13 Marvelous Songs That Reach for the Stars 🌟 | Playlist 🎧

13 Marvelous Songs That Reach for the Stars 🌟 features Benson Boone, David Bowie, Megan Thee Stallion, Panic! At The Disco & Years & Years. 

As they say, “The STARS are out tonight.” With 🎧 13 Marvelous Songs That Reach for the Stars 🌟, you can rest assured that these starry-eyed 🤩 songs are lit 🔥! 13 Marvelous Songs That Reach for the Stars 🌟 follows numerous star-driven playlists on The Musical Hype. The first, 🎧 15 Songs That Reference Stars, was published in 2018.  None of the songs reappear on this list. 🎧 Star: 5ive Songs No. 84 (2021), arrived in 2021 while 🎧 More Stars: 5ive Songs No. 48 (2022) arrived in 2022.  Four songs from Star: 5ive Songs No. 84 (2021) and all five of the songs from More Stars: 5ive Songs No. 48 (2022) appear on 13 Marvelous Songs That Reach for the Stars 🌟. That means there are four additional songs that have never been stars – rather, they have never appeared on star-centered lists!

Okay, okay – this intro is out of control! Let’s speed things up! 🎧 13 Marvelous Songs That Reach for the Stars 🌟 features music courtesy of 🎙 Benson Boone, 🎙 David Bowie, 🎙 Megan Thee Stallion, 🎙 Panic! At The Disco, and 🎙 Years & Years among others. So, without further delay, let’s reach for the stars in this 13-song musical compendium!

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1. Panic! At The Disco, “Star Spangled Banger”

💿 Viva Las Vengeance • 🏷 Fueled By Ramen • 📅 2022

Naturally, when you see the title, 🎵 “Star Spangled Banger,” the first thing that comes to mind is “The Star-Spangled Banner”.  Of course, this is no traditional national anthem by 🎙 Brendon Urie and 🎙 Panic! At the Disco on their seventh studio album, 💿 Viva Las Vengeance.  With “Star Spangled Banger,’ Urie has penned something new and left of center.

“We are the kids from the underground

We are the new mainstream

We are the mass hysteria

In the land of the brave / Home of the freaks.”

Indeed! Brendon expounds beyond the chorus, mentioning a lip ring and an utterly average GPA (that non-conformist spirit).  He also shows pride for Las Vegas, and, perhaps, speaks about finding refuge in music.  It is a banger, indeed!

Appears in 🔻:

• More Stars: 5ive Songs No. 48 (2022)

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2. Megan Thee Stallion, “Star” (Ft. Lucky Daye)

💿 Traumazine • 🏷 1501 Certified Entertainment / 300 Entertainment • 📅 2022 

“You gotta be a star to jump over the moon so when you touch on me / You’re a shootin’ star, oh yeah,” 🏆 Grammy-winner 🎙 Megan Thee Stallion asserts on 🎵 “Star.”  “Star” appears as the 14^th track on er 2022 studio album, 💿 Traumazine, which debuted in the top five on the Billboard 200.  On this more melodic record from Megan, there’s an R&B sensibility, further accentuated by an appearance by fellow 🏆 Grammy-winner, 🎙 Lucky Daye.

“Star” Commences with a rhythmic intro sans drums.  Soon enough, the bass enters the mix, prior to the appearance of claps on beats two and four.  Eventually, the listener is privy to the fully developed groove, which has a chill, kinder, and gentler aesthetic.  Even with the cooler, more melodic vibes of “Star” in play, Megan Thee Stallion still gets her agile, unapologetic, and un-pitched bars in. What is ‘Thee’ biggest assertion? It’s on the chorus, of course, when she confidently states, “I’m a superstar, I’m a motherfuckin’ superstar / Must be crazy.” Yup, that sounds on brand for her! Giving some love to Lucky Daye, he delivers expressive, soulful pipes.  Ultimately, he complements and provides a nice contrast to Megan in this star-reaching moment from Traumazine.  I’ll leave you with this transcendent lyric from Thee Stallion: “And any bitch after Megan probably wanna be me.”

