11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in December 2019 | Playlist 🎧

1. Tame Impala, “Posthumous Forgiveness”

The Slow Rush • Island / Modular Recordings Pty Ltd • 2020

After a five-year hiatus, Australian alternative collective Tame Impala, the brainchild of Kevin Parker returns in 2020 with their fourth studio album, The Slow Rush. The gap between Currents (2015) and The Slow Rush marks the longest between any Tame Impala LP.  All indications suggest The Slow Rush is totally worth the wait, particularly advance single, “Posthumous Forgiveness”. 

‘Posthumous’ is just a cool word – admit it.  Merriam-Webster defines posthumous as “following or occurring after death.” Add ‘forgiveness’ to the mix, and essentially, Kevin Parker is forgiving his father after he’s passed away.  On the first part of the song, Parker sings about how much admiration he had when he was younger for his late father but became aware of his flaws.  “Did you think I’d never know? Never wise up as I grow?” he sings on the chorus, continuing, “Did you hope I’d never doubt? Never wonder, work it out?” Furthermore, Parker is bothered by the fact that his dad wasted time, and ultimately, “…Decided to take all your sorrys to the grave.”

On the second part of “Posthumous Forgiveness,” Parker embraces forgiveness more.  Sure, he still mentions their estranged, tenuous relationship, but he wishes he had the opportunity to atone and repair for the relationship:

“Wanna tell you ‘bout the time
Wanna tell you ‘bout my life
Wanna play you all my songs
Learn the words, sing along.”

“Posthumous Forgiveness” is a lengthy number, running north of six minutes in duration.  That said, it’s quite intriguing from a lyrical and thematic standpoint, as well as musically.  Musically, Tame Impala provide a backdrop that incorporates psychedelia, retro cues, and marvelous soulful elements.  Vocally, Kevin Parker remains utterly superb, singing beautifully and expressively on this gem.

2. Halsey, “Finally//beautiful stranger”

Manic • Capitol • 2020

“Beautiful stranger, here you are in my arms and I know / That beautiful strangers only come along to do me wrong /… But I think it’s finally, finally, finally, finally safe / For me to fall…” Halsey experienced a good year in 2019, releasing numerous singles in advance of her third studio album, Manic.  Manic ranks among the most highly anticipated album releases of 2020, thanks to the popularity of the alternative pop artist, as well as her number one hit single, “Without Me”.  Alongside the brief but pleasant “SUGA’s Interlude”, Halsey released the full-length single, “Finally // beautiful stranger”.

“Finally // beautiful stranger” is quite different from “SUGA’s Interlude”, as well as the advance singles that precede it.  There is more of a pop/rock, singer/songwriter vibe from the onset.  Also, it just happens to be a love song, as the aforementioned chorus confirms. The rich, robust rhythmic guitars are a bit unexpected, given the among of electronic sounds usually associated with Halsey’s music.   This surprising change of pace is actually a good look, rather sound, for the musician.  Vocally, she sounds alluring, giving a relatively balanced performance, yet also bringing a bit more oomph on the chorus.

Besides superb production courtesy of Greg Kurstin, the songwriting is strong.  Halsey sings lovingly of her boo with an assortment of charming and descriptive lyrics such as “You got hips like Jagger and two left feet” (verse one) and “Used to think that loving meant a painful chase / But you’re right here now and I think you’ll stay” (verse two).  In addition to the memorable chorus, and lyrical highlights from the two verses, the pre-chorus is pretty sweet as well, particularly as she sings, “I’ve never seen a mouth that I would kill to kiss / And I’m terrified, but the truth is this…” 

Ultimately, Halsey shines on “Finally // beautiful stranger.” Considering this is supposedly the first love song she’s ever written, it’s a truly good one.  To recap, “Finally // beautiful stranger” shines thanks to production, vocals, songwriting, and a ‘change of pace’ in regard to sound.  Sure, “SUGA’s Interlude” was nice enough, but “Finally // beautiful stranger” is much sweeter.

