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“11 Songs That Are Totally Hot” features music courtesy of Chaka Khan, Dua Lipa, Felix Jaehn, Kelly Clarkson, and Spoon among others.

“I know when that HOTline bling / That can only mean one thing.” Thanks Drake.  “‘Cause you’re HOT and you’re cold / You’re yes, then you’re no…” Thank you Katy Perry.  Oh, and one more – “Ole, ole, ole, ole … Feeling hot, hot, hot!” Thanks to you, Buster Poindexter.  What do all of these very different songs have in common? Hotness, specifically featuring the word ‘hot’ in their respective song titles (“Hotline Bling”, “Hot N Cold” and “Hot Hot Hot”), as well as during the respective choruses.  This playlist, 11 Songs That Are Totally Hot, which features none of the three of those excellent songs, features equally ‘hot’ music from the likes of Chaka Khan (“Too Hot”), Dua Lipa (“Hotter Than Hell”), Felix Jaehn (“Hot2Touch”), Kelly Clarkson (“Heat”), and Spoon (“Hot Thoughts”) among others.

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1. Chaka Khan, “Too Hot”

Hello Happiness • Diary / Island • 2019

“I’m too hot to touch / Too hot, I’m too hot to touch / Baby, are you man enough? / Too hot.” Da-yum! After a 12-year hiatus, one of R&B’s most dynamic voices, Chaka Khan returned with a hella funky, fell-good album of originals, Hello Happiness.  The song at hand, “Too Hot,” appears as the fourth track from Hello Happiness. Chaka Khan is ‘turned all the way up’ with her feisty, sharp-cutting vocals clearly in command.  Arguably the crème de la crème of “Too Hot” is the pre-chorus.

On the pre-chorus, Chaka asks:

“Who’s gonna feed my fire
When I need it to sweet up
And if you think you’re man enough for me
Then, baby, do you like it rough?”

2. Felix Jaehn, “Hot2Touch”

Ft. Hight & Alex Aiono

I • Virgin • 2018

“My love, it’s easy for you / Setting the rules and playing it cool / My heart, like a broken cassette / Echoes in my chest, we’re getting close.” Early on in his career, German DJ and producer Felix Jaehn has released music that possesses a bright, energetic quality.  One of the standouts from his debut album, I, opener “Cool” (featuring Marc E. Bassy and Gucci Mane), totally exemplified a bright, energetic, and sunny sensibility.  Our song at hand, “Hot2Touch” is no different.  The fifth track from I trades Bassy and Gucci for producer Hight and rising pop heartthrob Alex Aiono, who handles all of the vocals. The takeaways, however, are the same.

“Hot2Touch” thrives from its brassy, sunny production, ultimately bursting with optimism.

Furthermore, bright, enthusiastic vocals match the major key and overall happy vibes of the production. In addition to the brass as a defining feature of the production, soulful, rhythmic guitars further take “Hot2Touch” to the next level.  Also, worth noting, is the infectious songwriting, including the pre-chorus and of course the simple but potent chorus.

“But she’s too hot to touch
(She’s too hot)
She’s too hot to touch
(She’s too hot)
She’s too hot to touch
(She’s too hot).”

3. CupcakKe, “Hot Pockets”

Hot Pockets [Single] • cupcakKe • 2018

Whenever rapper cupcakKe is involved, it’s safe to say you can expect one hell of a trip – emphasis on the ‘hell.’ No, this isn’t a sermon on morality (there will be no preaching), but the rapper who began in church has strayed far away from Christian poetry – “Deepthroat” comes to mind.  Despite being so explicit and oversexed, what is undeniable is the fact that Elizabeth Harris actually can rap – she’s got mad bars.  On her single “Hot Pockets”, she remains raunchy, but she’s also more accessible than usual.

The biggest selling point of “Hot Pockets” are the bars.  CupcakKe raps like a mad woman, spitting with great agility.  While there are the obligatory references to sex, and she mentions hoes and bitches a few too many times, she also serves up some clever bars.  In those bars, she makes numerous pop cultural allusions and references including Nene Leaks, Dumbo, The Bible (specifically Adam and Eve, as well as Jesus), Adele, and Blake Shelton. Give her credit.  The slick production work only fuels her fire. CupcakKe remains one of the most polarizing rappers in the game, but she reins herself in enough to make “Hot Pockets” among the best songs of her career.

4. Tech N9ne, “Habanero”

Ft. Mackenzie Nicole

Planet • Strange Music • 2018

“All I gotta say, ‘You think you hot, lit, bitch, I’m habanero.” Aww shit! In its standard edition, Midwest rap veteran Tech N9ne keeps his 2018 album Planet relatively tight at 53 minutes.  The beginning of the LP is incredibly engaging, commencing with “Habanero,” featuring Mackenzie Nicole, who sings the aforementioned, lit AF lyrics on the chorus. Arguably, the heat doesn’t quite match that of the stellar “Sriracha” from The Storm (2016), it’s still quite the hot start.