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3. The Weeknd, “Starry Eyes”

💿 Dawn FM • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2022

“I only met you in my dreams before / When I was young and alone in the world.” Interesting, 🎙 The Weeknd, interesting. Please, continue. “You were there when I need someone / To call my girl / And now, you’re my reality.” Sounds like L-O-V-E to me.  Certainly, on 🎵 “Starry Eyes,” The Weeknd makes a paradigm shift.  Throughout his fifth studio album, 💿 Dawn FM, he shows different perspectives regarding love.  Early on, he runs away from it. As the album progresses, he embraces it.

“Starry Eyes” is a perfect example where The Weeknd embraces that universal four-letter word.  This shift begins with the preceding song, 🎵 “Is There Someone Else?” but it is “Starry Eyes” where he’s all-in. The 🏆 Grammy-winning superstar wants to assure her he’ll do right by her – “Let me be there for your heart / Let me love you.”  He adds, “You weren’t touched by a man in so long / ‘Cause the last time, it was way too strong.” He wants to be here everything – “Make it my responsibility / I’ll be there every step of the way.”  Wow! There are, however, some lyrics that stand out amongst the rest at the end.  One Genius annotator hypothesizes these could be addressed to critical fans:

“Back then, I was starry-eyed

And now I’m so cynical

Baby, break me

Kick me to the curb.”

Intriguing for sure!

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Anatomical Songs – To Some Degree º
• More Stars: 5ive Songs No. 48 (2022) 

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4. Kacey Musgraves, “Star-crossed”

💿 Star-crossed • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. / MCA Nashville • 📅 2021

“Let me set the scene / Two lovers ripped right at the seams.” Early on 🎵 “Star-crossed,” 🏆 Grammy winner 🎙 Kacey Musgraves sets the tone on her fourth studio album, 💿 Star-crossed.  She’s honest and transparent about divorcing 🎙 Ruston Kelly, sans naming him explicitly.

Notably, “Star-crossed” features one sole verse post-intro, followed by a reflective chorus and an outro. On the outro, the titular lyrics are uttered far more times than I care to count.  Listeners have become accustomed to Musgraves not sounding country. That is the case in “Star-crossed” which incorporates psychedelic, dreamy synths, which represent romance now expired.

Appears in 🔻:

• Star: 5ive Songs No. 84 (2021)

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5. Benson Boone, “In The Stars”

💿 Walk Me Home… (EP) • 🏷 Night Street / Warner • 📅 2022

“I’m screaming at a God, I don’t know if I believe in / ‘Cause I don’t know what else I can do.” Now that’s a faith crisis, right there! 🎵 “In The Stars” marked my very first-time hearing 🎙 Benson Boone.  We all know first times are special, and that was the case hearing “In the Stars.” In the context of his debut EP, 💿 Walk Me Home…, “In The Stars” marks Boone’s third consecutive ballad, which might ordinarily feel a bit monotonous.

However, this medium – big-voiced song – is where a gifted artist like him is at his best.  Beyond his exceptional vocal on “In The Stars,” Boone’s songwriting, alongside 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Jason Evigan (also produces) and 🎼 ✍ Michael Pollack, is elite.  What makes it so elite? Thematically, it encompasses loss: “Now you’re in the stars and six feet’s never felt so far.”

Appears in 🔻:

• More Stars: 5ive Songs No. 48 (2022)
• Star: 5ive Songs No. 84 (2021)

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6. Britney Spears, “Swimming in the Stars”

💿 Glory [Deluxe] • 🏷 RCA • 📅 2020

After 🎵 “Mood Ring (By Demand)” arrived on a reissued version of 🎙 Britney Spears’ 2016 studio album, 💿 Glory, another previously unheard cut, 🎵 “Swimming in the Stars” arrived in December 2020.  🎛️ Matthew Koma  gives the pop queen 🔥 production to do work with.  It’s lush, sleek, smooth – perfect for Spears to put in work.   Obviously, she’s not, um, particularly renowned for her voice itself.  That’s no shade, as it’s always been more about the sound of the record, as well as the degree of infectiousness.  That’s partially the case here on “Swimming in the Stars.” That said, as far as her vocals are concerned, she delivers some nice moments on this moderate ballad.