3. Blake Shelton, “Jesus Got a Tight Grip”

Fully Loaded: God’s Country • Ten Point Productions / Warner • 2019

“God’s Country”, which appears on the Blake Shelton greatest hits compilation, Fully Loaded: God’s Country, is arguably the centerpiece.  Rightfully so, I selected it as one of the 51 Best Songs of 2019: Year in Review.  That said, Fully Loaded: God’s Country has another sweet, ‘godly’ number, “Jesus Got a Tight Grip,” which recently appeared on the playlist, 11 Secular Songs from 2019 That Reference Jesus or God. 

On “Jesus Got a Tight Grip,” Blake Shelton appears to be tight with Jesus, even though he’s one totally flawed, imperfect individual.  “Well I ain’t never been an angel / I ain’t never been called a saint,” he sings on the first verse, later adding, “But good thing I had a good raisin’ / For all the Hell I’ve raised since then.” Essentially, Shelton has lived life to the fullest, with all its vices – “Now I’ve been a little more cold beer / Than holy water, it’s true” – yet he had a strong, morally sound, religious upbringing. On this lively, gospel-tinged country number, Shelton commands vocally, particularly on the centerpiece, the chorus.

“‘Cause Jesus got a tight grip on my soul
And He ain’t letting go, He ain’t letting go
The Devil reaches out but He can’t grab hold
‘Cause Jesus bot a tight grip on my soul…”

4. Agnes Obel, “Island of Doom”

Myopia • Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin • 2020

“But I know you with a heartbeat / So how does the night feel? / When the lights fade out / … But now it’s gone, it’s gone, it’s gone…” Agnes Obel makes her debut appearance on The Musical Hype with her 2019 single, “Island of Doom”. “Island of Doom” is set to appear on Obel’s 2020 studio album, Myopia, due February 21, 2020. James Christopher Monger (AllMusic) describes Obel as “A Berlin-based, Danish-born singer/songwriter and classically trained pianist with an elegant and elastic voice… [her] poised and melancholic chamber pop … [is] atmosphere-heavy… with a succinct aura of Scandinavian refinery.” “Island of Doom,” which runs five-and-a-half minutes in length, is quite a compelling, hypnotic record.

“Destiny made her way and found you in a room / They told me, they told me / To undo the rule of mind and body…”  Sigh, the lyrics of “Island of Doom” are quite poetic – some of the most thoughtful of any song appearing on 13 Gripping Songs Filled with Doom.  Interestingly, ‘doom’ itself isn’t mentioned explicitly until the bridge:

“But the road through most will lead you back
And I will be with you
For the road of your mind will eat you up
On your island of doom
Where the voices all have gathered up
To a choir of fools
But I know my mind will reach you there
And I will be with you.”

Although “Island of Doom” is lush and set in a major key, typically associated with happier things, it possesses a haunting quality.  This is thanks to the lyricism as well as the music itself.  Just like Monger characterized her, this record exemplifies the chamber pop style.

5. The Weeknd, “Heartless”

Heartless – Single • Republic • 2019

“I’ve been runnin’ through the pussy, need a dog pound / Hundred models getting’ faded in the compound.” After a quiet 2019, Grammy-winning Canadian R&B superstar The Weeknd dropped the ripe single “Heartless”.  As one can gather from the aforementioned lyrical excerpt, he remains true to self on “Heartless” – cold as ice!  He sings about about the fast life, something that has dominated his work since the beginning.  He kicks off the first verse singing, “Never need a bitch, I’m what a bitch need.” Can you say attitude and ego? He only doubles down on the second verse, asserting, “So much pussy, it be fallin’ out the pocket / Metro Boomin turn this ho into a moshpit / Tesla pill got me flyin’ like a cockpit.” Yep, that Abel Tesfaye to a T.

Furthermore, on “Heartless,” The Weekend has an incredibly sleek production to work with. This is thanks to co-production alongside Metro Boomin, who he references in the second verse, and Illangelo.  The beat pummels, hitting you right in the chest, while they synths are equally potent.  Combine that with confident, distinct, and unapologetic vocals from Tesfaye, and “Heartless” is nothing short of a surefire bop. He may not reinvent the wheel or his career, but The Weeknd certainly flexes hard on “Heartless,” roaring back into the music game.  The single excels, checking off all the boxes: killer production, unapologetic songwriting, and a ripe, distinct vocals unlike any other.  This is a certified bop.

