13 Fabulous Songs That Lead the Way | Playlist 🎧

13 Fabulous Songs That Lead the Way features songs by Artemas, Backstreet Boys, Carl Bean, Mariah Carey, Mark Ambor, and Whitney Houston.

Fill in the blank: “Where there’s a will, there’s a…” Way! Sometimes, things “cut both ways.” And many of us have times where we “lose our way,” particularly when it comes to navigation! The keyword on 13 Fabulous Songs That Lead the Way is W-A-Y, way! 13 Fabulous Songs That Lead the Way serves as the sequel to 15 Marvelous Songs That Lead the WAY (2022). This list avoids the likes of away, stairway, and anyways.  We’ll reserve those for other playlists. 13 Fabulous Songs That Lead the Way features songs by Artemas, Backstreet Boys, Carl Bean, Mariah Carey, Mark Ambor, and Whitney Houston. Don’t allow anything to get in your WAY of checking out this playlist!

---

~ Table of Contents ~ 

1. Artemas, “I like the way you kiss me”	2. Whitney Houston, “Hold On, Help Is On The Way”	3. ian, “No Way”	4. Skrillex, PinkPantheress & Trippie Redd, “Way Back”
5. Michael Jackson, “The Way You Make Me Feel”	6. Mark Ambor, “Our Way”	7. Quavo, “Georgia Ways”	8. Drake, Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”
9. Backstreet Boys, “I Want It That Way”	10. Bloodstone, “We Go a Long Way Back”	11. Bobby Womack, “That’s The Way I Feel About ‘Cha”	12. Carl Bean, “I Was Born This Way”
13. Mariah Carey, “Heavenly (No Ways Tired / Can’t Give Up Now)”

 

---

1. Artemas, “I like the way you kiss me”

yustyna // Artemas // 2024 

“I like the way you kiss me, I can tell you miss me / I can tell it hits, hits, hits, hits.” English-Cypriot singer, songwriter, and producer Artemas (Artemas Diamandis) released a surefire bop with the infectious “I like the way you kiss me”, a highlight from his mixtape, yustyna. Artemas penned this ‘NSA’ record with Jesse Fink and his fellow producers, Kevin White and Daintree. “I like the way you kiss me” is ‘anti-romance’ – rather, perceived anti-romance – at its best.  In the chorus, Artemas continues, “Not tryna be romantic, I’ll hit it from the back / Just so you don’t get attached.” Still, by the time the first verse arrives, he asserts, “You take the heat, and with such grace / You say we’re done, but here you stay.” Hmm, sounds like more than sex… “Said you’re scared I’ll let you down… / Stick around and you’ll find out.” Still, in the second verse, one wonders what kind of scene he’s getting at, particularly since he asks, “Can we make it loud?” Regardless, Artemas is proud of his baby, attached or nah. “I like the way you kiss me” is something Artemas should be proud of given the energy he brings and the colorful, driving sound.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: April 2024
• 40 Best Songs of 2024 (So Far)
• 60 Best Songs of 2024

~ Table of Contents ~

---

2. Whitney Houston, “Hold On, Help Is On The Way”

The Preacher’s Wife // Arista // 1996 

“When you’re down and in despair / Don’t be uneasy because He’ll be there.” He’ll is capitalized for a reason. He is God whom the late, great Whitney Houston (1963 – 2012) refers to in “Hold On, Help Is On The Way”. Houston performs this uplifting Rev. Kenneth Paden-penned track alongside one of the truly anointed gospel choirs, Georgia Mass Choir.  A highlight from The Preacher’s Wife (1996), Houston and Georgia Mass Choir speaks to that wonderworking power of God.  She concludes the first verse by saying encouragingly and prudently, “The Lord has never, never failed you yet.” So, what does Whitney and the choir tell us to do in the centerpiece, the chorus: “Hold on, help is on the way.” The second verse is patterned like the first, acknowledging hardship and tribulation, but highlighting the resolution coming via God (“Just hold on to God’s unchanging hand”). Following the second verse, the remainder of this Houston and Mervyn Warren production grows even more spirited, celebrating the coming help. “He may not come when you want him,” Houston asserts, “But he’s right on time!” The outro is a treat.  Ah, there’s nothing like a choir vamping while the lead riffs!

