The song at #18 on my list of 100 Best Songs of the 2010s is “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” by Two Feet. I was blown away the moment I first heard the dark and sultry song in early spring 2018, and quickly became a devoted fan of the New York City-based singer-songwriter and producer. Born Zachary William “Bill” Dess, he’s one of the finest blues guitarists making music today, in my opinion. His incredible guitar work, combined with his seductive yet vulnerable vocals, make for music that’s both affecting and appealing. His songs are slow burns, characterized by soulful, smoldering vocals, intense, bluesy riffs, cool jazz and hip-hop undertones, and booming synth bass grooves that cut straight to our cores. He also writes brutally honest and compelling lyrics that deeply resonate with his fans. As another writer so beautifully stated: “his songs are the soundtrack for staying up late into the night, aching to figure out how to remedy heartbreak, anxiety, and uncertainty.”

Two Feet records and performs his music with the assistance of his longtime keyboardist/drummer Geoffrey Hufford (aka Huff), who is adept at delivering the deep, floor-rattling synthesized bass that gives his music such incredible power and depth. He first gained notoriety in 2017 when the video for his first single “Go Fuck Yourself” went viral. “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” is about drowning in a toxic relationship, but could have also described his own mental state during the summer of 2018 as the pressures of fame and professional commitments took their toll on his emotional well-being. The song was later included on his debut album A 20 Something Fuck, and reached #1 on the Billboard Alternative chart.

You keep dreaming and dark scheming
Yeah, you do
You’re a poison and I know that is the truth
All my friends think you’re vicious
And they say you’re suspicious
You keep dreaming and dark scheming
Yeah, you do

I feel like I’m drowning (I’m drowning)
You’re holding me down and (holding me down)
You’re killing me slow (so slow, oh no)
I feel like I’m drowning (I’m drowning)

You’re so plastic and that’s tragic
Just for you
I don’t know what the hell you gonna do
When your looks start depleting
And your friends all start leaving
You’re so plastic and that’s tragic
Just for you

I feel like I’m drowning (I’m drowning)
You’re holding me down and (holding me down)
You’re killing me slow (so slow, oh no)
I feel like I’m drowning (I’m drowning)

(My life’s okay)
Yeah, just when you’re not around me
(My life’s okay)
Just when you’re not around me
(My life’s okay)
Just when you’re not around me
(My life’s okay)

I feel like I’m drowning (I’m drowning)
You’re holding me down and (holding me down)
You’re killing me slow (so slow, oh no)
I feel like I’m drowning (I’m drowning)

The erotic black and white video for the song was directed by fellow musician Absofacto and produced by Alexander Norton.

I had the pleasure of seeing Two Feet perform in Los Angeles in November 2018 (you can read my review of that concert here).