13 Captivating Songs Filled with Luck features songs by Chappell Roan, David Archuleta, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Laufey, Zach Top, and Zedd & Remi Wolf.
“Make another excuse, another stupid reason / Good luck, babe (Well, good luck).”
Noted,
Chappell Roan. She’s not a fan of her girlfriend’s
internalized homophobia 👎… Anyways, “Bad luck was always hanging around,”
Zach Top sings, and adds, “A good roll was always letting me down.” Tsk, tsk, tsk! What’s goin’ on, country cowboy 🤠? The icon herself, Ms. “Bitch, I’m
Madonna,” also has something to say about L-U-C-K: “You may be my lucky star / But I’m the luckiest by far.”
Luck is the common thread between all three artists and their respective songs.

Luck is joined by lucky on 13 Captivating Songs Filled with Luck. Simply put, each song title must feature the word luck, lucky, luckiest, etc. 13 Captivating Songs Filled with Luck features songs by Chappell Roan, David Archuleta, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Laufey, Zach Top, and Zedd & Remi Wolf. With country, dance, pop, R&B, and soul covered, this musical compendium has a little something for everybody. So, without further ado, let’s dig into these luck-filled, utterly lucky, or perhaps, unlucky songs!

~ Table of Contents ~
| 1. David Archuleta, “Lucky” |
2. Chappell Roan, “Good Luck, Babe!” |
3. Zedd & Remi Wolf, “Lucky” |
| 4. Laufey, “Tough Luck” |
5. Zach Top, “Bad Luck” |
6. Halsey, “Lucky” |
| 7. Jonas Brothers, “Lucky” |
8. Troye Sivan, “Lucky Strike” |
9. Raveena, “Lucky” |
| 10. Daft Punk, “Get Lucky” (Ft. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers) |
11. Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat, “Lucky” |
12. Madonna, “Lucky Star” |
| 13. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, “Bad Luck” |
|
|

1. David Archuleta, “Lucky”
Earthly Delights » Archie Music » 2025
![David Archuleta, Earthly Delights (EP) [📷: Archie Music] David Archuleta, Earthly Delights (EP) [📷: Archie Music]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/david-archuleta-earthly-delights.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
“And my mind, it goes blank / Every time you say my name,”
David Archuleta sings in the pre-chorus of
“Lucky”, the splendid fourth track from his 2025 EP,
Earthly Delights. Our
lover boy continues, “‘Cause it’s so surreal / that you know it.” In this sweet, compound duple meter, R&B ballad, David feels lucky to be with his baby (“I feel so
lucky to be in this moment”)! In the chorus, he asserts, “And out of everyone that could’ve been / Here with me in this room / I can’t believe it’s / You, you, you.” Those
yous, which appear at the back of the chorus (post-chorus-like), sound incredibly sweet. Of course, Archie presents himself as a sweetheart. Even the
intimate moments on this song (“I can’t believe it’s you and me, under the sheets,” and “Use your hands to trace my body, take a picture of me”), and others from
Earthly Delights feel tasteful even if they aren’t completely innocent. With its strong musical underpinnings (namely, a gorgeous harmonic progression), thoughtful songwriting, and another magical vocal from Archuleta (some mean runs, folks), we, the audience, are the ones who are
“Lucky” to be listening!
2. Chappell Roan, “Good Luck, Babe!”
“Good Luck, Babe!” » KRA International, Inc. / Island » 2024
![Chappell Roan, Good Luck, Babe! [📷: KRA International, Inc. / Island] Chappell Roan, Good Luck, Babe! [📷: KRA International, Inc. / Island]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/chappell-roan-good-luck-babe.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
“I don’t wanna call it off / But you don’t wanna call it love / You only wanna be the one that I call baby.”
Chappell Roan is comfortable with her sexuality in her thrilling, breakout hit,
“Good Luck, Babe!”. Her girlfriend, however, is struggling with
accepting her sexuality, complicating their relationship. “You can say that we are nothing, but you know the truth,” Roan asserts in the first verse, adding, “And I guess I’m the fool.” Being queer in a heteronormative world can be tough, and Roan’s girlfriend didn’t reach a level of comfort. Roan paints the picture of the end of this relationship because of these unfair, unfortunate circumstances (“Think I’m gonna call it off / Even if you call it love / I just wanna love someone who calls me baby”). The damage has been done. In the chorus, she wishes her luck, suppressing her sexuality to fit the heterosexual narrative of the world:
“You can kiss a hundred boys in bars
Shoot another shot, try to stop the feeling
… Make another excuse, another stupid reason
Good luck, babe (Well, good luck).”
