11 Captivating HABIT Songs | Playlist 🎧

11 Captivating HABIT Songs feature songs by Ed Sheeran, Eminem, Maxwell, Steve Lacy, and Tove Lo.    

So, “In case you didn’t know”, Brett Young, “Stuntin’, stuntin’ is a habit, get like me”.  Likely for Yung Joc, the keyword from the chorus of the David Banner song “Get Like Me” is stuntin’.  For our intents and purposes, the keyword is habit.  Yes, it is the habit and habits that fuel the fire of our playlist, 11 Captivating HABIT Songs. All songs feature some form of the word in their title.  11 Captivating HABIT Songs feature songs by Ed Sheeran, Eminem, Maxwell, Steve Lacy, and Tove Lo. Without further ado, embrace your best habits – not the bad ones – and partake of 11 Captivating HABIT Songs!

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1. Eminem, “Habits” (Ft. White Gold)

2. Steve Lacy, “Bad Habit” 

3. Tove Lo, “Habits (Stay High)” 

4. Angie Stone, “2 Bad Habits”

5. Key Glock, “Lean Habits”

6. Justin Bieber, “Habitual”

7. Usher, “Bad Habits” 

8. Louis Tomlinson, “Habit”

9. Ed Sheeran, “Bad Habits”  

10. Ben Platt, “Bad Habit”  

11. Maxwell, “Bad Habits”

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1. Eminem, “Habits” (Ft. White Gold)

The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grǎce) // Marshall B. Mathers III // 2024

“Long time no see / Thought you got rid of my ass, huh?” Never change, Eminem (Marshall Mathers). Or, perhaps he should change… “Habits” is the second (and first full-length) track from the Academy and Grammy award-winning rapper’s 12^th studio album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grǎce). Here, Eminem seems to be fighting with his alter ego, Slim Shady.  As to be expected, Eminem, as himself and Slim Shady, says his fair share of outlandish, unapologetic things.  A prime example of the rapper being ‘true to himself’: “This my shit, I’m gonna spit it how I wanna spit it / Whoever gets offended, suck a dick and fuck a critic.” Sounds about right.  In the first verse, he also says retarded and midget (both frowned upon), and asserts that he’s “Been callin’ bitches ‘hoes’ since a kindergartener.” White Gold performs the tuneful chorus, characterizing Slim Shady as Eminem’s addiction:

“You got an addiction, man (Ah)

I know you can’t get rid of me forever

‘Cause you know what I’m prescription, man

Goddamn, I miss you, Slim (Woo).”

In the second verse, the Em gives us more outlandishness.  “A lyricist here to voice his true sentiments (Yeah) / Got the women pissed and it seems like men are just (What?) off growing a huge clitoris (Pussies).” Wow… It gets worse, including a Bruce Jenner reference and the use of the term “man-bitch.” In the third, the longest verse, he is ‘all over the place.’ He dives into ample controversy: slurs, pronouns, sex, violence, and misogyny. Throughout “Habits,” his bars, cadence, and flow are fiery. The production (Eminem, White Gold, and Narza) is a selling point as well.  Sure, something may indeed be wrong with Eminem as he raps (“My God, old habits die hard”) but his rapping ability is far from broken.

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2. Steve Lacy, “Bad Habit” 

Gemini Rights // L-M / RCA // 2022 

“I wish I knew you wanted me.” Ugh, we all wish that we had that knowledge, Steve Lacy. “Bad Habit”, a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, highlights Lacy’s incredible musicianship on his sophomore album, Gemini Rights. The timbre of his voice is radiant as he expresses regret about not expressing feelings to a potential lover.  “If I knew I’d be with you / Is it too late to pursue?” he asks in the first verse. In the second, he seeks transparency, singing, “I wish you wouldn’t play with me / I wanna know.”  While it seems, he’s pointing the finger during the verses, in the chorus, he takes some responsibility, asserting, “I bite my tongue, it’s a bad habit / Kinda mad I didn’t take a stab at it.” Beyond the chorus and regretful post-chorus, the bridge is intriguing, mostly a cappella, leading to a unique break – a change of pace. There is also a compelling outro, which hearkens back to the hip-hop soul/neo-soul era. Ultimately, “Bad Habit” is well-written, with a relatable theme and lyrics.  It is well-produced with a palette of soulful but non-anachronistic sounds that fit the aesthetic in 2022.  Lacy sounds amazing, perfectly capturing this regretful, love-oriented sentiment.

