Reading Time: 21 min read

13 More ABOUT Songs That Are Totally ‘Bout It (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; MARTINS JOHN from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]13 More ABOUT Songs That Are Totally ‘Bout It features songs by BigXthaPlug, Bonnie Raitt, Dom Innarella, Jonah Kagen, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige.

“Promise me that you will sing ABOUT me.”
Ah, an epic Kendrick Lamar song from his should-have-been-awarded tour de force, good kid, m.A.A.d City. Singer-songwriter Jonah Kagen asks a thought-provoking question: “Why are we talking ABOUT Jesus? / Baby, that never helps / Yeah, love, we’re all sinners; daddy’s going to hell.” Wow 😮! As for Bonnie Raitt, she memorably sang, “Let’s give ‘em somethin’ to talk about / How about love, love, love?” Indeed, Bonnie, indeed 🤘.  The keyword in all three of the songs referenced is ABOUT.  The Musical Hype proudly presents 13 More ABOUT Songs That Are Totally ‘Bout It.

13 More ABOUT Songs That Are Totally ‘Bout It is a sequel.  We… I love sequels on The Musical Hype as they tend to be much more fulfilling than hit-or-miss movie sequels (those can suck).  Because there are so many about songs, there is always an endless amount of lists that can be compiled based on that word.  This list follows up 11 ABOUT Songs That Are Totally ‘Bout It (2025).  In this edition, I even added two more songs – 13 > 11! 13 More ABOUT Songs That Are Totally ‘Bout It features songs by BigXthaPlug, Bonnie Raitt, Dom Innarella, Jonah Kagen, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige. So, without further ado, let’s be ABOUT these ABOUT songs… or something like that!


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1. Jonah Kagen, “Talkin’ About Jesus”

Jonah Kagen, Talkin’ About Jesus [📷: Arista Records]

2. Mary J. Blige, “Come See About Me”

Mary J. Blige, Good Morning Gorgeous [📷: Mary Jane Productions / 300 Entertainment]

3. Johnny “Guitar” Watson, “It’s All About You”

Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Listen [📷: Craft Recordings / Concord]

4. BigXthaPlug, “About You” (Ft. Tucker Wetmore)

BigXthaPlug, I Hope You’re Happy [📷: BigXthaPlug / UnitedMasters LLC]

5. Dom Innarella, “Bout Me”

Dom Innarella, Bout Me [📷: broke / Pack Records]

6. Ezra Williams, “A Shitty Gay Song About You”

Ezra Williams, A Shitty Gay Song About You [📷: Smoothboi]

7. Gerald Levert, “Thinkin’ Bout It”

Gerald Levert, Love & Consequences [📷: Elektra]

8. Kendrick Lamar, “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst”

Kendrick Lamar, good Kid m.A.A.d City [📷: Interscope]

9. Bonnie Raitt, “Something to Talk About”

Bonnie Raitt, Luck of the Draw [📷: Capitol]

10. The Supremes, “Come See About Me”

The Supremes, Where Did Our Love Go [📷: Motown]

11. Stevie Wonder, “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”

Stevie Wonder, Innervisions [📷: Motown]

12. Lyn Collins, “Think (About It)”

Lyn Collins, Think (About It) [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.]

13. Tammi Terrell, “All I Do Is Think About You”

Tammi Terrell, Come On and See Me: The Complete Solo Collection [📷: Motown / UMG Recordings, Inc.]

 


1. Jonah Kagen, “Talkin’ About Jesus”

“Talkin’ About Jesus” » Arista Records » 2026

Jonah Kagen, Talkin’ About Jesus [📷: Arista Records]

“But I know love should feel good, and I know you feel good.”
Georgia singer-songwriter Jonah Kagen’s music goes hard, in an alternative, Americana, and folky kind of way.  On “Talkin’ About Jesus”, Kagen takes us to church – hallelujah! No, it’s not because he’s praising Jesus, but because of the top-notch vocal performance and the descriptive, honest songwriting.  Kagen wrote and produced the impressive single himself.

