Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 2

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Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 2 features music courtesy of Dua Lipa, GRANT KNOCHE, Hozier, Jennifer Lopez, Lil Nas X, and Luther Vandross.

NOW is the time – PERIOD!!! So, with that out of the way, right off the top, Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 2 arrives as the long-awaited follow-up to Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 1, published in 2019. All 13 songs must feature the adverb in their title – no if(s), and(s), or but(s)! The musicians who provide us with that NOW she-it include Dua Lipa, GRANTE KNOCHE, Hozier, Jennifer Lopez, Lil Nas X, and Luther Vandross among others. So, without making this introductory paragraph bog down any longer, The Musical Hype proudly presents, Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 2!

1. C+C Music Factory, “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”

Gonna Make You Sweat // Sony BMG Music Entertainment // 1990  

Three words: “EVERYBODY DANCE NOW!” WOO! That is all you need to know!  Even three decades after “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” arrived, those repeated lyrics remain iconic – instantly recognizable. C+C Music Factory had a gargantuan dance smash on their hands with this groovy AF, no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Besides the multiplatinum single, the 1990 album, Gonna Make You Sweat, was also certified multiplatinum.

Rapper Freedom Williams is credited as a featured guest on “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now).”  He should be, as his two verses are an integral part of the record beyond the memorable, titular lyrics (“And I’m here to combine / Beats and lyrics to make you shake your pants”). Perhaps more memorable from Freedom: “It’s your world and I’m just a squirrel / Tryin’ to get a nut to move your butt.” Gah-day-ummm – a nut, huh? However, one of the biggest stories with the record is the robust sung vocals which went uncredited – an absolute travesty. “Come on let’s sweat, baby,” Martha Wash (NOT Zelma Davis) sings in the chorus, continuing, “Let the music take control / Let the rhythm move you / Sweat, sweat.” Yes ma’am! Wash is responsible for the best parts of the song yet didn’t receive her just due.  Why? She didn’t look the part. Ain’t that some ? Regardless, “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”, one of the best and biggest club-, dance-, and gay ‍ anthems wouldn’t be anything without Wash’s epic pipes fueling the fire.  More could be said, but this dance joint speaks for itself.  It’s been kicking a$$ and taking names since 1990 – NO CAP!    

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2. Jennifer Lopez, “This is Me…Now”

This is Me… Now // Nuyorican Productions, Inc. // 2024 

Four words: “This is me now.” This is Me…Now marks the ninth studio album by Jennifer Lopez. Fittingly, the album commences with… wait for it… “This Is Me… Now”.  There is plenty to fawn over regarding this four-minute-plus opener, penned by Lopez alongside a star-studded team: Ink, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, Rogét Chahayed, Angel López, Kaydence, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Scott Storch. “This Is Me…Now” samples a 2002 Justin Timberlake classic, “Cry Me a River”. Chahayed and Angel López produced the ballad.  

The sound is a big deal.  The record begins with sophisticated, plucked synths in the intro – a win! The instrumental intro evolves into warm, fluty sounds that exude amour.  With a sensational backdrop behind her, led by an electric keyboard, Jennifer Lopez delivers a solid, appealing brand of vocals.  She sings with sincerity – the authenticity is through the roof.  “But here in the darkness, it’s not the future nor the past,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “And ‘cause it’s meant to be with you, boy, it will last / You met me halfway.” Aww! The second verse has a similar vibe – no surprise! In the pre-chorus, which brings some contrast to the sound, Lopez highlights the progression to the now-ness.  And, as expected, the chorus, which embraces the modern pop/R&B sound, is chocked-full of self-love:  

“This is me now 

This is me now 
And I took my time, lot of winters, summers, baby 

And I healed my heart, but I love who I am lately, 

This is me now.” 

The melodies are tuneful throughout – a selling point! The bridge contrasts the verses and chorus, including J. Lo ‘rapping’ in an undertone.  The closing instrumental is slick. All in all, “This Is Me…Now” is a refined, reflective adult contemporary pop/R&B record that suits Lopez’s artistry.   

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3. GRANT KNOCHE, “LOOK AT ME RIGHT NOW”

I COULD DIE JUST THINKING OF US // Grant Knoche // 2023

“This is what hot shit looks like / Confident I don’t play nice.” WOO! GRANT KNOCHE, you betta slay boiiiii! Indeed, the Gen-Z, bisexual pop singer/songwriter is hot and exudes confidence on “LOOK AT ME RIGHT NOW”.  As easy on the eyes as he is, it’s his talent that shines the brightest. He sounds particularly fierce, playful, and sexy on this short but potent single.  The backdrop is fittingly slick, digging into the bag of modern pop cues and tricks.  The synths, the beat, and the overall aesthetic slaps hard! So, why is Grant feeling himself – proclaiming he’s “hot shit” and all? Vengeance, baby! His ex was something else and Knoche has moved on: “Last night / I cut off my feelings for you /… I hope I see you with someone tonight / Put me in both of your minds.” Ah, the last part of that excerpt speaks to the vengeance, with Knoche clarifying that his ex-lover hurt him. Rather than crying, he’s powered up – “I’m on fire” – ready to own the night, it seems.  Again, going merely off of looks, Grant’s ex seems like a total fool! Regardless, of the details of the situation that led to this vengeance, “LOOK AT ME RIGHT NOW” is a stellar, must-hear pop banger readymade for the sweltering temps of summer! Get it Grant!   