As always, Tech N9ne is on autopilot, delivering some sensations rhymes as only he can.  His first lines of the first verse set the tone as he spits, “Nothing identical / Bussin’ I mimic no fuckin’ bug, I’m crushin’ thy tentacles / Suckas be huffin’ and puffin’ ‘cause I’m touchin’ my pinnacle.” Hmm, that seems to call for another iteration of ‘aww shit!’ Of course there’s more on the second verse:

“I’m gonna live and givin’ critics the middle finger
Bringing hella disaster, ain’t nobody no FEMA
Welcome to my planet, we damage, and we can chop
Killers with the advantage, we manage to be the top…”

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5. Kelly Clarkson, “Heat”

Meaning of Life • Atlantic • 2017

The consistency of Grammy-winning pop musician Kelly Clarkson seems to be a given more often than not.  Even the albums that she’s released that don’t rank among the most elite of her catalogue show off her masterful instrument – her untouchable vocal prowess.  Her 2017 album, Meaning of Life, easily trumped her 2015 LP, Piece by Piece, even though The Meaning of Life didn’t receive the commercial support it should have, sigh.  The songs that garner the biggest buzz from The Meaning of Life are “Love So Soft”, “Whole Lotta Woman”, and “Move You”. None of those fit this least, and they don’t need to.  Why? Because Kelly Clarkson also brings the “Heat.”

“Heat” definitely isn’t lukewarm, it’s hot – every bit as much a highlight as the aforementioned records that receive more buzz.  Kelly Clarkson remains feisty and charged-up on this standout, as she requests “more heat” from her man.  It seems however, he needs to do his part and reinvigorate things.  On the first verse, she complains:

“I’m stumblin’ through the darkness
There ain’t no sign of a spark here
I’m used to feelin’ that fire
You watered down that desire.”

Basically, what she’s say is, ‘Bruh, you better step it up!’  He she is putting in work and you need to match and exceed her work and “turn this around.”

6. Spoon, “Hot Thoughts”

Hot Thoughts • Matador • 2017

Alternative rock collective Spoon kicks off their 2017 album, Hot Thoughts, spiritedly with standout, “Hot Thoughts”. Interestingly, the title track possesses a danceable quality, despite the fact Spoon isn’t a pop band.  Even given its pop sensibilities, the record rocks hard enough to please fans and rock enthusiasts alike. Musically and lyrically, this is an enticing record.  While Britt Daniel and company partake of innuendo, they never cross the line.

About a romantic interest, given the cited city, the assumption is she’s Japanese.

“Hot thoughts melting my mind
Could be your accent mixing with mine…
Your teeth shining so white
Light up this sad street in Shibuya tonight.”

7. The Shadowboxers, “Hot Damn!”

Hot Damn! [Single] • Villa 40 • 2017

Originally based in Atlanta, soul-pop collective The Shadowboxers (Adam Hoffman, Matt Lipkins, and Scott Tyler) are currently based in Nashville. In 2017, this totally hot collective dropped “Hot Damn!”, which will certainly make you say “hot damn,” or the equivalent, after just one listen.

The production is one of the big things that stands out about “Hot Damn!” The sound can be characterized by its throwback qualities. Even so, there are also plenty of modern cues. One thing that’s consistent throughout “Hot Damn!” is its superb groove.  The production evolves over the course of the song. It’s sleek, yet not overproduced.  In fact, the production doesn’t feel truly ‘busy’ until the layering at the end. Besides the production, “Hot Damn!” features excellent vocals that are nuanced and soulful, without being over-sung.  Lovely falsetto adds to the ripeness, not to mention the tongue-n-cheek sensibilities. The vibes are sexy without being offensive or going too far left. Ultimately, “Hot Damn” is an enjoyable, energetic pop-soul joint.

8. Luke Bryan, “She’s a Hot One”

What Makes You Country • Capitol Nashville • 2017

“Got her hands up, she’s so ready with her driver on the way / Skips the damn line, she ain’t even gotta pay.” Okay! The bro country movement diminished after a quick ascent – thank you Jesus! That said, there’s still plenty of bro tactics permeating through country music.  Don’t get it twisted.  Luke Bryan was among proponents of the movement, particularly when he was years removed from his frat boy days, yet still singing about spring break.  Yeah, Luke, we all want to go back to college for the social times, but there comes a time where you must accept those days are gone.  Still, Bryan allows himself to be youthful on “She’s a Hot One.” Bet you can’t guess what he’s singing about?

