Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 1 | Playlist

“Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 1” features music courtesy of Carly Rae Jepsen, Lil Skies, PnB Rock, Tune-Yards, and Vampire Weekend.

Prepare yourself for a multi-volume playlist centered around a keyword.  That keyword is – *drum roll please* – NOW! The premise is simple.  Every song title must feature ‘now’ in some form or fashion that aligns with the standard definition – “at the present time or moment”.  So, without further ado, we present Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 1. Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 1 features music courtesy of Carly Rae Jepsen (“Now That I Found You”), Lil Skies (“Nowadays” and “Nowadays, Pt. 2”), PnB Rock (“Now or Never 2.0”), Tune-Yards (“Now as Then”), and Vampire Weekend (“Hold You Now”) among others.    

1. PnB Rock, “Now or Never 2.0”

TrapStar Turnt PopStar • Atlantic • 2019

“Tell me why did you leave so fast? / Tell me why does it hurt so bad? / Why you had to spread your wings so fast? / I’ll never leave you in the past.” “Now or Never 2.0” appears as the ninth and final track from the first disc of TrapStar Turnt PopStar, the 2019 album by PnB Rock.  Characteristic of PnB Rock, “Now or Never 2.0” blends urban contemporary and hip-hop – those continual blurred lines.  The production work is sleek (Smash Bros.) including an interpolation of “Now or Never” by Flyboy Tarantino, Craig Xen, and KidWay. The aforementioned chorus from the original remains intact, save for the initial time it’s sung by PnB Rock.

Besides the use of sample, other notable features of Smash Bros.’ production include sick synths, and a hard-nosed, anchoring beat.  The vibe is popping to say the least.  As for PnB Rock, he shines on this cut that memorializes XXXTentacion who was murdered at the age of 20 in 2018.  On the first verse he asserts, “They killed my dawg today / It’s crazy when they took my dawg away / So I’m going hard today / ‘Cause for me, he would be a call away.”  Later, on the bridge, he expands upon the personal hurt he feels:

“‘Cause they killed my brother, killed a part of me too
Now there’s a hole in my heart everybody can see through.”

2. Carly Rae Jepsen, “Now That I Found You”

Dedicated • Schoolboy / Interscope • 2019

“Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy / But here’s my number, so call me maybe.” Honestly, there’s no denying the sole hit that Canadian pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen is known for, “Call Me Maybe”, from her 2012 sophomore album, Kiss.  That said, Jepsen is definitely more than a ‘one-trick pony’ – more than a ‘one-hit wonder.’  The evidence is loud and clear on her fine fourth studio album, Dedicated, easily among of the best albums of 2019.

Following winning songs in “Julien” (a surefire bop) and “No Drug Like Me,” “Now That I Found You” keeps Dedicated rolling along without a hitch.  The groove continues to be a driving force.  Furthermore, Jepsen impresses with a nice blend of personality and sweet, appealing vocals.  Sure, the songwriting offers nothing ‘brand-new,’ but it’s ‘tried-and-true’ and there’s nothing wrong with that.

3. Vampire Weekend, “Hold You Now”

Ft. Danielle Haim

Father of the Bride • Sony • 2019

Vampire Weekend fans were subjected to a six-year wait for Father of the Bride, the fourth studio album by the Grammy-winning alternative collective.  Even post-Rostam Batmanglij, Father of the Bride still ends up being accomplished as Ezra Koenig and company deliver a superb, jam-packed affair. The band does a marvelous job of delivering clever songwriting, intriguing production, and fantastic vocals by Koenig.  The musicianship is quite noteworthy. The gems are abundant, starting with the ‘now’ song that fits the criteria for this list, “Hold You Now,” featuring Danielle Haim.

“The pews are getting filled up, the organ’s playing loud / I can’t carry you forever, but I can hold you now.” “Hold You Now” commences Father of the Bride in compelling fashion. The sound of the record can be described as ‘folksy’, at least the verses performed by Koenig and Haim.  Notably, “Hold You Now” fits the concept of the album, setting the tone for an adventurous ride.  Part of the adventurousness is the chorus, brilliantly sampling “God Yu Tekem Laef Blong Mi” composed by Hans Zimmer, and appearing on The Thin Red Line original motion picture soundtrack.

