15 Colorful Songs, Approximately Two Minutes or Less | Playlist 🎧

1. Lil Uzi Vert, “Strawberry Peels”

Ft. Young Thug & Gunna

Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV vs. the World 2 • Atlantic • 2020

After more than a two-year hiatus, Liz Uzi Vert returned with Eternal Atake, on March 6, 2020, releasing Eternal Atake (Deluxe) – LUV vs. The World 2 the following week.  The fun AF “Strawberry Peels”, featuring Young Thug and Gunna, 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.

2. Spencer Barnett, “Best Friend”

I’m Fine (EP) • Chateau Barnett • 2020

Cultured Mag definitely seem to have an accurate take on Spencer Barnett – he is indeed “one to watch.” Following his debut EP, Reckless (2019), and approaching his 20^th year on Earth, Barnett releases his second EP and first of the new decade, I’m Fine.  This six-song, 16-minute-long effort certainly shows off his potential.

“Best Friend,” the opener, is an instant bop, thanks to the old-school soul cues. The soulful backdrop is initially merely an intro, that shifts to a guitar-based sound accompanying Barnett’s expressive, nuanced vocals. Producers Hoskins & The 23^rd and Denis Kosiak definitely deserve a shout out. Soul and pop/rock merge together beautifully on the chorus, where he sings:

“I’m my own worst enemy
I’m my own best friend
I won’t say I’mma be the death of me
Until then I’mma ride to the end.”

With the rhythmic nature of some of the melodic lines, as well as sneaking in a f-bomb (two actually), Barnett also bring some hip-hop swagger to the mix.  If this is your introduction to Spencer Barnett, you definitely won’t be disappointed. Admittedly, “Best Friend” runs nearly 15 seconds longer than most of the tracks gracing 15 Colorful Songs, Approximately Two Minutes or Less, but the song, previously featured on 11 Thrilling Best Friend Songs, is worth the exception.

3. Migos, “Taco Tuesday”

“Taco Tuesday” • Quality Control Music • 2020

May 5^th is always Cinco de Mayo.  May 5^th, 2020 just happened to be a Tuesday in addition to being Cinco de Mayo.  Tuesdays aren’t only terrific, but they are also Taco Tuesdays!  Okay, so with that background, it set up the brief Migos single, “Taco Tuesday”, released on Cinco de Mayo 2020, which happened to be a – wait for it – Tuesday!!!

“Taco Tuesday” runs just north of a minute-and-a-half, fitting the ‘approximately two minutes or less’ criteria of this playlist.  Yeah, that’s not much song but it’s enough for Migos to work with.  “Taco Tuesday” features banging production by DJ Durel, characterized by its knocking beat, repetitive synths, and organ (at least that’s what the patch sounds like).  Also, worth mentioning, LeBron James appears on the intro, celebrating his love for tacos:

“Pretty down night right now
Psych, ‘cause it’s Taco Tuesday
What is it? Taco Tuesday.”

Quavo, who provides a couple of ad-libs during the intro, then follows up with the chorus.  Fittingly, it’s taco-driven, but also ‘street’ you might say:

“Taco Tuesday, I got the cheese, she tastin’ the Kool-Aid
Migo the plug, Guadalupe
She gon’ do what the group say, comprende
Caliente
She get the bag, but she gotta get it ten ways
Okay, now ándele, ándele
We can elevate.”

Offset and Takeoff deliver two consecutive verses.  Offset thinks with his pants (“She want Perc’ ‘fore she take off her skirt / Put in work, put your name on her skirt”) while Takeoff does at least mention tacos, though there’s also “Fuckin’ with a bad vibe and she go both ways.” Brief, “Taco Tuesday” is definitely entertaining, even if it fails to be game changing.

