You’ll Likely Survive These 30 Deadly Songs | Playlist

1. YoungBoy Never Broke Again, “Dead Trollz”

Top • Never Broke Again / Atlantic •  2020

“I see murder in my eyes / Pussy n***a, you ain’t sayin’ nothin’ / Inside, got these n***as waitin’ up in line / Catch ‘em bad and end up sprayin’ somethin’…” Well, day-um, that’s pretty deadly stuff right there YoungBoy Never Broke Again! As tough and hard-nosed as the rapper is on “Dead Trollz,” which appears on his 2020 album, Top, the song itself won’t leave you literally dead.  Still, it’s not exactly easy to take comfort in violent, totally deadly lines like, “Seven murders in my hometown, tell them bitches I did that.”

Beyond the violent lyrics, YoungBoy Never Broke Again is unapologetic in other ways as well.  On the same verse where those murders he takes responsibility occur, he also asserts, “I got meds in my kidney, sippin’ mud out the liter.” NOT GOOD! He also seems to have a point when he characterizes himself as “Devil baby, Satan seed” on the second verse.  All of these disturbing assertions take place over a banging, minor-key backdrop produced by Karltin Bankz, London Blue, and PlayboyXO. Hellish results to say the least.  Clearly, Lil Top gives no Fs.

2. Alicia Keys, “Perfect Way to Die”

Alicia • RCA •  2020

“Perfect Way to Die” ( Alicia) captures the racial inequality and police brutality that has dominated the headlines. On this piano/string ballad, Alicia Keys tugs at the heartstrings as she depicts incidents where innocent black lives were lost.  “Simple walk to the corner store,” she sings on the first verse, continuing, “Mama never thought she would be gettin’ a call from the coroner / Said her son’s been gunned down.”  The second verse is similar, this time with a girl being the victim – the martyr if you will.  Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, where “the perfect way to die” comes into play.  There is no perfect way to die, but in a sense, it seems Keys is trying to find the positive that can come from such tragedy, including necessary change.  “Perfect Way to Die” is upsetting, but it’s an upsetting, woke song that needed to happen.

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 2)

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3. Powfu, “death bed (coffee for your head)”

Ft. beabadoobee

Poems of the past (EP) • Columbia / Robots and Humans • 2020 

Canadian rapper and singer Powfu (Isaiah Faber) raps about his “death bed (coffee for your head)”, getting a mighty assist from indie-pop singer/songwriter, beabadoobee. Beabadoobee plays a big role on “death bed,” thanks to a sample of her song, “Coffee”, fueling the fire.  Even so, Otterpop does a nice job producing this chill yet potent and thoughtful record. Powfu rides the beat easily, seemingly never breaking a sweat.  He reflects on love, life, and God.  He’s so happy she’s with him, recollects the memories, but also, on a sad note, tells her, “Soon you’ll be alone, sorry that you have to lose me.” Of course, the main attraction is the chorus, with beabadoobee doing work, with Powfu joining her in certain instances (“Don’t stay awake for too long, don’t go to bed / I’ll make a cup of coffee for your head / It’ll get you up and going out of bed”). All in all, Powfu delivers a sweet gem with “death bed.” He’s poetic, reflective, and incredibly thoughtful.  The authenticity and sincerity may be the biggest selling point of this record.

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4. Phoebe Bridgers, “Killer”

Stranger in the Alps • Dead Oceans •  2017 

“Sometimes I think I’m a killer / I scared you in your house / I even scared myself by talking / About Dahmer on your couch.” Chilling, particularly bringing Jeffrey Dahmer into the mix… That’s what singer/songwriter Phoebe Bridgers does on “Killer,” a piano ballad from her critically acclaimed debut album, Stranger in the Alps (2017). The psychological “Killer” explores dark thoughts, including referencing gay serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer on the first verse. Bridgers continues the reference Dahmer on this beautiful if somewhat disturbing number: “But I can’t sleep next to a body / Even harmless in death / Plus, I’m pretty sure I’d miss you / And faking sleep to count your breath.”

