Critics Pick: XXXTentacion's 10 Must-Hear Songs

Critics Pick: XXXTentacion's 10 Must-Hear Songs

Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, known professionally as XXXTentacion, remains a tragically iconic figure in modern music. His short but impactful career left behind a complex legacy, marked by both undeniable musical talent and deeply troubling personal controversies. Despite the controversies surrounding his life, his music continues to resonate with millions, showcasing a raw vulnerability and emotional depth that few artists achieve. This list, curated by critics, highlights ten essential XXXTentacion songs that capture the essence of his artistry, showcasing his versatility and the emotional range that made him such a captivating, if controversial, figure.

1. "Jocelyn Flores" - A Heartbreaking Ballad of Loss

"Jocelyn Flores" is arguably XXXTentacion's most recognizable and emotionally resonant track. Released in 2017, the song is a poignant tribute to the late Jocelyn Flores, a close friend who tragically passed away. The melancholic melody, combined with XXXTentacion's raw vocals, creates a powerful atmosphere of grief and longing. The lyrics are deeply personal and heartfelt, leaving listeners with a sense of profound sadness and empathy. This song perfectly encapsulates XXXTentacion's ability to express complex emotions through simple yet effective songwriting. Its popularity solidified his growing fanbase and cemented his status as a leading voice in the burgeoning emo-rap scene. The haunting melody and relatable themes of loss resonate deeply with listeners, making it a cornerstone of his discography and a must-listen for anyone exploring his music.

Key elements:

• Haunting melody: The melancholic tune enhances the emotional impact.
• Raw vocals: XXXTentacion’s emotionally charged delivery intensifies the song's power.
• Relatable themes: The universal theme of loss makes it deeply resonant with listeners.

2. "Look at Me!" - The Breakout Hit

"Look at Me!" served as XXXTentacion's breakout single, catapulting him into the mainstream consciousness. The song’s aggressive beat, combined with XXXTentacion's distinctive vocal delivery, created a unique sound that instantly captured attention. Its raw energy and unflinching lyrics explored themes of rebellion, alienation, and the struggles of navigating a harsh reality. The track's success proved XXXTentacion's ability to connect with a vast audience, even with its often controversial content. Its influence on the sound of emo-rap is undeniable and its place in music history is secured.

Key elements:

• Aggressive beat: The hard-hitting rhythm drives the song's intensity.
• Distinctive vocal delivery: XXXTentacion's unique vocal style creates a memorable sound.
• Themes of rebellion: The lyrics resonate with listeners who feel alienated or misunderstood.

3. "SAD!" - An Anthem of Depression and Despair

"SAD!" is a powerful and emotionally charged exploration of depression and despair. The song's melancholic melody and vulnerable lyrics offer a glimpse into XXXTentacion's internal struggles. The raw honesty and vulnerability displayed in the song connected with listeners who felt similarly lost and alone. Its success highlighted his ability to create music that transcended genre boundaries, appealing to a broad audience while maintaining a deeply personal narrative. The song remains one of his most popular and critically acclaimed works, showcasing his exceptional talent for emotionally charged songwriting.

Key elements:

• Melancholic melody: The somber tune perfectly complements the lyrical content.
• Vulnerable lyrics: XXXTentacion's honesty makes the song deeply relatable.
• Universal themes: The exploration of depression resonates with listeners on a deep emotional level.

4. "Changes" - A Reflection on Personal Growth

"Changes" offers a more introspective side of XXXTentacion. The song reflects on personal growth, self-reflection, and the complexities of life. The softer, more melodic approach, in comparison to his more aggressive tracks, showcases the range of his artistic capabilities. This song demonstrates his ability to transition between different sonic palettes, making him a truly versatile artist. Its calm demeanor belies a profound emotional depth, resonating particularly with listeners seeking introspection and understanding.

Key elements:

• Melodic approach: The song features a softer, more melodic soundscape.
• Introspective lyrics: The lyrics explore themes of personal growth and self-reflection.
• Emotional depth: Despite its calmer tone, the song carries profound emotional weight.

