13 Fantastic LET Songs | Playlist 🎧

Reading Time: 15 min read

13 Fantastic LET Songs feature songs by Jung Kook, Lil Yachty, Marvin Gaye, Prince and the Revolution, Rauw Alejandro, and Rina Sawayama.

LET’S get right down to it! In 13 Fantastic LET Songs, we highlight one word, and one word only: LET. The criterion is simple. Every song title must feature the word LET in some form or fashion. LET is fine by itself, while LET’S and LETS, though grammatically incorrect, are acceptable as well. There is not much to be said about the word, so, we’ll LET the music speak for itself! 13 Fantastic LET Songs feature songs by Jung Kook, Lil Yachty, Marvin Gaye, Prince and the Revolution, Rauw Alejandro, and Rina Sawayama. So, without further ado, we’ll LET the music do the talking!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Jung Kook, “Never Let Go”

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

3. Lil Yachty, “Lets Get On Dey Ass”

4. Queen Naija, “Let’s Talk About It”

5. Prince and the Revolution, “Let’s Go Crazy”

6. Lana Del Rey, “Let The Light In” (Ft. Father John Misty)

7. Ricco Barrino, “Let’s Dance” (Ft. Fantasia)

8. Rauw Alejandro, “Déjame Entrar”

9. Chris Grey, “LET THE WORLD BURN”

10. Scissor Sisters, “Let’s Have a Kiki “

11. Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., “Let It Rain”

12. Latimore, “Let Me Go”

13. Marvin Gaye, “Let’s Get It On”

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.

Appears in 🔻:

13 Fantastic GO Songs (2024)

~ Table of Contents ~

2. 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 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

3. Lil Yachty, “Lets Get On Dey Ass”

“Lets Get On Dey Ass” // Quality Control Music, LLC / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2024

“What? / I’m tryna break me a back / Yeah, I’m tryna break me a spine / I’m tryna pour me a eight / Yeah, I’m tryna pour me a dime.” Um, sure Lil Yachty (Miles Parks McCollum), whatever you say. After ‘tryna’ do all of that in the chorus of “Lets Get On Dey Ass”, he asserts, “We finna get on dey ass.” It’s not grammatically sound but Lil Boat makes his point… I think. “Lets Get On Dey Ass” was written by the rapper and Cardo (Ronald LaTour). Cardo and Kyro produced it. The instrumental accompaniment comprises menacing synths, a banging beat, and a dark backdrop. A vibe is established early on, as is Yachty’s unique, eccentric, idiosyncratic flow. The form is abbreviated compared to more traditional songs – there is only one verse. During that verse, Yachty talks a lotta shit – there’s no other way to put it. “He pissy, can’t get none to me / He pussy, his bitch wanna do me,” he spits. Other memorable lines include “Fuckin’ ‘em up, skrrt on they ass / I run up the millions and spend it on glass,” “Shootin’ that bitch like a free throw,” and “They bills ain’t more than my car note / These bitches is buyable, barcode / Huh, run it on auto, yup / the money the motto.” Is “Lets Get On Dey Ass” deep? Nope, but it’s intriguing.

~ Table of Contents ~

4. Queen Naija, “Let’s Talk About It”

“Let’s Talk About It” // Queen Naija / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2023

“Sick of puttin’ all these egotistical, niggas on a pedestal.” Woo, Queen Naija comes out swinging on “Let’s Talk About It”. The talented R&B singer is mad as hell at these – wait for it – MEN! Understandable, given the fact that they are, “Always at the club but can’t pick up your son / Fuckin’ all them hoes, can’t even make ‘em cum.” Say what?! Explicit and unapologetic as Naija may be, she has a fair point that we all should be talking about. The chorus is simple but speaks volumes as she reflects on these lame dudes. Furthermore, in the second verse, she continues her vitriol: “Won’t put a ring on her finger but put a baby up in her / Another child in a broken home ‘cause you afraid (Let’s talk about it).” Besides the real talk, the Queen sounds fantastic, singing authentically with ample soul. While the lingo is edgier than the R&B of old, Naija preserves the sanctity of the genre. Furthermore, Oak gives her a marvelous backdrop to sing over, clearly emulating the R&B and neo-soul sound of old. Clocking in under three minutes, there’s so much to heart despite the brevity. She brings the heat!

