These 11 Sick Songs are Sickening includes music by Drake, Grace VanderWaal, PRETTYMUCH, and Red Hot Chili Peppers among others.

Peeps, prepare to be sickened! Mu-ha-ha-ha! Okay, okay, totally kidding. No, this 11-track playlist won’t cause you to get some incurable disease, but it does feature songs that reference sickness of some sort.  Well, actually, in most cases, the sickness isn’t even physical, but rather emotionally-charged. Also, the word sick does NOT have to be in the song-title – we’re branching out with this one! Musicians contributing songs to “These 11 Sick Songs are Sickening” include Drake, Grace VanderWaal, PRETTYMUCH, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.  Let the sickness begin!!!

1. The Chainsmokers, “Sick Boy”

Sick Boy (EP) • Columbia • 2018

“Sick Boy” arrives as the fourth and final song from The Chainsmokers’ 2018 EP, Sick Boy. The record opens with piano accompaniment and the vocals of Drew Taggart abruptly. Among the selling points are the more serious, thoughtful lyrics, particularly on the verses. A refrain of sorts separates the two verses, followed by a catchy, if incredibly simple chorus.

“I am the, I am the, I am the sick boy… / They say that I am the sick boy / And they call me the sick boy.”

“Sick Boy” has lots of sections, lacking a standard, predictable overall form. The Chainsmokers don’t present or do anything groundbreaking on “Sick Boy,” but it’s enjoyable. Arguably, it’s the crowning achievement of the Sick Boy (EP).

2. Anderson East, “Sorry You’re Sick”

Encore • Elektra • 2018

“What do you want from the liquor store? / Something sour, something sweet? / I’ll buy all that your belly can hold / You can be sure you won’t suffer no more.” In the context of Encore, the sophomore album by soulful singer/songwriter Anderson East, “Sorry You’re Sick” picks up the tempo pronouncedly after three, slower cuts (“King for a Day”, “This Too Shall Last”, and “House is a Building”).  None of his magnificent tone or hard-nosed vibe is sacrificed. He remains on autopilot, turned-up to the nth degree.  The preceding ballads may have the ‘edge’ in the ‘substance department,’ but “Sorry You’re Sick” is consistent and by all means energetic and enjoyable.  The chorus, excerpted above, represents a stellar moment.

3. PRETTYMUCH, “Healthy”

PRETTYMUCH an EP • Simco Limited • 2018 

Boy band PRETTYMUCH released their debut EP, PRETTYMUCH an EP in 2018.  Yes, this is another pop collective at the hands of Simon Cowell.  The best song from the EP is ‘sicker’ than its title suggests. “Healthy” commences with gorgeous harmonies, reminiscent of boy band harmonies of the past.  Elements of the record possess cues that dominated the past, specifically 90s and early 00s pop.  Still, it’s refreshing in the same sense with contemporary, urban influence.  Zion Kuwonu, Brandon Arreaga, Edwin Honoret, Austin Porter, and Nick Mara each have parts during the course of the record – not just one voice dominates.  The subject matter isn’t fitness, but rather the effect of wanting somebody so bad that it simply, “ain’t healthy.” The chorus sums up the sentiment perfectly.

“Nobody knows what it feels like / Nobody knows how to help me / And I’m starting to think there’s something wrong with me / No, this ain’t healthy / How much I think about you every day / There’s no counting all the miles I go my way / And I’m sick thinking ‘bout you when you’re not with me / No, this ain’t healthy.” 

Ultimately, “Healthy” ends up being a solid, enjoyable record.

4. Mason Ramsey, “Lovesick Blues”

Mason Ramsey (EP) • Big Loud / Atlantic • 2018

One viral video of the ‘yodeling Wal-Mart kid,’ 11-year old Mason Ramsey, translated into a record deal with Atlantic (Big Loud). Following the release of his post-yodeling, debut country single “Famous”, Ramsey returned to his roots, delivering a studio version of the Hank Williams classic that made him famous, “Lovesick Blues”.  This sick, tongue-n-cheek classic actually offers a potential, lucrative lane for the young rising country singer that’s worth exploring.  An extremely talented kid with a great voice, his boyish pipes ‘pop’ more on this tried-and-true classic. The only think sickening about this is how awesome he sounds!

5. Grace VanderWaal, “Sick of Being Told”

Just the Beginning • Columbia • 2017

Teen pop standout Grace VanderWaal arrives with a bang on “Sick of Being Told”, a highlight from her 2017 full-length debut LP, Just the Beginning.  Clearly, VanderWaal has a very common disease that infects teen youth – rebelliousness.  On the first verse, she desires independence, singing, “…Let’s just try it my way / I mean c’mon.”  She goes on to assert her desire for independence on the pre-chorus, spreading her wings on the chorus.

