Show | 5ive Songs

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On this edition of 5ive Songs, we select five intriguing songs that are showing something or are associated with a show.

On 5ive Songs, we (I) keep things short and sweet – no extra calories or needless fluff. There’s a topic, five songs, and a short blurb that doesn’t exceed a paragraph. Yes, it’s a playlist, but it’s a miniature playlist that shouldn’t take much time to consume. On this edition of 5ive Songs, we select five intriguing songs that are SHOWING something or are associated with a SHOW.

1. Black Atlass, “Show Me”

Dream Awake • XO / Republic • 2020

“Show Me” kicks off the second half of Dream Awake, in the form of a moody, sleek ballad. Hey, that’s when Black Atlass (Alex Fleming) is at his best. Notably, he sings more in his lower and middle register where he’s equally effective even with falsetto being his calling card. Adding to the vibe are the numerous production cues, vocal effects (distortion included), and of course, the focus on matters of the heart.

2. Alicia Keys, “Show Me Love”

Ft. Miguel

ALICIA • RCA • 2020

“Show me love / Treat it like we freakin’ on the weekend, show me love / I heat up the seconds, times and reasons for your love…” Alicia Keys collaborates with fellow Grammy winner, Miguel on “Show Me Love”. “Show Me Love” features plenty of repetition, and lacks depth when it comes to songwriting, but the vibe is quite electric. The production by Keys and Morgan Matthews shines. “Show Me Love” is sensual sounding without crossing any lines, giving it a sense of ‘classicism’ that’s hard to come by in modern R&B. Vocally, Alicia Keys and Miguel sound awesome, separately and simultaneously. Perhaps it’s the fact that “Show Me Love” lacks a more traditional form with multiple verses as opposed to one that leaves the listener yearning for a bit more oomph where songwriting is concerned. Still, a vibe!

3. Logic, “Mama / Show Love”

Ft. Cordae

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind • Def Jam • 2010

“Mama / Show Love” featuring Cordae gives Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, the 2019 penultimate studio album by Grammy-nominated rapper, Logic, a fiery two-part song. On the “Mama,” both Logic (verses one and three) and Cordae (verse two) go ‘H.A.M.’ over hard-nosed, malicious production work. “Show Love,” which earns the song a spot here, continues to find Bobby on autopilot, with a more ‘optimistic’ backdrop behind him that still slaps. The flow continues is his best attribute, but the rhymes are potent as well.

4. Melanie Martinez, “Show & Tell”

K-12 • Atlantic • 2019

“Show and tell / I’m on display for all you fuckers to see / Show and tell / Harsh words if you don’t get a pic with me.” Wow, Melanie Martinez – WOW! On “Show & Tell,” which appears on the 2019 album K-12, the former Voice contestant perfectly captures the plight of being famous. Clearly, she doesn’t enjoy the fame because she feels “I’m just like you, you’re like me / Imperfect and human, are we?” She’s got a point to say the least!

5. Britney Spears, “Private Show”

Glory • RCA • 2016

“Private Show” is an aggressive, sexy standout from Glory, the 2016, under-appreciated ninth studio album by Britney Spears. Britney’s definitely got some show planned! The production work is slick, blending pop, hip-hop, and urban cues. Her assertiveness is jaw dropping. The chorus is utterly infectious – naughty yet irresistible as she suggestively sings about her intentions.

“Put on a private show
Pull the curtains until they close I put on a private show 
We’ll be whiling all on the low 
Work it, work it, boy watch me work it 
Slide down my pole, watch me spin it and twerk it 
Work it, work it, boy watch me work it...”

Show | 5ive Songs

Published by the musical hype on September 10, 2020September 10, 2020

On this edition of 5ive Songs, we select five intriguing songs that are showing something or are associated with a show.

1. Black Atlass, “Show Me”