11 Thrilling ARE Songs, Part 2 | Playlist 🎧

11 Thrilling ARE Songs, Part 2 features songs by Andraé Crouch, Meghan Trainor, Paris Hilton, Stevie Wonder, and Tyler, The Creator.  

Are you prepared for the power of ARE??? Hopefully, you – wait for it – A-R-E, are! 11 Thrilling ARE Songs, Part 2 is exactly what the title suggests – a playlist of songs that feature the word are in their title.   There are no other criteria other than featuring the often-used three-letter word. Notably, it is the sequel to  11 Thrilling ARE Songs, Part 1. 11 Thrilling ARE Songs, Part 2 features songs by Andraé Crouch, Meghan Trainor, Paris Hilton, Stevie Wonder, and Tyler, The Creator. So, without further ado, let’s dive into 11 Thrilling ARE Songs, Part 2!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Måneskin, “HONEY (ARE U COMING?)”

2. Paris Hilton, “Stars Are Blind”

3. The Stylistics, “You are Everything”

4. Meghan Trainor, “Lips Are Movin”

5. Joe Cocker, “You Are So Beautiful”

6. Father John Misty, “Disappointing Diamonds are the Rarest of Them All”

7. Wallows, “Are You Bored Yet” (Ft. Clairo)

8. Tyler, The Creator, “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?”

9. Fries On The Side, “Men Are Hot”

10. Stevie Wonder, “You Are The Sunshine of My Life”

11. Andraé Crouch, “We Are Not Ashamed”

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1. Måneskin, “HONEY (ARE U COMING?)”

RUSH! // Epic / Sony Music Entertainment Italy S.p.a. // 2023

Italian rock band Måneskin dropped the energetic “HONEY (ARE U COMING?)” in 2023. It appears on their album, RUSH!. SLY and Rami produced the loud joint. When the titular lyric is uttered in the intro, the eventual chorus, you know it’s on… like Donkey Kong 🤓.  The guitars are dynamic, the bass line is active, and the vocals by the hot 🥵 Damiano David are energetic and playful. The listener gets a tuneful melody in the first verse. Notably, part of the second verse is more ‘talk-singing,’ adding more personality.  There is some contrast in the pre-chorus, where David sings, “It’s 5 AM / We feel so good, it’s almost frightening / It’s 5 AM / I’m made for you, we can’t deny it.”  The second iteration of the pre-chorus features some harmonized vocals, always a win. As expected, the chorus is gargantuan, arguably overblown. With successive listens the chorus grows more tuneful:

“Meet me there where it never closes

Meet me there where it’s never hopeless

All is fair in love, oh-oh-oh

Honey, are you coming?”

“HONEY (ARE U COMING?)” isn’t the second coming but it’s enjoyable.

Appears in 🔻:

• 13 Compelling Come Songs (2024)

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2. Paris Hilton, “Stars Are Blind”

Paris // Warner // 2006

In 2006, socialite Paris Hilton released her sole studio album titled Paris.  The sole hit from the LP was the gold-certified “Stars Are Blind” which peaked at no. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hilton never charted another single on the pop charts, solidifying her one-hit wonder status.  “Stars” was written by Fernando Garibay, Ralph McCarthy, and Sheppard Solomon, with Garibay ultimately producing the track too. Notably, “Stars” samples the 1970 reggae track “Kingston Town” by Lord Creator.

“Stars Are Blind” is a pleasant reggae-tinged pop track. It isn’t a perfect song, but, once you hear that signature reggae groove, it’s hard not to be enamored and hypnotized by those tropical sounds and lazy vibes. Hilton’s vocals are cool, calm, and collected – perfect for a chill genre like reggae. The melodies are tuneful, particularly the crowning achievement, the chorus:

“Even though the gods are crazy

Even though the stars are blind

If you show me real love, baby, I’ll show you mine

I can make it nice and naughty

Be the devil and angel too

Got a heart and soul and body

Let’s see what this love can do

Maybe I’m perfect for you.

The verses are a vibe too, where the focus is on love.  In the second verse, she asserts, “I could be your confidante / Just one of your girlfriends / But I know that’s not what you want.” Oh, snap! The bridge gets a bit, dare I say, sexy: “Excuse me for feeling / This moment is critical / It might be revealing / We could get physical.” All in all, “Stars Are Blind” is fun. In 2023, Hilton recorded “Stars Are Blind (Paris’ Version)” alongside Grammy-winner Kim Petras.

