Quarantine Sucks, But At Least We Have Bops! | Playlist 🎧

1. Shamir, “On My Own”

“On My Own” • Shamir • 2020

“I used to think that love was fleeting / You’ll just end up hurt / But it’s a cosmic game of meetings / That may never work…” A prime example of a gem arriving in the turbulence that is 2020 is “On My Own”,  an intriguing, expressive rock record by Shamir Bailey, better known as Shamir.  The LGBTQ musician, who identifies as nonbinary, is definitely ‘one of a kind,’ with a truly distinct, powerful set of pipes.

Perhaps Shamir is markedly different from anyone that you know personally or have ever met, but the theme and lyrics of “On My Own” are quite relatable.  The theme is, the plight of love/ being alone.  Yep, that’s a theme that always works, and the expressive singer nails it.  Worth noting, when discussing the song, Shamir tells Rolling Stone about a new angle it takes, given the pandemic: “…Considering the pandemic, [“On My Own”] … morphed into an accidental quarantine anthem, especially for the people who live alone like me.”

The aforementioned lyrics kick off “On My Own,” following an energetic intro that sets the tone of the song.  From there, Bailey embraces being alone:

“I don’t mind to live all on my own
And I never did
And I don’t care to feel like I belong
But you always did.”

Independent, following a breakup, Shamir does reflect on the possibilities for love in the future, but he also understands he doesn’t need it, particularly if it isn’t worth it, ultimately.  Of course, he does so with a kick ass, rhythmic, guitar-heavy backdrop (Kyle Pulley does a superb with the production btw), and top-notch, upper-register pipes.

2. Twenty One Pilots, “Level of Concern”

“Level of Concern” • Fueled by Ramen • 2020

“Wonderin’ would you be my little quarantine? / Or is this the way it ends?” Twenty One Pilots (Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun) release an instant hit with their hella catchy, groovy quarantine anthem, “Level of Concern”. “Level of Concern” is one of the musical crown jewels born out of the “horrible, awful, no good” coronavirus pandemic.  Joseph delivers an honest vocal performance, as he shares his thoughts on the state of the world and of course, his anxiety. “Panic on the brain, world has gone insane / Things are starting to get heavy,” he sings on the first verse, adding, “I can’t help but think I haven’t felt this way / Since I asked you to go steady.” Indeed, COVID-19 is not only novel at how viral it is, but it’s also forced a ‘new normal’ that’s uncomfortable, particularly the social effects.

Of course, the centerpiece of “Level of Concern” is the chorus, speaking directly to anxiety, discomfort, and uncertainty:

“‘Cause I told you my level of concern
But you walked by like you never heard
And you could bring down my level of concern
Just need you to tell me you’re alright
Tell me we’re okay.”

Joseph is accompanied by one of the most danceable, funky backdrops of his career, driven by the drum groove (Dun), rhythmic guitar, and keyboards. Joseph wrote this awesome record, producing it with Paul Meany. Twenty One Pilots are as concerned as anyone else about the novel coronavirus and its effects on everyday life, but “Level of Concern” is a truly outstanding means to convey it.  This is a well-written, well-produced, and an exceptionally performed record by all means.  “Level of Concern” previously graced Weekly Gems No. 3: Week of 4-13-2020, Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: April 2020, and 10 Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic.

3. Bad Bunny, “En Casita”

Ft. Gabriela

Las Que No Iban a Salir • Rimas Entertainment • 2020

Bad Bunny, still earning plenty of success with his sophomore album, YHLQMDLG, released a surprise album, Las Que No Iban a Salir (‘The Ones That Were Not Coming Out’), on Mother’s Day 2020.  The song at hand, “En Casita,” was mentioned in the colorful Billboard article, 7 Times Bad Bunny Went a Hare Too Far During Quarantine.  Of the song, columnist Jessica Roiz stated: “The Puerto Rican singer dropped a Coronavirus-inspired song called ‘En Casita.’ In the improvised trap song, which was recorded on his iPhone and uploaded to Soundcloud, Bunny penned all of his feelings during the quarantine.”

“En Casita” concludes Las Que No Iban a Salir as the 10^th and final track.  Furthermore, it features his girlfriend, Gabriela.  Interestingly, remove the Spanish from Bad Bunny or Gabriela, and “En Casita” basically sounds like any other trap-oriented hip-hop record.  JR definitely serves up a sleek, enthusiastic backdrop.  Speaking of enthusiasm, Bad Bunny has plenty of it with his signature energetic vocal delivery, something that Gabriela matches.  The premise of “At Home?”  It’s simple really. Bad Bunny speaks on the effects the virus has had on everyday life. He references quarantine and ‘stay at home’ orders, as well as social distancing.  One of the most colorful moments occurs on the second verse, where he asserts (translated in English), “I want the virus to go away like Roselló.” “En Casita” previously appeared on the Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2.  Worth noting, “Bendiciones” followed suit on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 3.