Appears in 🔻:

• Whitney Houston, Hold On, Help Is On The Way: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 45 (2023)

~ Table of Contents ~

---

3. ian, “No Way”

“No Way” // BuVision, LLC / Columbia // 2024 

“Uh, I tweaked out, it was way too late / ‘Bout time somebody set shit straight.” The question is, what did you tweak out on ian (Ian Smith)? The Gen-Z rapper is… something else. A lot has been made about his legitimacy, not helped by the fact that he is a white rapper. Post-Goodbye Horses, the former Clemson rugby player unveiled the brief “No Way”.  In the chorus, Smith continues rapping, “Pop-out every time, shit look great / Bitch, don’t call me, I hate your face.” Mm, K… “Uh, are you hoes proud of the bed you make? / Is it me or a product of what they tell you?” Ian isn’t the most poetic throughout “No Way.” Most of the lines are shallow and offer nothing transcendent or meaningful.  Expectedly, the swears fly but amounts to nothing substantial.  Cocky and confident, in the verse, Smith raps, “Hold on / Why the fuck there no one in front of me / Why would I beef? That’s fried as shit.” Well… The normal platitudes come through with ian bragging, “Not speakin’ to no one besides your bitch,” and, “I’m movin’ slow, gettin’ fast-ass money.” All told, there’s just not much here on “No Way”.  The minor-key production by sxprano is colorful and ‘trappy,’ but nothing brand-new per se.

~ Table of Contents ~

---

4. Skrillex, PinkPantheress & Trippie Redd, “Way Back”

Don’t Get Too Close // OWSLA / Atlantic Recording Corporation // 2023

“Coming from the cracks and the crevices / Lookin’ for a way back home,” Trippie Redd sings in the chorus of “Way Back”. The distinct, melodic rapper continues colorfully, “Bae, I need your lovin’, it’s my medicine / Lookin’ for a way back home.” Even though Redd is the first voice heard on the second track from Don’t Get Too Close (2023), the record is attributed to three people: Skrillex, PinkPantheress, and himself.  Just two minutes long, what this trio serves up in little time is sweet. Trippie sets the tone with the chorus, as only he can. He’s supported by picturesque production work by Skrillex who does what he does behind the boards.  He gets an assist too, courtesy of PinkPantheress, Rex Kudo, Danny L Harle, and Sir Dylan.  Besides her contributions to the production, PinkPantheress impresses with her vocals.  She sings as coolly as always, never seeming to break a sweat.  Even so, her performance on the verse is potent: “Today, I really got to know my feelings very well / When someone mentions love, it’s gotta do with you.” Additionally, she sings in the bridge, addressing – you guessed it – love. Ah, those pesky matters of the heart!  Skrillex, PinkPantheress, and Trippie Redd put together a brief and enjoyable song.

~ Table of Contents ~

---

5. Michael Jackson, “The Way You Make Me Feel”

Bad // MJJ Productions // 1987

In the 1980s, Michael Jackson had TWO juggernaut albums.  Though it was an arduous task for Jackson to follow up the biggest of the two juggernauts, Thriller (1982), Bad (1987) is a masterpiece too. Bad landed five no. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including its third single, “The Way You Make Me Feel”. “The Way You Make Me Feel” is a vibe from the onset, thanks to a fierce revving sound (for lack of a better description) and the signature 80s drum programming – gotta love that boxy sound! The groove cooks, including a bass line for the ages.  Jackson penned this memorable number and produced it alongside the iconic Quincy Jones.  Even if those drums sound anachronistic in the 2020s the charm and energy of “The Way You Make Me Feel”  never loses its freshness or luster. 

