11 Incredibly Special Songs | Playlist

11 Incredibly Special Songs features music courtesy of Chris Brown, The Internet, Lizzo, Tech N9ne, and Whitney Houston.  

“In case nobody told you today / You’re special,” Lizzo sings on “Special”, a highlight from her 2022 sophomore album of the same name. “Special” is one of many SPECIAL songs to appear on the 17^th music compendium on The Musical Hype in the year of our Lord, 2023, 11 Incredibly Special Songs, an expansion of the miniature list, Special: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 10 (2023).  Honestly, the name speaks for itself! That said, there are a couple of exceptions to the rule of featuring the word special in the song title, hence why you’ll peep an Adele and Whitney Houston song that embody specialness sans the word! In addition to featuring the aforementioned ladies, 11 Incredibly Special Songs also features music from Chris Brown, The Internet, and Tech N9ne. So, embrace what makes you S-P-E-C-I-A-L and embrace this utterly enjoyable playlist!

1. Lizzo, “Special”

Special • Nice Life / Atlantic • 2022

“Fame is pretty new, but I’ve been used to people judgin’ me / That’s why I move the way I move and why I’m so in love with me.” “Special”, the title track from Lizzo’s sophomore album, is a reaction to the criticism she’s received for seemingly everything.  Her authenticity and honesty truly shine: “If it wasn’t me, then would you even get offended or / Is it just because I’m black and heavy? Y’all don’t hear me though.” Even though she’s had ample, unfounded negativity thrown her way, she doesn’t wallow in pessimism – she opts for optimism, encouraging herself, encouraging others, and taking the high road. The self-love is lit on “Special” where Lizzo turns the frowns into confident, empowered smiles!

“In case nobody told you today

You’re special

In case nobody made you believe

You’re special.”

Oh, yes, Lizzo – encourage us with that uplifting energy, those positive vibes! She adds on the utterly sublime chorus, “I’m so glad that you’re still with us / Broken, but damn, you’re still perfect.” Don’t we all need to hear that we are loved and special, even when we are flawed? “Special” marks one of the truly elite records from Special. 

Appears in :

• Lizzo, “Special”: Music Lifts 5 (2022)
• 13 Lit Songs To Lift You Up (2022)
• Special: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 10 (2023)

2. SZA, “Special”

Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA • 2022 

On “Special,” one of many great moments from her sophomore album, SOS, SZA laments her lack of perfection. Early on, the Grammy winner asserts, “I wish I was that girl from that Gucci store,” later speaking about struggling with body image in order to impress him.  “Boy, you got me fucked up, now I’m getting’ fucked up,” she sings in the second verse, adding, “Thinkin’ ‘bout us fucking, why you’d have to fuck her?” Yeah, she’s clearly not over him.  Her pain is our listening pleasure, with the chorus being the crowning achievement where her specialness has disappeared thanks to both him and her. 

Appears in :

• Special: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 10 (2023)

3. Chris Brown, “Special Delivery”

Breezy • RCA • 2022

“Don’t know if I believe in love at first sight / But I believe in makin’ love ‘til the sunrise.” Alright Chris Brown, we see you! Sex and Chris Brown are a match made in heaven – or hell ! “Then she grabbed my (She) while she licked the tattoos / Sexin’ so much, we don’t even get to sleep no more.” WOW ! On “Special Delivery”, the Grammy winner keeps it sexy through and through.  He asserts in the pre-chorus, “‘Cause we’re locked in, you the key / I’m the locksmith, you the centerpiece,” which sounds both dedicated and, expectedly, sexual. For more context, look to the chorus, where Brown compliments her, rightfully, but also adds, “Oh, she deserve a baby / She say I’m daddy, she deserve a weddin’ ring.” The question is, is Brown going to “CUFF IT”?

All of those happenings occur early on this sub-three-minute track. In the second verse, Brown gets more explicit.  Out with the sexual innuendo and in the bluntness and profanity – no profundity, of course! “Boobies and that booty, ain’t nobody like her / She a rider, so I fucked her on my motorcycle.” Woo! Even his thankfulness comes from his pants: “Thank you for makin’ this perfect ass woman / I can’t, I can’t, get enough of her / She’s always in my head and in my bed.” My question for Chris is, which head? Featuring bright, slick production from The BREED, Brown has the perfect backdrop to help fuel his sexual fire.  His distinct, soulful pipes don’t hurt on this heated joint from Breezy.

