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“11 Utterly Fantastic Songs About Saturday” features music courtesy of 2 Chainz, Khalid, Panic! At the Disco, Sam Fender, and Taron Egerton. 

Yes, this particular list is being published on a Monday, everybody’s favorite day of the week… said NO ONE EVER.  But, with the Monday blues amongst us, or even the blues of some of the other horrid days of the work week, we can use this list as an escape to Saturday! Saturday is definitely my favorite day of the week (Friday is a close second), so what better way to celebrate a love of Saturday than 11 UTTERLY FANTASTIC SONGS ABOUT SATURDAY! 11 UTTERLY FANTASTIC SONGS ABOUT SATURDAY features music courtesy of 2 Chainz (“Saturday Night”), Khalid (“Saturday Nights”), Panic! At the Disco (“Say Amen (Saturday Night)”), Sam Fender (“Saturday”), and Taron Egerton (“Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)”) among others. Without further ado, let’s jump right into these utterly fantastic Saturday songs!

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1. Khalid, “Saturday Nights”

Free Sprit • RCA • 2019

Khalid had an incredible year in 2017, securing a multi-platinum debut album (American Teen), earning multiple Grammy nominations, and collaborating with numerous musicians.  In 2018, his stock continued to rise. He would release, a seven-song, 21-minute EP, Suncity, where the song at hand, “Saturday Nights,” would first appear.The night-centric made a reprisal on Khalid’s 2019 sophomore album, Free Spirit. 

“Saturday Nights” is moderate paced, while remaining chill, easy-going, and relaxed.  His voice shines above everything else, in all its distinct and nuanced glory. “Saturday Nights” itself benefits from its rhythmic, cool melodic lines on the verse, not to mention its memorable chorus.  In Khalid’s hands, “Saturday Nights” never felt or sounded better.

“All the things that I know
That your parents don’t
They don’t care like I do
Nowhere like I do.”

Also, worth noting, there is a remix of “Saturday Nights” featuring an unlikely collaborator – country singer/songwriter Kane Brown.

“Saturday Nights” previously appeared on the playlists 12 Songs to Celebrate the Weekend…Or Not and 13 Songs About and/or Associated with Nighttime.

2. Sam Fender, “Saturday”

Hypersonic Missiles • Polydor • 2019

“And if Saturday don’t come soon, I’m gonna lose my mind.” I’ve been there Sam Fender – totally been there! The British singer/songwriter is pretty rad.  So is the British singer/songwriter’s entire debut album, Hypersonic Missiles.  What makes Hypersonic Missiles the ‘cat’s meow?’ Excellent musicianship from Fender in regard to vocal performances and colorful, creative, and poetic songwriting. Among the crème de la crème of Hypersonic Missiles is “Saturday.”

“Overtired, overworked, underpaid, under pressure / Always tying up loose ends / The unchained melody out of tune, remedy for the weekend / To cure the weekday blues.” Wow, what sensational, descriptive lyricism Sam! “Saturday” is energetic, including the chorus where Fender shows off both his power and capable falsetto (excerpted at the top of this blurb).  Where some of the songs on Hypersonic Missiles are more rock-tinged than pop-tinged, “Saturday” balances both.  No, this isn’t a ‘modern pop’ record by any means but it’s tunefulness gives it more radio sensibilities.  Of course, the bigger takeaways are the theme (the working class blues) and lyrics.

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3. Taron Egerton & Kit Connor, “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)”

Rocketman (Music from the Motion Picture) • Paramount / Universal Music Operations Limited • 2019

If you haven’t seen the Elton John biopic, Rocketman, well, you’re missing quite the treat.  As with all biopics, there are some ‘liberties’ taken, but the film is incredibly entertaining and quite insightful about the iconic musician’s career and pathway to fame.  Taron Egerton does a fantastic job of portraying John throughout, including performing some of his most legendary songs, which featured the lyrics of Bernie Taupin. The 1973 classic, “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” is a prime example, originally appearing on John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.  For some context, that particular LP also featured gems like “Candle in the Wind” and “Bennie and the Jets,” in addition to the title track.