What’s the theme of “Swimming in the Stars?” Carefree, dedicated love.  Essentially, Britney and her guy are going all-in on the relationship.  “In gravity’s arms we’ll drown,” she sings on the chorus, continuing, “The world is ours / When we’re swimming in the stars.” “Swimming in the Stars” is positive for both Britney and her multitude of fans.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: December 2020
• Star: 5ive Songs No. 84 (2021)

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7. Tank, “You’re My Star”

💿 Stronger • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 2014

“Can’t describe this feeling in my soul / And I can’t help but stare you got that glow.” Ooh-wee! 🎙 Tank (Durrell Babbs) is incredibly complimentary of this nameless on 🎵 “You’re My Star,” one of the 🏆 Grammy-nominated R&B artist’s best songs of his career.  Even if my praise for “You’re My Star” ranking near the top of his catalog is too lofty for some, I don’t think it’s too lofty to call this one, if not the best moment from his 2014 album, 💿 Stronger. “You’re My Star” commences Stronger with a surefire B-A-N-G!

The bright production and optimism of “You’re My Star” bode well in Tank’s favor. Another selling point, specifically regarding production, is the use of a sample.  Specifically, Babbs looks to 🎙 The Jacksons’ 🎵 “This Place Hotel (Heartbreak Hotel)” for a lift.  The lift it provides is huge.  Staying in the production and musical lane, the breakdown section – an extended coda – with the sick-sounding drums might be the best part of the entire song! Of course, can’t leave out the silky smooth but commanding vocals of Tank who exemplifies grown-n-sexy.  Wouldn’t this woman be foolish not to indulge into what Mr. Babbs is serving up?

“You’re my star

This is dedicated to my star

I’m so infatuated with who you are

My star, my star, my star

Up high, but not too far

Only you, you’re my star.”

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8. Years & Years, “Starstruck”

💿 Night Call • 🏷 Polydor • 📅 2022

Once a three-person collective, 🎙 Years & Years vis now a solo act by front man 🎙 Olly Alexander. Despite the changes, Olly has totally got us 🎵 “Starstruck” with his new single. “Starstruck” was written by Alexander alongside 🎼✍ Clarence Coffee Jr., 🎼✍ Mark Ralph, and 🎼✍ Nathaniel Ledwidge.  Ralph and Ledwidge produce this bright sounding, energetic pop cut, set to appear on Y&Y’s 2022 album, 💿 Night Call. With a great backdrop behind him, Olly delivers assertive vocals that are colorful, nuanced, and filled with personality.  His tone is stunning.

In addition to his singing, Olly ‘puts in some work’ with his pen, delivering some fun lyrics (“If I could bottle you up / I would sip ya like cosmic juice”). Of course, the centerpiece is none other than the chorus which is hella catchy.  Furthermore, the brightness ascends to an even higher level.

“I can’t help it

I get starstruck around you

What can I do baby?”

