11 Songs That Are Incredibly Sweet, Vol. 3

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11 Songs That Are Incredibly Sweet, Vol. 3 features music courtesy of Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, ericdoa, Madison Beer, and The Rolling Stones.

Ah, prepare for the SWEET vibes you are about to partake of! 11 Songs That Are Incredibly Sweet, Vol. 3 contains nothing but absolute sweetness.  The sugar content is high and guess what? We are not counting the calories today! 11 Songs That Are Incredibly Sweet, Vol. 3  follows two sweet musical compendiums: 11 Songs That Are Incredibly Sweet (2018) and 11 Songs That Are Incredibly Sweet, Vol. 2 (2023). 11 Songs That Are Incredibly Sweet, Vol. 3 features music courtesy of Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, ericdoa, Madison Beer, and The Rolling Stones among others. Grab your favorite snacks, filled with sugar, and let’s dive into these incredibly sweet songs, shall we!

1. The Rolling Stones, “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” (Ft. Lady Gaga & Stevie Wonder)  

Hackney Diamonds // Promotone B.V. // 2023    

On “Sweet Sounds of Heaven”, the epic, near-seven and a half minute second single from Hackney Diamonds, The Rolling Stones tap Academy- and Grammy-award winning musicians Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder for the assist!  The results are EPIC! Wonder provides bluesy, soulful piano to the backdrop – a mix of blues, gospel, and rock.  Before Mick Jagger ever sings a note, the instrumental sets the tone.  He sings the first verse, delivering expressive, potent, and powerful pipes.  The heavenly, spiritual vibes arrive early on, as Jagger memorializes the late, great Charlie Watts: “Bless the Father, bless the Son, hear the sound of the drums.” Lady Gaga arrives in the second verse, surprising with the sound of her voice with her select lyrics.  She sings in her upper register, giving us a different sound.  She complements Jagger’s lead well, which continues in the verse, referencing spiritual things once more (“I hear the sweet sounds / the sweet sounds of children / And they’re praisin’”).  

Both artists sing in the chorus. The grittiness and power that Lady Gaga shows off is ear-catching, PERIOD. The lyrics are strong, particularly as both artists sing at the end of the chorus, “Eat the bread, drink the wine / ‘Cause I’m finally, finally quenchin’ my thirst.” The bridge is totally different from the verses or chorus – it builds up to the second dynamic chorus. All told, there are some awesome sounds that occur throughout the main portion of “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” as well as the extended part.  Notably, Mick shouts out Stevie, while he and Gaga continue to tout “the sweet, sweet scents of Heaven.”  An entire essay could be written about this glorious song, however, it’s best experienced by listening.    

Appears in :  

2. ericdoa, “sweet tooth”  

DOA // ERICDOA / LISTEN TO THE KIDS / Interscope // 2024

“Gotta sweet tooth, come and chew me up.” Will do, ericdoa! Ericdoa fits well into the hyperpop movement, which incorporates a bit of everything.  Beating to his own musical drum pays off once more on the melodic “sweet tooth”, which is decadent – more so to the ears than the mouth, though! What makes “sweet tooth” so sweet? It begins with the music itself.  Ericdoa plays the role of do-it-all here,  performing, producing, and writing “sweet tooth.” Focusing on the backdrop, the guitar is selling point. So are the heavy-handed drums that anchor the backdrop.  Also, some keyboard touches also give him a sweet accompaniment.  Next, comes his vocals.  He sounds exuberant, and youthful, something that is a desirable trait.  Firmly planted in Gen-Z (he’s a 2002 baby), the energy and personality he brings are SWEET.  Of course, the songwriting is another pro, particularly the catchiest moment, the sing-along-worthy chorus: 

“I remind her of a Sour Patch Kid, they don’t make ‘em like this 

Tell me something sweet, feel a pain in your rib 

Only taste sugar on the end of your lips 

Swear there ain’t none purer than some love from my bitch.” 

Woo! “Sweet tooth” is sure to give you cavity – all that sugary sweet goodness for ericdoa!  

Appears in :

Awesome Songs: December 2023

3. Anita Baker, “Sweet Love”

Rapture // Elektra // 1986

Although infamous for being a diva, Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Anita Baker is an incredible musician. Her voice is distinct – truly, one of a kind. Throughout her career, Baker had a successful run including her 1986, multiplatinum masterpiece, Rapture. The song to beat on Rapture is the opening gem, “Sweet Love” which was composed by Baker, Gary Bias, and Louis Johnson. “Sweet Love” marks one of two top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at no. 8 on the pop charts, which is impressive for an adult contemporary R&B song.