Bridgers may have her share of dark thoughts, but she doesn’t take it to the same level as Mr. Dahmer in the least.  Still, she makes numerous killer references, though bloodlust seems to be an overstatement (thank goodness).

Also appears on :

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5. FINNEAS, “Die Alone”

Blood Harmony [Deluxe] •  OYOY •  2020

“I wrote this song in Texas last November – L.A. was on fire at the time and I was wishing I was there anyway to be with my girl,” FINNEAS (Finneas O’Connell) tells Billboard regarding “Die Alone,” which appears on the Grammy winner’s EP,   Blood Harmony. That certainly lines up with so many of the devoted lyrics, such as “I wasn’t lookin’ for you / But you found me…” (verse one), or more directly, the pre-chorus (“You asked me, ‘Do you wanna die alone / Or watch it all burn down together?’”).  Of the second verse, O’Connell shared, it’s “…More about moving out of my parents’ house… You could call it a metaphor for adulthood, I suppose.” Clever songwriting, by all means.

“Die Alone” earns the distinction of being the longest record on Blood Harmony, approaching four-and-a-half-minutes in duration. Vocally, FINNEAS delivers a beautiful, expressive performance, never forcing things, yet packing the right amount of punch. In addition to his gorgeous tone, the vocal production itself is exceptional.  In regard to the overall production, it’s also elite, characterized by the use of keyboards and of course, sounds O’Connell recorded in various places. “Die Alone” is quite thoughtful, and again, quite clever.

Also appears on :

11 Solitary Songs That Are Totally Alone

6. grandson, “Drop Dead”

Death of an Optimist • Fueled by Ramen / Elektra •  2020

The best way to describe Jordan Benjamin, better known as grandson, would be eclectic.  Don’t box the man in.  On this deadly addition to this compendium, “Drop Dead,” Benjamin enlists a production team comprised of Boonn, Travis Barker, and KRUPA – yes, that’s THE Travis Barker of blink-182 fame!  The results are pretty rad and certainly won’t kill you, if that’s a concern given the title.  “Drop Dead” appears as the penultimate track from grandson’s 2020 debut album, Death of an Optimist.

“I’m a pothead, I’m a sinner / Got no hope, not a sliver / Rather drop dead than be a quitter,” Benjamin asserts on the high-flying chorus.  OK… Well, clearly, um, he has his flaws, you might say.  He goes on to say, “Shit, life ain’t fair, go figure / Rather drop dead than be a quitter.” For more context, on the verses of this alternative song, he references how life can be unfair and bad things happen.  That said, he’ll be with you, though it all and is willing to die with you: “Even if we go up in flames, I’m a treat it all the same / Know they won’t forget the name for a lifetime.” Ah, the silver lining… I suppose…

7. Cattle Decapitation, “The Geocide”

Death Atlas •  Metal Blade •  2019

Death Atlas, the 2019 album by death/extreme metal band Cattle Decapitation, explores the Anthropocene, the most recent geological time period, highly influenced by humans. The band is incredibly pessimistic regarding it, evidenced by lyrics like, “Fuck the future / Fuck all mankind,” that appears on the brutally honest “The Geocide.” Essentially, because humans are so destructive and inconsiderate of everything, we are firmly entrenched in imminent ruination and death – we’ve screwed ourselves over.  The music is incredibly chaotic and unsettling – a fitting soundtrack for the destruction of earth.  The guitars are utterly infernal, while the drums pummel to the nth degree.  Adding to this most damned occurrence, Travis Ryan delivers thrilling, incredibly malicious vocals, not to mention the brutally honest, pessimistic lyricism.

Brutality is exemplified by the chorus:

“The universe, it always finds a way to purge
The sustainably inappropriate numbers that once surged
Death always wins, his molten torch forever burns
And to the ashes and the ground we are returned
Life exists to infuriate, berate, and subjugate
The hapless mortals shit-birthed on a human-altered planet Earth.”

