13 Irresistible YOU Songs | Playlist 🎧

13 Irresistible YOU Songs features songs by Chappell Roan, Donny Hathaway, Gracie Abrams, Omar Apollo, Tommy Richman, and Whitney Houston. 

Remember, YOU can make a difference and be influential in so many ways. You are a big deal.  You, as a second-person pronoun, appears in many songs.  This playlist, 13 Irresistible YOU Songs, celebrates the power of – wait for it – Y-O-U! You, or some form of the word is the only requirement for songs selected on this list.  That means “Knowing U Exist” by Medium Build is perfectly acceptable (‘U’ is a form of ‘You’).  Besides Medium Build, 13 Irresistible YOU Songs features songs by Chappell Roan, Donny Hathaway, Gracie Abrams, Omar Apollo, Tommy Richman, and Whitney Houston.  So, without further ado, prepare to be wowed by these irresistible Y-O-U songs!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Tommy Richman, “THOUGHT YOU WERE THE ONE”

2. Whitney Houston, “You’re Still My Man”

3. Odetari, “YOU’RE TOO SLOW”

4. MALARKEY, Shackles (Praise You)

5. Omar Apollo, “Less of You”

6. Medium Build, “Knowing U Exist”

7. Gracie Abrams, “I Love You, I’m Sorry”

8. Kevin Atwater, “why did you invite me to your wedding”

9. Kem, “Why Would You Stay”

10. Paul Young, “Every Time You Go Away”

11. Chappell Roan, “Picture You”

12. Jerry Butler, “Never Give You Up”

13. Donny Hathaway, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”

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1. Tommy Richman, “THOUGHT YOU WERE THE ONE”

COYOTE // ISO Supremacy / PULSE / Concord // 2024

According to Tommy Richman, “I thought you were the one, ah / I thought you were the one that got away.” Word. “THOUGHT YOU WERE THE ONE” continues a prolific 2024 for the Virginia-bred musician. Richman wrote the highlight. He produced it with Elliot, Limo, and Jonah Roy. “Oh, I know you love me / Oh, you push and you shove me out.” Hmm… There is lots to like about the promo single from his debut album, COYOTE. The sound and instrumental accompaniment is a big selling point. It has a nice old-school vibe.  The groove is fabulous, while the rhythmic, detuned synths, keys, and big, infectious synth bass line catch the ears. Furthermore, there is a degree of nostalgia about this cut. The vocals by Richman mark another selling point. The melody is rhythmic and tuneful. The theme is simple yet complicated – matters of the heart.  At the end of the verse, he asserts, “I still know we’re a good fit, baby, good fit / I don’t know what to say, but fuck it anyway / I know we’ll have some good kids, baby, good kids.” Word. All in all, Richman delivered another winner with “THOUGHT YOU WERE THE ONE”.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: September 2024

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2. Whitney Houston, “You’re Still My Man”

Whitney // Arista // 1987 

“On the day that you left me / You said no regrets / There’s a bond between us / That hasn’t been broken yet.” Those matters of the heart always fuel the fire for a wonderful musical selection. Once-in-a-lifetime vocalist Whitney Houston sang the wonderful “You’re Still My Man” on her 1987 tour de force, Whitney. The soaring ballad is the eighth track from the Grammy-nominated LP (“I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” won a Grammy, FYI).  “You’re Still My Man” was written by Gerry Goffin and Michael Masser. Houston thrives on this ambitious, big, and beautiful ballad.

“You’re Still My Man” wasn’t one of the 40 songs that Houston charted on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is, however, a solid album track from Whitney that deserves even more love.  Broken up from ‘her man,’ per Houston, and the unforgettable chorus, “You’re still my man / Nothing can change it / We still be long together.” Ooh-wee! She goes on to add, “Our love will last forever.” With a second verse continuing to tout their bond and a bridge where she vows, “I’ll wait for you / The thought that keeps me going each day / Is to believe you still love me,” her bread is its most buttery in the final choruses.  Here, Whitney navigates some epic key changes, showcasing the power and versatility of her pipes.  The ad-libs are epic.  Listening, I’m in sheer awe that someone possessed the ability to sing so celestially and perfectly.  Like the big singles from Whitney, “You’re Still My Man” deserves its flowers too.