4. Matt Lucas, “Thank You Baked Potato”

“Thank You Baked Potato” • Loudmouth Music Ltd • 2020

“Baked Potato changed my life / Baked Potato showed me the way / If you want to know what is wrong from right / You must listen to what Potato say…” Okay… I totally heart baked potatoes, but I’m not sure that I’ve ever listened to one… ha-ha! If you are willing to spare just a little more than a minute of your time, you can hear a novel coronavirus song.  Seems fitting for such a novel, unpredictable virus, right? Anyways, that song, my friends, is none other than “Thank You Baked Potato” …yeah.  “Thank You Baked Potato” arrives courtesy of English comedian Matt Lucas, and it is indeed a ‘sight to hear’… It’s a reworked version of his famous classic, with proceeds going towards FeedNHS.

“Baked Potato” is infectious and lighthearted in a time where everyone in the world needs more of that.  Set in a major key, Matt Lucas and his baked potato give advice for being safe during COVID-19.  After the opening verse, excerpted above, that sound advice is given in an entertaining fashion on the chorus, before the outro celebrates – you guessed it – Baked Potato:

“Wash your hands and stay indoors
Only go to grocery stores
…Keep your distance, make some space
Remember not to touch your face…”

To quote an Alice in Wonderland song, that’s “Very Good Advice”.

5. $uicideBoy$, “Putrid Pride”

STOP STARING AT THE SHADOWS • G*59 • 2020

The prolific $uicideBoy$ returned in 2020 with their sophomore album, Stop Staring at the Shadows.  So, with only two studio albums to their name, how can you call Ruby Da Cherry and Scrim prolific? Well, they’ve released numerous projects prior to their two studio albums. After appearing on 13 P Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason and 15 Songs That Possess a Negative Connotation, “Putrid Pride” reappears on 15 Colorful Songs Approximately Two Minutes or Less. Worth noting, pride is one of the seven deadly sins, and putrid is an ugly word (Being in a state of putrefaction; morally corrupt; totally objectionable).  On “Putrid Pride” Budd Dwyer (aka Scrim) gives the Boys a dark, sleek backdrop to spit over.

 Alter egos are definitely a big deal for $uicideBoy$, so, it’s no surprised we’re introduced to a couple of new ones on “Putrid Pride.” Scrim appears as Lil Cig, rapping the first verse and select portions of the chorus.  He doesn’t serve up anything particularly transcendent but give him credit for “Popping on pills like I pop cough drops” and being a “Multi-millionaire all from my laptop / Slob on my knob until your jaw lock.” Or maybe none of that is worth credit… Anyways, as for Ruby, he’s 40 Blunts, handling the second verse and most of the chorus that precedes it. The chorus is pretty sweet:

“As the years go by
Another day closer to death
Time is ticking, hurry.”

40 Blunts also manage a couple of standout lines such as “The same fuck girls will be fucking the same fuck boys” and “The same heroes you once had have been reduced to a toy.” Sure, “Putrid Pride” may not reach TWO MINUTES in duration, but as aforementioned, it’s quite potent.

6. Florence + The Machine, “Haunted House”

Moderation [Single] • Virgin • 2019

“Do you remember winding your arm around my shoulder / As we wandered ‘round the hill? / Now I’m in that fog forever / In full collaboration with the weather ‘cause …” Florence + The Machine released “Haunted House”, alongside “Moderation”, in January 2019. “Moderation” was the main attraction post-High as Hope, but “Haunted House” is worthwhile, in all of its sub-two-minute duration.  

 Despite just missing the two-minute mark, “Haunted House” is comprised of two verses, pre-chorus, chorus, and outro.  References to the title appear throughout most of the record explicitly, save for the aforementioned pre-chorus, and the chorus, which simply repeats the line, “I’m not free yet.” Even that references the ‘haunted house,’ which Florence Welch likens her heart to.  On the first verse, she sings, “My heart is like a haunted house… / They make their music in the night / And in the day they give me such a fright.”  The lyrics are also similar on the second verse, definitely establishing a mood.

Once more, Florence + The Machine does a fantastic job of delivering moody music concerned with matters of the heart.  While “Haunted House” is surprisingly set in a major key, it’s still a ‘tortured’ record if you will.  That’s fine – a little schadenfreude never hurt anything, right?

