Too often I find a song I really love, only to realize it’s just meant to be a short interlude on an album. I replay it over and over again, marveling at how an artist can put some of their best work into less than two minutes of song. This week’s 13 Beats feature short, short songs to appreciate in all their fleeting glory:
1. “Stargirl Interlude” – The Weeknd ft. Lana Del Rey (2016)
“I just want to see you shine ‘cause I know you are a star, girl,” The Weeknd sings in this intimate interlude. The singer’s voice blends perfectly with Lana Del Rey’s signature tone to create a magical and galactic listening experience.
2. “Topanga Canyon” – John Vincent III (2019)
“Topanga Canyon” doesn’t have any lyrics, but it still manages to tell a story. The piano and guitar string plucking give the track a raw build-up and always get me to picture a sunny day surrounded by nature.
3. “NIGHTS LIKE THIS” – The Kid LAROI (2023)
The Kid LAROI sings about the comforting and healing nature of his lover in this dreamy track. Lyrics like “And it’s nights like this when I need your love / When I need someone that’ll read my soul” emphasize his loneliness.
4. “Interlude” – Hollow Coves (2017)
Another short track with no lyrics, “Interlude” exemplifies Hollow Coves’ echoey and nostalgic sound. The soft hums mixed with the calm guitar make the song feel like a meditation and nice break from lyrically rich tracks.
5. “The Man Who Left Too Soon” – beabadoobee (2024)
“It comes and it goes like the weather in the summer,” beabadoobee sings about a fleeting relationship. The song’s length mirrors the message: Beabadoobee wants the relationship to last longer, just as the listener wants the song to continue on.
6. “Evergreen” – Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners (2017)
I always feel inspired after listening to this upbeat track about taking action on something that’s important to you. The sharp guitar strums and drum beat sound grounding and give me a needed push into my day.
7. “Mylo Xyloto” – Coldplay (2011)
The very first and title track of Coldplay’s fifth album, “Mylo Xyloto,” sets the tone for the rest of the songs. My favorite part is how the ethereal sounds build up to lead seamlessly into “Hurts Like Heaven.”
8. “Angelina” – Pinegrove (2014)
“How’d you get so tangled up in my life?” Evan Stephens Hall sings about not knowing how he became so close with his lover. The raspy guitar gives the track a folk twang and the melody is super catchy.
9. “glisten (interlude)” – Jeremy Zucker (2018)
Jeremy Zucker sings about trying to get over a lover in this interlude. Lyrics like “‘Cause I could let you go if I wanted to” show how Zucker is finding it hard to move on even though he feels ready.
10. “Attracted to You” – PinkPantheress (2021)
Spunky and electric, “Attracted to You” tells the story of thinking you’re attracted to someone, but it all being an illusion. PinkPantheress sings “Last night I had a dream we started dating, now you’re pissing me off” to show how different someone can seem in your head.
11. “Girl With The Tattoo (Enter.Lewd)” – Miguel (2010)
“Those innocent eyes,” Miguel sings with layered vocals in this a cappella track. The song calls out a past lover for using her looks to get what she wants in life.
12. “Babydoll” – Dominic Fike (2018)
“Babydoll” is a beachy, rock-y track from Dominic Fike about the inability to move on from his lover. Lyrics like: “I can’t move on, babydoll, waitin’ on calls” illustrate Fike’s longing for his lover to get back in touch with him.
13. “SOS” – SZA (2022)
SZA opens her sophomore album with this unique title track that includes morse code and a funky beat. The track represents needing to send a distress signal and expose the different stages of a relationship.
