13 GIVE Songs Where It’s Giving Greatness features songs by Artemas, Bon Jovi, Chappell Roan, George Benson, New Radicals, and Tracy Chapman.

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1. Artemas, “baby give me more” (Ft. Mareux)
LOVERCORE » Artemas » 2025
Mareux assists with the sexiness of this LOVERCORE highlight. In the memorable chorus, twice he sings, “Baby, give me more,” and adds, “If your heart is in your hips / Baby, give me more.” Heart in your hips, huh? Now that’s a line! Artemas is dramatic and indulgent in the first verse, consumed by her: “I can’t relieve myself / Only you can touch me right / You don’t even have to try.” Hmm, by relieving yourself, dude, are you… You know… Moving on. Mareux brings the spice to the pre-chorus, once again, mentioning heart in hips, as well as “Stroke your body from the floor, biting on your lips.” 😈 Of course, you knew Artemas wasn’t going to allow Mareux all of the naughty lines. Also, you knew he wasn’t going without dropping a few f-bombs, either. “I want you on top, in my face / Now we’re living babe, now we’re fucking living, babe,” he sings in the second verse. Added to the mix are pills, tripping, and an unrecognizable Artemas, who informs us, “My heart can’t take rejection anymore, anymore.” “Baby give me more” is not only dark lyrically, but it also features a dark musical backdrop. It is set in a minor key, the synths are enigmatic, hypnotic, and mesmerizing, while the beat provides a firm anchor. All said and done, the intriguing and talented Artemas and Mareux do the damn thing on “baby give me more”. It’s a surefire vibe.
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2. Chappell Roan, “The Giver”
“The Giver” » Amusement / KRA International Inc. / Island » 2025
“‘Cause you ain’t got to tell me / It’s just in my nature,” Chappell Roan asserts in the chorus, the centerpiece of “The Giver.” She continues, “So, take it like a taker / ‘Cause, baby, I’m a giver /… Ain’t no country boy quitter / I get the job done.” Damn! The sexual innuendo is ripe throughout “The Giver.” In the second verse, she sings, “Good luck finding a man who has the means / To rhinestone cowgirl all night long.” Roan is referencing the famous Glen Campbell (1936 – 2017) classic, “Rhinestone Cowboy”, and the sexual position, cowgirl. Wow! Amstutz delivers a strong vocal performance throughout “The Giver”. Fittingly, the record has country music cues (fiddle, banjo), which match the various country/ country music references. Also, like many country male musicians, Chappell is confident about her ability to woo the ladies. “The Giver” marks another entertaining, high-flying joint from Chappell Roan.
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3. Bon Jovi, “You Give Love a Bad Name”
Slippery When Wet » Mercury / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1986
The premise of “You Give Love a Bad Name” is simple. The love, which seemed promising, is toxic. “An angel’s smile is what you sell,” Bon Jovi sings in the first verse, continuing, “You promised me heaven, then put me through hell.” Damn! In the second verse, he describes her as “A school boy’s dream, you act so shy / Your very first kiss was your first kiss goodbye.” My, oh my! Also, worth noting, Jon calls her “a loaded gun” and “there’s nowhere to run.” He sounds terrific, executing the memorable melodies like a – wait for it – rock star! Bon Jovi as a band kills it as well, rocking hard. Among the most noteworthy instrumental moments is the guitar solo by Sambora that precedes the outgoing chorus. “You Give Love a Bad Name” is the sugar-honey iced tea. It is one of the best from the legendary Grammy-winning band.
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4. David Archuleta, “Give You the World”
Earthly Delights (EP) » Archie Music » 2025
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5. Anthony Hamilton, “Never Give Up”
Southern Comfort » Tappy Whyte’s Music / Merovingian Music Ltd. » 2007
There is more misfortune throughout “Never Give Up.” In the second verse, Hamilton sings, “Baby June is off to war / While his little girl’s just turned four / No birthday cakes, no candles lit / Just a photo of his family in his wallet.” Despite the hardships and pain, on behalf of the characters in the scenarios he sings about, Hamilton looks to the Hills in the chorus, the centerpiece:
“Never let me give up
I can’t stop trying
I can’t stop crying
To water the flowers to make me smile
Never let me give up
‘Cause I’ve got a family
And with all the strength in me
It won’t let me give up.”
