11 Alluring, RADIO Approved Songs | Playlist

11 Alluring, RADIO Approved Songs features music courtesy of Donna Summer, Esperanza Spalding, Jake Shears, Scissor Sisters, and Shinedown.  

“Lights out, guerrilla radio / Turn that shit up.” WOO, Rage Against The Machine – always bold, profane, and unapologetic! How about some “Radio” via Lana Del Rey? “Baby, love me ‘cause I’m playing on the radio / How do you like me now?” Then, there’s also the Grammy-winning duo Twenty One Pilots and “Car Radio”: “I have these thoughts so often, I ought / To replace that slot with what I once bought / ‘Cause somebody stole my car radio / And now I just sit in silence.”  What’s common among all three songs? Radio , DUH!  While none of those three, great radio songs appear on 11 Alluring, RADIO Approved Songs, we have plenty of fabulous radio songs on this musical compendium, period.  There’s some great music courtesy of Donna Summer, Esperanza Spalding, Jake Shears, Scissor Sisters, and Shinedown among others. So, without additional lyrical excerpts from songs that DON’T appear on the playlist, we dive right into 11 Alluring, RADIO Approved Songs! 

1. Jake Shears, “Radio Eyes”  

Last Man Dancing • Boys Keep Swinging Inc / Mute Artists Ltd. • 2023

“We’re glad you’ve made the decision to join us / You will feel rebuilt and transformed / You will have access to information that will expand what you understand as reality…” Say what?! “Radio Eyes” arrives as the penultimate song on Last Man Dancing, the stellar sophomore album by Jake Shears. Although it runs five-and-a-half minutes in duration, “Radio Eyes” is a worthwhile listen, nonetheless.  Notably, the intro is performed by an unlikely source: Jane Fonda ! Fonda sets the tone for a unique, otherworldly listening experience (excerpted above).  It’s fitting – dance and the extraterrestrial are a match made in heaven.  Shears, of course, delivers an alluring performance as always: “We heard only silence / The day they appeared / And built right where they landed / A city made of tears.” Oh, snap! Of course, the chorus marks the biggest moment – what you all came for!

“Radio Eyes 
I can see through this dimension 
Hear you in the sky 
Why do I feel so alive? 
Why do I feel so alive?”

Familiar personnel from Last Man Dancing oversee the sound: Boys Noize and Ryland Blackinton.

Appears in :  

• Radio : 3 to 5 BOPS No. 49 (2023) 

2. Nas, “Not For Radio” (Ft. Diddy & 070 Shake) 

NASIR • Mass Appeal / Def Jam • 2018  

“And who y’all comparin’ me to is nonsense / Show gratitude in the presence of dominance.” “Not for Radio” kicks off NASIR with a bang proclaiming, “Escobar season begins.”  Beyond Nas’ proclamatory line, Diddy ad-libs on the intro and throughout the course of the song. In the end, he even has a dramatic outro that focuses on black issues. Also featured on “Not for Radio” is 070 Shake singing the chorus (“I think they scared of us, yeah”). Of course, it is the Grammy-winning rapper that is the main attraction. Nas is socially and politically charged up.  Among his most ‘eyebrow-raising’ moments include assertions such as “Abe Lincoln did not free the enslaved,” “Edgar Hoover was black,” and “Fox News was started by a black dude, also true” (not true, but he’s making a bigger point with the fake news).  The production ( Kanye West, Mike Dean, Benny Blanco, and Cashmere Cat) on this highlight is superb – dramatic strings, vocal pad, hard drums, sigh.  “Not for Radio” marks a memorable moment on a rather unmemorable Nas album.   

Appears in :  

• 11 Absolutely NOT Songs (2022) 

3. Scissor Sisters, “Tits on the Radio”  

Scissor Sisters • Polydor • 2004 

“Where are the queers on the piers, heard they gave it their best.” That is a legitimate question, Ana Matronic. The question, rather, the lyrics, hail from “Tits on the Radio”, the groovy sixth track from  Scissor Sisters’ debut LP, Scissor Sisters.  Matronic, who takes lead duties (it’s typically Jake Shears, who also sings key parts) responds singing, “Now they got jobs at a local fast-food chain / Flippin’ tricks for the burger, since Lady M jacked their fame.” Interesting .  The lyrics require some context and decoding.  Missing queers? Lady M?  With Scissor Sisters forming in NYC, it seems feasible the lyrics are referencing the city.  In Times Square, there was a period that adult entertainment, sex work, and queer nightlife was huge.  After ‘cleaning up the area’, things became too conservatized, causing many of the adult and queer entertainers to be jobless or trying to survive with underpaying jobs. Furthermore, Scissor Sisters suggests the queers lost some of their luster because Madonna (Lady M, we’d assume) culturally appropriating their culture ( “Vogue” is a prime example).   

