11 Lovely, Lonely Songs, Part 1

Reading Time: 14 min read

11 Lovely, Lonely Songs, Part 1 features songs by Conan Gray, Bobby Womack, Halsey, The Main Ingredient, and Rob Thomas.

Damn, being lonely sucks . Fewer feelings leave you hollower than yearning for someone you don’t have – who’s not your significant other . Atoning for loneliness, aside from finding a partner is an arduous task. Music is therapeutic, however, and many songs have been written about loneliness. Because there are a shit-ton, all the lonely songs simply can’t be captured in one playlist. 11 Lovely, Lonely Songs, Part 1 provides the first sampling – 11 lonely songs worth listening to and making yourself feel more, or, hopefully, less lonely. 11 Lovely, Lonely Songs, Part 1 features music courtesy of Conan Gray, Bobby Womack, Halsey, The Main Ingredient, and Rob Thomas. So, without further ado, let’s all be lonely, together in harmony, on 11 Lovely, Lonely Songs, Part 1!

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1. Conan Gray, “Lonely Dancers”

2. Halsey, “Lonely is the Muse”

3. Eddie Holman, “Hey There Lonely Girl”

4. Justin Bieber & benny blanco, “Lonely”

5. Lauv & Anne-Marie, “fuck, I’m lonely”

6. Bobby Womack, “If You Think You’re Lonely Now”

7. Akon, “Lonely”

8. The Main Ingredient, “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely”

9. Rob Thomas, “Lonely No More”

10. Frederick Knight, “I’ve Been Lonely For So Long”

11. The Emotions, “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas”

1. Conan Gray, “Lonely Dancers”

Found Heaven // Republic // 2024

“Tonight, you’re mine.” Noted! “Lonely Dancers” marked the first single of 2024 for the handsome, ultra-talented Conan Gray. This skinny, two-and-a-half-minute song is the fourth single from his third studio album, Found Heaven (arrives April 5, 2024). While “Lonely Dancers” musters up a short duration, it’s ample and sufficient time for Gray to put in work. He penned this ear candy alongside Ilya Salmanzadeh (ILYA), Max Martin, and Oscar Holter. ILYA, Martin, and Holter handle production duties, responsible for a decadent, picturesque backdrop, including some epic, rhythmic synths. The instrumental is potent, but the star of the show is none other than Gray. He serves up commanding, marvelous lead vocals. The first section of “Lonely Dancers” heard is the epic chorus:

“We’re lonely dancers

Join me for the night

We’re lonely dancers, baby

Dance with me so we don’t cry

We’re lonely dancers

There’s no need to hide

I know the answer, baby

Dance we me so we don’t cray

La-la, la-la, la, cry

La-la, la-la, la.”

Self-explanatory what’s going on. But, there’s further clarification on the verse, where he spills the tea: “Your lover left you, broke up tonight / My lover’s busy kissin’ other guys, oh.” Oh, indeed. What else should they do but join each other in their misery and dance it out! “Lonely Dancers” thrives off its tuneful melodies, which recall the 1980s. Another bright spot, beyond the chorus and sole verse, is the bridge, which provides contrast and maintains the engaging nature of the song (“Wait, stop, forget that guy / He don’t know love, I hope he dies…”). Does Conan Gray ever miss? Nope! “Lonely Dancers” is terrific.

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2. Halsey, “Lonely is the Muse”

The Great Impersonator // Columbia // 2024

“I spent years becoming cool / And in one single second, you / Can make a decade of my efforts disappear.” Damn, that sucks, Halsey (Ashley Frangipane). What doesn’t suck, however, is “Lonely is the Muse”, a highlight from the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter’s fifth studio album, The Great Impersonator. She continues singing in the dramatic first verse, “I’m just waiting at the bar / And you rip open all my scars / By saying something like, ‘Didn’t know you were here.’ Once again, damn, that stings! Halsey captures the excruciating pain soundly in this gem co-written with Stuart Price. Austin Corona, Wyatt Bernard, and Brandon Buttner produced this dark, angsty alternative rock cut that shows a different side of Halsey.

In the second verse, Halsey cites her accomplishments yet laments the fact she’s “…Reduced to just a body / Here in someone else’s bed.” The chorus and post-chorus mark the most memorable moments from “Lonely is the Muse.” The lyrics continue to live in the ‘dark’ with Frangipane confirming her status as a martyr (“Always knew I was a martyr / That Jesus was one too”). The lyrics are poetic to the nth degree. She adds in the bridge, with the utmost drama:

“And when you’re done, you can discard me

Like the others always do

And I will nurse my wounds until

Another artist needs me new

And I will always reassemble to fit perfectly in view.”

