Momma was right: You should always eat your fruits and vegetables, and perhaps the only thing better than those nutritious treats are songs about ‘em.
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In honor of D.R.A.M. and Lil Yachty’s Billboard Hot 100 hit “Broccoli” (currently sitting at No. 29 on the list), here’s a crudité plate of other tracks that would make any mother proud. Bon appétit.
“Peaches N Cream” by Snoop Dogg feat. Charlie Wilson or “Peaches and Cream” by 112
Leave it to Snoop to make a song about something as innocent as a peach so darn sexual. Featuring Charlie Wilson, the bumpin’ 2015 track is all about Snoop pleading that he “wants to get with you.” Whether he’s referring to hitting up a farm stand or heading back to his place is up for debate. (OK, it’s the latter.) If you’re in the mood for some raunchy R&B, there’s also the 112 hit similarly titled “Peaches and Cream.”
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“Tangerine” by Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin’s legendary 1970 track is a dreamy folk-rock classic oozing with sweetness. Looking beyond the song’s laid-back demeanor, frontman Jimmy Page is singing about a long lost love while belting out the name of the tiny citrus fruit in the track’s catchy chorus. It’s a perfectly ripe Zeppelin jam when the band was at its apex.
“Collard Greens” by ScHoolboy Q feat. Kendrick Lamar
Try this challenge: Don’t bop your head while listening to this ScHoolboy Q jam. You’ll quickly realize it’s impossible, as ScHoolboy and Kendrick Lamar spit about the virtues of everyone’s favorite Southern side dish. They’re probably not just referring to the leafy vegetable (it’s a metaphor, folks), but this track will make you yearn for a plate of collard greens with biscuits and fried green tomatoes nonetheless.
“Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles
No good-for-you playlist would be complete without John, Paul, George and Ringo’s fruity landmark single that peaked at No. 8 on the Hot 100 in 1967. The track actually refers to the name of a Salvation Army children’s home close to where John Lennon grew up, and its deep lyrics and unforgettable melody made it one of Lennon’s proudest personal accomplishments.
“Diced Pineapples” by Rick Ross feat. Wale and Drake
Rick Ross’ 2012 slow jam, co-starring Wale and Drake, is an equally sweet and raunchy affair. While Ross probably isn’t eating the high-calorie snack these days (the Bawse recently lost upward of 100 pounds), this song is a cheat meal worth chowing down on.
“Squash Squash” by Blood Orange
This track mixes a fruity title with a citrusy artist. From Blood Orange’s acclaimed album Freetown Sound, “Squash Squash” features a sultry sax solo and Hynes’ smooth vocals, a perfect soundtrack to cooking or a game of squash.
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“Canned Tomatoes (Whole)” by Courtney Barnett
This track by Australian rocker Barnett is a highlight live and boasts a repetitive guitar riff that’s almost as tasty as everyone’s favorite red veggie. Much like a can of tomatoes, the song gets more savory as it plays thanks to its unique mix of layered instrumentation.
“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson
As breezy and easygoing as a lazy Sunday morning, Jack Johnson’s 2005 staple is literally about a nice plate of banana pancakes. Chock-full of lovey-dovey language and a guitar riff that feels like it was born in a beach house, the track comes across as sweet, fluffy and warm.
“Mrs. Potato Head” by Melanie Martinez
From Martinez’s incredible debut album Cry Baby, “Mrs. Potato Head” offers melodic commentary on the shallowness of society and less about veggies, including a scathing critique of plastic surgery. With lyrics like “Does a new face come with a warranty?,” Martinez succeeds by making a bold statement so damn catchy.
“Green Onions” by Booker T and the M.G.’s
While onions may sting the eyes, Booker T’s “Green Onions” goes easy on the ears. The classic instrumental makes the Hammond organ shine, and while many think the track is alluding to marijuana, its title was actually inspired by a cat named Onions. The song made such a mark on American music that in 2012, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.