Within the context of his 2017 album, What Makes You Country, “She’s a Hot One” feeds off the momentum of “Hooked on It” that precedes it. Hence, “She’s a Hot One” is a high-energy record that’s turned up to the nth degree.  The subject matter isn’t new fare for Bryan, singing about a “hot girl,” but he’s flexing, and continues to be successful in this department.  “She’s Hot One” definitely brings nothing brand-new to the table, but when you’re Luke Bryan, well, whatever he brings seems to be sufficient.

“She starts feeling the buzz about shot one one
Hip starts swaying when the DJ drops one
She’s in against the law, call the cops one
She might be a mess but she’s a hot one
With her little jeans and white tee
She might rev up an old boy’s heart or even stop one
Putting on a show tonight, letting go tonight
She might be a mess, but she’s a hot one.”

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9. Dua Lipa, “Hotter Than Hell”

Dua Lipa (Complete Edition) • Warner Music UK • 2018

I got new rules, I count ‘em.” English pop musician Dua Lipa can definitely thank her fierce, breakout hit single “New Rules” for helping her to win the Grammy for Best New Artist at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. That said, “New Rules” isn’t the only surefire bop from her incredible, self-titled album originally released in 2017, with a Complete Edition with bonus tracks issued in 2018. “Hotter Than Hell” is definitely more celestial than its hellish title would lead you to believe.

“Can you feel the warmth? Yeah / As my kiss goes down you like some sweet alcohol.” Wow! Within the context of Dua Lipa, “Hotter Than Hell” serves as another production victory, anchored by a thudding four-on-the-floor beat (early-on) and sleek synths. Vocally, Dua Lipa is in her zone, showcasing her rich, robust lower register on the verses, and growing more gritty and powerful on the chorus. Lyrically, Dua Lipa seems to want to have her ‘cake and eat it too.’ Why? Because she paints herself as an angel – “the answer to your prayers” – yet she’s somewhat blasphemous at the same time.

“‘Cause I’m hot like hell
Does it burn when I’m not there?
And you’re by yourself
Am I the answer to your prayers?
I’m giving you that pleasure, heaven
And I’ll give it to you
Hotter than hell
Hotter than hell.”

10. Juicy J, “Hot as Hell”

Rubba Band Business • Columbia • 2017 

“I’m hot as hell (I’m hot as hell), I’m hot as hell (I’m hot as hell) …” Is that as self-explanatory as hell? Juicy J is indeed ‘hot as hell’ in regard to vibe on “Hot as Hell”, a standout from his 2017 album, Rubba Band Business.

The hook is simple (and stupid) AF but instantly gets stuck in your head.

“I’m hot as hell (I’m hot as hell), I’m hot as hell (I’m hot as hell)
I’m hot as hell on these streets, I’m hot as hell (I’m hot as hell) …
My youngin’ cashing off a brick, she hot as hell (she hot as hell)
He put extensions on the stick, he hot as hell (he hot as hell)
I put extensions on my bitch, she hot as hell (she hot as hell)
I’m hot as hell.”

The piano loop is hypnotizing, while the bass-heavy, trap percussion goes H.A.M.  This is a perfect example of a banger with ‘little substance’ that’s simply irresistible because it’s just that good.  Juicy J knows what he’s doing.

11. 5 Seconds of Summer, “She’s Kinda Hot”

Sounds Good Feels Good • Capitol • 2015

Before they would sing about “Youngblood” and “If Walls Could Talk,” Australian pop band 5 Seconds of Summer had us all excited about American Apparel underwear.  It was a bit odd, considering there’s probably a very small percentage of guys worldwide who purchase and swear by American Apparel underwear, let alone letting their girlfriends wear them, but whatever – “She Looks So Perfect.”  Okay, that was much ado about nothing.  After singing about some random boxers (or briefs if that’s your style), Luke Hemmings, Calum Hood, Ashton Irwin, and Michael Clifford would sing about their hot girlfriends.

“She’s Kinda Hot” appears on the band’s sophomore album, Sounds Good Feels Good. Much like “She Looks So Perfect,” “She’s Kinda Hot” is an incredibly groovy and infectious record that screams ‘hit’ from the first time you hear it. Adding to the glory is one of the best lyrics you’ll ever hear from a boy band: “My girlfriends bitching ‘cause I always sleep in.” Hmm, my how boybands have changed? Bitching? Backstreet Boys definitely couldn’t have got away with that one. But staying on topic and embracing the hotness of this playlist and the song itself, well, “She’s kinda hot though.”

[Photo Credits: Atlantic, Capitol, Columbia, cupcakKe, Island, Matador, Pexels, Pixabay, Strange Music, Villa 40, Virgin, Warner Music UK]

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