Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2 | Playlist 🎧

1. Alicia Keys, “Good Job”

Alicia Keys • Alicia • RCA • 2020

Alicia Keys was set to release her seventh studio album, Alicia, in Spring 2020.  Then, the coronavirus pandemic shifted her plans, among many other musician’s plans.  While some artists have went on with the release of their planned albums, others have postponed project indefinitely.  Look at preorders for many albums, and the expected date of arrival is December 31, 2020 – yikes! Regardless, some artists (Keys included) continue to release singles, giving fans something to sink their teeth into during a state of utter flux.  Keys released her fourth single in advance of Alicia (we presume, but who knows), “Good Job”.

There are lots of things to like about “Good Job.”  First and foremost, it is incredibly thoughtful, giving thanks to everyone affected and helping to combat the devastating COVID-19 pandemic.  Alicia Keys is being encouraging and uplifting, providing that positive reinforcement that educators seek to give their students.  “Good job, you’re doin’ a good job, a good job,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “Don’t get too down / The world needs you now / Know that you matter, matter, yeah.”  Essentially, lyrically, Keys says all the right things.  Also, as she sings, she infuses her soul into it, given it that next level of authenticity.  While the production eschews a bunch of bells and whistles, it suits the tone of this record.

 As aforementioned, Alicia Keys does a lot of things well on “Good Job” – more things than not. The most important takeaway is the messaging.  All in all, Keys does a ‘good job’ on “Good Job.” Fancy tickled! “Good Job” previously appeared on the playlist,

2. The Rolling Stones, “Living in a Ghost Town”

“Living in a Ghost Town” • Promotone B.V. • 2020

“Once this place was hummin’ / And the air was full of drummin’ / The sound of cymbals crashin’ / Glasses were all smashin’.” The key takeaway from the chorus of “Living in a Ghost Town” is that now everything is literally dead.  Honestly, this ghost town that The Rolling Stones describe via “Living in a Ghost Town” perfectly captures the way life feels during the coronavirus pandemic. While Mick Jagger makes it clear “Living in a Ghost Town” wasn’t inspired by the coronavirus pandemic, it feels appropriate for times such as those. He told Apple Music, “It was written about being in a place which was full of life but is now bereft of life so to speak.”

“Living in a Ghost Town” has ample pros.  First and foremost, the lyrics, though not inspired by COVID-19, perfectly capture how the world feels and what they’ve experienced.  “Life was so beautiful / Then we all got liked down,” Jagger sings on the first verse, continuing, “Feel like a ghost / Living in a ghost town.” The second verse is also very representative of the times, with Jagger adding, “So much time to lose / Just starin’ at my phone / Every night I am dreamin’ that you’ll come and creep in my bed / Please let this be over, not stuck in a world without end, my friend.” Lyrically and thematically is where The Rolling Stones’ bread is buttered.

Lyrics and theme are the crowning achievements.  But, there’s even more excellence! Mick Jagger is very much, well, Mick Jagger!  He sings well, infusing plenty of personality.  The instrumental is incredible, with ripe guitars, a robust bass line, and groovy drums. Throw in harmonica, and the musical sickness is undeniable.  This is old school, bluesy, traditional rock-n-roll, yet it sounds so incredibly refreshing. “Living in a Ghost Town” is just what the doctor ordered.  “Living in a Ghost Town” previously appeared on the playlist Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: April 2020.

3. 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.

4. Sia, “Saved My Life”

“Saved My Life” • Monkey Puzzle / RCA • 2020

“Save My Life,” the second song released by Sia (Sia Furler) in 2020 is a standalone single born out of the coronavirus pandemic. “Saved My Life” was debuted during Americares’ COVID is NO Joke livestream fundraiser, according to Rolling Stone.  “Saved My Life” definitely has credentials behind it, written by Furler, Dua Lipa, and Greg Kurstin. The record commences with a lovely piano introduction.  One of the selling points is how the song establishes itself and percolates.  Sia initiates her vocal performance with the memorable lyric, “Boom, boom, boom / Beats my heart,” which marks the beginning of the first verse. From the start, she delivers excellent vocals, which continue on throughout the record. Her performance is authentic, beautiful, and expressive through and through.

Shifting to the production, in addition to radiant piano that graces the backdrop, the groove established is also strong.  Definitely well-produced, Greg Kurstin unleashes his magic once again. As far as the songwriting, there’s a lot of repetition on the verses.  Even so, it’s effective in this particular instance, successfully conveying the point. After the enigmatic start of the first verse, the second verse is more stable and established, with the full complement of instrumentation behind it. The crowning achievement is the soaring chorus, which is empowering, memorable, and thoughtful:

“Well, someone must have sent you here to save my life
Someone must have sent you to save me tonight
I know that in darkness, I have found my light
I know that in darkness, I’ve been given sight
In your loving arms, I feel delight
In your loving arms, I’ll be alright
Someone must have sent you to save me tonight
Someone must have sent you here to save my life.”

I love the ad-libs by during the final chorus.  They further amplify the power and grandeur of “Saved My Life.” Ultimately, Sia has done it again! “Saved My Life” is a winner through and through. It’s a relatively simple but potent record.