“Talkin’ About Jesus” commences with an enigmatic, intense drone. With the entrance of sustained chords, the rhythm increases. Eventually, it settles into an alternative record. The star of the show is Kagen, who impresses with his expressive, gritty vocals.  The coarse nature of his vocals is striking.  Something else that is striking is the honesty of the songwriting, exemplified by the excerpted lyrics from the first verse.  Jonah seems to fancy this woman… “You look so nice in this light / Yeah, you got mountains in your eyes with a sunset,” he sings in the second verse, and continues, “Yeah, God painted that / What I would give to see you again, just to paint you like a work of art.” Oh, snap! There are plenty of spiritual references, including in the crème de la crème, the chorus. The chorus is melodious and memorable including a prominent f-bomb!

“Why are we talking about Jesus?

Baby, that never helps

Yeah, love, we’re all sinners, daddy’s going to hell

I got this love in me and no one to tell

God, just fuckin’ kiss me, I don’t want no one else

I don’t want no one else.”

Why is it that holy fuck feels appropriate here? Anyway, “Talkin’ About Jesus” probably should be avoided like the plague… in church that is! But, Jonah Kagen wows, sinful ways and all! This Georgia boy has got it!

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2. Mary J. Blige, “Come See About Me”

Good Morning Gorgeous » Mary Jane Productions Inc. / 300 Entertainment » 2022

Mary J. Blige, Good Morning Gorgeous [📷: Mary Jane Productions / 300 Entertainment]

“Come, come and see about me / You know I’m really in a good mood / I bought a coast for you / Match that, so we can have two.”
Two coasts, Mary J. Blige?! D-d-damn, that’s too bougie for me, girl! While the high luxury is way out of my tax bracket, something that is affordable is listening to “Come See About Me,” a highlight from Blige’s Grammy-nominated 2022 album, Good Morning Gorgeous. Blige, Ant Clemons, Jozzy, Cool & Dre, and Leon Michels composed this classic-sounding gem.

“Come See About Me” possesses an old-school vibe that catches the ear. No, Blige hasn’t been characterized as a neo-soul artist in her illustrious career, but she’s released records that qualify. She’s such a versatile musician that she can sing in any style.  Come See About Me” qualifies as one of those incredibly soulful moments that preserve the sanctity of soul music. Cool N Dre and Leon Michels provide her with a classy backdrop that helps fuel the fire. Also fueling MJB? Matters of the heart, of course – L-O-V-E, baby! “Something ’bout your loving always keep me jumping,” she asserts in the second verse, and continues, “Pop one out the oven, watch me bake.” Oh, snap! Also, worth noting, in the pre-chorus, she talks about mutual moviemaking… 👀 I’ll leave that right there.  Ultimately, “Come See About Me” ranks among her strongest vocal performances on the album. Fabolous joins MJB on the remix, which appears as the final track on Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe).

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3. Johnny “Guitar” Watson, “It’s All About You”

Listen » Craft Recordings / Concord » 1973

Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Listen [📷: Craft Recordings / Concord]

“It’s all about you / All about you, girl.”
Woo! “Yeah, baby!” Johnny “Guitar” Watson (1935 – 1996) dropped a masterpiece with the bluesy It’s All About You.  Unfortunately, more folks haven’t heard about the fourth track from his 1973 album, Listen.  If we’re being honest, not enough folks know about the talented Texas musician.  What you should know, however, is that “It’s All About You” is a must-hear, PERIODT. It was written and produced by Watson, renowned for his guitar skills as well as his voice. 

It’s All About You cooks from the jump. The laid-back, funky groove and vibrant musical backdrop oozes with soul. The stunning arrangement includes the band, as well as ultra-sophisticated orchestrations: warm, sometimes biting winds and dramatic, lush strings. Expectedly, there are superb guitar riffs, courtesy of Johnny “Guitar” Watson himself. The fat bass line, against that irresistible groove, further accentuates the musical excellence.  Beyond the incredible instrumental moments, Johnny “Guitar” Watson brings it on vocals.  He is incredibly expressive – you buy what he’s selling. And baby, undoubtedly, it’s all about you! The chorus, excerpted earlier, led by the titular lyric, is the section to beat. Soul group Maxayn is also credited with contributing vocals. The music speaks for itself on It’s All About You, which exemplifies an underrated soul gem filled with top-notch musicianship.  