Roan, Justin Tranter, and producer Dan Nigro composed this colorful, dynamic, meaningful, and thoughtful song. The sound is alternative pop with a standard rhythm section, programming, and strings. Chappell is an awesome singer who shows off the versatility of her instrument. Most importantly, the epic “Good Luck, Babe!” addresses a prevalent issue within the LGBTQ+ 🏳️🌈 community and how complicated same-sex relationships can be and dispels the myopic view/myth that queer relationships as merely sexual.
3. Zedd & Remi Wolf, “Lucky”
Telos » Interscope » 2024
![Zedd, Telos [📷: Interscope] Zedd, Telos [📷: Interscope]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/zedd-telos.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
“Even though it still hurts a lot / Would’ve been a lot worse if I stayed.”
Oh, snap! Grammy-winning Russian-German DJ and producer
Zedd (
Anton Zaslavski) enlisted
Remi Wolf for
“Lucky”, a single from his third album,
Telos, released in 2024. He and Wolf penned “Lucky” with
dwilly (
David Wilson),
ellis (
Ellis Lawrie), and
Ilya Kozich. Zedd, ellis, and dwilly produced it. After the accompaniment begins rhythmically but sparely, it evolves into a bright, picturesque instrumental. The articulation of the synths and crispness during the drop is striking. Remi has a sick backdrop, delivering robust, expressive lead vocals. She sings a pair of verses about a defunct relationship. Even though she’s still hurting (“Now I’m driving, and every word around me looks like you”), she understands her decision to leave was correct. In the chorus, she admits, “I wanted to catch you / But you pulled me like a magnet /… But you dragged me through the fire.” Even so, she has no regrets “because you taught me a lesson / Now I’m feeling so damn
lucky.” Besides her commanding and confident lead vocals, the harmonized background vocals are a treat, too. The drop, in all its infectious and repetitive glory, is the sugar honey iced tea, too (“Lucky, I, I / Now I’m feeling so damn lucky”). Although brief,
“Lucky” is an engaging, entertaining, and well-rounded dance-pop cut.
4. Laufey, “Tough Luck”
A Matter of Time » Vingolf Recordings / AWAL Recordings America, Inc » 2025
![Laufey, A Matter Of Time [📷: Vingolf Recordings / AWAL Recordings America, Inc.] Laufey, A Matter Of Time [📷: Vingolf Recordings / AWAL Recordings America, Inc.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/laufey-a-matter-of-time.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
“You think you’re so misunderstood / The black cat of your neighborhood,”
Laufey (
Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir) sings at the end of the first verse of
“Tough Luck”. “Tough Luck” is the 10
th track from the
Grammy-winning, Icelandic-Chinese singer/songwriter’s third studio album,
A Matter Of Time. Vocally, she sounds effortless as she sings. Her performance is gorgeous, expressive, and nuanced. Laufey and
Spencer Stewart penned and produced it.
There is no tough luck when it comes to the music backdrop. “Tough Luck” features beautiful accompaniment comprised of lush strings, pizzicato (plucked) strings, and piano. Eventually, the record becomes more rhythmic, featuring a driving acoustic guitar and a light, thudding beat. “Luck” thrives on tuneful melodies from the onset. Complementing the melodies are the memorable, thoughtfully penned lyrics. “Since we’re spilling secrets / Does your mother even know (Mother even know),” Laufey sings, supported by background vocals, and adds, “You demoralized, effaced me / Just to feed your frail ego (Oh).” Oh, indeed! The chorus is the centerpiece:
“Tough luck, my boy, your time is up
I’ll break it first, I’ve had enough
Of waiting ‘til you lie and cheat
Just like you did to the actress before me
Oops, she doesn’t even know
You won’t be missed; I’m glad to see you.”
Oh, snap! The bridge is epic, featuring highly rhythmic melodies, extensive lyrics, and Laufey delivering it with even more oomph and passion. Most memorably, and explicitly, she asserts, “The proof says you’re tragic as fuck.” “Tough Luck” is a surefire vibe. Laufey showcases immense musicianship, delivering a poised performance but also instinctively digging in and elevating things to the next level. This is one of the best songs from A Matter of Time, period.