5. 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.”

6. Ben Platt, “So Will I”

“So Will I” • Atlantic • 2020

“‘What if when my fears show up / I’m too afraid to face them?’ / Well, I can’t fight your battles / But I sure can hold your hand and promise you…” Ben Platt is certainly an incredibly talented individual.  It’s unfortunate that his 2019 debut album, Sing to Me Instead didn’t receive more attention.  Regardless, the actor and singer is doing just fine for himself (The Politician).  On a side note, is it strange that he’s dating his Dear Evan Hansen successor? Whatever – two hot guys, right? Right! Anyways, like so many musicians, Platt took the opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic to write new music, hence “So Will I”. “So Will I” is produced by FINNEAS and co-written with Michael Pollack via Zoom.

https://twitter.com/BenSPLATT/status/1257870343303081984

“The sky will still be up there / And the sun will always shine / The stars will keep on fallin’ / For the ones who wish at night /… The world will always be there/ And so will I.” The chorus sums up the comforting, thoughtful, and uplifting nature of “So Will I.”  As always, Platt impresses with his marvelous, expressive pipes, particular on the aforementioned centerpiece. He dips into his falsetto, which is quite beautiful.  Of course, his full-fledged voice is ear candy itself, whether he’d never slipped any of the ‘false’ in.

Beyond the incredible songwriting and magical vocals, the pacing, progression, and production of the record are incredible.  FINNEAS is a genius, sigh. Beginning as a piano ballad, “So Will I” gradually becomes much lusher, more dynamic, and more energetic, before smartly bringing things back down towards the end.  The nuance – incredible.  How can you not feel hopeful listening to this supportive record?

7. 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 and Embody the Pandemic.  Country superstar Luke Combs also explores social distancing on his own “Six Feet Apart”, which arrived officially May 1, 2020.

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.

8. 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’s 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 ;).

9. Turbo, Gunna & Young Thug, “QUARANTINE CLEAN”

“QUARANTINE CLEAN” • PLAYMAKERS • 2020

“Yeah, I’m quarantine clean, so relaxed / Got my pillows in my Benz Maybach, uh / Chips Ahoy, I got hoes by the batch / Me and the bros whippin’ Rolls back to back.”  Hmm, I question how or why Gunna has “hoes by the batch” during the coronavirus pandemic, but whatever.  Turbo (Chandler Durham), Gunna, and Young Thug join forces for “QUARANTINE CLEAN” (released in April 2020) which seems to be more about drip, sex, and swagger than actual quarantining.  Still, this Turbo produced joint easily qualifies for Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2.

Focusing on the production first (this is attributed to Turbo after all), we get a trap-oriented sound, specifically with the active beat.  The synths are actually somewhat cooler yet still sleek sounding and accomplish the job.  As far as Gunna he exhibits cool, but potent energy during the first verse, asserting at the end, “You do it for the clout, I make my money sprout, I’m fresher than the Dial.” K… As for Young Thug, he’s a bit edgier on the second verse.  Perhaps his edgiest statement is “Why would a disease come around when you get rich? / Seem like when you get money, rape come easy for a bitch.” Hmm, “Quarantine Clean” alight… I’m going to leave that eyebrow raiser alone…

10. For KING & COUNTRY, Tori Kelly & Kirk Franklin, “TOGETHER”

“TOGETHER” • Curb / Word Entertainment • 2020

“And if we fall, we will fall together / Together (together, together).” That’s definitely the spirit, and Australian-born, American-based Christian pop duo For KING & COUNTRY capture it perfectly on “TOGETHER”.  Just to brush you up on the background of the duo, it’s comprised of two brothers, Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone.  Notably, they have a famous sister, Rebecca St. James.  Anyways, focusing on “TOGETHER,” the duo enlists some big-name friends for the assist on this comforting record for a pandemic, fellow Grammy winners Tori Kelly and Kirk Franklin.

From the start, “TOGETHER” is radiant; lovely production work to say the least.  Also, accompanying this thoughtful, uplifting gem, there is a moving music video. The first and second verses, performed by Luke Smallbone, are a bit more subtle compared to the what comes.  Even so, it’s fitting, and seems to be by design – you never want to show all of your cards early on. Afterward, Joel Smallbone takes the reins on the pre-chorus, providing a nice vocal contrast to his brother.  Both sing together on the chorus, excerpted earlier, which is quite powerful.  Honestly, even given its simplicity, it affects you the very first time you hear it.

Tori Kelly arrives on the second verse, delivering a more assertive performance than Luke does.  With “TOGETHER” featuring short verses, she makes the most of a few solo moments. She does go onto join Joel on the pre-chorus and the chorus.  Her voice sounds absolutely amazing, particularly the ad-libs.  Last but not least, the bridge is ‘da bomb’ featuring Kirk Franklin and choir.  As usual, Franklin serves in the ‘ministerial’ role.  The big takeaway from “TOGETHER” is simply is togetherness during adversity and tough times – “We are in this together.” Perfect way to conclude Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 2.