WEEKLY GEMS  💎 NO. 1: WEEK OF 3-30-2020 features music courtesy of Adam Lambert, Demi Lovato, and Lil Uzi Vert among others. 

Welcome to Weekly Gems 💎, a conceptual column that features one song for each day of the week.  Where did this brilliant idea come from? While taking a shower actually… Anyways, here’s an outline of each of the criteria/premise of each day of Weekly Gems 💎.  Monday serves as the official start of the week.

Mad Monday serves as a marvelous means to start off a hectic, work week for many. Monday is among the more hated days of the week, so lets spice it up with some music, shall we?

After taking a “L” on Monday, Terrific Tuesday seems to be an ideal, perfect way to rebound. Go on and “Brush the dirt off your shoulders” and absolutely kill it on Tuesday.  

Wacky Wednesday is reserved for an intriguing song or piece of music that’s out of the ordinary – definitely ear catching. What better way to celebrate hump day, right? 

Throwback Thursday (TBT) looks back at songs that have truly captivated or stuck with me for whatever reason. In some cases, there’s a compelling story or memorable happening behind the fangirling. 

Fun Friday features songs that are energetic and exciting; supercharged for the weekend. There will be no BALLADS whatsoever on Fun Fridays!

Steamy Saturday features songs where the temperature is hot, and we’re not talking about Celsius or Fahrenheit. Songs appearing on this day are seductive; sensual; sexy.  

Somber Sunday perfectly captures the end of the weekend with its sadness, disappointment, and look towards yet another mad Monday. 

So, with everything accurately laid out, let’s jump right into WEEKLY GEMS  💎 NO. 1: WEEK OF 3-30-2020, which features seven songs for each day of the week.  WEEKLY GEMS  💎 NO. 1 features music courtesy of Adam Lambert, Demi Lovato, and Lil Uzi Vert among others. 

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1. Adam Lambert, “Roses” | Mad Monday

Ft. Nile Rodgers

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 1 | MM No. 1, 3/30/2020

Spicing up Mad Monday with some awesome music, we look to Adam Lambert, who thrills us with “Roses” from his fourth studio album, Velvet.  

Mad Monday serves as a marvelous means to start off a hectic, work week for many.  Monday is among the more hated days of the week, so let’s spice it up with some music, shall we? Today’s Mad Monday (March 30, 2020), commences with the Adam Lambert song, “Roses.”

On “Roses,” a highlight from his electrifying, ‘funked-out,’ gem-of-a fourth studio album, Velvet, Adam Lambert collaborates with musical royalty – Nile Rodgers of Chic notoriety.  The resulting “Roses” is among the grooviest, most LIT records appearing on Velvet.  I love the restraint that Lambert shows on the verses and pre-chorus, bringing more punch on yet another spot-on chorus. What is the maddening situation for Mr. Lambert? Why ROSES without emotions!  Matters of the heart!

“And all that I got was roses
Don’t mean a thing without emotions
Baby, just do it right, focus
‘Cause I just needed your love tonight, tonight, tonight.”

Basically, Lambert wants more of an emotional connection, so much so that on the second verse he asks, “Is it love or are we just fuckin’? / Tell me, baby, you can’t keep me waiting.” “Roses” is definitely a song that is made for Monday because of the sheer frustration that is experienced in the given situation and Monday in general, sigh.

Adam Lambert, Roses | Mad Monday 💎

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Adam Lambert • Velvet • More is More • 2020

Photo Credit: More is More

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2. Demi Lovato, “I Love Me” | Terrific Tuesday

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 1 | TT No. 1, 3/31/2020 

Grammy-nominated pop artist Demi Lovato provides a lift to Terrific Tuesday with her uplifting, self-loving anthem, “I Love Me.”

After taking a “L” on Monday, Terrific Tuesday seems to be an ideal, perfect way to rebound.  Go on and “Brush the dirt off your shoulders” and absolutely kill it on Tuesday.  How are we going to kill it this particular Tuesday, March 31, 2020?  We’re going to love ourselves, damn it! Specifically, we’re going to love ourselves vicariously through the Demi Lovato bop, “I Love Me”.

On “I Love Me”, the Grammy-nominated pop artist moves towards a much better place, committed to loving herself. “I Love Me” is a strong pop single that features sleek, energetic production work, courtesy of Oak, Keith Sorrells, and Alex Nice. Stylistically, it encompasses elements of both electronic music and R&B, while being idiomatic of pop. Lovato, who has the pipes to pull off any style, has been quite accomplished in the urban-pop lane. Her vocals are the biggest selling point, while she mixes playful, feisty, and profane moments with moments where she shoots straight bullets with her piercing, upper register ad-libs.

Empowerment – embracing self-love – is the biggest takeaway.  This is definitely fuel for Tuesday’s fire. “‘Cause I’m a black belt when I’m beating up on myself / But I’m an expert at giving love to somebody else,” she sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “I, me, myself, and I don’t see eye to eye / Me, myself and I.”  Potent and relatable, period.  On the chorus, she expounds further, as she works beyond being “my own worst critic” and towards “…When I love me is enough.” Ultimately, she slays, keeping it 100, balancing a relatable message and an infectious pop gem.