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8. Ibeyi, “Deathless”

Ft. Kamasi Washington

Ash • XL • 2017

French-Cuban Twin Duo Ibeyi shine on “Deathless”, a standout from their sophomore album, Ash. “Deathless” gets off to quick start, thanks to alluring synths and the distinct percussive groove. The international influence that made Ibeyi as a whole intriguing, returns on “Deathless.” Even so, there’s a freshness about this track that has the swagger of R&B and pop music.  The eclectic sound makes this record one of a kind – among the more distinct of 2017.

The vocals are absolutely stunning, particularly harmonized moments.  In addition to the harmonies, the detail paid to each and every lyric – specific syllables – makes this a next-level performance.  Following superb vocals and clearly lyrics on the verses, the chorus is exceptional.  It’s catchy, latching the first time you hear it.  The assertive, proclamatory vibe ‘gives life’:

“Whatever happens, whatever happened (Oh, hey)
We are deathless!
We are deathless!”

“Deathless” gets even better, thanks to contributions by one of the hottest jazz musicians of modern times, saxophonist Kamasi Washington.  His exquisite tone and thoughtful ad libs only accentuate the greatness served up by Ibeyi.

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 2)

9. Sam Hunt, “Downtown’s Dead”

Southside • UMG Recordings, Inc • 2020

“Everywhere I go looks like the place to be / I see people that I know, and I feel like there’s no one here but me.” “Downtown’s Dead” marked Grammy-nominated country singer Sam Hunt’s released “Downtown’s Dead” back in 2018.  It ultimately appears on his long-awaited sophomore album, SOUTHSIDE in 2020. “Downtown’s Dead” resides contemporary country vein, incorporating an expanded palette of sounds and styles.  Still, it’s relatively tame in experimentation.

Thematically, the big picture is that Hunt is lost without ‘her.’  On the chorus, he asserts “Friday night it might as well be just another / Tuesday night without you.”  That occurs after he sings the titular lyric, attaching identity to it: “Downtown’s dead without you.” Cleverly, the lyrics reference things associated with nightlight, city life, and illustrating the desire for a more personal as opposed to generic connection. It’s a respectable, enjoyable record all in all.

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 1)

10. Hayley Williams, “Dead Horse”

Petals for Armor • Atlantic • 2020

With the release of Petals for Armor, Hayley Williams made history. How so? Per Loudwire, Williams became “the first female to top the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart as both a solo artist and a member of a band.” That’s awesome, as is the album that earned her such honors.  Honestly, I wish more folks had checked out Williams’ solo debut – it’s pretty flipping amazing. Out of 15 total songs, I dare you to find a bad one on Petals for Armor. Williams delivers a truly accomplished solo debut that lacks any glaring miscues.  The songwriting is personal, the production is clever, refined, and well-rounded, and the vocals are spot-on. There is no shortage of gems including the deadly song at hand, “Dead Horse.” Poor equine!

“I beat it like a dead horse, I beat it like a drum / Oh, I stayed with you too long / Skipping like a record, but I sang along / To a silly little song /… A shitty never-ending song…” “Dead Horse” commences the second disc of Petals for Armor with a bang, referencing William’s divorce. The listener is blessed with ear catching production.  The tone of the guitar, robustness of the bass, and the drum groove are utterly sublime.  Not so deadly at all! The aforementioned chorus is quite catchy, with Williams showcasing ample personality, understandable given the personal nature of the track.

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 2)

11. Jay Rock, “King’s Dead”

Ft. Kendrick Lamar, Future & James Blake

Black Panther the Album Music from and Inspired By • Interscope • 2018 

Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake join forces for hard-nosed banger “King’s Dead”, the second single from Black Panther the Album Music from and Inspired By.  From the start, the beat is trunk rattling. Kendrick Lamar drops a ferocious hook.  Jay Rock gets ‘first blood’ with the first verse, matching the toughness of the backdrop. Future follows, with a variation on the hook, assisted by Kendrick Lamar.  He’s a perfect fit – this sounds like his elite, outlandish hooks.

