11 Songs Where the Focus is the Child | Playlist 🎧

11 Songs Where the Focus is the Child features songs by Asbjørn, Blessing Offor & Dolly Parton, Five Stairsteps, J. Cole, and Mariah Carey. 

Child, do I have a playlist for you?! Well, technically, 11 Songs Where the Focus is the Child wasn’t made for children – sorry kids! But, the keyword that fuels the playlist is child, with children being accepted as well.  I considered including kids in the mix but ultimately opted against it – that can be a separate, child-fueled music compendium! Focusing on the playlist at hand, 11 Songs Where the Focus is the Child features songs by Asbjørn, Blessing Offor & Dolly Parton, Five Stairsteps, J. Cole, and Mariah Carey. There will be a future child-driven volume as many songs didn’t make this initial list.  So, without further ado, let’s get into these child-focused songs, shall we?!

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1. Blessing Offor & Dolly Parton, “Somebody’s Child”

“Somebody’s Child” // Capitol CMG, Inc. // 2024

“Do you remember dreaming? / Do you remember home? / Do you remember feelin’ / Like you were not alone?” Nigerian singer/songwriter Blessing Offor reminisces in the first verse of his sincere, touching pop, gospel-infused song, “Somebody’s Child”. The memories are beautiful and unforgettable. Also unforgettable are the tuneful melodies performed by Offor.  He, Joy Williams, and producer Josh Ronen penned it.  Additionally, he collaborates with a musical icon, the one-and-only Dolly Parton.

“We’re all somebody’s baby

We’re all somebody’s child                               

We’re all some kinda crazy

We’re all some kinda wise

We’re all full of amazing

We’re all flirting with lies

We’re all somebody’s heartache

Somebody’s can’t wait, somebody’s why

We’re all somebody’s baby

We’re all somebody’s child.”

The chorus is the crème de la crème of “Somebody’s Child.” Offor sublimely performs it following his verse.  Parton takes the reins in the second verse, penned like the first. “They join forces in the second chorus, with the help of choral vocals. A bridge precedes the final chorus, which is incredibly heartfelt and stirring. Gospel music cues are firmly in play, from the warmth and prevalence of the piano to the choral vocals, but, this is more of an inspirational pop record. Ultimately, “Somebody’s Child” is feel-good and uplifting, a musical blessing.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: May 2024
• 40 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far)
• Marvelously Memorable Duets, Vol. 1 (2024)
• 60 Best Songs of 2024 

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2. Asbjørn, “Child of the City”

The Secret Our Bodies Hold // Body of Work // 2024 

“And so, we woke up in the morning feeling like ghosts in our bodies / 21 grams lighter but the weight of planets on us.” One of many brilliant lyrics from the handsome, talented, and gracious, Asbjørn (Asbjørn Toftdahl Terkelsen). The self-described ‘Danish pop rebel’ describes “Child of the City”, the 10^th track from his 2024 album, The Secret Our Bodies Hold, as a ‘fast-paced piece of pop music with a villainous touch,’ and a ‘dizzying, clubby pop song featuring boys choir, me pounding a metal lampshade and a pinch of existential crisis.” Woo! The boys choir that Terkelsen mentions is his childhood boys choir, Skt. Clemens Drengekor. The choir adds angelic sounds to the breathtaking single penned by Asbjørn. He produced it with Steffen Lundtoft.

True to his characterization, “Child of the City” exemplifies the club sound.  The unique, percussive intro marks one of the most impressive sounds from the single.  The rhythm of the intro continues in all facets of the song. Vocally, Asbjørn brings the heat.  He sounds lovely, flaunting his tone and some sweet falsetto moments. Even though he’s potent – locked in and loaded, baby – he maintains a calm, cool, and collected energy vocally. He never forces things or sounds as if he breaks a sweat. Still, Terkelsen packs a punch, convincingly singing the rhythmic, tuneful melodies. There is no shortage of intriguing lyrics, including “Gimme that veggie McD, Gen-Z in a millennial body / My boy algorithm-chic, pretty on my feed.” The chorus easily gets stuck in the head.

