11 More Engaging Where or Wherever Songs | Playlist

11 More Engaging Where or Wherever Songs feature songs by Bailey Zimmerman, John Summit, Megan Thee Stallion, Shakira, and Whitney Houston.

WHERE? That is the question.  WHEREVER! That is the answer! The answer potentially leads to more questions, but in most cases, the specific place doesn’t seem to matter.  Why? Well, on 11 More Engaging Where or Wherever Songs, a follow-up to 13 Engaging Where or Wherever Songs (2024), the location – the place – isn’t necessarily specified by the songs.  The criterion for this playlist is the inclusion of the word where or wherever in the song title, PERIOD. 11 More Engaging Where or Wherever Songs feature songs by Bailey Zimmerman, John Summit, Megan Thee Stallion, Shakira, and Whitney Houston among others. So, prepare yourself to be wherever on these fab 11 More Engaging Where or Wherever Songs!

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1. Megan Thee Stallion, “Where Them Girls At”	2. John Summit & HAYLA, “Where You Are”	3. Shakira, “Whenever, Wherever”	4. Bailey Zimmerman, “Where It Ends”
5. Rihanna, “Where Have You Been”	6. Brent Faiyaz, “Wherever I Go”	7. Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes, “Up Where We Belong”	8. Arctic Monkeys, “I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am”
9. Lil Nas X, “Where Do We Go Now?”	10. Whitney Houston, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”	11. L.T.D., “Where Did We Go Wrong”

 

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1. Megan Thee Stallion, “Where Them Girls At”

MEGAN: ACT II // Hot Girl Productions LLC // 2024

“Keep that bag comin’, I’m gon’ keep that ass jumpin’.” Damn, Meg! Megan Thee Stallion is locked TF in on “Where Them Girls At,” the fourth track from MEGAN / 17^th track from MEGAN: ACT II.  It features a badass, malicious, minor-key backdrop produced by LilJuMadeDaBeat.  The song samples “Booty Hopscotch” by Kstylis (king of twerk music) and Thee Stallion’s own “Running Up Freestyle”.  In addition to a knocking beat, “Where Them Girls At” features clapping.  You can’t talk about a$$ and not have clapping, right? Right! As always, Megan is on autopilot.  She brings ample confidence and personality to her rhymes. Her cadence and flow are electric. “Titties sit pretty under my necklace / Real big fat ass, I was blessed with,” she brags in the first verse, adding, “Two pretty-ass friends, we besties / I’m it, but they still can’t catch me.” Word! She admits in the second verse, “I make hoes so mad they can’t hide it / Fuck peace, ho, let’s choose violence.” My, my, my! She doesn’t lie on the bridge, asserting, “I’m a freak bitch (Freak bitch) / Tongue out with my hands on my knees, bitch (Baow, baow).” Indeed! Ultimately “Where Them Girls At” slaps.

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2. John Summit & HAYLA, “Where You Are”

Comfort in Chaos // Experts Only // 2024 

“Do you dream alone under the moon? / Is it brighter, brighter when I’m with you?” That’s a legit question! DJ/producer John Summit enlists Grammy-nominated British electronic/dance singer/songwriter HAYLA to provide scrumptious ear candy with “Where You Are.” “Where You Are” is the ninth track on Summit’s 2024 debut album, Comfort in Chaos, which debuted inside the top 40 on the Billboard 200.

“Where” features colorful musical accompaniment with a thudding beat and warm but rhythmic synths. I love the nuance of the production by Summit and Eddie Jenkins. HAYLA delivers sultry, warm vocals. “Are you wide awake, countin’ the stars? /Or just lyin’, lyin’ in the dark?” she asks in the second verse. She is more assertive during the chorus and drop.  The chorus is incredibly memorable, the expectation from a dance number: “I get this feelin’ / I wanna be where you are.” “Where You Are” is an absolute blast to listen to.