“Fuck his baby mama tryna sneak diss
I took her to my penthouse, then I freaked it
I haven’t made my mind up, should I keep it?
I got big dog status, it ain’t no secret.”

The bridge, mostly performed by Future, is bizarre, including the famous lyric, “Slob on [me] knob.” Later, James Blake initiates the second part of the song, in all his enigmatic, electronic excellence.  Lamar then proceeds to go H.A.M. on the second verse of the song.  The beat and overall sound remains hard-hitting.

“Red light, green light, red light, green light...
Fast cars, fast money, fast life, fast broads
Egotistic, goin’ ballistic, why God?”

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12. Billie Eilish, “No Time to Die”

“No Time to Die” • Darkroom / Interscope •  2020

After dominating the Grammys, and following a high-profile Academy Awards in memoriam performance, Billie Eilish returned with “No Time to Die”, which appears in the 007 film, No Time to Die. “No Time to Die” is written by Eilish and FINNEAS, who also produces alongside Stephen Lipson.  The sound balances that signature Eilish sound we’ve come to love – more understated, yet always chilling and haunting – and the dramatic, dark nature of the music appearing in the James Bond films.  For most of the song, the listener is mesmerized by the soft yet potent nature of her instrument, with ample lyrical expressiveness.  But even the oft-understated teen rises to the occasion, pushing her voice and singing dynamically to match the soaring nature of the music on the chorus. “No Time to Die” is a well-written, well-performed, truly gorgeous ballad that plays to her strengths. 

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13. Sam Smith, “To Die For”

Love Goes •  Capitol •  2020

Grammy-winning pop musician Sam Smith has gone through some big changes.  Between releasing The Thrill of it All (2017), and announcing and delaying their third studio album, the openly gay Smith began identifying as non-binary, using the pronouns they and them: “I’ve decided I am changing my pronouns to THEY/THEM after a lifetime of being at war with my gender I’ve decided to embrace myself for who I am, inside and out.” The song at hand, “To Die For” appears on their long-delayed third studio album, Love Goes.

As with most Sam Smith songs, there are ample selling points.  First and foremost, on “To Die For,” their voice sounds magical.  They spoil us with rich, robust falsetto.  Throughout this pop ballad, Smith sounds expressive, even with vocal effects added to the mix.  Beyond the voice, Stargate ( Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Hermansen) and Jimmy Napes provide them a gorgeous canvas to paint upon vocally.  It’s nothing too far-fetched or the least bit wild, but it suits the vocalist – the beat, and keyboards/programming, including the dramatic, warm strings.

Last but not least is the theme.  Sam Smith doesn’t want to be alone – understandable.  Like everybody else in the world, “I just want somebody to die for,” they sing throughout the chorus and bridge of the song.  It’s especially relatable on the centerpiece, the chorus:

“Pink lemonade sippin’ on a Sunday
Couples holding hands on a runway
They’re all posing in a picture frame
Whilst my world’s crashing down
Solo shadow on a sidewalk
Just want somebody to die for
Sunshine livin’ on a perfect day
While my world’s crashing down
I just want somebody to die for.”

The lyrics and theme are relatable to anybody, regardless of sexual orientation, race, or otherwise.  Vocally, Smith remains elite.  Furthermore, Stargate and Jimmy Napes hook them up with strong production.  All in all, “To Die For” is quite enjoyable – sound by all means.

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 2)

14. Kali Uchis, “Dead to Me”

Isolation • Virgin •  2018

“But if there’s one thing that I know / Is that you ain’t a friend to me, uh oh / So don’t come for me unless I send for you / Know you’re dead to me.” After denouncing the ‘tyranny’ of “Tyrant” on her debut album, Isolation, Columbian-American R&B artist Kali Uchis has no issues proclaiming ‘she’s done’ on “Dead to Me.” Although the record is set in a minor key, and she’s clearly pissed off, “Dead to Me” is actually quite enjoyable and fun.

“You’re dead to me
You’re obsessed, just let go
You’re dead to me
I’m not somebody you know
You’re dead to me
Could you just leave me alone?
You’re dead to me.”

