“17 Songs Characterized by Their Place” features songs courtesy of Jeezy, Lana Del Rey, Raphael Saadiq, Taylor Swift, and Thomas Rhett among others. 

Ah, it had been a while since compiling various place songs into one list.  In December 2017, The Musical Hype served up the playlist, Can You ‘Place’ These Songs?, while August 2018 brought forth 19 Songs About Various Cities Around the World. Also, there’ve been lists that center on specific places in the United States, such as the robust 50 Songs About the 50 States, 15 Songs With Lyrics That Reference Kentucky, 11 Songs That Give Off California Vibes, and prior to this particular list, 11 Intriguing Songs That are Totally Hollywood.  Safe to say, we – rather, I – love lists that center around places.  That’s exactly what goes down on 17 SONGS CHARACTERIZED BY THEIR PLACE.

The majority of the 17 songs on this list – 94.12% – arrived in 2019.  There is one lone exception, and it’s a worthwhile, I promise! 17 SONGS CHARACTERIZED BY THEIR PLACE features songs courtesy of  Jeezy (“MLK BLVD”), Lana Del Rey (“Venice Bitch” and “California”), Raphael Saadiq (“Rikers Island”), Taylor Swift (“Cornelia Street”), and Thomas Rhett (“Center Point Road”) among others.  Without further ado, let’s jump right in!

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1. Raphael Saadiq, “Rikers Island”

Jimmy Lee • Columbia • 2019

Place: Rikers Island Correctional Facility, New York

Eight years.  That’s how long it had been since Grammy-winning R&B musician Raphael Saadiq released a new studio album.  Sure, the 53-year old standout appeared on the Mudbound original motion picture soundtrack in 2017, but prior to 2019, his last album arrive in 2011 – Stone Rollin’. The good news is, Saadiq returned with a contemporary masterpiece – his very personal, socially-changed, fifth studio album, Jimmy Lee (You can also check out an extended, analytic, track-by-track analysis/review on The Musical Hype). The crown jewel of Jimmy Lee is “Rikers Island”, a song that ‘tickled my fancy’ so much, that it was selected as my ‘track of the week’ for September 23, 2019 on the Music to Atone to playlist, as well as one of the 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in September 2019.

To reiterate, “Rikers Island” is the crown jewel on Jimmy Lee.  “Too many niggas in Rikers Island / Why must it be?” Saadiq sings on the powerful, socially-changed chorus, continuing, “Too many niggas in Rikers Island / Set ‘em free.” Safe to say, he begins an entirely new conversation, and it’s not merely limited to the infamy of “Rikers Island.” The big takeaway is the statement that Saadiq makes about the number of black men that are incarcerated.  Yes, it’s a horrible situation at Rikers Island, and universally panned correctional facility, but the theme transcends beyond this particular facility.  It’s amazing that this record with disturbing, hurtful subject matter for black families is arguably the funkiest of the album.

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2. Lana Del Rey, “Venice Bitch”

Norman Fucking Rockwell! • Interscope • 2019

Place: Venice, Los Angeles, CA

Some people love Lana Del Rey, while others are mixed.  She’s a truly polarizing musician, yet, musically, the Grammy-nominated alternative pop singer/songwriter has quite a distinct, beautiful musical instrument.  Darkly asserting “I wish I was dead already” some years back, thankfully, Del Rey was definitely alive delivering her best music to date on her sixth studio album, Norman Fucking Rockwell! (2019).  Furthermore, the song at hand, “Venice Bitch”, is among the crème de la crème of NFR!.

 

“Venice Bitch” clocks in at nearly 10 minutes!  Despite being exhaustive, there’s lots to like about record. Lana Del Rey and the musicians opt for an organic sound that opts against being commercial. Del Rey spoils us with her vocal tone. Reverb does her voice wonders, adding more robustness. The accompaniment is lovely, with the guitars embracing a folksy sound idiomatic of alt-pop. The chorus is a pro:

“Oh God, miss you on the lips
It’s me, your little Venice bitch
On the stoop with the neighborhood kids
Callin’ out, bang bang, kiss kiss.”

