13 More Magnificent BETTER Songs | Playlist 🎧

13 More Magnificent BETTER Songs features music courtesy of Benson Boone, FLETCHER, Kehlani, Luther Vandross, *NSYNC, and Zach Bryan.  

Folks, prepare to get B-E-T-T-E-R again! That’s right, we have another better compilation of songs – a better musical compendium! 13 More Magnificent BETTER Songs is the long-awaited sequel to 13 Magnificent Better Songs (2021). The criterion is simple: each song must feature the word better in its title. 13 More Magnificent BETTER Songs features songs by Benson Boone, FLETCHER, Kehlani, Luther Vandross, *NSYNC, and Zach Bryan. So, without further ado, let’s join in the betterment, shall we?!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Kehlani, “Know Better” (Ft. Vince Staples & Lil Mo)

2. *NSYNC, “Better Place (From TROLLS Band Together)”

3. FLETCHER, “Doing Better”

4. Zach Bryan, “Better Days” (Ft. John Mayer)

5. Cleo Sol, “Things Will Get Better”

6. Asbjørn, “He’s Dancing So Well (I’m Better)”

7. Luther Vandross, “If I Didn’t Know Better”

8. Arctic Monkeys, “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball”

9. Dixon Dallas, “Better Without You”

10. Pink Sweats, “Nothing Feels Better”

11. TGT, “Sex Never Felt Better”

12. Benson Boone, “Better Alone”

13. Marvin Sapp, “Your Way Is Better”

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1. Kehlani, “Know Better” (Ft. Vince Staples & Lil Mo)

While We Wait // TSNMI / Atlantic // 2024 

“I got the body of a goddess / You wanna love me right here, right now, just be honest,”  R&B singer/songwriter Kehlani sings in the first verse of “Know Better.” In the first verse from the fifth track from their mixtape, While We Wait 2, they add, “I swear you look like when the stars align / You such a treat, I might trick every time.” Damn! Kehlani sings gorgeously and collaborates with rapper Vince Staples and fellow R&B singer Lil Mo. Notably, “Know Better” samples “4Ever” by Lil Mo featuring Fabolous from 2003. Matters of the heart are key in this Kehlani, Staples, DTB, and Rexx Life Raj-penned song (DTB also produced it).  There are plenty of ear-catching lyrics, such as “Ain’t no ceiling when we get it up there, ooh / I’m the type your daddy said, ‘Don’t fuck with’.” Oh, snap! With this risqué, unofficial ‘relationship,’ Kehlani asserts in the chorus, “We should make it official (official) / But we both young and crazy, babe / We don’t want none of those issues / But tonight we might act like we don’t know better.” Sometimes, we allow our hunger and lust to guide us, even if it’s not the best idea. Staples raps the third and final verse, which fits the sentiment of attraction, fun, and potential love despite the warning signs:

“The moon full and the night is young
Party ain’t a party if it end before you see the sun (No way)
I got a feelin’ you could be the one, hey.”

“Know Better” dates back to 2019 and is pretty sweet. It’s not only the theme and lyrics but the accompaniment, namely that banging beat, that makes it an R&B bop.

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2. *NSYNC, Better Place

TROLLS Band Together (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) // RCA // 2023

“Just let me take you to a better place / I’m gonna make you kiss the sky tonight.” Justin Timberlake and the TROLLS film franchise just can’t seem to quit each other. Timberlake appears throughout TROLLS Band Together (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack). His first appearance is on the soundtrack opener, “Better Place” which features JT’s old group, *NSYNC. Timberlake penned “Better Place” alongside Amy Allen and producer Shellback. As a children’s song, the positive, feel-good vibes are ‘turned up to 💯’ in “Better Place”. In the first verse, we get a heaping dose of positivity from Justin: “I’m already up, but you lift me higher.” In the second verse, “Don’t want it any other way, tell all your friends you’re gonna stay / When we’re together you know that we do it better.” WOO! Togetherness is the key, why it makes sense that *NSYNC reunites for this one. Besides the positive lyrics, “Better Place” thrives off its groove first appearing during the chorus and continuing the remainder of the song. “Better Place” is a fun, inoffensive pop bop.

