusty, hip-hop drums.

 

The chorus, which appears at the top of the blurb, and the song itself, is the centerpiece. There’s also a verse that occurs twice, as well as an outro.  The outro, notably, is comprised of Yoruban lyrics. The verse is in English, with incredibly simple lyrics:

“You talk to me
I feel you walking by my side
Take my hand
I’ll save myself.”

The biggest take away from “Numb” by Ibeyi – the vibe.

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14. Witt Lowry, “Numb”

I Could Not Plan This • Witt Lowry • 2017

“They turn a rap in a mumble, I keep it real and stay humble, I know.”  Now that’s some confidence, and actually, a factual line – at least the mumble part.  Anyways, I Could Not Plan This – what a cool album title by Connecticut rapper, Witt Lowery.  On “Numb,” this dude proves he has bars – the flow is killer.

 

“I know where I’m from, but I don’t stay no more / ‘Cause everyone back home don’t act the same no more,” he spits, continuing, “So, tell these motherfuckers I ain’t playin’ no more / I’m drownin’ out my problems ‘til my pain no more.” Give Lowery the mic, allow him to drop a couple of ‘motherfucks,’ and it’s all good – numb or not.

“I’m goin’ numb, hey
I hope you see what you’ve done to me
I’m goin’ numb, hey
Blurry vision, live it fast
Motherfuck my past, I’m goin’ numb.”

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15. Usher, “Numb”

Looking 4 Myself • RCA • 2012

“They say life is a battlefield / I say bring it on… / I’m just saying that what don’t kill / Only makes you strong.” “Numb” is among the highlights from Usher’s electro-infused, 2012 album, Looking 4 Myself.  Notably, the record features production by a team that includes Alesso, Axwell Λ Ingrosso, Klas Åhlund, and Steven Angello.

 

“Numb” shines because it is uplifting.  The major key and enthusiastic production certainly don’t hurt its case either. The record finds Usher reflective, looking to move forward against fear and adversity.

“Let’s go numb
You never know until you let go
Let’s go numb
I can feel you now.”

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16. Pink Floyd, “Comfortably Numb”

The Wall • Sony • 1979

“Hello? / Is there anybody in there? / Just nod if you can hear me / Is there anyone at home?” We began this numbing list with one of the most famous numb songs. Therefore, we must close with a surefire bang – a classic! Long before Chester Bennington would ever sing about numbness, Pink Floyd would be “Comfortably Numb” on The Wall (1979). 

Roger Waters sang the verses, while David Gilmour sang the choruses. Notably, Scissors Sisters would transform the late 70s gem into a dance record on their 2004 self-titled debut.

“There is no pain, you are receding
A distant ship, smoke on the horizon
You are only coming through in waves
Your lips move but I can’t hear what you’re saying
When I was a child, I had a fever
My hands felt just like two balloons
Now I’ve got that feeling once again
I can’t explain, you would not understand
This is not how I am
I have become comfortably numb.”

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Prepare to Be Numbed by These 16 Numbing Songs [Photo Credits: Bad Vibes Forever, Brent Faulkner, Carlos Vara, Def Jam, Epic, Interscope, Island, Mom+Pop, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Ryan Caraveo, Sony, The Musical Hype, Warner, Witt Lowry, XL Recordings]

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