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Awesome Songs: July 2023

4. Dua Lipa, “Don’t Start Now” 

Future Nostalgia // Warner // 2020 

“Did the heartbreak change me? Maybe / But look at where I ended up / I’m all good already / So moved on, it’s scary / I’m not where you left me at all…” Dua Lipa described “Don’t Start Now”, the electrifying, energetic single from her Grammy-winning sophomore album, Future Nostalgia, as “a perfect breakup song, about when you finally find your feet and then somebody decides to come crawling back just when you’ve moved on.” “Don’t Start Now” has all the makings of a pop bop. The groove is infectious, instantly a catalyst for foot tapping, head nodding, and busting a move on the dance floor.  Further cementing the bop status are other elements of the production – robust bass line, keyboards, and synths (including strings).  Stylistically, “Don’t Start Now” can be characterized to some extent as a nu-/neo-disco single – a pop single incorporating dance and R&B cues.  All those positives don’t even capture additional greatness. First and foremost, Dua Lipa impresses with her husky, expressive lead vocals. Beyond that, the songwriting is catchy and quite engaging.  The focal point is matters of the heart, specifically rejecting the ex who ultimately said goodbye to her:   

“Don’t show up, don’t come out 

Don’t start caring about me now 

Walk away, you know how 

Don’t start caring about me now.”  

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5. Hozier, “Empire Now”

Unreal Unearth: Unheard // Rubyworks Ltd. / Columbia // 2024

“Sun comin’ up on a dream come around / One hundred years from the empire now.” Grammy-nominated, Irish singer/songwriter Hozier (Andrew John Hozier-Byrne) is a straight-up vibe. He’s secured two top-five Billboard Hot 100 hits with the masterpiece, “Take Me to Church”, and most recently, “Too Sweet”. “Too Sweet,” as well as the song at hand, “Empire Now,” appears on his 2024 EP, Unheard, and the expanded edition of his 2023 LP, Unreal Unearth: Unheard. “Empire Now” was composed by Hozier alongside Bēkon, Daniel Krieger, Peter Gonzales, Sergiu Gherman, Stuart Johnson, Tyler Mehlenbacher, and Craig Balmoris. Whoa! There are lots of cooks in the songwriting kitchen! Several of the writers also serve as producers: Gonzales, Mehlenbacher, Gherman, Bēkon, Balmoris, and Chakra. As always, the pen game is elite. “Empire Now” features only one verse, which appears in the middle of the song. “The martyrs of our revolution / Their spinnin’ cause the earth to shake,” Hozier sings, continuing, “The problem brought its own solution / They power now the world we’ve made.” Word. Beyond the sole verse, there is a pre-chorus (“If it [the world] falls, I would hold on for all it’s worth / The future’s so bright it’s burnin’”) and the sunny chorus. “Empire Now” may feature a simple form, but thematically, it is more complex. It is socially conscious, referencing climate change and politics. The sound is superb, with its blend of folky, alternative, and electronic music cues. Furthermore, Hozier is a beast on vocals.

6. Jack Ü, Skrillex, Diplo & Justin Bieber, “Where Are Ü Now”

Skrillex and Diplo present Jack Ü // Atlantic // 2015

Justin Bieber had an inquisitive phase – at least regarding a pair of songs that appeared on his 2015 album, Purpose. “What Do You Mean?” impressively debuted at no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song at hand, “Where Are Ü Now” spent 45 weeks on the pop charts, peaking respectably at no. 8. Bieber is the lead vocalist but appears in the collaborative/featured artist role – Skrillex and Diplo are technically attributed as lead artists. In addition to appearing on Purpose, “Where Are Ü Now” also graces Skrillex and Diplo’s collaborative LP, Skrillex and Diplo present Jack Ü. This multiplatinum single earned Bieber his first of two Grammys to date: Best Dance Recording (2016). “Where Are Ü Now” is a catchy, purely fun electro-pop joint. In the context of Purpose, it ranks among the most infectious and most memorable records.  It’s not a songwriter’s song, but it’s also not intended to be. “Where are you now that I need ya,” he sings memorably on the simplistic, repetitive, and ultimately, golden chorus. As for Skrillex and Diplo, they impress behind the boards, particularly THAT RIFF – if you know, you know!