Appears in 🔻:

• Paris Hilton, Stars Are Blind: 1 Hit WONDERful 11 (2024)

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3. The Stylistics, “You are Everything”

The Stylistics – The Original Debut Album // Amherst // 1971  

“Today I saw somebody / Who looked just like you / She walked like you do / I thought it was you.” Those famous lyrics hail from the classic, “You are Everything” by the iconic, soul collective,  The Stylistics. The top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit (no. 9) graces the Philly soul collective’s critically acclaimed, 1971 album, The Stylistics.  The gold-certified “You Are Everything” was written by Renowned songwriters Thom Bell and Linda Creed.  Singing lead and background vocals on this lush ballad is Russell Thompkins Jr. “You are Everything” is the perfect soul record, even if only one Stylistic is utilized! The harmonized vocals are stunning, especially against that Philly soul backdrop.  Thematically, it encompasses expired love – one you can’t forget about.  Thompkins asserts, “I just can’t go on / Living life as I do / Comparing each girl with you / Knowing they just won’t do / They’re not you.”  Why are they not you? Well, that’s where the tuneful chorus comes into play: “You are everything / And everything is you.” Woo! All told, “You are Everything” ranks among the elites when it comes to soul classics.    

Appears in 🔻:   

• The Stylistics, You are Everything: Throwback Vibez No. 69 (2022)   
• 11 Epic Songs That Are Everything! (2022)  
• 15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 5 (2022) 
• The Stylistics: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 63 (2023)
• The Stylistics vs. Joe Simon: Head 2 Head No. 24 (2024)

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4. Meghan Trainor, “Lips Are Movin”

Title // Epic // 2015 

“If your lips are movin’, then you’re lyin’, lyin’, lyin’, baby.”  “Lips Are Movin” was a ubiquitous single from Grammy-winner Meghan Trainor back in 2015. The record matches the sound and themes of her retro-pop debut album, Title.  Trainor wrote “Lips Are Movin” alongside Kevin Kadish, who also produces the track. The script of “Lips Are Movin” is similar to the LP’s most dominant cut, “All About That Bass”.  The big difference? Lips as opposed to booty, essentially.  

“I know you’re lyin’ 

Cause your lips are movin’ 

Tell me, do you think I’m dumb?  

I might be young, but I ain’t stupid 

Talking around in circles with your tongue 

I gave you bass, you gave me sweet talk 

Saying how I’m your number one 

But I know you lie 

Cause your lips are movin 

Baby don’t you know I’m done?” 

Does anymore need to be said? Nope. The 👄 speak for themselves.

 

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Songs About Lips, Mouth & Tongue (2018)
• 11 Songs Where It’s All Lips 12, Baby! (2023) 

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5. Joe Cocker, “You Are So Beautiful”

I Can Stand A Little Rain // A&M // 1974 

“You are so beautiful / To me / You are so beautiful / To me / Can’t you see.” Sigh, those beloved, iconic lyrics hail from the Joe Cocker classic, “You Are So Beautiful”. That said, it must be noted that Cocker’s version came second.  Yes, that’s right! Billy Preston originally recorded it on his album, The Kids & Me. While both albums, released on A&M, arrived in 1974, Preston’s was released first while I Can Stand A Little Rain (Cocker) arrived later.  Preston penned this top five hit for Cocker with Bruce Fisher.  We know that Preston is a legend in his own right, with three no. 1 hits to his name, but it is Cocker who owns the definitive take on “You Are So Beautiful.”     

  

How did Joe make this the beloved hit that it is today? Easy, his distinct voice.  The English singer possessed a dynamic, powerful instrument – truly one-of-a-kind. A gritty, rough-around-the-edge vocalist, which was part of his appeal and charm.  Here on “You Are So Beautiful,” Cocker shows more tenderness exhibiting grit and even a dash of falsetto (at the end).  Listening to him sing, you believe it – he’s sincere. “You’re everything I hoped for / You’re everything I need,” he sings memorably, continuing, “You are so beautiful to me.” Making “You Are So Beautiful” even more compelling is the backdrop (Jim Price produces).  The core instrumentation is simple but effective – piano (Nicky Hopkins) and bass (Dave McDaniel).  Strings enter the mix, adding incredible lushness and warmth. What more needs to be said? “You Are So Beautiful” is one of the greatest songs of all time by a legendary artist.   

