What Do These 13 Songs Give?

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What Do These 13 Songs Give? features music courtesy of Britney Spears, Maggie Rogers, Miguel, Rick James, and Sam Smith.

The question is simple: What Do These 13 Songs Give? The answer is GIMME or GIVE, PERIOD! That’s right, this musical compendium is all about those two words. If you have been keeping up, two separate miniature lists arrive based on those words: Gimme: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 37 (2023) and Give: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 43 (2023). With five songs from each miniature list reappearing here, we add three more bops to make it unlucky number 13 ! That said, there’s really nothing unlucky about What Do These 13 Songs Give? which features music courtesy of Britney Spears, Maggie Rogers, Miguel, Rick James, and Sam Smith among others. So, without further ado, let the GIVING commence!

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1.Maggie Rogers, “Give A Little”

Heard It In a Past Life • Debay Sounds LLC / UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2019

“If you would open up your heart / Drop your weapons, drop your guard / Just a little trust is all it takes…” Maggie Rogers commences her full-length debut album, Heard It in a Past Life, with a bang with “Give a Little.” From the onset, the groove is driving and utterly infectious.  Rogers delivers commanding vocals without ever coming close to over-singing – cool, yet also has ample ‘oomph.’ She keeps the melody in the verses relatively simple, with multiple repeated notes. It works without a hitch! The best moment of “Give a Little” comes by way of the chorus.  It’s repetitive, but ultimately successful and utterly infectious.  

“But if you give a little, get a little  

Maybe we could get to know each other 

Give a little, get a little, give a little 

And if you give a little, get a little…” 

Appears in :

13 Little or Small Songs That Transcend Size (2019)

2. Rick Astley, “Never Gonna Give You Up”  

Whenever You Need Somebody • BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited • 1987 

“Never gonna give you up / Never gonna let you down / Never gonna run around and desert you.” Aww, how sweet and dedicated of you, Rick Astley.  Honestly, when it comes to the 1987 pop classic, “Never Gonna Give You Up”, little analysis or explanation is necessary. “Never Gonna Give You Up” was massively successful, peaking at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. as well as in multiple countries throughout the world.  To date, the RIAA has certified the single as quintuple platinum, while its parent album, Whenever You Need Somebody, is double platinum in its own right.  Face it, this is one of those quintessential 80s songs that never grow old, still resonating to this day.  

So, what makes “Never Gonna Give You Up” so iconic? The production, in all its exuberance, is a huge selling point.  It’s incredibly groovy and those keys (synths) pop, including synthesized strings.  Also, supporting Astley’s warm lead vocals are inspired background vocals, which give this record more oomph – more punch.  Does Astley’s performance feel cheesy and dare I say, schmaltzy? Of course, it does! It’s not helped by seeing the compelling music video , which incited rickrolling (it’s the dancing for sure, y’all).  Also, while Astley, who was 21 at the time, was a handsome young man, he also comes off as dorky – no disrespect.  The lyrics in the song do matter, but the big takeaway is that Rick is going to remain dedicated to you FOREVER, it seems.  Furthermore, doesn’t it seem like “Never Gonna Give You Up” is the type of song that will last forever?  

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3. Sam Smith, Koffee & Jessie Reyez, “Gimme” 

Gloria • Capitol • 2023

“Gimme, gimme what I want, what I want.” Woo! It is not hard to deduce what  Sam Smith, Koffee, and  Jessie Reyez want on  “Gimme” – relax, it’s just sex! “Gimme” marks the third single from Smith’s fourth studio album,  Gloria. “Gimme” is a ball of fun – infectious from an initial listen.  It begins with Reyez repetitive and utterly simplistic chorus, which is a VIBE and a half – NO CAP! Throw in an infectious beat that totally slaps (production courtesy of Smith,  Jimmy Napes, StarGate, and Anju Blaxx) and “Gimme” is on fi-ya! 

While Reyez arguably gets the best part of the song, Smith and Koffee shine too. Smith continues to open up about themself song after song, album after album. Admittedly a sexual person, they reveal the cards in the first verse and pre-chorus.  “So, nut before you come over,” they assert, adding, “Your eyes on my dun, dun-dun-dun / I need you closer.” Day-um, Sam! As for the pre-chorus, “Voyeurs are watching us / Giving me such a rush / When I’m crazy and drunk on love / Give me what I want…” Koffee brings the reggae energy on this tropical, reggae-tinged joint, which means we get the patois.  “Mi rock yuh body, ooh suh go rock yuh body fi mi / Come over yah so may mi push yuh body to the limit.” Yup, it’s giving good sex, ladies and gents! Clearly, on “Gimme,” the  Academy and Grammy-award winning nonbinary singer/songwriter is embracing his sexual side. We know Smith can slay a ballad, but it is also cool to hear him switch things up and open up.