“I’m sick of being told / Of what I should know / I just wanna let go / I wanna run away just to live my life my way…”

While this is teen through and through, adults, even if more mature than VanderWaal, have similar experiences. Hence, this is pertinent and relatable to a wide audience.  The second verse and most of remainder of the song is written in similar fashion.  The bridge, of course, differs from the verses and choruses. Besides the theme and lyrics, the production is solid. Vocally, VanderWaal continues impressing beyond her years.  Her maturity can’t be overstated. The vocal cracks, nuances, and unique ways she uses her voice are selling points.

6. Drake, “Teenage Fever”

More Life • Cash Money • 2017

“I met someone new last night and we kicked it / And I’m going back there tonight / And you know what’s on my mind, this time.” “Teenage Fever” represents one of Drake’s smoother moments on his playlist-album, More Life.  Drizzy sings about his feelings about her.  “Out of body / That’s just how I feel when I’m around you, shawty.” Clearly, he’s infatuated, feeling ‘some type of way’ to the point he sings, “This shit feels like teenage fever.”  Worth noting, he’s not physically sick, if you didn’t already gather that.

7. Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Sick Love”

The Getaway • Warner Bros. • 2016

First, some context. “The Getaway,” the opening song on The Getaway, seems to clearly reference Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis’ relationship with someone 30 years younger. “Goodbye Angels,” the album’s fifth track, represents the end. That brings us to the song at hand, “Sick Love,” which doesn’t quite “nip it in the bud” – at least references to ex-girlfriend and model, Helena Vestergaard.  Right from the jump, Kiedis sings, “Say goodbye to Oz and everything you own.” Interestingly on this standout, Kiedis seems to be critical of himself, judging by the words he uses: “Sick love comes to wash us away / Prisons of perspective / how your vision gets corrected…” It’s as if Kiedis is admitting to the fact that he knows he’s “robbed the cradle,” but also learned from the relationship.

8. Danny Brown, “Pneumonia”

Atrocity Exhibition • Warp • 2016

Pneumonia is a treatable ailment – it’s not necessarily a death sentence, but, it can be fatal, particularly if untreated. The moral of the story – don’t play around if you think you have pneumonia. As for left-field rapper Danny Brown and his song entitled “Pneumonia,” it’s pretty irresponsible and playful regarding a serious disease.  Actually, the highlight from Atrocity Exhibition isn’t even really about pneumonia, save for the hook line.

“Made 30 bands in 30 minutes / Before I count it, I done damn near spent it / Put a brick on ya in some Rick Owens / Flow sick, n*gga, call it pneumonia / I’m on ya.”

9. Jacob Whitesides, “Lovesick”

Why? • Double U / BMG Rights Management • 2016

“Lovesick” is a groovy, incredibly soulful record with a throwback vibe throughout. Who knew that pop could successfully fuse jazz and retro-soul?  Excellent production touches organ, guitar, background vocals, and drum programming.  Rising singer/songwriter Jacob Whitesides shows off a fine set of pipes, delivering a balanced performance in which he never over-sings. The love-stricken, ‘lovesick chorus’ is nothing short of infectious, despite the pain the young artist is experiencing.

“Because I’m lovesick / And there ain’t no cure / ‘Cause I keep on coming back for more / Oh no, no, no (oh no, no, no) / I’m lovesick / Guess I got the blues / Doctor help I don’t know what to do.”

10. Demi Lovato, “Heart Attack”

Demi • Hollywood / Island • 2013

Massive heart attacks are nothing short of traumatic.  Heart problems are definitely nothing to take lightly. In the case of pop standout Demi Lovato, her heart problems on “Heart Attack” are related to love as opposed to physical ailments. Lovato is at the top of her game on “Heart Attack,” a highlight from her 2013 album, Demi.  On “Heart Attack,” she delivers her vocals with swagger and a sick upper register recurrent throughout the album.  Lyrics like “Putting my defenses up / ‘Cause I don’t wanna fall in love / If I ever did that / I think I’d have a heart attack…” effectively latch because they’re relatable.

11. Trey Songz, “Heart Attack”

Chapter V • Atlantic • 2012

Trey Songz also had a “Heart Attack,” one year prior to Demi Lovato.  Again, problems are related to love as opposed to physical ailments.

“In too deep, can’t think about giving it up / But I never knew love, would feel like a heart attack / It’s killing me, swear I never cried so much / ‘Cause I never knew love would hurt this f*cking bad.”

“Heart Attack” served as the promo single from his fifth studio album, Chapter V. Co-penned by R&B hit-maker Rico Love, “Heart Attack” is a surefire gem. In addition to the big drums and synths, Songz sounds superb singing about the plight of love.

Photo Credits: Atlantic, Big Loud, BMG Rights Management, Cash Money, Columbia, Double U, Elektra, Hollywood, Island, Simco Limited, Warner Bros., Warp