13 Exciting Pitch BLACK Songs

Reading Time: 16 min read

13 Exciting Pitch BLACK Songs features songs by Beyoncé, Black Pumas, Michael Jackson, Pansy Division, Taylor Swift, and Teddy Swims.

B-L-A-C-K, BLACK! Cutting straight to the chase, black is the keyword on the playlist, 13 Exciting Pitch BLACK Songs. Black is a must in every song featured on this list without exception. The blackness can’t merely be implied; it must be explicitly stated in the title! 13 Exciting Pitch BLACK Songs features songs by Beyoncé, Black Pumas, Michael Jackson, Pansy Division, Taylor Swift, and Teddy Swims. So, without further ado, embrace the pitch blackness of these 13 Exciting Pitch BLACK Songs!

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1. Teddy Swims & Muni Long, “Black & White”	2. Black Pumas, “Black Moon Rising”	3. Taylor Swift, “The Black Dog”	4. Michael Jackson, “Black or White”
5. Beyoncé, “Black Parade”	6. Iggy Azalea, “Black Widow” (Ft. Rita Ora)	7. Anthony Hamilton, “Love is the New Black”	8. Nas & Hit-Boy, “Ultra Black”
9. Soundgarden, “Black Hole Sun”	10. Pansy Division, “Fem in a Black Leather Jacket”	11. Santana, “Black Magic Woman”	12. The Rolling Stones, “Paint It, Black”
13. Bob Dylan, “Black Rider”

1. Teddy Swims & Muni Long, “Black & White”

I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Complete Edition) » SWIMS Int. / Warner Records Inc. » 2025

“‘Cause, oh, woah / Don’t say you feel the same way / Oh, woah / Clear as day and night.”

Those lyrics from the pre-chorus of “Black & White” make more sense in context. Once more, Teddy Swims (Jaten Dimsdale) brings it on the 12^th track from the Complete Edition of his album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy. The Grammy-nominated pop-soul standout doesn’t bring it alone, however. He teams up with Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Muni Long (Priscilla Renea). They make a dynamic, formidable duo. Two powerful voices? Yes, please! Swims and Long penned “Black & White” with Charlie Coffeen, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, and Mikky Ekko. Gitelman and Long produced it. The sound is marvelous! Set in a compound duple meter, the accompaniment thrives on its soulful, old-school vibes from the musical accompaniment. What gives “Black & White” that old-school aesthetic? It’s the rhythm section with the big bass line, rhythm guitar, as well as the orchestral cues – lush, warmer strings and exuberant brass.

Teddy Swims sets the tone, singing the first verse: “You’re the first one I told the truth to / Something’s changin’ inside of me when I look at you.” Oh, snap! He delivers gritty, nuanced vocals. Simply put, that man can sing! The melodies are tuneful, with the chorus being the section to beat. Muni Long complements Teddy Swims superbly when they sing together during the dynamic chorus.

“Baby, baby, it’s black and white

We know when it feels right

And it feels like the right time to love you…”

Indeed! Long is also dynamic in her own right, singing the second verse. “Yeah, your tattoos look like bad news, kinda taboo,” she sings, and adds, “I wanna wake up with you by my side / Let you get me high, keep my body levitatin’.” Damn! Her vocal runs are celestial – simply beautiful! Ultimately, the vocal chemistry between Teddy Swims and Muni Long is exceptional on “Black & White”. They shine brightest at the end of the song, showing off immense vocal skill singing separately and simultaneously. This marks another dynamic, unforgettable moment from I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy. Bravo!

Appears in:

Teddy Swims & Muni Long, Black & White: Dazzling Duets No. 12 (2025)

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2. Black Pumas, “Black Moon Rising”

Black Pumas » ATO » 2019

“Shoot me down and break my heart / It’s the black moon rising / You brave the sight, I paint the picture / And you want to do it…”

Grammy-nominated duo Black Pumas – singer Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada – kept the soul and funk alive on their self-titled debut album. Black Pumas commences with a moon song, the terrific “Black Moon Rising.”

One of the things that makes Black Pumas’ music cool in general is the ambience – the V-I-B-E! The backdrop is retro to the core, with electrifying soulful guitars (Quesada), keyboards, and strings. The harmonic progression is more adventurous than most contemporary pop or urban contemporary progressions, stretching the ear more without being incredibly ‘left of center.’ Burton sounds incredible, showcasing both a nuanced, full-voiced approach as well as some decadent, colorful falsetto.