By the end (outro) of “Lonely is the Muse”, Halsey is at her most angst-laden, with the dynamic musical accompanying fueling the fire. This is one of the best songs of Halsey’s career, hands down ! Four minutes of greatness!

Appears in :

Halsey, Lonely is the Muse: Bangerz N Bopz 90 (2024)

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3. Eddie Holman, “Hey There Lonely Girl”

I Love You // Geffen // 1969

“Hey there, lonely girl / Lonely girl / Let me make your broken heart like new / Hey there, lonely girl / Lonely girl / Don’t you know this lonely boy loves you?” Remember, sometimes, it only takes one hit to solidify your musical legacy. For Eddie Holman, the one song that solidified his legacy is “Hey There Lonely Girl”. It was written by Earl Shuman and Leon Carr. Interestingly, it is a COVER! Before there was lonely girl, there was “Hey There Lonely Boy” courtesy of Ruby and The Romantics. While Ruby and The Romantics earned success with “Lonely Boy,” “Hey There Lonely Girl” courtesy of Holman made a bigger splash, peaking at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 14 weeks on the chart. It marks the sole top 10 hit of his career (three other songs charted on the pop charts with less success).  On “Hey There Lonely Girl,” the incredibly talented singer wows with one of the sweetest tenor vocals you’ll ever hear.  Holman’s voice alone is a big reason why the song ranks among the truly great songs from the soul catalog. It appears as the seventh track on his 1969 album, I Love You.  Peter De Angelis produced it. Like so many soul cuts from the late 1960s entering the 1970s, the orchestration and overall sound are lush, with symphonic cues.  This is the perfect fuel for Holman’s fire as he woos this lonely girl with his angelic pipes. “Oh, how I long to take your hand,” he sings to his brokenhearted prospect, adding, “And say, ‘Don’t cry’ / I’ll kiss your tears away.” Later, in the second verse, Holman adds, “No one can kiss your lips the way I will.” It’s worth noting that he gets some help from some superb background vocalists, beginning with the second verse.  All told, “Hey There Lonely Boy” is simply magnificent.

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4. Justin Bieber & benny blanco, “Lonely”

Justice // Def Jam Recordings // 2021

Justin Bieber shines on the authentic, reflective, and vulnerable “Lonely” with benny blanco. In the 16^th track from his 2021 album Justice, Justin delivers one of the most personal songs of his career. Blanco and FINNEAS provide him with a reflective, somber backdrop. Bieber gives us beautiful, expressive vocals. He reflects on the effects of fame, particularly at a young age. In the first verse, he sings, “Maybe when I’m older, it’ll all calm down / But it’s killin’ me now.” He goes on to drop the f-bomb on the pre-chorus, asserting “But no one’s listening / And that’s just fuckin’ lonely.” The chorus is simple but effective, highlighting the titular lyric. Admittedly, given Justin’s age and how bad his downward spiral was years back, it’s been tough to like him or relate to him. On “Lonely,” his honesty is appreciated and respected.

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5. Lauv & Anne-Marie, “fuck, I’m lonely”

~how I’m feeling~ // Lauv / AWAL Recordings America, Inc. // 2020

“Fuck, I’m lonely, I’m lonely, I’m lonely as…” On the profane “fuck, I’m lonely” from his 2020 debut album, ~how I’m feeling~, Lauv (Ari Leff) captures a relatable sentiment and is totally ‘in his feelings.’ In the first verse, after calling multiple times, he asserts, “Your fingers through my hair, that’s on my mind.” In the pre-chorus, he sings, “I don’t know, I don’t know / How I’m gonna make it out.” That’s where the ‘fucking’ lonely chorus comes into play. The wine that featured guest Anne-Marie drinks in the second verse isn’t the only bitter thing: “And all my friends are way too drunk to save me from my phone / So sorry if I say some things I mean.” The two join forces for the remainder of the song in various instances, including the reminiscent bridge. Neither wants to get over each other or the defunct relationship. “Fuck, I’m lonely” is a fucking winning, love-centric song from Lauv.