5. "Revenge" - A Darker, More Aggressive Track

"Revenge" showcases a different side of XXXTentacion's artistry, embracing darker and more aggressive themes. The song's powerful beat and harsh lyrics delve into anger, betrayal, and the desire for retribution. While controversial, the track highlights his ability to explore complex and challenging emotional territories through his music. This song, despite its aggressive nature, still displays a level of artistic skill and provides a counterpoint to his more melancholic works.

Key elements:

• Powerful beat: The hard-hitting rhythm intensifies the song's aggression.
• Harsh lyrics: The lyrics explore themes of anger, betrayal, and revenge.
• Artistic range: The song showcases XXXTentacion's versatility as an artist.

6. "Moonlight" - A Dreamy and Atmospheric Track

"Moonlight" offers a stark contrast to the more aggressive songs in his discography, showcasing a dreamy and atmospheric soundscape. The song's ethereal melody and introspective lyrics create a captivating and immersive listening experience. The song's ethereal soundscape demonstrates his ability to create music that transcends typical genre boundaries. It's a testament to his versatility and his willingness to experiment with different musical styles.

Key elements:

• Ethereal melody: The dreamy melody creates an atmospheric soundscape.
• Introspective lyrics: The lyrics explore themes of introspection and reflection.
• Sonic versatility: The song showcases XXXTentacion's ability to create music outside his typical sound.

7. "Hope" - A Message of Optimism and Resilience

"Hope," as its title suggests, offers a message of optimism and resilience. Despite the darkness and despair that pervade some of his other work, this song offers a glimmer of light, expressing a desire for a better future and a belief in the power of hope. This track offers an important counterpoint to his more pessimistic themes, showcasing a more positive and uplifting aspect of his artistry. It reminds listeners that even in the face of adversity, hope can prevail.

Key elements:

• Uplifting message: The song conveys a positive and hopeful message.
• Resilient themes: The lyrics explore the power of hope and resilience.
• Emotional balance: The track balances the darker themes present in other songs.

8. "Orlando" - A Personal and Reflective Song

"Orlando," a deeply personal song named after his hometown, offers a reflective look at his life and experiences. The song delves into themes of loss, struggle, and the complexities of identity. The song’s intimate nature offers a glimpse into XXXTentacion’s personal life and struggles, creating a more relatable and human connection with the audience. It's a powerful testament to his songwriting skills and his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.

Key elements:

• Personal reflection: The lyrics offer a glimpse into XXXTentacion's life.
• Themes of struggle: The song explores themes of loss, struggle, and identity.
• Intimate connection: The song's personal nature fosters a deeper connection with listeners.

9. "King of the Dead" - A Bold and Confident Track

"King of the Dead" showcases a bold and confident side of XXXTentacion, solidifying his presence in the hip-hop scene. The song's dark yet captivating beat, coupled with defiant lyrics, underscores his self-assuredness and ambition. This track exemplifies his ability to seamlessly blend aggression and introspection, a hallmark of his distinct style.

Key elements:

• Dark and captivating beat: The rhythm enhances the song's defiant mood.
• Defiant lyrics: The lyrics express self-assurance and ambition.
• Bold artistry: The song demonstrates XXXTentacion's assertive artistic persona.

10. "Falling Down" - A Collaboration Highlighting Versatility

"Falling Down," a collaboration with Lil Peep, highlights XXXTentacion's versatility and his ability to work effectively with other artists. The song seamlessly blends both artists' distinctive styles, resulting in a track that is both emotionally resonant and musically captivating. The collaboration showcases XXXTentacion's musical chemistry with other artists, and the track stands as a powerful testament to his ability to create meaningful musical collaborations.

Key elements:

• Musical collaboration: The song showcases XXXTentacion's collaborative skills.
• Blending of styles: The track effectively combines the styles of both artists.
• Emotional depth: The song maintains the emotional resonance present in XXXTentacion’s solo work.

XXXTentacion's music continues to spark debate and discussion, but the sheer artistry and emotional depth of his work cannot be denied. These ten songs represent a crucial entry point into understanding the complex and contradictory legacy of a tragically lost musical talent. They offer a glimpse into his multifaceted personality and artistic vision, highlighting his influence on a generation of musicians and listeners. His impact on music, while controversial, remains undeniable.