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4. BigXthaPlug, “About You” (Ft. Tucker Wetmore)

I Hope You’re Happy » BigXthaPlug / UnitedMasters LLC » 2025

 BigXthaPlug, I Hope You’re Happy [📷: BigXthaPlug / UnitedMasters LLC]

“If I could put a price tag on my heart, I swear I’d sell it / First classed it when I mailed it.”
Now that is quite a line, BigXthaPlug (Xavier Landum)! Those lyrics hail from the first verse of “About You”, the penultimate cut on his 2025 country-rap album, I Hope You’re Happy. Assisting him on “About You” is Tucker Wetmore, who sings the crème de la crème, the chorus:

“Go ahead and make it about you

Keep telling yourself, I put you through hell

And how my heart is breaking without you

Baby, don’t flatter yourself

I don’t miss the crazy; I don’t miss the lies

I don’t miss a damn thing; spin it how you like

I know you’re gonna do what you always do

Go ahead and make it about you.”

Damn, Tucker! He sings authentically with great expression. His tone is superb on this epic, ultra-melodious chorus.  Meanwhile, he and BigXthaPlug are backed by countrified hip-hop production. Checking back in with the star, BigX is on point during both of his verses. The cadence and flow are compelling to the nth degree. The rapper paints a picture of a bad, selfish ex: “But for you I never changed, I dealt with all your wrong / I even tried to fix your ways to get you back on track / But then you left me for that train, now I’m sittin’ here in pain…” I don’t wish the heartbreak on either artist, but their pain is our listening pleasure on “About You” without a doubt!

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5. Dom Innarella, “Bout Me”

“Bout Me” » broke / Pack Records » 2025

Dom Innarella, Bout Me [📷: broke / Pack Records]

“Somethin’ tells me that you’re thinking ‘bout me / When you come around me.”
Maybe, and maybe not, as Dom Innarella continues, “Tell me, can you see it clear as day, or is it cloudy?” Hmm. It’s not often I comment on songs recorded by teenagers.  All ages are welcome on The Musical Hype, but most artists are at least 20.  Not Dom, who was only 14 when “Bout Me” was released. The talented kid keeps it short and sweet, to the tune of two minutes. He also focuses on the universal topic of – wait for it – LOVE!

Dom’s young, but there’s lots to like about “Bout Me.” The song thrives on silky-smooth R&B-infused pop production. Innarella keeps the same energy with his refined vocals. His performance is filled with swagger – he’s cooler than most kids his age. I love the cool, rhythmic nature of the pre-chorus, where he asserts, “Girl, you and me both / Please do not lower your standards for him ‘cause he on the sea floor / Just give me your heart, baby, I can change it.” Oh, snap, Dom! Of course, the crème de la crème, the crowning achievement, is the chorus.  The chorus is melodious and rhythmic, featuring catchy, memorable lyrics.

“‘Cause when I’m with you (You)

I just wanna run away

Just give me the time and place

And we can be everything we ever wanted

‘Cause when I’m with you (You)

My troubles just fade away

I would give you anything, to you.”

Moving on to the second verse, it has plenty of hip-hop/pop-rap vibes.  After all, Dom says, “She fly, match my tone / I stay in my lane, she stay in her own.” Woo! Honestly, I wish I’d had the swagger Dom Innarella has at his age. “Bout Me” is a vibe for a song released by someone so young.

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6. Ezra Williams, “A Shitty Gay Song About You”

“A Shitty Gay Song About You” » Smoothboi » 2018

Ezra Williams, A Shitty Gay Song About You [📷: Smoothboi]

“Watching my fish swim in my room / Floating around, I think of you.”
Noted, Ezra Williams (they/them). The Irish singer-songwriter continues, “No rhyme or reason, you’re just in my head / And I’m alone in my bed.” That loneliness is a bear… I know from experience. Williams keeps things succinct in their 2018 single, “A Shitty Gay Song About You”. How succinct? Well, the shitty gay song, which isn’t shitty at all, clocks in under two minutes in duration.  Throughout, Williams expresses their feelings about someone they like. In the second verse, they listen to songs that their love interest is into, even if they don’t like them.

In the third verse, they assert, “I know that I can make [your shitty life] better,” adding, “And I’m not saying I’d be the best boyfriend / But I’d always lend you my sweatshirt / When you’re cold.” Unfortunately for Ezra, her love is an unrequited one.  In the chorus, she reveals, “When I’m not around you don’t care / And when I make a sound you don’t know that I’m there.” This is confirmed in the fourth and final verse, where Williams sings, “You’re oblivious to my feelings and that’s fine,” hoping they’ll add “A Shitty Gay Song About You” to “a playlist of your favorite songs of all times.” Williams’ unrequited experience is universally experienced. It sucks, but, they turn it into a compelling song. A little ukulele, glockenspiel, and vocals go a long way.

