11 Compelling Songs Focused on Healing | Playlist

11 Compelling Songs Focused on Healing features songs by D’Leesa, Erykah Badu, Jamal Roberts, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and MONSTA X.  

“I’ll be yours, and you’ll be mine,” D’Leesa sings, and continues, “Make me your healer.” As for Jamal Roberts, covering Tom Odell, he sings, soulfully, “And take my past and take my sins / Like an empty sail takes the wind / And heal, heal, heal, heal, heal.” The late, great King of Pop, Michael Jackson, also gets into the action: “Heal the world / Make it a better place / For you and for me and the entire human race.” So, what is the common thread between Badu, Jackson, and Roberts? It’s HEALING! Healing is the modus operandi of 11 Compelling Songs Focused on Healing. All forms of the word HEAL are acceptable! This 11-song playlist features songs by D’Leesa, Erykah Badu, Jamal Roberts, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and MONSTA X. So, without further ado, let the healing commence!

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~ Table of Contents ~
1. D’Leesa, “Healer”	2. Jamal Roberts, “Heal”		3. MONSTA X, “heal”
4. HAYLA, “Heal”	5. Lloyd Nicks, “Heal For You”		6. FLETCHER, “Healing”
7. Erykah Badu, “The Healer”	8. Kevin Gates, “Heal You”		9. Michael Jackson, “Heal The World”
10. Donald Lawrence, “Healed”		11. Marvin Gaye, “Sexual Healing”

 

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1. D’Leesa, “Healer”

“Healer” → D’Leesa → 2026

“Imagine just you and me / Flying high, no gravity / Baby girl, let me fulfill your needs.” Oh, snap! Atlanta, Georgia’s own soft, sapphic soul musician D’Leesa (Cassidy D’Leesa Dzoole) expressed her desires on “Healer”. On the alluring single, the out and proud lesbian artist wants to heal and hold her down: “If you’ll be my baby / You will feel no pain.” Word.  D’Leesa wrote and produced it. 

“Healer” features a light, easygoing synth-driven backdrop. Even though it’s non troppo, the accompaniment is rhythmic, not static in the least.  D’Leesa compels with her soft, cool, calm, and collected vocals. She sounds like she NEVER breaks a sweat.  As cool as she is, her performance remains potent; it still packs a mean, queer punch.  “I can feel the pain etched in your heart / I see the tears in your mind,” she sings in the first verse, and adds, “Take my hand and make a brand new start / I’ll show you to paradise.” Continuing to tout her healing abilities, she asserts in the second verse, “There’s no need to wear a brave disguise / I’ll cushion you when you fall / You’ll have no worries at all.” Melodious throughout, the chorus is the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement.

“Make me your healer

Come to me, and we’ll be flying free

Across the galaxies through space and time

Make me your healer

If you’ll be my baby

You will feel no pain and

I’ll be yours, and you’ll be mine

Make me your healer.”

Although the chorus still retains the soft, sapphic soul character, it has more bite. Notably, additional rhythmic synths appear during the section, upping the ante. All told, D’Leesa ate and left no crumbs on “Healer”.  The cool energy of this queer track goes a long way.

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from July 2026

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2. Jamal Roberts, “Heal”

“Heal” → 19 Recordings, Inc. / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC → 2025

“And take my past and take my sins / Like an empty sail takes the wind / And heal, heal, heal, heal, heal,”American Idol winner Jamal Roberts sings on his debut single, “Heal”.  “Heal” was written and originally recorded by English singer/songwriter Tom Odell in 2013 (Long Way Down).  However, this cover isn’t straightforward, with some new lyrics and a different perspective from Odell’s. Roberts sings with a rich, smooth tone.  His voice sounds ‘simply beautiful.’ With every lyric and note, you believe every word he sings.  While this song was originally an alternative/indie record, Roberts successfully transforms it into a moving, soulful R&B/gospel record.