7. Future, “Overdose”

Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD • Epic • 2019

“Swag overdose (yeah), swag to the most / Body bag Dior, as well as Saint Laurent / Balenciaga, run it up (Balenci’), pop collar with a slut…” OK… Future keeps it ‘short and sweet’ on “Overdose” the 11^th song from his unique 2019 album, Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD.  Just how short? Well, definitely short enough to meet the ‘approximately two minutes or less’ parameters of this list! Just throwing that out there!

On “Overdose,” it’s safe to say that Future is true to himself.  Also, the backdrop suits the trap, autotune-loving rapper from Atlanta.  Providing the fuel for the fire for Future are looped apocalyptic-sounding synths, anchored by sleek, trap percussion. Unsurprisingly, he’s turnt up to the nth degree.  We’d expect no less, even at under two minutes in duration.  Just look at his sole verse, and you will see that he’s done a lot, most of it X-rated or morally suspect…

Honestly, when selected a brief Future song, “Talk Shit Like a Preacher” was a strong possibility. That said, the rapper is a bit more ‘profound’ where length is concerned, going approximately 12 seconds past two minutes, sigh. “Overdose” previously appeared on the playlist, 9 Songs Where the Overdose is Real, published in January 2019.

8. City Girls, “Panties An Bra”

Girl Code • Quality Control Music • 2018

“When you come to the spot (Come to the spot) / I’m takin’ it off (Takin’ it off) …” City Girls certainly don’t play around – understatement.  Much like Davis Mallory on the aforementioned “Shirtless,” Yung Miami and JT enjoy fewer garments, sigh.  And with those fewer garments, well, you could say that certain events – certain acts – are bound to happen.  “Panties An Bra,” the apparel song at hand, appears on the duo’s 2018 album, Girl Code.

There’s not much song with “Panties An Bra.” This brief cut clocks in at just under two minutes – criteria matched! Even so, that’s enough for both Yung Miami – who handles most of the song – and JT to express their ‘desires.’  I featured the beginning of the chorus, performed by Miami, but left out a key portion lyrically:

“…Open the door (Open the door)
Just panties and bra (Panties and bra)
Just panties and bra (Comin’ right off)
Panties and bra (“Comin’ right off) …”

Pretty obvious where “Panties An Bra” was going with the title alone, but the chorus confirms it.  The sound is quite hard-nosed, sexed-up, and of course, unapologetic. Let’s explore some of the other lyrical highlights, shall we? Well, sticking with Yung Miami, she definitely enjoys ‘the stick’

“‘Bout to make a porn (Porn, porn, get it, get it)
Boy, I love it when you get right to the business
Lick it, stick it, damn, nigga
Yeah, you got me spoiled (Damn, nigga).”

Damn, indeed.  Can’t leave JT out: “Bitin’ on my neck with a lil’ ass grippin’ / Meet me at the spot, let’s say around three / Just bring that dick, a Plan B, and Hennessey (We fuckin’).” Wow… told you those Girls don’t play! “Panties An Bra” previously appeared on 20 Songs about Apparel: Clothes & Shoes Reloaded.

9. Jack Harlow, “Sundown”

Loose • Generation Now / Atlantic • 2018

“I’m off a tab of that synthetic / Sundown, forty-five minutes ‘til this shit set in / Checking for the kid, I had to chin check him / Big move, and we teach ‘em big lessons over here.” Jack Harlow, a rapper who was bred in the 502 (Louisville, Kentucky) may not look like your typical hip-hop artist, but proves he’s got bars throughout the short and sweet single “Sundown”.  The two-minute-and-five-second joint hails from his 2018 major-label debut, Loose.

“Sundown” features a killer beat that’s incredibly rhythmic and groovy to the nth degree. Furthermore, the production is blessed with a keyboard loop that sounds like a mix of synth, accordion, and organ.  The effect? Jack Harlow has that southern-rap backdrop, set in a minor key.  Naturally, he eats it up. Harlow has an awesome flow.  His confidence is infectious.  Furthermore, he’s got Kentucky pride and his wordplay is stellar. “Sundown” previously appeared on the sun-oriented list, 11 Songs About the Sun, Sunshine, or Sunniness.

