Typically I find myself very opposed to things that are considered trendy and or mainstream in 2019. This has especially become the case with music, tv series, and other material possessions like clothes.
Undoubtedly, this unfriendly disposition is probably the reason why I haven’t even bothered watching a single episode of HBO power series ‘Game Of Thrones’. And knowing me, I’m probably not gonna watch it until long after the hype dies and I build up enough fortitiude to commit to a show with 8 seasons.
Anyway, the same can be said about me with music. I merit the quality of a song no matter its popularity or mainstream standing. But I find myself more appreciative of a track that’s extremely enjoyable when it’s bordering on low-key, or coming from a talented, underrated artist.
But today fellow Insighters, I’m taking a stab at 2019’s mainstream steak and biting into 5 songs that I found myself not hating even after they’ve garnered widespread attention.
So enjoy this new installment of Playlist Chronicles. And for those of you who may be unfamiliar with the concept…
(So basically, I delve into my personal music library on my phone, scroll through all the tracks until I come up with a playlist tailored to a specific theme or topic, then I write about it.)
(I feel it’s great a way to introduce you all to a lot of new music, give you a better idea of my musical palette, and remind myself of what’s actually in my library. Therefore, every song on this list, along with the honorable mentions are exclusively from my personal library.)
Now that that’s cleared up, let’s get on with today’s countdown!
NUMBER-FIVE [5]
Taylor Swift – ME! Ft. Brendon Urie
Okay, so I’m going to be blatantly honest here, the main reason I’m into this song is because of my admiration for Brendon Urie as a musician, vocalist, and human being; the dude is just all-around awesome. No offense to Taylor Swift or the vicious rabbit dogs she calls her fan-base. I think she’s great also.
Now upon initial listen, I was rather excited to see where this track would take me. Having personally adored most of ‘Reputation’, my anticipation was sky-high. Then enters the lifting sonics and Taylor’s stellar, trademark production both of which quickly drape the song in an aura of enchantment.
Lyrically, it’s pretty straight-forward. “I’m the only one of me/ Baby, that’s the fun of me”, Swifts muses on the chorus. Such words encourage individuality, knowing one’s self-worth, and boasts self-love – themes not unfamiliar in Swift’s discography. Also, does the melody on the chorus “Me-e-e, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh” remind anyone else of Emeli Sande’s ‘Next To Me’?
Anyway, although already a decent track, Brendon Urie’s magnetic vocals swoop in and elevate the enjoyability of the cut even more. His zaney words of “Can’t spell awesome without me!” and Taylor’s “Hey kids, spelling is fun!” was so Disney animated movie. I loved it. Ultimately, this was a collaboration I didn’t expect, but certainly one I enjoyed despite its essence of mainstream.
NUMBER-FOUR [4]
J Cole – Middle Child
I consider J Cole to be one those artists that wavers constantly between mainstream and underground. Like everybody knows who he is, but not everyone delves into his music, you know? All the same, this track garnered lots of attention and found its way on today’s list.
From start to finish this track manages to just flow. It’s steady, it’s charismatic, and it’s intentional. J Cole’s delivery here is hinged on purpose. The song comes across as something he had incubating in his mind for quite some time now. And finally, he’s allowing these thoughts to transcend the walls of his psyche into the atmosphere.
And honestly, this is one of the only Rap songs for the year so far that has managed to catch my attention. Now, I’m not at all familiar with J Cole’s discography, but I know he’s normally regarded as one of the few conscious rappers out there.
“I’m countin’ my bullets, I’m loadin’ my clips/ I’m writin’ down names, I’m makin’ a list”, Cole spits with assurance, letting everyone know that he’s about to lyrically assassinate the competition. And that he does! Throughout the song he pays homage to those that have come before him and acknowledges and accepts those who have just entered the Hip-Hop arena. Going so far as to give advice to the newbees.
NUMBER-THREE [3]
Ariana Grande – 7 Rings
To be frank, I wasn’t much of a fan when I first listened to this track. However, I knew it was gonna be one of those songs I’d be okay with in the future. And that was exactly the case.
‘7 Rings’ finds Ariana Grande chanelling Trap flavors into a web of sticky Pop overtones. This song definitely serves as a female empowerment anthem as it emphasizes opulence, sisterhood, and flossing. And the Sound of Music sample was a distinct choice that paid off well in my opinion.
Admittingly, the song really grew on me because it’s all my cousin Marsha wanted to play when we went adulting. Her enthusiasm for the song became so contagious I even learned the lyrics. Her fave line being “Happiness is the same price as red-bottoms!“. She’d shout that part out at the top of her lungs each time as we carried on with our shenanigans in adulting.
Truthfully, I admire Ariana for doing something different and unexpected for her. She’s showing versatility as an artist and having fun while doing so. And I can tell that the charisma and swagger engraved in this song will rightfully place it in 2019’s mainstream Hall of Fame.
NUMBER-TWO [2]
Billie Eilish – Bad Guy
I’m actually really excited this track began garnering traction from the mainstream. Say what you want about how unoriginal or contrived her persona may be, Billie Eilish makes damn great music – with Bad Guy being no exception!
A rippling base courses throughout the veins of this sinister cut from Billie’s debut album ‘When We All Fall To Sleep, Where Do We Go?’. ‘Bad Guy’ exudes a sadistic confidence from Billie who seems to enjoy causing trouble for the men in her life.
As far as lyrics go, they’re sweetly disturbing and pretty eye-brow-raising considering she’s only seventeen. “I’m that bad type/ Make your mama sad type/ Make your girlfriend mad tight/ Might seduce your dad type”, were a set of lines that immediately snatched my attention. Nonetheless, Eilish manages to make it all work, feeding us major breadcrumbs of personality throughout the track.
As soon as I listened to the song on YouTube, paired with its visuals, I knew it was going to reel in major success for the young Pop star. And it’s much deserved. From its inception, the track gets you bouncing along with Billie’s pitter-patter vocal arrangement. And as you brave the chorus, you’re pulled down several octaves on the very gurgling sounding “I’m the bad guy”. All in all, a mainstream fave for me.
*NUMBER-ONE [1]
Lil Nas X – Old Town Road ft. Billy Ray Cryus
Okay, now this song has the potential to make my Year End Countdown For The Best Songs of 2019! I love this track. This is how you do a genre crossover! Country and Rap coming together like star-gazed lovers and giving birth to my top mainstream song of the year thus far.
And I appreciate the catchy lines and satisfying production even more after learning of the song’s backstory with Billboard. And kudos to Billy Ray Cyrus for hopping on the remix to “officially” classify the track as country.
[Even though it was originally so **rolls eyes**]
Nevertheless, this is one of those rare songs that I gladly sing along to everytime I hear it, depsite radio over-saturation. “Bull ridin’ and boobies/ Cowboy hat from Gucci/Wrangler on my booty”, Nas X raps smoothly as these western Cowboy innuendos are translated onto a modern trap landscape. And Billy Ray’s verse came in hotter than a tumbleweed rolling in the scorching sun.
To this day, I’m not sure if when Lil Nas X made this song, he did so with the intentions of making a hit or just for the fun of it. Either way, I’m glad he did so. Because all in all, when it comes to down to the powers of success in the mainstream, one must really dig deep and ask himself “But are the horses in the back?”
Did you enjoy today’s Playlist Chronicles segment? Which mainstream songs are your fave of 2019? Let me know in the comment section below.
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Thank you so much for reading and I’ll see you next time on Introverted-Insight!
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Terran Brice
Sidebar: But seriously though, are the horses actually in the back?