11 Songs Where a WORD or WORDS is Key | Playlist

11 Songs Where a WORD or WORDS is Key features music courtesy of Brooke Candy, Cameo, kenzie, Queen Naija, and serpentwithfeet. 

WORD! That is the key… WORD… in the playlist, 11 Songs Where a WORD or WORDS is Key.  If it’s not one word, well, it’s two… or more! WORD or WORDS – that’s the premise of this musical compendium. 11 Songs Where a WORD or WORDS is Key features music courtesy of Brooke Candy, Cameo, kenzie, Queen Naija, and serpentwithfeet among others.  Honestly, there’s nothing more to say! Let’s dive into these word or words songs!  

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1. Brooke Candy, “Safe Word” 

“Safe Word” // Brooke Candy // 2024

“Fuck your safe word / I wanna be dangerous, dangerous.” Oh, snap, Brooke Candy! On her 2024 single,  “Safe Word”, the rapper/singer shocks with the opening lyrics than can be perceived as controversial or problematic. A safe word is defined by Dictionary.com as ‘a word previously agreed upon for use as a signal during sex, especially sex involving bondage, dominance, or sadism, to let one’s partner know that they should stop what they are doing.’ In this case, however, Candy is not honoring the safe word… Hmm, kinda sus… She penned “Safe Word” with JBACH (Jonathan Bach) with Jordan Palmer handling production duties.  The backdrop is slick – utterly lit ! And, expectedly, Candy serves up ample personality.   

While her intentions are sketchy with that safe word, Brooke Candy delivers an entertaining, naughty song. The sex is through the roof as she says, “Rope, leather / Keep your body tethered to the bed / Make you sweat / Let’s get into some kinky shit.” The sex is not vanilla, something that the song title, as well as being non-compliant with the safe word indicates.  In the same verse, she adds, “Put me under like fentanyl / Fuck me ‘til I’m hysterical.” Boy, oh boy… more problematic lyrics! In the second verse, Candy keeps pushing boundaries, singing, “We don’t need to get romantic, daddy / I just want to get a little dirty / Eat me out from night to bright and early.” Woo! We might as well finish out the wild verse, hadn’t we? “If you do it right, I’ll let you hurt me / Fuck me like I’m begging you for mercy.” There’s no question about it, “Safe Word” is an edgy, risqué, club-ready record.  Regardless of how you perceive some of Candy’s lyrics, she’s sex-positive to the nth degree.    

 Appears in :  

• Brooke Candy, Safe Word: Midnight Heat No. 21 (2024) 

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2. serpentwithfeet, “Safe Word” 

GRIP // Secretly Canadian // 2024

“I’m your shelter.” That’s what serpentwithfeet (Josiah Wise) proclaims on “Safe Word”, the second single from his 2024 album, GRIP. Wise is feeling frisky, somewhat surprising given the title of song. Besides being the shelter for his partner, he is also “the safe word.” Wise penned this sub-three-minute, sensual joint, while I Like That produces.  I Like That gives the Baltimore musician a fine backdrop, characterized by the tasteful use of guitar and a sweet groove. Of course, it is serpentwithfeet that steals the show on “Safe Word.” Wise’s vocals are stunning; his falsetto is to die for.  The tone and approach on this contemporary /alternative R&B record is fitting.  Notably, the single cover art features Wise locking lips with his boyfriend.  Before even listening, it’s hinted that safeness hits a bit different.  “A penny saved might be a penny earned / But if you save that freaky shit for later, you’ll never learn,” Wise sings, serving up a slight variation in the next two lines.  “Safe Word” encompasses love, but also exhibits explicit passion: “Choke me now, fuck me now / Upload that dick into the cloud / I’m insatiable, make it conversational /… Oh, by the way, my nigga’s carryin’ a log.” Whoa, whoa, serpentwithfeet! Ooh-la-la! “Safe Word” is not safe for work, but it’s safe to say that it is a vibe – a sexual vibe – from the onset.   

Appears in :  

• Bops That Pop: January 2024 

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3. Queen Naija, “Words of Affirmation” 

After the Butterflies (EP) // Capitol // 2023 

“Love me, tell me you love me / And even when I feel it, still need to hear it,” Queen Naija sings in the first verse of “Words of Affirmation”. “Words of Affirmation” graces her 2023 EP, After the Butterflies.  She concludes the verse with the thoughtful lyrics, “‘Cause your words really touch me.” Never underestimate the power of words! In the second verse, she requests that he “tell me I’m worthy.” “Words of Affirmation” was penned by Queen Naija alongside producer, Mike Woods.  “Words of Affirmation” features a lush, urban sound palette – the perfect backdrop for the affirmation of love. This R&B ballad is marvelous, relatable, and thoughtful.  Queen Naija serves up beautiful vocals.  She sounds commanding and expressive.  The melodies are tuneful in the verses and the centerpiece, the chorus. The chorus sums up what Naija needs in her relationship – those words of affirmation!  