6. The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights”

Blinding Lights – Single • Republic • 2019

What’s better than one The Weeknd song on an awesome, tickled fancy playlist? What about two. After he dropped the ripe single “Heartless”, he dropped a second ‘fancy tickling’ single, “Blinding Lights”. “Blinding Lights” commences enigmatically with a minor key (it eventually settles into major) and moody synths.  This is before the groove settles in, one of the biggest selling points. The record, interestingly, has some stylistic similarities to “False Alarm” from Starboy. The groove, in particular, sounds quite similar. Regardless of similarities and familiarity, there’s plenty to heart about this single, starting with its pop/pop-rock vibe. Max Martin and Oscar Holter produce, while The Weeknd co-produces as well.

Some other notes regarding “Blinding Lights.” First and foremost, the record features beautiful vocals by The Weeknd.  The form is pretty straightforward, featuring standard sections – verse(s), pre-chorus, chorus, and a contrasting bridge.  The centerpiece should come as no surprise – the chorus:

“I said, ooh, I’m blinded by the lights
No, I can’t sleep until I feel your touch
I said, ooh, I’m drowning in the night
Oh, when I’m like this, you’re the one I trust
Hey, hey hey.”

Thematically, the song is predictable, as The Weekend focuses on a topic that’s considered an ‘ace in the hole’ for him – love, relationships, sex, etc. All in all, “Blinding Lights” is another winning offering, showing his versatility of artist.  Here, he eschews profanity (shocking) and drops a sick, commercial, pop record, a total contrast to “Heartless.”

7. Camila Cabello, “My Oh My”

Ft. DaBaby

Romance • Epic • 2019

“I swear on my life that I’ve been a good girl / Tonight, I don’t wanna be her…” Hmm, I’ll leave it at that! Camila Cabello suffered a setback in December 2019.  No, I’m not referring to her sophomore album, Romance, which debuted at no. 3 on the Billboard 200.  Sure, she didn’t perform as well commercially as Camila did in 2018 (no. 1 with a larger impact), but the bigger setback is a racist past, not to mention an insufficient apology for such.  But I won’t use this as the forum to chide Cabello for poor choices.  This is about awesome songs that tickled my fancy and Cabello certainly gave ample bops on Romance including the song at hand, “My Oh My.”

“My Oh My” is a tongue-in-cheek gem that finds Cabello tapping infectious and ubiquitous rapper DaBaby (“Suge”) for a guest spot – that’s a winning formula.

“Look, I’m the type to make her turn on her daddy
DaBaby make her forget what she learned from her daddy
I don’t be trippin on lil’ shawty, I let her dow whatever she please
I don’t be kissing on lil’ shawty, she don’t be kissing on me either…”

Oh DaBaby! The song itself is also infectious, with Cabello coming off playful and fun, particularly on the chorus:

“They say he likes a good time (My oh my)
He comes alive at midnight (Every night)
My mama doesn't trust him (My oh my)
He’s only here for one thing, but (So am I).”

Let me make it clear – I don’t condone Cabello’s poor choices. That said, I also can’t deny how much of a bop “My Oh My” is.  Camila Cabello and DaBaby together – #kick ass.

8. Harry Styles, “She”

Fine Line • Columbia • 2019

Every boy band has a star, right? Right! Even when that said boy band is One Direction, and all five original members have talent, usually one shines brighter than the rest.  In my opinion, Harry Styles is that certified star from 1D, even though the other members have experienced their share of success.  Styles’ sophomore album, Fine Line, is an intriguing effort, with songs like “She” being a leading force on the album.

“Lives for the memory / A woman who’s just in his head / And she sleeps in his bed / While he plays pretend…” Ah, matters of the heart! “She” runs an ambitious length, extending north of six minutes.  Even so, this slower, soulful cut features some of the best production of Fine Line (Kid Harpoon at his finest). This exemplifies the old-school/retro sound, hearkening back to soul and 70s pop/rock. Styles delivers a fine vocal performance, including some upper register vocals – a contrast compared to the majority of his songs.  He also imparts an interesting story about an amazing woman who he’s yet to meet apparently. The crème de la crème is the chorus, of course!

