13 Heartfelt ❤️ HEART ❤️ Songs | Playlist 🎧

13 Heartfelt ❤️ HEART ❤️ Songs feature songs by Ayra Starr Blxst, Megan Thee Stallion, Taylor Swift, and Whitney Houston.

I,The honorable Musical Hype, present to you a playlist filled with ❤️ HEART ❤️ 😍 🥰. All 13 songs that grace 13 Heartfelt ❤️ HEART ❤️ Songs feature the word heart in their song. That is the only criterion for this playlist.  No prolonged preface or extensive analysis is necessary for this heart-driven musical compendium! 13 Heartfelt ❤️ HEART ❤️ Songs feature songs by Ayra Starr, Blxst, Megan Thee Stallion, Taylor Swift, and Whitney Houston.  So, without further ado, let’s heart this sugar honey iced tea out, shall we?!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Megan Thee Stallion, “Broke His Heart”

2. Blxst, “Heart Ain’t Empty”

3. Whitney Houston, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”

4 .Black Pumas, “Ain’t No Love in The Heart of the City”

5. Taylor Swift, “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”

6.DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD, “HEARTBREAK ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS”

7. Ayra Starr, “Last Heartbreak Song” (Ft. Giveon)

8. Illenium & JVKE, “With All My Heart”

9. Madonna, “Open Your Heart”

10. *NSYNC & Gloria Estefan, “Music of My Heart”

11. Kacey Musgraves, “Heart of the Woods”

12. Toni Braxton, “Un-Break My Heart”

13. Billy Stewart, “Cross My Heart”

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1. Megan Thee Stallion, “Broke His Heart”

MEGAN // Hot Girl Productions LLC // 2024

“That pussy broke a nigga heart, broke his heart, uh.” Ooh-wee, Megan The Stallion 🫢! Comin’ in hot, gurl! “This pussy got grip (yeah), pussy made him trick (ah) / This pussy here turn a real nigga to a bitch.” In “Broke His Heart”, the fifth track from Megan, the third studio album by the Grammy-winning rapper, she says pussy nine times in the chorus alone 😳.  For the most part, she brags about how good ‘it’ is. At the end of the chorus, keeping things sexual, she implores him to “Dick me down, slut me out, put it in my ribs, ayy / Grab my throat and up my wrists.” Holy shit 😳! Tay Keith produced the NSFW joint which samples “I Luv It” by Jeezy.

The chorus is a lot. However, that’s not the extent of Megan Thee Stallion kicking ass and taking names with her bars. She’s bold, confident, unapologetic, and sexed-up throughout the sole verse. “What I’m doin’ on the ‘Gram, I can do on the dick,” she asserts, adding, “Do a split on it (yeah), suck and spit on it.” Damn! Also, a prerequisite for sexing: “Hope you could handle all this shape, ‘cause I ain’t fuckin’ with no squares.” She’s picky, y’all 😏! Even being sex-positive, Megan informs us, “That’s my dick and I don’t share.” Megan ends the verse with a ‘bang’ 🤭: “Booty so nice, bitches think my shit fake… / I like girls and I like niggas (yeah), both of ‘em gettin’ ate (ah) / And when he slip it in, that pussy feel great.” Did you catch that bisexual reference? “Broke His Heart” is somethin’ else! It is NOT SAFE FOR WORK, PERIOD! EXCLAMATION POINT!

Appears in 🔻:

• Megan Thee Stallion, Broke His Heart: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 59 (2024) 

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2. Blxst, “Heart Ain’t Empty”

“Heart Ain’t Empty” // Red Bull / Evgle LLC // 2024

Grammy-nominated rapper, singer, and songwriter, Blxst wants to let it be known that his “Heart Ain’t Empty”. He is incredibly honest and authentic.  Accompanying his ‘realness’ is lush, warm production work that features no percussive component – the rhythm is carried by keys and synths, successfully. Blxst serves up smooth-sung vocals, embracing his R&B side. Even so, his melodic delivery is rhythmic, showcasing a superb cadence and flow.  Singing with an impressive tone, he shares thoughtful, reflective, and sentimental lyrics. “I drop a tear for every second that I missed /… But Gello even though you gone you’ll be missed / Forever in our hearts ‘cause your soul still exists,” he sings in the first verse, remembering a late friend.  In the second, he’s also heartfelt, regarding the losses experienced by his sister:  “I feel for my big sis, she a soldier / Just lost her everything, them nights feel colder / Gotta hit the road again, even though she need a shoulder / I feel guilt, I didn’t hold her.” The chorus is the crème de la crème:

“Even when the sky is grey, it never rain

Even though I’m miles away, I feel your pain

I been tryna find the words, but can’t explain

I don’t get the words to say, I feel ashamed

Wish I can be there for you in the way you need me

Hope you knowin’ that my heart ain’t empty.”

