13 Fantastic GO Songs | Playlist 🎧

13 Fantastic GO Songs features songs by Andra Day, Chappell Roan, Gunna, John Summit, Jung Kook, and Rina Sawayama.

Question: Are you prepared to GO? If not, the light is green🚦, so get your foot off that brake and press that gas pedal, baby! This playlist, 13 Fantastic GO Songs, has nothing to do with cars, green lights, or gas. The focus is the word, GO! GO has received love in the past on The Musical Hype via 11 Go, Going, Gone, Gonna Songs (2020), but the lovin’ was inadequate.  Why? Only a couple of GO songs appeared on that list.  Plus, as of the publication date, that list was published four years ago in the heart of the pandemic! 13 Fantastic GO Songs will be the first of future GO lists.  Even when compiling this one, more GO songs deserve to be highlighted.  This music compendium features songs by Andra Day, Chappell Roan, Gunna, John Summit, Jung Kook, and Rina Sawayama.  So, without prolonging this wild introductory paragraph, LET’S F🤬🤬KING GO!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Jung Kook, “Never Let Go”

2. Chappell Roan, “HOT TO GO!”

3. Gunna, “go crazy”

4. Andra Day, “Where Do We Go”

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

6. Rina Sawayama, “Holy (Til You Let Me Go)”

7. The Weeknd, “Here We Go… Again”

8. Teddy Pendergrass, “Come Go with Me”

9. Doja Cat, “Go Off”

10. Latimore, “Let Me Go”

11. John Summit & Sub Focus, “Go Back” (Ft. Julia Church)

12. Deon Jackson, “Love Makes the World Go Round”

13. Louis Armstrong, “Go Down Moses”

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1. Jung Kook, “Never Let Go”

“Never Let Go” // BIGHIT MUSIC // 2024

If the handsome, talented Jung Kook makes nothing else clear in “Never Let Go”, he’ll “Never let go, go, go, go, go, go.” The irresistible single from the BTS standout is sleekly produced, characterized by its dance beat.  Bak, Sim Fane, star boy, and Outtatown fabulously produced “Never Let Go” constructing a colorful accompaniment to fuel the pop star’s fire. The South Korean superstar co-wrote “Never Let Go” alongside the producers, Jesse Bluu, Melanie Joy Fontana, and Michel “Lindgren” Schulz. Lots of cooks in the kitchen but it works out well. He sings sublimely.  The melody lines are rhythmic and tuneful.  Thematically, he shares gratitude to his fans. “Oh, every day, I wonder if this all is just a dream,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “I tried to put it into words, but it don’t measure up / My pen and paper could never do quite enough.” In the second verse, he sings, “You were the light that led me to you.” Aww.  The lyrics not only show gratitude but also show love.  “Never Let Go”, could double as a love song – part of its charm.  Ultimately, it’s a simple but enjoyable, fun, and well-rounded pop song from Jung Kook.

 

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2. Chappell Roan, “HOT TO GO!”

The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess // KRA International Inc. / Island // 2023

“Five, six / Five, six, seven, eight.” WOO! The ascent of Chappell Roan (Kayleigh Rose Amstutz) was swift! The Midwest-born and bred, Los Angeles singer/songwriter experienced one of the biggest breakouts of any musician in 2024.  The biggest song fueling her ascent was the infectious, top 10 hit, “Good Luck, Babe!”.  “Good Luck, Babe” doesn’t appear on her 2023 debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.  Another must-hear bop, top 30 hit, “HOT TO GO!”, does. “HOT TO GO!” is the seventh track from the critically acclaimed debut LP.  She penned it alongside producer Daniel Nigro.