Appears in 🔻:

• Whitney Houston, You’re Still My Man: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 161 (2024)
• Whitney Houston Ryland James: Head 2 Head No. 41 (2024)
• 13 Super STILL Songs (2024)

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3. Odetari, “YOU’RE TOO SLOW”

DOOR TO DUSK // Odetari / Artist Partner Group, Inc. // 2023

“(You’re too slow!) / Try and keep up with me now.” Word, Odetari. The Gen-Z, Palestinian-American rapper, producer, and songwriter delivers gimmicky vocals and a playful performance in the sub-two-minute “YOU’RE TOO SLOW.” “YOU’RE TOO SLOW” falls under the umbrella of dance/electronic music, particularly given its sleek instrumental backdrop and sound effects. The production is busy and rhythmic. The opening ascending sound effect sets the tone of this ear-catching joint.  Odetari is a one-man show in the 11^th track from DOOR TO DUSK (2023).  The chorus is catchy, while the verses are entertaining too. “Tryna tell them boys, they way too slow, they need to tap in,” he asserts in the first verse, adding, “I got a notebook with some names I wanna curse.” Woo! Furthermore, in the second, he states, “I, I, showed you wrong, I’ma shit on you.” Holy – wait for it – shit! Fittingly, there is a slackening of the pace which unleashes a chopped-and-screwed style.  “YOU’RE TOO SLOW” is a surefire vibe –NO CAP!

Appears in 🔻:

• 13 Songs Where Things Go SLOW (2024)

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4. MALARKEY, Shackles (Praise You)

 “SHACKLES (PRAISE YOU)” // HEXAGON // 2021

“Take the shackles off my feet, so I can dance (so I can dance) / I just wanna praise You (just wanna praise You).” UK-based DJ/producer/songwriter MALARKEY (Sam Butler) remixed the contemporary gospel classic: “Shackles (Praise You)” by Mary Mary.  Gospel and electronic dance music seem worlds apart, at least on paper.  However, Butler transforms the ‘poppier’ song of praise into one fitting for the dancefloor. In the hands of MALARKEY, “Shackles (Praise You)” takes on a much quicker tempo. The increase in speed makes it more characteristic of dance. The dance music cues work seamlessly on this remix.  Butler adds an infectious beat with a thudding kick intact, colorful synths, and that signature, rhythmic house piano. Woo! Even as Butler tweaks the original by Mary Mary, many of the contemporary gospel music vibes remain intact.  The sped-up vocals by the duo maintain their soulfulness and high-flying praise.  The chorus that solidified “Shackles” as a pop hit for the duo is still lit. MALARKEY proves on “Shackles (Praise You)” that gospel dance music is legit. Praise Him 🙌!

Appears in 🔻:

• MALARKEY, Shackles (Praise You): Covers No. 31 (2024)
• Mary Mary vs. MALARKEY: Head 2 Head No. 32 (2024)

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5. Omar Apollo, “Less of You”

God Said No // Omar Apollo / Warner // 2024 

“Is this the last time I see you?” Omar Apollo asks his partner in “Less of You”, the third single from his sophomore album, God Said No. “Is this goodbye?” All indications suggest it’s the end of them. Omar, expectedly, is deeply affected. He sees their bond dissipating, yet, he still lusts after him.  Matters of the heart look good on the handsome, Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter.  He penned and produced “Less of You” with Teo Halm. The third track from God Said No finds Omar Apollo being true to himself, emotionally and thematically (“I seein’ less of you / I’m still undressing you / Am I depressing you? / Felt like a blessin’, you”). He’s reflective and vulnerable.  Where the contrast comes into play is the sound. “Less of You” is an about-face compared to most of his work. He dips into synth-pop, dance-pop, and modern disco.  A far cry from his ballads, his bravery to ‘go against the grain’ and ‘shake things up’ is admirable. He continues to sing well, even if his vocals aren’t big, robust, powerhouse vocals. One cool moment is the post-chorus, where his voice is drenched in vocoder (“I still got a lot to say / Don’t wanna end the night this way”). The aesthetic and vibe is sublime, reminiscent of the gay 🏳️‍🌈 club scene. “Less of You” is a fun one.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: June 2024

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6. Medium Build, “Knowing U Exist”

Country // Medium Build, LLC / Island // 2024 

“Fuck, I just love laughin’ with you / The way your face gets all scrunched up.” What better way to start a song than the f-bomb? That’s how Medium Build (Nicholas Carpenter) rolls on “Knowing U Exist”. He adds in the first verse, “Fuck, I just love starin’ at you / When you’re chewin’ on your tongue.” Carpenter is having a fuckin’ blast, you might say! “Knowing U Exist” is the sixth track from his 2024 LP, Country.  Medium Build, Abby Gundersen, Andy Park, and Laiko penned the country track.  Medium Build, Laiko, and Park produced too. Short but sweet, “Knowing U Exist” clocks in under two-and-a-half minutes.  That’s enough time for more f-bombs in the second verse.

