13 Engaging Where or Wherever Songs

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13 Engaging Where or Wherever Songs features music courtesy of Andra Day, Bad Bunny, Brent Faiyaz, Madonna, Troye Sivan, and UMI.

WHERE? That is the question. WHEREVER! That is the answer! The answer potentially leads to more questions, mind you, but in most cases, the specific place doesn’t seem to matter. Why? Well, on 13 Engaging Where or Wherever Songs, the location – the place – isn’t necessarily specified by the songs (Madonna does specify, though ). The criterion for this playlist is the inclusion of the word where or wherever in the song title, PERIOD. In addition to Madge and a highlight from Erotica, 13 Engaging Where or Wherever Songs features music courtesy of Andra Day, Bad Bunny, Brent Faiyaz, Troye Sivan, and UMI among others. So, prepare yourself to be wherever on these fab 13 Engaging Where or Wherever Songs!

1. Andra Day, “Where Do We Go”

Cassandra // Warner // 2024

“Where do we go? / How you been living? / I’m just passing through your neighborhood / From down on Woodman.” Academy Award-nominated actress and Grammy-winning singer Andra Day returned in 2024 with the soulful “Where Do We Go”, and advance single from her third studio album, Cassandra. A five-minute-long record, “Where Do We Go” is a juggernaut – in a positive manner. Day penned this song alongside Caleb Morris, Charles Jones, David Wood, Nando Raio, Shay Godwin, Spencer Guerra, and Zachary Moore. Similarly, Day, Jones, Wood, Raio, and Godwin produce. It commences with a soulful instrumental – think neo-soul. The instrumental backdrop is sensational, including keys, organ, guitar, and drums when they enter the mix. The most important part of the song is Day who delivers authentic, expressive, nuanced, and refined vocals. Her tone is stunning. Furthermore, her runs are marvelous. The melodies she sings are lovely. Thematically, the record encompasses matters of the heart – a fitting topic for an R&B joint. “Make me weak staring into my eyes / Quit trying to stare into my eyes,” she sings, continuing, “I knew I should’ve just driven by, gotta say goodbye / You’re all I want, boy.” Day lets it rip, upping the ante with dynamic, passionate vocals as she confesses, “You’re all I want boy.” At the end, she brings its back down after reaching a fever pitch. All in all, “Where Do We Go” marks a magnificent song from an incredible talent.

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: January 2024

2. Bad Bunny, “WHERE SHE GOES”

nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana // Rimas Entertainment LLC // 2023 

Bad Bunny needs no introduction – he’s Bad FKN Bunny! WOO!  The Grammy-winning, Puerto Rican superstar is on fire once more with “WHERE SHE GOES”, a single from his 2023 LP, nadie sabe lo que va a pasar mañana, that finds him expanding his palette artistically. Mag, who handles the production duties, does an epic job.  This intense joint commences with moody synths.  Early on, a dark, minor key is established. Once Bad Bunny begins singing, he brings additional assertiveness – he is even more aggressive than the moody synths.  Soon enough, the production grows more dynamic, with a beat entering and anchoring things down.  Once the rhythmic identity is established, it seems as if there will be a degree of predictability. WRONG! Even with drums solidifying the direction of the song, there are surprises.  During part of the second verse, the drums exit, and things become more legato, delivering welcome contrast.  Generally, Bad Bunny serves up rhythmic rhymes during the verse, embracing a more melodic identity during the chorus.  Even though “WHERE SHE GOES” is exclusively in Spanish, like most Bad Bunny songs, it is a surefire vibe.      

Appears in : 

Awesome Songs: May 2023  
Best Songs of 2023 (So Far)

3. UMI, “wherever u r” (Ft. V of BTS)

“wherever u r” // UMI / Unitedmasters LLC // 2023

“I’ma be wherever you are,” UMI asserts in the chorus of 2023 single, “wherever u r”. Notably, the Seattle singer/songwriter identifies as queer, and has both African and Japanese roots. On the smooth ballad at hand, she collaborates with V of BTS. The result is a short (two-and-a-half-minutes) but radiant ‘love’ song. The songwriting makes “wherever u r” intriguing. Also, making this song interesting is the fact it was released after V enlisted in the South Korean military in December 2023. UMI takes the reins in the first verse, asserting, “We should have a conversation.” She adds, “I’ll call you more / But time moves so fast,” suggesting that there’s distance between her and her lover. Even with the distance, UMI makes it clear “Darling, you are more than just a blessin’ / Lovin’ me and teachin’ me some lessons…” They appear to still be an item… V arrives in the second verse, providing more insight: “When you’re not here / There’s some days I feel blue / Space in my bed I’ll still leave for you…” Still going strong as a couple? Apparently, as V adds, “Even on the days, I ain’t right by your side / I’m keeping my promise that / I’ll be wherever you are.” Word. Basically, distance can’t thwart their relationship because both will be wherever the other is! “Wherever u r” – what a musical lift!