“Sweet Love” runs a respectable four-and-a-half minutes in duration – not too short, not too long. It kicks off with a bang thanks to a lush introduction: lovely keys and animated ‘live’ drums, which set up a refined, classy R&B experience. In addition to being idiomatic of R&B, the harmonic scheme and approach have some jazz sensibilities. Of course, the biggest draw is the diva herself, Baker. Baker blesses our ears with ultra-sophisticated vocals, serenading us about L-O-V-E (“Your heart has called me closer to you / I will be all that you need”). She masterfully brings the melodies to life. Additionally, her ad-libs are celestial as well. The chorus, in all its tuneful glory, serves as the centerpiece:

“I’m in love, sweet love (sweet love)

Hear me calling out your name, I feel no shame

I’m in love, sweet love (Sweet love)

Don’t you ever go away, it’ll always be this way.”

It’s not just the chorus that stands out. Those verses are tuneful too, not to mention the sheer elegance. Furthermore, what about the bridge? It brings a welcome contrast, separating itself from the verses and chorus. “Sweet Love” is nothing short of sweet.

Appears in :

Anita Baker, Sweet Love: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 14 (2024)

4. Teezo Touchdown, “Sweet” (Ft. Fousheé)

How Do You Sleep At night? With You // Not Fit For Society / RCA // 2024

What happens when Teezo Touchdown and Fousheé join forces? Sweetness, of course. More specifically, “Sweet,” the fourth track from Touchdown’s 2023 album, How Do You Sleep At night? which was expanded in 2024 as How Do You Sleep At night? With You. “Sweet” runs just two minutes and change however it latches – it’s potent! The beat bangs, in a soulful way. The intro is enigmatic, setting the tone for an engaging listening experience. Teezo Touchdown serves up melodic vocals, giving us a colorful performance. “Everything you say is funny / Girl, it feel like I’m datin’ a comedian / Everybody else, I swerve,” he asserts, adding, “Honestly, you too good for me / Honestly, we’ll last about a week / Honestly, my life is sour / But when I’m with you, everything’s sweet.” Oh, the sweetness! Fousheé appears in the second half of “Sweet.” She delivers strong vocals, always bringing the heat. She complements his performance: “Sometimes, I catch myself just starin’ at your face / I wanna memorize until it’s embedded in my eyes…” Fittingly, when they are together, “Everything’s sweet, sweet / Oh, everything’s sweet!”

5. Madison Beer, “Sweet Relief”

Silence Between Songs // Epic / Sing It Loud // 2023

“Please, leave, Godspeed / I can’t be around you right now, don’t speak.” Oh, snap, Madison Beer! She continues singing on “Sweet Relief,” the second track from her 2023 LP, Silence Between Songs, “It’s a problem, it’s addictive, I need / You to listen to me, baby, listen to me.” Word. A relatively brief but potent cut, Beer penned and produced it alongside Leroy Clampitt, Lucy Healey, and One Love (Tim Sommers). “Sweet Relief” benefits from its sweet, thudding, four on the floor beat. Besides that electrifying groove, there are fabulous production touches, which are amplified on the centerpiece, the chorus.

“It’s just something only we know

Baby, I can’t help myself

I’m seein’ you everywhere I go

I don’t dream of anyone else

All I need, sweet relief

It’s just somethin’ only we know

Something only we know.”

Besides being the tuneful, the chorus bears an interesting harmonic scheme which is cool. Of course, the coolest thing about “Sweet Relief” are the vocals by Madison Beer. In addition to her pleasant lead, the backing vocals shine too. The big takeaway? Give Madison that sweet relief, will ya!

6. Arthur Conley, “Sweet Soul Music”

Sweet Soul Music // Warner Music Group – X5 Music Group // 1967

“Do you like good music? / Huh, that sweet soul music / Just as long as it’s swingin’ / Oh yeah, oh yeah.” “Sweet Soul Music” marked the first and biggest hit by soul musician and Otis Redding protégé, Arthur Conley (1946 – 2003). How big was this ode to soul music? Well, the opener from his 1967 album, Sweet Soul Music, peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Epic!