Appears in 🔻:

Awesome Songs: January 2023

~ Table of Contents ~

5. Prince and the Revolution, “Let’s Go Crazy”

Purple Rain // NPG / Warner // 1984

“Dearly beloved / We are gathered here today / To get through this thing called ‘life’.” The introduction from “Let’s Go Crazy” is #ICONIC! “Let’s Go Crazy” appears as the opening song from Purple Rain, the epic, 1984 tour de force by Prince and the Revolution. Purple Rain marks the late, great Purple One at his best. “Let’s Go Crazy” sets the tone for the once-in-a-lifetime LP. It spent two weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, an honor that “Purple Rain” can’t boast (it peaked at no. 2). The detuned keys/synths in the intro of “Let’s Go Crazy” are everything – besides the memorable, spoken word vocals. Additionally, Prince and the Revolution bless us with a killer drum groove, enthusiastic guitar, and a strong bass line. Of course, Prince delivers stellar vocals that are chocked full of personality. The melodies are tuneful throughout, including the verses, pre-chorus (“Are we gonna let de-elevator bring us down? Oh, no, let’s go”), and particularly in the chorus: “Let’s go crazy / Let’s get nuts / Let’s look for the purple banana / Until they put us in the truck, let’s go.” Given Prince’s guitar skills, it should come as no surprise that he delivers an epic guitar solo towards the end. Call it what it is – crazy good! “Let’s Go Crazy” ends on a high note, with a marvelous, bluesy, noisy, rocking outro. One of Prince’s best? You bet!

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

6. Lana Del Rey, “Let The Light In” (Ft. Father John Misty)

Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd // Polydor / Interscope // 2023

“Ooh, turn your light on / Look at us, you and I, back at it again.” Back at it again, indeed! When Lana Del Rey and Father John Misty (Josh Tillman) get together, the musical chemistry is EVERYTHING.  That is the case on “Let The Light In”, the 12th track from Del Rey’s excellent ninth album, Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd. “Let The Light In” is a song where possessing a degree of chemistry is a vital aspect of the song. “Let The Light In” hearkens back to an earlier Ocean Blvd gem, “Kintsugi”, when she and Tillman sing, “Ooh, let the light in.” The chorus in particular is one of the best of the LP. “Let The Light In” has a degree of intimacy, both from a love and sexual standpoint.  The way that Del Rey seems to weave in all aspects of the relationship is impressive. The love/hate is real (“‘Cause I love to love, to love, to love you / I hate to hate, to hate, to hate you”).

Appears in 🔻: 

13 More Songs Propelled by Light 💡 (2023)

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7. Ricco Barrino, “Let’s Dance” (Ft. Fantasia)

“Lets Dance (Radio Edit)” // Ricco Barrino Muzic // 2023

Ricco Barrino, the brother of Grammy-winner Fantasia, released “Lets Dance” in 2017.  The original was produced by Ricco and DJ Laphelle.  The sound is a blend of old-school, neo-soul, and fresh contemporary R&B.  Barrino sounds soulful, easily encouraging the dance to go down.  In 2023, a remix arrives featuring his sister.  The result? A song that feels brand-new. Why? (1) The addition of Fantasia carries substantial weight, and (2) many folks never heard the original. Beginning with the ‘good bones’ about “Let’s Dance,” the production is fantastic.  That bass line is enough to solidify the BOP status of this record.  As already mentioned, Ricco Barrino ‘does the damn thing’ on the vocals, particularly sounding epic on the infectious, utterly tuneful chorus.  Of course, it is the addition of the powerhouse, Fantasia, that kicks things up a notch. Her distinct, nuanced vocals both complement and contrast her brother. Contrast that complements is what all duets should seek to achieve.  The chemistry already established as siblings is further solidified through the meshing of voices. Although “Lets Dance” is old, this joint right here is a surefire summer vibe.

 Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

8. Rauw Alejandro, “Déjame Entrar”

“Déjame Entrar” // Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC // 2024

“Cambiamo’ la pose y me pide feroz / Llevamo’ to’ el día fumando (Oh-oh) y chingando (Oh-oh).” Ooh-wee, Rauw Alejandro! Roughly in English, these lyrics from the first verse of his single, “Déjame Entrar”, translate as “We change the position, and she asks me to do it rough / We’ve been smoking all day (Oh-oh) and fucking (Oh-oh).” Tyler Spry, MAG, El Zorro, and Mick Coogan assist the Latin Grammy-winning Puerto Rican singer with production. Matching the steamy lyrics, the single cover art is muy caliente 🥵 (a shirtless, tatted Alejandro in the bathtub). “Déjame Entrar” benefits from its mellow, slick, smooth production. Rauw delivers gorgeous, boyish vocals, possessing a sweet sound. As lovely as his vocals are, he’s ‘all man’ bringing ample swagger to the track. He sings, but also incorporates melodic Latin trap – more rhythmic pitched melodies. Once the beat drops, it’s ‘on.’ After the steamy first verse, he tones it down a bit in the second (“Mami, espero que estemos juntos hasta el otro verano”). The chorus marks one of the best moments:

“No puedo descifrar lo que dice su mente (Eh)

Pero su cuerpo pide algo diferente (Oh)

Cuando se pega al mío ya no es tan inocente

Y yo quiero ponérselo entero solo si ella me deja (Oh).”

In English:

“I can’t decipher what her mind says (Eh)

But her body’s asking for something different (Oh)

When she sticks to me, she’s not so innocent anymore

And I want to put it all on only here if she lets me (Oh).”

All told, “Déjame Entrar” is sweet, whether you understand a lick of Spanish or not!

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: July 2024

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9. Chris Grey, “LET THE WORLD BURN”

“LET THE WORLD BURN” // Rebellion // 2024

“I shouldn’t have fallen in love.” Famous last words, Chris Grey. The adverse effects of the universal four-letter word have put the Canadian R&B singer in a bad, bad way. He adds in the first verse of “LET THE WORLD BURN”, “I let you get too close / Just to wake up alone / And I know you think you can run…” Hmm, somehow, the ending doesn’t seem great… Regardless, Gray pens (alongside Allegra Jordyn Maizels) and produces an entertaining, minor-key vibe with “LET THE WORLD BURN.” The supporting instrumental is the perfect fuel for his fire. In the spirit of Canadian contemporary R&B, the sounds are dark, dramatic, and lush. Even as Grey becomes a hellish arsonist post-break-up, the backdrop remains celestial. Vocally, he also sounds angelic, particularly when he dips into his falsetto, despite his assertion in the chorus:

“I’d let the world burn

Let the world burn for you

This is how it always had to end

If I can’t have you then no one can

I’d let it burn

I’d let the world burn

Just to hear you calling out my name

Watching it all go down in flames.”

That’s some deep, obsessive stuff, Chris. Of course, love will make you do crazy things, particularly if you are obsessed. The good news is that “LET THE WORLD BURN” is merely an epic song and not a crazed, obsessed, heartbroken guy willing to destroy us all to keep his ex from being happy elsewhere. This song right here = BOP!

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: March 2024

~ Table of Contents ~

10. Scissor Sisters, “Let’s Have a Kiki“

Magic Hour // Polydor // 2012

“Boots, ten, queen.” Woo! One of the best and most popular songs by the LGBTQ pop collective Scissor Sisters is “Let’s Have a Kiki”. “Let’s Have a Kiki” appears on their fourth and final studio album, Magic Hour. “Let’s Have a Kiki” embodies elements of queer culture, which makes it truly memorable. This record is an education to those green regarding gay culture. Providing annotations to Genius regarding the song, frontman Jake Shears does a fabulous job giving insight. This includes his experiences with gay clubs and those clubs being shut down by police for no good reason. Ana Matronic mentions this lyrically early: “So, then I get to the club looking like a drowned, harassed rat and I’m greeted, not by Miss Rose at the door, but our friend, Johnny Five-Oh.” Of course, following Ana’s intro, we step right into the kiki, via the chorus: “Let’s have a kiki, I wanna have a kiki / Lock the doors tight / Let’s have a kiki, motherfucker.” While “kiki” sounds sexual, it’s a misconception! Sure, Shears speaks of the translations of the word in other languages referencing private parts, but within the context of a song, it’s “a party for calming all your nerves / We’re spilling tea and dishing just desserts one may deserve.” The killer reference that is Urban Dictionary confirms this: “A party including good music and good friends, held for the express purpose of calming nerves, reducing anxiety and stress and generally fighting ennui. May involve locked doors, tea, and salacious gossip.” Scissor Sisters make a kiki sound like a blast. If you have never experienced the jubilant listening experience that is “Let’s Have a Kiki,” gurlll, u betta get on dat! This is the Sisters at their very best, and most QUEER!

