10 Alluring Boyfriend or Girlfriend Songs | Playlist 🎧

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“10 Alluring Boyfriend or Girlfriend Songs” features music courtesy of Anderson East, Ariana Grande, Christine and the Queens, and Kevin Abstract.

“I’m not your boyfriend, baby / I ain’t your cute little sex toy.” Thank you 3OH!3 for informing us of such.  “We’re gonna have to tell him / You’ll only be a girlfriend of mine.” We got Michael Jackson – it’s noted.  And finally, “If I was your boyfriend, I’d never let you go / Keep you on my arm girl, you’d never be alone.” Gotcha Justin Bieber, and we totally ‘Belieb.’ The common thread of all three of those songs was the word ‘-friend’ with either ‘boy-’ or ‘girl-’attached. Our latest playlist comes it at a tight 10 songs, even if referencing “I’m Not Your Boyfriend Baby” (3OH!3), “Girlfriend” (Michael Jackson), and “Boyfriend” (Justin Bieber) technically makes it unlucky number 13, sigh.

10 Alluring Boyfriend or Girlfriend Songs features love-centric, or not-so-love-centric songs about boyfriends or girlfriends.  We keep things even by dropping five boyfriend and five girlfriend songs in alternating order.  Musicians fueling this soundtrack, fitting for Valentine’s day or any day of the year are Anderson East (“Girlfriend”), Ariana Grande (“Break up with your girlfriend, I’m bored”), Christine and the Queens (“Girlfriend”), and Kevin Abstract (“American Boyfriend”) among others. Prepare to fall in love y’all!

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1. Ariana Grande, “Break up with your girlfriend, I’m bored”

Thank u, next • Republic • 2019

“You got me some type of way / Ain’t used to feelin’ this way / I do not know what to say / But I know I shouldn’t think about it.” Hmm, yield not to temptation! In the context of thank u, next, the fifth studio album by Ariana Grande, “Break up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored” has the monstrous task of following number one hits “7 Rings” and “Thank U, Next”. Nonetheless, this girlfriend-driven fourth single from thank u, next is another worthwhile moment in all respects.

Grande continues to shine with stunning vocals, while the production remains slick, and the songwriting entertaining and ultimately, sound.

“Break up with your girlfriend
Yeah, yeah, ‘cause I’m bored
You could hit it in the mornin’
Yeah, yeah, like it’s yours
I know it ain’t right
But I don’t care
Break up with your girlfriend
Yeah, yeah, ‘cause I’m bored.”

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2. ZEE MACHINE, “If You Were My Boyfriend”

Brainchemistry (EP) • ZEE MACHINE • 2018

“I could be your one and all / Pin you up against the wall / And I’d make you feel so safe and sound / Take your picture secretly / Make it dirty just for me / And I’d use it when nobody’s around.” Ooh la la – someone’s crushing hard! Brainchemistry (2018) marks the debut EP from rising California pop artist ZEE MACHINE.  On the silky-smooth, urban-pop ballad “If You Were My Boyfriend,” ZEE MACHINE tells his potential man everything he’s willing to do to be a good partner to him.  Clearly, he’s made mistakes, something he highlights on the bridge, where he delivers some of his best vocals. Here, despite ample flaws (a wandering eye and beyond), he ultimately believes, “If you were my boyfriend,” he’d be a better person and fully committed.  Regardless where your sexuality lies, “If You Were My Boyfriend” is an incredibly relatable, superbly conceived record.

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3. Anderson East, “Girlfriend”

Encore • Elektra • 2018

“I think I’m in love, think I’m in love / I think I’m in love with your girlfriend.” Soulful singer-songwriter Anderson East delivers on the brief, but thrilling “Girlfriend”, the third single issued from his sophomore album, Encore. “Girlfriend” kicks off like a throwback soul record. The production certainly doesn’t sound like the majority of modern music but this is actually a major selling point.  Instead of trap percussion and wild synths, there are horns, piano, organ – all things 60s and 70s. East matches the vibe vocally, with his distinct, gritty, soulful pipes.

He’s authentic, invested, and incredibly playful with his performance.

“She’s putting me out there
And she got a look like she leaving
It looks like she knows what she’s wantin’
And I think I'm just what she's needin’.”