“I don’t want the world, but I’ll take this city / Who can blame a girl? Call me hot, not pretty.” From the beginning, Roan is filled with attitude and energy. The instrumental accompaniment, likewise, is exuberant. 1980s dance and synthpop are written all over the cheerleader-inspired bop. The synths shimmer while the groove is giving dancefloor.  The lyrics are engaging and fun to the nth degree.  Chappell is playful throughout. “Baby, do you like this beat? / I made it, so you’d dance with me,” she asserts in the refrain, adding, “It’s like a hundred ninety-nine degrees / When you’re doing it with me, doing it with me.” Oh, the sexual innuendo! The refrain precedes the pre-chorus, where Roan spells! “H-O-T-T-O-G-O /… Dance it out, you’re hot to go.” And, for emphasis, the chorus emphasizes being “hot to go,” of course! The second verse is similar to the first, driven by desire: “No one’s touched me there in a damn hot minute.” Ooh-wee, Chappell! The second refrain is slightly altered, trading doing for sleep 😈. Eventually, Roan closes the song with the outro where she asks, “Woo, you coming home with me? / Okay, it’s hot / I’ll call a cab.” “HOT TO GO!” is the sugar honey iced tea, just like Chappell Roan is. If you haven’t already done so, you’ll have this LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 bop on repeat! #SICKENING!

Appears in 🔻:

• Chappell Roan, HOT TO GO!: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 47 (2024) 

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3. Gunna, “go crazy”

a Gift & a Curse // Young Stone Life / 300 Entertainment Inc. / Gunna Music, LLC // 2023

“It’s deeper than rap and this life can get crazy.” Gunna has a point. “Go crazy” appears as the 11^th track on his 2023 album, a Gift & a Curse.  While it is hard to decipher the Grammy-nominated rapper without the lyrics for reference, his cadence and flow are alluring. “Took a L, niggas thinking it’s gravy,” he spits in the first verse, continuing, “Niggas gotta be crazy.” Simple, the lyrics allude to the infamous YSL RICO case. Other gems from the rapper include, “I been talking to my accountant a lot, tryna make what I got stack tall like KD” (verse one), and “Come to find out her P stand for pussy and she give it to any player that’s paying” (verse).  Hmm, that’s a different “Pushin P” isn’t it? The chorus invites the crazy into the picture:

“All this money, I’m going crazy

All these bitches, I’m going crazy

Missed some millions, I’m going crazy

All these killers, I’m going crazy

It’s deeper than rap and this life’ll get crazy…”

Throughout, Gunna is backed by a classy and refined backdrop, produced by EVRGRN, Kenny Stuntin, and Zoo Kids. The instrumental accompaniment is led by a sweet piano. “Go crazy” may not change your life but it’s a vibe.

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4. Andra Day, “Where Do We Go” 

CASSANDRA (cherith) // 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”, an advance single from her third studio album, CASSANDRA (cherith). 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 piece 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 it 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 

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5. 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” did but honestly, a lack of crossover appeal doesn’t take 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 is 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) 

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6. Rina Sawayama, “Holy (Til You Let Me Go)”   

Hold the Girl // Dirty Hit // 2022  

“Heavenly, that was me / A vision at seventeen / Loves to read, loves to dream / The college of Magdalene.” The talented Rina Sawayama had tremendous ambition.  The singer, songwriter, and actress has accomplished a lot regarding her education and career.  However, in “Holy (Til You Let Me Go)”, she’s been wronged –  judged, bullied, and made to feel less.  There aren’t specifics about how she was wronged given on the sixth track from her marvelous 2022 LP, Hold My Girl, but, she’s experienced pain.  In the second verse, she asserts, “Tried to pray the pain away / Just like you taught me (But something had changed).” The spiritual references are part of the charm of this gem penned by Sawayama, Nate Campany, Chris Lyon, and Stuart Price (“I was the martyr who paid for your life”).  

 

The chorus is dynamic – the most memorable section of “Holy (Til You Let Me Go)”:  

“I was innocent when you said I was evil 

I took your stones and build a cathedral 

Found my peace when I lost my religion 

All these years I wished I was different 

But, oh, no, now I know 

I’m holy till you let me go.”   