10. Halsey, “Walls Could Talk”

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom • Astralwerks • 2017

Halsey has had quite a successful career in the music business, if you analyze it.  Both her debut album, Badlands, and her sophomore album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, were certified platinum by the RIAA.  Focusing on the album at hand, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, released in 2017, is conceptual, incorporating the artist’s own love issues as well as referencing Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, among numerous other influences.  She gets into our ‘wall’ action with “Walls Could Talk,” the 10^th track from the album.

“And we both hope there’s something / But we bo-both keep fronting / And it’s a closed discussion / And I’m thinking, ‘Damn, if these walls could talk.” Pretty sweet pre-chorus if I do say so myself. “Walls Could Talk” is actually pretty sweet overall to be honest.  It is a record that sounds like a throwback to 90s teen-pop, in all its bubblegum, urban-infused glory.  This includes the quick rhythmic nature of the melody on the verses.  Halsey has some attitude as well – “But you’re so damn good with a bobby pin / Now you gon’ play me like a violin, hittin’ these notes.” Arguably, the most unfortunate thing about this certified bop is its brevity.  “Walls Could Talk” previously appeared on the playlist, 12 Intriguing Songs That Reference Walls.

11. Foo Fighters, “T-Shirt”

Concrete and Gold • RCA • 2017

“I don’t wanna be ‘queen’ / Just trying to keep my t-shirt clean…”  In 2017, Grammy-winning rock collective Foo Fighters made a highly anticipated return with their ninth studio album, Concrete and Gold.  On Concrete and Gold, Dave Grohl and company offer the listener plenty of ear candy.  At times, they hit hard, while at other times, they scale things back.  As a whole, it’s quite intriguing.  The album begins with an article of clothing – rather a brief song, “T-Shirt.”  

 When I say brief, I mean “T-Shirt” doesn’t even make it to ONE-AND-A-HALF MINUTES in duration.  Furthermore, rather than commencing in hard hitting fashion, it initiates more reservedly.  Of course, Foo Fighters aren’t known for prolonged subtlety. This lasts a mere 30 seconds, before the Foo Fighter-ness comes out roaring.  I find it quite interesting that the aforementioned lyrics initiate the shift, with a sound that has some Queen influence…

“There’s one thing that I have learned
If it gets much better, it’s going to get worse
And you get what you deserve.”

Well, the aforementioned lyrics that grace that epic second verse are definitely prudent.  Also, worth noting, “T-Shirt” foreshadows a number of songs to come on Concrete and Gold.  “T-Shirt” previously appeared on 20 Songs about Apparel: Clothes & Shoes Reloaded.

12. XXXTENTACION, “Jocelyn Flores”

17 • Bad Vibes Forever / EMPIRE • 2017

“I’m in pain, wanna put ten shots in my brain / I’ve been trippin’ ‘bout some things, can’t change / Suicidal, same time I’m time…” “Jocelyn Flores” marked one of the most notable songs from the late XXXTENTACION (Jahseh Onfroy, 1998 – 2018). Appearing as the second track on his 11-track, 22-minute project 17, “Jocelyn Flores” references suicide throughout the course of the two-minute selection.  Jocelyn Flores, an acquaintance of the rapper, was depressed and committed suicide, deeply affecting him.

On the sole verse, beginning with the aforementioned lyrics, XXXTentacion keeps it real regarding his own suicidal thoughts, and how Flores’ suicide bothered him.

“Picture this, in bed, get a phone call
Girl that you fucked with killed herself
That was this summer when nobody helped
And ever since then, man, I hate myself
Wanna fuckin’ end it, pessimistic
All wanna see me with no pot to piss in
But niggas been excited ‘bout the grave I’m diggin’.”

Besides the Flores’ suicide, XXX’s own depression, and his many troubles, the rapper also references his uncle’s suicide (“Memories surface through the grapevine / ‘Bout my uncle playin’ with a slip knot…”). “Jocelyn Flores” previously appeared on the playlists, Songs Centered Around or Referencing Suicide, Vol. 2 and 13 Songs That Feature Names in Their Title.