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7. Lil Nas X, “Where Do We Go Now?”

“Where Do We Go Now?” // Columbia // 2024

It seems like a total waste when you stir up controversy for a musical comeback and the comeback falls flat, doesn’t it? That’s what Lil Nas X did in advance of the controversial “J CHRIST” with the result being a so-so, modestly charting song.  Nas X followed “J CHRIST” with the modest “Where Do We Go Now?”, appearing in his biopic, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero.  The low-key “Where Do We Go Now?” has more substance than “J CHRIST.”  Lil Nas X sings radiantly – a selling point.  Furthermore, the sentiment of the song is positive too.  He is reflective and authentic. The authenticity is notable considering how inauthentic he can be when he trolls.  Musically, he embraces pop with very few hip-hop or urban touches to be found.  Maybe it’s those acoustic guitars that lock in the pop/rock vibes. Even with many positives, “Where Do We Go Now?” is a bit of a snooze, or, at a minimum, conservative and tame for such a big personality.  

8. Selena Gomez, “Look At Her Now”

Rare // Interscope // 2020 

“Look at Her Now”, a highlight from Rare, checks off some of the usual boxes for a Selena Gomez record.  Vocally, she isn’t flashy, focusing more on gimmickry and subtlety.  Never particularly flashy let alone ‘prodigious,’ she gives a respectable performance all in all.  Because “Look at Her Now” opts for a quicker tempo and embraces urban-electro-pop, the playful, gimmicky vocals served up are sufficient. Additionally, backing vocals and colorful harmonies help make “Look at Her Now” satisfying.  The most satisfaction occurs in the repetitive chorus:  

“Mm-mm-mm… 

Look at her now, watch her go.” 

No, this isn’t a song that will change your life, but it’s enjoyable. Gomez gets lovely production courtesy of Ian Kirkpatrick and a star-studded team of writers including Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter.  That’s #WINNING!  

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13 LOOK Songs Totally Worth Listening To (2020)

9. Luther Vandross, “Here and Now”

The Essential Luther Vandross // Sony Music Entertainment // 2015   

“Here in my heart / I believe / Your love is all I ever need.” Oh, the feels, the feels, the feels.  It is a bit hard to believe that “Here and Now”, one of the biggest hits from the late, great Luther Vandross, did NOT appear on one of his studio albums . Instead, this silky-smooth ballad, penned by Terry Steele and David Elliott, appeared on Vandross’ 1989 compilation album, The Best of Luther Vandross… The Best of Love. “Here and Now” peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990.  Vandross produced this adult contemporary R&B alongside Marcus Miller (an amazing musician in his own right).     

What makes “Here and Now” so awesome, first and foremost, are the incredible sophisticated vocals by Luther.  Few could concoct such buttery smooth performances like Vandross, who never sounded like he broke a sweat (he did sweat, of course).  The way that Vandross executes the melodies, as well as the ad-libs – the nuances and the runs – is stunning.  Of course, the theme of love never grows old.  “I look in your eyes / And there I see / What happiness really means…” Aww , its lyrics like that that make you appreciate the beauty and power of love.  Of course, the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement – is the chorus: “Here and now / I promise to love faithfully / You’re all I need / Here and now / I vow to be one with thee / Your love is all I need.” The perfect wedding song more than three decades later, Luther Vandross delivered something truly special with “Here and Now”.  It should come as no surprise he won the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male .

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10. Sam Smith, “I’ve Told You Now” 

In the Lonely Hour // Capitol // 2014

“You know what I mean / It’s like walking in the heat all day with no water.” That’s a great simile, Sam Smith, but it’s also sad .  No, the award-winning pop musician isn’t deprived of water on “I’ve Told You Now,” but they do feel like expressing their feelings for someone else is difficult. I agree! This expressive, gorgeous, minor-key ballad was penned by Smith and Eg White.  White also produces alongside Steve Fitzmaurice and Jimmy Napes. In the pre-chorus of this In the Lonely Hour (2014) gem, Smith admits, “Still, I refrain from talking to you, talking on / You know me well, I don’t explain.”  Again, expressing your feelings for someone else can be terrifying.  By the chorus, the centerpiece – the big moment – all of Sam’s feelings are out on the table.  His voice sounds utterly sublime here: 

“But what the hell?  

Why do you think I come round here on my free will? 

Wasting all my precious time  

Oh, the truth spills out 

And oh, oh I, I’ve told you know.” 

There are bigger songs from In the Lonely Hour but “I’ve Told You Now” deserves ample love.