4. Sinead Harnett, “Quarantine Queen”

“Quarantine Queen” • Thairish Limited • 2020

“When the world got turned upside down and we went into lockdown, life as we knew it changed catastrophically. Though there are good sides to this, ie: the slower pace, appreciating the simple things and being able to relax, the chilling question that weighs on my heart is ‘am I gonna die alone?’” What thoughtful insight that UK R&B/soul singer Sinead Harnett gives on her coronavirus inspired single, the absolutely gorgeous “Quarantine Queen”. If you haven’t previously partaken of the gift that is Sinead Harnett, well, you are totally missing out.  In 2019, she released her debut album, Lessons in Love, following up with an acoustic edition of seven of its songs in 2020.  But, let’s remain focused on “Quarantine Queen.”

“I don’t wanna be alone / I don’t wanna stay here on my own,” Harnett sings at the beginning of the first verse, continuing, “Every time that I look, there’s another headline on my phone.” The coronavirus pandemic definitely increases anxiety and messes with your mental health and stability, something that Harnett captures perfectly in those three lines.  She goes on the expand the scope to the need for love to atone for all the bad, miscues, and misgivings.  Perhaps it’s simple to some extent, but ultimately, it’s incredibly complex.

“What a time to be alive
Are we all just pretending
That the world isn’t ending?
I’m afraid, that I ain’t done enough
And if we go up above
I never learned how to love.”

Wow – nothing simple about that – that’s deep, introspection right there.  Continuing her characterization of this incredible contemporary soul ballad, Harnett asserts, “That worrying emotion is what brought about ‘Quarantine Queen.’ Though a sad thought, there is hope in the song from a wider standpoint – what can we as a nation learn from this time in terms of how we are living. I hope that we will change for the better, that’s really what I was getting at.”

The point is loud and clear, Sinead Harnett.  Also, worth noting, besides the ‘woke’ lyricism and exquisite production, Harnett sounds nothing short of incredible.  She sings with such authenticity and expression; how can you not buy what she is selling? And the bridge section – gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! This is the perfect atonement for the COVID-19 blues.  Absolutely sublime!  “Quarantine Queen” previously appeared on appeared on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 3 and Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2020.

5. Charli XCX, “Anthems”

How I’m feeling now • Warner UK • 2020

COVID-19 has a negative connotation. Rightfully so, considering how the novel virus totally transformed 2020.  People have died.  People have been in QUARANTINE (which SUCKS!!!).  Sports events, concerts, theatre, school events and milestones were cancelled. As bad as it has been, the pandemic has also given musicians the challenge to be creative in ways they might not ordinarily be.  Charli XCX does just that on her ‘quarantine’ album of sorts, how i’m feeling now. In the midst of a global pandemic, she delivers a brief, but creative and intriguing ‘quarantine’ pop album. “Anthems,” the song highlighted here, marks one of the very best moments from the album.

I might even go so far as to say that “Anthems” is the song to beat – it’s Charli XCX to the core.  Sleek and in-your-face, if you avoided “anthems,” well, it would totally come after you.  Danny L Harle and Dylan Brady outdo themselves on the production, with the dizzying, rhythmic synths and hard-hitting drum programming.  Charli sings in an aggressive, exaggerated, and passionate style, beginning with opening lines that speak directly to the effects of quarantine:

“I’m so bored (Woo)
Wake up late, eat some cereal
Try my best to be physical
Lose myself in a TV show…”

Ultimately, well, she wants “…Anthems / Late nights, my friends, New York / … Finally, when it’s over / We might be even closer, uh, uh.” Basically, she wants to party – live it up!

6. Tyga & Curtis Roach, “Bored in the House”

“Bored in the House” • Last Kings / Columbia • 2020

“Okay, I’m bored in the house and I’m in the house bored / Bored in the house and I’m the house bored.” Hmm, that’s, um, definitely enthralling stuff Curtis Roach.  Here’s the thing, though.  Roach and Tyga are actually ‘relatable’ on the utterly dumb, minimalist banger “Bored in the House”. Both rappers were bored AF, so they decided to make us all less bored with the minimalist, COVID-19 banger, “Bored in the House.” Does either rapper say anything noteworthy? Absolutely not, but with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting everybody in 2020, well “Bored in the House” definitely has more relevance than it ordinarily might.