5. Zach Top, “Bad Luck”
Cold Beer & Country Music » Leo33 » 2024
![Zach Top, Cold Beer & Country Music [📷: Leo33] Zach Top, Cold Beer & Country Music [📷: Leo33]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/zach-top-cold-beer-country-music.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
“My lucky star fell out of the sky / Right before my wishing well went dry,”
country singer/songwriter
Zach Top informs us in the first verse of
“Bad Luck”. He continues, “Seems every which way I go / There’s a black cat crossing the road.” Those black cats – such
bad omens! While Mr. Top is experiencing his fair share of bad luck, there is nothing unlucky about the song itself. “Bad Luck” is the eighth track from Top’s 2024 album,
Cold Beer & Country Music. Top,
Mark Nesler, and producer
Carson Chamberlain penned “Bad Luck.”
“Bad Luck” benefits from a great groove and sound established from the beginning. The sounds that stand out most are rich guitar, piano, and banjo. The arrangement is colorful. I enjoy the subtlety of the verses and the more energetic chorus. Zach Top sings expressively, wowing with his beautiful tone and country twang. The melodies are tuneful, and the lyrics memorable in the verses. In the second verse, he details his bad luck with love. “My second love convinced me to love again / Then she left me for my best friend,” he sings, and continues, “My third and fourth went crazy as hell / I even bought a rabbit’s foot, but that didn’t help.” My, my, my, Zach! The chorus is the crème de la crème:
“Bad luck was always hanging around
A good roll was always letting me down
I had every reason in the world to give up
But you came along, and now it’s gone
So long, bad luck.”
Shit could have ended up unlucky as hell, but thanks to that extra, special somebody, Zach Top says adiós to “Bad Luck”.
6. Halsey, “Lucky”
The Great Impersonator » Columbia » 2024
![Halsey, The Great Impersonator [📷: Columbia] Halsey, The Great Impersonator [📷: Columbia]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/halsey-the-great-impersonator-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
“Everybody get in line to meet the girl who flew too high / Who does it all just to be liked by strangers that she met online.”
Ah,
Halsey (
Ashley Frangipane),
The Great Impersonator!
“Lucky,” the song at hand, is the 16
th track from the
Grammy nominee’s fifth studio album, released in 2024. Halsey penned “Lucky” with
Michael Uzowuru,
Alexander Kronlund,
Max Martin,
Rami,
Travon Potts, and
Rhett Lawrence. Some of those credited as writers wrote the songs that “Lucky” samples:
“Lucky” by
Britney Spears (Rami, Martin, and Kronlund) and
“Angel of Mine” by
Eternal, popularized by
Monica (Potts and Lawrence). “Lucky” in Halsey’s hands features tasteful production with some great musical cues (guitar, throwback drum groove, with 1990s/early ‘00s vibes).
Halsey delivers respectable, easygoing vocals. The lyrics are reflective. In the first verse, she sings dark, self-deprecating lyrics that reference Greek mythology and fame. Rumors appear in the second verse as Halsey sings, “And why is she losin’ so much weight? / I heard it’s from the drugs she ate.” She concludes the verse with a thought-provoking line: “A problem child, I was rough / But what do you do with a difficult grownup?” The bridge is intriguing, as Halsey reflects on shaving her head, with the last time being because of illness: “Then I left the doctor’s office full of tears / Became a single mother at my premiere.” In the pre-chorus, she asserts, “When I die, I won’t have time to spend my money / But I hope that you still love me.” Word. We are lucky to have such a memorable chorus:
“‘Cause I’m so lucky, I’m a star
But I cry, cry, cry in my lonely heart, thinkin’
‘If there’s nothin’ missin’ in my life
Then why (Why, why?) do these tears come at night?’”
That is a legit question, Halsey. Do we get legit answers? No, but all in all, Halsey delivers the musical goods on “Lucky.”