Amazingly, that’s just one verse of “Tits on the Radio” , which features risqué lyrics. In the second verse, we learn about Dark room Danny, who “Hears police alarm,” and “Can’t see with the lights turned out.” There are multiple interpretations that can be made, but if we stay in the realm of queer performers and sex workers, the end seems to have come.  The adult theatres, clubs, and such are closed or in the case of the police alarm, being shut down. That leads us to the chorus, the catchiest part of the song, where “‘Cause you can’t see tits on the radio / I’ll give you five fingers for a one-man show / Fasten those pants for the lap dance / Take a shot now this may be your last chance.” Radio literally isn’t visual, but even metaphorically, in the 2000s, you couldn’t hear something lewd or overly sexual on mainstream radio. Furthermore, even from a visual sense, such as cable television, you also can’t see tits because its deemed inappropriate.  All told, “Tits on the Radio” is one of the best, most under-appreciated songs from Scissor Sisters catalog.    

Appears in :  

• Scissor Sisters, Tits on the Radio: Bangerz N Bopz No. 2 (2023) 

4. HARDY, “Radio Song” (Ft. Jeremy McKinnon)  

the mockingbird & THE CROW • Big Loud / Big Loud Rock • 2023  

“RADIO SONG” marks a notable moment from the mockingbird & THE CROW, the 2023 double LP by HARDY (Michael Wilson Hardy).  Here the country/rock musician enlists Jeremy McKinnon, from A Day to Remember, for the assist.  This is clearly NOT your father’s country music. “RADIO SONG” has its country moments – the chorus – but otherwise, it is, um, its own distinct record. The appearance of McKinnon alone signals “RADIO SONG” hits different. For one, arguably, the most important, screamed lyric that he ‘sings’ is “Fuck!” There’s metalcore energy, for sure.  Furthermore, HARDY, save for the chorus, drops quasi-rapped verses, for lack of a better description.  One of the bullets he serves up: “Well if it ain’t under four minutes it ain’t gon’ be a hit / If there ain’t no steel in it they ain’t gon’ play yo shit.” That $h!† right there is cold! 

Appears in :   

• Awesome Songs: January 2023  
• Radio : 3 to 5 BOPS No. 49 (2023) 

5. Esperanza Spalding, “Radio Song”  

 Radio Music Society  •  Heads Up International • 2012   

“This song will keep you grooving / (Keep that traffic movin’) / Play it to lift your spirits / (Soon as you hear it).” WOO! “Radio Song” commences  Radio Music Society, the 2012 album by  Grammy-winning jazz musician,  Esperanza Spalding, with a bang! Like BOOM ! “Words are speaking to you / (As if they knew you) / Ooh, this song’s the one!” Indeed, THIS SONG IS THE ONE!!! “Radio Song” features stellar songwriting, musical arrangement, and production, all handled by Spalding .  The record begins with Spalding singing neutral “la’s” and eventually incorporating that prodigious electric bass playing into the mix .  The percussive groove established is infectious while the horn riffs are decadent.  Esperanza sounds utterly amazing from a vocal perspective – angelic, classic, and jazzy – making “Radio Song” the crowning achievement of Radio Music Society. There are some terrific musicians assisting Spalding including Leo Genovese on piano, Gretchen Parlato on backing vocals, and marvelous soloing by Daniel Blake (saxophone). Rather than analyze further, “Radio Song” is best experienced by listening!   

Appears in :  

• Radio : 3 to 5 BOPS No. 49 (2023) 

6. Shinedown, “The Human Radio”  

Attention Attention • Atlantic • 2018

“We march, we fight, we live / We scream, we die, we give / We want the world to know / We are the human radio.” Florida hard rock band Shinedown released “The Human Radio” as the second single from their sixth studio LP, Attention Attention. “The Human Radio” commences with a sick, rhythmic bass line.  The foundation, the rest of the record is built upon its robust glory.  By the chorus, the drums , guitars , and vocals are gargantuan – overblown in typical, hard rock fashion .  Amazingly, front man Brent Smith shows some poise and restraint in the verses, despite continuing to exhibit attitude.  Lyrically, he kicks things off with his middle fingers to the skies: “I gotta four letter word for ‘I don’t care’ / A whole lotta drive, to get me there / I’ve seen a whole lotta wrong, to say the least / Spent a whole lotta time, staring down the beast.” After bottling it in for so long, he eventually unleashes the ferociousness in the chorus.