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

11. Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., “Let It Rain”

Let It Rain // Light // 2003

“Open the floodgates of heaven, let it rain, let it rain.” Those are such powerful lyrics, penned by Michael Farren and originally recorded by CCM icon, Michael W. Smith.  The words are simple but potent! Smith’s original version of “Let It Rain” is glorious but Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr. transforms this simple CCM record into a powerful black gospel record. He begins with ministry, before expressively singing those excerpted lyrics.  When the lyrics are repeated for the third time, he’s joined by a choir (Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Women’s Mass Choir), enhancing, and elevating the spirit.   Whether you are devout or have doubts about spirituality, it’s hard to deny the emotional impact – it touches the spirit.  Smith and Morton deliver a message about letting the spirit of the Lord rain upon the world.  Essentially, this record is an affirmation of faith – believing in the power of an all-knowing, omniscient, and merciful God. The refresh is real! 

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

12. 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 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

13. Marvin Gaye, “Let’s Get It On”

Let’s Get It On // Motown // 1973

“I’ve been really trying, baby / Trying to hold back this feeling for so long.” Repression of feelings can be utter hell. Marvin Gaye repressed his feelings regarding sex. Sure, many of us have been in situations or scenarios where being sex-positive is frowned upon but in the case of Gaye, the repression goes deep. Religion played a sizable role in his repression, given the fact his father (and eventual murderer) was a Pentecostal minister. Sex before marriage was a no-no, particularly in 1973 when the no. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Let’s Get It On” arrived on Gaye’s album, Let’s Get It On.

Over a soulful backdrop with a big bass line and an electric groove, Gaye is open about what he wants to do. “There’s nothing wrong with me loving you, baby,” he asserts in the second verse, adding, “And giving yourself to me can never be wrong / If the love is true, oh, baby, ooh.” He does NOT want to wait. “So, come on, come on, come on, come, come on, baby / Stop beating ‘round the bush, hey / Let’s get it on.” Of course, religion, in the form of blasphemy, rears its head when Gaye asks her, “Do you know the meaning? / Of being sanctified, hey, hey / Girl you give me good feeling / So good, somethin’ like sanctified.” Oh, snap! “Let’s Get It On” is one of the greatest soul songs of all time. Marvin Gaye sounds utterly amazing. He has great inspiration though – SEX! This record never grows old.

Appears in 🔻:

Marvin Gaye, Let’s Get It On: After Dark 🕛 🌃 93 (2022)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

13 Fantastic LET Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; BIGHIT MUSIC, Dirty Hit, Interscope, Light, NPG, Polydor, Quality Control Music, LLC, Queen Naija, Rebellion, Ricco Barrino Muzic, Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner; Leonardo Goncalves wild from Pexels]

13 Fantastic LET Songs | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on September 18, 2024September 18, 2024

13 Fantastic LET Songs feature songs by Jung Kook, Lil Yachty, Marvin Gaye, Prince and the Revolution, Rauw Alejandro, and Rina Sawayama.

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Jung Kook, “Never Let Go”

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

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

Hold the Girl // Dirty Hit // 2022

3. Lil Yachty, “Lets Get On Dey Ass”

“Lets Get On Dey Ass” // Quality Control Music, LLC / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2024

4. Queen Naija, “Let’s Talk About It”

“Let’s Talk About It” // Queen Naija / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2023

5. Prince and the Revolution, “Let’s Go Crazy”

Purple Rain // NPG / Warner // 1984

6. Lana Del Rey, “Let The Light In” (Ft. Father John Misty)

Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd // Polydor / Interscope // 2023

7. Ricco Barrino, “Let’s Dance” (Ft. Fantasia)

“Lets Dance (Radio Edit)” // Ricco Barrino Muzic // 2023

8. Rauw Alejandro, “Déjame Entrar”

“Déjame Entrar” // Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC // 2024

9. Chris Grey, “LET THE WORLD BURN”

“LET THE WORLD BURN” // Rebellion // 2024

10. Scissor Sisters, “Let’s Have a Kiki“

Magic Hour // Polydor // 2012

11. Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., “Let It Rain”

Let It Rain // Light // 2003

12. Latimore, “Let Me Go”

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

13. Marvin Gaye, “Let’s Get It On”

Let’s Get It On // Motown // 1973

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