All in all, great vocals, great production, and a killer vibe makes “Girlfriend” ‘good stuff’ without question.

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4. Tyler Cassidy, “Boyfriend”

Piano Songs • Tyler Cassidy • 2018

“F that clown, he ain’t know ‘bout a thang / Look, I don’t see no engagement ring / You said that he did you dirty / So, what’s the harm in flirting, baby?” Rapper/singer Tyler Cassidy definitely isn’t playing around on the highlight, “Boyfriend” from his 2018 album, Piano Songs.  Profanely, Cassidy trashes his crush’s boyfriend, basically calling him everything but ‘a child of God.’  Cassidy sings with a hella feisty attitude throughout, accompanied only by rhythmic piano.

The crowning achievement of this most explicit diss to a no-good boyfriend is the chorus, which is brutally honest and hilarious at the same time.

“‘Cause your boyfriend’s a bitch
He ain’t shit, he can suck on my dick
I ain’t with all that shit
Why he do you like this?
When you’re home all alone
While he out fucking around with them hoes.”

What more can you say but da-yum. Compared to the first verse, the second is even more frank, as Cassidy urges her to “Leave that little bitch tonight, baby.” Sigh.

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5. Christine and the Queens, “Girlfriend”

Ft. Dâm -Funk

Chris • Because Music • 2018

“Boys are loading their arms, girls gasp with envy / F-f-for whom are they mimicking endlessly?” Christine and the Queens (Héloïse Letissier) returned with a bang in 2018 with the album Chris, specifically with the song at hand, “Girlfriend.” “Girlfriend” is a hella groovy alternative pop joint, thriving off its old-school, 80s sensibilities and vibe.  The synths are warm, the guitars super crisp, while Christine sounds poised – cool, calm, and collected – yet packs a punch in the same respect.  Of course, it’s easy to pack a punch with a couple of f-bombs throw into the mix, as well as some killer sexual innuendo (“Yes sir, I am wet, for I abandoned my fame in the lake” or “Came back steaming in sweats in the morning”).  The French doesn’t hurt either – “Touché, touché, touché, touché.”

The best moment of “Girlfriend” comes via the incredibly memorable chorus:

“Girlfriend
Don’t feel like a girlfriend
But lover
Damn, I’d be your lover.”

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6. Lauren Alaina, “Next Boyfriend”

Road Less Traveled • 19 Recordings • 2017

“You look a lot like my next boyfriend / I can’t believe how much you act like him / You and me, we’d be unbelievable / And I’m available.” American Idol runner-up and country singer Lauren Alaina doesn’t hold back her desired to get “Boo’d Up” with a certain guy on “Next Boyfriend,” a highlight from her 2017 sophomore album, The Road Less Traveled.  From the start, Alaina has her eyes on this hottie, asking forgiveness for staring and blaming it on “The white t-shirt that [he’s] wearing.”

On the second verse, Alaina continues to ratchet up her feelings and plan for the relationship, which of course has yet to be confirmed.  She sings:

“…I’ll probably give you my number
And you can call me anytime
I hope you like red lips, driveway kissing
‘Cause if you want it, baby, that’s what you’ll be getting.”

Yup, she’s really got the hots for him.

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7. Anne-Marie, “Bad Girlfriend”

Speak Your Mind • Asylum • 2018

“Your mum said that she hates me, thinks I’m fucking lazy / Your friends keep on telling you to leave me ‘cause I’m crazy / I do some shit you can’t forgive / But you better get used to it.” Wow… just wow. For better (or for worse), British pop singer Anne-Marie is best known for her collaboration with Marshmello, “FRIENDS”. Some enjoyed the friend-zone anthem, while others rolled their eyes real hard.  From the same 2018 album, Speak Your Mind, Anne-Marie gives us a fitting song for this boyfriend/girlfriend-centric affair, “Bad Girlfriend.”

The song title says it all.  Throughout the course of “Bad Girlfriend,” Anne-Marie details how much she sucks as a significant other.  The aforementioned pre-chorus perfectly exemplifies her deficiencies in the girlfriend department, while the chorus further finds her acting like a five-letter word rhyming with ‘witch.’