Appears in 🔻:  

• Joe Cocker, You Are So Beautiful: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 7 (2024)
• Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 5 (2024)
• 13 More Remarkably Beautiful Songs (2024) 

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6. Father John Misty, “Disappointing Diamonds Are the Rarest of Them All”

God’s Favorite Customer // Sub Pop // 2018

Father John Misty (Josh Tillman) keeps things short on “Disappointing Diamonds are the Rarest of Them All”, the seventh track from God’s Favorite Customer.  Despite the brevity, the production is alluring, including instrumentation including piano, guitars, bass, drums, and saxophone.  Vocally, Tillman serves up a liberal amount of falsetto, which is compelling if uncharacteristic. The lyrics exemplify typical, clever Father John Misty through and through. “Like a carcass left out in the heat / This love is bursting out of me.” Goodness gracious.  The centerpiece is the chorus, where the titular lyric comes into play.  “Disappointing diamonds are the rarest of them all / And a love that lasts forever really can’t be that special…” Yup, God’s Favorite Customer for sure!

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Uniquely-Titled, Interesting Songs from 2018
• 11 Songs Focused on Diamonds (2019)
• 14 Songs That Are Definitely Diamonds 💠 (2021)
• Rare: 3BOPS No. 57 (2021) 

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7. Wallows, “Are You Bored Yet” (Ft. Clairo)

Nothing Happens // Atlantic // 2019

“I’m still thinking, let’s pretend to fall asleep now / When we get old, will we regret this? / Too young to think about all that shit / And stalling only goes so far when you’ve got a head start.” Dylan Minnette serves as the frontman of alternative rock band Wallows. Minnette, along with Cole Preston and Braeden Lemasters dropped their debut album, Nothing Happens, in 2019.  “Are You Bored Yet?” featuring Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Clairo, is alluring from start to finish.  The record keeps things short, sweet, chill, and enigmatic, among other things.  Minnette and Clairo have excellent vocal chemistry, never losing their poise.  You could say that both deliver performances that ‘float along’ as opposed to being incredibly assertive or commanding.  Likewise, the production maintains similar composure, with its gentle but totally fitting palette of sounds: piano, warm synths, and light, rhythmic drums.  Just to reiterate, the chill is real on “Are You Bored Yet?”

“‘Cause we could stay at home and watch the sunset

But I can’t help from asking, ‘Are you bored yet?’

And if you’re feeling lonely you should tell me

Before this ends up as another memory

Will you tell the truth, so I don’t have to lie?

Will you tell the truth, so I don’t have to lie?”

Well, will you?

Appears in 🔻:

• 8 Songs That Certainly Won’t Leave You Bored (2019)
• 13 Splendid Songs Where the Men Ask Questions (2020)
• 15 Boring Songs That Are Totally Exciting (2020)

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8. Tyler, The Creator, “ARE WE STILL FRIENDS?”

IGOR // Columbia // 2019

Tyler, the Creator has come a long way – an understatement. His career has been filled with controversy, including ample examples of homophobia.  However, beginning with his 2017 album Flower Boy, he began to open up about his own sexuality.  That continued on the most ambitious, unexpected album of his career, the Grammy-winning IGOR.  No, Tyler never comes right out and says what everybody is thinking about him sexually, but undoubtedly sexuality plays a pivotal role in this relationship and romance-driven, non-traditional album. Tyler, The Creator concludes IGOR with the brilliant, “Are We Still Friends?” Question(s): “Are we still friends? Can we be friends?” “Are We Still Friends?” concludes IGOR soulfully and radiantly. “Are We Still Friends?” samples the Memphis soul of Al Green (“Dream”). In the context of IGOR, “Friends” feels like a natural follow-up to “I Don’t Love You Anymore” because it serves as a resolution.  What Tyler wants to know is post-relationship, can he and his ex- remain friends (“If we can still see each other / Shake your hand, say hi…”). Interestingly, Pharrell Williams appears as does Jack White, who delivers an uncredited guitar solo.