“I’m reaching out to the human radio 

Taking a chop on ‘em, I reach hard on ‘em 

Get the money, throw the tantrum 

The human radio is playing your anthem.”

While the hard rock idiom is firmly in play, “The Human Radio” isn’t without its fair share of modern trickery.  There are some vocal effects, specifically vocoder.  Also, keyboards (synths) play a role.  Even so, neither vocal effects or synths take away from the record stylistically however – this is still firmly planted in the spirit of rock and roll. While “The Human Radio” has its share of mezzo forte (medium-loud) moments, when it is indeed loud, it’s really LOUD. #Rock TF On . 

7. The Buggles, “Video Killed The Radio Star”  

The Age of Plastic • The Island Def Jam Music Group • 1980

“Oh-a oh-a.” Sigh, that’s an iconic moment from an iconic song! The song is “Video Killed the Radio Star”, the sole hit by The Buggles in the United States.  Of course, such fun, but silly lyrics aren’t the sole reason this 1979 record earned the English new wave band notoriety.  This record reflects on technological advancements, particular how such advancements have had a negative impact.  “They took credit for your second symphony,” Trevor Horn sings in the first verse, continuing, “Rewritten by a machine on new technology / And now I understand the problems you could see.” Does a machine really need to rewrite a masterpiece such as a symphony? Food for thought.

Even though “Video Killed the Radio Star” arrived in 1979, eventually appearing on The Buggles’ 1980 album, The Age of Plastic, is what the band sings about dated at this point? No, because technology doesn’t stop, and new technology consistently replaces old.  In a musical context, look at how music is consumed these days. sure, “Video killed the radio star / Pictures came and broke your heart” back in the 80s but look at how music is consumed now. Streaming has surpassed physical sales of music, for example.  Trevor Horn, assisted by Debi Doss and Linda Jardim continues to talk about the changes in the second verse: “And now we meet in an abandoned studio / We hear the playback, and it seems so long ago.” Besides thought-provoking lyrics, tongue-in-cheek vocals, and respectable lead vocals by Horn, the music on this Horn, Bruce Woolery, and Geoff Downes penned track is exuberant – totally rad . One hit The Buggles may have had, but “Video Killed the Radio Star” is an awesome one that never gets old !  

Appears in : 

• The Buggles, Video Killed the Radio Star: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 10 (2023) 

8. Jxckson, “RADIO SILENCE”  

The Deep End (EP) • Jxckson Music • 2023   

Jxckson is a prime example of a musician who grows better with time and exhibits innovative spirit – willing to try new things.  His experimental spirit pays major dividends on “RADIO SILENCE”, an EPIC single from his EP, The Deep End.  Jxckson characterizes “RADIO SILENCE” as being “experimental in the sense of effects used to highlight the song and I’m not necessarily known for slow songs.” What makes “RADIO SILENCE” so great are the vocals, vocals effects, production ( Boy Sim) and the production effects, and how the theme and backdrop work in tandem with one another.  Once again, Jxckson has done the day-um thang!  What is neat about “RADIO SILENCE” is the equal importance of voices and music.  Yes, the voice – the singing – is the centerpiece, but the music has an elevated role too.  “RADIO SILENCE” commences with a warm yet slightly unsetting intro, prefacing the musical and thematic experience to come.  Early on, the bouncy bass line is among many ear-catching happenings.  Of course, the tune that Jxckson sings, with a unique vocal effect, mind you, is simple but beautiful. He sings with ease, barely breaking a sweat, while retaining his playful brand of vocals. Even so, we also hear this riskiness from Jxckson given the slower tempo and embracing even more emotional vocals.  The chorus is by far the crowning achievement, with its robust sounds, and a brilliant, intentional ‘distancing’ contrast between lead and backing vocals. Notably, during the second verse, the music is more developed with additional cues and rhythm adding to the epic musical excellence that is “RADIO SILENCE” . 

Appears in :  

• Awesome Songs: April 2023   
• Best LGBTQ ️‍ Songs of 2023 (so far)  
• Radio : 3 to 5 BOPS No. 49 (2023) 

9. Green Day, “Revolution Radio”  

Revolution Radio • Reprise •  2016  

“Scream, with your hands up in the sky / Like you want to testify / For the life that’s been deleted.” WOO! “Revolution Radio” serves as a highlight from the 2016 Green Day album, also titled,  Revolution Radio. Additionally, it’s a battle cry – an incredibly savvy call to action! “The dawn of the new airwaves for the anti-social media.”  Billie Joe Armstrong and company put their middle fingers up to the air denouncing police brutality, inequality, and social media.  Social and political issues have long been part of the band’s script. Lightning quick in tempo, “Revolution Radio” represents the punk and the punk-revivalist spirit at its best.  The centerpiece and crowning achievement are – wait for it – the chorus in all its revolutionary glory!    

