Welcome back to 13 Beats’ first two-part series! If you missed the first part, I’m going through iconic songs that start with each letter of the alphabet. This week’s 13 Beats covers the second half of the alphabet with songs that start with letters N-Z. Here are my favorite tracks that start with the last 13 (Go ’Gate) letters of the alphabet:
1. “No Scrubs” – TLC (1999)
“I don’t want no scrub. A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me,” Tionne Watkins sings about her high standards for the men she is romantically involved with. The simple but catchy opening guitar sequence makes this track instantly recognizable.
2. “ocean eyes” – Billie Eilish (2017)
Billie Eilish’s vocals are layered to form an ethereal sound in this track about falling in love with the beauty of your crush. “I’ve been watching you for some time, can’t stop staring out those ocean eyes,” Eilish sings, showing her growing admiration for her subject’s eyes.
3. “Piano Man” – Billy Joel (2001)
“Piano Man” is loved by many generations for its nostalgic and comforting melody. Lyrics like “we’re all in the mood for a melody and you’ve got us feeling alright” emphasize the power music has in helping people escape the struggles of the world.
4. “Quiet Houses” – Fleet Foxes (2008)
A steady drum beat combines with dreamy vocals in this earthy track about wanting to connect with a lover. “Come to me,” Robin Pecknold repeats, emphasizing how he wishes his lover would come back and have feelings for him.
5. “Radio” – Lana Del Rey (2012)
“Now my life is sweet like cinnamon,” Lana Del Rey sings in this somewhat ironic track about finding fame. Del Rey’s lyrics illustrate how being on the radio hasn’t been as fulfilling as she thought; cinnamon is not completely sweet.
6. “Sailor Song” – Gigi Perez (2024)
Gigi Perez’s unique tone shines in this realistic ode to the highs and lows of moving through a relationship. Lyrics like “I sleep so I can see you, ’cause I hate to wait so long” emphasize how Perez’s desire for her lover has occupied her life.
7. “Thinkin’ Bout You” – Frank Ocean (2012)
A smooth and dreamy drumbeat carries this R&B track about realizing you still have strong feelings for a past lover. “We’ll go down this road ‘til it turns from color to black and white,” Frank Ocean sings, implying that he and his lover will continue to find each other and try to work towards a future together.
8. “Upside Down” – Jack Johnson (2006)
“There’s no stopping curiosity,” Jack Johnson sings in this upbeat and catchy folk track about exploring the world and not letting anyone get in your way. I can’t help but think about Curious George when I hear this song because of his sweet feature in the music video.
9. “Viva La Vida” – Coldplay (2008)
“Viva La Vida” has an unmistakable, intense sound that sets the tone for the track’s exploration of themes of power and success through historical events. “And that was when I ruled the world,” Chris Martin sings, reminiscing on the glorious feeling of having power and fame.
10. “Work Song” – Hozier (2014)
Hozier sings about an intense infatuation with a lover in this raw and earthy track off of his debut album. Lyrics like “no grave can hold my body down, I’ll crawl home to her” show how he’s prepared to be consumed by this love until he dies.
11. “X’s” – Cigarettes After Sex (2024)
“X’s” has a calm and airy melody to accompany its lyrics about loving someone for everything they are, including their flaws. “Honest with the love you give, careless with the way you talk,” Greg Gonzalez sings, musing about how easy things can feel in the beginning stages of a relationship.
12. “You’re Gonna Go Far” – Noah Kahan (2023)
Noah Kahan perfectly describes the conflicting feelings people have when leaving a place they’ve known their whole lives to embark on a new adventure. “Say whatever you feel, be wherever you are,” Kahan sings from the perspective of a family who wants to see their loved one flourish even if they’re not at home.
13. “Ziggy Stardust” – David Bowie (1972)
“Ziggy played guitar, jamming good with Weird and Gilly,” icon David Bowie sings in this calm yet fun track about a fictional alien rock star. Bowie wanted to provide commentary on how fame can often get to musicians’ heads and push them away from their friends.
