13 Marvelous Songs That Have BEEN There

Reading Time: 14 min read

13 Marvelous Songs That Have BEEN There features music courtesy of Doja Cat, The Florida Mass Choir, Joesef, Kelly Clarkson, Mitski, and Teddy Swims.

BEEN. That’s the keyword fueling 13 Marvelous Songs That Have BEEN There. Yep, it’s really that simple when it comes to this musical compendium. Is it the most exciting concept for a playlist? Yeah, probably not but with BEEN being the focal point, the list is comprised of some fabulous tunes. 13 Marvelous Songs That Have BEEN There features music courtesy of Doja Cat, The Florida Mass Choir, Joesef, Kelly Clarkson, Mitski, and Teddy Swims among others. So, take a chance on this BEEN playlist – you won’t be disappointed!

1. Teddy Swims, “Goodbye’s Been Good to You”

I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1) // SWIMS Int. / Warner // 2023

“Goodbye’s Been Good to You” appears as the fifth track from I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1), the 2023 album by the gifted and talented Teddy Swims (Jaten Dimsdale). From the onset, Swims’ vocals are everything – incredibly gritty and soulful. Dimsdale penned “Goodbye’s” alongside Dallas Wilson and producers Marc Scibilia and Andrew Wells. Thematically, the record encompasses heartbreak, a familiar, always relatable topic. “I been a-hurtin’ since you walked out the door,” Swims sings in the opening lyric of the first verse, adding, “You took the dog and the Honda and half my shit.” Damn, that’s rough, bro! In the second verse, he sings, “I’ll get better / Like changin’ weather / And you’re gonna miss me like how / Like how I missed you right now.” Word. Of course, the section of the song to beat is the chorus in all its glory:

“Goodbye my love, you tore me up

I heard you found somebody new

Looks like goodbye’s been good to you

Good days I’m on

And I can’t move on

Quite as easy as you do

Looks like goodbye’s been good to you.”

It’ll get better Teddy Swims, with time. All told, “Goodbye’s Been Good to You” is a fabulous pop-soul record. Teddy Swims, you did that my man!

2. Doja Cat, “Been Like This”

Planet Her // Kemosabe / RCA // 2021 

“Who is frontin’, babe? / We don’t have fun these days / It’s more thana complicated.” Uh-oh – sounds like trouble in paradise, Doja Cat! “Been Like This” features the gift of pitch shift on the intro vocals performed by Bryson Tiller.  This intro sets the tone and provides contrast to Doja.   

“Since you’ve been like this 

Baby, I don’t really wanna be in like this 

Ever since you’ve been like this 

Baby, I don’t really wanna be in like this.”

Tiller’s intro eventually reappears as the chorus, performed by Doja, of course. When the Grammy-nominated pop artist enters the mix, she brings ample firepower.  The balance between singing and rapping continues to be one of the selling points of Planet Her as a whole.  One specific selling point on “Been Like This” is the sweet upper register Doja Cat exhibits toward the end.   

Appears in 🔻:  

3. Joesef, “It’s Been a Little Heavy Lately”

Permanent Damage // Bold Cut / AWAL // 2023

“You know I’ve been fucked up; crazy / It’s been a little heavy lately / But you’re the only one who could save me.” Yep, Joesef just lays it out there on “It’s Been a Little Heavy Lately”, a single and highlight from his 2023 debut album, Permanent Damage. He continues singing in the chorus, “Why is it my heart is open / Only when the red light’s glowing? / But I’ll be yours until the morning…” The Scottish LGBTQ musician has quite a situation on his hands.  He’s covertly dating this guy who happens to have a girlfriend – scandalous, right? No wonder it’s been “a little heavy lately.”  