All told, given his sincerity, and top-notch performance, there’s no doubt in my mind that Blxst’s “Heart Ain’t Empty”.  He put his foot and heart into this one! 

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3. Whitney Houston, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”

Whitney // Arista // 1987

“You see, I haven’t been the same / Since that cold November day / We said we need space / But all we found was an empty place.” Those matters of the heart – they’re pesky, aren’t they? Whitney Houston was a musical icon – PERIOD.  Throughout her career, Houston earned 23 top-10 hits, including 11 no. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Among those no. 1 hits is “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”, where those love-infused lyrics hail. This song appears as the penultimate track from her 1987 sophomore album, Whitney.  It was composed by Charles Jackson and Frank Wildhorn.  Producing this sensation number was the talented Narada Michael Walden. In the second verse, Houston continues to address this love situation. “And what we have is so much more / Than we ever had before / And no matter how I try / You’re always on my mind.”  Why is he always on her mind? She still loves him despite breaking up.  It leads to the epic, memorable chorus:

“Where do broken hearts go?

Can they find their way home

Back to the open arms

Of a love that’s waiting there?

And if somebody loves you

Won’t they always love you?

I look in your eyes

And I know that you still care, for me.”

Besides memorable, tuneful, and relatable songwriting, the voice is nothing short of remarkable.  This is Houston at her best, delivering a big, adult contemporary R&B ballad.  Her tone is gorgeous, and the nuances are exemplary. She hits all the right notes and more! The supporting instrumental is elite too – tailor-made for her.   “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” marks another triumph from an artist who had no shortage of them.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Whitney Houston, Where Do Broken Hearts Go: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 36 (2024)

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4. Black Pumas, “Ain’t No Love in The Heart of the City”

Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition) // ATO // 2020 

Notably, Grammy-nominated R&B collective Black Pumas recorded a cover of the Bobby “Blue” Bland classic, “Ain’t No Love In The Heart of The City”. It appears as the 11^th and final track on the second disc of Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition). In Black Pumas’ hands, “Ain’t No Love In The Heart of The City” sounds natural, preserving the sanctity of the original 💪. Vocalist Eric Burton captures the bluesy, soulful vibes, singing with incredible expression and nuance. He seeks to emulate Bland, but he is NOT copycatting. Burton’s runs are tasteful and sell the depressing lyrics (“And now that you’re gone / Oh, the sun don’t shine / From the city hall to / The country line”).  Notably, he takes risks at the end as the record fades out, which is a very prudent artistic/musical move. Besides the respectable vocal take, the production and sound successfully recreate this often-sampled gem.  The musical cues from the era it originally hails are firmly in place – an electrifying rhythm section and biting, colorful horns.  Covering a gem of this caliber and making it your own is tough, but in the hands of Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada, they do a nice job.   

Appears in 🔻:  

• Black Pumas, Ain’t No Love In The Heart of The City: Covers No. 19 (2023)
• Bobby Bland vs. Black Pumas: Head 2 Head 🗣️ 18 (2023)

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5. Taylor Swift, “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT // Taylor Swift // 2024

“There in her glittering prime / The lights refract sequin stars off her silhouette every night / I can show you lies.” Those sharp lyrics hail from the one-and-only Taylor Swift. Specifically, they appear in “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart,” the 13^th track on THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT.  “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” was written and produced by Swift and Jack Antonoff.  As always, the Grammy winner delivers her fair share of ear-catching lyrics. “‘Cause I’m a real tough kid / I can handle my shit,” she sings in the pre-chorus, adding, “They said, ‘Babe, you gotta fake it ‘til you make it’ / Lights, camera, bitch, smile.” The chorus also marks another stellar moment:

“I’m so depressed, I act like it’s my birthday every day

I’m so obsessed with him, but he avoids me like the plague

I cry a lot, but I am so productive, it’s an art

You know you’re good when you can even do it with a broken heart.”