13. Rihanna, “Higher”

Anti • Westbury Road Entertainment / Roc Nation • 2016

“You take me higher, higher than I’ve ever been, babe / Just come over, let’s pour a drink, babe / I hope I ain’t calling you too late, too late.” Interestingly, one of the best songs from Rihanna’s 2016 album Anti clocks in at just about two-minutes in length.  That’s right, “Higher” is short, but more importantly, incredibly sweet.  Honestly, it ranks among my favorite Colorful Songs Approximately Two Minutes or Less!

“Higher” is brilliant from start to finish.  First and foremost, Rihanna sings with an incredibly raspy, distinct tone, which complements the drunkenness of which she sings about (“This whiskey got me feelin’ pretty”) and her longing for his company (“I just really need your ass with me”).  Beyond her awesome tone, honesty, and excellent personality exhibited, the production is sick.  Why? “Higher” thrives off its old-school sound, a backdrop that Rihanna sounds superb singing against (see “Love on the Brain” that precedes “Higher” for the proof).  The crème de la crème is the chorus, excerpted at the beginning of the blurb.

Worth noting, SUPERFRUIT (Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying of Pentatonix) do a fantastic job covering “Higher” and other songs from Anti.  Also, Pentatonix gets into the mix themselves.  “Higher” previously appeared on the playlist, 14 Songs Sure to Lift You Higher.

14. Kendrick Lamar, “For Free? – Interlude”

To Pimp a Butterfly • Aftermath / Interscope • 2015

Years later, it’s hard not to lament the fact that To Pimp a Butterfly was one of the four Kendrick Lamar albums nominated for Album of the Year that DID NOT win.  You could even make the argument that the loss by To Pimp a Butterfly is the most egregious of them all, despite the fact that DAMN. was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for music.  Anyways, one of the longest brief songs to grace this list of colorful songs approximately two minutes or less hails from the snubbed masterpiece.  That would be the fantastic “For Free? (Interlude).”  It goes about 12 seconds longer, but who cares?

“This dick ain’t free / You lookin’ at me like it ain’t a receipt / Like I never made ends meet / Eating your leftovers and raw meat…” “For Free? (Interlude)” is incredibly ambitious, thanks to a brilliant jazz backdrop (Robert Glasper on piano) and Lamar’s unorthodox rhymes that are idiomatic of a jazz script. Before K-Dot makes his first appearance, there’s a colorful intro by Darlene Tibbs (I need a baller-ass, boss-ass nigga / You’s a off-brand-ass nigga, everybody know it…”), who also reappears on the outro. Refocusing on the star, Kendrick Lamar, well, he’s nothing short of a rapping beast here, particularly the second half of his verse:

“This dick ain’t free
Matter fact it need interest
Matter fact it’s nine inches
Matter fact see our friendship based on business
Pension, more pension, you’re pinchin’, my consensus
It’s been relentless, fuck forgiveness, fuck your feelings
Fuck your sources, all distortion, if you fuck it’s more abortion…”

15. Rihanna, “Birthday Cake”

Talk that Talk • Def Jam • 2011

Rihanna definitely isn’t referencing the delicious dessert that is a tradition at many birthday parties on “Birthday Cake.” No, Rihanna’s “Birthday Cake” is all about what’s going down in the bedroom.  Sex, sex, and more sex.  The case(s) in point – “Come and put your name on it,” “But he wanna lick the icing off,” and “I know you want to bite this.”  Even though the song had little to do with a traditional birthday party, we included the song on 15 Must-Hear Songs to Celebrate Your Birthday.  And let’s keep it real, many would enjoy what Ri-Ri is serving up on “Birthday Cake.”

In no way, shape, or form is Rihanna talking about actual birthday cake – period! Yes, it’s customary to decorate birthday cake by putting your name on it, but when Rihanna sings the line, she isn’t talking about icing. How does anyone who may be the slightest bit naïve of sexual innuendo and double entendre get this? Rihanna helps us out: “It’s not even my birthday / But he wanna lick the icing off…” Come on! – No pun intended.  Throughout the course of about one-minute-and-twenty-seconds, Rihanna amplifies the sex really, really loudly.  This Talk That Talk gem literally screams orgasm.