“Bored in the House” hearkens back to the skeletal bangers of old (Think “Wait (The Whisper Song)”).  After Roach ‘brings it on home’ with the chorus and the utterly repetitive post-chorus (“I’m bored, bored…”), Tyga goes into his usual, sexed-up spill.  Naturally, he “Need [him] a thick chick” because he’s “Sittin’ on the couch… goin’ through Netflix.”  Even if he’s ‘healthy at home,’ he still thinks with his penis: “At home like Depot, ayy (Depot) / She gon’ suck it like mosquito, ayy.” Yeah, really rousing stuff there…

 Roach gets his own verse to play up the effects of COVID-19, totally setting the mood: “I’m in the crib like an infant / With some Badu playin’, burning incense.” I would argue he has the more intriguing verse, with lines like “I’ma socialize at a distance / I’m living my best life, minding my business” and more specific examples of epic boringness that often eludes busy celebs like “Ramen noodles every night for my din-din / Hulu, binge watchin’ episodes of Ben-10.”  Sure, “Bored in the House” goes hella dumb – but, it definitely fits the times.  Transcendent it’s not, but hey, we all need something to lift our spirits.

“Bored in the House” previously appeared on the playlists 15 Boring Songs That Are Totally Exciting and 10 Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic. Additionally, it was featured as the third track for Wacky Wednesday, which appears in the weekly playlist, Weekly Gems No. 3: Week of 4-13-2020.

7. Todrick Hall, “Mask, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs”

Quarantine Queen • Todrick Hall • 2020

“My nails, hair, hips, heels / Nails, hair, hips, heels…” Yeah, that’s about the size of the chorus of “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels”, which appeared on the 2019 album, Haus Party 1, Pt. 1 by multifaceted entertainer Todrick Hall.  Well, on “Mask, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs,” he opts for a version that better fits the coronavirus pandemic.  “Mask, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs” appears on Hall’s COVID-19 EP, Quarantine Queen.  Even under bad circumstances, Todrick Hall is still the gift that keeps on giving – a treat to say the least.

“My mask, gloves, soap, scrubs / My mask, gloves, soap, scrubs …” Like “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels,” when you listen to this dance/house-inspired cut, the first word that comes to mind is FABULOUS.  Yaaasss, even in quarantine Todrick Hall is FABULOUS.  The lyrics are honest and relatable, but also quite entertaining, lighthearted, and definitely funny.  I mean, it really starts at the beginning of the first verse:

“My mask, gloves, soap, scrubs
TikTok, Grubhub
Twinks, jocks, bears, cubs
Zoom is the new club
Six feet, no hugs
Still beat these mugs
Sick beat got a rug
Joe Exotic is a thug
Kitty cat, cat, tell me Carole Baskin
Where is the husband everyone’s asking?
Stimulus check, everybody better cash in
Mask and gloves, yeah, that’s the new fashion.”

Of course, there is even more on the second verse including the stellar line, “Left, right, left, right, swiping on Tinder / What was life like? I can’t remember.” Also, like “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels,” the bridge goes H.A.M., swapping “Shablam for me” for “Mop for me,” “Stay away from me,” and “Squirt for me” – totally not sexual, of course ;). “Mask, Gloves, Soap, Scrubs” previously appeared on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2.  Another awesome song from Quarantine Queen, “Mas(K)ot” appeared on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 3.

8. Call Me Karizma, “Quarantine with Me”

“Quarantine with Me” • CallMeKarizma / Arista • 2020

“Quarantine with Me” is an honest and relatable pandemic song; it gets the job done for sure.  Rapper/singer Catch Me Karizma perfectly captures all of the emotions of the devastating coronavirus situation. A prime example occurs on the first verse of this guitar-driven pop record, when he sings: “Yeah / I feel it in my gut, yeah / The media just fucks with me / Headline: ‘We’re dead.” Indeed, there’s definitely been quite a damning, unsettling nature while tuning into media coverage regarding the virus.  On the second verse, he even cleverly throws in toilet paper, saying, “‘Cause the shit I’m spittin’ water…” Of course, the most important thing that Karizma references is the hardest part for everyone – missing loved ones.  He, of course, has a specific love one in mind: his girlfriend.

