Thankful No. 2 | 5ive Songs

1. Byron Cage, “Gratitude”

Ft. Mumen Ngenge

Memoirs of a Worshipper • Verity Gospel Music Group • 2012

Byron Cage commences his 2012 album, Memoirs of a Worshipper, with the moving ballad, “Gratitude.” He delivers fine lead vocals, accompanied by piano primarily, expressing his gratitude towards God (“[Lord], you’ve sustained my path, kept me through it all / Even when I felt like I would fall”). On the second verse, the lead shifts to Mumen Ngenge.  The arrangement kicks things up a notch yet Ngenge retains a certain level of poise before things ascend to that next level. “If it were not for your loving hands that helped me find my way,” she sings, “I would be so lost and drifted like a ship / A ship without a sail.” Both trade a few lines and duet together, leading into the most powerful section, the chorus, where they totally let the gratitude rip’ (“Thank you, Lord / For everything that you have done in my life I say”). During this section, we get a key change that brings the full choir in, excellent vocal harmonies between Cage and Ngenge, and the most epic parts of the thankful “Gratitude” overall.

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2. Aloe Blacc, “Family”

All Love Everything •  BMG Rights Management • 2020 

“And on my dark days / My sad and broken heart days / You’re all that I need / And through your worst times / Together we’ll be alright / You’re safe here with me.” Right on, Aloe Blacc, RIGHT ON! “Family” sets the tone for All Love Everything, the long-awaited, comeback album from Blacc. It’s an optimal, prime example of a clean-cut, thoughtful R&B record – one that wouldn’t dare offend in the least. Obviously, the title suggests a certain sentiment, one viewed through a positive connotation. Nothing wrong with positivity!

On the chorus, Aloe Blacc asserts, “…I know it’s a long road but all I need / Is right here next to me / My family / My family.”  On the verses, the importance of family and life lessons shine like a beacon lyrically, particular Blacc’s own aspirations: “I’m gonna show them [my little ones] how to dream / We’ll plant a seed and watch it grow into a tree.”

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3. Alicia Keys, “Good Job”

Alicia •  RCA • 2020 

“You’re the engine that makes all things go / And you’re always in disguise, my hero / I see your light in the dark / Smile in my face when we all know it’s hard.” Say that, Alicia Keys, SAY THAT! There are lots of things to like about “Good Job”, the fourth single from Keys’ long awaited 2020 album, Alicia. 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, she says all of 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.

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4. The Script, “Run Through Walls”

Sunsets & Full Moons •  Sony • 2019

“I’ve got friends that will run through walls / I’ve got friends that will fly once called / When I’ve got nowhere left to go / And I need my heroes / I’ve got friends that will run through walls.” Sigh, that’s a beautifully penned, thoughtful chorus if I do say so myself! “Run Through Walls” appears as the third track from Sunsets & Full Moons, the sixth studio album by Irish pop/rock collective, The Script. The Script are best known for hits like “Hall of Fame”, “Breakeven”, and “Superheroes”. Sunsets & Full Moons didn’t ignite the US charts, but at least we were blessed with “Run Through Walls,” which is quite personal and reflective throughout its course.

Danny O’Donoghue speaks to the power of true friendship.  On the first verse, while he asserts, “There’s no one born with X-Ray eyes.” He goes on to say, “But you always say the words that save my life.”  On the second, he cites a specific event – “And that day my mother died” – to reference the power of real friends.  “And you held me up and you wiped my eyes,” he sings, continuing, “It was in that moment when I realized.” Walls, indeed, have been broken down.

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5. Avril Lavigne, “Head Above Water”

Head Above Water • BMG Rights Management • 2019

“And I can’t see in the stormy weather / I can’t seem to keep it all together / And I, I can’t swim the ocean like this forever / And I can’t breathe.” Avril Lavigne definitely looks to hills, from whence cometh her help. “Head Above Water” appears as the title track of her 2019 comeback album. Lavigne shines on the title track and album opener, “Head Above Water.” On this powerful ballad that dips into CCM and religious music, Lavigne is thankful for surviving a scare with Lyme Disease. Faith is key on this inspirational record.  On the first verse, she references being safe – surviving and weathering the storm. The second verse, shorter than the first, remains meaningful and thoughtful: “Come dry me off and hold me close / I need you now, I need you most.” On the bridge (excerpted at the top), she continues to confirm her fight to live despite adversity.

She delivers powerful vocals on the chorus, summarizing the deep emotions she’s been experiencing and petitioning God to help her persevere through.

“God, keep my head above water
Don’t let me drown, it gets harder
I’ll meet you there at the altar
As I fall down to my knees
Don’t let me drown, drown, drown
Don’t let me, don’t let me, don’t let me drown.”

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