7. Jonas Brothers, “Lucky”
Greetings From Your Hometown » Jonas Brothers Recording, Limited Liability Company / Republic » 2025
![Jonas Brothers, Greetings From Your Hometown [📷: Jonas Brothers Recording, Limited Liability Company / Republic] Jonas Brothers, Greetings From Your Hometown [📷: Jonas Brothers Recording, Limited Liability Company / Republic]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/jonas-brothers-greetings-from-your-hometown.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
“If God gives you something you don’t think you want / Don’t you forget just how lucky you are,”
Nick Jonas sings in the first verse of
“Lucky”. “Lucky” is the 12
th track from the
Jonas Brothers’ 2025 album,
Greetings From Your Hometown. Nick and
Joe Jonas penned “Lucky” with
Jordan K. Johnson,
Stefan Johnson,
Jason Evigan,
Mike Elizondo,
Sean Douglas, and
Amy Wadge. That’s a lot of writers!
The Monsters & Strangerz, Evigan, and Elizondo produced it. The rhythmic acoustic guitar sets the tone of this sincere, sweet, and thoughtful song. Nick sounds beautiful as he sings in the first verse, never over-singing. Joe Jonas sings the second verse. He contrasts his younger brother, but sounds equally beautiful: “I’m always with you, no matter how far / Don’t you forget just how lucky you are.”
The chorus that follows is sweet, sweet, sweet! It is particularly beautiful when Nick and Joe harmonize.
“Ooh-ooh
Even the bad times might make you laugh
Ooh-ooh
Live every day like it might be your last
You’ll be alright
It’ll be alright.”
Strings add warmth to the chorus. Nick sings the third and final verse. “I know it feels like a dream / Faking a smile while you rip at the seams,” he asserts, and adds, “No way to measure the pain in your heart / But don’t you forget just how lucky you are. Following the second chorus, he performs a brief bridge, followed by the outro. The message is much the same: “With all of the bruises and all of the scars / Don’t you forget just how lucky you are / I won’t forget just how lucky we are.”
8. Troye Sivan, “Lucky Strike”
Bloom » Capitol » 2018
![Troye Sivan, Bloom [📷: Capitol] Troye Sivan, Bloom [📷: Capitol]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/troye-sivan-bloom-lp-capitol.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
“Oh, I wanna skip stones on your skin, boy / And drown me in your water.”
Oh, snap,
Troye Sivan! The
Grammy-nominated South African/Australian pop star exhibits ample swagger on
“Lucky Strike.” “Lucky Strike” is the ninth track on his 2018 sophomore album,
Bloom, which doesn’t shy away from his sexuality in the least. And why should he?! Sivan penned “Lucky Strike” alongside
Alex Hope, who also produced it. In the unforgettable pre-chorus, Troye informs us, “And my boy like a queen / Unlike one you’ve ever seen,” and adds that he’s “A hit of dopamine, higher than I’ve ever been / He knows how to love me better.” Clearly, he’s
head over heels for this fella, asserting, “I wanna tiptoe through your bliss, boy,” and, “[I] don’t wanna miss a second of this, boy.” So, where does this
Lucky Strike come into play? That would be the chorus, where Troye tells us this hottie is “Safe like spring time / Short days, long nights boy / Tell me all the ways to love you / ‘Cause you taste like
Lucky Strikes 🚬 / You drag, I light, boy.” As a non-smoker, I can’t relate, but he makes his point loud and clear about this handsome, special man 😍.
9. Raveena, “Lucky”
Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain » Moonstone Recordings, LLC / EMPIRE » 2024
![Raveena, Where The Butterflies Go In The Rain [📷: Moonstone Recordings, LLC / EMPIRE] Raveena, Where The Butterflies Go In The Rain [📷: Moonstone Recordings, LLC / EMPIRE]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/raveena-where-the-butterflies-go-in-the-rain.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
“Baby, let me be your escape from the world / Mm-mm / My feminine love can heal all the hurt / Falling slowly.”
Ooh-la-la,
Raveena 🥰!
“Lucky” is the second track from her 2024 album,
Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain. She penned this celestial number with
Tyler Cole and
Aaron Liao, who also produced it. “Lucky” features a lush, enigmatic intro. A light, tasteful groove settles in. Also throw in guitar, keys, and strings 🤩. Raveena delivers classy and refined vocals. She sounds amorous! Her singing is beautiful, divine, and effortless: it never sounds like she breaks a sweat. As the excerpted lyrics suggest, love is the inspiration: “You light up my long days / We both know how much this world takes.” Amen! What better way to survive than with someone ultra-special? The chorus is the crème de la crème:
“No need to fight it, I know you love me
Hand up my skirt, now, don’t you feel lucky
Act like you’re tough, but inside you’re melting
No need to hide it, you know you’re lucky.”
