Roll | 3BOPS

1. Adele, “Rolling in the Deep”

💿 25 • 🏷 XL Recordings • 📅 2011

Nine words: “We could have had it all / Rolling in the Deep.” 🎙 Adele had already garnered buzz with her debut album, 💿 19, which earned her first two 🏆 Grammy wins.  That said, 🎵 “Rolling in the Deep” from 💿 21 had a much bigger impact than 🎵 “Chasing Pavements” could’ve ever hoped for (and “Chasing Pavements” was quite underrated BTW).  “Rolling in the Deep” was a ubiquitous number one hit – a crossover masterpiece.

Where style is concerned, “Rolling in the Deep” fuses pop, soul, gospel, and retro superbly. Adele herself describes it as “gospel disco.” The minute I heard it, I knew she had a surefire winner on her hands.  In addition to powerhouse vocals and awesome production, the theme and songwriting are top-notch.  Basically, her man wronged her, she’s done with him, and there’s going to be hell pay – “You’re gonna wish you – never had met me.”  No surprise that “Rolling in the Deep” won four Grammys by itself (including Record and Song of the Year), in addition to 21 winning two, most notably Album of the Year.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 13 Deep Songs Where the Depth is Real

2. Calvin Harris, “Rollin”

Ft. Future & Khalid

💿 Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2017

🎵 “Rollin” arrived as the third single from 💿 Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1.  Funk Wav Bounces, Vol. 1 was the 2017 album by 🏆 Grammy-winning Scottish DJ/producer 🎙 Calvin Harris.  On this funky tune, Harris is on-point regarding production work, providing truly enticing ear candy.  It’s decadent! Of course, it’s not all Calvin.  He gets the assist from R&B artist 🎙 Khalid and 🏆 Grammy-winning rapper 🎙 Future.

Khalid shows off his glorious vocal talents against the chill AF backdrop.  By my estimations, he gets the best part on “Rollin,” the centerpiece – the chorus!

“I’ve been rollin’ on the freeway
I’ve been riding 85
I’ve been thinking way too much
And I’m way too gone to drive
I’ve got anger in my chest
I’ve got millions on my mind
And you didn’t fit the picture
So, I guess you weren’t the vibe.”

As for Future, he takes the reins on the verses.  He’s true to self, though not nearly as smooth as Harris’ superb production or the distinct, beautiful vocals of Khalid. Even if Future isn’t your cup of tea, “Rollin” is a surefire vibe.

3. John Mayer, “Roll it on Home”

💿 The Search for Everything • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2017

🎵 “Roll it on Home” concluded the second wave of 💿 The Search for Everything. On the full-length album, it serves as the penultimate record.  Here, 🏆 Grammy winning pop/rock artist 🎙 John Mayer embraces a folk-pop/rock sound.  Like much of the LP, love and companionship aren’t on the protagonist’s side: “The one that you had eyes for / Had their eyes for your best friend.” Well day-um, that sucks.

“Nobody’s gonna take you in tonight,” Mayer sings on the pre-chorus, adding, “Finish out the bottle or step into the light.” Can you guess what Johnny boys tells us to do on the chorus? “Roll it on Home,” of course!

“Roll it on home
Roll it on home
Tomorrow’s another chance you won’t go it alone
If you roll it on home.”

He has a valid point.