That’s deep, Rina.  Notably, Sawayama is pansexual which goes against the grain of the heteronormative world. Also, per Variety, she shares that trauma inspired Hold the Girl. She was groomed at 17. “Holy (Til You Let Me Go)” conveys trauma and overcoming it.  Beyond the theme, lyrics, lovely melodies, and sickening vocals by Sawayama, the music is sweet. The instrumental intro is warm, fueled by piano and synths.  The production by Sawayama, Price, and For Those I Love is shimmering and sleek. “Holy (Til You Let Me Go)” is epic.  

Appears in 🔻:  

• Rina Sawayama, Holy (Til You Let Me Go): Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 64 (2024)
• 13 Compelling Holy Songs (2024)

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7. The Weeknd, “Here We Go…Again” (Ft. Tyler, The Creator) 

Dawn FM //  Republic //  2022

On “Here We Go…Again,” The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) enlists fellow Grammy winner, Tyler, The Creator, for the assist.  In the context of his underrated, 2022 LP, Dawn FM, Tesfaye continues to excel. He sings about his come-up during the first verse, asserting, “We still celebratin’ Super Bowl / Catalog lookin’ legendary / Ring froze like it’s February / XO, that’s a mercenary.” WOO! He also speaks about his ex and his new girlfriend.  As for TTC, he’s skeptical regarding love but if it does happen, he asserts, “You gon’ sign this prenup.” Damn! Worth noting, the radio vibes that characterize Dawn FM appear once more with Tesfaye singing, “The number one station to free your soul (Free your soul) / Dawn 103.5.” 

 

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Compelling Songs Focused on HERE (2023)

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8. Teddy Pendergrass, “Come Go with Me”

Teddy // Sony Music Entertainment // 1979

“Come on and go with me / Come on over to my place.” Ooh-la-la 🤭! “Come Go With Me” commences Teddy, the third studio album by the late, great Teddy Pendergrass (1950 – 2010).  Teddy earned the gifted Philly soul singer (and sex symbol) his third consecutive platinum album.  While “Come Go With Me” failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, it peaked at no. 14 on the R&B charts in October 1979. It is the second-biggest song from Teddy; “Turn off the Lights” takes top honors.  Even as a ‘bridesmaid’ and not the bride on Teddy, “Come Go With Me” is thrilling. The opener was written and produced by the dynamic, iconic tandem of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.  Pendergrass excelled with their songs, PERIOD.

As always, Teddy Pendergrass sounds epic singing “Come Go with Me.” His baritone was one of a kind – among the greatest and most soulful voices ever.  The musical accompaniment is equally alluring.  The lush, sophisticated sounds of 70s soul, specifically Philly soul, are perfectly captured here. As always, Gamble and Huff ‘put their foot’ into it. Besides sensational vocals, tuneful melodies, and an elite backdrop, it is the theme and lyrics that make “Come Go with Me” a classic. “I don’t feel like bein’ lonely tonight / You see, I want, I want some company,” Pendergrass sings in the first verse, adding “And you won’t be under any kind of pressure / You see, we’ll just let, we’ll just let the evenin’ flow.” Call it what it is – NSA, no strings attached!  In the second verse, it’s suggestive without screaming ‘it’s going down’ per se (“Let’s sit by a cozy fire / And we can be in each other’s company”). No worries, though, the third verse encourages the rendezvous:

“My car’s right outside

We can leave right now

That’s if you’re ready to go

I know you’re just meeting me

You see, I’d understand it

I’d understand it if you said no

But don’t you do it, baby.”

We all know what Gamble, Huff, and Teddy had in mind.  A one-night stand is never explicitly mentioned, but, going over to a stranger’s house where ‘romance’ is on the mind… We’ll leave it there. “Come Go With Me” deserves as much praise as any other Teddy Pendergrass song. It’s marvelous!