Essentially, the situation is a difficult one for all parties involved.  Joesef, clearly, wants exclusivity between him and his boyfriend.  “All I got is you on my mind / I’m coming up easy,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Don’t care if she sees me / I need you tonight.” Woo! Similarly, in the second verse, he’s not too keen on the girlfriend, and again, the situation itself: “Where’d you go? / Can you feel the drip in the lies?” Joesef’s biggest statement comes during the bridge, where he encourages his boyfriend to embrace their relationship and cut off his relationship with the girl. There’s clearly something missing:    

“Wonder why you’re acting surprised 

‘Cause when you kiss her, you know something’s missing 

You know that it feels different with me 

I guess it must be hard for a guy to look her in the eye 

When it’s me who’s giving you what you need.” 

Worth noting, Joesef sings exceptionally well, spoiling us with his ripe falsetto.  The production isn’t too shabby either, with its robust bass line, keys, and groove.  

Appears in 🔻:  

4. Kelly Clarkson, “Since U Been Gone”

Breakaway // 19 Recordings Ltd. / RCA // 2004

“Here’s the thing, we started out friends / It was cool, but it was all pretend / Yeah, yeah / Since you been gone.” One of the biggest hits of the Kelly Clarkson catalog is… “Since U Been Gone”, of course! “Since U Been Gone” appears on Clarkson’s multiplatinum, sophomore album, Breakaway, released in 2004. Somehow, the platinum-certified single missed the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, settling for no. 2. Even so, in 2005, “Since U Been Gone” was ubiquitous. Furthermore, Clarkson earned a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, one of three earned to date.

So, what makes “Since U Been Gone” one of the best pop bangers of the 2000s? Clarkson’s vocals are top-notch, particularly on the centerpiece, the chorus:

“But since you been gone

I can breathe for the first time

I’m so moving on, yeah, yeah

Thanks to you

Now I get what I want

Since you been gone.”

Besides the vocals, the songwriting is superb. That’s not surprising, with Dr. Luke and Max Martin writing and producing. “Since U Been Gone” thrives because of its energy and catchiness. Clarkson has rid of him, and she’s glad he’s gone. After all, “You put me on / I even fell for that stupid love song,” realizing this dude wasn’t it! In the bridge, she adds, “You had your chance, you blew it / Out of sight, out of mind / Shut your mouth, I just can’t take it / Again and again and again and again.” Word! “Since U Been Gone” is peak, top-tier Kelly Clarkson, PERIOD.

Appears in 🔻:

Kelly Clarkson, Since U Been Gone: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 17 (2024)

5. Frederick Knight, “I’ve Been Lonely for So Long”

I’ve Been Lonely For So Long // Craft Recordings / Concord Music Group, Inc. // 1973 

“I’ve been lonely for so long / Don’t seem like happiness will come along.” Well, that’s depressing.  However, what better than a 1970s soul record to capture those feels? Frederick Knight is renowned for one hit and one hit only: “I’ve Been Lonely For So Long”. “I’ve Been Lonely For So Long” was written by Jerry Weaver and Posie Knight, his wife.  This Stax classic performed respectably on the pop charts peaking at no. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.  So, what makes it so awesome?  The sound of the record is incredibly smooth – a classy and refined instrumental. Interestingly, “I’ve Been Lonely For So Long” features a simpler backdrop compared to other soul cuts.  Even so, this more conservative palette is fitting – sufficient by all means.  As for Knight, he sings in a soulful manner without ever over-singing.  His upper register is incredibly sweet yet potent.  He packs the right emotions and expressions bringing the lyrics to life without a hitch.  In the first verse, Knight asserts, “Just can’t seem to get ahead in life / Oh, nothing I do ever turn out right,” before those memorable, contrasting, bassy vocal riffs enter: “Won’t somebody help me please.” In the second verse, he sings, “There’s got to be a better way I know / To shake this monkey off ‘cause he’s making me so…” It all comes down to the agony of loneliness, which is a five-letter word beginning with a B and followed by an itch. Regardless, on “I’ve Been Lonely For So Long”, Knight nails the agony of loneliness from start to finish in a most pleasant way.  