“Fuck, I just love snackin’ with you,” Carpenter sings, adding, “Fuck, I just love teasin’ on you / And calling you a ‘bitch.’” Ooh, wee! Beyond being profane, Carpenter also seems to be turned on, judging by the refrain:

“And when the nasty thoughts come rushin’ into me

Knowing you exist takes a load off me.”

A load, huh? Clever word choice! The Anchorage-based queer musician delivers a surefire vibe with “Knowing U Exist”.  He sings well, bringing a ‘cool energy,’ despite his potty mouth.  The accompaniment is celestial, with the guitar as well as radiant strings.  No deep analysis is necessary for this song.  Its excellence speaks for itself!

Appears in 🔻:

• Medium Build, Knowing U Exist: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 73 (2024)
• 13 Marvelous Songs in the KNOW (2024)

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7. Gracie Abrams, “I Love You, I’m Sorry”

The Secret of Us // Gracie Abrams / Interscope // 2024

“Two Augusts ago / I told the truth, oh, but you didn’t like it, you went home.” Say what, Gracie Abrams? The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter made a splash with her sophomore album, The Secret of Us. In “I Love You, I’m Sorry”, the fourth track, matters of the heart rule. The first verse, excerpted, is sung in the past tense. As for the second, it’s set in the future: “Two summers from now / We’ll have been talking, but not all that often, we’re cool now.”  “I Love You, I’m Sorry” was penned by Abrams, Aaron Dessner, and Audrey Hobert. Abrams and Dessner produced.  The sound is alternative pop, singer/songwriter through and through, led by consistent rhythm guitar.

Gracie Abrams delivers lovely vocals. No, they’re not extraordinary but are sound and well-rounded. She never gets too high.  Tuneful melodies up the ante, particularly during the choruses. The choruses vary lyrically, though Gracie’s love endures, and, she ‘apologizes’ for it:

“That’s just the way life goes

I like to slam doors closed

Trust me, I know it’s always about me

I love you, I’m sorry.” 

The bridge marks another intriguing moment. Memorably, Abrams asserts, “I was a dick, it is what it is / A habit to kick, the age-old curse.” Oh, snap! In the final choruses, lyrics from the bridge are intertwined, making the record even more intriguing. Is “I Love You, I’m Sorry” a banger? No, that’s not an appropriate characterization. But it’s a highlight from The Secret of Us.

Appears in 🔻:

• Gracie Abrams, I Love You, I’m Sorry: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 82 (2024)

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8. Kevin Atwater, “why did you invite me to your wedding”

“why did you invite me to your wedding” // Kevin Atwater // 2023 

“I got your message last night around 1:00 / You’re getting married, and you want me to come.” Kevin Atwater continues, “You miss me a lot and the wedding’s next month / I think you were drunk, you spelled ‘wedding’ wrong / I used to break wishbones and pray that you liked me.” Misspelling wedding is questionable. Still, the more telling lyric is the latter.  In “why did you invite me to your wedding”, there is a bond between Kevin (or his character) and this man who is now getting married. The bond seemed to transcend friendship, at least from Kevin’s perspective. Still, a 1:00 am text from a soon-to-be groom whom we presume is marrying a woman (he paints his crush as a jock)? Sounds gay, or at least, there was something there…

The point is that this reconnection has Kevin in his feelings.  He penned a relatable song that captures the plight of gay romance. Did he crush on a ‘straight’ guy, hoping there was a chance? That is the question. Atwater has feelings for someone who may or may not reciprocate those feelings in the way he’d hoped – boyfriend and boyfriend.  The second verse recalls an incident that speaks to the fact that maybe, the groom-to-be wasn’t so straight…???