When Roberts soars, showing off his impressive upper register and power, it gives chills.  The production adds to the radiance of this cut.  Initially subtle, “Heal” evolves into something much grander than the original – a truly spiritual experience.  The third and final verse is distinctly modified from the original. Odell’s version features four briefer verses, with an extended chorus following the fourth.  Roberts sings only three, two true to Odell, with the final verse fully embracing God’s healing. His ad-libs are spot-on.

“Oh, you’re the only one, the only that can heal

So please, heal from depression, Jesus, from suicidal thoughts, please heal

You’re the only one that can do it, from sickness, oh

Restoration right now.”

Amen 🙏! Hallelujah 🙌! Jamal Roberts does a superb job with “Heal”, making it his own.

Appears in 🔻:

Tom Odell vs. Jamal Roberts: Head 2 Head No. 17 (2025) A Heaping Dose of H Songs (2025)

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3. MONSTA X, “heal”

Unfold → Intertwine Records → 2026

“Such a good pretender can’t even remember / When I didn’t hold things in,” Shownu sings.  Holding things in is not good. However, it can also be difficult to open up and be fully transparent – the truth can hurt, too.  On “heal,” South Korean boy band MONSTA X has plenty to get off those handsome chests! “Heal” is the first track on Unfold, which was released in 2026. Jeoff Harris, Lindy Robbins, and Alma Goodman composed “heal.” Harris also produced it.

“Heal” begins as a percussion-less piano ballad. It’s calm, cool, and collected, but rhythmic.  MONSTA X deliver beautiful, nuanced vocals. It begins with I.M and Shownu splitting vocals during the first verse. “Dancing on a tightrope, trying to keep my eyes closed / I don’t wanna hurt again,” I.M sings.  Joohoney takes the reins during the pre-chorus: “We say we’re okay, but we’re just afraid of the fallout.” With the arrival of the chorus, “Heal” ups the ante – it grows more powerful. Kihyun and Minhyuk earn the honors:

“How can we, how can we heal our wounds

When they keep ripping open?

How can we, how can we hear the truth

When it’s never been spoken?

How can we, how can we heal (Heal), heal (Heal)

Heal (Heal), when the love is what’s keeping us broken?”

The gospel choral moments are nothing short of epic.  After building a fever pitch, “heal” brings things back down. During the second verse, there is a solid groove (drum programming). I.M and Hyungwon perform verse two.  The second chorus belongs to Shownu and Minhyuk. I.M performs the bridge, asking, “How can we, how can we hear the truth / When it’s never been spoken?” He has a point.  Kihyun and Joohoney perform the final chorus; Minhyuk concludes with the outro: “Dancing on a tightrope, trying to keep my eyes closed.” “Heal” by MONSTA X is an ear-catching healing song, period! 

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4. HAYLA, “Heal”

DARK → Restless Minds Music / Believe UK → 2026

“I lie, but you already see / I’ve been starving without offering.” Those are thought-provoking lyrics, HAYLA.  Not only are the excerpted lyrics intriguing, but so is the entirety of the song, “Heal.” Fittingly, “Heal” commences the Grammy-nominated British singer-songwriter’s 2026 album, DARK. HAYLA and Magnus Skylstad wrote “Heal.” Skylstad produced it.

“Heal” is set in a minor key.  You know what that means – it’s dark, baby! It commences with an enigmatic intro. The sound is moody. HAYLA delivers a beautiful but – wait for it – dark vocal performance.  She sings authentically and expressively.  “Over every single night / The dark became my inner fight / Always close but undefined,” she sings in the second verse.  Speaking of the second verse, it adds doubled, harmonized vocals – a beautiful and thoughtful touch.  The vocals also grow more high-flying. The powerful second chorus marks the fever pitch.  Drums provide even more punch:

“I want you to heal

The parts of me that no one sees

I fear it, but it’s good for me

What lies beneath awakening

I want you to heal

The parts of me that no one loved

The things that I have never felt

It’s nice to feel I’m not alone.”

Not only dark but deep, “Heal” is a beautiful, mysterious gem – one of one.