“You are a child of the city

Don’t know if you ever sleep at all

Yes, you are a child of the city, child of the city, child of the city.”

As “Child of the City” progresses it packs a bit more punch.  Still, that ‘punch’ is sans growing overblown or overwrought – it feels just right.  The ambient outro is unexpected but keeps the song intriguing. Once again, my boy, Asbjørn brings the heat on “Child of the City”.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: August 2024
• A Sampling of Marvelous Worldwide Songs (2024) 

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3. Lauren Daigle, “Look Up Child”

Look Up Child // Centricity Music // 2018

“Where are You now / When darkness seems to win / Where are You now / When the world is crumbling.” “Look Up Child” is the eighth track on Look Up Child, the platinum-certified, Grammy-winning Contemporary Christian Album by Lauren Daigle. In the song, firmly planted in the inspirational, Christian pop realm, God isn’t mentioned explicitly. You can infer that the ‘You’ in the lyrics above refers to The Most High.  Even if that wasn’t the case, God’s mercifulness and omniscience are implied, with a fresh backdrop and expressive vocals by Daigle. And of course, the titular lyric, repeated in the chorus, finds Daigle encouraging all to look up to the throne!  

Appears in 🔻: 

• 13 LOOK Songs Totally Worth Listening To (2021)
• Child 👦: 3BOPS No. 11 (2021)

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4. Lil Durk, “Golden Child”

7220 // Alamo / Sony // 2022 

Grammy-winning rapper Lil Durk keeps things brief but potent on “Golden Child.”  “Golden Child” was released as a single before the rapper’s no. 1 album, 7220. Over dramatic CuBeatz, RealRed, YC, and Hitmaka production, Durk keeps it real: “Know a pit who was born a poodle.” Hmm, is that even biologically possible, Durk? As you see with the pit turning into a poodle line, Lil Durk talks a lot of shit in “Golden Child.” I don’t mean that disrespectfully, either.  The song clocks in under two minutes, but Durk gives us a tough flow and some compelling one-liners.  For example, “If you got Power with that Tommy, you can ghost a nigga.” Woo! There are also the likes of “That shit foo-foo, feds cracked the case with that shit on YouTube” and ‘I’m akh, but I love the Christians.”  So, anti-feds + good to know Muslims and Christians can coexist!  In the second verse, there’s more including a closing ‘high’ point: “Got gas, don’t fuck with mild.” “Golden Child” indeed!  

Appears in 🔻:  

• 15 Songs Characterized by Their Colors, Vol. II (2022)
• 11 Songs That Are Golden to the Core (2022) 

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5. Conan Gray, “Summer Child”

Superache // Republic // 2022 

“But there’s darkness behind those eyes / Even when you smile.”  Word, Conan Gray. “Summer Child” is a musical selection from his 2022 sophomore album, Superache, with a singer/songwriter vibe.  Gray composed the song while Dan Nigro produced it. The lyrics are thoughtful and poetic.  Gray masterfully exhibits vulnerability: “You cover up your arms with your sleeves / Even in hundred-degree heat / Your father was awfully mean…” The chorus is the centerpiece:  

“Oh, summer child

You don’t have to act like all you feel is mild

You don’t really love the Sun; it drives you wild

You’re lyin’, summer child.”

Other positives regarding “Summer Child” include the marvelous harmonic scheme, incredible vocal production, and delightful vocal harmonies.

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6. Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Poster Child”

Unlimited Love // Warner // 2022 

“Melle Mel and Richard Hell were dancing at the Taco Bell / When someone heard a Rebel Yell, I think it was an infidel /Adam Ant and Robert Plant, the banter of a sycophant…” Um… okay… On “Poster Child,” the fifth track from Unlimited Love, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are funky and groovy to the nth degree. The guitar riffs (John Frusciante) and bass line (Flea) are the shit, period. Chad Smith anchors on drums. Adding to the funkiness are keys, including the organ (Cory Henry), and additional percussion (Lenny Castro). If you can follow Anthony Kiedis’ melodic rapping sans studying and analyzing the lyrics, you deserve a prize! Sift through the lyrics, and Kiedis pays an ode to a host of notable musicians including Led Zeppelin, Parliament, and M.I.A. (“Maya’s making ‘Paper Planes’”).  Regardless of his mixed views regarding rock-star life, Kiedis asserts, “I will be your poster child / La-da-da-da, ba-ba-ba-dum.” “Poster Child” is something!  