“…Caught in the moment

I kissed you and then you got quiet

You could’ve hurt me, it would’ve been easy

… But you took my hand and asked me to dance

To nothing and never brought it up again.”

His friend is one of the nice boys – marriage material. He also could be… you know… In the final chorus, things are confused.  Kevin has questions, notes how things have changed, and knows he’d mess things up for his friend/crush and bride-to-be. As much as “I wanna call you with a hand in my pants,” rightfully, Atwater closes the chapter without closing it: “I’ll never know why / Cause I’ll never reply / So you can just stay nice / In the back of my mind.” Atwater drops an honest, thought-provoking gem with “why did you invite me to your wedding”. Atwater sounds radiant, backed by warm, dreamy-sounding production (Hazey Eyes). 

Appears in 🔻:

• Kevin Atwater, why did you invite me to your wedding: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 51 (2024)
• 15 Intriguing Songs Filled with WHY (2024)

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9. Kem, “Why Would You Stay”

Intimacy // Motown // 2010

“There’s a light shinin’ on you / And baby, I’m tremblin’ inside / Loved a woman that I barely knew / I must’ve been outta mind.” Underrated. Kem (Kem Owens) is a class act in the adult contemporary, grown-folks R&B market.  His music is refined, sophisticated, and thoughtful.  Among his best songs is “Why Would You Stay”,  the seventh track from his third studio album, Intimacy (2010).  “Why Would You Stay” failed to reach the pop charts (he’s only charted once on the Billboard Hot 100).  It did, however, impact the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at no. 17.  Notably, Intimacy debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard 200, his best showing. It was eventually certified gold by the RIAA.  Also, despite a lack of pop success for “Why Would You Stay,” he was nominated for two Grammys: Male R&B Vocal Performance and R&B Song.  He penned the love song, producing alongside Rex Rideout. The verses are beautifully written while the chorus is the crème de la crème – the centerpiece:

“Oh, I

I’ll never hurt you again

Girl, I

I know you deserve a better man

Hey, I

I was a fool to ever let you down

So why would you stay?”

Kem delivers an ultra-sincere performance.  His vocals are refined – sophisticated to the nth degree.  Showing off top-notch musicianship, he ups the ante instinctually, never over-singing. Ultimately, “Why Would You Stay” exemplifies adult contemporary R&B at its finest.  The sound and production – keys, rhythm section, and strings – are decadent.

Appears in 🔻:

• Kem, Why Would You Stay: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 70 (2024)
• 15 Intriguing Songs Filled with WHY (2024)

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10. Paul Young, “Every Time You Go Away”

The Secret Of Association // Sony Music Entertainment // 1985

To recap, Daryl Hall & John Oates (Hall & Oates) originally recorded “Everytime You Go Away”. It was written by Hall, the non-single appeared on their 1980 album, Voices. English singer Paul Young released a sweet cover of “Every Time You Go Away” on his 1985 album, The Secret Of Association.  Kind of a big deal, it reached no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The sound is quintessential of soft rock in the ‘80s. Laurie Latham produced the distinct remake.

“And every time you go away

You take a piece of me with you.”

That’s about the size of the section to beat, the chorus.  It’s simple but telling; ultra-relatable. Adding to the allure of that memorable section are harmonized vocals – always a win! Before the chorus ever arrives, there is an enigmatic intro which is unrushed.  Again, this rendition is characteristic of the ‘80s with its drum machine, detuned synths, heavenly keys, rhythm guitar, and fretless bass (Pino Palladino).  There are ample rhythmic lines instrumentally. Also, there are vocals mixed in the background that set the tone (“Don’t leave me all alone / Picking up the pieces”). The main attraction is Paul Young, of course.  His vocals are smooth and commanding, and, his tone is beautiful.  A beautiful tone to sing tuneful melodies is a match made in heaven!  The chorus sums up the record, but the verses yield magic as well.  “Every Time You Go Away” in Young’s hands is pretty sweet.

