Way | 5ive Songs

1. Aloe Blacc, “My Way”

All Love Everything • Aloe Blacc / BMG Rights Management • 2020

Thankfully, the talented Aloe Blacc returned in 2020, following a six-year hiatus.  Ushering in his comeback album, All Love Everything, was the marvelous single, “My Way”.  If you were all-in on “The Man” in 2014, well, you’ll feel the same about “My Way.” The sound and vibe are very similar.  First and foremost, Blacc sounds absolutely amazing with his voice sounding as elite, polished, smooth, and soulful as ever.  Next, the production manages to brilliant fuse pop, contemporary R&B, and soul.  There’s classicism, yet “My Way” never sounds anachronistic either.  The third component that makes “My Way” a bop-and-a-half? The songwriting! It’s relatable, simple yet thoughtful.

The chorus is catchy and uplifting:

“I can make it through this
You can throw the world in my face
But the fear gives me life
And I swear ‘til I die
I’m gonna do it my way
Aye-aye, aye-aye, aye-aye-aye...” 

My fancy has been sufficiently tickled.

2. Lady Gaga, “Born This Way”

Born This Way • Interscope • 2011

“I’m beautiful in my way / Cause God makes no mistakes / I’m on the right track, baby / I was born this way…” Lady Gaga spoke to all of the most unique individuals of the world on “Born This Way,” the title track from her epic 2011 album. Gaga says it best at the top of the record: “It doesn’t matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M / Just put your paws up / ‘Cause you were born this way.” Ultimately, it’s an anthem that celebrates every person being special, regardless of sexual preference or otherwise. This is one hell of a fierce, surefire bop, even years after it was unveiled to the world.

“...Don’t hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you’re set
I’m on the rick track baby
I was born this way.”

3. DaBaby, “Find My Way”

BLAME IT ON BABY • Interscope • 2020

On “Find My Way” (BLAME IT ON BABY and BLAME IT ON BABY (DELUXE)), DaBaby shows off his flow, jam-packed with lyrics. Interestingly, he raps over a backdrop where ‘urban guitar’ leads the charge.  Perhaps a bit ‘un-DaBaby like,’ “Find My Way” is still anchored by a punchy, trunk rattling, southern rap beat. What’s not surprising is the fact that he raps about sex. While he does veer away from the universal three letter word temporarily, for the most part, ‘it’s goin’ down.’ He gets a decent chorus, if you’re not totally annoyed or offended by his selfishness and objectification: “I fuck with her to ease my mind, ‘cause I been in my feelings” or “And I’m sittin’ here with the car in park while she ride dick to my song.”

4. Lil Uzi Vert, “Come This Way”

Eternal Atake or LUV vs. The World 2 • Atlantic • 2020

On “Come This Way,” Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Uzi Vert changes his vocal inflections throughout. He does it so much that you may think there are actually multiple rappers on the track.  What doesn’t change is his confidence, specifically, his abilities to ‘steal your girl’ (not the first time he’s mentioned it on Eternal Atake or LUV vs. The World 2).  Give him credit for the druggy lyric, “Yeah, she in my kitchen, whip it up like Benihana” – then again, maybe not, lol.

5. Lil Uzi Vert, “Trap This Way (This Way)”

Eternal Atake or LUV vs. The World 2 • Atlantic • 2020

On the second WAY cut that appears on Eternal Atake or LUV vs. The World 2, “Trap This Way (This Way),” Lil Uzi Vert’s main focus is throwing his money at strippers.  Yes, you read correctly – that’s about the size of it.  Ultimately, “That girl not mine so I’m still alone / Said she’s DTF for tickets to the show / Yeah, I have it my way when I’m on the road.” Classy AF, right? Even though it’s incredibly shallow, “Trap This Way” is at least shallowly catchy.