Appears in : 

UMI, wherever u r: Music Lifts No. 10 (2024)

4. Troye Sivan, “What’s The Time Where You Are?”  

Something To Give Each Other // Universal Music Australia Pty Ltd. // 2023

“What’s The Time Where You Are?” has a tough act to follow in the context of Something To Give Each Other, the third studio album by South African-Australian artist, Troye Sivan.  With opener “Rush” being the sugar honey iced tea, “What’s The time Where You Are?” keeps STGEO on the up-and-up.  Things kick off with a fun intro with some f-bombs in both English and Spanish.  During that intro, the listener is introduced to the insane dance beat. Troye keeps us on our feet ! Besides the beat, the production is slick – sweet to the nth degree thanks to the ever-talented OZGO (Oscar Görres). A blast to listen, a sweet exchange via text inspired this bop.  The chorus, in all its catchy, tuneful glory, is the section to beat:    

“Is what’s the time where you are, you are? 

What’s the night like where you are, you are? 

International straight shot to my heart 

I’m right on top of this groove 

God, I wish it was you.” 

Ah, and did you catch the innuendo ? This song right here = BOP!  

Appears in :

13 Songs Where U Know What TIME  It Is (2023)

5. K. Michelle, “Wherever the D May Land” (Ft. Gloss Up)

I’m The Problem // Chase Landin, LLC d/b/a No Color No Sound // 2023

“Wherever the dick may land / I ain’t fightin’ for no man,” the always blunt and unapologetic K. Michelle sings in the chorus of “Wherever The D May Land”. She continues, singing, “This shout out my hands / Wherever the dick may land.” Anytime a nether member – a private part – somehow finds its title in a song, or is mentioned specifically in a song, it’s tailor made for a sex song. “Wherever The D May Land” finds Michelle collaborating with female rapper, Gloss Up. This bold joint, full of THAT attitude, appears as the ninth track on Michelle’s 2023 LP, I’m The Problem. 

The chorus is a big deal on this explicit little joint. However, K. Michelle also drops a couple of verses and the chorus.  In the first verse, she makes it clear she does NOT need him. Why? “He ain’t nothin’ special, I just wanted him for sex / Put a line through that nigga, yeah, that’s why he’s called my ex.” Damn, Daniel! In the second verse, she’s self-sufficient – she doesn’t need his money – and if he can’t hit right, well, “I can pass it to your friend if you don’t know what to do.” Mercy!  Later, in the refrain, a section distinguished from the chorus, the R&B singer makes it clear “There’s so many men to go around / We go through them like the lost and found…” As for Gloss Up, the self-proclaimed Memphis bitch “Known change my niggas like I change clothes.” Woo! Furthermore, flipping the script on the men, “He wanna brag about this kitty, I don’t mean to boast / But the way he goin’ crazy, he want me to have his babies / Told him he just the replacement, I see why these niggas hatin’.” A wordy, three-and-a-half-minute song, so many more lyrics could be analyzed.  Ear catching thanks to lyrics (the production by Peter Eddins and Kenneth Payro is respectable), “Wherever The D May Land” is something else.  

Appears in :

6. Brent Faiyaz, “WY@”

Larger Than Life // ISO Supremacy / UnitedMasters LLC // 2023

“I be doing shit I really shouldn’t do for real / That’s why I always tell you come through for real,” Brent Faiyaz (Christopher Brent Wood) asserts in the chorus of “WY@”. On this three-and-a-half-minute number, Brent has plenty of assistance, writing alongside producers Dpat (David Patino), Otxhello (Othello Houston), Berg (Bailey Goldberg), Anthoine Walters, and Johnathan “Freeze” Wells. “WY@” sports a moody backdrop from the onset that is a bit unsettled, initially. Faiyaz begins singing the chorus, which makes more musical sense later in the track.  Following the opening chorus there is a sensual, spoken word interlude, performed in Spanish.  Early on, while “WY@” is a bit odd to be honest, it gains stability beginning with the first verse sung by Faiyaz: 

“Even I know you ain’t no good for me  

But you feel so good to me  

Every time I come back, I try to leave  

So how you end up back with me?”

Following the verse, the chorus ‘lands’ more, particularly accentuated by soulful backing vocals. By the arrival of the second verse, things click more (“You’re the death of me and the remedy / I be doing too much”). All in all, the results are positive on “WY@”. It should also be noted that Larger Than Life features another where/wherever song on its eighth track, “Wherever I Go”.