Appears in :

• Chris Brown, “Special Delivery”: Midnight Heat 11 (2023)

4. Vesta Williams, “Special”

Special • A&M • 1991 

According to the late, great Vesta Williams, “Never thought I’d find a lover / Who could love me like no other, sugar / Now I’m spellbound in your hands.” Dang! Clearly, this man is truly – wait for it – “Special”! “Special,” which hails from her 1991 album, Special, is one of the singles she is renowned for, peaking at no. 2 on the R&B charts. Unfortunately, the record, like many of her other singles, didn’t earn pop success – oh, the plight of the underrated!  Regardless of the pop slights, “Special” is quite special as Williams has found THE ONE – the G.O.A.T.! “The way you hold me feels so right / The way you make me feel is oh so special,” go the lyrics from the chorus.  Meanwhile, in the second verse, Vesta sparks an ultra-romantic setting – “Nights of passion filled with moonlight.”  This is early 1990s R&B at its best, embracing adult contemporary and New Jack Swing sensibilities.  Vesta Williams sounds utterly sublime – she was a special, special talent.

Appears in :

• Vesta Williams, “Special” : Throwback Vibez 22 (2023)

5. The Internet, “Special Affair”

Ego Death  • Odd Future LLC • 2015

“Penny for your thoughts, I know what you want / I can read your mind even from behind.” Well, damn, Syd doesn’t waste any time does she? These are the opening lyrics from “Special Affair,” the eighth track from the 2015 LP by The Internet, Ego Death.  Basically, these couple of lines tells you exactly where this song is going. For even more context, see the rest of the first verse: “And fuck what’s in your phone, let me take you home.” Yes, folks, “Special Affair” is about S-E-X.  Something that is interesting about “Special Affair” is how aggressive Syd is in securing this rendezvous with this woman.  She goes on to say, “So you should come here and sit yo ass on this throne / This is a special affair, better act like you know who I am.” Damn, again, Syd! Furthermore, she exposes her, asserting “Tryna act nice, your cover’s blown, but you already know,” adding, “And we can burn one.” So, to recap, Syd and this nameless, naughty girl, are going to get drunk, hook up, and smoke weed.  A “Special Affair” indeed! Also making the affair even more special are great vocals by Syd (as always), honest, sensual lyrics, and awesome, sensual music, produced by Matt Martians and the absolute genius, Steve Lacy. Can you say a vibe!

6. Whitney Houston, “You Were Loved”

The Preacher’s Wife • Arista • 1996 

Whitney Houston was one of the greatest singers of all time.  Her voice, at its best, was untouchable.  Houston put in some serious work in the 1990s with her contributions to soundtracks including 1996’s The Preacher’s Wife (1996). A truly SPECIAL moment from the soundtrack is the ballad, “You Were Loved”, where Houston sings on the stunning chorus:

“You were loved by someone

Touched by someone

Held by someone

Meant something to someone

Loved somebody

Touched somebody’s heart

Along the way

You can look back and say

You were loved.”

Houston’s shimmering pipes make us believe every word she is singing. Skilled singer/songwriter Diane Warren penned those thoughtful, love-filled lyrics that Houston makes us believe in. Furthermore, Babyface produced this inspirational, adult contemporary R&B gem.  It’s not surprising that this song makes you feel some type of way – loved – every time you hear it.  The chorus is the centerpiece, but those verses are sweet too, particularly the second half of the first verse where Whitney sings, “You’ll hold this world’s most priceless thing / The greatest gift this life can bring / Is when you look back and know / You were loved.”

Appears in :

• Whitney Houston, “You Were Loved”: Music Lifts 4 (2022)

7. Tech N9ne, “Special” (Ft. Ashten Ray)

ASIN9NE • Strange Music • 2021

Often, when it comes to celebrities, there is the perception that they believe they are of a higher status than non-celebrities. Well, according to Midwest rapper Tech N9ne, he sees himself as no more special than anybody else.  In the second verse of “Special”, a highlight from his 2021 album,   ASIN9NE, he raps agilely, “People label me special, so they handle wit’ care / Ain’t no ego trippin’ within me and no despair / …So what I’m sayin’ is I ain’t better (I ain’t better than you) / Just took the mic and had courage to share whatever.”  That is a mic drop moment if I do say so myself! I appreciate Tech N9ne being down to earth, especially considering he is one of hip-hop’s truly underrated rappers.

In addition to being humble and uplifting, throughout “Special,” Tech N9ne impresses, delivering rhymes that pack a punch, truly latching.  He reminisces on the past, his career, and thanks fans the fans on this lit , Wyshmaster Beats production. Besides superb production fueling his fire, Tech N9ne gets an awesome assist from Ashten Ray who performs the chorus on this surefire rap banger.  Like N9ne’s second verse in particular, Ray offers uplifting lyrics that speak to the specialness of everyone.  Specialness, hence, is inclusive, not exclusive!

“You can do anything using your mind

Life is a coaster, we’re all on this ride

When it brings you down, you need to fight

‘Cause everybody’s special (Yeah), no reason we should hide.”