“She, she lives in daydreams with me
She’s the first one that I see, and I don’t know why
I don’t know who she is.”

Fancy tickled? You bet your arse!

9. Jacob Collier, “Time Alone with You”

Ft. Daniel Caesar

Time Alone with You – Single • Hajanga / Geffen / Decca • 2019

Jacob Collier is one of the most gifted musicians you’ll ever hear – FACTS. The British singer and multi-instrumentalist exemplifies the characterization of PRODIGY. He has the incredible ability to slide into various genres, with jazz being his specialty.  Indeed, Collier shows off his jazz prowess on “Time Alone with You” with the harmonic progression and the adventurous spirit.  That said, he does so, assisted by Grammy-winning Canadian R&B standout Daniel Caesar, in a contemporary soul setting.

“Time Alone with You” is nothing short of a bop.  Daniel Caesar delivers incredible vocals through the majority, while the musical backdrop is compelling to the nth degree.

“If you wanna get sunshine
Walkin’ on the rooftop
I’ma go get some
Time alone with you…”

The topic of choice is familiar, love, but doesn’t sound cliché in the hands of these fine musicians.  Collier doesn’t merely handle the songwriting, instrument playing, and production – he provides vocals, most notably on the chorus, the most memorable section of “Time Alone with You.”

“It’s a beautiful Sunday morning
You see the sun up in the sky
It’s gonna shine on you
When I’m alone with you…”

Of course, Caesar and Collier join forces as well, maybe most triumphantly near the end of this thrilling number:

“The most beautiful girl in the whole wide world
And she’s mine, all mine
And I want her to know that my feelings show
I need time
(Gimme time alone with you).”

10. Ariana Grande, “Fake Smile – Live”

K bye for now (swt live) • Republic • 2019

Okay, okay – this spot on this edition of awesome songs that tickled my fancy in December 2019 could’ve been dedicated to the entirety of k bye for now (swt live), the live album from Ariana Grande.  Grande is an absolutely terrific singer so it’s no surprise that her live album is strong as well.  Because I’m biased, and this is MY list of awesome songs, I opted for one of my favorite songs from thank u, next performed live on k bye for now, “fake smile – live.”  

What’s most impressive about “fake smile -live” you ask? The vocals, of course.  Having listened to the studio version of the record non-stop, it’s impressive how accurately Ariana Grande sings this in a live setting.  Furthermore, she takes some vocal liberties compared to the studio recording, specifically towards the end of “fake smile – live.” Because Grande is also a fantastic artist in addition to her singing prowess, she’s also able to showcase her personality, something that shines through listening without seeing the visual of her live performance.  Great way to cap off a year of awesome songs that tickled my fancy. 

11. Sunday Service Choir, “Revelation 19:1”

Jesus is Born • 2019 INC • 2019

Kanye West informed us all that there would be a second ‘gospel’ album released in 2019.  The thing is, it seemed like interest cooled following a mixed reception to his own 2019 gospel-influenced Christian rap effort, JESUS IS KING.  The thing is, Jesus is Born, the promised second album is credited to his choir, Sunday Service Choir (their official debut project btw).  For those expecting JESUS IS KING to be a true gospel album, they get their desired gospel LP with Jesus is Born.

On Jesus is Born, Sunday Service Choir covers a number of contemporary gospel classics that have been reworked and rearranged.  Among the best a dynamic, spirited cover of “Revelation 19:1.” Bringing some context, “Revelation 19:1” was sampled in one of JESUS IS KING’s best songs, “Selah,” specifically the “hallelujah” section.  Here, as its own entity, “Revelation 19:1” is a sight to behold (hear), with its robust, uplifting vocals and dedication to praising God. Even if religion isn’t your cup of tea, one can’t help but be impressed by the musicianship and the spirit exhibited by the collective. Fancy has definitely been tickled.