Many artists like to come up with creative titles for their songs that sometimes feature the lyrics. Other times, mere letters and words can’t do a song justice. This week’s 13 Beats features songs with numbers in their titles, representing different years, ages and other information important to the track.
1. “18” — One Direction (2014)
If you’re like me and listening to the One Direction discography after member Liam Payne’s tragic passing, “18” is a perfect blend of nostalgia and love. The band sings about recreating a spark with someone: “I wanna love like you made me feel when we were 18”.
2. “1979” — The Smashing Pumpkins (1995)
“1979” is an ode to the start of The Smashing Pumpkins’ frontman Billy Corgan’s adolescence and also the perfect song for fall. The guitar combines with a catchy drum beat to make a nice accompaniment for viewing the fall foliage.
3. “8 (circle)” — Bon Iver (2016)
“Philosophize your figure, what I have and haven’t held,” Justin Vernon sings, emphasizing how hard it is to reminisce about experiences with a lover after they’ve left. The track’s title is a nod to its position as the eighth song on the album, and references the fact that the number eight is made of two circles. The whole album, “22, A Million,” has numbers in the track titles.
4. “the 1” — Taylor Swift (2020)
Taylor Swift sings about what could have been with a past lover in this folk/pop track that opens her 2020 album “folklore.” Lyrics like “And if my wishes came true, it would’ve been you” emphasize Swift’s longing for the relationship to have worked out.
5. “1901” — Phoenix (2009)
“1901” is a track full of fun lyrics and beats as it describes what the French band members believe to be the best time in Parisian history. “And I’ll be anything you ask and more,” Thomas Mars sings about falling completely for a lover.
6. “20 Something” — SZA (2017)
“Stuck in them 20 somethings, good luck on them 20 somethings,” SZA sings in this track about feeling out of place in your 20s. SZA’s passionate singing emphasizes the dueling emotions of loneliness and happiness that many people experience in that stage of their lives.
7. “505” — Arctic Monkeys (2007)
Alex Turner sings about wanting to go back to the beginning of his relationship with his lover in this catchy indie rock track. Lyrics like “If it’s a seven hour flight or a 45 minute drive” show how Turner would be willing to do whatever it takes for them to go back to happier times.
8. “9 to 5” — Dolly Parton (1980)
Iconic and groovy, “9 to 5” is sure to get your day going right and also get stuck in your head! “Workin’ 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin’” Dolly Parton sings about the monotony and energy that simultaneously occur when working a typical “9 to 5” job.
9. “3005” — Childish Gambino (2013)
Childish Gambino houses some of his existential thoughts in this track with a cool and catchy production. Gambino sings “I mean, nobody’s got it figured out” to show how uncertain life can feel at any age.
10. “7 Things” — Miley Cyrus (2008)
There’s something so fun about listening to music from a childhood show. Miley Cyrus sings about the seven things she hates about a guy, the strongest being that he’s gotten her to develop feelings for him.
11. “1999” — beabadoobee (2019)
“And I’m not willing to give it all up,” beabadoobee in this melancholy track about not being able to give up someone you need to leave. The soft guitar and percussion always transport me to a different world when I’m listening to this song.
12. “365” — Charli xcx (2024)
“365” closes out Charli xcx’s “brat” album by describing a never ending cycle of partying. Lyrics like “No, I never go home, don’t sleep, don’t eat, just do it on repeat” show how much of an “every day of the year” lifestyle partying is to Charli xcx.
13. “90210 (feat. Kacy Hill)” — Travis Scott (2015)
Travis Scott illustrates the people and culture of the famous Los Angeles zip code in this track that uses multiple beats throughout. “Gold chains, gold rings, I got an island on me,” Scott raps about his style and contribution to the cool vibe of 90210.