“I’m a bad girlfriend, I’m a bad girlfriend
You tell me your birthday, I forgot again
I’m a bad girlfriend, I’m a bad girlfriend
I can see you calling, I’m not answering
I’m laughing but I don’t think that you’re funny
I’m staying ‘cause you give me all your money
I’m a bad girlfriend
I’m a bad girlfriend
Huh, yeah.”

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8. Kevin Abstract, “American Boyfriend”

American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story • QUESTION EVERYTHING, INC. / EMPIRE • 2016

“Burn bridges, American boyfriend / No one knows, no one calls home / American boyfriend.” Kevin Abstract is best known as a member of hip-hop collective, BROCKHAMPTON. That said, prior to the breakout success of the band (IRIDESCENCE), and even before the three SATURATION LPs, Abstract released a solo album, American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story, in 2016.  Also, worth noting, Abstract is out and proud, and doesn’t shy away from referencing his sexual orientation.  Fittingly, we include “American Boyfriend,” the title track, and 14^th overall track from American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story.

“American Boyfriend” definitely doesn’t sound like your stand urban contemporary record.  The sound of this slow jam is idiomatic of alternative R&B, incorporating elements of alternative rock. Safe to say, the record is very much a vibe.  Lyrically, Kevin Abstract keeps things simple, yet, there’s another level of complexity given the effect sexuality has on his career and life.  On the second verse, which references dying, Abstract asserts, “My parents wanna kill me, let them kill me / I’ll finally be on TV.” He never says it outright on this record, but clearly, it’s a reference to his parents’ disapproval of homosexuality.

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9. Bea Miller, “Girlfriend”

Aurora • Hollywood • 2018

“I’m not part of your plan / I don’t need your love / I’m not a stranger to your touch / But it’s not enough / Maybe honesty is missing here / But our bodies say it easier.” Clearly, first and foremost, Disney actress/singer Bea Miller is “Not that innocent” to quote Britney Spears.  Why? On “Girlfriend,” the eighth track from her 2018 studio album aurora, Miller isn’t looking for love or a committed relationship – she just wants something more casual – sex.

No, Miller never utters the three-letter word on this enigmatic, vibe-filled gem, but the sexual innuendo is ripe and there for the taking.  On the first verse, she’s bothered that her ‘non-boyfriend’ is taking things more seriously than he should: “And you’re in the kitchen / Why the fuck is you cleaning? / ‘Cause you’re not my mind / Don’t get too comfortable in my skin.” On the second verse, Miller cries foul about him wanting to hang out, only desiring him “just for the night.” The chorus sums up the sentiment to perfection:

“I don’t wanna be your girlfriend
I just wanna play with your hair
When we get up in the morning
I’ll be better on my own, I swear
I don’t wanna be your girlfriend
I just wanna play with your hair
I prefer to tell the truth
But I’m not brave enough to lose what’s already there.”

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10. Tegan and Sara, “Boyfriend”

Love You to Death • Warner Bros. • 2016

Twin sisters Tegan and Sara are both openly gay. On “Boyfriend,” the duo is able to maneuver the heterosexual pop world, while making a notable statement in LGBTQ circles. “Boyfriend” seems cliché from the surface, built on platitudes that have turned into song lyrics for years.  However, given the homosexuality of Tegan and Sara adds a deeper, more meaningful social message.

The messaging entails a numerous scenarios encompassed within the LGBT community: relationship roles (best friend vs. boyfriend or girlfriend) and balancing the transition from hetero- to homosexuality. Hence, it explores closeted vs. being out of the closet.

“You treat me like your boyfriend
And trust me like a… like a very best friend
You kiss me like your boyfriend
You call me up like you want your best friend
You turn me on like you want your boyfriend
But I don’t want to be your secret anymore.”

Ultimately, “Boyfriend” paints a picture of unfairness within relationships.  One person is undecided on being “in” or “out,” toying with the feelings of person who’s “in” but being wronged.  Complicated!

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Photo Credits: 19 Recordings, Asylum, Because Music, Elektra, EMPIRE, Hollywood, Pexels, Pixabay, QUESTION EVERYTHING INC., Republic, Tyler Cassidy, Warner Bros., ZEE MACHINE

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