Appears in 🔻:

• Paul Young, Every Time You Go Away: Covers No. 34 (2024)
• Hall & Oates vs. Paul Young: Head 2 Head No. 38 (2024)

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11. Chappell Roan, “Picture You”

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

“Draw the blinds / Light every candle / Slip off my pretty dress down my chest.” Ooh-la-la, Chappell Roan (Kayleigh Rose Amstutz) – it’s getting hot 🥵 in here! Amstutz released her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess in September 2023.  The critically acclaimed LP ‘blew up’ in 2024 thanks to the popularity of “HOT TO GO!” and a non-album track, “Good Luck, Babe!”. “HOT TO GO!” is the song to beat from The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess but the album is loaded with bops. “Picture You”, the ninth track, is one of ‘em. Amstutz and producer Dan Nigro penned the fabulous, sexy, retro-pop, compound duple ballad.

“Counting lipstick stains where you should be,” Chappell concludes the first verse memorably.  The pre-chorus is even more memorable because it raises eyebrows: “Oh, I need you around / I’m getting close now.” Use your imagination 😈.  Anyways, “Picture You” thrives off of tuneful melodies during the verses.  The melody is most tuneful during the memorable, high-flying chorus where she asks:

“Do you picture me like I picture you?

Am I in the frame from your point of view?

Do you feel the same? I’m too scared to say

Half of the things I do when I picture you.”

Hmm, things she does, huh? Men are more notorious for it, but women do it too 😉 😈. The songwriting is engaging songwriting from the opening tip to the closing note.  In the second verse, Chappell wants to know “all your perversions.” Spicy! Beyond strong lead vocals and memorable lyrics, Amstutz gets a lift from background vocals and a classy, refined musical backdrop. “Picture You” is sexy, ‘self-indulgent,’ and utterly sweet.

Appears in 🔻:

• Chappell Roan, Picture You: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 81 (2024)

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12. Jerry Butler, “Never Give You Up”

The Ice Man Cometh // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1968

“Never gonna give you up / No matter how you treat me / Never gonna give you up / So don’t you think of leavin’.” Jerry Butler had a successful musical career, particularly in the 1960s.  Notably, Butler was also a politician.  One of Jerry’s most important albums is The Ice Man Cometh, released in 1968. The biggest hit from the LP is “Only The Strong Survive”. Beyond that strong gem, “Never Give You Up”, the seventh track, is superb too. It peaked at no. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Butler penned “Never Give You Up” with the iconic songwriting and production duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.

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.

Appears in 🔻:

• Jerry Butler, Never Give You Up: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 131 (2024)

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13. Donny Hathaway, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”

Extension of a Man // Atlantic // 1973

“If I ever leave you, baby, you can say I told you so / And if I ever hurt you, you know I hurt myself as well.” Grammy-winning, highly influential musician Donny Hathaway possessed one of the most expressive and soulful voices, which he shows off in “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”.  Shockingly not a Hathaway original, it was written by Al Kooper. Blood, Sweat & Tears originally recorded it.  Hathaway covered it on his 1973 album, Extension of a Man. “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” modestly impacted the pop charts, peaking at no. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hathaway is a selfless, trustworthy man in the song. In the second verse, he reminds her, “You know I brought it home [my paycheck] to you baby / And I never spent a red cent.” In the third, he’s willing to be whatever she wants him to be: “I can be king of everything / Or just a tiny grain of sand.” The centerpiece is the chorus:

“Is that any way for a man to carry on?

Do you think I want my loved one gone?

Said I love you

More than you’ll ever know.”

The bridge, which differentiates itself from the rest of the song, has a strong argument as the section to beat (“I’m not trying to be / Just any kind of man…”).  Part of the reason is the music. Beyond his dramatic, expressive, and soulful vocals, the instrumental accompaniment is divine. It is marvelously orchestrated, embracing the symphonic nature of soul music in the 1970s (winds and strings in addition to the rhythm section). Hathaway was a skilled arranger.  During the bridge, the instrumental is at its best with orchestral touches. Notably, David “Fathead” Newman plays a mean tenor saxophone.  Hathaway also plays (piano and organ) alongside his arranging and singing chops.  Hathaway scored two top 10 hits, neither of which is “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”.  Regardless, this is one of his best songs, showcasing top-notch musicianship.

Appears in 🔻:

• Donny Hathaway, I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 156 (2024)

 

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

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13 Irresistible YOU Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, Artist Partner Group, Inc., Atlantic, Concord, HEXAGON, Island, ISO Supremacy, Medium Build, LLC, Motown, Odetari, Omar Apollo, PULSE, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner; Designecologist, Mikael Blomkvist from Pexels]

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