13 Engaging YOUR or YOURS Songs

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13 Engaging YOUR or YOURS Songs features music courtesy of Billie Eilish, David Archuleta, Hozier, Lil Nas X, and The Weeknd.

Cutting straight to the chase, this playlist right here is all about YOUR or, perhaps, YOURS . Yup, that’s about the size of 13 Engaging YOUR or YOURS Songs. All 13 songs features the pronoun, PERIOD. So, to make this concept a bit sexier, we have chosen some kick-butt songs, hence why the adjective engaging has been added to the title! Bet you didn’t think you were getting all this grammar-related shee-it on The Musical Hype, did you? Anyways, focusing on the musical compendium at hand, it features music courtesy of Billie Eilish, David Archuleta, Hozier, Lil Nas X, and The Weeknd among others. So, grab YOUR favorite snack, and make sure these songs end up being YOURS – you know – streaming, adding/saving to the playlist, maybe even purchasing them!

1. David Archuleta, “I’m Yours”

“I’m Yours” • Archie Music • 2023

“All day, all night, and forever / I think of all the ways that we can be together.” Really, David Archuleta ? Aww, well, I’ll happily oblige ! Okay, enough silliness! But keeping it , a once cute and talented American Idol runner up turned into an absolutely fine man ! A lot has changed since his Idol days, including coming out, definitely difficult as a member of the Mormon church. But, his dashing good looks , and his sexuality have nothing to do with his terrific single at hand, “I’m Yours”. That said, STILL, the way he moves his hips in the music video, not to mention how he rocks that tank top… WOO! Hard to focus on just the music!

But, the music is why David Archuleta became a star, period. His voice is better than ever. ‘Archie’ never over sings, delivering a balanced performance and adding some more oomph when it feels natural. His falsetto is the most impressive part of the performance, shining in the chorus. Of course, the chorus is where he tells me – I mean, whomever he is addressing – to “…give me some more / If you want it, come and get it, I’m yours.” According to David, it is “a song I wanted to get people dancing and smiling to. It’s all about letting yourself go and being happy with a feel good, summery vibe.” Well, he successfully did that on this feel good joint, with some L-O-V-E thrown in (“You got that look in your eyes that breaks my heart open wide / You’re the one I’ve been wantin’ to find”). Honestly, if the love experience is like this exuberant, feel-good pop song with Archuleta engaging in multiple ways, then that’s exactly how L-O-V-E should feel, baby! Mr. Archuleta, you have dropped a surefire pop bop with “I’m Yours” – NO CAP !

2. Billie Eilish, “Your Power”

Happier Than Ever • Darkroom / Interscope • 2021

“Try not to abuse your power.” That is a powerful lyric that Grammy-winning alternative pop superstar Billie Eilish sings on “Your Power” ( Happier Than Ever). The biggest selling point regarding “Your Power” is the songwriting – the theme and the lyrics. Eilish goes big, tackling an ‘abusive’ relationship in some form or fashion.

“…I know we didn’t choose to change

You might not wanna lose your power

But havin’ it’s so strange.”

While this song is personal to Eilish, she aims at an entire congregation wronged by power – abuse. Vocally, she sings as beautifully, intimately, and understatedly as always. Her brother, FINNEAS, co-writes and produces with great results. “Your Power” is more acoustic sounding compared to previous records. The use of guitar as the driving force within the accompaniment is very musical, much like Billie’s vocal performance. As emotionally charged as the record is, Eilish manages to pen a catchy, memorable chorus on this gem.

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3. Lil Nas X, “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”

Montero • Columbia • 2021

“I’m not fazed, only here to sin / If Eve ain’t in your garden, you know that you can…” Grammy-winning, openly gay pop artist Lil Nas X returned in 2021 with a controversial single, “MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)”, the title track from his debut album, MONTERO. Here, he reflects on his own experiences with his sexuality. Fueling the fire musically is sleek production courtesy of Roy Lenzo, Omer Fedi, and Take A Daytrip. It’s the lyrics, narrative, and music video that make the record ‘controversial.’