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7. J. Cole, “MIDDLE CHILD”

Revenge of the Dreamers III // Dreamville / Roc Nation // 2019

“Niggas been countin’ me out / I’m countin’ my bullets, I’m loadin’ my clips / I’m writin’ down names, I’m makin’ a list / I’m checkin’ it twice and I’m getting’ ‘em hit.” Grammy-winning rapper J. Cole shines on “Middle Child”, co-produced by T-Minus. “Middle Child” benefits from its sickness behind the boards with a hard AF beat and biting brassy production.  Cole drops compelling rhymes, showcasing his consistent, elite flow.  The two most memorable sections of the record are the refrain and the chorus. Cole also brings plenty of heat to the verses: “Too many niggas in cycle of jail / Spending they birthdays inside of a cell.”  Facts! Among the topics covered include the incarceration of black males. He continues rapping in the second verse:

“We coming from a long bloodline of trauma

We raised by our mamas, Lord, we gotta heal

We hurting our sisters, the babies as well

We killing our brothers, they poisoned the well.”

The best way to describe “Middle Child” is 🔥.  

Appears in 🔻:  

• 51 Best Songs of 2019: Year in Review
• Child 👦: 3BOPS No. 11 (2021)
• Middle: 5ive Songs No. 41 (2022) 
• 13 Intriguing, Right in the Middle Songs (2022) 

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8. Dominic Fike, “Pasture Child”

Sunburn // Sandy’s Boys LLC / Columbia // 2023

“Back before we went digital, digital, digital…” Noted, but what does it mean 🤔? Make it make sense! We’ll revisit it momentarily! One of many choruses from Sunburn, the 2023 sophomore album by the handsome 😍 and talented Dominic Fike that you won’t be able to forget hails from “Pasture Child.” “Pasture Child” is the 10^th track from the LP. In “Pasture Child,” Fike takes a nostalgic narrative approach, focusing mostly on a nameless girl. Of course, this girl made him feel some type of way, and their interactions pre-dated more sophisticated technological interactions that are firmly planted in dating. Ah, back before we went digital! “Pasture Child” wasn’t my favorite song from Sunburn initially but is a grower with successive listens.  

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9. Mariah Carey, “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”

Merry Christmas // Sony // 1994 

When it comes to Merry Christmas, the famous, 1994 Mariah Carey holiday album, the biggest song is undoubtedly  “All I Want for Christmas is You”.   That said, there are some great religious songs associated with Christmas that rouse the spirit and touch the soul. One such song is the closing cut,  “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”. Of course, the Grammy-winning R&B/pop musician is far from the first singer to perform this traditional classic, but she does a marvelous job, backed by a gospel choir.  

“Jesus, Jesus 

Oh, what a wonderful child 

Jesus, Jesus 

So lowly, meek, and mild 

New life, new hope, new joy He brings 

Won’t you listen to the angels sing 

Glory, glory, glory 

To the newborn King 

Jesus, Jesus.” 

“Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child” celebrates the birth of Jesus.  Also, by hailing “the newborn King,” the record alludes to the marvelous and miraculous things he’d come to do.  Carey sings the lead commandingly, making you feel how awesome the birth of Christ, and Son of God is.  She exhibits her usual finesse, but she also gets ‘rough’ with it! One of the biggest surprises of the Carey performance is the double-time breakdown section, which transforms the song into the feel of Pentecostal service.  The riffs by Carey are on-point, and listening, it’s hard NOT to catch the spirit (or some semblance of it)!  “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child,” in the context of Christmas, really speaks to the ‘reason for the season.’