Beyond all the music elements that makes this psych-soul record awesome, there’s also the lyrics. Besides the excerpted chorus, Burton sings about his desire for his “sunshine,” a woman he’s infatuated with, to return. At the end of the first verse, he sings:

“Every time you get dressed in black

You give a grown man a heart attack

I pray that good Lord will bring you back

You’re my sunshine.”

Of course, it is the numerous references to the titular lyric that help solidify the greatness of “Black Moon Rising.”

Appears in:

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3. Taylor Swift, “The Black Dog”

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY » Taylor Swift » 2024

“And I hope it’s shitty in The Black Dog / When someone plays ‘The Starting Line’ / And you jump up, but she’s too young to know this song.”

Oh, snap, Taylor Swift! “The Black Dog” is the 17^th track on THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY. As always, the songwriting is on point – the expectation for a Swift-penned song. Swift produced the record alongside one of her go-to producers, Jack Antonoff. The black dog referenced in this song is not a pet; it is a bar (“And so I watch as you walk / Into some bar called The Black Dog / And pierce new holes in my heart”). Also, knowing the depth of Swift’s songwriting, there is a connection with the black dog of folklore which is NOT a good sign.

Taylor Swift experiences heartbreak made worse by her ex-boyfriend moving on when she can’t seem to. A sad Swift asserts, “And I may never open up the way I did for you.” Bummer. Regretful, she adds in the second verse, “You said I needed a brave man / Then proceeded to play him / Until I believed it too / And it kills me.” Haunted by this black dog, by the bridge, Swift wishes to “hire a priest to come and exorcise my demons / Even if I die screaming / And I hope you hear it.” Simply put, in “The Black Dog”, Taylor Swift is “Down Bad” and that ain’t good. “‘Cause old habits die screaming.” Indeed. What isn’t bad is this song where Swift’s heartbreak is our listening pleasure. A bit of schadenfreude?

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4. Michael Jackson, “Black or White”

Dangerous » MJJ Productions Inc. » 1991

“Don’t tell me you agree with me / When I saw you kicking dirt in my eye.”

Those are facts that the Grammy-winning King of Pop, Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009), sings in “Black or White”. “Black or White” is the eighth track from his 1991 album, Dangerous. Jackson penned and produced it with Bill Bottrell. A significant pop hit, “Black or White” spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2022, the Recording Industry Association of America certified the single as triple platinum. It was nominated for the Grammy at the 35^th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male. Earl Clapton beat Jackson with his moving, sad record, “Tears in Heaven”.

“Black or White” begins with a hard-rocking intro 🤘. It features an entertaining skit between a dad (George Wendt) and son (Macaulay Culkin). Wendt tells his son to “Turn it off” (the music). Being the little rebel he is, Culkin switches his soundtrack to … wait for it… MJ’s “Black or White!” To quote Macaulay, “Sure, eat this!” Maintaining the rock vibes, the groove of “Black or White” also embraces pop and the popular New Jack Swing brand of R&B. Instrumentally, the musical backdrop slaps. The drum groove is infectious, the guitar riffs go hard, and the synth lines are sweet, too! The star of the show is Michael Jackson, who delivers commanding, expressive, and nuanced vocals. The melodies are tuneful throughout, and the lyrics are memorable. “I took my baby on a Saturday, bang,” Jackson sings, and continues, in the first verse, “Boy, is that girl with you? / Yes, we’re one and the same.” Ooh-wee! The chorus is the centerpiece, varied every time, but concludes with the titular lyric, “It don’t matter if you’re black or white.” Notably, the brief third verse features a rap by L.T.B. (Bill Bottrell). Bottrell raps, “See, it’s not about races, just places, faces / Where your blood comes from, it’s where your space is.” “Black or White” is socially conscious, finding Jackson crying foul regarding racism and promoting unity. He’s also critical of those who are spreading rumors about him. Ultimately, it is one of the best songs from his Dangerous era.

Appears in:

Michael Jackson, Black or White: Throwback Vibez No. 141 (2025)

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5. Beyoncé, “Black Parade”

The Lion King: The Gift [Deluxe Edition] » Sony » 2020

Juneteenth received more attention in 2020 than it had ever previously earned. The amplification of the celebration was fueled by protests, which were part of the ongoing fight for racial equality and justice. Beyoncé, woke like so many black musicians during an agitated time, released a song celebrating blackness, “Black Parade”, appearing on The Lion King: The Gift (Deluxe Edition).