11. Post Malone & The Weeknd, “One Right Now”

Twelve Carat Toothache // Mercury / Republic // 2022

“You think it’s so easy fuckin’ with my feelings / I got one comin’ over and one right now.” Damn, that’s quite an assertion there The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye).  Of course, the “ones” that Tesfaye is referencing are girls – shocker! The Grammy-winning Canadian R&B superstar collaborates with the one and only Post Malone on “One Right Now” (Twelve Carat Toothache), capturing those pesky matters of the heart, specifically, being D-O-N-E with an ex. Early on, “One Right Now” establishes a unique sound, thanks to lit production by Louis Bell, Brian Lee, and Andrew Bolooki.  It plays right into the hands of The Weeknd with its 80s vibes. Those vibes also work well for Post.  Tesfaye takes first blood, throwing some f-bombs in the mix on the chorus. Following his first verse (“I fucked you so good, you should pay me”), Post sings the chorus originally performed by Tesfaye, joining forces on the final iteration.  That final iteration arrives after the second verse, performed by Tesfaye. Here, he scathingly tells his ex, “You’re a stain on my legacy /… Oh, you belong to the world now.” Ultimately, Post Malone and The Weeknd make a formidable team.  “One Right Now” is well-produced, well-performed, and relatable.  The anger and pain exhibited by both artists is our listening pleasure. Oh, the schadenfreude!   

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12. Mary Mary, “Can’t Give Up Now”

Thankful // Sony BMG Music Entertainment // 2000   

“I just can’t give up now / I come too far from where I started from.” “Can’t Give Up Now” ranks among the best tracks from the catalog of Grammy-winning gospel duo, Mary Mary. Appearing as the fifth track on their 2000, double platinum, debut album, Thankful, it features an urban sound, embracing the R&B of the era. Give Erica Campbell’s husband, producer Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell, credit for the marvelous backdrop. Originally, “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired”, the song Mary Mary transform was written by Curtis Burrell.  This new interpretation adds writing credits by Erica, Tina Campbell, and Warryn. Among many things that make “Can’t Give Up Now” uplifting are the encouraging lyrics. In the first verse, adversity is acknowledged, but even so, “But victory or defeat, it’s up to me to decide / But how can I expect to win if I never try.” Similarly, in the second verse, “But when my back is against the wall / And I feel all hope is gone / I’ll just lift my head up to the sky / And say help me to be strong.” It leads to the centerpiece, the chorus, where “Nobody told me the road would be easy / And I don’t believe He’s brought me this far / To leave me” . Some other notes regarding this 2000 gospel classic.  The vocals by both sisters are electrifying , from the poised, expressive verses, to the high-flying riffs on the extended chorus .  Also making the extended chorus epic are sublime choral vocals, superbly executed key changes, and, of course, the spirit! The musicianship is lofty, from the gang clapping to the break during the coda (the FINAL chorus). 

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13. Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose, “Too Late to Turn Back Now”

The Story of Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose // Capitol // 1996

“It’s too late to turn back now / I believe, I believe / I believe I’m falling in love.” Those iconic lyrics hail from the Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose soul classic, “Too Late to Turn Back Now”. Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose were a relatively short-lived, family R&B collective. Despite a brief career, they released a pair of top-3 Billboard Hot 100 hits, led by the song at hand. “Too Late to Turn Back Now” reached no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. What held off this Eddie Cornelius-penned, Bob Archibald-produced hit from reaching no. 1? “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. Understandable!

So, what makes “Too Late to Turn Back Now” the sugar honey iced tea? Well, the lush, string orchestration plays a key role. Besides those dynamic strings, the rhythm section cooks too – keys, bass, and drums. Besides being the songwriter, Eddie Cornelius served as the lead vocalist for the collective. His pipes are steeped in soul, possessing a grittiness. Eddie would later move beyond soul and focus on gospel music, something his voice is perfectly suited for. He is convincing as he expresses falling in love, singing in the second verse, “I found myself phoning her / At least ten times a day / You know, it’s so unusual for me / To carry on this way.” Love – it’ll make you do crazy, unusual things! Supporting Eddie is the rest of the collective, who shine on equally soulful, harmonized background vocals. Of course, the centerpiece – the crème de la crème – is the chorus, arguably one of the most tuneful of all time. The bridge also deserves a shout-out, successfully contrasting the verses, pre-chorus, and chorus. All told, “Too Late to Turn Back Now” is one of the greatest soul hits of all time – a huge one from the 70s.

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Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose, Too Late to Turn Back Now: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 41 (2024)

Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 2 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Capitol, Columbia, Grant Knoche, Interscope, Mercury, Nuyorican Productions Inc., Republic, Rubyworks Ltd., Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Warner; Bev, deeznutz1, goosebumps98, Luisella Planeta LOVE PEACE , OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, TheDigitalArtist from Pixabay]

Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 2 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on May 8, 2024May 8, 2024