Top 100 Songs of 2010-19: #15

#15
Raphael Saadiq – “Go to Hell”
Stone Rollin’ (2011)

First of all, don’t let the title throw you – the song definitely isn’t an attack on the listener (or anyone else for that matter), the opening line reveals that Saadiq is just “Tryin’ to do my best not to go to hell”. That’s what it’s all about on this four-minute slab of finely produced gospel-soul, an ode to doing the right thing, showing the love to your fellow person, and bringing the people together. Blessed with a golden voice and charisma for days, Saadiq effortlessly ladles on the charm while also tapping into some deep emotions, culminating in a jubilant, uplifting finale. When he finally cuts loose and vamps out over the backing choir’s refrain of “Let love bring us together”, well… if you’re anything like me you’ll be feeling chills after one listen and singing along emphatically after two.