“Sweet Soul Music,” penned by Conley, Redding, and Sam Cooke would be the sole top-10 pop cut for Conley.  Notably, Cooke was deceased by the time “Sweet Soul Music” arrived (he died in 1964).  Cooke gets a writing credit thanks to a prominent interpolation of his song,  “Yeah Man” (“Do you like good music? / Crazy ‘bout music / Any old music / Yeah, yeah”).  

“Sweet Soul Music” is the ultimate tribute.  Arthur Conley encourages dancing to the music – “Ah, going to a go-go.”  He also spotlights marvelous musicians –  Lou Rawls, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding (of course), and James Brown – and in some cases, their respective, groundbreaking songs.  A prime example: “Spotlight on Sam and Dave, y’all / Ah, don’t they look great, y’all / Singing, ‘Hold On I’m Coming’ / Oh yeah, oh yeah.” Oh yeah, indeed! There’s no way you listen to the vintage “Sweet Soul Music” and you don’t appreciate the great music that precedes, as well as the greatness of the song itself. “Sweet Soul Music” is one of the giant soul songs of the 1960s, period.  What better way to end 2023 than highlighting it!  

Appears in :

Arthur Conley, Sweet Soul Music: Throwback Vibez No. 196 (2023)

7. Taylor Swift, “Sweet Nothing” 

Midnights // Taylor Swift // 2022 

“Sweet Nothing” is indeed a sweet penultimate track (on the standard edition) of the 2022, Grammy-winning, Taylor Swift album, Midnights.  Just like sweet nothings themselves, “Sweet Nothing” finds Swift celebrating true love.  Essentially, it feels real this time and she wants NOTHING to destroy it.  One of my favorite moments occurs on the bridge, where Swift criticizes the industry, who are hungry for profit and disregard her as a person: “And the voices that implore, ‘You should be doing more’ / To you, I can admit that I’m just too soft for all of it.” Notably, she wrote “Sweet Nothing” with then boyfriend, actor, Joe Alwyn. Even though their love has since expired, “Sweet Nothing” remains another well-rounded song from the critically acclaimed, superstar.

8. Frank Ocean, “Sweet Life”

channel Orange // Def Jam // 2012

“The best song wasn’t the single, but you weren’t either.” Now that’s a stellar opening lyric! In the second verse of “Sweet Life,” Frank Ocean offers a variation of that lyric (“The best song wasn’t the single / But you couldn’t turn your radio down”). Ocean was a big deal in 2012. His debut album, channel Orange, was nominated for three Grammys, taking home the prize for the now defunct Best Urban Contemporary Album. Channel Orange was stacked with R&B gold including the fifth track, “Sweet Life.” This neo-soul song was penned by Ocean alongside Pharrell Williams. Ocean and Williams also produced “Sweet Love,” alongside Om’Mas Keith and Malay. Matching the soulful vibes of the production, Frank serves up soulful, nuanced vocals. A bit minimal and reserved in the first verse, things grow more dynamic beginning with the pre-chorus. The full fruition of the production enters during the chorus, where Ocean sings, “You’ve had a landscaper and a housekeeper since you were born / The starshine always kept you warm / So why see the world, when you got the beach/ Don’t know why see the world, when you got the beach…”  Oh, the privilege! Why explore elsewhere when the beach is right in front of you? Is there deeper meaning beyond the affluence? Yes. Privilege is a different form of sheltering, and once someone who is privileged expands their view of the world by some means or experience, things change. More than a decade after being released, “Sweet Life” remains utterly sweet.

9. Rufus & Chaka Khan, “Sweet Thing”

Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan // MCA // 1975

“Oh-oh, sweet thing / Oh, you know you’re my everything.” Word! “Sweet Thing” appears as the sixth track on the gold-certified album, Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan, which was released in 1975. “Sweet Thing” marks one of four top-10 hits by Grammy-winning soul icon, Chaka Khan. As for Rufus, “Sweet Thing” marks one of two top-10 hits, the first being “Tell Me Something Good”. Chaka penned this no. 5 Billboard Hot 100 hit alongside Tony Maiden, the lead guitarist of the band. Both Chaka and Maiden put in some serious work on this ultra-sweet, soulful gem.