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7. Gerald Levert, “Thinkin’ Bout It”

Love & Consequences  » Elektra Entertainment Group » 1998

Gerald Levert, Love & Consequences [📷: Elektra]

“All this time I’ve been sleeping with you / You been sleeping with me / You been stroking him and loving him / And kissing him and hugging him.”
The late, great Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Gerald Levert (1966 – 2026) didn’t feel his significant other’s unfaithfulness on one of the biggest hits of his career, “Thinkin’ Bout It”. The 1998 single, which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, appears on one of his best solo albums, the platinum-certified Love & Consequences. Notably, “Thinkin’ Bout It” is one of just two singles by the late musician certified gold, both of which hail from Love & Consequences.

A six-and-a-half-minute song rarely ends up being a pop hit, but that’s exactly what happened with “Thinkin’ Bout It.” Honestly, it’s just that ‘damn good,’ partially quoting another fantastic Gerald Levert hit. In addition to colorfully depicting his significant other’s unfaithfulness and threatening to leave her (narrative-driven songwriting by Antoinette Roberson, Darrell “Delite” Allamby, and Lincoln Browder), “Thinkin’ Bout It” shines thanks to soulful vocals and idiomatic, adult contemporary R&B production (Allamby).  I mean, that incredible, lazy bass line sells itself – WOO! The groove is none too shabby either, giving that 90s hip-hop/R&B aesthetic.  Gerald drops plenty of memorable one-liners, including when he confronts her in the second verse: “If you keep givin’ it up and cuttin’ up / And act too fast and givin’ up the ass / I love you, but I had enough / Do it again, it’s gonna be your last.” WOO! The bridge is a highlight too, with its contrast in harmonic progression, clearly separating itself from the verses and chorus.  Still, it is the chorus that reigns supreme as the crowning achievement:

All this time, All this time (I’ve been sleepin’ with you,)
I’ve been sleepin’ with you
(You’ve been sleepin’ with me) You’ve been sleepin’ with me, baby
(And you’ve been strokin’ him and lovin’ him)
You’ve been strokin’ him. (And kissin’ him and huggin’ him.)
(Oh wow.)
You’ve been creepin’ with him
He’s been sexin’ your friend
And I got you thinkin’ ’bout it, thinkin’ ’bout it.”

“Thinkin’ Bout It” = one of Gerald Levert’s best, hands down. 

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8. Kendrick Lamar, “Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst”

good kid, m.A.A.d city » Aftermath / Interscope Records » 2012

Kendrick Lamar, good Kid m.A.A.d City [📷: Interscope]

“Promise me that you will sing about me.”
I don’t need to say it again, but I will. We all know that Kendrick Lamar was robbed at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.  There is no way in hell that Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ The Heist should ever beat Kendrick’s first masterpiece, good kid, m.A.A.d city, “Thrift Shop” or not (not “fucking awesome” in the least)! The deep good kid, m.A.A.d city is filled with high-flying moments, including the epic, 12-minute-long 10th track, “Sing About Me, I’m Dying Of Thirst”. “Sing About Me, I’m Dying Of Thirst” was written by Kendrick Lamar, Alan Bergman, Duane Hitchings, Like, Marilyn Bergman, and Quincy Jones (!). Notably, the song samples Grant Green (“Maybe Tomorrow”), Bill Withers (“Use Me”), and The Singers Unlimited ( “My Romance”).  Like, Skhye Hutch, and Sounwave produced it.

“Sing About Me, I’m Dying Of Thirst” is lengthy but jam-packed, NO CAP! This is a two-part song: “Sing About Me” and “I’m Dying of Thirst.” It is during “Sing About Me” that the jazzy, soulful vibes are in full force.  That repeated Grant Green guitar riff, primarily, and Bill Withers’ rhythmic drum groove create some decadent ear candy.  Throw in the gorgeous, lush strings, and “Sing About Me” is sublime.  Ensuring the opening seven-minute portion is EVERYTHING is Kendrick Lamar, who compels with his cadence and flow. His rhymes are alluring  and real, imparted through masterful storytelling:

“I know exactly what happened

You ran outside when you heard my brother cry for help

Held him like a newborn baby and made him feel

Like everything was alright in a fight he tried to put up

But the type of bullet that stuck

Had went against his will, that’s blood spilled on your hands.”