Appears in 🔻: 

• 13 Splendid Songs Where the Men Ask Questions (2020)
• 25 Songs That Celebrate Friendship… Well, Some of Them (2020)
• 15 Compelling Songs About WE (2022)

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9. Fries On The Side, “Men Are Hot”

 “Men Are Hot” // Fries On The Side // 2019

“I like women for sure / But yet I’m unsure / Tits really aren’t that great / They have no allure but.” Wow – we can see where “Men Are Hot” is going! Essentially, on this 2019 single, Fries On The Side explore sexuality, switching sides from women to hot men, temporarily (check out the outro).  In the first verse, it is all about convincing himself he likes women – he’s not, you know, GAY (that internalized homophobia piece).  Still, by the chorus, he admits, “Men look just a bit hot / And I might suck a cock /… Being straight is alright / But I might end up bi / Cause I kinda feel like butt-fucking a guy.” Wow… The important thing when it comes to this Fries On The Side song is to take it with a grain of salt. It is intended to be comical and, of course, shocking. That said, the other side of things is that we must remember that there are people who struggle with their sexuality every day. That is no joke.  Continuing in this ‘sus’ song, the listener is informed of the erection (“I know it was just a thought / But I’m hard as a rock”), admission “My sexuality’s an area grey,” and of course a gay sex sound effect.  There is, of course, more TMI as he asserts, “Here I am deep in a guy / Not questioning why.”  I guess the positive is, “I’m no longer afraid / I’ll fuck whatever sex as long as I get laid.” Well, positive with safety, of course!

 

Appears in 🔻:

• Fries On The Side, Men Are Hot: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 1 (2023)

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10. Stevie Wonder, “You Are The Sunshine of My Life”

Talking Book // Motown // 1972

“You are the sunshine of my life / That’s while I’ll always stay around,” Stevie Wonder sings in “You Are The Sunshine of My Life”. “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” is a bright, sunny gem from Talking Book, one of three Stevie albums to win the prestigious Grammy for Album of the Year. Among his most popular singles, “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” spent one week at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 – one of 10 no. 1 hits for the decorated musician. The message of this Wonder original is simple – love, love, love! “And if I thought our love was ending,” he sings in the first verse, “I’d find myself drowning in my own tears.” That is dedication, folks.  Furthermore, in the second verse, he asserts, “And I know that this must be heaven / How could so much love be inside of you, woah?” Legit question.  Besides the dedicated lyrics, the music is a vibe in its own right.  Soulful, “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” is a happy medium between pop and soul, with a dash of tropical flavor thrown into the mix.  Not much analysis is necessary; the music speaks for itself!

Appears in 🔻:

• Stevie Wonder, You Are The Sunshine of My Life: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 12 (2023)
• 13 Sunny Songs About the Sun & Sunshine (2023)

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11. Andraé Crouch, “We Are Not Ashamed”

Finally // Light // 1990 

“We are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ / For it is God’s power of salvation.” That is a powerful statement that the late, great Andraé Crouch sings in “We Are Not Ashamed”. “We Are Not Ashamed” appears as the fourth track on his 1990 album, Finally.  Ultimately, Crouch informs the world that God is real, and “To everyone that believes it / To everyone that receives it / We shall have everlasting life.” If you believe in Him, praise and magnify His holy name, well, God’s got you! Notably, “We Are Not Ashamed” is split into three distinct sections.  The verse, the bridge, and of course, the chorus. Skipping to the chorus, which doesn’t appear until the end, Crouch and his singers highlight the titular lyric, as well as reiterate being unashamed of the gospel and having the gift of everlasting life.  The bridge, which appears between the verse and chorus, further testifies to the power of God’s word – the gospel of Jesus Christ (“His world is healing for every nation /… power unto salvation / … Set the captives free / Made the blind to see”).

Appears in 🔻:

• Andraé Crouch, We Are Not Ashamed: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 21 (2023)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

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11 Thrilling ARE Songs, Part 2 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M, Amherst, Atlantic, Columbia, Epic, Fries On The Side, Light, Motown, Sony Music Entertainment Italy S.p.a., Sub Pop, Warner; Thomas Nguka from Pexels]

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