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3. Shakira, “Whenever, Wherever”

Laundry Service // Sony Music Entertainment // 2001

“Whenever, wherever / We’re meant to be together / I’ll be there, and you’ll be near / And that’s the deal, my dear.” Ooh-wee! “Whenever, Wherever” is the third track from the quadruple-platinum-certified Laundry Service, the 2001 English language album by Shakira. “Whenever, Wherever” marks one of six top-10 hits by the Grammy-winning Colombian superstar. “Whenever” peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the tail-end of 2001. It has been certified double platinum by the RIAA.  Why is “Whenever, Wherever” such a banger? First and foremost, Shakira possesses a unique voice.  Her distinct tone and nuances make her compelling and different from other pop artists.  Besides the voice, the backdrop is a win as well. She produces alongside Tim Mitchell. “Whenever, Wherever” is super groovy, embracing the Latin vibes but also pop. Another reason “Whenever” shines is thanks to the songwriting (Shakira, Mitchell, and Gloria Estefan).  The chorus is the crème de la crème.  Also, the verses deliver surefire goodness! “Lucky you were born that far away so / We could both make fun of distance,” she asserts in the first verse, adding, “Lucky that I love a foreign land for / The lucky fact of your existence.” Ooh-wee! The ears perk up in the second verse with “Lucky that my breasts are small and humble / So you don’t confuse them with mountains.”  Ultimately, the exuberant, love-driven “Whenever, Wherever” ranks at the top of the Shakira catalog. Pop banger extraordinaire! 

 

Appears in :

• Shakira, Whenever, Wherever: Bangerz N Bopz 9 (2024)

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4. Bailey Zimmerman, “Where It Ends”

Religiously. The Album. // Warner Music Nashville / Elektra // 2023

“And I’m breakin’ down / You were lyin’ when you said that you were tryin’ to work things out / But now I’m broken down.” Oh, snap! This is “Where It Ends!” “Where It Ends” is the 12^th track on Religiously. The Album., the debut album by country singer Bailey Zimmerman. Zimmerman sounds clear, commanding, and youthful in “Where It Ends.” He may be young, but he knows it’s time to call it quits when it comes to her.  In the second verse, he admits, “Red flags said I shoulda walked out that door.” Despite the love-induced pain experienced, he possesses a strong and captivating voice. The powerful chorus marks the best moment of the song.

“You’re the last thing that I thought I’d lose

All I ever wanted was to be loved by you

I let you back in and I gave you a second chance

And like a jet plane on a clear blue sky

Sun came shinin’ down on all your lies

I got too much pride to let that happen again

So, this is where it ends, ends, ends

Yeah, this is where it ends.”

Beyond great vocals and relatable songwriting, “Where It Ends” benefits from tuneful melodies. The musical accompaniment marks another selling point with its heavy-handed guitars, banjo, and tasty guitar riffs. Ultimately, “Where It Ends” is country, but also features some more contemporary production tricks (a dash of synth, but non troppo).

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5. Rihanna, “Where Have You Been”

Talk That Talk // The Island Def Jam Music Group // 2011

“I’ve been everywhere, man, looking for someone / Someone who can please me, love me all night long.” Ooh-wee, it’s getting steamy, Rihanna! “Where Have You Been” is the second track from the Grammy-winning R&B/pop artist’s  2011 album, Talk That Talk. “Where” embraces a dance-pop sound that is a far cry from some of Ri’s more R&B-centric work. Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and Calvin Harris produced the highlight that features a kick-ass backdrop with some utterly fierce sounds. “Where” performed superbly on the pop charts, peaking at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA.  It was nominated for the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance.

“Where Have You Been” samples vocals and lyrics from “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Lucky Starr. The introductory chorus, excerpted above, sets the tone.  The song begins tamely but quickly evolves beyond a thumping, four-on-the-floor beat. I did mention the production kicks ass, right? Rihanna delivers confident, commanding lead vocals from the start.  Her distinct instrument was tailor-made for this record. The vocal production is marvelous. A song with a nontraditional form, in the post-chorus, she asks, “Where have you been / ‘Cause I never see you out / Are you hiding from me, yeah? / Somewhere in the crowd.” Following the instrumental drop, the production during the chorus benefits from variations, growing bolder and more dynamic.  Rihanna makes it crystal clear, “You can have me all you want / Any way, any day / Just show me where you are tonight.” Oh, snap! “Where Have You Been” has its fair share of gimmicky moments (“Li-i-i-i-fe” and “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah”), but that’s characteristic of Rihanna and the dance-pop music of the 2010s.  “Where” is nothing short of a bop, PERIOD!