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4. Miguel, “Give It To Me”

“Give It To Me” • ByStorm Entertainment / RCA • 2023

“Your body on inferno, inferno, your mind on my, my, my / But you deserve to let go, to let go, to let yourself unwind…” Although the 2020s have been extraordinarily quiet for Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter, Miguel, he whets the listener’s palate with the enjoyable, well-rounded, and sexy single, “Give It To Me”. “Give It To Me” runs four minutes and change , and it’s totally worth every second! The record was penned by Miguel and Scoop DeVille, who also produces. It commences with an intriguing intro that is moody and features an unsettled sound.  Listening initially, it is hard to tell what direction Miguel is going. Soon enough, however, the singer’s dynamic, easily recognizable voice takes over.  Instrumentally, the tone of the drums and the use of distorted guitar are #winning.  This gives “Give It To Me,” which is about S-E-X, a fitting raw, animalistic sound.  There are many memorable lyrics including  “You lit, I’m lit, we lit / And I’m ready to fly” in the pre-chorus, as well as the catchy chorus, where Miguel asserts, “Yeah, I like what you got, ‘cause I like what you got / I like what you got, would you give it to me?” Another selling point is the excellent contrast that occurs in the bridge, which includes vocoder effects. All in all, “Give It To Me” is a welcome addition to the listening rotation. 

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5. Britney Spears, “Gimme More” 

Blackout • Zomba Recording LLC • 2007

Three words: “It’s Britney bitch!” WOO! Those iconic lyrics appear on Britney Spears’ no. 3 Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Gimme More.” “Gimme More” marks one of the best moments from her 2007 album, Blackout.  This fierce pop joint is set in a minor key, and features production courtesy of Danja, one of the hotter producers in the aughts.  Additionally supporting Spears’ cause was songwriting by Danja, Keri Hilson, Marcella Araica, and Jim Beanz. As colorful as the production is, and as entertaining as the songwriting is (“Cameras are flashing / While we’re dirty dancing”), the star of the show is BRITNEY SPEARS, bi-otch ! She delivers breathy vocals full of personality (“You got me in a crazy position (Yeah) / If you’re on a mission (Uh-huh), you got my permission”).  Even though she didn’t write the song, you buy what she is selling, and what she is selling is S-E-X-Y and, again, F-I-E-R-C-E! That’s right Britney, GIMME MORE!!!  

Appears in :

Gimme: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 37 (2023)

6. G-Eazy, “Gimme Gimme” 

Step Brothers (EP) • RCA • 2017 

The second-best honors of Step Brothers, the collaborative EP by rappers G-Eazy and Carnage, goes to “Gimme Gimme.” Here, G-Eazy raps solo. Eazy offers an infectious hook.  It’s nothing groundbreaking or transcendent but establishes the song as a highlight from the EP: “Yeah, gimme, gimme, gimme money / Spendin’, spendin’, spendin’ money / People say they want my spot? / But you’ll never get it from me.” Beyond his self-assured hook, generally, Eazy offers more of the same regarding his rhymes.  He’s in full-on, celebratory, turn-up mode. Throughout, he references sex, something we’ve become accustomed to hearing from the MC early on.  Much like the famous “‘Cause I’m fucking your girlfriend / And there’s nothing you can do about it” from “I Mean It”, he reprises the role: “Yeah, I’m on point like an ice pick / On lock like a vice grip / and your girl is on my tip / You never see the day that I slip.” 

