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10 Songs That’ll Stop U in Ur Trax (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]10 Songs That’ll Stop U in Ur Trax features music courtesy of Journey, Lyrical Lemonade, Michael Jackson, The Supremes, and Victoria Monét. 

STOP 🛑 !!! You must stop! Previously, in 2019, The Musical Hype made you stop, and we’re at it again in 2024.  Back in ’19, the power of the playlist unveiled 13 Songs That’ll Make You Stop What You’re Doing… or did make you stop what you were doing.  Now, nearly five years later, we’re making you stop in your tracks with 10 Songs That’ll Stop U in Ur Trax. 10 Songs That’ll Stop U in Ur Trax features music courtesy of Journey, Lyrical Lemonade, Michael Jackson, The Supremes, and Victoria Monét among others. The keyword is… STOP… duh! So, without further ado, be prepared to STOP 🛑 with these songs right here!


1. Lyrical Lemonade & Dave, “Stop Giving Me Advice” (Ft. Jack Harlow) 

💿 All Is Yellow🏷 Lyrical Lemonade LLC / Def Jam • 🗓 2024 

Lyrical Lemonade & Dave, Stop Giving Me Advice [📷: Lyrical Lemonade, LLC / Def Jam]Four words: “Stop givin’ me advice.” Ah, we’ve all said some form of those words. “Stop Giving Me Advice” the song makes a collaboration between Lyrical Lemonade and Dave featuring Jack Harlow. “Stop Giving Me Advice” is set to appear on the Lyrical Lemonade album, All Is Yellow (arrives January 26, 2024). This four minute rap track features chill vibes, compelling flows, and some memorable bars. If nothing else comes from the song, clearly, it’s time to stop giving advice to someone who doesn’t want it! “Stop Giving Me Advice” was produced by a team comprised of Hollywood Cole, Daz, Rascal, Matthew Tavares, and Angel Lopez.    

Lyrical Lemonade, All Is Yellow [📷: Lyrical Lemonade, LLC / Def Jam]Jack Harlow dominates “Stop Giving Me Advice” early on.  His first verse is filled with questions, all phrased with ‘Have you ever.’ That leads to the simple chorus where the advice is unwanted! In the second verse, he asserts, “All this unsolicited advice from the guys gettin’ booked for a quarter of  my price / All this red carpet shit, brand partnerships, I must’ve let y’all forget that boy nice.” Oh, snap! Again, advice unnecessary! As for Dave, he drops an entertaining third verse, made all the more charming by his British accent: “I’m a lone survivor, and the way I spell lone is A-L-O-A-N / I don’t ever wanna spend on a ho again / But I’m a fuckin’ feminist, so I go again.” Woo! All in all, encouraging the stoppage of unsolicited advice never sounded better than it does on “Stop Giving Me Advice”. Is this song a playlist enhancer? Methinks!   


2. Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., “Nothing Can Stop Me”   

💿 I Hope We Get to Love in Time🏷 Sony BMG Music Entertainment • 🗓 1976

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr., I Hope We Get to Love in Time [📷: Sony BMG Music Entertainment]Soul duo + married couple Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. are best known for “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)”, an awesome 70s R&B classic that won a Grammy! This ace in the hole commences their 1976 album, I Hope We Get to Love in Time.  That said, there’s another marvelous gem from the same album, “Nothing Can Stop Me”, that’s become a popular source for sampling. Notably, it was first recorded by The Dells in 1974, with a rendition by Cissy Houston following in 1975. Thematically, McCoo & Davis Jr. tackle love. In the centerpiece, the chorus, they lay it all out: “Nothing in the whole wide world can keep me from you / Nothing and nobody can stop me from loving you.” McCoo & Davis Jr. take turns professing their love for one another on the verses.  “If I have to climb a mountain / I’m gonna climb that mountain,” Davis Jr. sings in the first.  McCoo responds: “If I have to swim the ocean / I’m going to swim the ocean.” You get the idea, and it’s a total vibe.  While the songwriting is relatable and those vocals are buttery smooth and idiomatic of 70s soul, arguably the biggest selling point of “Nothing Can Stop Me” is the lush production work (Don Davis).  It’s beautiful with the refined sounds of horns, strings – that orchestral treatment! No wonder those riffs have been sampled, particularly the strings. “Nothing Can Stop Me” is a timeless classic that still sounds fresh in the 2020s.  