There’s also a noteworthy post-chorus, which includes the lyrics, “Nothing gold can stay / You write, I tour, we make it work / You’re beautiful and I’m insane / We’re American-made.” The bridge is a selling point, specifically how the intensity picks up by adding drums and elevating the dynamic level. Furthermore, you have to admire the old-school, throwback quality of this record, which would have easily felt at home in the 60s given its psychedelia cues and vibe.  It runs absolutely too long, but it’s certainly worthwhile.  “Venice Bitch” previously appeared on the ‘colorful’ playlist, 13 Totally B!+ching Songs.

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3. Post Malone, “Hollywood’s Bleeding”

Hollywood’s Bleeding • Republic • 2019

Place: Hollywood, CA

“Me and Kurt [Cobain] feel the same, too much pleasure is pain…” Whoa! Grammy-nominated rapper/singer Post Malone delivers another enjoyable, crowd-pleasing affair with his third album, Hollywood’s Bleeding. Hollywood’s Bleeding is certainly a dramatic album title. The  album itself finds PM amplifying his pop-leanings more pronouncedly than Stoney or Beerbongs & Bentleys.  Hollywood’s Bleeding won’t change your life, but it has its fair share of moments.

“I light a candle, some Palo Santo / For all these demons, which I could just go on…” “Hollywood’s Bleeding” is fittingly the opening statement of the album.  Essentially, in Post Malone’s hands, the place where so many dreamers go to make it is something of a death trap.

“Outside, the winter sky turnin’ grey
City up in smoke, it’s only ash when it rains
Howl at the moon and go to sleep in the day
Lover for everybody ‘til the drugs fade away…”

From his perspective, Hollywood is dark, disappointing, and troubling (nearly, if not fatal) despite the fact “We call it home,” or so he asserts on the chorus:

“I just keep on hopin’ that you call me
You say you wanna see me, but you can’t right now
You never took the time to get to know me
Was scared of losin’ somethin’ that we never found
We’re running out of reasons, but we can’t let go
Yeah, Hollywood is bleeding, but we call it home.”

“Hollywood’s Burning” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Intriguing Songs That are Totally Hollywood.

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4. Lana Del Rey, California”

Norman Fucking Rockwell! • Interscope • 2019

Place: California

To recap, Grammy-nominated alternative pop singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey delivered arguably her best album to date with the explicitly titled, sixth studio album, Norman Fucking Rockwell!. Truly polarizing, some people love Lana, while others are mixed or have a strong opinion against her.  Regardless, her best attribute is her distinct, beautiful voice. Again, worth noting, arguably, she’s only improved over the years. “California” becomes the second entry on this places-themed affair.

 

“California” is another song from NFR! that is soaked with familiar themes of love, nostalgia/reminiscence, cars, and a strong devotion to California.  It’s another ballad with its fair share of tender moments, but also finds Del Rey showing more oomph at different times.  The key takeaway is love and the singer/songwriter’s willingness to attain it:

“Oh, I’ll pick you up
If you come back to America, just hit me up
‘Cause this is crazy love, I’ll catch you on the flip side
If you come back to California, you should just hit me up.”   

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5. Jeezy, “MLK BLVD”

TM104: The Legend of the Snowman • Def Jam • 2019

Place: One of many streets named after Martin Luther King, Jr.

“MLK BLVD” marks the crowning achievement of TM104: The Legend of the Snowman, the purported final studio album by southern rapper Jeezy.  Jeezy has had no shortage of hits during his illustrious career, including the likes of “Soul Survivor” and “Put On”. On “MLK BLVD,” he’s assisted by Meek Mill. That said, his biggest asset is the production by Lex Luger.  Luger gives him a totally malicious, menacing, badass backdrop to spit over.

Jeezy brings absolute fire, fueled by the minor-key hellishness, including an unapologetic chorus:

“I got Dawn on Martin Luther King (Martin Luther King)
Hop out the Dawn on Martin Luther King (Yeah)
I hustle hard, I go and get the check (Check)
They want me dead just like I’m Malcom X (Woo).”

