10 Songs That Intriguingly Use Samples

Producers, musicians, and beatmakers have been using samples for decades. You might think you can spot a sample when you hear it, but you may be surprised to learn that some of the biggest songs of the past year featured intriguing samples.

Lil Nas X – Old Town Road

Although first released in December 2018, it gained major-label traction in 2019. Notable for its country-rap sound, it sparked debate about its chart placement. The song features a banjo-led sample from “34 Ghosts IV,” an instrumental by Nine Inch Nails.

Camila Cabello – Liar

2019 was a significant year for Camila Cabello with the release of her second album, Romance. “Liar” showcases her signature style, blending Latin trap, flamenco, and a ska-pop chorus. Did you catch the samples from “All That She Wants” by Ace of Base and “All Night Long (All Night)” by Lionel Richie? Listen again!

Avicii – SOS

In 2019, the dance music world mourned the passing of Avicii. His third posthumous album, Tim, features the somber track “SOS,” with vocals from Aloe Blacc. The hook and melody borrow from TLC’s hit “No Scrubs,” with Blacc suggesting, “I don’t need no drugs.”

Ariana Grande – 7 Rings

Ariana Grande uses “My Favorite Things” by Rodgers and Hammerstein from The Sound of Music as the driving melody for the verses in “7 Rings,” a song about treating her friends instead of men.

Maroon 5 – Memories

Maroon 5 makes interesting use of Pachelbel’s Canon in “Memories,” a heartfelt tribute to their manager who passed away in 2017. The song beautifully incorporates the melody and harmonic sequence from this classical piece.

The Chemical Brothers – Got To Keep On

The Chemical Brothers have mastered the art of sampling over their 30-year career. “Got To Keep On” features an unexpected blend of Peter Brown’s disco hit “Dance With Me” and poetry by Rod McKuen. It’s a weird combination that works beautifully.

James Blake – Can’t Believe the Way We Flow

In the introspective track “Can’t Believe the Way We Flow,” James Blake creates a trippy mix of his distinctive vocals with those of Motown group The Manhattans from “It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad.” Blake excels at crafting moody soundscapes, and this song is no exception.

Stormzy – Vossi Bop

Stormzy had a monumental year in 2019, headlining Glastonbury and releasing numerous hits. “Vossi Bop” features one of the most sampled breaks in history, Leslie West’s “Long Red.” It’s fascinating how 70s rock continues to influence hip-hop.

KH – Only Human

KH, also known as Kieran Hebden (Four Tet), was busy in 2019. “Only Human” generated buzz before its official release, as it awaited clearance to sample Nelly Furtado’s beautiful vocals from “Afraid.”

Caribou – Home

After a hiatus, Canadian artist Dan Snaith, under the name Caribou, returned in 2019 with “Home.” This short yet sweet track makes wonderful use of a song by Gloria Barnes of the same name.