Kit Connor sings alongside Egerton on the energetic, rocking “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting),” singing the first verse and following chorus.  As for Egerton, he follows with the second verse, while the famed ‘Saturday-centric’ bridge precedes his solo chorus.  The chorus is the centerpiece, with its youthful, carefree lyrics:

“Oh, don’t give us none of your aggravation 
We had it with your discipline
‘Cause Saturday night’s alright for fighting
Get a little action in
Get about as oiled as a diesel train
Gonna set this dance alight
‘Cause Saturday night’s the night I like
Saturday night’s alright, alright, alright, ooh.”

Taupin was indeed a brilliant lyricist, the perfect partner for John historically.  Perhaps my favorite line from this classic? “Get about as oiled [drunk] as a diesel train.” Again, brilliant!

4. Panic! At the Disco, “Say Amen (Saturday Night)”

Pray for the Wicked • Fueled by Ramen • 2018

Brendon Urie and Panic! At the Disco are ‘tuned-in and turned-up’ “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” (Pray for the Wicked, 2018). The production is a work of art, including fantastic keyboard work and synths.  Later, the gargantuan chorus adds horns and massive, pummeling drums. The choruses represent the most epic moments for sure, as well as summing up the record’s message.

The push-and-pull is what makes “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” so compelling. Urie is struggling with spirituality versus being free and living it up.

“I pray for the wicked on the weekend
Mama, can I get another amen?
Oh, oh, it's Saturday night, yeah
Swear to God, I ain't ever gonna repent
Mama, can I get another amen?
Oh, oh, it's Saturday night, yeah.”

“Say Amen (Saturday Night)” has appeared on multiple playlists: 8 Secular Amen Songs Playlist, 12 Songs to Celebrate the Weekend…Or Not, 11 Secular Songs About Praying, Preaching & Baptism, 17 Songs That Were Made for the Night, and 100 Best Songs of 2018.

5. The Neighbourhood, “Sadderdaze”

Hard to Imagine The Neighbourhood Ever Changing • Columbia • 2018

“Even as a child everyone would say / He was gonna be a star someday / Finally he found a way to reach the sky / But he didn’t know what he’d find.” Those lyrics certainly make you think.  After releasing two five-song EPs – Hard (2017) and To Imagine (2018) – The Neighbourhood, led by Jesse Rutherford, returned with their third full-length album, The Neighbourhood. “Sadderdaze,” a song which concluded the Hard EP, is reprised on The Neighbourhood, as well as its expanded version, Hard to Imagine The Neighbourhood Ever Changing.

The neatest aspect of “Sadderdaze” is by far the wordplay, particularly its relevance to the message. Rutherford discusses the effects of success, particularly within the music industry, yet despite success, he’s still unprotected from “sadder days.”

“Saturdays are not the same as they used to be
Sadder days, why do they keep on using me?
They keep on using me.”

“Sadderdaze” previously appeared a couple of playlist: 14 Songs Where Musicians Are ‘In Their Feelings’ and 11 Uniquely-Titled, Interesting Songs from 2018.

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6. Vance Joy, “Saturday Sun”

Nation of Two • Atlantic • 2018

Australian singer-songwriter Vance Joy returned in 2018 with an enjoyable, thoughtful, and well-rounded sophomore album, Nation of Two.  The sophomore album by the artist of “Riptide” fame includes gems such as “Lay It on Me”, “We’re Going Home” and “Like Gold”.  While the song at hand, “Saturday Sun,” wasn’t picked a ‘gem’ within the album review, there is no shame it its game.

“Saturday Sun” is chocked-full of energy and exuberance.  That checks off a box, right.  Joy continues to sing effortlessly. Another box checked. Notably, “Saturday Sun” features ample ukulele.  Can’t go wrong with the uke, so that’s another box checked, regardless of the day of the week. “Saturday Sun” previously appeared on the playlists 15 Songs for the Days of the Week and 11 Songs About the Sun, Sunshine, or Sunniness.