On the first verse, he gets political, and goes straight for Donald Trump, as well as referencing Kanye West:

“This nigga talkin’ like he ‘Ye or somethin’
That nigga must be on that ye or somethin’
Heard what I said, nigga, fuck Trump
Say it again, nigga, fuck Trump
Somebody better call CNN…”

Meek Mill takes the reins on the second verse, referencing his drip, his come-up, ‘hoes,’ and the Feds among other things. Regardless, Jeezy is the star of the show, as he should be.

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6. Taylor Swift, “Cornelia Street”

Lover • Republic • 2019

Place: Cornelia Street, New York City, NY

Grammy-winning pop superstar Taylor Swift proves ‘seven’ is indeed a lucky number on her brilliant, seventh studio album, Lover. Lover marks Swift’s third album, following 1989 (her most important pop album, released in 2014) and Reputation. Lover has a legitimate argument as being her best pop album to date.  Swift contributes a place song for us to salivate over (not literally of course) in “Cornelia Street.” 

“We were in the backseat
Drunk on something stronger than the drinks in the bar
‘I rent a place on Cornelia Street’
I say casually in the car
We were a fresh page on the desk
Filling in the blanks as we go
As if the streetlights pointed in an arrowhead
Leading us home…”

In the context of Lover, “Cornelia Street” has a tough act to follow (“Paper Rings”), and certainly doesn’t trump the best.  Regardless, the record, named after Cornelia Street in New York City, continues the overall enjoyable nature and vibes of Lover.  As the aforementioned first verse suggests, Taylor Swift reminisces on falling in love, specifically with boyfriend and British actor Joe Alwyn.  The reminiscence continues on the second verse, as well as the bridge, where love is clearly Swift’s mantra (“Sacred new beginnings / That became my religion…”). Of course, Swift would be devastated losing her true love (Alwyn), and could never return to the place where the love commenced, Cornelia Street:

“I hope I never lose you, hope it never ends
I’d never walk Cornelia Street again
That’s the kinda heartbreak time could never mend
I’d never walk Cornelia Street again
And baby, I get mystified by how this city screams your name
And baby, I’m so terrified of if you ever walk away
I’d never walk Cornelia Street again
I’d never walk Cornelia Street again.”

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7. Slipknot, “Solway Firth”

We Are Not Your Kind • Roadrunner • 2019

Place: Solway Firth (“Inlet of the Irish Sea”) – United Kingdom

Five years. That’s how long fans of Slipknot had to wait for the Grammy-winning Nü metal collective to release their sixth studio album, We Are Not Your Kind.  Long hiatuses between studio albums have become the norm for the band, with the longest gap between projects occurring with 2008 standout All Hope is Gone and 2014’s .5: The Gray Chapter. Of course, it should be noted that in between those two particular albums, bassist Paul Gray (“The Pig”) died of an overdose. With We Are Not Your Kind, the Des Moines, Iowan band came with their ‘A game.’ Among the crème de la crème of We Are Not Your Kind is the closing cut, “Solway Firth.”

“Solway Firth,” the second advance single from We Are Not Your Kind, concludes the album EPICALLY.  Notably, “Solway Firth” references a famous photograph that was taken in Solway Firth, where there’s a picture of a girl and an illusion of spaceman in the background, referred to as the Solway Spaceman.  Naturally, Slipknot delivers lyrics that are related to this unique photograph, including “You want the real smile? / Or the one I used to practice not to feel like a failure?” as well as the chorus lyric, “Don’t look away, here’s an ‘unexplainable’ one.”

Backtracking a bit, following a restrained, tamer intro on “Solway Firth,” Corey Taylor and company let loose and don’t look back.  The record isn’t blessed with a tuneful chorus, but it still possesses one of the better, more memorable choruses, even with the aggressive, shouted, and unapologetic vocals.  The energy is definitely otherworldly – hmm, another connection to that mysterious Solway Spaceman?

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8. Clairo, “Alewife”

Immunity • Fader • 2019

Place: Alewife – transit station in Massachusetts

Clairo commences her debut album, Immunity with sad subject matter.  On the standout, “Alewife,” she sings in an undertone.  “Alewife” isn’t a common title for a song, and honestly, many may wonder what an alewife is or what Alewife is – is it a proper noun? Well, in this case, the alt-pop singer isn’t referencing the fish, but rather, a transit station in her native Massachusetts: “In Massachusetts / Only 30 minutes from Alewife / I lay in my room / Wonderin’ why I’ve got this life.”