“MONTERO (Call Me by Your Name)” shares experiences associated with many gay men at some point. Lil Nas X expresses desire: “I wanna feel on your ass in Hawaii / I want that jet lag from fuckin’ and flyin’ / Shoot a child in your mouth while I’m ridin’.” He’s a man who wants to have sex, but plenty of folks are quick to criticize him for ‘promoting a gay agenda.’ Gay sex remains taboo, sadly. Another interesting lyric – “Never want the niggas that’s in my league / I wanna fuck the ones I envy, I envy” – is ear-catching because of its layers. While ‘incredibly gay’ to those who aren’t gay, Nas X speaks about crushing on someone more fit, handsome, as well as potentially hetero- as opposed to homosexual. Furthermore, he expresses the plight of being gay, whether it’s being trapped in the closet, religious tension, and other factors. You know what created an even bigger stir than the song? The music video , which is unapologetic indeed!

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4. Taylor Swift, “You’re On Your Own, Kid”

Midnights • Taylor Swift • 2022

“You’re on your own, kid / You always have been.” On “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” among the many highlights of Midnights, Taylor Swift reflects and revisits the past. This includes alluding to past songs and the admission of mistakes made (“I didn’t choose this town, I dream of getting out / There’s just one who could make me stay / All my days”). Honesty and heightened maturity play sizable roles on Midnights, particularly this record. On “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” The Grammy-winning superstar exudes the wisdom from lessons learned. There are no shortage of lyrical gems including, “I search the party of better bodies / Just to learn that my dreams aren’t rare,” her transparency about body image (“I hosted parties and starved my body”), and the repetition of the titular lyric.

5. Bobby Caldwell, “Open Your Eyes”

Cat in the Hat • Big Deal • 1980

“Darling open your eyes / Let me show you the light / Girl you’ll never find a love that’s right.”  So, how does one best describe a white R&B artist? Why, they are a blue-eyed soul artist, of course.  That is a characterization of the late, great Bobby Caldwell, who could flat out sing. Caldwell’s talent spoke for itself. One of his most beautiful songs, the exuberant “Open Your Eyes”, appeared on his 1980 album,  Cat in the Hat.  Clearly the Cat in the Hat outdid himself with his distinct, expressive tenor shining something fierce.  Sadly, “Open Your Eyes,” penned by Caldwell, Bruce Malament, and Norman Harris, did not chart ! Notably, however R&B artists John Legend (more on him later) and Dwele have covered and reintroduced this underrated gem while Common sampled it in his 2000 classic, “The Light”.    

Matters of the heart are written all over this soulful joint. In the first verse, Caldwell sings, “You’re still regretting / The love you left, left behind.” He adds, “I’ve seen you go through the changes / Sitting alone each night / Are you expect to find the love / Love that’s right.” Obviously, he’s going to open her eyes regarding her ambitions because, “You may never find a love that’s right.” That said, couldn’t he be the suitor for her? That seems to be what he’s proposing, and honestly, she should indulge: “There is a light that shines / Special for you and me / You need a look at the other side.”  Besides the love-oriented lyrics, the music is to die for.  The piano ostinato is pivotal, the drum groove anchors, and the ripe guitar adds some bite. Ultimately, the brilliance and success of “Open Your Eyes” all comes down to those incredible pipes by Bobby.

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6. Conan Gray, “Yours”

Superache • Republic • 2022

Conan Gray gets better and better with time. He has so many pros: dashing good looks, a sublime voice, and a great personality that shines through his performances. One of his best songs to date is “Yours” ( Superache) which catches the ears from the very first time you hear it. Gray and Daniel Nigro are a match made in musical heaven. First and foremost, Gray sings angelically. His voice is stunning as he conveys ample emotion. “I know I’m not the one you really love, I guess that’s why I’ve never given up,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “‘Cause I could give you all you want / The stars and the sun, but still, I’m not enough.” “Yours” presents a strong, ultra-relatable case of unrequited love. We’ve all been there; Gray serves as our musical torchbearer. He wants this person to love him but it’s just not there.

Two of the strongest moments come by way of the chorus and the bridge. “I want more, but I’m not yours / And I can’t change your mind,” he sings in the chorus. The bridge, the final section we hear, finds Conan admitting his stupidity in pursuing something going nowhere: “Can’t believe I chose you / Over all my best friends / What the fuck did I do / In the end? / Just to not be yours.” Conan shines like a beacon, exhibiting artistry, musicianship, and connection with the listeners. Unrequited love never sounded so good!