To reiterate, life is hard – it can break you down. Still, it is important not to give up despite adversity, even when it feels like it might be easier to give up. It is important to stay strong and, like Anthony Hamilton on “Never Give Up”, stay prayed up. The Grammy winner and Cedric Solomon (co-writer and producer) nailed it on this soulful joint!
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6. AxCx, “I’m Gonna Give You AIDS”
AxCx » Fuckin’ A » Wicked Sick » 2011
No deep analysis is necessary regarding the outlandish “I’m Gonna Give You AIDS,” but giving someone HIV is nothing to joke about, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community 🏳️🌈. Transmitting HIV could lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the final stage, but Putnam and company seem to ignore the science (not their M.O.). Before transmitting this STD, Putnam informs this groupie, “You’re only useful when you’re sucking my dick / The mere sight of you makes me fucking sick.” Wow… The second verse is wild and problematic: “I’ll let you let me fuck you in your fucking ass / I’ll give you AIDS while I shove it in your ass.” Yes, anal can be risky, but it can be practiced safely… Seth shocks in one final verse, admitting he’s “a total fucking scum,” who, again, is going to transmit AIDS via his man juice orally and anally. Perhaps more troubling is the post-chorus: “I’m so glad, I’m so glad, I’m so glad, I’ve got fuckin’ AIDS.” Bruh, c’mon! The noisy, scathing, and unapologetic “I’m Gonna Give You AIDS” should be taken with a grain of salt. AxCx intended to shock, which they successfully do in this raw, screamed grindcore record. But let’s remember that infecting someone with HIV shouldn’t ever be taken lightly.
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7. Jordan Knight, “Give It To You”
Jordan Knight » UMG Recordings Inc. » 1999
“Give It To You” distinguished itself from other pop hits. It has an innovative spirit thanks to the sound effects and ideas. It begins with a unique, circus/carnival-like instrumental introduction that comes out of left field. Throughout, there are also some distinct harmonic moments. Following the introduction, “Give It To You” settles into pop and electro-infused R&B. Over the striking backdrop, Jordan Knight delivers a smooth, swagger-filled vocal. In addition to his playful performance, the background vocals pack a punch, too. Thematically, the song isn’t challenging – it’s giving S meets E and then they X. By the way, if things felt a bit shaky during the first verse, things add up during the chorus:
“Baby, you know I can give it to you
You can’t deny, I’d do it right
Just let me know and I’ll give it to you
Show me where, I’ll taste you there.”
Halfway through the song, the seemingly out-of-place, circus-like intro returns. It still doesn’t make that much sense, but whatever. It returns one final time to conclude “Give It To You.” Following its second iteration, the more stable, electro-R&B vibes reestablish themselves. Revisiting “Give It To You”, it is a one-hit wonder that I’m a bit surprised was so successful. Was it the fact that it is unusual, even listening again in the 2020s, that helped it ascend up the charts? Was Jordan Knight just that guy who was in an ultra-successful boy band that helped him reach solo success? Regardless, “Give It To You” carved out its place in music history.

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8. New Radicals, “You Get What You Give”
Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1998
“You Get What You Give” is a feel-good, uplifting pop/rock classic. Yes, the song sounds 1990s, pre-2000 through and through. That is part of its charm pushing 30 years later. The encouraging vibes to those reckless, liberal kids are not dated but rather timeless. Gregg Alexander ‘brings up’ the youth with his terrific tenor. “Wake up, kids, we got the dreamers’ disease / Age fourteen, they got you down on your knees,” Alexander sings in the first verse. Just like in the 1990s, the kids of the 2020s aspire, which some parents and conservative society desire to snuff out. Beyond battling narrow-minded views, Alexander criticizes the ‘bad rich,’ asserting, “God’s flying in for your trial.” Oh, snap! With a crazy, unpredictable world, Gregg encourages us not to be scared: “This whole damn world could fall apart / You’ll be okay, follow your heart.” The chorus is the section to beat:
“You’ve got the music in you
Don’t let go, you’ve got the music in you
One dance left, this world is gonna pull through
Don’t give up, you’ve got a reason to live
Can’t forget, we only get what we give.”