Appears in 🔻:

• Teddy Pendergrass, Come Go with Me: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 119 (2024)
• 15 Spicy Songs One-Night Stand Songs (2024)

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9. Doja Cat, “Go Off”

Scarlet // Kemosabe / RCA // 2023

On “Go Off,” you don’t mess with Lil’ mama. Why? “‘Cause she might just pop… / She that bitch in charge, she the real top dog…” Essentially, Grammy-winning rapper/singer Doja Cat (Amala Dlamini) paints a portrait of a bad bitch, with plenty of entertaining bars. “She mixed the Fendi with the Shein, she don’t slide in no DM,” she spits in verse one. “She snap just like a Pocky, I put that all behind me,” she asserts in the second verse, adding, “These bitches all admire, she buildin’ her empire.” Ultimately, “Go Off” marks one of many enjoyable, pleasant moments from her 2023 LP, Scarlet.

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10. Latimore, “Let Me Go”

It Ain’t Where You Been // Henry Stone Music // 1976 

“Let me go, babe / I’ve already stayed too long.” Hmm, she can’t let you go, Latimore (Benjamin Latimore)! Wonder why, hmm 🤔. Even though he doesn’t want to go either on “Let Me Go”, the sixth track on his 1976 LP, It Ain’t Where You Been, he sings, “But I’ve got to be gettin’ on home.” Continue listening and she’s his side piece… Songs about infidelity from the 1970s hit different, don’t they? The southern blues/R&B musician deserves far more recognition, specifically for this rousing gem. “I’ve overstayed my time, babe / I’ll be back tomorrow night,” Latimore asserts, telling her, “But until then / Let me go.”  And that’s the premise of “Let Me Go.” He sounds commanding, bluesy, and gritty. When he ascends into his upper register, he’s equally if not more impressive.  Besides his high-flying vocals, the music is epic.  The production perfectly captures the soul aesthetic.  The piano is piano-ing, with the tinkling being a surefire vibe. The bass is active yet fat (who wouldn’t have it any other way).  The drums anchor, keeping things groovy and steady. Besides the core rhythm section instrumentation, there is epic saxophone soloing and lush strings.  From a music theory standpoint, the harmonic progression stands out with some more distinct moments.  Popular music can opt for simpler harmonic underpinnings, but it’s even cooler when rarer chords spice things up. Shame on Latimore for his infidelity but “Let Me Go” is an incredible song.

Appears in 🔻:

• Latimore, Let Me Go: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 107 (2024)

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11. John Summit & Sub Focus, “Go Back” (Ft. Julia Church)

Comfort in Chaos // Experts Only / Darkroom // 2024

“Gave you a part of my soul to keep / Forever, forever.” Deep. Julia Church provides sweet vocals on “Go Back”, the penultimate/11^th track from Comfort in Chaos. “I’m frozen in that time / But melting in your eyes,” she sings in the second verse, continuing, “Feel our worlds realign / I’m a dreamer, take me deeper.” Word. Comfort in Chaos is the debut album by DJ/producer John Summit.  In addition to collaborating with Church, who sounds composed and poised, never breaking a sweat, Summit collabs with Sub Focus. Summit, Sub Focus, and Eddie Jenkins produced “Go Back.” It features a dizzying, hazy instrumental intro. The production is rhythmic and driving with some mean synths.  The drop is electrifying, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.  I love the building intensity of the music during the pre-chorus.

 

The chorus is tuneful – the section to beat.

“When I hear that sound, and the lights go down

I wanna go back, I wanna go back

When the silence fades, and I fall like rain

I wanna go back, I wanna go back.”

Besides impressive instrumental effects and sounds, there are stellar vocal effects (during the drop/instrumental sections) that keep things fresh. The best moment from “Go Back” not named the chorus or drop is the build-up when the tempo accelerates past the two-minute mark. After the new, quicker tempo settles in during the second drop (“I wanna go back, I wanna go back…”), it lasts the remainder of the song. Of the accelerando, Sub Focus asserts, “We came up with the idea of speeding up the tempo in the middle of the song between House and Drum & Bass, and the crowd reaction has been amazing every time we play it.” It was a dope musical choice.  John Summit, Sub Focus, and Julia Church dropped a whale of a banger with “Go Back”. It’s giving a BOP!