Appears in 🔻:

Frederick Knight, I’ve Been Lonely For So Long: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 118 (2023)

6. Tim Abend, “Should’ve Been Us”

“Should’ve Been Us” // Soir // 2023 

“No fruit is forbidden as long as you keep it hidden.” Ah, forbidden fruit – something desired yet unattainable.  For German singer/songwriter Tim Abend, the unattainable – the forbidden fruit – is H-I-M.  “It should’ve been us / Darling, you know that,” he sings, continuing, “No need to prove it / It should have been me.” Ah, we have a case of internalized homophobia and secrecy. The happy ending is not boy ♂ meets boy ♂ as Abend is saddened because the happy, successful relationship that SHOULD’VE been is not.  He’s not his boyfriend or future husband 😢.  The disheartening scenario of “Should’ve Been Us” makes this record simultaneously difficult to listen to, particularly if you are a member of the LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 community, and superb. 

Tim Abend nails it, plain and simple. He sings authentically and beautifully, truly selling this unfortunate situation.  This, of course, occurs far too often.  An out and proud individual falls for someone who isn’t out for whatever reason, and ultimately, ends up following a heteronormative path.  Abend tells his ex, “Nobody sees you the way that I see you / And you know that, yeah you know that.”  It seems like Abend is encouraging his love interest to be brave, take the plunge – step out of the closet.  Clearly perturbed, Tim makes it clear, “Don’t wanna watch you walk down the aisle / Don’t invite me when the day arrives / Don’t wanna see you be the father of a child that’s not mine / Don’t wanna watch you kiss the bride.” The persistence of Abend is admirable, even if it seems like the end of this relationship is a done deal, which is far too bad.  “Should’ve Been Us” is a reality for far too many – a should’ve been rather than a happy, healthy, loving relationship between two men who love each other.  Don’t let yourself be a should’ve been… allow yourself to live, love, and be happy.  

Appears in 🔻:

Tim Abend, Should’ve Been Us: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 29 (2023)

7. Rev. F.C. Barnes & Company, “You Ought to Been There”

God Will Heal the Land // Atlanta International // 2000

Folks, prepare to be churched ⛪️ with this groovy gospel classic! Exhibit A: “You Ought to Been There / When the Lord saved me / You Ought to Been There  / When He gave me the victory!” Woo! Now that is a good word right there 🙌! On “You Ought to Been There”, Rev. F.C. Barnes & Company speak to the sheer awesomeness, goodness, and mercifulness of The Most High, GOD! Fun fact: The late great Rev. F.C. Barnes’ (1929 – 2011) full name was Faircloth Barnes. Refocusing on the song, the chorus continues, in all its glory: “He put joy down in my soul / Wrote my name on the heavenly roll / You Ought to Been There.”  This is a testimony, delivered through song, intended to spread the word about J-E-S-U-S.

The chorus is the centerpiece, but the verses, with slight variations, also continue to ministry. See Exhibit B: “You Ought to Been There / When I got saved / I never had a feeling like that / In all my days / He picked me up and turned me around / He put my feet on higher ground.” Again, praises – hallelujah 👏! Also, worth noting, there is a superb vamp, based on the phrase, “He saved me,” which further elevates the spiritual high.  All told, “You Ought to Been There”, a BEEN gospel classic, speaks for itself.  

Appears in 🔻:

Rev. F.C. Barnes & Company, You Ought to Been There: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 18 (2023)

8. Mitski, “Should’ve Been Me”

Laurel Hell // Dead Oceans // 2022

“When I saw the girl looked just like me / And it broke my heart, the lengths you went to hold me.” Oh, those pesky, pesky matters of the heart. Mitski sings about them, in all their hellishness on “Should’ve Been Me,” the ninth track from her 2022 album, Laurel Hell. Mitski penned this art-/ indie-pop record, while Patrick Hyland produces. The instrumental is sensational! “Should’ve Been Me” is groovy as albeit from the onset – foot-tapping is inevitable and unavoidable while listening! Furthermore, the backdrop is refined – picturesque with its robust bass, guitars, and marvelous keyboard work. Also, from a harmonic standpoint, there are some surprising moments within the harmonic progression, specifically during the instrumental sections. Of course, Mitski is crucial to the success of this love- and grief-oriented number – her pen and her vocals. Vocally, she’s Cool, calm, and collected, and it’s a surefire vibe. Lyrically, her perspective and reflection on love and grief hit different, particularly in the second verse:

“I’d be going ‘bout my day, until a hand

Would come and lift me out

And drop me in the middle of a labyrinth

Where I’d be stuck a while.”