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3. FLETCHER, “Doing Better”

In Search of the Antidote // Snapback Entertainment LLC / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2024

“Your girlfriend never thanked me for being such a pyro /… Drove you so far away / It’s like I went and dropped you off at her house.” Oh, snap, FLETCHER (Cari Fletcher).  “Doing Better” is the second track from the queer pop artist’s 2024 LP, In Search of the Antidote.  It was written by FLETCHER, Mary Weitz, Kinetics, and producers Jennifer Decilveo and One Love.  The second verse is like the first, with Cari describing her craziness within her previous relationship (“I get sad and spiral / Yeah, I’ll be a new whip / But you’ll never see me take the high road”).  By the chorus, FLETCHER is “Doing better now.” In the first iteration of the chorus, she asserts, “I went and saw a psychic, went on the pussy diet,” while in the second, she “Had a wet dream then I woke up, I was on stage with Miley.” Ultimately, though, “My tummy still hurts, why does better feel worse?” FLETCHER is “doing better” after the end of the relationship but still has issues and isn’t completely healed.  Her pain is our listening pleasure.  She sings well, the melody is tuneful and rhythmic, and the song is well-produced pop.  #WINNER!

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4. Zach Bryan, “Better Days” (Ft. John Mayer)

The Great American Bar Scene // Belting Bronco / Warner // 2024

“And I’ve got the answers, go on and touch my skin / Them better days always come back again.” Hopeful lyrics, Zach Bryan! The Grammy-nominated, prolific country singer/songwriter shines on “Better Days”, the 13^th track from his 2024 album, The Great American Bar Scene. On “Better Days,” Bryan is assisted by a big-time musician, John Mayer.  It’s a match made in heaven! Bryan penned “Better Days,” producing it with Mayer, DEYO, and Monsune. The warm sound of the accompaniment is one of the biggest selling points.  The blend of acoustic and electric guitars sounds lovely.  That’s not the only ‘lovely’ aspect of “Better Days.” Bryan, who often sounds a bit ‘rough around the edges,’ sounds particularly beautiful vocally.  No worries, Zach still has his signature,  ‘gritty’ vocal presence, but there’s more ‘butter’ here.  Another awesome feature is the vocal harmonies between Bryan and Mayer.  Zach is the star, but Mayer’s contributions, in the background, only up the ante.  Furthermore, the melodies are tuneful, and the songwriting sublime too.  The chorus is the section to beat:

“So don’t get hateful, Lord, hot damn

There’s a fire burnin’ in the back forty

I’m still findin’ out who the hell I am

And I’m so tired of wastin’ it away

Gonna find the time to realize

I’m in deep on better days.”

Sounds like those “Better Days” arrived early with this terrific country song.

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5. Cleo Sol, “Things Will Get Better”

Gold // Forever Living Originals // 2023

“If God called you / At 5 AM / Would you get on your knees / Or get up and leave?” That is a legitimate question, Cleo Sol (Cleopatra Zvezdana Nikolic).  The talented British R&B singer/songwriter continues singing on “Things Will Get Better”, “If He answered your prayers / Would you share His light / Or choose to hide / Or would you stand and rise?” “Things Will Get Better” is the third track from her 2023 album, Gold.  This silky-smooth cut is reflective, exploring spirituality, offering encouragement, and speaking to the power of faith.  Sol penned “Things Will Get Better” alongside her husband, producer Inflo. Sol sounds amazing, singing calmly, coolly, and collectedly.  Her voice is incredibly soothing, complementing the thoughtful lyrics. She characterizes the trials experienced: “You overthink / You’re overwhelmed / Give yourself space / And time will tell / Things will get easier / Things will get better.”  Besides awesome singing and encouraging, uplifting lyrics, the accompaniment is fabulous.  Inflo provides incredibly soulful production work crafted in the neo-soul/jazz/jazz-soul style. The piano sounds warm, the bass is robust, and the drums are punchy.  Compositionally, the harmonic progression shines. Need a lift that you can’t get from the gym? How about the incredible, bright shining light that is “Things Will Get Better”!

Appears in 🔻:

• Cleo Sol, Things Will Get Better: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 2 (2024)
• 13 Songs Where the THING is Key (2024)

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6. Asbjørn, “He’s Dancing So Well (I’m Better)”

The Secret Our Bodies Hold // Body of Work // 2024 

“I’m keeping the secret that our bodies hold,” Danish pop singer/songwriter Asbjørn (Asbjørn Toftdahl Terkelsen) asserts in “He’s Dancing So Well (I’m Better)”.  Ooh-la-la, so covert of you, Asbjørn!  It should be noted, however, that the handsome and talented musician is no longer in a relationship with this nameless man.  “I heard you found someone else, oh / Now you’re spinning around in a new pair of arms.” Yep, they are no longer an item.  What is Terkelsen’s response to his ex, who has a new beau? “And I will dance with myself forever / He never needs to know / He’s dancing so well but I’m better.” Word.