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3. Michael Jackson, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”  

💿 Off the Wall 🏷 MJJ Productions Inc. • 📅 1979

Michael Jackson, Off The Wall [📷: MJJ Productions Inc.]“You know, I was / I was wondering, you know / If you could keep on / Because the force / It’s got a lot of power / And it make me feel like, ah / It make me feel like…ooh!” Ooh, indeed! Michael Jackson commences his 1979 album, Off The Wall, with a bang! “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” sets the tone for a magnificent album far overshadowed by Thriller which arrived three years later.  It should come as no surprise that “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” was one of 13 number one hits by Jackson on the pop charts.  This exuberant, jubilant disco joint spent just one week atop the Billboard Hot 100, but has been certified multiplatinum by the RIAA.  Likewise, Off The Wall, to date, has been certified platinum nine times – just shy of diamond status.   This infectious six minute joint was written by Jackson, while the iconic Quincy Jones produces.   

Bitmoji Image“So, get closer (Closer now ) / To my body now / Just love me / ‘Til you don’t know how,” MJ sings spiritedly in the first verse. In the second, the young, once in a life time talent asserts, “So, let love take us through the hours / I won’t be complainin’ / ‘Cause this is love power.” Indeed, indeed, indeed! Love is a force on “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” hence why Jackson states in the infectious, rhythmic chorus, “Keep on with the force, don’t stop / Don’t stop ‘til you get enough.” Besides strong songwriting, and prodigious vocals, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” also gives us a banging instrumental.  The groove is EVERYTHING! The rhythm section is in the pocket – locked in – while those winds and strings only up the ante.  Take one listen and you’re hooked to “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” which earned Jackson his first Grammy award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male.  Also, the record was nominated for Best Disco Recording, but lost to… Gloria Gaylor for “I Will Survive”. Understandable!  

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4. Victoria Monét, “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)” 

💿 JAGUAR II 🏷 Lovett Music, Inc. / RCA • 🗓 2023

Victoria Monét, JAGUAR II [📷: Lovett Music, Inc. / RCA]Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Victoria Monét clearly has a great deal of love and respect for R&B. It shows consistently from start to finish on her 2023 debut album, JAGUAR II. One of the best moments from JAGUAR II comes on “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt),” which initiates with an ear catching intro.  The soul cues are full force – bass line, horns, harmonic progression, etc. The unapologetic chorus takes the cake, finding Monét showcasing plenty of personality. Sure, the profanity stands out, but more impressive are the fair share of unpredictable moments, making “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt”)  truly engaging, fun, and unique. “These niggas always want somethin’,” she sings in the chorus, adding, “But nigga, I want somethin’ too / I want you to stop.” WORD!   


5. Corey Taylor, “CMFT Must Be Stopped” (Ft. Tech N9ne & Kid Bookie) 

💿 CMFT 🏷 Roadrunner • 📅 2020

Corey Taylor, CMFT [📷: Roadrunner]“I don’t need nothin’ (Not a motherfuckin’ thing) / What’s my name (C-motherfuckin’-T).” Oh, brother! OMFG! Like the song title, “CMFT Must Be Stopped”, Corey Taylor did, indeed, need to be stopped! For one reason, “CMFT Must Be Stopped” runs more than five minutes in duration – cut that shit off, Corey! Furthermore, rap rock is always a risk that far too seldom does it yield rewards.  “CMFT Must Be Stopped” is a prime example where one loses brain cells while listening to total shit … one of the worst songs of 2020, PERIOD! “Wait a moment, this whole time I was hoping for / An emotional reunion and another fucking quick annulment,” CMFT raps, adding, “Can’t hurt a symbol when it’s burned in the brass / Quite accustomed to getting my way and kicking your ass.” K… Neither Kid Bookie (verse two) or the honorable Tech N9ne (verse three) save this pathetic ‘low light’ from CMFT.  Not being ageist, but honestly, didn’t we expect better from the then 46-year-old decorated and experienced musician like Taylor? Simply put, ““CMFT Must Be Stopped” wasn’t it in 2020, and still ain’t it in 2024. Yup, this is definitely a song that’ll stop u in ur trax!