Also, the chorus is awesome too, where Mitski asserts, “I haven’t given you what you need / You wanted me, but couldn’t reach me / I’m sorry, it should’ve been me.” “Should’ve Been Me” is a winner, PERIOD.

9. BROCKHAMPTON, “I Been Born Again”

GINGER // Question Everything, Inc. / RCA // 2019

From the jump, “I Been Born Again” is nothing short of captivating.  This minimally produced BROCKHAMPTON cut, from their 2019 album, GINGER, commences with an intro courtesy of Bearface. From there, Kevin Abstract drops a sick rap verse, kicked off with the line, “It’s better if I try not to talk about the shit that’s always on my mind.” Perhaps he avoids some of his most personal lines, but does reference his parents and a prevalent topic, sexuality (“Mama in the south still, gold all in my mouth still / Rappin’ ‘bout dick still, and I lease a house still”).  Also, he alludes to the song title a couple of times, namely “Pullin’ triggers in the ‘Lac / Made ‘em pray, stay bad” and “Hope the good Lord catch this, I ain’t tellin’ backwards.” Two unique verses follow by Merlyn Wood and Dom McLennon respectively.  Wood delivers a drippy verse that ends memorably with “She’s so bad, I let her touch my butt / Merlyn, what the fuck?” Dom is tough, playing up the ‘bad’ aspect of the record, asserting at the end, “Tell you basic bitches, ‘I know I’m a nuisance.’” Joba delivers the other lengthy verse, encompassing drugs, sex, individuality, and being proud of his Texan roots.  Like Abstract, he also references the spiritual aspect. Following a colorful bridge, Matt Champion hypes things up at the end on the outro: “S-s-send ‘em out the door / They ain’t knockin’ no more.”  

10. McFadden & Whitehead, “I’ve Been Pushed Aside”

McFadden & Whitehead // Sony Music Entertainment // 1979

“I’ve been pushed aside / Just to make room for another guy.” Ugh, that’s not a great feeling, McFadden & Whitehead! The good news is that “I’ve Been Pushed Aside” is an awesome song that appears on the duo’s 1970 album, McFadden & Whitehead. Not so great, however, is the fact that Gene McFadden (1949 – 2006) and John Whitehead (1948 – 2004) are considered ‘one hit wonders.’ Bummer! Why? Only “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”, which appears on the same album as “I’ve Been Pushed Aside,” charted on the Billboard Hot 100. While the song at hand didn’t earn its just due, it’s a prime example of Philadelphia soul at its finest.

What makes “I’ve Been Pushed Aside” elite? It begins with lush production work, which includes a robust bass line, slick rhythm guitar, keys, strings, and horns. Furthermore, the groove – it’s groovin’ hard, baby! The symphonic approach to disco, funk, and R&B/soul in the 1970s remains timeless – awe-inspiring decades later. Beyond that refined, sophisticated instrumental, McFadden & Whitehead ‘put it work’ with their respective smooth, soulful, and sometimes, gritty vocals. You buy what the duo is selling, particularly given the adverse love situation. I mean, who wants to be pushed aside because their lady opts for another guy? That sucks! What doesn’t suck? The chorus is the most tuneful section of the stellar “I’ve Been Pushed Aside”.