Appears in :

Interesting Songs That Feature Acronym Titles, Vol. 2 (2023)

7. Queen Latifah, “I Know Where I’ve Been”

Hairspray (Soundtrack) // WaterTower Music / Warner Bros. Entertainment // 2007 

Queen Latifah was originally renowned for her rhyming skills.  However, the Grammy-winner and Academy Award nominee went onto show just how potent and powerful she was as a vocalist.  In the Academy Award-winning film Chicago, she was totally awesome as Matron Mama Morton, particularly from a vocal standpoint.  She was equally superb as “Motormouth” Maybelle Stubbs in the 2007 film version of Hairspray.  Stubbs has two songs from in the film, with no moment being bigger than “I Know Where I’ve Been.” I’d go as far to say that “I Know Where I’ve Been” is one of the best songs to appear in any musical. A song requiring some big vocal chops, Latifah exceeds expectations.  She exhibits great control early on, never forcing things.  Sounding effortless, it’s as if the Queen simply allows the song to come to her.  Of course, “I Know Where I’ve Been” being a gospel-tinged number, soon enough, the bar is raised – dynamic level too!  Queen Latifah begins to dig in, giving a more assertive, rousing vocals, truly impressing with her vocal nuances.  Even as she shows us how accomplished and soulful that she is, she never oversteps or overshoots.

Appears in :

8. Jack Ü, Skrillex, Diplo & Justin Bieber, “Where Are Ü Now”

Skrillex and Diplo present Jack Ü // Atlantic // 2015

Justin Bieber had an inquisitive phase – at least regarding a pair of songs that appeared on his 2015 album, Purpose. “What Do You Mean?” impressively debuted at no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song at hand, “Where Are Ü Now” spent 45 weeks on the pop charts, peaking respectably at no. 8. Bieber is the lead vocalist but appears in the collaborative/featured artist role – Skrillex and Diplo are technically attributed as lead artists. In addition to appearing on Purpose, “Where Are Ü Now” also graces Skrillex and Diplo’s collaborative LP, Skrillex and Diplo present Jack Ü. This multiplatinum single earned Bieber his first of two Grammys to date: Best Dance Recording (2016). “Where Are Ü Now” is a catchy, purely fun electro-pop joint. In the context of Purpose, it ranks among the most infectious and most memorable records.  It’s not a songwriter’s song, but it’s also not intended to be. “Where are you now that I need ya,” he sings memorably on the simplistic, repetitive, and ultimately, golden chorus. As for Skrillex and Diplo, they impress behind the boards, particularly THAT RIFF – if you know, you know!

Appears in :

13 Splendid Songs Where the Men Ask Questions (2020)

9. Madonna, “Where Life Begins”

Erotica // Sire // 1992

Madonna is no stranger to being controversial or being risqué – UNDERSTATEMENT. “Where Life Begins” is a prime example of naughty Madge.  Appearing on her sexed-up Erotica album (1992), Madge speaks/sings about “dining in and eating out.” As you can probably figure out, unless you are incredibly naïve and live under a rock, she’s not talking about food.  “But let me remind you in case you don’t know,” she sings in the first verse, “Dining out can happen down below.” Yeah, she’s totally talking about cunnilingus.  If you’re still confused, I’ll let you explore that for yourself!   

To be fair, Madonna never explicitly mentions cunnilingus BUT it’s a case of she does everything but do so. “I’d just like to know / If you want to learn a different kind of kiss,” she states in the pre-chorus, before revealing more of her cards in the chorus:

“So won’t you go down where it’s warm inside  

Go down where I cannot hide  

Go down where all life begins  

Go down that’s where my love is.” 

HOLY F#¢KING MOLY, Madge! Of course, there are plenty more eyebrow raising moments, including her reference to a “home-cooked meal.” At the same time, Madonna makes it clear “It’s not fair to be selfish or stingy / Every girl should experience eating out.” There’s also her KFC reference in the third verse not to mention a legit question: “Can you make fire without using wood?” Yikes! Madonna is incredibly sex-positive on “Where Life Begins”. Give her credit for highlighting women’s sexuality if nothing else. If the men can speak to their desires, why can’t the ladies?   

     Appears in :   

10. Marilyn Manson, “WE KNOW WHERE YOU FUCKING LIVE”

Heaven Upside Down // Loma Vista // 2017

From the beginning of “WE KNOW WHERE YOU FUCKING LIVE” (Heaven Upside Down, 2017), Marilyn Manson isn’t fuckin’ around in the least, exhibiting ample intensity .  This is one truly black song. The chorus is incredibly assertive, with Manson on autopilot, screaming to the top of his lungs. “We know where you fucking live / We know where you fucking live,” he asserts hellishly, continuing, “We’ll burn it down, burn it down / They won’t even recognize your corpse.” Gah-day-um! As epic as the chorus is, the bridge is devastating. Lyrically, it’s all about repetition, but the impact has a pulverizing effect: “Fire, fire, fire, fire, fire away!” Ultimately, “WE KNOW WHERE YOU FUCKING LIVE” is well-produced featuring an awesome if unsettling performance by Manson.