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7. Paul Anka, “Put Your Head on My Shoulder”

Put Your Head on My Shoulder: The Very Best of Paul Anka • RCA • 2000

“Put your head on my shoulder / Hold me in your arms, baby / Squeeze me oh-so-tight / Show me that you love me too.” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” is a gorgeous classic performed and written by singer/songwriter Paul Anka. “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” dates to 1959. Despite its age, this former no. 2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 exemplifies timelessness. It’s a record that reminds you of the simplicity and sheer beauty of the music of the past. “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” is inoffensive lyrically – completely unobjectionable. Love is the modus operandi.

“People say that love’s a game / A game you just can’t win / If there’s a way / I’ll find it someday / And then this fool will rush in.” Anka delivers expressive vocals. His tone of voice and the nuance with which he performs is nothing short of sublime. The production and sound of the record are also impressive. Sure, production has evolved since Anka recorded this gem, but the music is beautiful and uncluttered – it just feels right. Lovely guitar, drums, and smooth backing vocals accentuate Anka’s commanding, love-driven lead.

“Put your head on my shoulder

Whisper in my ear, baby

Words I want to her, baby

Put your head on my shoulder.”

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8. Nas, “The World Is Yours”

Illmatic • Columbia • 1994 

“Whose world is this? / The world is yours, the world is yours / It’s mine, it’s mine, it’s mine…”   Sadly, it only took an entire career for iconic rapper, Nas, to earn his first Grammy ( King’s Disease, 2020). Looking back through an illustrious catalog, including the 1994 album, Illmatic, and the question is, why did it take so long? Furthermore, even if you neglect Illmatic, for whatever reason, how can you neglect the gold-certified song, “The World Is Yours”? “The World Is Yours” is classic hip-hop at its finest, featuring production by Pete Rock. The sampling choices – Ahmad Jamal Trio, T La Rock & Jazzy Jay, and Jimmy Gordon & His Jazznpops Band – give “The World Is Yours” both a distinct East Coast sound coupled with jazz/jazz rap sensibilities.    Furthermore, how about Pete Rock singing on the unforgettable chorus? 

Pete Rock plays a pivotal role on “The World Is Yours.” Still, the star of the show is the young don himself, Nas. Nas has been serving up those bars for years, all the while deserving more credit than he’s received.  There are endless bars, delivered with a conscious mentality, that catch the ear. An entire essay could be written analyzing and deciphering his rhymes. Honestly, he starts off fast, asserting at the beginning of the first verse, “I sip the Dom P, watchin’ Ghandi ‘til I’m changed, then / Writin’ in my book of rhymes, all the words past the margin / To hold the mic I’m throbbin’, mechanical movement / Understandable smooth shit that murderers move with.” Woo! He closes the verse, spitting, “I’m out for dead presidents to represent me” [INSERTS show me the money GIF here]. There are some intriguing spiritual lines in the second verse, which seem to reference the MC’s son: “My strength, my son, the star will be my resurrection / Born in correction, all the wrong shit I did, he’ll lead in right direction.” In the third verse, in the line, “Picturin’ my peeps not eatin’ can make my heartbeat skip” is a prime example of social consciousness.  It does hit differently, doesn’t it?  The big takeaway is, “The World Is Yours” is one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.  It never, NEVER grows old.   

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9. Hozier, “Eat Your Young”

Unreal Unearth • Columbia • 2023  

“I’m starvin’, darlin’ / Let me put my lips to something / Let me wrap my teeth around the world.” Ooh-la-la – so this is what we’re doing Hozier?  Well, damn! Later, the Grammy-nominated Irish singer/songwriter asserts in the second verse of “Eat Your Young” ( Unreal Unearth), “I can’t buy this fineness / Let me see the heat get to you / Let me watch the dressing start to peel.” Woo! While there is a sexual vibe going down, Hozier goes deeper, exploring the notion of eating the young – exploiting them for gain.  The chorus says it best, particularly the end: “Come and get some / Skinnin’ the children for a war drum / Puttin’ food on the table sellin’ bombs and guns / It’s quicker and easier to eat your young.”  

“Eat Your Young” goes beyond its clever songwriting.  Hozier sings expressively throughout, showing off a cool, sexy, and sophisticated tone, showing a ripe falsetto during the chorus.  Furthermore, the production is gorgeous, led by the lush, picturesque strings (well arranged). The melodies are tuneful, namely the pre-chorus and chorus. In addition to the strings, the rhythm section make “Eat Your Young” a success too (punchy drums, keys, guitars, robust bass line). Notably, there is also a choral version of this gem which is equally sweet. 