4. Lil Skies, “Nowadays, Pt. 2”

Ft. Landon Cube

Shelby • 2019

“Nowadays I’m just sellin’ out these shows / She tell me that she love me ‘cause I am a dark rose / I can’t trust nobody, people fake and people fold / You not in my position, I work for this, I was chose.” “Nowadays, Pt. 2” appears on Shelby, the 2019 debut album by Pennsylvania rapper Lil Skies. Since this is “Nowadays, Pt. 2,” what happened to “Nowadays?” Well, “Nowadays,” featuring Landon Cube appeared on Skies’ 2017 mixtape, Life of a Dark Rose, and appears later on this now-centric list.  Also, worth noting, Cube also appears on “Nowadays, Pt. 2.”

“Nowadays, Pt. 2” is a song where Lil Skies raps about his ‘come up,’ achieving success, and how people change once you get money. On the first verse he raps: “I got money, now they love me, be acting like they my friends / Fuck that shit, I block them out, I’m not letting them people in.” The second verse is patterned similarly, with Skies exhibiting ‘that attitude’ from the jump: “I can’t lie, me and you, we not the same / I started from the bottom, took my time and built a name.” Cube arrives for the third verse, supporting the drip, not to mention spending half of his verse focused on smoking weed.  Apparently, that’s how things roll “nowadays…”

5. Tyla Yaweh, “High Right Now”

Heart Full of Rage • Epic • 2019

“Girl, I’m so high right now / I don’t think that I’ll ever come down / ‘Cause this feels better to me / Than anybody reality…” The lines between R&B and rap have become more blurred over the years – understatement.  Honestly, the lines between any number of styles have become blurred.  Tyla Yaweh definitely shows those blurred lines on “High Right Now,” the opening track from his major-label debut album, Heart Full of Rage.

“High Right Now” features excellent production work that incorporates some pop/rock cues in addition to embracing melodic rap and urban contemporary.  Those pop/rock cues include the use of acoustic and electric guitars.  In fact, the electric guitar riff is a key feature of the production.  Suring up the hip-hop is the anchoring beat that has become commonplace in top 40 music of all styles.  The chorus, excerpted at the beginning and appearing at the jump on the record itself, is the centerpiece.  It continues as follows:

“I’m floating in the air like I’m weightless
Flying on a cocaine spaceship
Girl, I’m so high right now
I don’t think that I’ll ever come down.”

While the verses remain melodic, there’s a bit more hip-hop sensibility. Even so, there aren’t an abundance of lyrics, with the ‘high’ vibe clearly being the modus operandi.  While high is subject to interpretation to some extent on “High Right Now,” references to a ‘cocaine spaceship’ as well as being “On designer drugs, can’t feel my face” certainly support the fact that Tyla Yaweh is indeed high AF.   “High Right Now” originally appeared on the playlist, 14 Songs Sure to Lift You Higher.

6. Zedd & Elley Duhé, “Happy Now”

Happy Now [Single] • Interscope • 2018

“You keep on talking sweet, till your fingers bleed / But you don’t dare ask me how I’ve been.” Grammy-winning, Russian-German DJ and producer Zedd returned with hot new single in 2018, “Happy Now”.  He’s assisted by American pop singer, Elley Duhé. Ultimately, the two work together marvelously well on “Happy Now.” Zedd emphasizes rhythm throughout the course of “Happy Now.” It begins with rhythm guitar, a common EDM production touch, but effective as the chief accompaniment on the first iteration of the chorus.

Duhé sings:

“You’re a world away
Somewhere in the crowd
In a foreign place
Are you happy now?
There’s nothing left to say
So I shut my mouth
So won’t you tell me babe
Are you happy now?”