7. Metric, “Dark Saturday”

Art of Doubt • MMI / Crystal Math Music/BMG Rights Management • 2018

“So dark / It ain’t so dark / So dark / It ain’t so dark.” Three-time, Juno-winning, Canadian alternative rock collective Metric released their seventh studio album, Art of Doubt, in 2018. The promo single from Art of Doubt, “Dark Saturday”, perfectly suits the ‘Saturday’ vibes of this playlist.  The record commences with angry, distorted guitars – rock on!  Complementing her backdrop, Emily Haines delivers awesome breathy vocals, also featuring that ‘edgy gloriousness’ better known as distortion. The attitude she exhibits within her performance is a big selling point.

Haines delivers even more playful vocals on the second verse, particularly the second half:

“Now our bodies intertwine
And the truth is plain to see
I said ‘everything I built from nothing’
She said, don’t you blame your problems on me.’”

Her assertive vocals on the chorus, coupled with the heavy guitars and the addition of synths is nothing short of awesome. Perhaps it’s the poetic lyrics that are the crowning achievement:

“Forever and never
A torch in search of a flame
To be good, get better
Well I’ve been feeling this way
Forever and never
A night in search of a day
As anxious as ever
It’s such a dark, dark, dark Saturday.”

On the bridge, Haines ascends into her upper register, providing a superb contrast.  The lyrics are simple, but effectively fit the premise of the song (“Shine a light my way / Shine a light my way / Having such a dark, dark, dark, dark Saturday”).  “Dark Saturday” concludes with an outro emphasizing the titular lyric. Clever, thoughtful songwriting, dark, energetic production, and high-flying vocals from Emily Haines make “Dark Saturday” a surefire winner.

8. Twin Shadow, “Saturdays”

Caer • Reprise • 2018

“Saturdays / When we dance in the dark in the room / Where it all gets real / I know you know how it feels / Saturdays / When the moonlight lit up your face / And let love spark.” “Saturdays” appears as second track on Caer, the 2018 album by Twin Shadow.  Who is Twin Shadow? That would be Dominican-American actor, novelist, and musician George Lewis, Jr. On “Saturdays,” Lewis, Jr. taps sister collective, HAIM for the assist. “Saturdays” may have been released in 2018, but this record sounds like it would’ve been at home in the 1980s.  Maybe characterizing it as an anachronism is extreme, considering how hip it sounds, but the 80s nostalgia is legit.

“This could be the last time / That could be the fault line slipping away / This could be your last line / Care about everything you say.” Seems like Twin Shadow encourages embracing life because it is fleeting.  Lewis, Jr. makes it feel even more fleeting as he states, “This will be a lost street, referring to a massive earthquake occurring at the time in Los Angeles.  Moving on, “Saturdays” is set in a major key, features lovely guitar work, including driving, rhythmic guitar, and some cool, slightly detuned moments.  Twin Shadow handles the majority of vocal duties, but HAIM arrives for the third verse, joining him on the final chorus with awesome results.

“Did the good days go away?
In the bright lights, did it fade?
We were heavy, we were sideways
When we dance all over my place…”

According to his Genius verified annotations, the verse with HAIM was written only a few days before the track was set to be mixed and mastered.  Great addition to say the least.

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9. 2 Chainz, “Saturday Night”

Pretty Girls Like Trap Music • Def Jam • 2017

“I hit the trap today, I’m gon’ hit the club tonight, yeah / Treat every night like it’s Saturday night, like it’s Saturday night, yeah.”  That’s the spirit 2 Chainz! The rapper commences his fourth studio album, Pretty Girls Like Trap Music (the 2017 follow up to ColleGrove), with the electrifying “Saturday Night.” As electrifying as “Saturday Night” is, it should also be noted that you can perceive from the excerpted lyrics from the chorus, that the rapper isn’t opting for depth. This is often the case with the rapper formerly known as ‘Tity Boi,’ LOL.