Appears in :

• Tech N9ne, “Special”: Rap BNGRZ 5 (2023)

8. Jaheim, “Special Day”

Still Ghetto • Warner • 2002 

“You’re the beat to my heart / Here’s a rose with no thorns on the stem, you’re a gem,” Jaheim asserts on “Special Day.” “Special Day” is an exquisite, grown-folks R&B slow jam from his 2002 sophomore album, Still Ghetto.  Despite the album title, there is nothing ghetto about the ninth track. “Special Day” is incredibly classy, finding Jaheim celebrating this woman through and through.  Spoiling us, as well as his lady, with incredibly expressive, soulful vocals, “Special Day” is nothing short of a truly special, non-single from Still Ghetto.  “Today’s a special day for you / These are few / Things I’d like to do for you,” he sings marvelously, in totally dedicated fashion in the chorus.  Furthermore, fueling the fire of this underrated gem is the warm, incredibly lush production work by Mike Pendleton.  More than 20 years after its release, you can argue, R&B doesn’t sound like this anymore.  Ah, how I loved the neo-soul movement! Let me just say that this girl is lucky !

9. Ray, Goodman & Brown, “Special Lady”

The Best of Ray, Goodman & Brown • Universal / UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1996

“You must be a special lady / And a very exciting girl / You gotta be a special lady / ‘Cause you got me sittin’ on top of the world / Sittin’ on top of the world.” Woo! What special lady she must be indeed! Ray, Goodman & Brown (formerly The Moments)  – Harry Ray (1946 – 1992), Al Goodman (1943 – 2010), and Billy Brown (1946 –) – scored a big time hit with their song, “Special Lady”. “Special Lady,” which graced the trio’s 1979 album, Ray, Goodman & Brown, peaked at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, charting for 18 weeks.

“Somehow I knew it would be you / To change my gray skies to blue.” Ah – that special lady has truly changed their worlds! The song celebrates love and finding ‘the one.’ There are a number of poetic lyrics, all relating back to her specialness.  Beyond the first verse, Ray, Goodman & Brown assert, “I was like a song so out of key / Then you came and gave my soul a melody.” Now that is sweet! Beyond the dedicated lyrics, the music is a vibe itself.  The backdrop is bright and sunny, matching the feel-good, lovey-dovey vibes conveyed by the lyrics.  Whether you have found your special girl or special guy, “Special Lady” is a song that touts the goodness and the sheer beauty of love.

Appears in :

• Ray, Goodman & Brown, “Special Lady”: Throwback Vibez 18 (2023)
• Special: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 10 (2023)

10. Adele, “One and Only”

 21 •  XL Recordings Ltd. •  2011

“I dare you to let me be your, one and only / Promise I’m worth it / To hold in your arms.”  21, the critically acclaimed, 2011 album by  Adele has no shortage of hits.   “One and Only” definitely stands out on a truly deep, masterfully crafted album that won  six Grammys. This rousing, bluesy, gospel infused ONE record can’t be denied.  Adele penned this special gem with  Dan Wilson and Greg Wells.  Notably,  Rick Rubin produces. Hallelujah ! The robust nature of Adele’s voice is simply masterful on this emotionally charged, commitment-driven affair.  Love always wins, right? Right!

Appears in :

• Only: 5ive Songs No. 21 (2020)
• 11 Songs Associated with Number One (2021)
• 12 Totally Intriguing, ONLY Songs (2022)
• Special: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 10 (2023)

11. The Winans, “Special Lady”

Let My People Go • Word Entertainment / Curb • 1985

In black gospel music, the Winans name carries tremendous weight – an understatement.  Honestly, they’re some of the most gifted group of musicians you’ll find regardless of genre.  Gospel is their calling card, though, in 1985, on The Winans’ Let My People Go, they contrast with an inspirational, contemporary R&B tribute to their grandmother, “Special Lady”.  In all honesty, “Special Lady” has a case as the best song from Let My People Go given the smooth vocals, the vocal harmonies, and the touching sentiment.

“She was a very special lady

One who really shared

She was a very special woman who cared about

The things in life that only count

Truly, can’t you see

She was a very special lady to me.”

Oh, the feels, the feels, the feels! Furthermore, what about the smoothness of the sound and production work, as well as the harmonic progression?  Throughout, Carvin Winans, Marvin Winans, Michael Winans, and Ron Winans paint their grandmother as a marvelous woman.  “One to let us know / That true holiness was the only way to go,” they sing later, adding, “To live right / So that we could gain eternal life.” Special indeed!

Appears in :

• The Winans, “Special Lady”: Throwback Vibez 18 (2022)
• Special: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 10 (2023)

11 Incredibly Special Songs [: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; A&M, Arista, Atlantic, Nice Life, Odd Future LLC, RCA, Strange Music, Top Dawg Entertainment, Universal / UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner, Word Entertainment / Curb, XL; Abisola Odewale via Pexels]