No matter what happens, New Radicals encourage us to give our all – don’t give up or fall victim to fears. Live life to the best of your ability. “You Get What You Give” remains the sugar honey iced tea, with its thoughtful messaging, it’s seize-the-day, assertiveness, and celebrity shade (“Fashion shoots with Beck and Hanson /… You’re all fakes, run to your mansions / Come around, we’ll kick your ass in”). #CLASSIC!

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9. Tracy Chapman, “Give Me One Reason”
New Beginning » Elektra Entertainment » 1995
“Give Me One Reason” begins in minimalist fashion. The primary instrument is the guitar, outlining a bluesy, folksy harmonic progression. This turns out to be a brilliant tone-setter. Following the instrumental intro, Chapman delivers superb vocals performing the centerpiece; the chorus, excerpted earlier. She continues singing, “Said I don’t wanna leave you lonely / You gotta make me change my mind.” Chapman’s contralto vocals are expressive and nuanced. She never sounds like she breaks a sweat. Following the first chorus, more musical accompaniment enters the mix during the first verse (bass, drums). The guitar riffs compel as Tracy informs us, “Baby, I got your number / Oh, and I know that you got mine.” Ooh-la-la. During the second chorus, keyboards (organ) and background vocals help to expand the backdrop. It’s never too much; always just right. Chapman delivers two consecutive verses, composed like a blues. In the second verse, “I don’t want no one to squeeze me / They might take away my life.” Oh, snap! In the third and final verse, she states, “This youthful heart can love you, yes / And give you what you need.” Between those verses, shout-out to the compelling, incredibly smooth, and rhythmic guitar solo. Take one listen to “Give Me One Reason”, and it’s understandable why this was a big-time hit, particularly in the mid-90s.
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10. George Benson, “Give Me the Night”
Give Me the Night » Warner Records Inc. » 1980
“Give Me the Night” kicks off with an incredibly clean and potent groove, a tasteful guitar riff, and a tight, locked-in band. George Benson impresses with his easygoing but highly expressive, nuanced, and soulful vocals. His tone is celestial, while his phrasing is impeccable. “Whenever dark has fallen / You know the spirit of the party starts to come alive,” he sings in the first verse, and concludes, “You can throw out all your blues and hit the city lights.” Beyond his lyrical singing, Benson’s scatted vocal moments are equally amazing, characterized by their light, rhythmic nature. Beyond George’s refined pipes, the same can be said of the background vocals, including Patti Austin (b. 1950), which contribute to the jazziness of the track. The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the crème de la crème. The bridge distinguishes itself from the verses and chorus. The songwriting is related, but the harmonic progression and key contrast.
“So come on out tonight, and we’ll lead the others
On a ride through paradise
And if you feel all right
Then we can be lovers ‘cause I see that starlight look in your eyes
Don’t you know we can fly?”
The extended outro continues the sophisticated musical experience, including awesome lead and background vocals, gorgeous strings, and biting brass. Ultimately, George Benson gives us five minutes of greatness with “Give Me the Night”.
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11. Marvin Gaye, “Got To Give It Up”
Every Great Motown Hit of Marvin Gaye » Motown » 1983
What makes “Got To Give It Up” an unforgettable classic? It begins with the infectious, percussive groove. The mix of drums (Bugsy Wilcox) and various percussion instruments is funky to the nth degree. The minute you hear it, your body naturally wants to move. This is intentional, given the fact that Gaye’s label wanted him to record disco. Gaye, Frankie Beverly (1946 – 2024), and Jack Ashford (1934 – ) ‘put in work’ on the percussion front. Beyond the percussion, the rest of the rhythm section packs a mighty punch – the keys and bass cook! Adding to the allure of the cut, before mentioning Gaye’s ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ vocals, are the distinct speaking voices (which sound like crowd noise), mixed in the background.