“The Way You Make Me Feel” is a prime example of Michael Jackson embracing being The King of Pop.  Yes, the soulful, R&B vibes are still present, particularly those accented horns and the bluesy harmonic structure, but this is a pop record.  Jackson is in great voice, following the groove with his signature “Hee-hee.” The straightforward structure makes “The Way You Make Me Feel” incredibly accessible. The writing is straightforward, too – love, love, love.  “You give me fever like I’ve never, ever known,” Jackson asserts in the first verse, adding in the pre-chorus, “I feel your fever from miles around.” In the second verse, he melts 🫠 because of her – “Just hold me, baby, and I’m in ecstasy.” Oh, the power of a crush and a relationship! Of course, the main attraction – the focal point – is none other than the chorus: “The way you make me feel / You really turn me on / You knock me off of my feet / My lonely days are gone.” The excellence and infectiousness of “The Way You Make Me Feel” speaks for itself!   

Appears in 🔻:  

• Michael Jackson, The Way You Make Me Feel: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 104 (2023)
• Incredible Songs: 1980s, Vol. 4 (2023)

~ Table of Contents ~

---

6. Mark Ambor, “Our Way”

Rockwood // Mark Ambor, LLC / Hundred Days // 2024

“It could all go in an instant / Why wait when we could be living?” Life is meant to be lived. Pop singer/songwriter Mark Ambor enthusiastically expresses such in “Our Way”, the fifth track on his debut album, Rockwood. Ambor penned this ‘live-it-up,’ ‘feel-good’ gem. He produced it with Noel Zancanella and Ryan Hadlock. “Our Way” is simply irresistible! “Got no direction, that’s alright / Forget it all for just the night.” Yessir! Why worry when you can enjoy life? Ambor sings sublimely;  authentic and expressive. His personality shines through the audio.  The songwriting is sweet in the verses but the tuneful, sing-along chorus deserves the most praise:

“Singing under string lights, sipping ‘til the sunrise 

Living like we only got today 

Swearing off the dark times, cursing at the moonlight 

Yeah, we might be lost, but we’ll find our way 

Oh, we’ll find our way.”

The musical accompaniment marks another selling point.  The instrumental is as enthusiastic as Ambor.  The rhythmic nature of the song is awesome.  Ultimately, Mark Ambor released a summery gem in “Our Way” that deserves to be played well beyond summer. 

Appears in 🔻: 

• Bops That Pop: July 2024

~ Table of Contents ~

---

7. Quavo, Teddy Swims & Luke Bryan, “Georgia Ways”

“Georgia Ways” // Quality Control Music, LLC / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2024  

Unlikely collaborations can yield unexpected successes or be odd. Quavo collaborating with Teddy Swims and Luke Bryan is somewhere between. What is the connection between these three starkly different musicians? Georgia 📍, period.  They combine forces to inform us about those good ole “Georgia Ways”. Some will eat it up with its southern charm and countrified vibes, anchored by a trap beat, while others will be slightly baffled. Jeffrey Garrison, Jackson Nance, and Westen Weiss produced it.  Quavo, the lead artist, is the first voice heard on this ode to Georgia. “Georgia boys pullin’ out sideways / In the south we ball, how about them Dawgs?” Beyond the first verse, Quavo also delivers the catchy if somewhat corny, chorus, where “Some shit won’t never change / That’s just how I was raised / Stuck in my Georgia ways.” The middle-aged Bryan appears in the second verse, where he sings of quail birds, peanuts, and those Lee County Trojans – Titletown, baby! Teddy Swims brings the most punch in the third and final verse.  His voice is distinct and soulful. I love his raspiness, ad-libs, and runs.  He doesn’t say much either but his “Finna turn this bitch up sideways / G-E-O-R-G-I-A” is fun. “Georgia Ways” is entertaining if nothing else.