 

Beyond mentioning Alewife, the big takeaway from the aforementioned lyrical excerpt, as well as the song itself are the numerous references made to suicide.  Clairo is thankful to a friend who ‘saved her.’ “But you know you saved me from doin’ / Something to myself that night,” she sings on the first verse.  On the second, she sings, “Swear I could’ve done it / If you weren’t there when I hit the floor.”  “Alewife” previously appeared on the playlist, Songs Centered Around or Referencing Suicide, Vol. 2.

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9. Rick Ross, “Vegas Residency”

Port of Miami 2 • Epic • 2019

Place: Los Vegas, NV

After a fight for his life, Grammy-nominated rapper Rick Ross returned in 2019 with his 10^th  studio album, Port of Miami 2.  Port of Miami 2 follows the original, released back in 2006, best known for the ‘trunk-rattling banger,’ “Hustlin’.” Nothing as timeless as “Hustlin’” appears on Port of Miami 2, the LP has plenty of enjoyable moments, including the 13^th track, “Vegas Residency.”

“So many niggas out here singin’ songs / That’s why them choppers hear the note and then we sing along / Everybody got a role, therefore we got a job / Until we meet up out in Vegas, and we got a mob.” “Vegas Residency” marks only the third and the final solo number by Rick Ross on Port of Miami 2.  Lengthy, clocking past five minutes, this is Ross straight-up spitting hard.  Sure, he references Los Vegas, but more uniquely, Ross references his health issues, Kanye West, Donald Trump, Bill Cosby, choppers, Junior Seau… the list goes on.  Unlike earlier records “Turnpike Ike” or “Nobody’s Favorite,” there is a clearly discernible chorus.

“I got a room that’s on the highest floor
Never switch out on my nigga, no amount of dough
‘Cause you won’t get a receipt, that’s when you sell your soul
Hungry niggas sit at home, watchin’ pictures you post
(Win, lose, draw, I swear I’d bet it all for you)
We could meet up out in Vegas
I’ma pull out the Vacheron
We could meet up out in Vegas, nigga.”

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10. Ed Sheeran, “South of the Border”

Ft. Camila Cabello & Cardi B

No. 6 Collaborations Project • Atlantic • 2019

Place: Latin America; Buenos Aires, Argentina

Anytime that Ed Sheeran releases an album, it is DEFINITELY a big deal.  The Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter returned in 2019 with No. 6 Collaborations Project. Not only does No. 6 Collaborations Project serve the capacity as his fourth studio album, it also follows up his little-known 2011 EP, No. 5 Collaborations Project.  As the title suggests, this is a big pop album chocked-full of superstar collaborations.  That’s hurts the cohesiveness of the project – it feels more compilation than accomplished album – but, there are enjoyable moments throughout the course of the LP. “South of the Border,” the second track on No. 6 Collaborations Project, is among those enjoyable moments.

“South of the Border” features Camila Cabello and Cardi B.  As title and personnel suggest, Ed Sheeran opts for a fun, Latin-tinged pop joint.  Of course, there’s also a fair amount of sexual innuendo as well… “South of the Border” doesn’t specify one specific location for the entire song, though Buenos Aires, located in Argentina, is mentioned on the bridge. The record is well organized in regard to form, and quite catchy from the start, especially the chorus.

“So join me in this bed that I’m in
Push up on me and sweat, darling
So I’m gonna put my time in
I won’t stop until the angels sing
Jump in that water, be free
Come south of the border with me…”

Cabello ‘kills it’ in her featured role capacity, exhibiting marvelous chemistry with Sheeran on the chorus/bridge sections.  As for Cardi B, she provides a welcome contrast to both vocalists, keeping it tasteful, sans the “Legs open, tongue out, Michael Jordan” line.