15. The Black Dahlia Murder, “How Very Dead”

Verminous • Metal Blade •  2020

Death metal collective The Black Dahlia Murder formed back in 2001.  Sure, there have been some lineup changes beyond mainstays Trevor Strnad and Brian Eschbach, but hey, when a band approaches two decades of existence, that’s pretty special. Verminous, marks their ninth studio LP.  Verminous, the first The Black Dahlia Murder album of a new decade, arrives two-and-a-half years after the band’s last LP, Nightbringers (2017).  Verminous proves to be worth the wait. Earning the album representation on this playlist is “How Very Dead” – what a morbid song title!

Honestly, “How Very Dead” reveals its cards with its literal title.  Lyrically, The Black Dahlia are explicit in, well, death.  It’s over the top, but that’s the glory of metal, right? We’re absolutely screwed by the doctor on this record: “My overlooked credentials / A Hippocratic oath I’d sworn in hell.” Those lyrics definitely capture just ‘how very dead’ the victims will be, even if the point is made, “How very dead you were from the start.” Outlandish, but certainly intriguing.

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 2)

16. alt-J, “Deadcrush”

Relaxer •  Atlantic • 2017

“Deadcrush” is by far the most contemporary-sounding record of Relaxer, the third studio album by alt-J.  Here, it sounds as if the alternative band is trying to incorporate hip-hop sensibilities – in the most alternative way possible.  Perhaps odder than the sound is the subject matter – literally, dead crushes! The dead crushes are photographer Lee Miller and, taking it even further back, Anne Boleyn.  A verse is dedicated to each, describing how their historical suitor felt about them.  In regard to Miller, Alt-J states, “Man Ray went cray cray over you.” In regard to Boleyn, well, “Henry Tudor left you lifeless.” Damn!

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 1)

17. Luke Bryan, “Born Here Live Here Die Here”

Born Here Live Here Die Here • Capitol Nashville •  2020

Luke Bryan returns in 2020 with his seventh studio album, Born Here Live Here Die Here.  Though his third single from the project, “Born Here Live Here Die Here”, has the word ‘die’ in its title, it won’t kill you… at least it shouldn’t… “Born Here Live Here Die Here” is the type of record that Bryan tends to eat up.  Written by Jake Mitchell, Jameson Rodgers, and Josh Thompson, “Born Here Live Here Die Here” is reminiscent in tone. Bryan brings those reminiscent lyrics to life beautifully as he expresses pride for his hometown.  It’s nothing new in country music – hometowns are a common topic – but hey, Luke sells it compellingly.

One of the biggest selling points is the chorus, which sums up the sentiment:

“Born here, live here, die here
From the roots, to the boots, to the lay me down suit
Yeah, I’m gonna be proud to be right here
Just like my daddy, and his daddy did too
Ride the same roads, work the same dirt
Go to the same church and drink the same beer
Born here, live here, die here
Yeah.”

Besides those reminiscent lyrics, Luke Bryan delivers well-rounded vocals.  Sure, the twang is heavy, but that’s what we’ve come to expect from the country singer.  Also, the production suits Bryan characteristically, thanks to Jeff Stevens and Jody Stevens. All in all, he delivers another country hit that plays to his strengths, even if it doesn’t move the needle.

Also appears on :

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Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 2)

18. Freddie Gibbs, “Death Row”

Ft. 03 Greedo

Freddie • ESGN / EMPIRE •  2018 

A little bit of everything goes down on “Death Row,” the third track from Freddie, the 2018 mixtape by rapper Freddie Gibbs.  “Death Row” refers to Death Row Records, while also alluding to violence, illegal activities, sex – you name it, Gibbs probably covers it.  Also, worth noting, California rapper 03 Greedo assists on second verse.

“Take a bag, bust a lick, and run a check ho, a check ho
Bet them VV’s in my neck glow
I just might go throw a Rollie on my next ho
Beat the pussy in the studio like Death Row, Death Row...”