There is a lot to unpack in “Sing About Me,” best experienced by listening to the source, Kendrick.  His distinct singing on the melodious chorus is sweet, too.

“When the lights shut off and it’s my turn

To settle down, my main concern

Promise that you will sing about me

Promise that you will sing about me.”

Following three verses, four choruses, and an outro, a skit demarcates “Sing About Me” and “Dying of Thirst.” The skit is capped off with the assertion, “Fuck! I’m tired of this shit / I’m tired of fuckin’ runnin’; I’m tired of this shit! My brother, homie!” It’s dramatic, prefacing the more intense “I’m Dying of Thirst.” The first lyric that K-Dot spits in the first verse: “Tired of runnin’, uh, tired of huntin’, uh / My own kind, but retirin’ nothin’, uh.” Essentially, Kendrick and his homies are in trouble. Seeking to avenge the death of a friend/brother, their endeavors are reckless, with a strong likelihood of increasing the tragedy. He paints a picture of the roughness of the hood, his many sins, and his search for something to quench his thirst.  In most cases, the things that he believes will quench his thirst won’t.  Ultimately, it is being saved – faith – that straightens him out. Beyond the intense theme and lyrics, there is also an intense, pummeling beat.  Adding some sweetness, however, is the thoughtful The Singers Unlimited vocal sample.  By the end of “Dying of Thirst,” specifically the skit, Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014) helps Kendrick become saved, memorably stating, “See, you young men are dying of thirst / Do you know what that means? / That means you need water, holy water / You need to be baptized with the spirit of the Lord.” As Kendrick Lamar would later name his Pulitzer Prize winning, I say, DAMN.  And, to echo my bone to pick with the Recording Academy, how could you slight good kid, m.A.A.d city in favor of The Heist?!  The complex, conceptual, and nuanced “Sing About Me, I’m Dying Of Thirst” was more than enough for Kendrick Lamar to earn his first Grammy win. An essay could be written about the song itself. 

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9. Bonnie Raitt, “Something to Talk About”

Luck Of The Draw » Capitol » 1991

Bonnie Raitt, Luck of the Draw [📷: Capitol]

“People are talkin’, talkin’ ‘bout people / I hear them whisper (Uh-huh), you won’t believe it.”
Ooh-wee! People are always gonna talk! Moving on beyond people talkin’, at least temporarily, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Bonnie Raitt (b. 1949) is a prime example of a musician who experienced a substantial career revival.  This revival began in 1989 with her Grammy-winning album, Nick of Time.  The revival continued with her electrifying, Grammy-winning pop song, “Something To Talk About”, the opener from her 1991, multi-platinum album, Luck Of The Draw. “Something To Talk About” truly became something to talk about, given that it’s Raitt’s biggest hit of her career. Her sole top 10 entry on the pop charts, “Talk,” peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Something To Talk About” was written by Canadian singer-songwriter Shirley Eikhard (1955 – 2022).  Don Was (b. 1952) and Raitt produced it. 

Shirley Eikhard composed a song in which there was no way that people weren’t going to talk about how great it is! Her lyrics and melodies are sensational.  Bonnie Raitt, singing with incredible sincerity, expression, and nuance, does her big one on this one! In the first verse, citing all the stuff people are saying about them (are they lovers?), Raitt asserts, “Maybe they’re seein’ somethin’ we don’t, darlin’.” That seems to be the case in the second verse, where those feelings are undeniable: “Thinkin’ ‘bout you every day / Dreamin’ ‘boutyou every night / I’m hopin’ that you feel the same way / Now that we know it, let’s really show it darlin’.” So, what happens? See the crowning achievement, the beloved, unforgettable chorus:

“Let’s give ‘em somethin’ to talk about

A little mystery to figure out

Let’s give ‘em somethin’ to talk about

How about love, love, love?”