Appears in 🔻:

McFadden & Whitehead, I’ve Been Pushed Aside: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 34 (2024)

11.Queen Latifah, “I Know Where I’ve Been”

Hairspray (Soundtrack) // WaterTower Music / Warner Bros. Entertainment // 2007   

Queen Latifah was originally renowned for her rhyming skills.  However, the Grammy-winner and Academy Award nominee went onto show just how potent and powerful she was as a vocalist.  In the Academy Award-winning film Chicago, she was totally awesome as Matron Mama Morton, particularly from a vocal standpoint.  She was equally superb as “Motormouth” Maybelle Stubbs in the 2007 film version of Hairspray.  Stubbs has two songs from in the film, with no moment being bigger than “I Know Where I’ve Been.” I’d go as far to say that “I Know Where I’ve Been” is one of the best songs to appear in any musical. A song requiring some big vocal chops, Latifah exceeds expectations.  She exhibits great control early on, never forcing things.  Sounding effortless, it’s as if the Queen simply allows the song to come to her.  Of course, “I Know Where I’ve Been” being a gospel-tinged number, soon enough, the bar is raised – dynamic level too!  Queen Latifah begins to dig in, giving a more assertive, rousing vocals, truly impressing with her vocal nuances.  Even as she shows us how accomplished and soulful that she is, she never oversteps or overshoots. 

Appears in 🔻:  

12. Alec Benjamin, “Must Have Been the Wind” 

These Two Windows // 2020   

“Must Have Been the Wind” arrived early during the These Two Windows release cycle. Backtracking a bit, These Two Windows marked the official debut album of sweet-voiced pop singer/songwriter, Alec Benjamin.  The penultimate track from These Two Windows finds Benjamin imparting a story. A heavy record, “Must Have Been the Wind” is about domestic abuse and about the role that a friend of someone who has suffered such abuse has.  “I knew somebody who was in a situation like that, and I wanted to help them out,” he tells Apple Music, “But they weren’t ready to talk about it.  That’s a tough situation to be in as a friend…”  While “Must Have Been the Wind” covers a tough subject, it’s a brilliant heart-on-the-sleeves, thoughtful record tailor-made for Alec.   

Appears in 🔻: 

12 Powerful Songs About the Wind 💨 (2023)

13. Florida Mass Choir, “Have You Been Tried In The Fire”

Lord, You Keep On Proving Yourself to Me // Savoy // 1982

Milton Biggham asks a thought-provoking question: “Have you been tried in the fire?” The response, by the Florida Mass Choir is a resounding, spirited, “YES!” “Have You Been Tried in the Fire” appears on the 1982 album, Lord, You Keep On Proving Yourself to Me. That album title alone deserves an AMEN! In the 7:20 album version, it commences with a thoughtful introduction which references Job, specifically, the adversity he faced. The intro (Biggham) is a marvelous preface to the simple but meaningful, potent chorus from this super slow, minor-key, traditional gospel record. Biggham not only sings lead on this amazing, faith-based cut, but he also composed it. Paul Gainer is responsible for the piano and vocal arrangement, which are also incredible.

The chorus on “Have You Been Tried in the Fire” is perfect execution of call and response form (“Have you been tried in the fire (Yes) /… Did you come through as pure gold”). Biggham delivers a commanding, spirited lead, with the choir keeping the same energy. Biggham follows up with three verses, which speak to being a faithful Christian. In the first verse, Milton calls out the faux Christians, asserting, “But tell me how can you say you know it / When you never bow down to pray?” Essentially, Biggham highlights the importance of actions as a Christian. Notably, in the second verse, he ministers that Christians should be unashamed of being saved, but also adds, “But you really don’t have to tell it, If you live it, the world will know.” Continuing in the same manner, in the third verse, he characterizes Christians as “belong(ing) to the noisy crew / We should when we get happy / That’s the way we Christians do.” All told, “Have You Been Tried in the Fire” is a powerful, gospel record that provides reminders – a checklist, if you will – for Christians. Notably, Killer Mike samples the gospel classic on “YES!” from his Grammy-winning album, MICHAEL.

Appears in 🔻:

Florida Mass Choir, Have You Been Tried In The Fire: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 9 (2024)

13 Marvelous Songs That Have BEEN There (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 19 Recordings Ltd., Alec Benjamin, AWAL, Bold Cut, Craft Recordings, Concord Music Group Inc., Kemosabe, Question Everything Inc., RCA, Savoy, Soir, Sony Music Entertainment, SWIMS Int., Warner Bros. Entertainment, WaterTower Music]

13 Marvelous Songs That Have BEEN There | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on April 15, 2024April 15, 2024