“Black Parade” blends African and international music with R&B, hip-hop, and pop. Also, there’s a clearly socially conscious sentiment. It also successfully establishes a vibe. There’s lots of gimmickry and repetition but not only is it embracing the minimalist elements of modern, mainstream music, it also revisits the minimalist elements of world music, which makes it so influential on today’s music. Despite its more simplistic elements, “Black Parade” is deeper and more transcendent. It’s polarizing, but art nonetheless – a great conversation piece.

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6. Iggy Azalea, “Black Widow” (Ft. Rita Ora)

The New Classic » Virgin EMI » 2014

“I’m gonna love ya / Until you hate me / And I’m gonna show ya / What’s really crazy.”

Woo! Noted, Rita Ora. Grammy-nominated Australian rapper Iggy Azalea (Amythest Amelia Kelly) tapped the pop singer for one of the biggest hits of her career, “Black Widow”. Ora performs the biggest and best moment of the song, the chorus, excerpted above. She continues singing, “You should’ve known better / Than to mess with me, honey / I’m gonna love ya, I’m gonna love ya /… Like a black widow, baby.” “Black Widow” is the 10^th track from Azalea’s 2014 Grammy-nominated, double platinum debut album, The New Classic. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. “Black Widow” was certified quintuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2023.

Iggy Azalea penned “Black Widow” with Katy Perry, Benny Blanco, Mikkel Storleer Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, and Sarah Hudson. Stargate (Eriksen and Hermansen) produced it. Set in a minor key (fitting given the subject matter), the musical backdrop is sleek. The accompaniment consists of striking synths, clapping snares, and punchy kick drums. With Ora’s fabulous vocal contributions well covered, the star of the show, Iggy Azalea, can’t be left out. After all, “‘Cause this here is fatal attraction, so I take it all or I don’t want.” Oh, snap! Iggy delivers plenty of aggressive, hard-nosed, gives no fucks rhymes. The cadence and flow are compelling. “This twisted cat-and-mouse game always starts the same / First we’re both down to play, then somehow you go astray,” she spits in the first verse, and concludes, “You were different from my last, but now you got ‘em mirrored / And as it all plays out, I see it couldn’t be clearer, now sing.” D-d-d-damn! “You ain’t ever met nobody that will do ya how I do ya,” she asserts in the second verse, and continues, “That’ll bring you to your knees, praise Jesus, hallelujah.” What a sick line! Giving Rita Ora one final shout-out, she eats in the sweet pre-chorus: “This is the web, web that you weave / So, baby, now rest in peace (It’s all over with now).” Iggy Azalea, with the help of Rita Ora, struck gold on “Black Widow”, an unforgettable gem from the 2010s. It still slaps!

Appears in:

Iggy Azalea, Black Widow: Bangerz N Bopz No. 79 (2025)

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7. Anthony Hamilton, “Love is the New Black”

Love is the New Black » My Music Box / BMG Rights Management » 2021

After a five-year hiatus, Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Anthony Hamilton is finally back! The neo-soul star dropped Love is the New Black at the end of September 2021. In the third single, “Love is the New Black”, Hamilton maintains utmost consistency and relentless soulfulness.

“Love is the New Black” serves as the opener, setting the tone. Being true to Hamilton artistically, it features old-school production in a retro-/neo-soul style (Cardiak and WU10). As far as the sounds, I love the keys, dramatic, lush strings, and the percussion-fueled groove –DECADENT! Furthermore, I love the fact that the instrumental intro percolates for a good 30+ seconds. Of course, Anthony does his thing as always, delivering expressive, soulful vocals and romance-driven songwriting/theme. Furthermore, he delivers utterly sublime ad-libs. While the aesthetic is familiar, with Hamilton in his niche, there’s contrast too. Worth noting, “Love is the New Black” features only one section, the chorus:

“I know where I’m goin’

You know where it’s at

One thing that’s for sure

Love is the new Black.”

Once again, Mr. Hamilton comes through.

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8. Nas & Hit-Boy, “Ultra Black”

King’s Disease » Mass Appeal » 2020

“Grace Jones skin tone, but multi that / Multiple colors, we come in all shades, mocha black.”