Word, Bonnie! Beyond her top-notch vocals and the immaculate pen of Shirley Eikhard, the music slaps, too.  The guitars (acoustic and electric) are ripe, the drums hit hard, while the keys provide color.  Do you know what else provides color beyond the rhythm section? Background vocals, which accentuate Raitt’s commanding lead. “Something To Talk About” is a prime example of a Chef’s Kiss.  Bonnie Raitt is a fabulous musician, and she dropped one of the best performances of her illustrious career on this once-in-a-lifetime bluesy pop/rock gem.

 

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10. The Supremes, “Come See About Me”

Where Did Our Love Go » Motown Records » 1964

The Supremes, Where Did Our Love Go [📷: Motown]

“I’ve given up my friends (For you) / My friends are gone and you have too.”
Oh, snap! Not ideal, The Supremes! Diana Ross (b. 1944) continues singing, “No peace shall I find / Until you come back and be mine.” Ross, Florence Ballard (1943 – 1976), and Mary Wilson (1944 – 2021) ate and left no crumbs on Come See About Me. “Come See About Me” is the fifth track from the iconic girl group’s 1964 album, Where Did Our Love Go. “Come” marked their third number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 following “Where Did Our Love Go” and “Baby Love”.  In total, The Supremes earned 12 number-one hits.  “Come See About Me” was written by the iconic trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland: Brian Holland (b. 1941), Lamont Dozier (1941 – 2022), and Eddie Holland (b. 1939).  Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier produced it.

Come See About Me” begins with a rousing crescendo in the drums, which begins on the left side and extends to the right. This is a cool production touch. The signature 1960s Motown sound is firmly planted with the band, comprised of piano, guitar, vibes, bass, and drums. Diana Ross delivers chill, easy-going, and sophisticated lead vocals. She never sounds as if she breaks a sweat – cool as a cucumber!  Even so, love has got her down as she’s missing him! “No matter what you do or say / I’m gonna love you anyway.” Word. The Supremes deliver fabulous background vocals, often responding to Ross’s call or complementing with non-lyrical moments or striking countermelodies (“I’ve been crying (Boo-hoo) / ‘Cause I’m lonely (For You)”).  At times, the background vocals have more bite than Ross’s lead. The way they complement and contrast each other is incredible.  Beyond the core rhythmic section, the band expands, including horns, specifically that ‘bull in a china shop’ baritone saxophone (🤩). The horns provide an even mightier punch. The chorus is the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement!

“Keeps me cryin’, baby, for you
Keep on, keep on cryin’, baby, for you
So, won’t you hurry?
Come on, boy, see about me (Come see about me)
See about you, baby (Come see about me).”

All told, Come See About Me marks another magical entry in The Supremes’ illustrious, stacked musical catalog. One of the greatest girl groups of all, Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson ate and left no crumbs on this irresistible Motown bop.

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11. Stevie Wonder, “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”

Innervisions » Motown » 1973

Stevie Wonder, Innervisions [📷: Motown]

“Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing / Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, mama / ‘Cause I’ll be standing on the side / When you check it out.”
Stevie Wonder (b. 1950) recorded seemingly endless hits during his career. “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”, the eighth track from his beloved, Grammy-winning album, Innervisions, marks another bright spot for the highly decorated, once-in-a-lifetime musician. “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” earned Wonder another hit on the pop charts. It peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974.

“Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” commences with an intriguing, colorful introduction that includes Spanish.  Stevie Wonder brings plenty of personality to this skit alone, even with questionable Spanish (“Todo ‘stá bien chévere”[Everything is very cool] appears at various times). The Spanish connects with the Latin-tinged vibes, including the piano riff and groove. Vocally, Wonder sounds top-notch as always. He is buttery smooth and soulful. His power shines when he ascends into this awe-inspiring upper register. The melodies are incredibly tuneful, featuring equally memorable lyrics. “Everybody’s got a thing / But some don’t know how to handle it,” he sings in the first verse, and adds, “Always reaching out in vain / Just taking the things not worth having.” In the second verse, he advises, “But just don’t you feel too bad / When you get fooled by smiling faces.” Word. The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the crème de la crème. The musical accompaniment is marvelous. Notably, Wonder plays most of the instruments, including piano, synthesizer, and drums. He gets some assistance with the additional percussion. “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing” is one of the many epic moments from Innervisions, and it’s not even the most renowned song! A masterclass on instrumental and vocal performance, songwriting, and production, this joint is a surefire masterpiece.