Of course, the straw that stirs the drink that is “Got To Give It Up” is Marvin Gaye. His voice is otherworldly. A master of falsetto, “Got To Give It Up” features some of his most decadent, high-flying head voice. Gaye uses his marvelous instrument to bring the carefree, tuneful melodies to life. He is commanding yet the feel is easygoing – barely breaking a sweat. “I used to go out to parties and stand around / ‘Cause I was too nervous to really get down,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “But my body yearned to be free / I got up on the floor and thought, ‘Somebody could choose me.’” Word! No longer a wallflower, Gaye embraces the groove and socializes now!
“This is such a groovy place
All the young ladies are so fine
You’re moving your body easy with no doubt
I know what you thinkin’ baby
You wanna turn me out
Think I’m gonna let you do it, babe.”
Beyond epic lead vocals and personality exhibited by Gaye, the background vocals are elite, too. He got help from his siblings, Frankie Gaye (1941 – 2001) and Zeola Gaye (b. 1945), as well as his second wife, Janis Hunter Gaye (1956 – 2022). Ultimately, “Got To Give It Up” is timeless. Notably, the song ‘inspired’ the dominant 2013 hit, “Blurred Lines”… Notably, the Gayes sued Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams for copyright infringement and ultimately won the case.
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12. Jerry Butler, “Never Give You Up”
The Ice Man Cometh » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1968
With Gamble and Huff behind the boards, the backdrop is classy, refined, and sophisticated to the nth degree. The orchestration is marvelous (the beauty and punch of brass), while the rhythm section is tight. Butler sings over the backdrop like a champ. He gives an authentic, nuanced, and well-rounded performance. “Girl, you treat me bad, and I know why,” Butler sings in the first verse, continuing, “Yeah, I’ve seen you runnin’ around with another guy / And you think, if you hurt me, that I’ll go away.” Oh, my! In the second verse, her tactics are similar: “You think you’re gonna take me and put me on the shelf? / Girl, I’d rather die than see you with somebody else.” Oh, snap! The section to beat is the chorus, among the most memorable of Butler’s career (excerpted at the top). Butler is NEVER GONNA GIVE HER UP! Even though his ‘friends say he’s a fool,’ he’s resolved to win her affection. Love makes you do crazy things and the ultra-memorable “Never Give You Up” is a prime example. Jerry Butler shines.
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13. Mary Mary, “Can’t Give Up Now”
Thankful » Sony BMG Music Entertainment » 2000
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~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~
13 GIVE Songs Where It’s Giving Greatness (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amusement, Archie Music, Artemas, Elektra Entertainment, Island, KRA International Inc., Merovingian Music Ltd., Motown, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Tappy Whyte’s Music, UMG Recordings Inc., Warner Records Inc., Wicked Sick; Helena Lopes from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay] |
![Artemas, LOVERCORE [📷: Artemas] Artemas, LOVERCORE [📷: Artemas]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/artemas-lovercore.jpg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![Chappell Roan, The Giver [📷: Amusement / KRA International Inc. / Island] Chappell Roan, The Giver [📷: Amusement / KRA International Inc. / Island]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chappell-roan-the-giver.jpg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![Bon Jovi, Slippery When Wet [📷: Mercury / UMG Recordings, Inc.] Bon Jovi, Slippery When Wet [📷: Mercury / UMG Recordings, Inc.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bon-jovi-slippery-when-wet.jpg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![David Archuleta, Earthly Delights (EP) [📷: Archie Music] David Archuleta, Earthly Delights (EP) [📷: Archie Music]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/david-archuleta-earthly-delights.jpeg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![Anthony Hamilton, Southern Comfort [📷: Tappy Whyte’s Music / Merovingian Music Ltd.] Anthony Hamilton, Southern Comfort [📷: Tappy Whyte’s Music / Merovingian Music Ltd.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anthony-hamilton-southern-comfort.jpeg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![AxCx, Fuckin' A [📷: Wicked Sick] AxCx, Fuckin' A [📷: Wicked Sick]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/anal-cunt-fuckin-a.jpeg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![Jordan Knight, Jordan Knight [📷: UMG Recordings Inc.] Jordan Knight, Jordan Knight [📷: UMG Recordings Inc.