Appears in :

• Rihanna, Where Have You Been: Bangerz N Bopz 4 (2025)

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6. Brent Faiyaz, “Wherever I Go”

Larger Than Life // ISO Supremacy / UnitedMasters LLC // 2023

“If only I knew, I’d take care of you / You could’ve skipped the line (Now you outside).” Ooh-wee!  Brent Faiyaz has love, past love, on his mind on “Wherever I Go,” the eighth track from his 2023 album, Larger Than Life. In the chorus of the smooth R&B ballad, he suggests she goes the same places he does. Or, is it the memories flooding his mind?

“It’s like you (It’s like you know)

Why would you be here?

You’re wherever I go (You’re wherеver I go)

Listen, you’re playin’, girl

It’s likе you know (You know)

And that’s why you go

You’re wherever I go (You’re wherever I go).”

It’s the memories! In the second verse, he asserts, “Should’ve never bought you things,” exhibiting regret. AR, Williskeating, Jamie McLaughlin, 1stfrom92, and SpizzleDoe produced “Wherever I Go.” Interestingly, it commences with rain, thunder, and lightning effects. Beyond those opening effects, it’s ear-catching thanks to a palette comprised of keys, pads, and warmer, lusher sounds. Faiyaz nails it vocally, impressing with buttery smooth pipes.  The melodies are memorable. The harmonized vocals up the ante during the chorus. “Wherever I Go” is a fine moment from Larger Than Life and the Brent Faiyaz music catalog.

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7. Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes, “Up Where We Belong”

Ultimate Collection // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2004 

“Love lift us up where we belong / Where the eagles cry, on a mountain high.” Ah, “Up Where We Belong”, one of the great pop classics from the 1980s.  “Up Where We Belong” enlisted the talents of the late, great English singer Joe Cocker (1944 – 2014) and Jennifer Warnes (1947 – ).  The chorus continues, in all its glory, “Love lift us up where we belong / Far from the world below, up where the clear winds blow.” Who penned this highlight from the An Office and a Gentleman Soundtrack (1982)? That would be Bernard Nitzsche and Buffy Sainte-Marie.  Kudos to them!    

It should come as no surprise that “Up Where We Belong” is a decorated classic.  First of all, it peaked at no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Secondly, it won the Grammy for Best Pop Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocals, the sole Grammy win by Cocker (Warnes would win a second Grammy).  Songwriters Nitzsche and Sainte-Marie were awarded the highly coveted Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1983. “Up Where We Belong” was THAT song.  Besides the catchy chorus, where the chemistry between Cocker and Warnes is incredible, the other sections of the song, and the respective solo vocals are sweet too.  Jennifer starts things off, by setting the tone: “Who knows what tomorrow brings / In a world few hearts survive.” Sigh.  Of course, the always distinct and expressive Cocker puts his stamp on the song, singing the second half of the first verse, as well as the following refrain (or pre-chorus if you will). In the second verse, Cocker sings first, followed by Warnes. Beyond the love-driven songwriting, elite vocal performance, and tuneful melodies, the production shines with its palette of keys shining particularly bright. “Up Where We Belong” is a timeless classic that speaks for itself.    

Appears in :   

• Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes, Up Where We Belong: Throwback Vibez 121 (2023) 
• Belong: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 66 (2023) 
• Incredible Songs: 1980s, Vol. 4 (2023)

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8. Arctic Monkeys, “I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am”

The Car // Domino // 2022 

“I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am” keeps The Car, the 2022 studio album by Arctic Monkeys, ‘running,’ by all means. The second track is incredibly groovy.  It features some sick, distorted guitar lines, and a robust bass line.  The lyrics are intriguing (“Formation displays of affection fly over (Eyes roll back) / And I can see both islands now / From my vantage point”), which is always the expectation from Alex Turner. Musically, there are some unique harmonic ideas (idiomatic of jazz), outside of the core progression.  One of the biggest selling points is the wall of sound constructed with the lush, dramatic strings, and when backing vocals enter the mix.  The backing vocals sound as if they could’ve originated from a classic soul record, showcasing Arctic Monkey’s musical eclecticism. Turner may not quite be where he thinks he is, but ain’t nothing questionable or sus about “I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am.” 

Appears in :

• 11 Must-Hear, Ain’t Songs (2022)

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9. Lil Nas X, “Where Do We Go Now?”