Duhé sounds distinct, commanding, and nuanced – Her pain is our pleasure.  Following the chorus, there’s a nice timbral contrast on the first verse. The sound evolves from more of a rock/pop sound, to integrating more dance and electronic cues. The key piece is the sick beat. The ‘second’ everything seems to be more developed.  That includes the second chorus, which includes fuller production, as well as the second verse, which is groovier and more invested into the dance-pop aesthetic. Additionally, there’s the signature EDM solo, combined with a post-chorus, extended following the third chorus.  Duhé sings, “You’re the only one who can / You’re the only, you’re the only.” Also, worth noting is the outro, where she sounds like a robot thanks to the use of vocoder. “Happy Now” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Totally Happy Songs.

7. Post Malone, “Better Now” / “Over Now”

Beerbongs & Bentleys • Republic • 2018

“You prolly think that you are better now, better now / You only say that ‘cause I’m not around, not around / You know I never meant to let you down, let you down / Woulda gave you anything, woulda gave you everything.” In the context of Beerbongs & Bentleys, the Grammy-nominated sophomore album by Post Malone, “Better Now” gets the unenviable task of following up a crowd-pleaser (“Psycho”).  As tall a task as it is, “Better Now” is pleasant in its own right.  What makes “Better Now” pretty rad? In addition to its own Grammy-nomination for pop solo performance, Malone melodically reminisces on past relationships, once more dropping a golden hook (aforementioned).  Honestly, what could be ‘better’? “Better Now” previously appeared on the playlist 13 Songs Sure to Make You Feel Better.

 Moving on, this is two-for-one, so, another ‘now’ song appears on Beerbongs & Bentleys.  In the context of the album,  between “Rockstar” and “Psycho,” the listeners are treated to “Over Now,” a lower profile number.  The aggressive, rhythmic guitars on the record are exciting, fueling Post’s energy. The chorus certainly lives up to the aggressiveness of guitars, particularly disturbing lyric, “I’m a put that bitch pussy in a motherfucking body bag / So you know that I’m never ever coming back.” Da-yum Post!

8. Tune-Yards, “Now as Then”

I can feel you creep into my private life • 4AD • 2018

“I am exceptional / I am an exception / I am the exception / That’s for me, that’s also for me.” Those lyrics, sung by Merrill Garbus of Tune-Yards are both simple yet have a layer of complexity simultaneously.  With some background on “Now as Then,” the fourth track from the duo’s 2018 album, I can feel you creep into my private life, the left-of-center alternative record makes more sense.

According to Garbus via NPR, she states, “What often happens when white people start to confront racism is this idea of a good white self arises. Like, ‘Other people are like this – not me!’ In the post-Trump era, progressives and liberals are finding ourselves wanting to distance ourselves from other white people.” Interesting – so that essentially explains the aforementioned lyrical excerpt. Also, the lyrics, “Tell me I’m special / They might look like me but they don’t know” are supported by Garbus’ commentary. Another lyric that really stands out listening to “Now as Then” is “Man, I wanna take you home,” which Garbus tells NPR is “the line that’s grossest for me.” Honestly, those are a just some select moments from “Now as Then,” which is pretty deep.  So, where does the ‘now’ come into play beyond the song title?

“Now as then
I know then as now
I know I’m not to be trusted.”

What does it mean? If we examine the song lyrics throughout, as well as the commentary Garbus provided, Tune-Yards seem to be admitting to racial insensitivity, sometimes unknowingly.  Furthermore, being white, admit, they may still mess up.  And here’s the thing – we didn’t even talk much about the intriguing, quirky production, including the robust bass lines by Nate Brenner or even the unique vocal approach by Garbus.

9. Halsey, “Now or Never”

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom • Astralwerks • 2017

“Never pick up, never call me / You know we’re runnin’ out of time / Never pick up when you want me / Now I gotta draw a line…” “Now or Never” finds Halsey firmly planted in pop music (debate the alternative part if you wish). On “Now or Never,” the modus operandi is love versus non-love. She keeps it real, yet simple. From her perspective, her lover is “hot n cold” exemplified by the pre-chorus above.