“I’ma need a little more than you bein’ present, I 

Need a little more than you just givin’ me presents, I need 

Communication, affirmations, appreciation 

So, say it, say it, say it… 

Over and over, over and over…” 

“Words of Affirmation” exemplifies a musical lift, speaking to the power and positivity that words can have.   

  

Appears in :  

• Queen Naija, Words of Affirmation: Music Lifts No. 16 (2024) 

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4. Kanye West, “Two Words” (Ft. Mos Def, Freeway, The Boys Choir of Harlem) 

The College Dropout // Def Jam / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2004  

“We in the streets, playa, get your mail / It’s only two places you end up: either dead or in jail.” Word. The College Dropout is one of the best, most influential rap albums of all time.  This was the beginning of Kanye West, the musical genius.  Put aside all of the controversies and missteps made by West.  The College Dropout is that album.  With so many hits, a song like “Two Words” gets less love.  It shouldn’t.  West collaborates with Mos Def, Freeway, and the beautiful voices of The Boys Choir of Harlem.  Furthermore, “Two Words” samples four songs: “Peace and Love (Amani Na Mapenzi): Movement IV (Encounter)” by Mandrill, “The Rainmaker” by The 5th Dimension, “Got Nowhere” by State Property, and “Do It Again (Put Ya Hands Up)” by Jay-Z.  West, who produces, is the architect of this The College Dropout gem.  Also, give credit to Miri Ben-Ari for that epic string arrangement and her violin skills.   

West is the first voice heard in the banger, delivering the memorable chorus.  From there, Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) drops kick-ass bars.  He sets the tone: “Listen, two words, United States, no love, no breaks / Low brow, high stakes, crack smoke, black folks.” His cadence and flow are sick.  He’s followed by West’s chorus, which adds The Boys Choir of Harlem.  West then drops the second verse, patterned similarly to Bey’s first. One of his most memorable lines is adapted from Goodfellas: “Two words: Chi-Town raised me, crazy / So I live by two words: ‘Fuck you, pay me.’” Woo! Freeway gets his bars in the third verse, concluding with a ‘bang’: “Two words, Freeway, slightly retarded / Fuck around, throw a clip in your artist, leave with his broad.” Damn! The outro is sweet as well – a collaboration between Bey and The Boys Choir of Harlem.  All in all, “Two Words”, a non-charting, non-single from The College Dropout is one of its best songs. Kanye Omari West did that!   

Appears in :  

• Kanye West, Two Words: Bangerz N Bopz No. 36 (2024) 

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5. kenzie, “word vomit” 

“word vomit” // Hollywood // 2024

“It’s hard to wrap my head around / The fact that you’ve been making me look bad,” kenzie sings in the first verse of “word vomit,” continuing, “Playing the victim like it wasn’t you who fucked up what we had / And lit the match like it was nothing.” Ooh-wee! Before singing a note on “word vomit,” the sound catches the ear, with its lovely arpeggiated passages. Kenzie delivers poised vocals but sings, and swears, expressively. The chorus is more robust than the first verse. Additionally, it’s memorable.  Furthermore, she sings more dynamically. 

“What does she give you that I couldn’t? 

If you’d asked me, well, I would’ve 

Hope it’s weighing on your conscience 

Might be brutal, but it’s honest 

What does she know that I didn’t? 

Could’ve told me, but you hid it 

Hope your stomach’s feeling nauseous 

Might be brutal, but it’s honest.”

The second verse features more production (Lenii) compared to the first – more decadent musical cues, including plucked strings. Like the first, she’s big-mad.  “There’s no consolation for the person / Who just takes all of the burdens / Thinking it would stop the hurting / But it only ever worsens.” Word. Ultimately, her pain is the listener’s pleasure in “word vomit.”  