~ Table of Contents ~

---

8. Drake, Future & Young Thug, “Way 2 Sexy”

Certified Lover Boy // OVO / Republic // 2021

“I’m too sexy for this syrup / Too sexy for you girl / Too sexy for this world…” Woo! “Way 2 Sexy” ends up being one of the bangers that stands out on Certified Lover Boy, the sixth studio album by Grammy-winning, Canadian rapper/singer, Drake. The fact that “Way 2 Sexy” ends up being a banger is a bit surprising considering it samples the corny Right Said Fred classic, “I’m Too Sexy”.  Yes, you can hear the infectious “I’m too sexy for my shirt” in the intro before Future delivers the excerpted, confident chorus.  Young Thug comes along for the ride too.  Future, again, plays a sizable role in the repetitive, ‘far too sexy’ chorus, as well as dropping the second verse.  As you’d expect, it’s not only ‘sexy’ but drippy and druggy. As for Young Thug, in the third verse, he’s true to self in all his idiosyncrasy: “I been kickin’ shit (Woah, woah), might need a prosthetic (Yeah).”  Drake, of course, drops the first verse, which includes the ‘thoughtful’ line, “And I’m way too sexy to go unprotected.” Following chart domination, “Way 2 Sexy” earned Drake another number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  Sexiness goes a long way!

Appears in 🔻:

• Sexy: 5ive Songs No. 77 (2021)
• 21 Songs About the Universal, 3-Letter Word, SEX (2022)

~ Table of Contents ~

---

9. Backstreet Boys, “I Want It That Way”

Millennium // Zomba // 1999

“You are my fire / The one desire / Believe when I say / I want it that way.” WOO! Ah, those Backstreet Boys were one of the biggest boy bands in the late 1990s. Bubblegum pop was all the rage, and BSB exemplified it, particularly on the Millennium (1999) highlight at hand, “I Want It That Way”.  This record is pop schmaltz at its best, with many characterizing or decoding the want – the desire – in NSFW ways.  Do you think “I Want It That Way,” which spent 31 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and peaked at no. 6, is really about anal sex? Kat George of Bustle seems to think so, citing the lyrics, “But we are two worlds apart / Can’t reach to your heart / When you say / That I want it that way”:

“[It] might sound like some emo Romeo and Juliet melodrama to some people, but what it really sounds like to most of us is that someone doesn’t want to put it in the stinker after they were asked politely.”

Oh, snap 🫰! Perhaps if “I Want It That Way” were officially about pulling up to the bumper, it would be hella fierce.  Ultimately, the fierceness of “I Want It That Way” relies on puppy dog love from good-looking young men.  “Am I your fire? / Your one desire…”  Well now… To be fair, the songwriting (Andreas Carlsson and Max Martin) is questionable. The verses, in particular, are odd.  Perhaps that’s why the outlandish assertion that this song is about anal is worth talking about. Ultimately, the tunefulness of the melody and a catchy chorus helped make “I Want It That Way” a 1990s classic.  Notably, this ‘oddly written’ song was nominated for three Grammys (including Song of The Year).

Appears in 🔻:

• Backstreet Boys, I Want It That Way: FIERCE Pop + Rock 🔥🤘 31 (2023)
• 13 Songs That Explore It, Vol. 4 (2025) 

~ Table of Contents ~

---

10. Bloodstone, “We Go a Long Way Back”

We Go A Long Way Back // Columbia // 1982

“You and me, girl / Go a long way back / And I’m so proud, I’m so proud.” Oh, the love! Oh, the soulful vibes! Bloodstone is such a gifted R&B/soul collective! Bloodstone is best known for their 1972, pop breakthrough hit, “Natural High”. Yes, that’s their ‘ace in the hole,’ but the group also has other bops in its arsenal, including the 1982 hit, “We Go A Long Way Back”. Fittingly, their album was also titled, We Go A Long Way Back. Sadly, the record didn’t earn the pop accolades that “Natural High.” Its lack of crossover appeal doesn’t take anything away from its excellence.  It’s safe to say that songwriter and vocalist Charles Love knocks this romantic gem right out of the park! In the first verse, Love recalls how tough the relationship was early on: “I remember when loving you wasn’t easy /… Sugar, we made it through it all.” In the second verse, he flips the script, taking responsibility for his contributions to love difficulty.  Ultimately, Love asserts, “But you stuck on in there with me and you see? Huh, we made it.” Essentially, through thick and thin, Charles Love and his lady, have history, and they want to continue to make even more.  Beyond the sentimental, thoughtful lyrics, the sound, production, and overall aesthetic are awesome.  The bass line is robust, just like we desire in an R&B classic, the groove is electric for a slow jam, and the vocals – both Love’s and the backing vocals from Bloodstone – are marvelous. Looking back on “We Go A Long Way Back”, it is so hard to fathom why this single did not perform well on the pop charts.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bloodstone, We Go A Long Way Back: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 45 (2023)
• Incredible Songs: 1980s, Vol. 1 (2023)
• 15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 11 (2023)
• 13 Fantastic GO Songs (2024)