Word! “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” features tuneful melodies, something Swift excels at.  She sings respectably.  No, it’s not an otherworldly or powerhouse performance but well-rounded.  The production is solid, too: a driving, rhythmic accompaniment instrumental, set in an optimistic major key. Swift proves she can do a lot with a broken heart!

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6. DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD, “HEARTBREAK ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS”

“HEARTBREAK ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS” // dont make this weird // 2023 

“Heartbreak, heartbreak, heartbreak.” WOO! That sets the tone, doesn’t it DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD. The Welsh musician, who delivers queer emotional alchemy, delivers a phenomenal pop single with “HEARTBREAK ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS”.  As the title suggests on this three-minute record, the love situation – the matters of the heart – is bad. What’s not bad is the song, which kicks some serious butt! “HEARTBREAK ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS” features slick production work.  Throughout, there are excellent musical cues and touches. Besides the backdrop, DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD’s voice is awesome 💪. The songwriting might be the biggest selling point. There is no shortage of ear-catching lyrics, including the pre-chorus:     

“Falling down the rabbit hole and screaming out for Alice  

Never thought that I would feel the sting of all your malice  

Crying on the dance floor  

Making out with strangers  

Begging the doctor for more.”     

That’s depression all right. Notably, the pre-chorus is varied. The centerpiece is none other than the chorus, which is big, with a fabulous palette of sounds, commanding vocals, and a tuneful melody: “Heartbreak on antidepressants / You love him / Can’t laugh or cry / If you want him / I’ll get on my train / Say goodbye / Bye.” By the second verse, the flow of “HEARTBREAK ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS” truly settles in. There’s also an epic bridge, further making this a fantastic song.  

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: October 2023

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7. Ayra Starr, “Last Heartbreak Song” (Ft. Giveon)

The Year I Turned 21 // Mavin Global Holdings Ltd / Republic / UMG Commercial Services // 2024

“It feels good to love somebody and somebody love you back.” True, by Ayra Starr. The Nigerian musician continues singing, “But it feels one-sided now.” That is a bummer! “Last Heartbreak Song” appears as the 9^th track on her debut album, The Year I Turned 21. On “Last Heartbreak Song,” she’s assisted by Grammy-nominated R&B artist, Giveon. Louddaaa produced the two-and-a-half-minute cut. It features a chill, easygoing instrumental accompaniment, with a dash of Afrobeat.  Worldwide, baby! Arya Starr draws first blood, singing the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. I adore the huskiness of her voice. Her tone is stunning! She sings with patois, true to her Nigerian roots. Given the distinctness, depth, and huskiness of Giveon’s voice, he complements Starr superbly.  He performs in the second verse, singing “smooth like butter.” “I’ve been actin’ foolishly / Forgettin’ what you’re worth,” he sings, continuing, “You stopped lovin’ me, I noticed (I know, I know) / But even chaos serves a purpose.” The chorus is the section to beat – tuneful.

“I’ll be better on my own

I’ll be better on my own, na, na

Nobody should call my phone

Nobody should call my phone, na, na

This is my last heartbreak song

This is my last heartbreak song, na, na

I’ll be good all on my own

I’ll be good all on my own, na, na.”

“Last Heartbreak Song” is a surefire winner from the ascending Ayra Starr.

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8. Illenium & JVKE, “With All My Heart”

ILLENIUM // Illenium LLC / Warner // 2023

“And I hope that when I’m gone / You’ll forgive me, all my wrongs / Say a prayer for me, I know I don’t deserve your love, yeah.” Oh, what thoughtful lyrics, JVKE (Jake Lawson). The pop musician with a golden voice joins forces with DJ/producer ILLENIUM on the single, “With All My Heart”.  ILLENIUM produced this 13^th track from ILLENIUM with Jason Evigan. The sound and aesthetic are incredibly sweet, with a fine palette of sounds and plenty of rhythmically satisfying instrumental moments. JVKE handles all of the vocals, including the tuneful centerpiece, the chorus:   

“So, with all my heart, I’m gonna love 

With all my heart, I’m gonna trust 

With all my heart, I’m gonna give you everything…”  

Notably, there is also a DROP post-chorus – it goes with the territory of electronic music. Thematically, JVKE, who writes with ILLENIUM, Evigan, Rami, and Zac Lawson, focuses on love and evolving as a person. “I don’t wanna look at where I’ve been,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “I wanna look at where I’m goin’ / Let my mess become my message, it made me who I am.” Prudent, by all means. ILLENIUM and JVKE make a formidable team.  The vocals are solid.  The production is ear-catching – a definite vibe.  The songwriting is also #WINNING, particularly the most reflective, thoughtful moments. “With All My Heart” is a winner.