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jordan-knight-jordan-knight.jpeg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![New Radicals, Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.] New Radicals, Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/new-radicals-maybe-youve-been-brainwashed-too.jpg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![Tracy Chapman, New Beginning [📷: Elektra Entertainment] Tracy Chapman, New Beginning [📷: Elektra Entertainment]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/tracy-chapman-new-beginning.jpeg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![George Benson, Give Me the Night [📷: Warner Records Inc.] George Benson, Give Me the Night [📷: Warner Records Inc.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/george-benson-give-me-the-night.jpeg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![Marvin Gaye, Every Great Motown Hit of Marvin Gaye [📷: Motown] Marvin Gaye, Every Great Motown Hit of Marvin Gaye [📷: Motown]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/marvin-gaye-every-great-motown-hit-of-marvin-gaye.jpg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![Jerry Butler, The Ice Man Cometh [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.] Jerry Butler, The Ice Man Cometh [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jerry-butler-the-ice-man-cometh.jpg?resize=134%2C125&ssl=1)
![Mary Mary, Thankful [📷: Columbia] Mary Mary, Thankful [📷: Columbia]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/mary-mary-thankful.jpg?resize=125%2C125&ssl=1)
![Artemas, LOVERCORE [📷: Artemas] Artemas, LOVERCORE [📷: Artemas]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/artemas-lovercore.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
![Chappell Roan, The Giver [📷: Amusement / KRA International Inc. / Island] Chappell Roan, The Giver [📷: Amusement / KRA International Inc. / Island]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/chappell-roan-the-giver.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
![Bon Jovi, Slippery When Wet [📷: Mercury / UMG Recordings, Inc.] Bon Jovi, Slippery When Wet [📷: Mercury / UMG Recordings, Inc.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bon-jovi-slippery-when-wet.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
![David Archuleta, Earthly Delights (EP) [📷: Archie Music] David Archuleta, Earthly Delights (EP) [📷: Archie Music]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/david-archuleta-earthly-delights.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
![Anthony Hamilton, Southern Comfort [📷: Tappy Whyte’s Music / Merovingian Music Ltd.] Anthony Hamilton, Southern Comfort [📷: Tappy Whyte’s Music / Merovingian Music Ltd.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/anthony-hamilton-southern-comfort.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
![AxCx, Fuckin' A [📷: Wicked Sick] AxCx, Fuckin' A [📷: Wicked Sick]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/anal-cunt-fuckin-a.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
![Jordan Knight, Jordan Knight [📷: UMG Recordings Inc.] Jordan Knight, Jordan Knight [📷: UMG Recordings Inc.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/jordan-knight-jordan-knight.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
![New Radicals, Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.] New Radicals, Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/new-radicals-maybe-youve-been-brainwashed-too.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
![Tracy Chapman, New Beginning [📷: Elektra Entertainment] Tracy Chapman, New Beginning [📷: Elektra Entertainment]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/tracy-chapman-new-beginning.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
![George Benson, Give Me the Night [📷: Warner Records Inc.] George Benson, Give Me the Night [📷: Warner Records Inc.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/george-benson-give-me-the-night.jpeg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
![Jerry Butler, The Ice Man Cometh [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.] Jerry Butler, The Ice Man Cometh [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/jerry-butler-the-ice-man-cometh.jpg?resize=322%2C300&ssl=1)
![Mary Mary, Thankful [📷: Columbia] Mary Mary, Thankful [📷: Columbia]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/mary-mary-thankful.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)

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