Quite a relatable sentiment.  In addition to the love-centric lyrics, “Starstruck” is well organized regarding form.  Years & Years keeps it standard with verse, pre-chorus, chorus, and later, a breakdown section, which serves as a bridge essentially (“Starstruck / Not giving you up”). All boxes are checked off on “Starstruck”:  strong vocals, catchy songwriting, and ear catching production.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: April 2021
• ‘S’ Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2
• A Must-Hear PRIDE 🏳️‍🌈 Compendium: 2021
• Star: 5ive Songs No. 84 (2021)

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9. Cheryl Freeman, LaChanze, Veneese Thomas, Lillias White, Roz Ryan, Disney, “A Star Is Born”

💿 Hercules (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • 🏷 Disney • 📅 1997 

“Bless my soul, Herc was on a roll!” Let me just say, the 1990s was an awesome time to be a grow up in, specifically because it marked the Disney Renaissance.  During this time, Disney made some of their best, most memorable animated features. Included in that masterful phase was Hercules, an animated feature that totally contrasted every other feature before it.  The Ancient Greek art influences gave animators a wide, colorful palette.  Musically, Hercules is equally innovative, particularly when The Muses are singing. 🎵 “Zero to Hero” is probably their best moment, but don’t underestimate the amazing, gospel-tinged gem, 🎵 “A Star is Born.”

“He’s a hero who can please the crowd

(A star is born)

Come on everybody, shout out loud

(A star is born).”

“A Star is Born” was written by 🎼 ✍ Alan Menken (music) and 🎼 ✍ David Zippel (lyrics).  Both music and lyrics are integral to this record’s success.  The lyrics speak to Hercules’ ascent as a hero.  They are written in the style of a call-and-response gospel song, which is brilliant.  Musically, Menken constructs that gospel-Broadway-soundtrack sound, helping to build excitement with numerous key changes. Also, beyond the sound, key changes, and change of feel – much like on “Zero to Hero” – keeps this brief but thrilling number exciting. Last and certainly not least, I must acknowledge the performers – those sweet Muses! This favorite from Hercules was performed by 🎙 Cheryl Freeman, 🎙 LaChanze, 🎙 Veneese Thomas, 🎙 Lillias White, and 🎙 Roz Ryan.  Their voices are high-flying, providing a truly electrifying performance.  No, this isn’t a church song but hearing those type of vibes makes you want to wave your hand and perhaps, testify!

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10. Tommy Newport & EARTHGANG, “Stargazer”

🎵 “Stargazer” • 🏷 Real Dirty Boy / Silk Ivory Inc. • 📅 2021 

“Speed racer, heartbreaker / I can feel it comin’,” 🎙 Tommy Newport sings expressively on 🎵 “Stargazer”.  He continues the infectious centerpiece, the chorus, singing, “Maybe start later, stargazer / I can see you runnin’.”  The alternative musician sets the tone marvelously on “Stargazer,” the epitome of a VIBE. He collaborates with the gift that is 🎙 EARTHGANG.

Backed by a potent production that mixes some classic cues with contemporary freshness, Newport and EARTHGANG have ample fuel for the fire.  🎙 Doctur Dot gets right to work on the first verse, serving up chill vibes and plenty of swagger with his potent flow.  “So, what’s the point in fightin’ nature?” he spits, continuing, “You’d rather get to chuggin’ and say, ‘Fuck it, I don’t blame you.’” Read into things more, and clearly, matters of the heart are in play.  Newport follows with a colorful pre-chorus that features sweet falsetto, contrasting the chorus he unveils at the jump. 🎙 Johnny Venus drops awesome bars in his own right on the second verse.  “Relationships become performative for your enjoyment / Fakin’ the funk, no love,” he raps, adding, “You hit the target audience, you play me like accordion / According to the bro code, I’d be a fool if I took you back.” Woo! Man, oh man, there’s so much to like about “Stargazer.” This record checks off boxes in the production, performance, and songwriting department.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: April 2021
• ‘S’ Songs: No Rhyme or Reason, Vol. 2
• Star: 5ive Songs No. 84 (2021)

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11. Bruce Springsteen, “Western Stars”

💿 Western Stars • 🏷 Bruce Springsteen • 📅 2019 

💿 Western Stars, the 2019 studio album 🎙 Bruce Springsteen, gives the by iconic, 🏆 Grammy-winning rock musician another fantastic addition to his illustrious discography.  No, ‘The Boss’ doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but he didn’t need to.  Western Stars showcases Springsteen as the ‘well-oiled machine’ of a musician that he is. Among the fine moments from this conceptual affair is the title track.