 

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9. Madonna, “Open Your Heart”

True Blue // Warner // 1986 

“Open your heart to me, baby / I hold the lock and you hold the key,” Madonna sings in the chorus of “Open Your Heart”, the second track on True Blue. The musical icon sounds exuberant from the onset of the quintessential 1980s record. The production (Madonna and Patrick Leonard) helps fuel her fire.  The backdrop is groovy to the nth degree, filled with rhythmic guitars, keys, and synths. “Open Your Heart” is one of the 38 top 10 hits and 12 no. 1 hits; it spent one week atop the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987. Madge is particularly turnt up in the chorus which continues, “Opens your heart to me, darling / I’ll give you love if you, you turn the key.” It’s not merely the chorus that makes “Open Your Heart” the sugar honey iced tea.  Melodically, the verses are quite tuneful. Furthermore, lyrically, the diva brings the heat too. “If you gave me half a chance /You’d see my desire burning inside of me / But you choose to look the other way,” she sings in the first verse. In the second, she adds, “You’re too wrapped up in yourself to notice / So, you choose to look the other way / Well, I’ve got something to say.” The songwriting is entertaining, with Madonna articulating that she wants him to give a relationship with her a chance. “Open Your Heart” is a gem that speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:  

• Madonna, Open Your Heart: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 173 (2023)
• 11 Songs That Are Wide OPEN (2023)

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10. *NSYNC & Gloria Estefan, “Music of My Heart”

Greatest Hits // Zomba Recording LLC // 2005

“You taught me to run  / You taught me to fly / Help me to free the ‘me’ inside / Helped me hear the music of my heart / Helped me hear the music of my heart.” Woo! Diane Warren excels at writing meaningful and memorable songs. Amazingly, her Academy Award remains elusive 😡.  She penned an inspirational and uplifting record for boy band extraordinaire, *NSYNC, and Grammy-winning Latin-pop standout, Gloria Estefan.  Many songs recorded by *NSYNC were drizzled in schmaltz – bubblegum pop ran rampant in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  However, “Music of My Heart” ‘hits different.’ The featured single from the movie Music of My Heart peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold.

*NSYNC and Gloria Estefan show appreciation for those who have helped and influenced them.  In the first verse, a young Justin Timberlake proclaims, “You’ll never know / What you’ve done for me / What your faith in me / Has done for my soul.” His partner in crime, JC Chasez adds, “You made me hope for something better / And made me reach for something more.” In the second, Estefan acknowledges, “You were the one / Always on my side / Always standing by / Seein’ me through.” In that same verse, Gloria gets responses from JT, JC, and *NSYNC. The crowning achievement is the chorus which is tuneful and authentically pays ode.  Also, making “Music of My Heart” sublime is the lush introduction, warm vocal harmonies, a contrasting bridge, and the key change that further elevates the energy and intensity.  “Music of My Heart” was nominated for two Grammys (Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals and Best Song Written For A Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media) at the 42^nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. Diane Warren was nominated for Best Original Song for a fifth time… and earned a fifth loss.

Appears in 🔻:

• *NSYNC & Gloria Estefan, Music of My Heart: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 56 (2023)
• 13 Ill Songs with 🎶 MUSIC 🎶 in the Title (2024)

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11. Kacey Musgraves, “Heart of the Woods”

Deeper Well // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2024

“Under the ground, there’s a neighborhood that can’t be seen / Communicating through the roots of the trees.” Oh, really, Kacey Musgraves? That is thought-provoking! “And up in the trees, there are voices that are echoing / A million different languages, songs we sing,” she asserts in the sole verse. The Grammy winner keeps things short but sweet on “Heart of the Woods,” the eighth track from her sixth studio album, Deeper Well. It was written and produced by Musgraves, Daniel Tashian, and Ian Fitchuk. “Heart of the Woods” sounds relaxed – characteristic of Kacey Musgraves’ music. Instrumentally, the multiple guitars stand out.  Musgraves provides chill, poised, and smooth vocals.  The melody is beautiful. The lyrics are radiant too:

“It’s in our nature to look out for each other

In the heart of the woods, mm

When there is danger, we’ll take care of each other

In the heart of the woods.”