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 1)

19. 2 Chainz, “Dead Man Walking”

Ft. Future

“Dead Man Walking” • Def Jam • 2020 

2 Chainz is pretty adept when it comes to dropping bangers.  Of course, the Grammy-nominated rapper is also known for his ridiculous, humorous, and sometimes, cringe AF rhymes.  On the brief banger “Dead Man Walking”, Tauheed Epps enlists Grammy-winning rapper Future for the assist.  Safe to say, the confidence and the drip are through the roof on this deadly joint.

Lots of things help make “Dead Man Walking” a kick ass banger.  It starts with the hard-nosed production work, courtesy of Buddah Bless.  This is perfect fuel for 2 Chainz’s fire, on the intro (which lifts from the eventual chorus), and on the verse.  On the verse, the rapper is ‘on top of the word,’ as he makes threats (“You and your homie are the same target / Put you both in the same coffin”), touts his money (“Richard Mille, six figures”), along with some head shakable lines – “I’m showin’ growth, had to dreadlock it.” As for Future, he’s definitely true to self.  Sex (“Push up on ya exotic”), drugs (“I put codeine in my body”), and money (“Richard Mille coast a Bugatti”).  Would you expect any less?   The best moment, of course, is the chorus, in all its repetitive glory by Chainz:

“I see dead men walking
I see dead men walking...”

Yeah, that’s honestly about the size of it. The pendulum isn’t moved on “Dead Men Walking,” but, it’s an enjoyable, head nodder.  Does Budda Bless that beat? HELL YEAH he does!

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 2)

20. Panic! At the Disco, “Death of a Bachelor”

Death of a Bachelor • Fueled By Ramen • 2016

“The death of a bachelor / O-o-oh! Letting the water fall / The death of a bachelor / O-o-oh! Seems so fitting for / Happily ever after, woo / How could I ask for more? / A lifetime of laughter / At the expense of the death of a bachelor.” “Death of a Bachelor” is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Panic! At the Disco’s fifth studio album, Death of a Bachelor.  Brendon Urie channels his inner Frank Sinatra, blending alternative, easy listening, and R&B into something truly beautiful and awe-inspiring.  The only death that occurs here is the end of being single and becoming a married man.  Notably, Urie has been married to Sarah Orzechowski since 2013.

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 1)

21. Alec Benjamin, “Death of a Hero”

Narrated for You • Alec Benjamin • 2018

“I tried to help but he said he was just too far from saving.”  One reason why “Death of a Hero” ( Narrated for You) is a magnificent record is thanks to the fact that pop musician Alec Benjamin is incredibly authentic – quite sincere. Furthermore, the theme makes “Death of a Hero” a gem, with Benjamin expressing his disappointment with a role model.  We assume our role models to be saintly.  Then, what do they do? Disappoint us, forcing us to regroup and rethink everything.

“Death of a Hero,” hence is a ‘deadly’ song, metaphorically speaking.  Here, the singer/songwriter’s “Superman” exhibits his unflattering side, and the image of his hero is forever tarnished.  There, my friends, is the metaphorical death.

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22. blackbear, “Dead to Me”

ANONYMOUS • Beartrap / Alamo / Interscope • 2019

“Six feet under the ground, you turned it around on me / And left me with the cold pillow on your side / No phone call, didn’t write / Wrong place, wrong time, let it die…” “Dead to Me” appears as the penultimate song on ANONYMOUS, the 2019 studio album by blackbear.  Usually, when one proclaims a person to be ‘dead to them,’ they aren’t literally dead, but they might as well be.  Essentially, they don’t want anything to do with that person. In the context of “Dead to Me,” blackbear puts the memory of his ex to rest.  This, of course, is familiar territory for him.  The record is set in a minor key, features dramatic, biting production work, and emotional, passionate vocals.

If the aforementioned lyrics or explanation didn’t make things crystal clear, the chorus definitely gets the job done:

“Somebody that I used to know is dead to me
Think less of me, you’re dead to me
I don’t want anything to do with you
I’m through with you
You’re dead to me, and I’m dead to you.”