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10-11. The Weeknd, “Save Your Tears” / “Save Your Tears (Remix)” (Ft. Ariana Grande)

After Hours • Republic • 2020 // “Save Your Tears (Remix)” • Republic • 2021

“Save your tears for another day.” Grammy-winning R&B standout The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) was royally snubbed by the Grammys for his 2020 album, After Hours, his best album to date. Everyone is well aware of this. Nonetheless, that doesn’t take away from the greatness of the album, including single, “Save Your Tears.” In the context of the album, “Save Your Tears” keeps that 80s nostalgia going strong. Tesfaye embraces the gift that is synthpop, sigh. Furthermore, vocally, he continues to take a victory lap. The same could be said regarding the simple, tuneful, and highly effective chorus, which instantly latches. Max Martin, Oscar Holter, and The Weeknd himself serve as producers. Man, do they do an awesome job!

The overall sound and vibe are preserved on “Save Your Tears (Remix)”, which features Grammy winning pop superstar, Ariana Grande. The Weeknd shines, singing the first verse, refrain, pre-chorus, and chorus. The chorus is simple but ultimately memorable and definitely tuneful. Where we get contrast on the remix is the second verse, a totally new verse performed by Grande: “Met you once under a Pisces moon / I kept my distance ‘cause I know that you / Don’t like when I’m with nobody else / I couldn’t help it, I put you through hell.” She sounds exceptional – as refined as ever. Beyond the verse, she performs a refrain and pre-chorus of her own (directed toward a male, of course), before performing the chorus. From there, we get collaboration between both, repeating the refrain, chorus, and the outro, an extension of the chorus. These two definitely always bring the heat when they duet!

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12. Elton John, “Your Song”

Elton John • Mercury • 1970

“It’s a little bit funny / This feeling inside / I’m not one of those who can easily hide.” Those, ladies and gentlemen, are the iconic opening lyrics from “Your Song”. “Your Song” is one of those PERFECT songs. It appeared on the 1970 Elton John album, Elton John! John continues singing, in the first verse, “I don’t have much money, but boy if I did / I’d buy a big house where we both could live.” Aww , the feels and the sentiment! As has been the case through much of his illustrious career, John penned the music while Bernie Taupin composed the lyrics. Of course, the distinct, expressive pipes of John brought Taupin’s lyrics to life .

“Your Song” is one of the best and most recognizable songs from the Elton John collection. It peaked at no. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the 29 top 10 hits by the iconic Academy and Grammy Award winning artist . The songwriting, in tandem with a tuneful melody makes “Your Song” elite. The verses are utterly sublime – quite thoughtful and poetic. The centerpiece, of course, is the chorus:

“And you can tell everybody

This is your song

It may be quite simple, but now that it’s done

I hope you don’t mind

I hope you don’t mind

That I put down in the words

How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”

Beyond marvelous songwriting and performance, the instrumental is stupendous. Besides the rhythm section, warm strings add to the allure of “Your Song”, truly a once in a lifetime record.

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13. The Platters, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”

Remember When? • Mercury • 1959

“They asked me how I knew / My true love was true / I of course replied, something here inside / Cannot be denied.” Oh, the nostalgia! Early, renowned R&B/vocal collective The Platters landed the biggest hit of their career with “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” ( Remember When?), which peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1959. Even though this record was recorded and released more than six decades ago, it remains potent – a once in a lifetime recording. “Smoke” features a gorgeous, truly celestial backdrop. That backdrop is comprised of strings (including harp), piano, drums – it sounds sophisticated and vintage through and through. Beyond the refined supporting instrumental, the lead vocals are marvelous by Tony Williams. While Williams is the engine that made this seminal hit by the Platters go, the supporting vocals by the rest of the collective are brilliant too.

“When your heart’s on fire, you must realize

Smoke gets in your eyes.”

“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” was NOT an original by The Platters despite the fact that the collective made it sound that way – speaks to their tremendous musicianship. The tune is a jazz standard, from the 1933 musical, Roberta, written by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach in 1933. While The Platters greatly owe Kern and Harbach for a stellar song, they made that stellar song even bigger.

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13 Engaging YOUR or YOURS Songs (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Archie Music, Big Deal, Columbia, Darkroom / Interscope, Mercury, RCA, Republic, Taylor Swift; Tazz Vaughn from Pexels]

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