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12. Lyn Collins, “Think (About It)”

Think (About It) » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1972

Lyn Collins, Think (About It) [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.]

“Those of you who go out and stay out all night and half the next day / And expect us to be home when you get there,”
Lyn Collins (1948 – 2005) sings, and adds, “The sisters are not going for that no more /… So, from now on / We gonna use what we got to get what we want.” Thus begins “Think (About It)”, the opening track from Collins’ 1972 album, also titled Think (About It). Notably, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown (1933 – 2006), penned and produced “Think (About It)”. Collins was known for working with Brown. Despite being a legendary song, it performed modestly on the pop charts, only reaching number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Think” performed far better on the R&B charts, reaching the top 10.

The distinct, dramatic intro, excerpted earlier, sets the tone for “Think (About It).” Lyn Collins exhibits personality early on.  She also showcases her cutting, powerful, and soulful vocals. Following the intro, an electrifying funk groove provides a mighty anchor. The drum break is legendary and often sampled for good reason – it kicks some serious ass.  While the drum break is the cat’s meow, it’s not the only ear candy.  Adding the allure of the record is ripe guitar and biting, enthusiastic horns.  The riffs are sick.  While all of the instrumental excellence accompanies, Collins is on autopilot. Empowered, she demands respect: “Now, baby, I got a life to live / And a whole lotta loving that I wanna give, yeah / But before I give it up, I gotta think, think.” No woman should settle for less, and all should be able to think and make decisions for themselves.  One of the most memorable lyrics, however, appears in the bridge: “It takes two to make a thing go right / It takes two to make it outta sight.” True! “Think (About It)” is one of the truly great funk records of all time. Lyn Collins gave her all on this way, accompanied by a legendary drum groove and an empowering message. 

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13. Tammi Terrell, “All I Do Is Think About You”

Come On And See Me: The Complete Solo Collection » Motown / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 2010

Tammi Terrell, Come On and See Me: The Complete Solo Collection [📷: Motown / UMG Recordings, Inc.]

“‘Cause all I do is think about you!”
Woo! Ah, the feels, and those pesky matters of the heart! Fun fact: Did you know that the short-lived, Motown legend Tammi Terrell (1945 – 1970) originally recorded “All I Do Is Think About You”? 🤯 If you are unfamiliar with the song, released decades after it was recorded in 1966, you may be familiar with the original release, “All I Do”, by Stevie Wonder (b. 1950).  “All I Do” appeared as the second track on Wonder’s 1980 album, Hotter Than July. Terrell originally recorded “All I Do” as “All I Do Is Think About You,” but it remained unreleased until 2002.  Wonder is responsible for the first release.  He penned the original with Clarence Paul and Morris Broadnax.

Listening to the original version of “All I Do Is Think About You,” it is a shame that it wasn’t released during the 1960s.  Tammi Terrell ate and left no crumbs! Her voice is nuanced and powerful, and she sings with incredible sincerity. “You made my soul a burning fire / You’re getting to be my one desire / You’re getting to be all that matters to me,” she sings in the first verse.  “And let me tell you, boy! / Think of how exciting it would be,” she sings enthusiastically in the second verse, and adds, “If you should discover you felt like me / If you should discover this dream is for two.” Beyond Terrell’s fabulous lead vocals, the background vocals are excellent, outlining the melody of the chorus, at least how we know it from the Wonder-released version of the song.  The vocal arrangement is on point, with the blend of backgrounds and lead being utterly divine.  Beyond the vocals, “All I Do Is Think About You”  thrives off a great arrangement and production.  The sounds are vintage Motown, featuring the rhythm section (including a vibraphone), horns, and strings. I love how the drums pack a mighty punch. Although lesser known, the Tammi Terrell original of “All I Do Is Think About You” is a Motown classic that music lovers should’ve heard much sooner than we did.  Tammi did that!

Appears in 🔻:

 

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13 More ABOUT Songs That Are Totally ‘Bout It (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Aftermath, Arista Records, BigXthaPlug, broke, Capitol, Concord, Craft Recordings, Elektra Entertainment Group, Interscope Records, Motown Records, Pack Records, Smoothboi, UMG Recordings, Inc., UnitedMasters LLC; MARTINS JOHN from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

 

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the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.

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