“Ultra Black” finds Nas exuberant in celebrating blackness. On this gem from the Grammy-winning King’s Disease (Nas’ first win, shockingly), the rapper is backed by ‘old-school’ production (Hit-Boy), which always seems to suit him. Interestingly, for a man not known for hooks, he drops one here and it’s moderately catchy. Nas cites specific notable blacks and things associated with ‘the culture.’

One truly clever lyric comes near the end of the second verse:

“Hall & Oates, I can’t go for that

Motown Museum, Detroit, I’m ultra black.”

Essentially, the rapper doesn’t want the ‘culturally appropriated’/whitewashed version – no disrespect intended – he wants the legit, black and proud version. “Ultra Black” ranked among the best songs of 2020. Notably, on his 2008 self-titled album, Nas gets bold regarding the checkered past of America with “N.I.*.*.E.R. (The Slave and the Master)”.

Appears in:

Awesome Songs: August 2020

100 BEST SONGS OF 2020: 100 – 76

100 BEST SONGS OF 2020

‘Say it Loud,’ Beautiful Black Voices (2021)

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9. Soundgarden, “Black Hole Sun”

Superunknown » A&M » 1994

The 1990s were a glorious time for grunge music.  Seattle, Washington – the Pacific Northwest – was the center for what would be a dominant movement.  The late, great Chris Cornell and his band Soundgarden were key proponents.  Speaking of key, the key moment from the collective’s 1994 album, Superunknown, is the iconic seventh track, “Black Hole Sun.” “Back Hole Sun,” ladies and gentlemen, easily ranks among the best rock songs of the 1990s. As is often overused these days, the five-minute-plus “Black Hole Sun” is an entire vibe.  Overused or not, a vibe is the best way to characterize this awesome record.  The music is incredibly colorful, energetic, and totally pleasing to the ears with the sweet, melodic lead guitar, heavy, distorted guitars on the chorus, pummeling drums, and that reinforcing bass line! A young Chris Cornell delivers beautiful, expressive vocals that truly sadden the listener knowing that this gifted, truly marvelous musician is no longer with us.  Besides the great singing, there is also great songwriting on the verses, and of course, the centerpiece, the chorus:

“Black hole sun, won’t you come

And wash away the rain?

Black whole sun, won’t you come?

Won’t you come?” 

Musicians like Chris Cornell, as well as bands like Soundgarden only come once in a lifetime.  Thankfully, their music lives on forever.

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10. Pansy Division, “Fem in a Black Leather Jacket”

Undressed » DistroKid » 1991

“I don’t like macho, put it away / Doesn’t appeal to me, straight or gay.”

That’s fair, Jon Ginoli. Furthermore, toxic masculinity freakin’ sucks! On “Fem in a Black Leather Jacket” (Undressed, 1991), the first openly gay rock band, Pansy Division, prefer more feminine men. In the chorus, Ginoli characterizes this boy who caught his eye: “He’s a fem in a black leather jacket / And I wanna take him home with me.” Expectedly, as “Fem in a Black Leather Jacket” progresses, more details are fit in over the said fem. Even as Pansy Division embrace this feminine male stance, it must be noted that the music doesn’t sacrifice the masculinity of rock.

So, what makes this fem fine and hot? It includes a “Cute little butt and sexy hips.” Ooh la-la! Furthermore, androgyny is encouraged, with gender norms out the door: “He looks as good in a skirt as he does in jeans.” Similar to Diana Ross on “Muscles”, the personality is not a priority. Ross noted, “They say they have to see / His real personality / But that’s alright for them / Still it ain’t enough for me.” As for Ginoli, he sings: “His personality, I’m not impressed / But I can’t wait to get him undressed.” Ooh-wee! All told, the two-minutes-and-change “Fem in a Black Leather Jacket” is fab to the nth degree. Pansy Division proved the gays can rock TF out too and speak about LGBTQ topics.

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11. Santana, “Black Magic Woman”

Abraxas » Columbia » 1970

“Got a black magic woman,”

Gregg Rolie (keyboards and lead vocals, 1947 – ) sings on the Santana classic, “Black Magic Woman”. Rolie adds in the first verse, “Got me so blind I can’t see / That she’s my black magic woman / She’s tryin’ to make a devil out of me.” Oh, snap! The beloved, popular Santana cut is a cover 🤯. Peter Green (1946 – 2020) wrote “Black Magic Woman”… for Fleetwood Mac, who originally recorded it. That said, Carlos Santana (1947 – ) and company made the song, the second track from their 1970 album, Abraxas, into a hit. How big of a hit? “Black Magic Woman” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Also, it should be noted that their version incorporates the 1966 song, “Gypsy Queen”, by Hungarian jazz guitarist Gábor Szabó (1936 – 1982). The song on the album is fully titled “Black Magic Woman / Gypsy Queen”. Fred Catero and Carlos Santana are credited as producers.