“On the set, the makeup girl brings me two raw eggs and a shot of gin / Then I give it all up for that little blue pill / That promises to bring it all back to you again.” 🎵 “Western Stars” was released as an advance single. In the context of Western Stars, expectedly, it continues the western aesthetic without a hitch.  Springsteen references canyons, the desert, Oklahoma, cowboys, and all things associated with the west.  Yes, ‘The Boss’ has done this previously, but he remains potent here.  Also, worth noting, regarding the songwriting, it’s interesting how he uses varying choruses each time; he doesn’t stick to just one form.

Appears in 🔻:

• 17 Songs Characterized by Their Place
• More Stars: 5ive Songs No. 48 (2022)

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12. Smash Mouth, “All Star”

💿 Astro Lounge • 🏷 Interscope • 📅 1999

“Hey now, you’re an all star / Get your game on, go play.” Woo! If you grew up in the 1990s, there’s no day-um way that you escaped the song, 🎵 “All Star”. “Somebody once told me the world is gonna roll me / I ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed…” “All Star,” with its memorable, quotable lyrics, was everywhere – one of those truly ubiquitous songs! Honestly, 🎙 Smash Mouth should give thanks to the gods for their top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Amazingly, “All Star” only peaked at no. 4, which, being a 90s kid through and through, sounds crazy! Regardless, “All Star” is a triple platinum single, while 💿 Astro Lounge peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard 200 and also earned a triple platinum certification from the RIAA.

The biggest draw of “All Star” is its infectious chorus, PERIOD.  Excerpted above, it continues as follows, in all its nostalgic, late 90s glory:

“Hey now, you’re a rock star

Get the show on, get paid

And all that glitters is gold

Only shootin’ stars break the mold.”

What a vibe, a vibe, a vibe! Beyond the chorus, and the lit, guitar-heavy backdrop, the tuneful verses, and the agile pre-chorus serve as big-time selling points.  Even if you didn’t experience the 1990s, “All Star” is required listening.  Did you know, “All Star” was nominated for a 🏆 Grammy?

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13. David Bowie, “Blackstar”

💿 Blackstar • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 2016

The exceptionalness of the 🏆 Grammy-winning, 💿 Blackstar, the final studio album by icon 🎙 David Bowie, showcases the just how brilliant he was.  Even past his prime Bowie recorded an album that easily exhibited more ambition than most by artists half his age. Although much of the attention surrounding Blackstar focused on “Lazarus” (even more so following his death), 🎵 “Blackstar” is the centerpiece – the tour de force.

“Blackstar” is the most ambitious song on the album, hands down. Bowie truly outdoes himself.  Dark, enigmatic, and chilling, it grips the listener from the start despite its ten-minute duration. Even when “Blackstar” has ‘happier’ moments with major chords, it remains overwhelmingly dark, twisted, and hellish. Possibly, “Blackstar” was written about ISIS, but that’s unconfirmed. Despite its utter ‘blackness,’ “Blackstar” has a beauty about it, thanks to Middle Eastern musical cues coupled with elements of jazz and soul.  It’s a ‘delightful’ 10 minutes by all means.

Appears in 🔻:

• 12 Songs That Are Either Black or White
• 11 Incredibly Intriguing, Totally Black Songs
• 11 Superb Songs, Five Minutes or More
• More Stars: 5ive Songs No. 48 (2022)

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13 Marvelous Songs That Reach for the Stars 🌟 [📷: 300 Entertainment, 1501 Certified Entertainment, AWGE, Brent Faulkner, Bruce Springsteen, Disney, Fueled By Ramen, Interscope, MCA Nashville, The Musical Hype, Night Street, Polydor, RCA, Real Dirty Boy, Republic, Silk Ivory Inc., Timothée Duran, UMG Recordings, Inc. Warner]

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