Beyond the chorus, the outro is a vibe as well, reflective of the beauty of the song. “Lucky” is chock-full of luck, better yet, high-flying musicianship!
10. Daft Punk, “Get Lucky” (Ft. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers)
Random Access Memories » Daft Life Limited / Columbia » 2013
![Daft Punk, Random Access Memories [📷: Columbia] Daft Punk, Random Access Memories [📷: Columbia]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/daft-punk-random-access-memories.jpeg?resize=302%2C300&ssl=1)
“She’s up all night ‘til the sun / I’m up all night to
get some.”
Oh, snap 🫰! “She’s up all night for good fun / I’m up all night to
get lucky.” 😈 Who doesn’t love a feel-good, sensual jam? That’s exactly what French duo
Daft Punk (
Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and
Thomas Bangalter), assisted by
Pharrell Williams and
Nile Rodgers, gave us with
“Get Lucky”. Williams sings those horny, thirsty lyrics from the crowning achievement of the
multiplatinum album,
Random Access Memories.
Random Access Memories won Grammys for
Album of The Year and Best Dance/Electronica Album. “Get Lucky” won two Grammys:
Record Of The Year and
Best Pop Duo / Group Performance. Daft Punk’s first massive hit, “Get Lucky” peaked at
number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has been certified octuple platinum as of publication.
The ‘sex on the track’ catches the ears. Pharrell excels at the role of a guy looking to get laid – NSA, baby! “What is this I’m feeling?” he asks in the second verse, continuing, “If you wanna leave, I’m with it, uh-huh.” The with-it-ness is ‘doing it’ in case you need clarification. They’re dancing, partying, and living it up, so why not throw in some sex? Daft Punk joins the action too, vocoder intact, repeating, “We’re up all night to get lucky.” YEAH! As fun as the sex angle is on “Get Lucky,” the musicianship supersedes. Daft Punk, Williams, and Rodgers composed this enduring bop. Daft Punk and Rodgers produced. Williams sounds fabulous in handling lead vocals. Rodgers shines on the guitar. Daft Punk, as well as the supporting cast of instrumentalists, put in serious work. Sure, a one-night stand/casual sex isn’t a refined musical theme, but, the sheer musical magnificence of “Get Lucky” is refined, and undeniable.
11. Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat, “Lucky”
We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. » Atlantic Recording Corporation » 2008
![Jason Mraz, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. [📷: Atlantic Recording Corporation] Jason Mraz, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. [📷: Atlantic Recording Corporation]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/jason-mraz-we-sing-we-dance-we-steal-things.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
“Lucky I’m in love with my best friend / Lucky to have been where I have been / Lucky to be coming home again.”
And the keyword is…
lucky, of course!
“Lucky” is the third track from
We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things., the 2008
multi-platinum album by
Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter
Jason Mraz. On this Grammy-winning
duet (Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals at the 52
nd Annual Grammy Awards), Mraz tapped the beautiful and talented
Colbie Caillat for the assist. Mraz and Caillat penned “Lucky” with
Timothy Fagan.
Martin Terefe produced it. While the duet didn’t quite make it to the top 40 of the pop charts, it peaked at number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2023, the single was
certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Can you say,
lucky?!
“Lucky” begins simply with a rhythmic guitar setting the tone. Later, the rest of the rhythm section helps fill out the musical accompaniment, in addition to warm strings. Jason Mraz draws first blood, performing the first half of the first verse radiantly. “Do you hear me? I’m talking to you,” he sings, and continues, “Across the water, across the deep blue ocean.” Colbie Caillat responds in the second half of the first verse: “Boy, I hear you in my dreams / I feel your whisper across the sea.” Their voices complement each other superbly. The chemistry is top-notch during the chorus, excerpted earlier. The melodies are memorable from start to finish, particularly the chorus. Colbie Caillat leads the charge initially on the bridge, which distinguishes itself from everything else. Both singers take turns singing, as well as sing together on key moments such as “Waiting for a love like this,” and “I wish we had one more kiss / I’ll wait for you, I promise you, I will.” Another iteration of the chorus precedes the second verse, which possesses a similar script to the first. “You’ll hear the music fill the air / I’ll put a flower in your hair,” Mraz sings, to which Caillat responds, “As the world keeps spinning ‘round / You hold me right here, right now.” Ooh-wee! They join forces once more in the chorus, closing out “Lucky” with the outro filled with pure oohs. All in all, Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat recorded a duet for the ages, one that masterfully showcases their vocal and songwriting abilities.