Appears in 🔻:

• John Summit & Sub Focus, Go Back: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 66 (2024)

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12. Deon Jackson, “Love Makes the World Go Round”

Love Makes the World Go Round // Warner Music Group – X5 Music Group // 1966

“You know love makes the world go round.” R&B singer/songwriter Deon Jackson had a legitimate point.  He adds in “Love Makes the World Go Round” (released in December 1965), “And love makes the seesaws go up and down / And it makes trees grow tall / And the most important thing of all / It makes a boy and a girl, oh / Say they feel so fine, now.” He wrote and originally performed the opening track from his album,  Love Makes the World Go Round, released in July 1966. “Love” peaked at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March ‘66. “Love Makes the World Go Round” was his sole top 40 entry. Jackson’s sole hit is an elite and sweet one.  His lead vocals are smooth and soulful. He sings expressively without forcing things.  This is a playful cut, a common sound of songs from the 60s. “Love” is groovy from the beginning, where the beloved riff first appears in all its glory. Janet Jackson sampled the classic on her naughty song, “Strawberry Bounce” from 2004.  There is nothing naughty about  “Love Makes the World Go Round” with its innocent, dreamy, pro-love lyrics. “Without love, flowers wouldn’t grow in the spring,” Jackson asserts, adding, “And without spring, yeah, the birdies just couldn’t sing / Everybody needs love.”  Maybe “These facts of love” aren’t scientifically accurate, but Jackson’s heart and pen were in the right place.  From the vintage, joyful instrumental (piano, biting horns) and Jackson’s awesome singing and writing, the brief but potent “Love Makes the World Go Round” is special – unforgettable, baby!

Appears in 🔻:

• Deon Jackson, Love Makes the World Go Round: 1 Hit WONDERful 26 (2024)

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13. Louis Armstrong, “Go Down Moses”

Louis And The Good Book // The Verve Music Group // 1958 

“Go down Moses / Way down in Egypt land / Tell old Pharoah / To let my people go!” “Go Down Moses” is a traditional, African American spiritual. Sy Oliver plays a pivotal role in the arrangement that the late, great Louis Armstrong (1901 – 1971) performs on his 1958 album, Louis And The Good Book.  The Sy Oliver Choir is the first voice heard on this Milt Gabler-produced recording, singing the excerpted lyrics dramatically and expressively.  This precedes both the swinging groove and Armstrong entering the mix. With a groove established, Armstrong wows with his bass singing voice.  He takes over the lead, in a commanding fashion, while the choir embraces their role as the response.  “Oh, when Israel was in Egypt land,” he sings, with the choir answering, “Let my people go!” While “Let My People Go” still has gospel vibes, Armstrong is true to self, bringing those jazzy, traditional pop vibes.  He never forces things, performing authentically.  Beyond delivering a nuanced performance, throughout three verses, he and The All Stars deliver a sweet instrumental performance near the end (in a contrasting key), in a Dixieland style. His trumpet playing is dynamic and exuberant, blending superbly with the spirited clarinet, and the saucy trombone.  Meanwhile, Sy Oliver’s Choir continues to shine with their haunting harmonies. “Go Down Moses” in the hands of Louis Armstrong = masterpiece.

Appears in 🔻:

• Louis Armstrong, Go Down Moses: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 4 (2024)
• Incredible Songs: 1950s, Vol. 1 (2024)

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13 Fantastic GO Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 300 Entertainment Inc., BIGHIT MUSIC, Columbia, Darkroom, Dirty Hit, Experts Only, Gunna Music, LLC, Island, Kemosabe, KRA International Inc., RCA, The Verve Music Group, Warner, X5 Music Group, Young Stone Life; Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay]

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