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6. Bee Gees, “Words” 

Horizontal // Barry Gibb / The Estate of Robin Gibb and Yvonne Gibb // 1968

“It’s only words, and words are all I have to take your heart away.” “Words” predates disco-era Bee Gees – it arrives long before their Saturday Night Fever days, let alone the ultra-sleek, “Too Much Heaven”.  “Words” appears on their 1968 album, Horizontal.  An early hit for the Gibb brothers, “Words” peaked at no. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was penned by Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, and Robin Gibb, while they produced alongside Robert Stigwood. Interestingly, the chorus, excerpted above, appears later in the song, following three verses.  

The lyrics shine on “Words.” That shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering the title of the song. “Smile an everlasting smile / A smile can bring you near to me,” Barry sings in the first verse.  In the second, he asserts, “The world has lost its glory / Let’s start a brand-new story / Now my love, right now.” The vision of love is lit.  In the third and final verse, the dedication is at an all-time high: “Talk in everlasting words / And dedicate them all to me / And I will give you all my life / I’m here if you should call to me.” Ooh-wee! Bee Gees hints at skepticism regarding these words, but ultimately, from their perspective, reiterating the chorus, “It’s only words, and words are all I have / To take your heart away.” “Words” showcases the sheer brilliance of Bee Gees early on.  The vocals are elite, and the sound of the record is marvelous too, with its dominating piano and lush, orchestral touches. “Words” is a gorgeous pop gem. 

 

Appears in :  

• Bee Gees, Words: Throwback Vibez No. 65 (2024) 

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7. Alesso, “Words” (Ft. Zara Larsson) 

“Words” // Alefune AB / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2022

“I got the words ‘I love you’ / Sittin’ on the tip of my tongue,” Zara Larsson sings in the chorus of “Words.” She continues, “Oh, I feel like / As soon as they leave my mouth / You’re just gonna get up and run / You’re gonna run away.” Oh, snap!  Larsson is the featured artist on the 2022 single released by Swedish DJ and music producer, Alesso (Alessandro Lindblad). Alesso and Larsson penned “Words” alongside Karen Ann Poole and Rebecca Claire Hill.  Alesso produced the record, which is sleek to the nth degree. “Words” serves up energetic vibes from the onset.  Larsson is gifted with infectious, tuneful melodies – the expectation in dance music.  The theme and lyrics are also a selling point: “You know we connect / More than just sex / But are you gonna let me in?” Vocally, she delivers a solid performance. She never overdoes it nor underwhelms – just the right punch! Something else that’s just right about this ‘words’ song? The duration! Clocking in just under two-and-a-half minutes feels just right for this bop!  

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8. Key Glock, “Word on the Streets”  

Yellow Tape // Paper Route EMPIRE // 2020 

“I never put a bitch before my money or my mommy.” On God, Key Glock! The Memphis rapper is confident on “Word on the Streets,” the third track off his 2020 album, Yellow Tape.  Backed by the production of BandPlay, the accompanying instrumental shines with 808s, clapping snares, cymbals, and a looped, brassy synth.  As confident as Key Glock is on “Word on the Streets,” he’s also smooth.  The flow is potent, nonetheless, sporting a cool energy.  For example, he steals your girl in the first verse: “That’s your main squeeze, but Glizock fuck her with ease, uh.” In the second verse, he boasts, “I be shittin’ on these niggas, I do it on purpose,” and states, “Ain’t no squares in my circle, I barely got a circle, uh (on Gang).” The centerpiece is the chorus where the rapper informs us, “Word on the street, uh (word), that lil’ nigga Key (Glock) / Word on the street, yeah, I heard he kept that heat.” Woo! Key Glock keeps it real on this banger.  

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9. Elton John, “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word”  

Blue Moves // Mercury // 1976 

“What have I gotta do to make you love me? / What have I gotta do to make you care?” Elton John inquires in his classic, “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word”. He continues singing in the first verse, “What do I do when lightning strikes me / And I wake to find that you’re not there?” That’s heavy, Elton.  “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” appears as the ninth track on his 1976 album, Blue Moves. John composed the music for “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” while Bernie Taupin penned the lyrics.  Gus Dudgeon produced the record, which features a gorgeous instrumental comprised of piano and strings. Unsurprisingly, this beloved song is one of John’s 29 top-10 hits, peaking at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  

John brings Taupin’s top-notch, emotional songwriting to life. His vocal performance is authentic, expressive, and nuanced to the nth degree.  He always excels at balladry.  The melodies are tuneful in the verses, with the second verse matching the excellence of the first. The third, which appears later, is a variation of the second, with John continuing to inquire – “What have I gotta do?” The chorus, of course, is the centerpiece:   

“It’s sad (So sad), so sad 

It’s a sad, sad situation 

And it’s gettin’ more and more absurd 

It’s sad (So sad), so sad 

Why can’t we talk it over? 