“Where Do We Go Now?” // Columbia // 2024

It seems like a total waste when you stir up controversy for a musical comeback and the comeback falls flat, doesn’t it? That’s what Lil Nas X did in advance of the controversial “J CHRIST” with the result being a so-so, modestly charting song.  Nas X followed “J CHRIST” with the modest “Where Do We Go Now?”, appearing in his biopic, Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero.  The low-key “Where Do We Go Now?” has more substance than “J CHRIST.”  Lil Nas X sings radiantly – a selling point.  Furthermore, the sentiment of the song is positive too.  He is reflective and authentic.  The authenticity is notable considering how inauthentic he can be when he trolls.  Musically, he embraces pop with very few hip-hop or urban touches to be found.  Maybe it’s those acoustic guitars that lock in the pop/rock vibes. Even with many positives, “Where Do We Go Now?” is a bit of a snooze, or, at a minimum, conservative and tame for such a big personality.

 

Appears in :

• Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 2 (2024)

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10. Whitney Houston, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”

Whitney // Arista // 1987

“You see, I haven’t been the same / Since that cold November day / We said we need space / But all we found was an empty place.” Those matters of the heart – they’re pesky, aren’t they? Whitney Houston was a musical icon – PERIOD.  Throughout the course of her career, Houston earned 23 top-10 hits, including 11 no. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Among those no. 1 hits is “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”, where those love-infused lyrics hail. This song appears as the penultimate track from her 1987 sophomore album, Whitney.  It was composed by Charles Jackson and Frank Wildhorn.  Producing this sensation number was the talented Narada Michael Walden.

In the second verse, Houston continues to address this love situation. “And what we have is so much more / Than we ever had before / And no matter how I try / You’re always on my mind.”  Why is he always on her mind? She still loves him despite breaking up.  It leads to the centerpiece, the epic, memorable chorus:

“Where do broken hearts go?

Can they find their way home

Back to the open arms

Of a love that’s waiting there?

And if somebody loves you

Won’t they always love you?

I look in your eyes

And I know that you still care, for me.”

Besides memorable, tuneful, and relatable songwriting, the voice is nothing short of remarkable – utterly stupendous.  This is Whitney Houston at her best, delivering a big, adult contemporary R&B ballad.  Her tone is gorgeous, and the nuances are exemplary. Basically, she hits all the right notes and more! The supporting instrumental is elite too – tailor made for her.  What more is there to be said? “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” speaks for itself.  Another triumph from an artist who had no shortage of them.

Appears in :

• Whitney Houston, Where Do Broken Hearts Go: Throwback Vibez 36 (2024)
• 13 Heartfelt ️ HEART ️ Songs (2024)

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11. L.T.D., “Where Did We Go Wrong”

Shine On // A&M // 1980

“Where did we go wrong? / Now won’t you tell me what went wrong with love.” Oh, the plight of love, captured by a terrific, four-and-a-half-minute, 1980s R&B ballad! Jeffrey Osborne and L.T.D. (Love, Togetherness, and Devotion, btw)  landed a top-10 R&B hit with “Where Did We Go Wrong”. “Where Did We Go Wrong” hails from the collective’s 1980 album, Shine On.  “Where Did We Go Wrong” failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 – bummer! At least the title track gave L.T.D. a top-40 hit ‍️.  Despite failing to achieve mainstream appeal like early classics “Love Ballad” and especially “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again”, “Where Did We Go Wrong” is quite accomplished – a surefire winner. The biggest selling points are the expressive lead vocals by Jeffrey Osborne.  He sings these love-oriented lyrics authentically and relatable.   He asserts, “And if our love was meant to be, oh girl / We’ll find a way to save it / We’ll build a road of love, baby.” Sigh, oh, the feels! Featuring memorable songwriting, particularly the chorus, Osborne penned “Where Did We Go Wrong” alongside Sam Dees. Another selling point is the lush production, courtesy of  Bobby Martin.  The decadent ear candy comprises of electric piano, a robust bass line, a simple but effective groove, and the secret weapon, strings! Although the love has gone south, there is nothing broken regarding “Where Did We Go Wrong”.

Appears in :

• T.D., Where Did We Go Wrong: Throwback Vibez No. 72 (2023)

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11 More Engaging Where or Wherever Songs (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M, Arista, Columbia, Domino, Elektra, Experts Only, Hot Girl Productions LLC, ISO Supremacy, Sony Music Entertainment, The Island Def Jam Music Group, UMG Recordings, Inc., UnitedMasters LLC, Warner Music Nashville; Andrea Piacquadio, Pixabay, William Fortunato from Pexels; AcatXlo, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, OpenClipart-Vectors, VideoPlasty.com from Pixabay]

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