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5. Lloyd Nicks, “Heal For You”

Paper – Maché → Curb → 2027

“Could you believe I was once filled with sadness?” It’s not a good place to be, Lloyd Nicks.  The good news is that the Grammy-winning Christian singer-songwriter escaped his sadness. He tells the story of healing and selflessness in his sublime 2026 single, “Heal For You.” “Heal For You” appears on his forthcoming 2027 album, Paper – Maché. Nicks, Chuck Butler, and Benji Cowart composed “Heal For You.” Chuck Butler produced it.

“Heal For You” commences with warm piano production. Lloyd Nicks sings beautifully, tenderly, with incredible authenticity and sincerity. The melodies are tuneful, while the lyrics are thoughtful. “Trying to survive in a world filled with shame,” Nicks sings in the first verse, and concludes, “I had to let the light break through / ‘Cause I know what broken hearts can do.” Later, the second verse is more developed, including fuller production (sophisticated strings, more rhythmic piano, drum programming). Nicks expands his incredible voice during the second verse, continuing to impress with poetically powerful words: “I’ll gladly be shattered to keep you together /… And I’ll give you the gift of an unbroken heart.”  The chorus, the crème de la crème, soars:

“I’ll heal for you

So, you won’t have to

Letting these cycles end with me

Breaking these chains, so you’ll be free

I’ll heal for you

So, you won’t have to

‘Cause there is a story for each scar

I lived it so you won’t know that part

I’ll heal for you.”

Continuing the excellence of “Heal For You,” the bridge distinguishes itself from the verses. “I’ll run through the flames so you won’t know the fire,” he asserts, and continues, “And yes, I would do it 100 times over.” The drums drop out during the first iteration. The second time, the drums hit hard, while the strings soar even higher. “Heal For You,” a truly moving ballad, concludes with the unforgettable, glorious chorus. Lloyd Nicks put his heart, soul, and, of course, his foot into this healing song!

Appears in 🔻:

Lloyd Nicks, Heal For You: Music Lifts No. 37 (2026)

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6. FLETCHER, “Healing”

Girl Of My Dreams (Deluxe) → Snapback Entertainment LLC / UMG Recordings, Inc. → 2022

“I can’t erase all the things that I’ve done / But all the mistakes made me who I’ve become,” FLETCHER (Cari Fletcher) asserts in the pre-chorus of “Healing.” Those are prudent, thought-provoking lyrics. “Healing” is the fourth track from Girl Of My Dreams (Deluxe), released in 2022.  The single itself was released in 2021. FLETCHER, Aldae, Jonah Shy, and Scott Harris wrote “Healing.” Jonah Shy produced it.

“Healing” begins with mellow, rhythmic production. It suits this healing track. FLETCHER sings the intro, which is ultimately the chorus. The chorus is the crème de la crème – the centerpiece and crowning achievement:

“I’ve been feeling

Inside out in my feelings

Upside down on the ceiling

Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh-ooh, yeah, yeah

I’m finally breathing

The smoke ain’t gone, but it’s clearing

I ain’t there yet, but I’m healing

I ain’t there yet, but I’m healing.”

At least she’s healing! The form is straightforward: Intro (eventual chorus); Verse / Pre-chorus / Chorus / Post-Chorus (2x); BRIDGE; Outro. The verses are quite tuneful. “No one said that it was easy / Tryna piece the broken pieces,” FLETCHER sings in the first verse, and concludes, “But that’s the shit I’m working on / The journey is a work of art.” Ooh-wee! The second verse is briefer and sounds more rhythmic than the first: “Breaking down don’t mean I’m broken / Losing hope don’t mean I’m hopeless /… It never happens overnight.” The post-chorus extends upon the chorus. The bridge, which precedes the outro, is excerpted from the chorus. The outro reprises the post-choruses. Ultimately, “Healing” is another winner from FLETCHER, who has a knack for writing and performing great songs. Let the healing commence! 