Appears in 🔻:  

• Awesome Songs: July 2022
• Habit: 3 or 4 BOPS No. 18 (2022) 
• Incredible LGBTQ Songs, Young & Old, Vol. 1 (2022)
• 50 Best Songs of 2022
• 11 Marvelous Bad Songs, Vol. 1 (2024)

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3. Tove Lo, “Habits (Stay High)” 

Queen of the Clouds // Universal Music // 2014 

“You’re gone and I gotta stay high / All the time, to keep you off my mind.”  Safe to say, Tove Lo is in total reckless mode to atone for missing her ex. She continues, “Spend my days locked in a haze, tryna forget you, babe / I fall back down.” “Habits (Stay High),” which appeared on her 2014 album, Queen of the Clouds, served as a breakout hit for the Swedish alt-pop artist. “Habits (Stay High)” is straightforward and highly entertaining.  In the verses, Tove Lo shares all of her reckless behavior, which includes sex clubs, Twinkie binges (a product of being high), drinking, and hooking up with daddies.  The second verse is quite raunchy when you read into it – the last line especially:  

“Pick up daddies at the playground, how I spend my daytime 

Loosen up their frown, make ‘em feel alive 

I make it fast and greasy, I’m numb my way too easy.”  

Ultimately, all of her poor choices are a product of loneliness and pain.  But, nothing like the schadenfreude experienced on our end, right?   

Appears in 🔻: 

• 14 Songs Sure to Lift You Higher (2019)

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4. Angie Stone, “2 Bad Habits”

Dream // Shanachie Ent. Corp. / Topnotch Music / Conjunction Entertainment // 2015

“I got two, I got two, I got two.” Two what, Angie Stone? According to the Grammy-nominated neo-soul songstress, she’s got “2 Bad Habits.” These two bad habits rear their ugly head on the sixth track from her 2015 album, Dream.  “2 Bad Habits” was written by Stone, Candice Nelson, PxRRY, Balewa Muhammad, and Xavier Gordon. Gordon and Walter Millsap III produced. As always, Stone delivers a refined, soulful vocal filled with authenticity.  Notably, Stone has several ‘flaws,’ admitting in the first verse, “I know I’m petty for the things I do / But this ain’t really nothing new.” Still, what are the two bad habits that Stone is battling? The first is wine, while the second is her man.

“I always start off pouring one glass of wine

And automatically pour another one when I’m done

Somehow, I always end up tipsy every time

It’s just a bad habit of mine

But I got two bad habits, two bad habits

And the other one is you, babe, you babe

Can’t get enough of you, babe, you baby.”

Word. Of her man, specifically, she asserts, “You’re like caffeine going through my bloodstream / I’m clinging like a fiend to my nicotine.” Damn, girl! 

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5. Key Glock, “Lean Habits”

Glockoma 2 // Paper Route EMPIRE // 2023

“Ayy, y’all go some more ice?” Memphis rapper Key Glock needs that ice for his lean, of course.  Why? He’s got “Lean Habits”! “I got lean habits / I got kinfolk in the trenches, never seen a Patek / Yeah, I was raised by my granny, barely seen my pappy / Yeah, now I’m paid, I got bitches callin’ me daddy.” Come-up and flex 💪! “Lean Habits” appears as the seventh track on his 2023 album, Glockoma 2. Besides asking for ice, drinking sound effects can be heard during the intro as well – not surprising! Of course, lean is referenced multiple times, including his assertion he has a “Baby bottle full of syrup with no baby, baby,” and later, admits, “I was sixteen, sippin’ lean when I started rappin’, nigga.” With ample lean in the mix, “Lean Habits” also encompasses drip, money, and sex – the shallower things in life.  

Key Glock keeps those habits brief, at least in terms of the song.  Two and a half minutes is ample time for him to mention those fast whips, shooters, Wilt Chamberlain (obligatory baller reference), and I quote, “can’t put my trust up in these bitches, these hoes janky.”  WOO! Besides the hip-hop clichés via Glock’s compelling, easygoing yet assured flow, the production (RamyOnTheBeat and Oh Ross) fuels the fire. It’s those keys, the warm vocals, and the stuttering drums. Notably, a sample –“Friday” by Laura Groves – ups the ante. Who says trap can’t be classy? At least the instrumental! Lean = BAD while “Lean Habits” = BANGER.   