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11. Bruce Springsteen, “Western Stars”

Western Stars • Bruce Springsteen • 2019

Place: The western United States, including Oklahoma

Western Stars, the 2019 studio album Bruce Springsteen, gives the by iconic, Grammy-winning rock musician another fantastic addition to his illustrious discography.  No, ‘The Boss’ doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but he didn’t need to.  Western Stars showcases Springsteen as the ‘well-oiled machine’ of a musician that he is, killing it as he celebrates his 70^th year on earth. Among the fine moments from this conceptual affair is the title track.

 

“On the set, the makeup girl brings me two raw eggs and a shot of gin / Then I give it all up for that little blue pill / That promises to bring it all back to you again.” Western Stars” was released as an advance single. In the context of Western Stars, expectedly, it continues the western aesthetic without a hitch.  Springsteen references canyons, the desert, Oklahoma, cowboys, and all things associated with the west.  Yes, ‘The Boss’ has done this previously, but he remains potent here.  Also, worth noting, regarding the songwriting, it’s interesting how he uses varying choruses each time – it’s a pro that he doesn’t stick to just one form.

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12. Billie Eilish, “All the Good Girls Go to Hell”

WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? • Darkroom / Interscope • 2019

Place: Hell

“All the good girls go to Hell / ‘Cause even God herself has enemies / And once the water starts to rise / And Heaven’s out of sight / She’ll want the devil on her team.” ,” Teen alt-pop artist Billie Eilish’s scintillating debut LP, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?, is filled with hit after hit after hit – 100.  Eilish, has been ubiquitous and totally unavoidable in 2019 (that’s a good thing btw), makes a bold statement with the minor-key “All the Good Girls Go to Hell.” Obviously, the place in this particular song is a wee bit fiery – understatement.  

“All the Good Girls Go to Hell” is interesting for a number of reasons.  First and foremost, Eilish embraces the ‘alternative’ label, going against the grain by all means. What also makes the record intriguing are the religious references, likely to raise eyebrows with the religious crowd.  In addition to the ‘God’s enemies’ lyric, Eilish also references Peter (“Peter’s on vacation, an open invitation”) and Lucifer (“My Lucifer is lonely / There’s nothing left to save now / My god is gonna owe me / There’s nothing left to save now”).  

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13. Kevin McHale, “Arizona”

Boy (EP) • Kevin McHale • 2019

Place: Arizona

Kevin McHale (NOT the legendary power forward) is probably best known for playing Artie Abrams on Glee.  Beyond that, McHale was a member of a boyband (NLT).  Ultimately, besides showing off his acting chops, McHale is a musician, hence the 2019 arrival of his EP, Boy, an independently released project. It should be mentioned that McHale is gay as sexuality plays a role on the five-song effort.  McHale gives listeners one place song from Boy, “Arizona.”

McHale doesn’t sing about the southwestern state explicitly on “Arizona.” According to an interview with Out Magazine, of “Arizona” McHale states it’s about “How I spent the entire weekend together with someone and we went to Arizona.” The sleek, electro, urban-pop ballad focuses on matters of the heart.  The lyrics are certainly clever, particularly on the second verse: “I feel myself hesitatin’ / Feel your skin on my skin / Grab your hand, we both just freeze / And I was stuck in the desert.”

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14. Denzel Curry, “Carolmart”

ZUU • Loma Vista • 2019

Place: Carol City, FL

Carol City, Florida rapper Denzel Curry received ‘universal acclaim’ in regard to his 2018 album, TA13OO, earning a metascore of 86.  He followed up his 2018 masterpiece with a brief, but potent project, ZUU. On ZUU, the rising rapper continues to show just how electrifying he is, including the place song at hand, “Carolmart.”

“Carolmart,” which appears as ninth track on ZUU, ends up being worth the wait.  As the name makes clear, Denzel Curry is representing for his city. Following the chorus performed by Ice Billion Berg, Curry spits, “A real-ass nigga from the 305 / I was raised off Trina, Trick, Rick and Plies.” Pretty sick, and it doesn’t stop there as he continues to bring the heat on both verses, including:

“Put Dade on the map, gotta stay with a strap
Stay away from a roach ‘cause they raidin’ the trap.”