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7. Erykah Badu, “The Healer”

New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War → UMG Recordings, Inc. → 2007

“Alhamdulillah, Allah, Jehovah / Yahweh, Dios, Ma’at, Jah / Rastafari, fire, dance / Sex, music, hip-hop.” So, early on, on  “The Healer,”  Erykah Badu acknowledges various gods from various religions, which is intriguing. Additionally, the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter moves on to something perceived to be bigger: hip-hop.  The chorus of this highlight from her 2007 album, New Amerykah, Pt. 1: 4th World War, continues: “It’s bigger than religion, hip-hop / It’s bigger than my nigga, hip-hop / It’s bigger than the government / This one is for Dilla, hip-hop.”  Woo, that’s big! Besides acknowledging faiths and hip-hop’s impact, give Badu credit for shouting out the late, great J Dilla.  Also, give producer Madlib ample credit for the soulful production work, which samples three songs: “Kono Samuraï” by The Yamasuki Singers, “El San Juanera” by Malcolm McLaren and World’s Famous Supreme Team (appears in the intro), and “Double Dutch (Extended)” by McLaren as well. The Yamasuki Singers are a key part of the record, giving it a distinct, worldwide, oriental vibe.  While the chorus and the production/sound of “The Healer” go a long way, so do the verses, filled with distinct, thought-provoking lyrics, whether it’s “Blue-flame scientists, come out with your scales up” (verse one), or “Told you we ain’t dead yet / We’ve been livin’ through your internet.” Truly, “The Healer” is a fierce R&B joint that only Erykah Badu could concoct.

Appears in 🔻:

Erykah Badu: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 73 (2023)

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8. Kevin Gates, “Heal You”

The Ceremony → Bread Winner Alumni / Atlantic Records Group, LLC → 2024

“Them other guys just lusting, when I touch on you, I heal you / I heal you.” WORD! Kevin Gates said what he said on “Heal You,” PERIOD! “Heal You” is the 12^th track from Gates’ 2024 album, The Ceremony. Gates and Norman Payne wrote “Heal You.” DJ Chose produced it.

“Heal You” begins with an intro shouting out producer DJ Chose (“Ain’t that DJ Chose over there? Look like DJ Chose”). Kevin Gates delivers a melodic rap during the chorus:

“I understand your trauma, girl, I tapped into the real you

You been through a lot just like me, so I feel you

I can’t be your band-aid, them bad days’ll kill you

Them other guys just lusting, when I touch on you, I heal you

I heal you…”

Gates delivers a compelling cadence and flow during the verses, which are less pitched. “I go to pulling your hair, gripping your waist, face is you making amazing,” he raps in the first verse, and continues, “I make you talk back you go, while your little soft ass gettin’ rubbed.” Oh, snap! In the second verse, he asserts, “Death in the family, I comforted you, now I’m guessing that all that wasn’t enough / Now it’s going to be difficult for you to forget me, girl.” Ultimately, Gates feels like he has been and is putting in the work with her on “Heal You.”  Notably, The Ceremony also features another healing track, “Healing” (“Mistakes make us great, I’m proud of you, I think you doing amazing (Ooh) / We healing now (Healing now)”).

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9. Michael Jackson, “Heal The World”

Dangerous → MJJ Productions Inc. → 1991

“Heal the world / Make it a better place / For you and for me and the entire human race.” Amen, Michael Jackson, amen! In a crazy world with ample ails, we should heed the late King of Pop’s powerful lyrics.  He continues singing in the chorus of  “Heal the World” (Dangerous), “There are people dying / If you care enough for the living / Make a better place for you and for me.”  “Heal the World” didn’t achieve the same level of success as Jackson’s top-tier pop singles, but it did reach number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993.

Beyond the chorus, the centerpiece of “Heal the World,” there are plenty of inspiring, thoughtful moments. Take the first verse, for example, where Jackson asserts, “There’s a place in your heart / And I know that it is love / And this place could be much brighter than tomorrow.” Similarly, in the second, Jackson states, “There’s a love that cannot lie / Love is strong, it only cares for joyful giving.” The pre-choruses are also thoughtful, with MJ singing, positively, “There are ways to get there / If you care enough for the living / Make a little space / Make a better place.”  The human race has good in it, but can be selfish, only thinking about itself. On the gorgeous “Heal the World”, Jackson encourages us to be more selfless for the greater good.  The grandest section of this ballad is the repeated choruses supported by choir and featuring modulations.  It’s impossible to listen to this underrated MJ gem without experiencing chills.