Oh, it seems to me 

That sorry seems to be the hardest word.” 

John’s falsetto is beautiful.  Also, the overlapping vocals are a selling point as well.  There is, notably, a radiant instrument break between the two choruses. Following the second chorus, the third and final verse appears. The best songs don’t require extensive analysis as their genius speaks for itself.  That is the case with  “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” – one of the best of the best in the Elton John catalog.  

 

Appears in :  

• Elton John, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 64 (2024)  

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10. Natasha Bedingfield, “These Words” 

Unwritten // Sony Music Entertainment UK // 2004

Natasha Bedingfield experienced her breakthrough in the U.S. with “These Words”. “These Words,” a soulful pop song, peaked at no. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005.  That same year, the single was certified gold by the RIAA. Eventually, the Grammy-nominated singer would earn additional platinum and/or multiplatinum singles, including the title track from Unwritten.  Unwritten (the album) was certified gold.  Focusing on “These Words,” Bedingfield impresses with her nuanced, powerful pipes.  She never over-sings, but she always brings it. She penned the record alongside producers Wayne Wilkins, Andrew Frampton, and Steve Kipner.

Besides Bedingfield’s stellar vocals, the lyrics are clever, creative, and fun.  “Threw some chords together / The combination: D-E-F / That’s who I am, it’s what I do / And I was gonna lay it down for you,” she sings in the first verse. In the pre-chorus, she’s struggling with writer’s block – that magic, tryna write a classic, is lacking.  Ultimately, she opts against something ‘perfect,’ celebrating the words she comes up with.  Cue the centerpiece, the chorus:   

“These words are my own 

From my heart flow 

I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you 

There’s no other way 

To better say 

I love you, I love you, I love you.” 

There, you have it! In the second verse, Bedingfield continues to write about the songwriting process, criticizing her stuff (“Now you’ve gone and raised the bar right up / Nothing I write is ever good enough”).  “These Words” also delivers an intriguing bridge, which separates itself from the other sections.  All in all, Natasha Bedingfield slays on “These Words.” Two decades later, “These Words” remains a pop banger!   

 

Appears in :  

• Natasha Bedingfield, These Words: Bangerz N Bopz No. 34 (2024)  

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11. Cameo, “Word Up”  

Word Up // PolyGram Records Inc. / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1986

“Do your dance, do your dance / Do your dance quick, mama / Come on baby, tell me, what’s the word? / WORD UP!” Cameo delivered a surefire bop in the 1980s with the infectious, funk song, “Word Up”.  “Word Up” served as one of two top-10 hits by the collective led by Larry Blackmon. Specifically, “Word Up” peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the highest charting single attributed solely to the band. “Word Up” was nominated for their sole Grammy at the 29th Annual GRAMMY Awards for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, though ultimately lost to Prince & The Revolution for “Kiss”.  

“Word Up” was written by Larry Blackmon and Thomas Michael Jenkins. Additionally, Blackmon produced the track. The sound encompasses signature, box, 1980s drums, and bright, colorful synths.  Blackmon delivers funky, playful lead vocals. The lyrics are highly entertaining. “‘Cause we’re about to throw down / And you’ll know just what to do / Wave your hands in the air / Like you don’t care,” he sings in the first verse. In the second, he sings, “Give us music, we can use it / We need to dance / We don’t have the time / For psychological romance.” Word… UP! Of course, the most epic section of “Word Up” is the chorus:   

“Oh, word up! 

Everybody say when you hear their call 

You’ve got to get it underway 

Word up! It’s the code word 

No matter where you say it 

You’ll know that you’ll be heard.” 

And for good measure, the outro is a blast too, to the tune of “W-O-R-D- up, W-O-R-D up.” “Word Up” is the stuff! FYI, Korn memorably covered it on their Greatest Hits Vol. 1 compilation . 

 

Appears in : 

• Cameo, Word Up: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 47 (2024) 

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11 Songs Where a WORD or WORDS is Key (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Alefune AB, Barry Gibb / The Estate of Robin Gibb and Yvonne Gibb, Brooke Candy, Capitol, Def Jam, Hollywood, Mercury, Paper Route EMPIRE, PolyGram Records Inc., Secretly Canadian, Sony Music Entertainment UK, UMG Recordings Inc.; Eugene Omelechko from Pexels]

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