Pretty basic and straightforward, right?

23. Sufjan Stevens, “Death with Dignity”

Carrie & Lowell • Asthmatic Kitty • 2015

From the start of Carrie & Lowell, it is obvious that singer/songwriter Sufjan Stevens has returned to more folk-oriented music.  “Death with Dignity” is best characterized by its subtlety and restraint, something that couldn’t be said of the lushly orchestrated Age of Adz from 2010.  Despite being less elaborately arranged, “Death with Dignity” has a similar effect to that bombastic effort thanks to the weight of its songwriting.  The most chilling, notable lyric of “Death with Dignity” appears near the end as Stevens sings, “I forgive you, mother, I can hear you / And I long to be near you.”  Carrie & Lowell deals with Stevens’ relationship with his mother and coping with her death.

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 1)

24. 21 Savage, “Dead People”

Issa Album •  Epic • 2017

Nearly 20 years after the arrival of the Academy Award-nominated film The Sixth Sense, Haley Joel Osment’s line remains iconic – “I see dead people.” The same thing happens to deadpan rapper 21 Savage on “Dead People,” one of the deeper cuts on his 2017 album, Issa Album.

According to 21, “I been drinkin’ syrup seein’ demons / Gotta keep it on me, n***as schemin’ / Right pocket full of dead people / I been hangin’ with the dead people.”  Say what? The “dead people” that 21 Savage sees are on all the money he has. Definitely a song that won’t leave you literally dead!

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 1)

25. Tyler Glenn, “Sudden Death (OMG)”

Excommunication •  Island • 2016

Neon Trees front man Tyler Glenn introduced himself to the world as a solo artist with his debut album, Excommunication. Excommunication was one of the more intriguing efforts of 2016, depicting Glenn’s exit from the LDS church (he identifies it as a “faith crisis”). He wasn’t excommunicated but being openly gay, the Mormon church isn’t known for openness regarding the LGBTQ+ community. Over its course, Glenn takes aim and the judgmental and how his perception of religion has shifted because of it.  The song that’s pertinent to this list? Why, that would be opener “Sudden Death (OMG),” which fittingly initiates Excommunication.

From the jump on “Sudden Death (OMG),” Tyler Glenn is taken aback – sort of shell-shocked – by the course of how his faith has changed: “God / I never asked to fall from grace.” He goes on to include others’ opinions (“a little crazy”).  He sums up the life-changing experience on the chorus, likening his new life – the state of confusion and apathy – as sudden death.  He’s chosen a ‘sinful path’ from the church’s perspective, and although the “wages of sin is death”, he continues to live.

“Oh my God
Catch me I’m starting to fall
I don’t know what all this is for
Keep coming at me with your disrespect
You went and started a war
Now I don’t care anymore
I keep on living like it’s sudden death...”

“Sudden Death” is exceptionally well produced, set in a minor key, and sets the tone for Excommunication.

Also appears on :

OMG! 11 Totally Oh My God Songs

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 2)

26. Guttural Secrete, “Deadened Prior to Coitus”

Nourishing the Spoil • Brutal Bands • 2013

“Tender muscle tissue accedes lank syringe / Potent serum introduced to blood stream / Cadaver function becomes sterile / Your motionless body becomes a canvas for lunacy.” Yeah – this just might be the song on this playlist that will leave you dead. Guttural Secrete – what a name.  The death metal band covers some sketchy stuff musically, evidenced by “Deadened Prior to Coitus.”  Essentially, that song title suggests necrophilia. The lyrics are totally raw – disgusting to the nth degree.

“Subtle taste of shit, taste bud enticing...
Accommodates belly full of hot piss
Saliva thin coats starving rectum, below average lubricant
Will suffice...
Hand ran gently through hair, ‘You're doing just fine honey...’
Stink tunnel flooded with seminal bliss...
Her loves knows no bounds when she has no say...”

Gross, Gross, GROSS!