Appears in :

25 Colorful Songs, Clearly For Under Consent [of the] King (2020)

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6. Bobby Womack, “If You Think You’re Lonely Now”

The Poet // ABKCO Music & Records, Inc. // 1981

“If you think you’re lonely now, huh / Wait until tonight, girl.” Why Bobby Womack? “I’ll be long gone / …And you’ll never find another man that’ll treat you right.” Noted – loud and clear. The late, great soul musician dropped a gem in the early 80s with “If You Think You’re Lonely Now”. The seventh track from his 1981 LP, The Poet, was a hit on the R&B charts. However, sadly, it didn’t impact the pop charts. Nonetheless, the Womack, Patrick Moten, and Sandra Sully penned track is one of the gems of Bobby’s awesome musical catalog. First and foremost, Womack ‘brings the heat’ vocally. He has the perfect topic to sing about: love. Both lyrics and melodies are memorable. The songwriting is relatable, given that ‘matters of the heart’ are universal. Womack feels unloved by a woman he characterizes as ‘high maintenance’: “She’s always complaining ‘bout me never being at home / But when I’m home, I’m broke / She’s telling me ‘bout the things that her girlfriend’s got / What she ain’t got.” In the second and third verses, there are elements of karma. “When I ain’t there to rub your back /… Just remember I made it a known fact,” he sings in the second, adding in the third, “Girl, ain’t it funny how the tables turn? / When things aren’t going your way.” By the fifth verse, he’s completely done with her shenanigans: “‘Cause I’ve done my time / And it’s your turn now (Wait until tonight, girl).” Womack also gets a lift from fantastic background vocals that sing titular lyrics and the recurrent, “Wait until tonight, girl.” Aside from sweet, nuanced vocals and unforgettable lyrics, the musical accompaniment is swell. Ultimately, Womack shines on this ‘late-career’ hit. “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” was famously covered by K-Ci and has been sampled many times.

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7. Akon, “Lonely”

Trouble // Universal / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2004

“Lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely / I have nobody for my own.” In 2004, Akon released his debut album, Trouble. “Lonely”. Many of his younger fans likely didn’t grow up listening to the Bobby Vinton classic, “Mr. Lonely”. The Senegalese American musician samples and reworks the 60s classic for his huge pop hit. “Lonely” peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005. Also, “it was a multiplatinum single from his platinum-certified debut LP. The verses on “Lonely” are brand-new. In the first verse, Akon is dismayed his girlfriend is gone. Sad, he reflects, “Tryin’ to figure out what I do to make it go bad / ‘Cause ever since my girl left me / My whole life came crashin’.” You know what that means. Our boy, Akon, is… “Lonely (so lonely) / I’m Mr. Lonely (Mr. Lonely) / I have nobody (I have nobody) / For my own (to call my own, girl).” Akon lifts the chorus, and rightfully, Vinton, credited as a songwriter with co-writer, Gene Allan, sings the core of the chorus, while Akon sings the response. The second verse is like the first, with Akon lamenting her exit and his stupidity. “What really hurt me is I broke your heart,” he sings, continuing, “Baby, you a good girl and I had no right.” At least he’s contrite, even if it’s after the fact. The third verse keeps the same energy as well. Akon marvelously reintroduced “Mr. Lonely” via “Lonely” to a new generation. He sings it authentically and beautifully. This is easily one of his best.

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8. The Main Ingredient, “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely”

Euphrates River // RCA // 1974

“I don’t mind when you say / That you’re going away / I just don’t wanna be lonely.” Indeed, The Main Ingredient. Later, “Let the stairs find you there / Waiting at the end of the room / I just don’t wanna be lonely.” Noted! “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely” is one of the soul collective’s most popular songs. It’s the eighth track from the soul collective’s sixth album, Euphrates River, released in 1974. A pop hit, it peaked at no. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. John C. Freeman, Bobby Eli, and Vinnie Barrett penned the oldie, originally recorded by Ronnie Dawson. A big bass line is one of the best features of the song. There are also terrific guitar riffs and a mean groove established by the drums and percussion. The rhythm section is tight. In addition to the rhythm section, the orchestra sounds sweet – the strings soar. From a music theory perspective, the harmonic scheme is sweet, with some distinct moments that catch the ear. Beyond the instrumental and technical aspects, Cuba Gooding Sr. excels as a frontman. His vocals are buttery smooth. Even before singing one note, he exhibits plenty of personality in the intro (“Hey, say, wait a minute / Where you going with that suitcase”). Besides bringing the melodies to life, Gooding Sr. also drops some great vocal ad-libs. He gets epic support from The Main Ingredient, who lock into celestial vocal harmonies. The songwriting is electrifying too, as the emphasis is on love and avoiding loneliness. The chorus is the centerpiece:

“I’d rather be loved and needed
Depended on to give a love
I can’t give when you’re gone
When you’re gone
I just don’t want to be lonely
I’d rather be loved.”