Appears in :

Gimme: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 37 (2023)

7. Joji, “Gimme Love” 

Nectar • 88rising / 12Tone Music • 2020 

“Gimme Love”, a highlight from Nectar, the 2020 album by Joji (George Miller), incorporates cues of alternative R&B but transcends beyond such. The unique record commences with intense, pummeling electronic drums, unique vocals that serve capacity as a layer of the production (“Oh’s”), and keyboards/synths, mixed farther in the background.  Post-intro, Miller introduces the repetitive but highly effective chorus, singing airy, chill fashion, never perspiring. “Gimme, gimme love, gimme, gimme love …When I’m gone, when I’m gone.” Could he make it any clearer what he desires? In the verse, he sings in a more low-key fashion.  Furthermore, he is more abstract lyrically.  Still, he has his direct, longing moments: “You leavin’ me here with ashes and fire.” Post chorus, we get quite a surprise, as “Gimme Love” transforms.  The sound becomes more amorous, lush, spirited, and more acoustic. Thematically, Miller remains focused on his/her heart, while serving up contrasting lyrics. 

Appears in :

Gimme: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 37 (2023)

8. India.Arie, “Give Thanks”

SongVersation: Medicine •  BMG Rights Management • 2017

“Give thanks / …Give thanks, for all that is.” Indeed, India.Arie, indeed! “Give Thanks” is a perfect example of depth despite a lack of depth.  Arie approaches “Give Thanks” more like a Contemporary Christian (CCM) song, with repeated lyrics on the verse.  Yes, Arie is an R&B artist, but “Give Thanks” doesn’t necessarily feel like an R&B record. Worth noting, SongVersation: Medicine was nominated for a Grammy in the New Age Album category. This record specifically certainly has such a vibe. There are few lyrics throughout “Give Thanks,” yet, her messaging is prudent and ultimately, transcendent. In addition to giving thanks, Arie also “gives praise” and repeats the words “selah,” “ase”, “hallelujah,” and “namaste” on the repetitive verses. At the end, she brings together those spare lyrics, successfully capping things off.

“There will never be another day just like this

So, let’s give praise now

We give praise, and ase

Say love, namaste

We give praise, for all that is.”

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9. Steve Lacy, “Give You the World”  

Gemini Rights • L-M / RCA • 2022 

“Baby, I want a chance to get you close, right next to me / Said, ‘Girl, I’ll be patient and slow / ‘Cause I got time, shit, maybe forever’.” “Give You the World” concludes Gemini Rights, the Grammy-winning album by Steve Lacy, differently than the album began. On the opener, “Static,” Lacy seemed bitter and clearly perturbed about the end of a relationship. On this lush cut, he is repentant, desiring a reset – a second chance.  “But I’ll give you the world,” he sings in an authentic, nuanced fashion in the chorus.  The outro shows a changed Steve, who vows, “This time I’m gonna love you like you would do / And when I love you, I’m gonna / Kiss you goodbye.”  All told, it’s a great closer on a very, very strong album. Lacy sounds stupendous!  

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10. Rick James, “Give It To Me Baby”

Street Songs • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1981

“When you came home last night / You wouldn’t make love to me.” Uh-oh! Did you know that the late, great Rick James scored one platinum album during his career? That album was a big one, the breakthrough, Street Songs, released in 1981. A marvelous R&B/funk LP, go down track list, and there are hits after hits. On track number one, the listener is blessed with the funky masterpiece, “Give It To Me Baby”. “Give It To Me Baby” peaked at no. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981. We all know this joint deserved much more impact on the pop charts!

“Give It To Me Baby” is giving all things excellence, PERIOD. The bass line is infectious to the nth degree – ear catching from the very start. It alone implores you to get up and get to the dance floor. Furthermore, the groove is epic too, anchoring things down. In addition to bass and drums, there are some utterly sublime funk cues in play. The playful nature, with bent notes, synths, and crisp, killer horn riffs easily makes the ears perk up. Beyond the scintillating backdrop, the star of the show is none other than Rick James. Rick was a stellar vocalist with the ability to be incredible expressive and playful in his performances, oozing with personality. “Give It To Me” screams personality and James does not disappoint. The chorus is the crowning achievement lyrically – catchy, catchy, CATCHY!

“Give it to me, baby (give it to me, baby)

Give it to me, baby (give it to me, baby)

I betcha, I’ll make you holler you had enough.”

Even though the chorus is arguably the section to beat, the verses are hella fun, and the refrain (or post-chorus), is a blast too: “Give it to me / Give me that stuff, that funk, that sweet, that funky stuff.” The sexy “Give It To Me Baby” is essential listening for funk/R&B/soul enthusiasts, and anybody who loves incredibly sick music!