The guitar-infused trap opener, produced by Mike WiLL Made-It and Ducko McFli, sets the tone for Pretty Girls Like Trap Music. 2 Chainz raps with his signature, humorous, often utterly ridiculous delivery, which is actually quite endearing, if at times a bit, um, absurd.  Although he lacks profundity, he’s true to self; on his game to say the least.  Saturdays are carefree – or at least their supposed to be – and so is Tauheed ‘2 Chainz’ Epps, sigh. “Saturday Night” previously appeared on the playlist, 15 Songs for the Days of the Week.

10. Chris Young, “Sober Saturday Night”

Ft. Vince Gill

I’m Comin’ Over • Sony Music Nashville • 2015

“I feel miserable, and I’m missing you and me / ‘Nother Sunday morning all alone underneath these sheets.” Chris Young stuck to a traditional country music script in 2015 with his fifth studio album, I’m Comin’ Over. Ultimately, the results are superb, even if Young fails to reinvent the wheel or possess the ‘swag’ like some of his contemporaries. Still, he delivered an enjoyable, consistent country effort the plays to his strengths. One of the best songs from I’m Comin’ Over is perfectly suited for Saturday – or may not, considering it’s titled “Sober Saturday Night.”

“No, I’m not hungover it’s true, but I’m still not over you / All messed up, all strung out / I was sitting at home, breaking down.” To make it clear, Chris Young is a mess, but because of the effects of whiskey on “Sober Saturday Night.” The record ranks among the elite songs from I’m Comin’ Over. Adding to its elite status is that Young gets the assist from a country legend, Vince Gill. This is slower cut, but one that is definitely sweet from start to finish, well, save for the heartache of course. How do you make a ballad like “Sober Saturday Night” awesome? You make it a rousing, truly chilling affair, of course! Young and Gill check off both boxes in that regard, ‘Sober Saturday night’ or not!

11. Big K.R.I.T., “Saturdays = Celebration”

Ft. Jamie N Commons

Cadillactica • Def Jam • 2014

“Mama, no need to worry ‘bout me / I promise that I’ll be home soon / God got me like every day / While the devil like, ‘what you gon’ do?’” Amen! Old school, Mississippi rapper Big K.R.I.T. delivered a conceptual sophomore album, Cadillactica, in 2014.  No Cadillactica didn’t set the charts ablaze, nor was it ever expected to, but it did prove to be quality hip-hop album through and through. Where K.R.I.T.’s debut, Live from The Underground embraced old school more, Cadillactica goes a bit more out of the box. “Saturdays = Celebration,” featuring Jamie N Commons, arrives as one of the very best moments from the album.

“Saturdays = Celebrations” arrives as the penultimate cut on Cadillactica.  The thoughtfulness of this cut is appreciated and highly regarded by all means. Jamie N Commons handles the chorus, one of the best aspects of this particular song:

“If they kill me on Friday
Bury me on Sunday
Mourn for me Monday
Then you gotta let me go, go
Then you gotta let me go
If they kill me on Tuesday
Bury me on Wednesday
Mourn for me Thursday
Then you gotta let me go, go
Then you gotta let me go
'Cause Saturdays are for celebration.”

Sure, Jamie N Commons gets his moment early on, but Big K.R.I.T. has plenty to add on his verses.  The big aspect that makes his rhymes successful is how reflective he is, thankful to God for his blessings, and if he were to die today, he’s prepared/it’s meant to be.

“People dying like every day
If I leave, tell ‘em take care for me
If I ain’t fit to see the sun again
Somebody say a prayer for me.”

“11 Utterly Fantastic Songs About Saturday” [Photo Credits: BMG Rights Management, Brent Faulkner, Columbia, Crystal Math Music, Def Jam, Fueled By Ramen, Paramount, Pexels, Pixabay, Polydor, MMI, RCA, Reprise, Sony, Universal Music Operations Limited]

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