Demi Lovato, I Love Me | Terrific Tuesday 💎

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Demi Lovato • “I Love Me” • Island • Release: 2020

Photo Credit: Island

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3. Alt-J, “Hit Me Like That Snare” | Wacky Wednesday

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 1 | WW No. 1, 4/1/2020

On Wacky Wednesday, British indie-rock collective Alt-J gives us the kinky, naughty “Hit Me Like That Snare.”  

Wacky Wednesday is reserved for an intriguing song or piece of music that’s out of the ordinary – definitely ear catching.  What better way to celebrate hump day, right?  Let’s get wacky on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 with an instrument lesson, shall we? Take it away Alt-J and totally “Hit Me Like That Snare!”

Alt-J – a Mac command for a triangle (∆) as well as a critically acclaimed, British indie-rock band.  In 2017, the band returned with its third studio album, Relaxer.  The collective definitely showcases their sexual side on the kinky “Hit Me Like That Snare.”  Yes, this record is tailor-made for Wacky Wednesday, sigh! “Hit Me Like That Snare” is risqué, but the give Alt-J credit for the concept. Chocked-full of energy and swagger, sex ‘dominates’ – no pun intended! On the first verse, Joe Newman sings:

“I’m fucking loose, you’re gorgeous, I don’t care
Come closer, baby, slap me like that snare.”

Ultimately, “Hit Me Like That Snare” record is totally over the top.  Even the suggestive moments are nasty to say the least.  At the end, Newman continues to flex unapologetic lustfulness, bitingly singing:

“We are dangerous teenagers
We are dangerous teenagers
Fuck you, I’ll do what I want to do.”

Yeah, that snare drum is, um, something else, and quite oversexed. Worth noting, “Hit Me Like That Snare” appeared earlier on the playlist 13 Entertaining Songs That Reference Musical Instruments.

Alt-J, Hit Me Like That Snare | Wacky Wednesday 💎

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Alt-J • Relaxer • Atlantic • 2017

Photo Credit: Atlantic

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4. Bobby McFerrin, “Don’t Worry Be Happy” | TBT

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 1 | TBT No. 1, 4/2/2020

Taking it back to 1988, Bobby McFerrin continues to captivate us all with “Don’t Worry Be Happy” on Throwback Thursday (TBT). 

Throwback Thursday (TBT) looks back at songs that have truly captivated or stuck with me for whatever reason.  In some cases, there’s a compelling story or memorable happening behind the fangirling.  Before rolling out the entire Weekly Gems, we rolled out the first TBT – Angie Stone, “No More Rain (In This Cloud)”.  For the first TBT associated with Weekly Gems No. 1, we look to Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” which was featured on a previous playlist, 11 Songs Filled with Overwhelming Worries.

“Don’t’ Worry Be Happy” is nothing short of iconic.  Even so, the Bobby McFerrin gem from Simple Pleasures (1988) remains a classic – NOT debatable! The song won three Grammy awards, for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male. My appreciation for the song came years after it was released; after all, I was a mere baby in 1988.

“Don’t Worry Be Happy” is classic for a variety of reasons.  A novel number, blending jazz and reggae, it’s a totally infectious, minimalist, a cappella record. McFerrin does wonders with his voice, and few will deny, as far as mainstream music, that this is among the best a cappella songs of all time. Furthermore, thematically, “Don’t Worry Be Happy” thrives off of its positivity.  Despite a number of unfortunate situations, such as “The landlord say your rent is late / He may have to litigate,” McFerrin urges us to embrace and embody the phrase, “Don’t worry, be happy.” He has a point, though still, an eviction is bound to happen… Even so, how can you listen to this song and not feel a sense of optimism and happiness? Perfect for throwback Thursday!

Bobby McFerrin, Don’t Worry Be Happy | Throwback Thursday 💎

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Bobby McFerrin • Simple Pleasures • Capitol • 1988

Photo Credit: Capitol

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5. Liz Uzi Vert, “Strawberry Peels” | Fun Friday

Ft. Young Thug & Gunna

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 1 | FF No. 1, 4/3/2020

Lil Uzi Vert and friends get a bit wasted on the short but sweet banger, “Strawberry Peels,” on Fun Friday.

Fun Friday features songs that are energetic and exciting; supercharged for the weekend.  There will be no BALLADS whatsoever on Fun Fridays! So, with that considered, for Fun Friday, April 3, 2020, we enlist Lil Uzi Vert, assisted by Young Thug and Gunna on “Strawberry Peels!” Take my word for it – “Strawberry Peels” is fun AF!