Appears in 🔻:  

• Key Glock, Lean Habits: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 15 (2023)
• 11 Captivating Songs to LEAN Into (2023)

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6. Justin Bieber, “Habitual”

Changes // Def Jam // 2020 

“Our feelings, they go deep, deeper than the touching / Deeper than the ocean, so we ain’t never rushing through.” Oh, snap, Justin Bieber.  He continues: “Our days or our nights, ain’t no repercussions / Never get enough, I’m only for your consumption.” Damn straight! “Habitual” appears on Changes, sadly, the most forgettable Justin Bieber album (🤭 just keeping it a buck). Bieber penned “Habitual” alongside producers Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, Joshua Gudwin, and Tainy (Marcos Masis). Here, as usual, Bieber gives us contemporary R&B vibes, ultimately fitting somewhere between pop and R&B. He’s ‘on-point’ vocally, showing off his lower register as well as some falsetto. Beyond the chill, cool, sensual backdrop, what is most notable about the second track from Changes? Bieber confesses his love for her, characterizing it as – wait for it – habitual:

“My love for you’s habitual, yeah (Oh, yeah)
Not for a moment, but forever
Know it sounds untraditional, oh yeah
Never ungrateful for it.”

Is this the most memorable, well-rounded song that the handsome and talented Bieber has released? No but it is easily one of the better songs from an album I would deem as a snoozefest.  Again, if nothing else isn’t clear, his love for her is habitual.

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7. Usher, “Bad Habits” 

“Bad Habits” //  Brand Usher / RCA // 2020 

“I’m in love, I’m just bad it / I just can’t escape all of these bad habits.” Relatable – perfect fuel for a great R&B song, right? Right! Furthermore, those excerpted lyrics from the chorus of “Bad Habits” suit Usher to a T! “Bad Habits” features lush production work by Pierre Medor and Lxrd Rossi. The sound hearkens back to the R&B of old (think 80s). Makes perfect sense, of course, given Zapp is sampled (“Computer Love”).  While “Bad Habits” possesses classic R&B cues, it also sounds fresh enough to fly in 2020.  It’s a great balancing act. Following the introduction, the record is anchored by some hard drums, clearly idiomatic of modern times. While the sound plays a big role in the success of “Bad Habits,” nothing and nobody else plays a bigger role than Usher. First and foremost, we get high-flying, elite vocals from the Grammy winner, who sounds as strong as he did in his heyday. Of course, the other big piece of the puzzle for “Bad Habits” that makes it successful – LOVE.  Usher is at his best when matters of the heart are in play. Here, he’s bad at it, and that’s music to the listener’s ears.  Also, music to the listener’s ears? The catchy, memorable chorus is excerpted at the top! Great vocals, relatable theme, and awesome production make “Bad Habits” a surefire winner. 

Appears in 🔻:  

• Awesome Songs: September 2020
• 13 B Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason (2020)
• 15 Stellar Good or Bad Songs (2021)

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8. Louis Tomlinson, “Habit”

Walls // 78 PRODUCTIONS LIMITED // 2020

“Never thought that giving up would be so hard / But God, I’m missing you and your addictive heart.” Louis Tomlinson can’t get past ‘her’ on “Habit,” the seventh track on his 2020 debut album, Walls.  She’s gone and had previously mentally checked out of their relationship, but Louis can’t shake her! In the chorus, the centerpiece, he asserts:

“You’re the habit that I can’t break

You’re the feelin’ I can’t put down

You’re the shiver that I can’t shake

You’re the habit I can’t break

You’re the high that I need right now

You’re the habit that I can’t break.” 

That’s about the size of it.  Beyond lamenting the end of their relationship, and toying with his ‘relationship’ with his job, in the second verse, Louis recollects the past. “And it’s been ages, different stages / Come so far from Princess Park.” Even as he remembers the place he once lived, he adds, “I’ll always need ya / In front of me, in front of me.” Contrite in the bridge, Louis admits, “I guess that I know what I already knew / I was better with you / And I miss you now.” Aww.  Tomlinson sings beautifully on this soulful pop cut. The pop/rock backdrop perfectly complements his light but expressive pipes – acoustic and electric guitars, a big fat bass, and pummeling drums 🤘.  The keys and programming add to the glory of “Habit,” even though Louis needs to find closure and move on from her. Tomlinson, Wayne Hector, Iain James, and producer Steve Robson composed this sweet number.