Appears in 🔻:  

• Mariah Carey, Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child: Sunday Refresh 🙏 29 (2021)
• 11 Songs That Are Wonderful Through & Through (2023)

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10. Cheryl Lynn, “Storybook Children”

Cheryl Lynn // Sony Music Entertainment // 1978 

“Daybreak / How can I ever leave this place beside you? / You were the only one I ever cried to / The night is through.” The lush ballad, “Daybreak (Storybook Children)” appears as the ninth track on Cheryl Lynn, the 1978, gold-certified debut album by Cheryl Lynn. Lynn is best known for the platinum crossover hit, “Got To Be Real” from the same album. Even so, “Daybreak (Storybook Children)” is a marvelous record in its own right. While this gem sounds like it could be an original by Lynn, it was Randy Bishop who originally recorded it in 1977 (a recording is hard to come by these days). Furthermore, Bette Midler covered it later that same year (Broken Blossom) before Lynn delivered her stirring rendition.  “Daybreak” was penned by David Pomeranz and Spencer Proffer.  

Focusing on Cheryl Lynn, she sings with incredible expression; she sounds utterly sublime. In addition to her tone, something that shines about Lynn’s voice is the range – she possesses elite talent. Beyond the voice, the arrangement and production are incredibly sophisticated – idiomatic of 1970s soul through and through.  The strings soar, the winds – specifically French horn – are warm, and the overall aesthetic is breathtaking.  Lynn does a superb job of bringing the fairytale lyrics alive: “And now it’s daybreak / We were like storybook children / Hey, but, like all good fairytales / This one must end.” The good news for all music lovers is that the legacy of “Daybreak (Storybook Children)” endures forever and ever.   

Appears in 🔻:  

• Cheryl Lynn, Daybreak (Storybook Children): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 47 (2023)
• 11 Intriguing Songs With A Story to Tell (2023)
• 15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 11 (2023)

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11. Five Stairsteps, “O-o-h Child”

Stairsteps // Sony Music Entertainment // 1970

“Ooh-oo child / Things are gonna get easier / Ooh-oo-child / Things’ll get brighter.” Oh, how positive and uplifting those lyrics are! They hail from the Five Stairsteps classic, “O-o-h Child”.  Five Stairsteps was a family affair, comprised of five siblings from Chicago.  The group was often known as The First Family of Soul. Notably, multi-instrumentalist and singer Keni Burke (1951 – ) was a member of the collective, renowned for his 1982 song, “Risin’ to the Top”. “O-o-h Child,” recorded in 1970, was written and produced by Stan Vincent. A mega success on the pop charts, it peaked at no. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the sole pop hit for Five Stairsteps.

“O-o-h Child” is a surefire vibe from the get-go.  It features bright, sunny-sounding musical accompaniment comprised of the rhythm section (terrific guitar, bass, keys, and drumming) and orchestra (winds and strings). The production and orchestration are top-notch.  The songwriting, excerpted above, is also terrific. In the centerpiece, the chorus, Five Stairsteps sing:  

“Someday, yeah 
We’ll get it together and we’ll get it all done 
Some day 
When your head is much lighter 
Someday, yeah 
We’ll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun 
Some day 
When the world is much brighter.” 

Inspiring! Bringing those lovely words and melodies to life are fabulous vocals.  The lead is shared throughout the group, which is perfect for this song.  All told, the greatness of “O-o-h Child” speaks for itself.  This once-in-a-lifetime song has been covered by many different musicians. 

Appears in 🔻:

• Five Stairsteps, O-o-h Child: 1 Hit WONDERful 50 (2024)

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11 Songs Where the Focus is the Child (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Alamo, Capitol, Centricity Music, CMG, Inc., Columbia, Dreamville, Republic, Roc Nation, Sandy’s Boys LLC, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner; AcatXlo, Евгения, giselaatje, Leroy Skalstad, Nandu Vasudevan, Sonam Prajapati from Pixabay]