After more than a two-year hiatus, Lil Uzi Vert returned with Eternal Atake, on March 6, 2020.  The following week, he dropped Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV vs. The World 2 (March 13, 2020).  Our song at hand, “Strawberry Peels,” appears as the sixth track on LUV vs. The World 2. What is Uzi Vert getting at on the banger? Well, per Urban Dictionary, strawberry peels are slang for “Candy dipped in TCH, put in lean mixed with strawberry Fanta and trolli strawberry puff candy…” OK…

Focusing on the song, “Strawberry Peels” is a total banger. Sure, it’s not even two minutes long, but man, those strawberry peels are potent AF! Again, Lil Uzi Vert enlists the services of Young Thug and Gunna, letting his featured guests drop their bars first.  A prime example – Thugga’s first verse:

“Cop what I want and my wrist and my style is on crunk and it’s real
Half of my niggas get high off a seal
Brand new pints and they all teal
I put my dick in her bladder, yeah, yeah
And I’m fuckin’ her friends and they all here.”

He also gives Young Thug the best part of record, besides the banging production that is (Wheezy) – the chorus! “Strawberry peels, strawberry peels…” – you get the idea.

Liz Uzi Vert, Strawberry Peels | Fun Friday 💎

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Liz Uzi Vert • Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV vs. The World 2 • Atlantic • 2020

Photo Credit: Atlantic

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6. Ryan Beatty, “Flowers at the Door” | Steamy Saturday

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 1 | Steamy Sat No. 1, 4/4/2020

Ryan Beatty sings about sweet pleasure on “Flowers at the Door,” a perfect exemplification of Steamy Saturday.  

Steamy Saturday features songs where the temperature is hot, and we’re not talking about Celsius or Fahrenheit.  Songs appearing on this day are seductive; sensual; sexy.  For Saturday, April 4, 2020, one of the steamier songs that came to mind was Ryan Beatty’s “Flowers at the Door.” Read on and you’ll see exactly why it fits the Steamy Saturday vibes.

Ryan Beatty writes amazing songs about boys, period. Boy in Jeans was among my favorite albums of 2018 (several songs appear on A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs).  Likewise, his sophomore album, Dreaming of David, where “Flowers at the Door” hails from, has flown under the radar as well.  Nonetheless, that doesn’t hold back this record that originally appeared on 11 Interesting Songs Loosely Associated with the House, and is associated less with the door and more with the bedroom.  Beatty ‘artfully’ sings about sex.

Analyze the lyrics closely, and it’s clear that Beatty delivers a record that isn’t the least bit ‘innocent.’  Key lyrics from the first verse include the brilliant “Our heads connected, I got the message / You had your hands around my skull,” and “I look up to you when I’m below.”  Ponder it, and you’ll realize where Beatty is going or rather, what he and his partner are DOING.  The chorus extends upon the ‘happening,’ as he sensually asks, “Why don’t you turn me around?” And if you totally miss the sexual innuendo, perhaps the bridge sheds some light (“What’s so wrong with wanting more? / Rollin’ on the hardwood floor”). If there was any doubt why “Flowers at the Door” secured the Steamy Saturday spot, hopefully, I made it crystal clear.

Ryan Beatty, “Flowers at the Door” | Steamy Saturday 💎

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Ryan Beatty • Dreaming of David • Boy in Jeans / Mad Love / Interscope • 2020

Photo Credits: Boy in Jeans / Mad Love / Interscope

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7. FINNEAS, “I Lost a Friend” | Somber Sunday

2020 | Weekly Gems  💎 No. 1 | Somber Sun No. 1, 4/5/2020 

FINNEAS sings expressively about his ‘lost friend’ on the brilliant “I Lost a Friend,” the perfect fit for Somber Sunday. 

Somber Sunday perfectly captures the end of the weekend with its sadness, disappointment, and look towards yet another mad Monday.  The disappointment for young FINNEAS on Sunday, April 5, 2020? Well, that would be “I Lost a Friend,” rather, he lost a friend…  

Finneas O’Connell gets the most accolades for producing sister, Billie Eilish’s Grammy-winning debut album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?.  The production was definitely innovative and he deserved his 5 Grammys. Still, O’Connell deserves more credit as artist, particularly with the superb “I Lost a Friend” from his 2019 EP, Blood Harmony.

“I lost a friend
Like keys in a sofa
Like a wallet in the backseat
Like ice in the summer heat
I lost a friend.”

Lyrically, “I Lost a Friend” latches the first time you hear it.  FINNEAS describes a fallout of a childhood friend from him past, and how much it has affected him to this day. This is best exemplified on the incredibly catchy chorus, where O’Connell sounds marvelous vocally:

“I lost my mind, and nobody believes me
Say, ‘I know that he don’t need me
‘Cause he made a little too much money to be twenty and sad’
And I’ll be fine without him
But all I do is write about him
How the hell did I lose a friend I never had?
Never had.”

Adding to the allure of the lyrics is the production. Like his work for others, FINNEAS crafts a stellar musical backdrop, which perfectly suits his voice.  This totally ‘lost’ song previously appeared as one of  11 Compelling Songs That Are Totally Lost.

FINNEAS, “I Lost a Friend” – Somber Sunday 💎

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FINNEAS • Blood Harmony (EP) • OYOY • 2019

Photo Credit: OYOY

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Weekly Gems  💎 No. 1: Week of 3-30-2020 [Photo Credits: Atlantic, Boy in Jeans, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Interscope, Mad Love, More is More, The Musical Hype, OYOY, Pexels, Pixabay]

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