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9. Ed Sheeran, “Bad Habits”  

= // Atlantic // 2021 

“Bad Habits” is a respectable record from = (Equals), an album that finds Grammy-winner Ed Sheeran reflecting on marriage, fatherhood, and where his life currently stands.  “Bad Habits” has a relatable message. The strongest aspect is the songwriting.  He speaks of pure intentions, but those ‘best-laid plans’ lead to problems that are unhealthy and at best, counterproductive. “My bad habits lead to wide eyes starin’ at space,” he sings, adding, “And I know I’ll lose control of the things that I say.” We all have bad habits that usually don’t end up well. Working to curb them and get to a better place is the right thing to do.  Sheeran sings well as always. The production (Sheeran, FRED, and Johnny McDaid) embraces more of a dance-pop vibe – a change of pace. All in all, it’s among the best of = even if it’s nothing game-changing.   

Appears in 🔻:

• Habit: 3 or 4 BOPS No. 18 (2022)

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10. Ben Platt, “Bad Habit” 

Sing to Me Instead // Atlantic // 2019

“You always said that I’d come back to you again / ‘Cause everybody needs a friend, it’s true,” Ben Platt sings, adding, “Someone to quiet the voices in my head / Make ‘em sing to me instead, it’s you.” The actor/singer/songwriter shines on “Bad Habit”, the opener from his 2019 LP, Sing to Me Instead. Platt excels at singing ballads, of which “Bad Habits” is.  He shows off his incredible voice, full of nuance, power, and authenticity.  In addition to top-notch vocals, “Bad Habit” benefits from its production work (), with prominent piano, soulful organ, and accentuating backing vocals. The backdrop feels right in the hands of Platt; it allows this compelling musician to be the focal point. “Bad Habit” also has some nice harmonic underpinnings that bode well in its favor. The music reminisces back to the pop of the 70s (Elton John or Billy Joel). What is the bad habit? A past relationship, of course! “Bad habit, I know / But I’m needin’ you right now,” he sings in the tuneful chorus, continuing, “Can you help me out? / Can I lean on you?” Perhaps Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) said it best in Brokeback Mountain: “I wish I knew how to quit you”.  It’s a different situation for Platt than it was for Twist and Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) but still…

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11. Maxwell, “Bad Habits”

BLACKsummers’night // Sony Music Entertainment // 2009

“Make me crazy, don’t speak no sound / I want you to prove it to me in the nude / Addicted to the way you move.” Ooh-wee! The handsome, talented Maxwell came back strong in 2009 with BLACKsummers’night. Sure, there was an eight-year-hiatus involved 😏, but the quality upon return was one of his best albums.  While “Pretty Wings” is the crowning achievement, rightfully, the opener, “Bad Habits”, sets the tone. “Lady, when we lock it low ah-ah / We get together, it’s an overdose,” he sings in the second verse, concluding, “I’m slipping, I’m here, I’m on my knees / I feel my heart’s about to explode.” Oh, snap! Maxwell and Hod David penned and produced his steamy gem.

Maxwell sounds refined throughout “Bad Habits.” He sings with ease.  His falsetto is ripe, perfect for a sensual cut like “Bad Habits.” It’s not all falsetto, though.  Maxwell shows off a compelling middle register too. He superbly brings the melodies to life, singing about L-O-V-E and S-E-X. (“You got me sick with this love, baby / I’m so, I’m so in love, I can’t come down”).  Beyond marvelous vocals and electrifying songwriting, the arrangement and production are magnificent. At a time when keyboards and synthesized sounds were king, Maxwell opted for more acoustic and live instrumentation.  Some of the glorious sounds beyond the rhythm section include organ (Shedrick Mitchell) and horns (Kenneth Whalum on saxophone, Keyon Harrold on trumpet, and Saunders Sermons II on trombone).  This hearkens back to the R&B of the past.  The chorus is epic:

“This is the highest cost

Take you and make you off

Live you and leave you lost

Will you forgive me?

Asked out all over town

Drags you and keeps you down

Two times in a day around

Will you forgive me?” 

Maxwell says it best: “You’re my bad habit, baby.” Indeed.

Appears in 🔻:  

• Maxwell, Bad Habits: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 93 (2024)

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11 Captivating HABIT Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 78 PRODUCTIONS LIMITED, Atlantic, Brand Usher, Conjunction Entertainment, Def Jam, L-M, Marshall B. Mathers III, Paper Route EMPIRE, RCA, Shanachie Ent. Corp., Sony Music Entertainment, Topnotch Music, Universal Music; A Roy, Denx arman, Elijah O’Donnell, mohammadreza merhvand from Pexels; Pexels from Pixabay]

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