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6. Journey, “Don’t Stop Believin’”  

💿 Escape 🏷 Columbia • 📅 1981

Journey, Escape [📷: Sony]“Just a small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world / She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere…” Can you say, ICONIC to nth degree. “Don’t Stop Believin’” marked one of six top-10 hits by beloved, Grammy-nominated rock band, Journey.  The ubiquitous, high flying rock gem appears on the band’s 1981 album, EscapeEscape eventually peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard 200, and has been certified diamond by the RIAA. Kind of a big deal!  As for “Don’t Stop Believin’” itself, it peaked at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has been certified multiplatinum. “Don’t Stop Believin’” was composed by Neal Schon (guitar), Steve Perry (lead singer), and Jonathan Cain (keyboards / rhythm guitar). Kevin Elson and the late Mike Stone produced the band’s ace in the hole.  

Bitmoji Image“A singer in a smoky room / The smell of wine and cheap perfume,” Steve Perry sings, assertively and dynamically in the second verse, adding, “For a smile, they can share the night / It goes on and on and on and on.” Woo! That precedes one of the biggest moments of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” the timeless pre-chorus, led by those “Strangers waitin’ / Up and down the boulevard.” After another pair of verses, another iteration of the pre-chorus, and a rousing guitar solo (get it Neal), Perry unleashes the chorus, uttering the titular lyrics thrice: “Don’t stop believin’ / Hold on to that feelin’ / Streetlights, people…” Beyond dynamic vocals by Perry, catchy lyrics, and tuneful melodies, the 80s rock aesthetic, captured by exuberant production, is lit. Besides those guitars, what about those keys 🎹? Woo! Who said the ‘ivories’ can’t rock?! Little analysis is necessary to express the glory and sheer excellence that is the crowd pleasing, rock banger, “Don’t Stop Believin’” – it speaks for itself 🤘.

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7. The Supremes, “Stop! In The Name of Love”  

💿 More Hits by The Supremes 🏷 Motown • 📅 1965

The Supremes, More Hits By The Supremes [📷: Motown]The Supremes, one of Motown’s iconic collectives, have 12 no. 1 hits to their name.  That is nothing short of epic! Sadly, a Grammy has eluded Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson, among other members throughout the years.  Even without that statuette, The Supremes don’t need the validation of an award as their timeless hits speak for themselves. Among those marvelous number ones is the show stopping, “Stop! In The Name of Love”, which spent two weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.  Appearing as the fourth track from More Hits by The Supremes, which was released in 1965, it was penned by Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, and Lamont Dozier.  What a team! Brian and Lamont also produced this exuberant classic.  

 

heart halo“Stop in the name of love / Before your break my heart,” The Supremes sing utterly sublimely on the centerpiece, the chorus. The urge him to, “Think it over.” Sound advice! Beyond the tuneful chorus, the verses are superb too. The girls know this man isn’t faithful. Diana Ross sings, “I watch you walk down the street / Knowing your other love you’ll meet.” Adding to potential devastating matters of the heart, “But this time, before you run to her / Leaving me alone and hurt / (Think it over).” Besides the fun songwriting, and fabulous vocals by the group, the instrumental is marvelous too, including the use of organ, amplifying the soul, and the use of vibraphone and articulated horns.  Honestly, there’s not much to ‘think over’ when it comes to the quality of “Stop! In The Name of Love” – it’s the cat’s meow!  

 

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8. Eric Clapton, “This Has Gotta Stop”  

🎵 “This Has Gotta Stop” • 🏷 EPC Enterprises • 🗓 2021  

Eric Clapton, This Has Gotta Stop [📷: EPC Enterprises]Being anti-vax during a global pandemic is controversial. Eric Clapton, who has a checkered past with controversy, struck up ‘his old friend’ once more with anti-vax protest song, “This Has Gotta Stop”.  Protesting something you’re passionate about is your right.  The problem is, this protest feels counterproductive, fueling right-wing extremism and prolonging this hellish pandemic.  COVID-19 has been hell – we can all agree on that – but Mr. Clapton takes things next level. He has personal issues with vaccination given the ill effects he suffered coupled with his neuropathy. “I can’t move my hands / I break out in sweat,” he sings, continuing, I wanna cry / Can’t take it anymore.” The problem is the fact that Clapton seems to advise everyone against being vaccinated because of his own adverse reaction.  Furthermore, he takes the right-wing opinion that everything is an infringement on liberty regardless of the intent to return to pre-pandemic freedom enjoyed pre-pandemic: 

“And I’m used to being free  

I know who I am  

Try to do what’s right  

So, lock me up and throw away the key.” 