“I think you are the one for me / Here is where you ought to be,” Chaka Khan asserts in the first verse of the song. She adds, “I just want to satisfy you / Though you’re not mine, I can’t deny it.” Woo! I smell infidelity ! Clearly, the desire is ‘turnt up’ to the nth degree for Chaka: “You are my heat, you are my fire / You make me weep with strong desire / To love you, child, my whole life long / Be it right or be it wrong.” The infatuation is loud and clear. Equally loud and clear are those dynamic Chaka vocals. Khan is one of the greatest singers of all-time, PERIOD. Helping to fuel her fire is, well, Rufus, who provides awesome accompaniment – smooth, groovy, and electrifying. How is the sweet “Sweet Thing” best experienced? Simply listening – its greatness speaks for itself!

Appears in :

Rufus & Chaka Khan, Sweet Thing: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 18 (2024)

10. Doris Akers, “Sweet Sweet Spirit”

Gospel Pioneer Reunion (Live)  //  Spring House Music Group // 2016

Perhaps you weren’t aware, but there’s a chance that one of your favorite hymns was written by Doris Akers (1922 – 1995).  Akers may be mistaken for a Caucasian woman, but that’s not the case (she’s black)! Among the most beloved hymns she composed is “Sweet Sweet Spirit”.  Fortunately, before passing away, there are several live recordings that Akers participated in with Bill Gaither and Gloria Gaither – key gospel figures themselves. If you are ever in need of a blessing or spiritual refresh, Gaither Music TV on YouTube just might get the job done!

Two such instances with the Gaithers find this gospel legend performing “Sweet Sweet Spirit.” Both recordings provide a sweet spiritual refresh, it’s a preference of setting, you might say. In the first video, Akers is performing with a group of black gospel legends, many of which are also deceased. Notably, she’s accompanied by Billy Preston on piano after she accompanies herself initially.  Singing lead, she’s backed up by arguably the best choir you’ll EVER hear. The second recording preceded the first. This version features Akers singing what she describes as a ‘little used verse.’ Notably, she takes over piano duties from Bill Gaither. When Akers joins, “Sweet Sweet Spirit” gets more of black gospel vibe. The big takeaway, however, is just how utterly sweet “Sweet Sweet Spirit” is.

Appears in :

Doris Akers, Sweet Sweet Spirit: Sunday Refresh  No. 14 (2022)

11. George Harrison, “My Sweet Lord”

All Things Must Pass // G.H. Estate Limited / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC // 1970

“My sweet Lord / I really wanna see you / Really wanna be with you / Really wanna see you, Lord, but it takes so long, my Lord.” Clearly, faith was important to the late, great, George Harrison. Harrison professes his faith on his no. 1 hit, “My Sweet Lord”, which appears on his 1970 album, All Things Must Pass. The excerpted lyrics are applicable to Christian religions – the idea of a relationship with God. That said, ultimately, Harrison makes ample references to eastern religion, specifically, Hinduism.

“My, my, my Lord (Hare Krishna)” clearly separates this from Christianity. Still, Harrison serves up many hallelujahs, though eventually, its Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Gurur Brahma, etc. Considering Hinduism, the lengthiness to see The Lord doesn’t mirror what many Christian religions ascribe to – heaven versus reincarnation.

Regardless of the religious specifics, which are intriguing, what makes “My Sweet Lord” a musical lift is the embracement of faith and believing in something. The lyrics are uncomplicated, which, interestingly, is similar to many Christian and gospel songs. Harrison sounds fantastic, while he and Phil Spector construct a marvelous, folk-gospel backdrop. Even if “My Sweet Lord” isn’t a gospel standard, there is ample faith, not to mention plenty of instrumentalists! Of course, we can’t mention “My Sweet Lord” without that lawsuit – we’ve all been highly inspired by others’ music, haven’t we? Yes Lord! Also, the late, great Billy Preston recorded this Harrison classic, too!

Appears in :

11 Songs That Are Incredibly Sweet, Vol. 3 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; BMG Rights Management (US) LLC , Def Jam, Elektra, Epic, ERICDOA, G.H. Estate Limited, Interscope, LISTEN TO THE KIDS, MCA, Not Fit For Society, Promotone B.V., RCA, Sing It Loud, Spring House Music Group, Taylor Swift, Warner Music Group – X5 Music Group; ]

11 Songs That Are Incredibly Sweet, Vol. 3 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on April 3, 2024April 3, 2024