Word. “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely” is The Main Ingredient at its best.

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9. Rob Thomas, “Lonely No More”

Something to Be // Atlantic // 2005

“Can you swear to me that you’ll always be this way? / Show me how you feel / More than ever, baby.” Ooh-wee! Rob Thomas had a successful run as a solo artist following the massive success with Matchbox Twenty. Thomas released his double-platinum, debut album, Something to Be in 2005. The song to beat on the project was “Lonely No More”, a big-time pop single. It peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, was certified platinum, and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 48^th Annual Grammy Awards. Thomas delivers a gem with “Lonely No More,” which still shines two decades after its release. The vocals are commanding and expressive. His tone is excellent. The songwriting (Thomas) is a bright spot, too. “Open up to me, like you do your girlfriends,” Rob sings in the second verse, adding, “And you sing to me and it’s harmony / Girl, what you do to me is everything.” Oh, snap! The chorus is the section to beat:

“I don’t wanna be lonely no more

I don’t wanna have to pay for this (Whoa)

I don’t wanna know the lover at my door

It’s just another heartache on my list

I don’t wanna be angry no more
You know I could never stand for this (Whoa)
So when you tell me that you love me, know for sure
I don’t wanna be lonely anymore.”

Beyond vocals and songwriting, including scrumptious, tuneful melodies (especially the golden chorus), the musical accompaniment deserves a massive shout-out. Matt Serletic produced. “Lonely No More” masterfully straddles the pop/rock lane which was big in the 2000s. Revisiting “Lonely No More” 20 years later, Thomas’ top 10 juggernaut is timeless.

Appears in :

Rob Thomas, Lonely No More: Bangerz N Bopz 88 (2024)

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10. Frederick Knight, “I’ve Been Lonely for So Long”

I’ve Been Lonely For So Long // Craft Recordings / Concord Music Group, Inc. // 1973

“I’ve been lonely for so long / Don’t seem like happiness will come along.” Well, that’s depressing. However, what better than a 1970s soul record to capture those feels? Frederick Knight is renowned for one hit and one hit only: “I’ve Been Lonely For So Long”. “I’ve Been Lonely For So Long” was written by Jerry Weaver and Posie Knight, his wife. This Stax classic performed respectably on the pop charts peaking at no. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. So, what makes it so awesome? The sound of the record is incredibly smooth – a classy and refined instrumental. Interestingly, “I’ve Been Lonely For So Long” features a simpler backdrop compared to other soul cuts. Even so, this more conservative palette is fitting – sufficient by all means. As for Knight, he sings in a soulful manner without ever over-singing. His upper register is incredibly sweet yet potent. He packs the right emotions and expressions bringing the lyrics to life without a hitch. In the first verse, Knight asserts, “Just can’t seem to get ahead in life / Oh, nothing I do ever turn out right,” before those memorable, contrasting, bassy vocal riffs enter: “Won’t somebody help me please.” In the second verse, he sings, “There’s got to be a better way I know / To shake this monkey off ‘cause he’s making me so…” It all comes down to the agony of loneliness, which is a five-letter word beginning with a B and followed by an itch. Regardless, on “I’ve Been Lonely For So Long”, Knight nails the agony of loneliness from start to finish in a most pleasant way.

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11. The Emotions, “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas”

Sunshine! // Stax / Concord // 1977

Grammy-winning R&B collective The Emotions (of “Best of My Love” notoriety) have the perfect Christmas song for us lonely folks: “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas” from their 1977 album, Sunshine!. The Emotions mention the cliché happy aspects/elements associated with the holidays. But the R&B collective also cites sadness thanks to loneliness. “‘Tis the season to be jolly / But how can I be when I have nobody?” They continue, sadly singing, “The yuletide carol doesn’t make it better / Knowing that we won’t be together.” Oh, the heartbreak ! The collective references beloved, jubilant carols ( “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World”) and can’t curb the sadness. The memories of a love expired have dimmed the holiday season: “But what is left / Oh, for me to do / Now that it’s Christmas / And I don’t have you.” The Emotions live up to their name, making Christmas an emotional time adversely. Even if it’s a bummer and buzzkill, the musical accompaniment and the vocal performance are magnificent. Also, the chorus is stellar, even if it’s unsure how to cope with the merry season: “What do the lonely do at Christmas / Oh, what do the lonely do at Christmas time.” Ultimately, “What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas” is relatable, if in a painful way, and oozes with soul. Kudos to Carl Mitchell Hampton and Homer Banks for composing a classic!