12. Madonna, “Lucky Star”
Madonna » Warner » 1983
![Madonna, Madonna [📷: Warner] Madonna, Madonna [📷: Warner]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/madonna-madonna-warner.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
“Starlight, star bright / First star I see tonight / Starlight (Star bright) / Make everything alright…”
It’s giving
star power, that’s for sure 🤩! A debut album should start with a bang.
Madonna, the 1983 self-titled album by pop icon
Madonna (b. 1958), indeed kicks off fiercely with
“Lucky Star”. Written by Madonna,
Reggie Lucas produced it. The sound of “Lucky Star” is quite a big deal. The groove is addictive and electrifying. The keys and synths are assertive – dance-tastic, if you will. The guitars are especially funky, ripe, bright, biting, and in-your-face. Madge has a kick-ass backdrop to tell us about this lucky star!
Not only is the musical accompaniment assertive, so is Madonna. She is on autopilot. “You must be my lucky star,” she sings in the first verse, and adds, “‘Cause you shine on me wherever you are.” Aww! In the second verse of her lucky star, she sings, “And when I’m lost, you’ll be my guide / I just turn around, and you’re by my side.” The chorus, excerpted earlier, is infectious, and a key reason why “Lucky Star” is such a big deal. The bridge is worth acknowledging, too: “C’mon, shine your heavenly body tonight / ‘Cause I know you’re gonna make everything alright.” Did you catch that hint of double entendre? Also, I can’t neglect to mention the repeated lyrics, “You may be my lucky star / But I’m the luckiest by far.” An exuberant, fun pop cut, it’s not surprising that “Lucky Star” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100, Madonna’s first top-five/top-10 single. No over-analysis is necessary. More than four decades after its arrival, “Lucky Star” remains a marvelous, top-tier pop song.
13. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, “Bad Luck”
To Be True » Sony Music Entertainment » 1974
![Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, To Be True [📷: Sony Music Entertainment] Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, To Be True [📷: Sony Music Entertainment]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/harold-melvin-and-the-blue-notes-to-be-true.jpg?resize=310%2C300&ssl=1)
“Losin’ out on everything you might try to do / Bad luck, fella’s got a hold on you.”
Ooh-wee!
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes earned some hits back in the day. Of course, a key reason for the soul collective’s success was their lead vocalist, the late, great
Teddy Pendergrass (1950 – 2010). Pendergrass delivers an engaging lead vocal on
“Bad Luck” which appeared as the seventh track on the 1974
gold-certified album,
To Be True. Specifically, the single had success on the pop charts, peaking at no. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. Who penned this infectious, six-and-a-half-minute soul gem? That would be
Gene McFadden,
John Whitehead, and
Victor Castarphen. Adding to the elite credits are the producers:
Kenneth Gamble and
Leon Huff. ICONIC!
“Bad luck (That’s what you got, that’s what you got).”
Perhaps, Teddy, Harold, and Blue Notes, but there is nothing unlucky about “Bad Luck” the song, despite what the marvelous chorus suggests. It thrives on its quick tempo and sunny backdrop. The groove is nothing short of superb. Furthermore, those instrumental riffs – the rhythm section and orchestra – are terrific! Of course, the star, Teddy, brings that swagger to the track. It was always easy to buy what the handsome baritone was selling. “You played that number ‘cause that number’s hot / ‘Stead the bookies get you for every cent you’ve got,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “Walk around in a daze with your pockets bare / Go see your woman, and she ain’t ever there.” Ugh, well, SUGAR HONEY ICED TEA! Bringing poise early on, as “Bad Luck” progresses, he shows off the full capabilities of his gifted baritone. What more is there to be said? This Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes + Teddy Pendergrass classic speaks for itself.
“Bad Luck” never sounded so good!
13 Captivating Songs Filled with Luck (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Archie Music, AWAL Recordings America, Inc, Capitol, Columbia, Daft Life Limited, EMPIRE, Interscope, Island, Jonas Brothers Recording, Limited Liability Company, KRA International, Inc., Leo33, Moonstone Recordings, LLC, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, Vingolf Recordings; Laura Tancredi, Tara Winstead from Pexels; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]
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