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15. Thomas Rhett, “Center Point Road”

Ft. Kelsea Ballerini

Center Point Road • Big Machine • 2019

Place: Center Point Road, Hendersonville, TN

“Center Point Road” served as the sixth and final advance single from Center Point Road, the fourth studio album by Grammy-nominated country singer, Thomas Rhett.  On the reminiscent record, Rhett tapped a fellow Grammy-nominated country musician, Kelsea Ballerini for the assist with positive results.  The album, and obviously, the title track, are named after a place where Rhett lived – Center Point Road in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

“Center Point Road” has plenty of pros. The songwriting and the production are big reasons why it’s is a roaring success.  In regard to songwriting, the record is reflective, remembering youthful, fun times and experiences. The sound of this record is ‘country enough,’ but it also thrives with its pop/rock sensibility. Rhett and Ballerini do a superb job performing their respective parts.  Rhett sings the first verse and chorus, while Ballerini provides contrast on the second verse and following chorus.  They join forces on the bridge, before ending strong on the chorus and outro.  The chorus is the crème de la crème.

“We wrote our own destiny
In parkin’ lots and empty streets
Yeah, we got high on you and me
Jumped over cracks beneath our feet
And we thought it would never end
Then watched it go like summer wind
When growin’ up was just a dream
And Friday night was everything.”

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16. The National, “Not in Kansas”

I Am Easy to Find • 4AD • 2019

Place: Kansas, sort of… 

The National returned much sooner than expected in 2019, releasing their intriguing and respectable eighth studio album, I Am Easy to Find. I Am Easy to Find is a standalone project, but there is also a short film of the same title, directed by Mike Mills and starring Academy Award winner Alicia Vikander.  An album that runs long, clocking in at over an hour, there are some notable moments, nonetheless, including the song at hand, “Not in Kansas.”

Matt Berninger handles the majority of “Not in Kansas” himself – this is a selling point.  Berninger sounds fantastic, making numerous pop cultural references including The Godfather films, The Strokes, Annette Benning, and Robert Flack, as well as referencing the crazy times – “My shadow’s getting shorter / I’m a child at the border.” Even with Matt firmly in control, one of the best moments from this thoughtfully penned number, not to mention I Am Easy to Find, arrives courtesy of Gail Ann Dorsey, Lisa Hannigan, and Kate Stables performing a totally contrasting third verse:

“If the sadness of life makes you tired
And the failures of man make you sigh
You can look to the time soon arriving
When this noble experiment
Winds down and calls it a day.”

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17. Father John Misty, “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings”

Fear Fun • Sub Pop • 2012

Place: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles, CA

“Jesus Christ, girl / What are people going to think? / When I show up to one of several funerals / I’ve attended for Grandpa this week.” Say what, Father John Misty? “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” is quite an entertaining, folk-rock record from singer/songwriter Josh Tillman.  “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” appears on his debut solo album, Fear Fun, released in 2012.  The song, which previously appeared on 11 Intriguing Songs That are Totally Hollywood, is the oldest song that appears on this place-centric list, which is mostly comprised of songs from 2019. Why include it then? Well, being honest, “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” totally kicks some serious ass, that’s why!

What makes “Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings” so entertaining? Well, it’s the clever, left of center lyrics. Specifically, there’s a clear element of freak and kinkiness in play throughout the record.  While it’s a bit more subtle on the first verse, the freakiness arrives full throttle on the third verse:

“Jesus Christ, girl
It hasn’t been long so it seems
Since I was picking out an island and a tomb for you
At the Hollywood Cemetery
You kiss on me
But we should let this dead guy sleep
We should let this dead guy sleep.”

Weird.  Drugs enter into the mix as well on the third verse (“Retracing the expanse of your American back / With Adderall and weed in my veins”), but the eyebrow-raising lyric is “You came, I think?” Oh my! The final statement of the song is “Someone’s got to help me dig.” Notably, Kid CuDi sampled this record on “Young Lady” from his 2013 album, Indicud.  Can you blame him? It rocks!

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17 SONGS CHARACTERIZED BY THEIR PLACE: [Photo Credits: 4AD, Atlantic, Big Machine, Brent Faulkner, Bruce Springsteen, Columbia, Darkroom, Def Jam, Epic, Fader, Interscope, Kevin McHale, Loma Vista, The Musical Hype, Pixabay, Republic, Sub Pop] 

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