This one is about humankind and nature.

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12. Toni Braxton, “Un-Break My Heart”

Secrets // LaFace // 1996

“Don’t leave me in all this pain,” Toni Braxton sings in the first verse of her adult contemporary R&B classic, “Un-Break My Heart”. She adds, “Bring back those nights when I held you beside me.” Heartbreak plagued a young Braxton back in 1996.  “Un-Break My Heart,” the biggest hit of her career, was a dominant no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, crowning the charts for 11 weeks. A platinum-certified single, “Un-Break My Heart” earned Braxton one of her seven Grammys – Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Parent album, Secrets, it’s been certified octuple platinum. There are a plethora of reasons why “Un-Break My Heart” is a timeless classic.  The distinct, expressive, and husky voice of Braxton shines. The richness of her instrument is perfect for capturing the ‘love pain.’  “Come and kiss the pain away,” she sings in the second verse, “I can’t forget the day you left.” Sad. While Toni brings those sad lyrics and melodies to life, iconic songwriter Diane Warren penned this masterpiece.  The best moment comes in the tuneful chorus:  

“Un-break my heart 

Say you’ll love me again 

Undo this hurt you caused 

When you walked out the door 

And walked out of my life 

Un-cry these tears 

I cried so many nights 

Un-break my heart 

My heart.” 

Also, credit producer David Foster who crafts an ultra-classy, refined backdrop for Braxton. “Un-Break My Heart” is a once-in-a-lifetime record.

Appears in 🔻:  

• Toni Braxton, Un-Break My Heart: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 3 (2024)
• 13 Possessive Songs Featuring the Adjective, MY (2024)

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13. Billy Stewart, “Cross My Heart”

Cross My Heart // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1967

“Cross my heart that I love her / Place no one up above her.” Those lyrics hail from “Cross My Heart” by the late, great Billy Stewart.  Sadly, the R&B singer/pianist died in 1970 at only 32 years old.  Cause of death: a car accident, which killed him and his three passengers.  Despite his youth, Stewart left behind some incredible songs with “Cross My Heart” being one of the best. It was written by Dave Henderson, Sidney Pinchback, and Warren Hagood. Billy Davis produced.

The instrumental accompaniment on “Cross My Heart” is impressive. It all begins with an epic drum riff.  Beyond that, the rhythm section is locked in, while the orchestra (strings and winds) amplifies the sound with its colorfulness. Billy Stewart sings commanding and expressively on his lead vocals.  His performance drips with personality.  Also, his falsetto is stunning.  He doesn’t carry all of the weight himself. He has fabulous background vocals supporting him. Not only are the instrumental and vocals elite, but the songwriting is too. The lyrics are memorable, particularly the chorus    (excerpted above) as well as the surefire gem, “This fat boy’s gonna love her / Place no one up above her / Don’t you know I said /Ooh, ooh, ooh.” Unfortunately, “Cross My Heart” wasn’t a significant pop hit for Stewart. Bummer! It peaked modestly at no. 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1968. “Heart” performed better on the R&B songs chart, reaching no. 34. Even though it didn’t receive its just-due commercially, “Cross My Heart” is an amazing 60s soul cut.  Unsurprisingly, it’s been sampled a few times.

Appears in 🔻:

• Billy Stewart, Cross My Heart: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 117 (2024)

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13 Heartfelt ❤️ HEART ❤️ Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, ATO, dont make this weird, Evgle LLC, Hot Girl Productions LLC, Illenium LLC, LaFace, Mavin Global Holdings Ltd, Red Bull, Republic, Taylor Swift, UMG Commercial Services, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner; Tazz Vaughn from Pexels; Clker Free Vector Images, Gordon Johnson, mandrakept, Sophia from Pixabay]

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