“We are revolution radio  

Operation ‘no control’  

And the headline ‘my love’s bulletproof’   

Give me cherry bombs and gasoline  

Debutantes in surgery  

And the headline ‘legalize the truth.’” 

Appears in :  

• Radio : 3 to 5 BOPS No. 49 (2023) 

10. Donna Summer, “On The Radio” 

On The Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I & II • Mercury • 1979 

“Someone found a letter you wrote me on the radio / And they told the world just how you felt,” Donna Summer sings in the first verse of her classic, “On The Radio”. She continues singing, “It must have fallen out of a hole in your own brown overcoat / They never said you name but I knew just who they meant.” Ooh wee! “On The Radio” was one of 14 top-10 hits by the late, Grammy-winning,  queen of disco, peaking at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980.  “On The Radio” graces Summer’s 1979 greatest hits compilation, On The Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I & II as well as the soundtrack to Foxes.  Initially, it seems as if the record is going to be a ballad, given the slower tempo at the start, but soon enough, Summer brings out the dancing shoes and tempo. 

“On the radio, whoa-oh-oh-oh / On the radio, whoa-oh-oh-oh.” Indeed! Matters of the heart continue to dominate this radio-driven gem, where, in verse two, Summer asks her ex, “Don’t it kinda strike you sad when you hear our song /… The only thing that I wanna hear is that you love me still.”  Furthermore, the third verse also focuses on the significance of the radio: “If you think that love isn’t found on the radio / Then tune right in, you may find the love you lost.” Woo!  Notably, Summers penned “On The Radio” with a fellow legend, producer Giorgio Moroder.  The supporting backdrop is #EVERYTHING – warm keys, lush strings, and an epic, epic groove.  Of course, the vocals are electric too.  Honestly, EVERYTHING is electric when it comes to “On The Radio” .

Appears in :  

• Donna Summer, On The Radio: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 157 (2023) 

11. Queen, “Radio Ga Ga”  

The Works • Hollywood • 1984 

“I’d sit alone and watch your light / My only friend through teenage nights,” Freddie Mercury asserts in the first verse of “Radio Ga Ga”.  He continues singing on the highlight from The Works, the 1984 album by Queen: “And everything I had to know / I heard it on the radio.” Ooh wee! Back in the day, radio was a big, big deal. However, as time goes on, even in the 1980s, the way music is experienced shifted. Drummer Roger Taylor wrote “Radio Gaga,” asserting, It deals with how important radio used to be , historically speaking before television, and how important it was to me as a kid.[1] Given the significance of radio, it makes perfect sense why Mercury goes on to sing, telling radio, “So don’t become some background noise.”  

There are more lyrics that stand out in “Radio Gaga.” In the pre-chorus, Mercury touts “the power” of radio, adding, “You’ve yet to have your finest hour.” The chorus is tongue in cheek yet emphasizes the star of the show – RADIO! In the second verse, we get some of Taylor’s disdain for television in place of radio, specifically when Mercury sings, “So stick around ‘cause we might miss you / When we grow tired of all this visual.” With the songwriting conveying a respectable message, the music proves epic as always – the expectation from Queen.  By this time, we hear more synthesizers, idiomatic of the 80s, as well as drum programming. No worries though – we still get sweet guitar courtesy of Brian May ! Vocally, Freddie Mercury remains beastly, marvelously bringing Taylor’s lyrics and melody to life.  Another classic, “Radio Ga Ga” earned Queen another top-20 hit, peaking at no. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.    

Appears in : 

• Queen, Radio Ga Ga: Throwback Vibez No. 156 (2023)
  

[1] Clerc, B., Burrows, S., Higgitt, C., & Ratcliffe, P. (2020). Radio Ga Ga. In Queen: All the songs: The story behind every track (pp. 338–338). essay, Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers.  

11 Alluring, RADIO Approved Songs (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Big Loud / Big Loud Rock, Boys Keep Swinging Inc / Mute Artists Ltd., Heads Up International, Hollywood, Jxckson Music, Mass Appeal, Mercury, Polydor, Reprise, The Island Def Jam Music Group; OpenClipart-Vectors]