~ Table of Contents ~

---

11. Bobby Womack, “That’s The Way I Feel About ‘Cha”

Communication // The Right Stuff // 1971

“You know I’m a true believer / That if you get anything out of life / You’ve got to put up with / The toils of strife.” AMEN! The late Bobby Womack (1944 – 2014) is one of soul music’s true greats.  His voice oozes with expression, grit, and – wait for it – S-O-U-L.  Womack, sadly, didn’t earn as many pop hits or RIAA certifications as some of his contemporaries, but his catalog shines bright, nonetheless.  One of his best songs, “That’s The Way I Feel About ‘Cha”, from his 1971 album, Communication, did earn some love on the Billboard Hot 100, to the tune of number 27.  “That’s The Way I Feel About ‘Cha,” hence, is his second-highest charting single.

So, what makes “That’s The Way I Feel About ‘Cha” the sugar honey iced tea? Well, the authenticity of Womack’s vocal performance is a big deal – he sounds amazing.  Furthermore, the backdrop is lovely, led by the smooth guitar, robust bass, the drum groove, as well as those glorious strings 🎻, idiomatic of the musical style in the 1970s.  Of course, another huge selling point is the songwriting.  Womack penned “That’s The Way I Feel About ‘Cha” alongside Joe Hicks, and John Grisby.  The theme is all about L-O-V-E, specifically opening your heart up to love.  For Womack, he has to convince his love interest to trust him: “Trust in me, my dear / Have no fear / You don’t know but / God might have sent me here / Yeah, sent me here.” He encourages her, consistently to, “Think it over / Think it over / You better think it over.” In the bridge, he also advises,  “Please, please / Please answer love if it / Ever comes knocking at your door / ‘Cause what’s out there knocking , baby / The world don’t give enough of…”  Yep, he has a point! Of course, the crème de la crème, the crowning achievement, and the centerpiece of “That’s The Way I Feel About ‘Cha” is none other than the chorus:

“That’s the way I feel about cha

That’s the way I feel about cha

(And If that’s being weak

For you, darling, yeah

I don’t mlnd, I don’t mind

I don’t mlnd, I don’t mind)

That’s the way I feel about cha

(Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

That’s the way I feel about cha.”

#CLASSIC 👏 👏 👏!

Appears in 🔻:

• Bobby Womack, That’s The Way I Feel About ‘Cha: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 129 (2023)
• Bobby Womack vs. Gerald Levert: Head 2 Head 🗣️ 38 (2023) 

~ Table of Contents ~

---

12. Carl Bean, “I Was Born This Way”

“I Was Born This Way” // BMG Rights Management (US) LLC // 1977 

“I’m walking through life / In nature’s disguise, yeah / You laugh at me / And you criticize me, yeah.” Sad 😢, but damn true, unfortunately. Why the bullying? “‘Cause I’m happy / Carefree and gay / Yes, I’m gay / It ain’t a fault it’s a fact.” Carl Bean (1944 – 2021) recorded a gay, disco anthem for the ages with  “I Was Born This Way”, released in 1977.  “I Was Born This Way” ‘turned the gay clubs up’ with its liberated lyrics, infectious groove, and those marvelous 1970s symphonic cues (horns 🎺 and strings 🎻). “I was born this way,” Bean sings proudly in the first verse, adding, “We’re all the way / Nature meant us to be.” The LGBTQ+ classic would inspire Gaga to record her beloved, powerful anthem, “Born This Way”.  “I Was Born This Way” was written by Chris Spierer and Bunny Jones.  It was first recorded by Valentino in 1975. Bean famously covered it in 1977.