On the intro, which excerpts the eventual chorus, Call Me Karizma first informs us of his dedication, loneliness, and desire to quarantine with his bae.  On the pre-chorus, after questioning potential fatality, he accepts social distancing, with one sole exception – her of course, DUH! The chorus is the centerpiece, in all its catchy, quarantine-love-driven glory:

“The world’s gone mad, a travesty
But us in bed is all I need
Come over, and quarantine with me (Yeah)
The grocery stores are all empty
But I’ve got sex and mac and cheese
Come over, and quarantine with me.”

“Quarantine with Me” previously appeared on appeared on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 3 and Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2020.

9. Hopsin, “Covid Mansion”

“Covid Mansion” • Undercover Prodigy • 2020

“Get back (Hey) / Move back, step back / Y’all better not touch me, ayy / … I done been told y’all niggas, back up (Move) / You don’t wanna see me call backup (no).” Well, you might say, everyone has a different approach to rapping or singing about the effects of COVID-19.  There are artists who tend to take a more thoughtful, uplifting approach, and then there are those who remain true to their unapologetic self.  Hopsin isn’t a rapper known in the least for subtlety – remember the godawful, offensive “Happy Ending”? A Hopsin pandemic song – in the form of “Covid Mansion” – was a must-hear!

As the chorus suggests, Hopsin doesn’t want you up in his grille.  Fair enough.  Social distancing is encouraged to prevent the spread of the coronavirus so it’s reasonable if an aggressive take.  Undeniable is how catchy the chorus is, even if you question the seriousness and perhaps the sincerity of the rapper – need I remind you of “Happy Ending.” Where the real juice comes into play is during the verses, where he gives his honest opinions on his experience being quarantined in Thailand.  Expectedly, he’s not a happy camper:

“Now there just ain’t many plans I can move on
All because someone ate bat soup in Wuhan (What?)
Well, shit, that’s what I heard
I don’t know what it was mixed with (I don’t know)
But for someone to jeopardize everyone’s life
Man, it must have been fucking delicious (for real) This shit is fucking ridiculous
Can’t be with my son or my siblings, the government trippin’
My pussy appointments with dozens of bitches are cancelled
Now guess what I’m tuggin’ my dick with? (What?)
‘My right hand,’ (Ooh).”

Wow… that’s Hopsin for you.  There are plenty more lyrical ‘gems’ – well – perhaps ‘gems’ isn’t the correct word.  While you can argue with the rapper’s presentation and sensitivity spitting atop a malicious, yet playful minor-key backdrop, you can’t knock the emotions.  Who hasn’t been losing their minds in all honesty? This is a controversial record born out of the coronavirus pandemic, but certainly one worth discussing. “Covid Mansion” previously appeared on 10 Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic.

10. OneRepublic, “Better Days”

Human • Mosley Music / Interscope • 2020 

Like a number of musicians, OneRepublic were preparing to release a brand-new album, Human.  Of course, everything changed with the arrival of the novel coronavirus.  Some musicians made the decision to release their albums, while others, like Alicia Keys, Dixie Chicks, Lady Gaga, and OneRepublic have postponed their new album releases indefinitely. In a USA Today interview, of new single, “Better Days,” Ryan Tedder states, “[“Better Days” is] a non-cheesy anthem about what it feels like now to be in this time and space we’re in. But the only way I could release it in good conscience was by donating profits to the Red Cross…”  Providing even more context, Tedder addresses the trickiness of releasing and promoting music during a pandemic morally, practically, and fiscally – “Unless you’re an artist who had a lot of momentum going into this pandemic… it’s really hard to get anyone to pay attention.”

Focusing on the song itself, “Better Days” is fitting for times such as these.  It starts off with the lovely and uplifting chorus, which was penned prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Literally, it really does!

“Oh, I know that there’ll be better days
Oh, that sunshine ‘bout to come my way
May we never ever shed another tear for today
‘Cause oh, I know that there’ll be better days.”

The verses are a different story, directly influenced by the current state of the world. The verses speak more to the effects that COVID-19 has had on everyday life across the world.  “Every day is like another storm /…I’m just trying not to go insane,” Tedder sings on the first verse.  On the second, he adds, “I been waking up with a new fear / But I know it’ll wash away,” showing at least a sense of hope that those ‘better days’ are indeed coming soon.  Short falling south of two-and-a-half-minutes, it’s potent, nonetheless.

“Better Days” previously appeared on 10 Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic. Worth noting, “Better Days (Remix)”, featuring Argentinian Urbano Latino / Latin trap artist, KHEA, appeared on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 3.