The most damning lines: “It’s gone far enough / If you wanna claim my soul / You’ll have to come break down this door.” Like the song itself, the “This Has Gotta Stop” the music video echoes the free spirit of the song.  While the anti-vax community cheers, “This Has Gotta Stop” irks me, and I wasn’t the only one that felt this way.  

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9. McFadden & Whitehead, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”  

💿 McFadden & Whitehead🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 🗓 1979

McFadden & Whitehead, McFadden & Whitehead [📷: Sony Music Entertainment]“Ain’t no stoppin’ us now / We’re on the move / Ain’t no stoppin’ us now / We’ve got the groove.” Indeed, McFadden & Whitehead, indeed! The duo comprised of late singers/songwriters/producers Gene McFadden (1949 – 2006) and John Whitehead (1948 – 2004) struck gold with their 1979 song, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”.  “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” appeared on their debut album, 💿 McFadden & Whitehead.  This groovy, infectious R&B/funk/disco cut experienced its fair share of pop success.  It peaked at no. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It performed even better on the R&B songs chart, reaching no. 1.  Furthermore, the gem was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group, or Chorus. Despite the success of “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” they’d never chart another entry on the pop charts.  They did, however, earn additional entries on the R&B charts.

awww yeahWhat makes “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” the beloved hit that it is? Well, it’s a continued flex of the Philadelphia soul movement, which was one of soul’s best and most vibrant.  The production is fire, which is idiomatic of R&B generally, and more specifically, idiomatic of Philly soul. The musicians are top-notch with a talented rhythm section, utterly sublime strings, and awesome background vocalists Evette Benton, Carla Benson, and Barbara Ingram, who graced many Philly soul records. McFadden and Whitehead penned and produced the opening track from their self-titled album alongside Jerry Cohen, who plays keyboard. Whitehead handles the lead vocals in the verses, with McFadden and background vocalists performing in the pre-chorus, and all join forces on the unstoppable chorus.  “We’re puttin’ ourselves together / We’re polishing up our act,” Whitehead asserts in the first verse, adding, “And if you’ve ever been held down before / I know you refuse to be held down any more.” All told, “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” is seven minutes of glorious music which still packs a mean punch more than 40 years after its arrival.   

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10. The Stylistics, “Stop, Look, Listen (to Your Heart)”   

💿 The Stylistics – The Original Debut Album 🏷 Amherst • 🗓 1971      

The Stylistics, The Stylistics – The Original Debut Album [📷: Amherst]“Stop, look / Listen to your heart, hear what it’s saying / Stop, look / Listen to your heart, hear what it’s saying / Love, love, love.” Yes, The Stylistics, YES! “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)” marks a stellar joint by this stellar soul collective.  Like some of the big hits off The Stylistics (1971), “Stop, Look, Listen” was penned by Thom Bell and Linda Creed. Bell helps to craft that lush, signature Philly soul sound, one of the best things to come out of the 1970s. Ample credit also goes to lead singer Russell Thompkins, Jr., who sounds amazing, wowing with a ripe falsetto.  The theme is matters of the heart, but have they ever sounded better than in the hands of this fivesome?  Thompkins and company encourage allowing yourself to L-O-V-E on this magnificent opener!    

“Though you try, you can’t hide   

All the things you really feel, this time decide   

That you will open up, let it in   

There’s no shame in sharing love you keep within.”    

The Stylistics ‘put in work’ on this entire The Stylistics album beyond “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)”.  Honestly, music just doesn’t sound like this anymore. “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)” is a surefire classic gem!

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10 Songs That’ll Stop U in Ur Trax (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amherst, Columbia, Def Jam, EPC Enterprises, Lovett Music, Inc., Lyrical Lemonade LLC, MJJ Productions Inc., Motown, RCA, Roadrunner, Sony Music Entertainment; OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

 

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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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