A black musician recording a gay song in the 1970s was a big deal. Black gay musicians existed – they have always existed – but their sexuality was, more often than not, hidden.  In this case, Bean sang his truth, reemphasizing his identity in the chorus: happy, carefree, gay, and born this way.  In the second verse, he brings in a ‘higher power,’ God: “You’re calling me strange / ‘Cause you don’t understand / God’s role for me / In life’s overall plan.” What is interesting about this is how Bean would evolve.  He eventually became an archbishop.  Although openly gay, he founded a church for his community – the LGBTQ community. Sadly, it is not something associated with many churches, even well into the 2020s.  Despite the adversity, as “I Was Born This Way” continues, Bean touts the fact, “I really can be me,” “I want the world to know / I’m just ordinary folk,” and asserts, “I’m gonna carry on / One more time / I was born this way.” For Carl Bean, it took tremendous courage to ‘come out’ with “I Was Born This Way”.  This talented LGBTQ activist, singer, and pastor ‘paved the way’ for many to live their truth, particularly those who are brown and identify as LGBTQ.

Appears in 🔻:

• Carl Bean, I Was Born This Way: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 30 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

---

13. Mariah Carey, “Heavenly (No Ways Tired / Can’t Give Up Now)”

Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse // Mariah Carey // 2014 

Grammy-winning pop/R&B superstar Mariah Carey ‘lets loose’ on “Heavenly (No Ways Tired / Can’t Give Up Now)”, the 14^th track from her 2014 studio album, Me. I Am Mariah…The Elusive Chanteuse.  Notably, she covers a gem by contemporary gospel powerhouse, Mary Mary: “Can’t Give Up Now” from the duo’s 2000 LP, Thankful.  To reiterate, “No Ways Tired” itself long predates Mary Mary. The original song was composed by Curtis Burrell, while the late, great Rev. James Cleveland popularized it with his arrangement and recording in 1976. Furthermore, legendary gospel collective Mighty Clouds of Joy released their influential version on their 1980 album, Cloudburst.  A long, long time before Mimi unleashed “Heavenly,” this song had history.  

  

Even with the transformations from “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired” to “Heavenly (No Ways Tired / Can’t Give Up Now),” Mariah Carey brings the heat! This emotional gospel cut is right up Carey’s alley. She’s renowned for concluding albums with an inspirational cut, and “Heavenly” fits the bill.  Mariah is cool, calm, and collected during the verses, spoiling us with her celestial tone. However, she packs more punch in the centerpiece, the chorus:  

“I just can’t give up now 

Come too far from where I started from 

Nobody told me the road would be easy 

And I don’t believe He’s brought me this far to leave me.”  

Eventually, the emotion and intensity of “Heavenly” expands.  This ascent begins with the bridge, which prefaces the final chorus of the song in the original key. The first modulation (in a variety of key changes) follows, paralleling increased spirit.  Besides those key changes, there are stomping drums, and of course, Mariah pours every ounce of her heart and soul into some rad ad-libs.  She’s further amplified by a choir, who help take us to church! And, in true old-school gospel fashion, what about that breakdown during the outro? “I don’t believe, He’s brought me this far / I don’t believe He’s brought me this far…” “Heavenly (No Ways Tired / Can’t Give Up Now)” is a cover, but it’s a cover where a once-in-a-lifetime singer makes it her own, PERIOD!!!  

Appears in 🔻: 

• Mariah Carey, Heavenly (No Ways Tired / Can’t Give Up Now): Covers No. 45 (2023)
• 11 Songs That are Tired to the n^th Degree (2023)
• Mary Mary vs. Mariah Carey: Head 2 Head 🗣️ 46 (2023)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

---

13 Fabulous Songs That Lead the Way (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, Artemas, Atlantic Recording Corporation, BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, BuVision, LLC, Columbia, Hundred Days, Mark Ambor, LLC, Mariah Carey, MJJ Productions, OVO, OWSLA, Quality Control Music, LLC, Republic, The Right Stuff, UMG Recordings, Inc., Zomba; AcatXIo, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Kate, Marcin, Mohamed Hassan, OpenIcons from Pixabay]

---