11. Luke Combs, “Six Feet Apart”

“Six Feet Apart” • Sony Music Entertainment • 2020

“I miss my mom, I miss my dad / I miss the road, I miss my band / Giving hugs and shaking hands…” Social distancing, post COVID-19, is likely to be a word many of us would like to forget.  Alec Benjamin previously detailed how upsetting social distancing is on “Six Feet Apart”, which appeared on the original list, 10 Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic.  Country superstar Luke Combs also explores social distancing on his own “Six Feet Apart” ,which arrived officially May 1, 2020, and graced Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2.

As the except from the chorus, the centerpiece of “Six Feet Apart,” shows, Luke Combs is perturbed, much like the world is, about the effects that the coronavirus pandemic has had on everything. He continues:

“...It’s a mystery, I suppose
Just how long this thing goes
But there’ll be crowds and there’ll be shows
And there’ll be light after the dark
Some day when we aren’t six feet apart.”

Combs looks toward the hope that the new normal will eventually return to the ‘normal’ that we are used to.  Backtracking, on the first verse, he reflects on spring, and how this wonderful time has been diminished because of COVID-19.  ‘Springing forward,’ on the second verse, he thinks about plans once things open back up – “First thing that I’m gonna do / Slide on in some corner booth / And take the whole damn family out / Buy my buddies all a round / Pay some extra on the tab.” You knew beer was going to be mentioned, surely.  Anyways, his thinking isn’t far-fetched from anyone who longs for everything that’s been taken by COVID-19.

With so much focus on the lyrics (Combs, Brent Cobb, and Rob Snyder), it should be noted that Combs sounds commanding and expressive as he sings these lyrics from the heart. Furthermore, the sound is country through and through – true to Combs’ roots and not some ill-suited pop experiment.  Along with Chip Matthews, they assemble a fitting backdrop that’s heavy on guitar.  The end result is the perfect pandemic song that speaks to the uncomfortable times, despite being at home, and looks towards the recovery.

12. Young M.A, “Quarantine Party”

Red Flu • M.A Music / 3D • 2020 

“We inside / Party and quarantine…” To quote Matthew McConaughey, “Alright, alright, alright!” The COVID-19 pandemic has NOT been fun for anybody – understatement.  There’s been far too many moments of sadness including a significant amount of death and severe challenges financially and mentally.  That said, music has certainly been a bright spot with numerous artists seeking to assuage the pain. That’s what unapologetic rapper Young M.A does on her banger, “Quarantine Party,” from her seven-song EP, Red Flu.

Young M.A puts aside seriousness and drops straight fire.  The centerpiece of “Quarantine Party” is the chorus:

“Gucci slides, Versace robe
Big blunt, I’m in papi mode (Papi, papi)
Wake up with no fucks to gives
I’m like, ‘It is what it is’
Ain’t got no wife, ain’t got no kids
But I got hundreds, twenties, tens (Twenties, twenties, twenties)
Still got money comin’ in
Got bitches comin’ with they friends (Hello)…”

Young M.A doesn’t stop there, of course.  On the first verse, she focuses mostly on her drip and having some excellent sex (“Hennessy gettin’ her nude / That make her get in the mood / I’m ‘bout to get in my groove / I’m ‘bout to swim in her pool…”). She goes on on the second verse to rap about “Getting some cutty” from “Three hoes” who all wanted to have sex with her, while bringing sanitizing into play as well as she spits, “Cabinets full of that Lysol / Gotta spray my money (Hello).” Quarantine aside, Young M.A is living it up!

“Quarantine Party” previously appeared on appeared on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 3 and as the final Fun Friday from Weekly Gems No. 9: Week of 5-25-2020.

13. Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber, “Stuck With U”

“Stuck with You” • Silent Record Ventures / Def Jam / UMG Recordings, Inc. / Republic • 2020

Is there any way that an Ariana Grande / Justin Bieber duet can miss, especially considering that said duet is a fundraiser (First Responders Children’s Foundation)? No, it can’t miss nor does it miss in the least. The resulting single, “Stuck with U”, is a sensual, but tasteful and romantic quarantine record (born out of the coronavirus pandemic).

“I lock the door and throw out the key / Can’t fight this no more, it’s just you and me / And there’s nothin’ I, nothin’ I’d rather do / I’m stuck with you, stuck with you, stuck with you.” “Stuck with U” exemplifies soulfulness. Producers Gian Stone and Freddy Wexler help to craft the throwback sound. As far as Grande and Bieber are concerned, both artists, of course, have shown their R&B chops to some extent throughout their careers. The sound is quite old-school; much older and more traditional than both artists tend to be generally.  Each artist possesses the pipes to sell it successfully.  The end in particular is quite high-flying – love the vocal chemistry. The No. 1 hit previously appeared on Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2 and Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: May 2020.