On the chorus, she confirms her desire for love right now or never.

“…Said you know I wanna keep you around
‘Round forever, hey, hey, hey
I want you to love me now, now, now, now, now, now
Now or never.”

Pretty cut and dry right? Right. The second verse offers much of the same.  Halsey wants him, yet there’s still clearly dysfunction within the relationship: “Tryna talk to a wall / But you could never tear it down for me.” By the bridge, she sends the final ultimatum:

“Yeah, draw the line up
Don’t take no more time up, yeah
Make your mind up
I need you to make your mind up, yeah…
Baby you gotta decide something
Let me know.”

“Now or Never” isn’t particularly innovative in subject matter, production, vocal performance or otherwise, but it’s ultimately enjoyable. The record previously appeared on the playlist 15 Gems from One Never-ending ‘Never’ List of Songs.

10. Lil Skies, “Nowadays”

Ft. Landon Cube

Life of a Dark Rose • 2017

“Nowadays I’m too cool for a girlfriend / Nowadays I don’t know when the world spins / Live your life like we die when the world ends / So, it’s alright every time we fuckin’ break a sin…” Before there was “Nowadays, Pt. 2,” well, there was just “Nowadays.” Lush, sleek production work backs rapper Lil Skies on “Nowadays,” a highlight from his 2018 mixtape, Life of a Dark Rose.  Lil Skies, assisted by Landon Cube, tackle the aforementioned hook, combining pop-rap (Skies) and sung, urban contemporary vocals (Cube). The hook is the crowning achievement of “Nowadays.”

The verses by Lil Skies continue in a pop-rap vein.  He exhibits an easy-going, respectable flow, with a nice pacing in regard to his rhymes. Cube sings the second verse, showcasing his distinct, upper-register pipes. Between verse and chorus, Skies drops a short, rhythmic pre-chorus.

“Ayy, but I like to fade away
I got these diamonds on me, and these bitches all in my face
And you wanna be a star, and you wanna win the race
But you cannot rock with me ‘cause I was caught on the chase.”

Lil Skies doesn’t reinvent the wheel but definitely ‘gets his shine on’ on “Nowadays.”

11. The Script, “If You Could See Me Now”

#3 • Sony • 2012

“I still look for your face in the crowd / Oh, if you could see me now / Would you stand in disgrace or take a bow? / Oh, if you could see me now.” Irish pop collective The Script weren’t particularly clever in naming their third studio album #3 – understatement.  Also, critics weren’t particularly enthralled by the effort. Even so, Danny O’Donoghue and company did manage to earn a hit off the album in the U.S. with “Hall of Fame” alongside rapper/producer will.i.am. “Hall of Fame” is the crowning achievement, but another single, “If You Could See Me Now,” definitely deserves praise as well.

Danny O’Donoghue and Mark Sheehan handle vocal duties, with both rapping on verses one and two respectively.  O’Donoghue reminisces on his late father and how much he misses him, the encouragement that he gave him, and how great a man he was.

“And I’ll never get to show you these songs
Dad, you should see the tours that I’m on
I see you standing there next to Mom
Both singing along, yeah, arm in arm.”

Sheehan addresses his verse to both parents, both of which are deceased.  There are plenty of heartfelt, touching lines, such as early on, “Would you follow every line on my tear-stained face? / Put your hand on a heart that was cold as the day you were taken away?” Of course, it is the chorus, excerpted at the top that is the centerpiece, sung as opposed to rapped.  Add uplifting, memorializing music, and “If You Could See Me Now” is another gem from an album that didn’t get much love.  “If You Could See Me Now” previously appeared on the playlist Songs That Require Sharp Sight to See, Vol. 2.

[📷: 4AD, Astralwerks, Atlantic, Epic, Interscope, Lil Skies, Pexels, Pixabay, Republic, Schoolboy, Sony]