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Appears in :

Rick James, “Give It To Me Baby”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 82 (2023)

11. P!nk, “Just Give Me a Reason” (Ft. Nate Ruess) 

The Truth About Love • RCA • 2012

“It’s in the stars / It’s been written in the scars on our hearts…” Nate Ruess (of fun.) duets with P!nk on the fine  “Just Give Me a Reason.” “Just Give Me a Reason” was written by P!nk, Ruess, and Jeff Bhasker. Bhasker produces the no. 1 hit from P!nk’s 2012 album, The Truth About Love.  which spent three weeks atop the Hot 100, ultimately charting for 36 weeks.  Furthermore, this awesome record was nominated for two Grammys: Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (Note: both Ruess and P!nk are Grammy winners, despite not winning for this song).     

“Just give me a reason 

Just a little bit’s enough 

Just a second – we’re not broken,  

And we can learn to love again…” 

Sigh, what a beautiful, memorable chorus! P!nk sings the first verse and chorus, which focuses on L-O-V-E, of course. Ruess sings the second verse, responding to P!nk’s initial verse (“I’m sorry I don’t understand / Where all of this is coming from / I thought that we were fine”).  By the second iteration of the chorus, the vocalists join forces and showcase unbelievable vocal range and chemistry.  The harmonies between the two are a highlight, particularly atop that excellent production.  The reason to play this song repeatedly is that it is JUST awesome! 

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12. Parliament, “Give Up The Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)”

Mothership Connection • The Island Def Jam Music Group • 1975 

“Tear the roof off, we’re gonna tear the roof off the mothersucker /  Tear the roof off the sucker.” Woo! George Clinton and Parliament delivered one of the funkiest tunes ever with “Give Up The Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)”. “Give Up The Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” appears on the collective’s 1975, platinum certified album,  Mothership Connection.  The single marks is the highest charting by the band, cracking the top 20 (peaked at no. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100) and being certified gold.  “You’ve got a real type of thing going down, gettin’ down / There’s a whole lot of rhythm going round.” Indeed, indeed!  

While Mothership Connection and “Give Up The Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” has a conceptual element, most folks enjoy and judge this song as a crowning achievement of funk music.  The psychedelic sounds within the production, coupled with the groove and active bass line are ear-catching to the nth degree. Furthermore, the lyrics are infectious – simple but memorable upon a first listen.  “Ow, we want the funk / Give up the funk / Ow, we need the funk / We gotta have the funk” marks one of the crème de la crème lyrical moments.  Another top-rate moment: “We’re gonna turn this mother out.” Abso-freaking-lutely, Parliament!  Dig into the conceptual aspects if you will, but ultimately, “Give Up The Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)” is best enjoyed without extensive analysis.  It’s funky AF! 

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13. The Spencer Davis Group, “Gimme Some Lovin’” 

The Best of Spencer Davis Group • Capitol • 1989  

“And I’m so glad we made it / So glad we made it / I want, gimme some-a lovin / Gimme some-a lovin’ / Gimme some-a lovin’, every day.” WOO! Who doesn’t want some lovin’ every day? The Spencer Davis Group recorded a masterpiece in 1966 – NO CAP ! “Gimme Some Lovin’” was a huge hit worldwide by the British collective, including reaching the top 10 in the US.  A blend of rock, pop, and soul, take one listen to “Gimme Some Lovin’” and it is clear why it is one of the greatest songs of all time.  On a side note, personally, this was one of my favorite songs to play in high school pep band at football and basketball games – fun, fun, FUN! The driving rhythm is electric, giving the record ample intensity.  Furthermore, the lead vocals by the legendary Steve Winwood are incredibly assertive, complementing the ‘turned-up’ nature of the supporting instrumental (“Let me in, baby, I don’t know what you got / But you better take it easy, this place is hot”). Also, what about that mean sounding organ that Steve throws into the mix? Organ makes everything better, FACTS!  Of course, the crowning achievement is the chorus, which is EVERYTHING . “Gimme Some Lovin’” was written by Steve, his older brother, Muff Winwood, and the late Spencer Davis.

Appears in :

GIMME: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 37 (2023)

What Do These 13 Songs Give? [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 88rising / 12Tone Music, BMG Rights Management, Capitol, RCA, The Island Def Jam Music Group, UMG Recordings, Inc., Zomba Recording LLC; cottonbro studio, Dmitry, Olha Ruskykh, Orione Conceição, Yelena Odintsova from Pexels; Alexa, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

What Do These 13 Songs Give? | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on June 7, 2023June 7, 2023