Appears in 🔻:

Michael Jackson, Heal The World: Music Lifts No. 63 (2023)

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10. Donald Lawrence, “Healed”

I Speak Life → Zomba Recording LLC → 2004

“Got a story to tell you / ‘Bout some things that I’ve been through / But I’m healed / Oh, I’m healed.” Despite the adversity, the healing, thanks be to God, is acknowledged! Donald Lawrence / Donald Lawrence & Company recorded an outstanding, ultra-encouraging gospel gem with “Healed”. “Healed” is the opening track from his 2004 album, I Speak Life.  Though Lawrence is a fantastic composer himself (“Encourage Yourself” and “Spiritual” come to mind), Jonathan Nelson wrote this one. Lawrence produced it, however.

“Healed” starts with a B-A-N-G! The instrumental intro is bright and enthusiastic to the nth degree.  Those brass-led riffs are epic, proclaiming the healing before one note is sung.  The Company (the choir) delivers reverent, strong vocals.  Their voices are anointed!  As for Donald Lawrence, he encourages and ministers, helping the choir and listener get stirred up! Jonathan’s Nelson’s pen gam is strong and thoughtful throughout.  The melodies are incredibly tuneful, regardless of the section.  “Had some sunshine, some rain / Heartache and some pain,” The Company sings in the verse, and concludes, “I’m healed / Oh, I’m healed.” Hallelujah! The bridge that follows is utterly sublime.  There is more punch, harmonies, and further proclamation of this healing! “My God has touched me / Delivered / He set my soul free.” Amen, amen, amen! Later, in the chorus, despite “Scars / Circumstances / Disappointments,” you know the drill – “I AM HEALED!” Among the best moments of the song is the dynamic vamp section, where “With his stripes, I am healed!” Let the church say, YESSSSS! Nothing more needs to be said. “Healed” is a powerful testament of faith that endures long after its release.  The song speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:

Donald Lawrence, Healed: Music Lifts No. 30 (2026)

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11. Marvin Gaye, “Sexual Healing”

Midnight Love → Sony Music Entertainment → 1982

“Baby, I’m hot just like an oven / I need some lovin’.” Ooh-wee! What more can you say but damn, that’s hot 🥵! Two words: “Sexual Healing”! The title expresses all the listener needs to know. Sex is therapeutic, particularly in the hands of iconic soul artist Marvin Gaye (1939 – 1984).  This comeback effort by Gaye is lit to the nth degree: groovy, marvelously composed (Gaye, Odell Brown, and David Ritz), produced (Gaye), and performed, and S-E-X-Y!

“Sexual Healing” was ultra-successful. How so? It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of the biggest hits of Gaye’s illustrious career.  “Sexual Healing” was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. That’s impressive for an 80s single. Adding to the accolades, it won Gaye his only two Grammys: Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Instrumental Performance.  The crème de la crème of this infectious, sexy single is the chorus:

“And when I get that feeling

I want sexual healing

Sexual healing is good for me

Makes me feel so fine, it’s such a rush

Helps to relieve the mind, and it’s good for us.”

Agreed! If “Sexual Healing” itself isn’t enough to stimulate you, listen to the entirety of Midnight Love. Gaye’s fire is fueled by a universal three-letter word: SEX 😈.

Appears in 🔻:

Sexual: 3 or 4 Bops No. 20 (2021) 21 Songs About the Universal, 3-Letter Word, SEX (2022)

 

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11 Compelling Songs Focused on Healing (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 19 Recordings, Inc., Believe UK, BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, Curb, D’Leesa, Intertwine Records, MJJ Productions Inc., Restless Minds Music, Sasha Keable, Snapback Entertainment LLC, The Fight Club Records Limited, UMG Recordings, Inc., Zomba Recording LLC; Ivan Mudruk from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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