Also appears on :

Absolutely Filthy Death Metal Songs, Vol. 1

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 1)

27. Chris Stapleton, “Death Row”

From a Room: Volume 1 •  Mercury • 2017 

“Don’t want no preacher man to come around / I don’t need him to lay my burden down / Already told Jesus everything I know / Death row / Death row.” True to its title, “Death Row” opens forebodingly, set in a minor key and taking nearly 50 seconds to establish itself.  Once Chris Stapleton enters, he’s filled with fire, flaunting the power of his instrument.  Honestly, there’s a lot of hell – fire and brimstone – on this particular vocal.  Nothing wrong with some devilishness.  Even with the hellishness conveyed, more intriguing is how subtlety intensifies the effect more so than loud dynamics or lots of instruments.  Great way to close From a Room: Volume 1.

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 1)

28. Rich the Kid, “Dead Friends”

The World is Yours • Interscope • 2018 

Rich the Kid closes out his debut album, The World is Yours, with “Dead Friends”, which is fueled by rap beef – the juiciest type of beef in my eyes! Supposedly, “Dead Friends” takes shots at Lil Uzi Vert.

The hook is ferocious – ice cold:

“You little n***as
My check bigger
Can’t flex, n***a
Can’t bet witcha
Teach you how to be a boss, top dropped off
Motherfuck the fame, I done came to the vault
All them dead friends
You a middleman
You a little man
Your money getting shorter
My bitch from ‘cross the water
Teach you how to count it, all about it, better boss up.”

Essentially, he plays the I’m better than you game, which features boasts involving money, but also references foreign girls. The second verse contains two particularly distinct moments. One references his wrist (“My wrist too cold with Moncler”), while the second seems most pertinent to Lil Uzi Vert (“Come to Rich forever, be a star”).

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 1)

29. Cattle Decapitation, “Death Atlas”

Death Atlas • Metal Blade • 2019

There is one thing is for sure – death/extreme metal band  Cattle Decapitation has a distinct, totally unforgettable name.  Maybe the best way to characterize the name is as disturbing. Regardless,  Travis Ryan and company back up the name with an intriguing brand of music that certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. After a four-year hiatus, the band returned turned-up on their eighth studio album,  Death Atlas.

“We deserve everything that’s coming / We’ll take this world to our graves!” K… What better way to conclude the 2019 album than its title track, “Death Atlas?”  “Death Atlas” is quite lengthy, racing past nine minutes in duration. Sure, it’s quite long, but, as one might expect, there’s a little bit of everything on the title track.  Sometimes, it’s incredibly brutal, while at other times, there are lightly more melodic ideas, particularly when it comes to the vocals. Musically, there are shifts that keep things intriguing.

Of course, the expiration date is imminent:

“And I count the days ‘til we expire our ways
To be alive is to survive everything
To make do with anything, until we die
To be alive is to squander everything
To stumble towards anything, to feel alive.”

Honestly, this may be the one song no this list that might kill leave you literally dead – just saying!

“Alas, the deed is done
Mankind now dead and gone
Post-Anthropocene, Earth reset to day one
Fire now rages on.”

Also appears on :

Deadly Songs Unlikely to Leave You Literally Dead (Vol. 2)

30. Dr. Dre, “Genocide”

Ft. Marsha Ambrosius, Candice Pillay & Kendrick Lamar

Compton • Aftermath / Interscope • 2015

“Stone cold killers in these Compton streets / One hand on the 9, all eyes on me / Murder, murder, murder, murder / Call 9-1-1, emergency…” “Genocide” is the crème de la crème of Compton, the long-awaited, 2015 studio album by Dr. Dre. Sure, “Genocide” is as morbid as the title suggests, but morbidity has never sounded so celestial from a musical perspective.  The production is awesome in itself, particularly that sick descending chromatic bass line.  Furthermore, all the featured guests bring their A-game, whether it’s Marsha Ambrosius’ cool hook (excerpted above), Candice Pillay’s reggae-tinged verse, or Kendrick Lamar’s “slaughter fest” on his guest verse.

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DEATH: 5ive Songs No. 51