NF’s third effort “Fear” is relatable and worth the time

Nathan “NF” Feuerstein is an award-winning rapper and artist who released his third extended play (EP), “Fear,” on November 14th. NF is known for his down-to-earth, Christian, relatable rhymes and songs about mental health issues.

I love all the songs NF has released on this EP – which I honestly can’t say about every project –, but I thought it would be fun to rank them from one to six and share my thoughts on them. I have sixty of NF’s songs saved in my Spotify, he is one of – if not – my favorite artists. Unfortunately, I don’t know the first thing about music, so my review won’t be very analytical.

6. WASHED UP

“I’ll be lyin’ through my teeth if I said I don’t think my moment passed.”

In “WASHED UP,” NF tells the audience that he thinks he might be past his prime. He talks about how he’s afraid he’s not who he used to be, and that this has negatively impacted his career and brand.

I think this song is good. “Am I washed up?” is probably a question that we’re all going to ask ourselves at some point in our lives, regardless of our career field. However, I’ve placed it at rank six because I don’t personally relate to this one, and there isn’t anything in it that really blows me away. Again, I like it – the beat and lyrics are good – but it’s just not for me.

5. I’M SORRY

“I wish I had held you close and given you what you deserve, but that’s what everybody says when it’s too late to fix a bridge that’s burned.”

“I’M SORRY,” is a song about regret and ruined relationships. In it, the character(s) are singing about how they wish they had done better.

I don’t honestly think there’s much more to say about this one. It’s a bit more relatable and universal than “WASHED UP,” which is why I’ve ranked it higher, but again, there’s nothing really in this song that’s blowing me away. Both artists perform really well on it; it’s a good track. 

4. FEAR

“Told the world I was sick of running, then went back to running, what a joke.”

In FEAR, NF follows his classic formula of opening up the EP and giving us a glimpse into what’s been going on in his life. This song is especially prominent for its Christian themes, with NF repeatedly asking God, “Is this what You wanted?” in the last half. He also alludes to his “Mansion” album and the songs it references in FEAR, singing about how the mansion is burning to ashes.

I worry that, as an NF fan, I’m going to get shot or harassed for ranking this song at number four. This is the song NF teased before the album dropped, and it’s the most listened-to song on the EP, with 12,448,263 plays at the time of writing. 

This song is really well made, both the lyrics and the beat. If you’ve ever tried running from vice or bad habits, you’ve likely relapsed more than once. This song is especially relatable in that way. There are a lot of us out there who are afraid and worried about our future. FEAR captures those kinds of emotions perfectly.

This song is also a great starting point in the album because it demonstrates NF and his producers’ understanding of music and the creative process. The song starts simply. Simple phrases, then NF starts rapping over a guitar. By the end, there are choirs, drums, piano, strings; everything in the beat is just going crazy. 

3. GIVE ME A REASON

“Enough with the love, I need to be hated again.”

In “GIVE ME A REASON,” NF talks about how he’s missing the hunger and determination that once defined his career. He sings about “needing a reason” to grind again. To prove everyone wrong and keep releasing hits. The song is humorous and NF vents about current and former fears and experiences in a clever way. He’s also stating that he knows he’s at the top of the industry and that he needs a reason to work hard.

This is the “hype song” of this EP, and it’s just awesome. This song honestly sounds a bit like Feuerstein’s intrusive thoughts; it’s funny and upbeat. With the recent Drake-Kendrick Lamar beef, this song really makes me wonder. Honestly, I wish we had some equivalent of that with NF. I know already that he’d obliterate anyone who tried starting beef with him, but I’d still love to see it happen just so that he could prove to the world that he can.

2. WHO I WAS

“Try to regulate, don’t know how, wasn’t taught that in my house.”

In WHO I WAS, NF and MGK sing about who they used to be and the experiences that have made them who they are. The guitar featured throughout the rest of the EP is especially prominent; themes of fire and ash are emphasized throughout the course. 

This song is honestly tied with GIVE ME A REASON for the second place spot in my own mind, but there can’t be two second places in this list. I’ve chosen to put it above GIVE ME A REASON because of the content of the song. MGK absolutely kills it in this track. It’s incredible how much pain, emotion, and determination he manages to convey through his lines and rhymes.

NF’s own part is vulnerable and open. The way that the piano fades in and out of the song to emphasize his lyrics is beautiful. Even though I’m not a parent, I’ve also worked in child care and relate to the end of this song where he’s hoping his kids don’t end up like him. It’s so bittersweet seeing children smile – before the world has its chance to inflict pain and misery on them – and oftentimes in spite of it – and NF captures that bittersweet feeling beautifully.

If HOME isn’t a song you relate to and you only listen to one song on this EP, make it this one.

1. HOME

“This ain’t the end, you’re not gone, you just found a new place to call home.”

“HOME” is about NF’s grandma and the grief he’s felt since her passing. He alludes to the event in FEAR, but this song is really dedicated to his grandma. Grief is something universal, and this song encapsulates everything that comes with it. If you only listen to one song from this EP, it should be this one.

I lost someone extremely important to me back in January. I couldn’t possibly hope to convey the emotions and feelings I’ve been through better than NF in this song. The lyrics and the gentle guitar are tender and soft, and it evolves into something epic. This is one of the few songs where NF actually sings rather than raps, and his voice is beautiful.

Because of what’s happened, this song really feels like one that’s “mine” and acts as an outlet for these emotions. I especially love how in the lines “No need to rush, it’s all right,” it sounds like he’s reassuring himself and the audience that, despite what’s happened, everything is going to be okay. 

Aside from the personal connection I have to this song, this piece is NF in a nutshell. Relatable lyrics, a topic he’s passionate about, and an epic beat progression throughout the song. Even though he’s not rapping, this song is still NF at his best.