Appears in :

11. The Kid LAROI, “Where Does Your Spirit Go?”

The First Time // Columbia // 2023

“Numb today, but tomorrow I’ll feel it / Truth is worse every time that I hear it / Know you’re gone but tell me, where did your spirit go?” Life has ended, and The Kid LAROI (Charlton Howard), coping with it is arduous. “All the things I wish I would’ve said before you took your last breath,” Howard sings in the post-chorus of “Where Does Your Spirit Go?”, continuing, “How’d you build me up just to leave me now? / And I just don’t know where to go.” The piano-accompanied ballad appears as the 18th track on The First Time, the debut album by Grammy-nominated pop artist. The three-and-a-half-minute song was released as a single in advance of the project. Here, The Kid LAROI remembers his late friend and mentor, Juice WRLD, who tragically died at 21 of an accidental overdose. At the time of his death, Juice WRLD had become a superstar – a leading proponent of the melodic, emo-infused rap movement. He had a sizable influence on Howard, something he has referenced in multiple songs. “Blood comin’ up when you cough / Coldest December I saw,” he sings in the verse, adding, “Tryna hold onto your soul / Fuck all that letting you go / I’ll never let you go.” Howard sings authentically – you can sense his grief regarding the loss of Juice. Notably, there is another where song on The First Time besides “Where Does Your Spirit Go?” – “Where Do You Sleep?”.

12. Rev. James Cleveland, “Where is Your Faith in God” 

Sings with the World’s Greatest Choirs // Savoy // 1985 

Question: “Where is your faith? Where is your faith in God?” Rev. James Cleveland touts the power of believing in God and having faith on “Where is Your Faith in God”.  This is one of many beloved gospel classics by one of gospel music’s most innovative and pivotal figures.  “Faith” can be found on an album released near the end of Cleveland’s life, Sings with the World’s Greatest Choirs, from 1985.  On this slow, stirring black gospel masterwork, the role of the choir is big, singing the main melody while Cleveland ministers, ad-libs, and comes in strong on the key lyrics.  Throughout, various scenarios are presented, all of which require leaning on those everlasting arms (aka God).   

“Say you’ve been sick 

Tell me about it 

And you think you can’t get well 

Where is your faith?  

Where is your faith in God?”   

Whatever problem presents itself, Cleveland’s point is loud and clear: trust and believe in God.  It’s crucial to have faith.  The prescription offered, hence, is the most powerful, omniscient, merciful, and all-knowing.   

Appears in :

13. The Supremes, “Where Did Our Love Go”

Where Did Our Love Go // Motown // 1964

“Baby, baby / Baby don’t leave me / Ooh, please don’t leave me / All by myself.” ICONIC to the nth degree – that’s that Motown exemplified! “Where Did Our Love Go” marks one of 20 top-10 hits by the iconic Motown girl group, The Supremes. Everything The Supremes touched seemed to turn into gold. Making this two-and-a-half song even more elite is the fact that it’s the first of 12 no. 1 hits by the iconic collective. Specifically, the opening song from Where Did Our Love Go spent two weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.  Who penned this masterpiece? Why, none other than Brian Holland, Edward Holland, and Lamont Dozier aka Holland-Dozier-Holland! Brian and Lamont also produced it.  

Notably, “Where Did Our Love Go” features the iconic lineup comprised of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard.  This would remain the lineup until 1967 when Ballard exited the collective. This iteration, which earned 10 of those 12 no. 1s, struck gold with this infectious, lighthearted joint.  It’s all about those pesky matters of the heart! “You came into my heart (Baby, baby) / So tenderly (Where did our love go?),” The Supremes sing, adding “With a burning love (Baby, baby) / That stings like a bee (Baby, baby, ooh, baby, baby).” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus: “Ooh, baby, baby (Baby, baby) / Where did our love go? / Ooh, don’t you want me? (Baby, baby) / Don’t you want me no more? (Baby, baby, ooh, baby, baby).” Besides the enjoyable lead pipes of Diana Ross, and the cute, playful backups by Wilson and Ballard, the instrumental is vintage – 60s soul, baby! Part of that vintage sound includes the saxophone solo, which provides a fabulous contrast.  More could be said of “Where Did Our Love Go”   but like so many classics, the music speaks for itself.  

  Appears in :

The Supremes, Where Did Our Love Go: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 24 (2024)

13 Engaging Where or Wherever Songs (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Chase Landin, LLC d/b/a No Color No Sound, Columbia, ISO Supremacy, Loma Vista, Motown, Rimas Entertainment LLC, Savoy, UnitedMasters LLC, Universal Music Australia Pty Ltd., Warner, WaterTower Music;]

13 Engaging Where or Wherever Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on March 25, 2024March 25, 2024