We’ve all fallen into the trap of listening to songs over and over again until we are sick of them, but sometimes it isn’t a choice. Instead, they get used all over social media, in Tiktoks, Instagram stories, get ready with me’s etc. This becomes exhausting as time goes on, and even your favorite songs become boring and redundant to your ears. However, you may still miss the vibes or ideas that these overused songs bring up. These are some of the current most overplayed songs, and alternatives that can easily replace them on your playlist, while also adding lyrical depth into your rotation.
“That’s So True” Gracie Abrams vs “Ghost in the Machine” SZA
“That’s So True” by Gracie Abrams gained attention in Oct 2024 through social media. The lyrics, such as “bet you’re thinking, She’s so cool. Kicking back on your couch, making eyes from across the room. Wait, I think I’ve been there too” and “Taking off your shirt, I did that once or twice” come across as a jealous ex which, let’s face it, we’ve all been. However, the story plays too far into this, reflecting a Disney Channel show where the main character is still obsessed with their obviously uninterested ex. On the other hand “Ghost in the Machine” by SZA empowers listeners to peel away from the past and move forward, instead of dwelling on their past. Not only is the takeaway better, but the overall flow of the song is too. The chorus evolves as it connects to each part, with the intensity of the song steadily rising. Last but not least, the lyrics of “Ghost in the Machine” draw people in, since the concepts discussed are modern and abstract, such as AI and vanity. So, next time you’re picking a song, scroll past “That’s So True” and let yourself be motivated by SZA’s “Ghost in the Machine.”
“golden hour” JVKE vs “I Love You So” The Walters
“golden hour” was, and is, undeniably overused in the media. The melody is very modern and ethereal sounding, but in such a way that it doesn’t convey true love, more of the hopeful wishing of a crush, which according to the lyrics, is not what the song is about. “I Love You So” is a love song that truly sounds like someone’s authentic feelings. While both are love songs, they convey different things, and this issue with “golden hour” is that the melody, lyrics, and overall vibe don’t match. The meaning is also very shallow, it doesn’t evoke any feelings other than the ones immediately obvious. “I Love You So” , on the other hand, has layers of messages. The person involved is in love in a toxic way, he does not have his lover all to himself, and feels broken because of it. Instead of listening to an inconsistent, prosaic song, add “I Love You So” to your playlist, and delve deeper into your emotions.
“NOKIA” Drake vs “luther” Kendrick Lamar
“NOKIA”, which was released in February of this year, gained popularity quickly. However, it’s debatable as to whether or not anyone would listen to it if Drake wasn’t the artist who released it. While artists do commonly choose a phrase to repeat throughout a song, “Nokia” goes overboard with the lyrics “who’s calling my phone”, which is said a total of 32 times, not including all of the other variations of “phone”. One entire section of the song is Drake naming girls who could possibly be calling him, which is very openly alluding to him being “popular with the ladies” as some would say. Overall the entire song is repetitive, bland, and shows no depth. “luther”, however, was written by Kendrick Lamar who is known for his multidimensional lyrics, and is a fantastic example of his prowess. The song mentions dreams, God, heartache, and more. It is still very much a hip-hop rap, talking about the club and girls, there are other layers to it. No matter which side of the Drake vs. Kendrick drama, “luther” is a better pick when you value music that has real meaning.
“TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” Beyoncé vs “Something in the Orange” Zach Bryan
If you are desperate to venture into country music, steer away from “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and choose “Something in the Orange”. Country songs are undeniably a recent lure for popular artists (ie. Post Malone), but some artists really shouldn’t attempt to go down that path. “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” is a great example of a country gone sideways. The song uses popular country themes to pass as a country song, with lyrics that lack authenticity and depth. “Something in the Orange” feels raw with emotion, and doesn’t feel the need to be overly country, by adding stereotypical elements. The lyrics paint an extravagant picture in the listeners mind instead of relying on repetitive, surface level phrases. Although Beyoncé’s “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” isn’t as bad as some others, despite its blandess, it’s offensive to some that it is considered country.
“Still Bad” Lizzo vs “Good Luck Babe” Chappel Roan
Lizzo’s “Still Bad,” while undeniably a vibrant and energetic track, relies heavily on a formulaic approach, prioritizing a repetitive hook and a familiar pop sound, and It offers little beyond a surface-level assertion of confidence. In contrast, Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” gives a more emotionally resonant experience. The song’s 80s-inspired synth-pop production creates a distinctive atmosphere, which adds to the vulnerable exploration of love and denial. The lyrics, filled with a sense of longing and self-discovery, resonate with a depth that ‘Still Bad’ lacks.