“Black Magic Woman” is a vibe from the get-go. It is set in the dark, foreboding key of D minor. The intro is enigmatic, setting the tone with the organ, guitar, and rhythmic percussion. The robust bass line provides a great anchor. Gregg Rolie shines with a nuanced, solid, and well-rounded vocal performance. “Don’t turn your back on me, baby,” Rolie sings in the second verse, and adds, “Stop messin’ ‘round with your tricks.” Ooh-wee! In the third, he acknowledges, “Got your spell on me baby /… Turnin’ my heart into stone / Need you so bad, magi woman / I can’t leave you alone.” Word! Another member of Santana deserves recognition: Carlos Santana, of course. He impresses with his consummate guitar playing and soloing, which matches the memorable lyrics and tuneful melodies. Approaching 60 years later, “Black Magic Woman” remains a big-time bop.

Appears in:

Santana, Black Magic Woman: Throwback Vibez No. 142 (2025)

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12. The Rolling Stones, “Paint It, Black”

Aftermath » ABKCO Music & Records Inc. » 1966

“I see a red door and I want it painted black.”

Early on, “Paint It, Black” is one of the darker songs from The Rolling Stones’ illustrious catalog. It’s set in a minor key, and even if it wasn’t, the lyrics confirm the depression and morbidity of the track. Dark it may be, but that didn’t inhibit it from earning the band one of 23 top 10 hits. “Paint it Black” is one of the band’s eight number-one hits, spending two weeks at number one on the Hot 100 in 1966. Mick Jagger continues singing in the first verse of the Aftermath gem, “No colors anymore, I want them to turn black / I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes / I have to turn my head until my darkness goes.” You know it’s bad when girls in summer clothes anger you…

The first verse only sets the tone as far as Jagger’s mood. The second verse provides more insight into what has happened to cause his anger, depression, and ultimately grief. He mentions cars all painted black, which suggests a funeral procession. He follows up with “With flowers and my love, both never come back,” which confirms the lover is deceased. As “Paint It Black” progresses, Mick continues to struggle with depression, shocked about her death in the fourth verse, and viewing things once seen as bright and cheerful as, well, black, of course. The blackness The Rolling Stones desire includes the sun, “Blotted out from the sky / I wanna see it painted, painted, painted / Painted black, yeah.” Fun fact: “Paint It, Black” features Brian Jones playing sitar, adding to the unique sound of this classic.

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13. Bob Dylan, “Black Rider”

Rough and Rowdy Ways » Columbia » 2020

“Black rider, black rider, all dressed in black / I’m walking away, you try to make me look back…”

The chilling, dark, enigmatic, minor-keyed “Black Rider” has a strong argument for the best song from Rough and Rowdy Ways, the 39^th studio album by the iconic singer/songwriter, Bob Dylan.  “Black Rider” ranked among the best songs of 2020.  Even if the lyrics weren’t potent and Dylan had ‘fallen off’ his storytelling game, the music alone would earn this record accolades. The production is spare, allowing Bob to be the focal point, yet the harmonic progression – the chords – are gorgeous. Of course, it’s Dylan, a lyrical master, so it only requires one lyric to confirm the elite nature: “Black rider, black rider, hold it right there,” he sings on the fifth and final verse, “The size of your cock will get you nowhere.” How awesome is that? “Black Rider” is subject to interpretation, including references to mortality – perhaps Dylan’s own – and possibly, more subtly, politics.

“Maybe I’ll take the high moral ground

Some enchanted evening I’ll sing you a song

Black rider, black rider, you’ve been on the job too long.”

Appears in:

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13 Exciting Pitch BLACK Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M, ABKCO Music & Records Inc., ATO, BMG Rights Management, Columbia, DistroKid, Mass Appeal, MJJ Productions Inc., My Music Box, Sony, SWIMS Int., Virgin EMI, Warner Records Inc.; AcatXIo from Pixabay]

13 Exciting Pitch BLACK Songs | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on October 31, 2025October 31, 2025