Asbjørn captures varying emotions on this highlight from his 2024 studio album, The Secret Our Bodies Hold.  He knows he is the better boyfriend – he offers more than the new partner.  To some extent, that gives him satisfaction.  By the end of the record, he sings, “Don’t you tell him / As long as we keep it between you and I / He’s so good / I’m better.” Absolutely! Naturally, Terkelsen is bothered by the demise of their union and struggles with letting go. His ex, on the other hand, is with someone else.  “His hand in the strobe, oh / Bodies get closer but painfully slow,” he sings, adding, “I’m spinning out of control, oh / Mirror his movement till I can go home.” Is there a resolution for him in this alluring LGBTQ+ pop joint? Not necessarily but his reaction is relatable.  Do you know what else makes us beam with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 regarding “He’s Dancing So Well (I’m Better)”? The musicianship! Asbjørn sings beautifully with a voice readymade for pop.  The melodies are tuneful, matched up with those emotional and relatable lyrics.  The production (Terkelsen and Steffen Lundtoft) is the sugar honey iced tea. Dance on, Asbjørn!

Appears in 🔻:

• Asbjørn, He’s Dancing So Well (I’m Better): Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 23 (2024)
• 50 Bops from 2024 That Make You Beam with Pride 🏳️‍🌈
• 13 More Epic Songs Fueled by DANCE (2024)

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7. Luther Vandross, “If I Didn’t Know Better”

Dance with My Father // Sony Music Entertainment // 2003

Dance with My Father is a significant album in the Luther Vandross discography.  It was the late Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter’s 13^th and final studio album.  Before the album was released in 2003, Vandross suffered a severe stroke. In 2005, he passed away, at age 54 from complications of a stroke.  Dance with My Father begins with a super-smooth, adult contemporary R&B bop, “If I Didn’t Know Better” penned by Vandross, Reed Vertelney, and Ezekiel Lewis.  Vandross produced it.  “If I Didn’t Know Better” finds Luther Vandross at his best.  His vocals are silky smooth – simply angelic.  As he sings, it never sounds like Vandross breaks a sweat. The production is firmly planted in a grown folks’ brand of R&B but doesn’t sound out of touch with the contemporary R&B of the aughts either. In “If I Didn’t Know Better,” the girl, Luther’s friend, has a man. However, Vandross believes their friendship is more.  “I see the things that your man can’t see,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “And who is there for you and love you like no other  / Then you kiss and tell me that you love me like a brother.”  In the second verse, he admits his ‘read’ on the situation could be incorrect, but “I don’t rub up on my friends that way.” Ooh-wee! Besides his brilliant vocals, Luther is supported by sweet background vocals. The chorus is the centerpiece with Vandross expanding on their ‘relationship’:

“If I didn’t know better

I’d think that you were mine, you’re with me all the time

If I didn’t know better

I’d swear we’re more than friends, you’re touching me again

If I didn’t know better

I’d think we were in love

Girl, do you wanna tell me something?

Oh, oh, oh.” 

“If I Didn’t Know Better” is a fine non-single from Dance with My Father that deserves its flowers.

Appears in 🔻:

• Luther Vandross, If I Didn’t Know Better: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 86 (2024)

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8. Arctic Monkeys, “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball”

The Car // Domino // 2022

“Yesterday’s still leaking through the roof / That’s nothing new…” Um, okay. “There’d Better Be A Mirrorball” has a strong argument as the best song from The Car the 2022 album by Arctic Monkeys. Alex Turner and company deliver some creative ideas, nice musical touches, and undisputed beauty in this single, even if it takes a few listens to fully process.  Written by Turner, James Ford produced the gem with a jazzy drum groove, warm strings, and piano. It is ear-catching from the onset – left of center and unique, though ultimately, radiant. Eventually, “There’d better Be A Mirrorball” settles into a ballad with a consistent groove, and some rhythmic hits straight out of the jazz/soul book. Turner’s vocals are as nuanced as ever. He sings the poetic lyrics, which include references to the car, with ample expression, hypnotizing: “So, if you wanna walk me to the car / You oughta know I’ll have a heavy heart / So, can we please be absolutely sure / That there’s a mirrorball.”  This song is weird but utterly refreshing.

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: September 2022 
• 50 Best Songs of 2022 

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9. Dixon Dallas, “Better Without You”

“Better Without You” // Dixon Dallas // 2023 

“No more dancin’ around it and I hate to say it (say it) / But you damn sure ain’t the one that got away.” Brutal, Dixon Dallas! But, as The Good Book says, the truth will set you free. The gay country singer who is the alter ego of Jake Hill, Dixon is boldly true to self where sexuality is concerned.  “Better Without You” features country vibes with a dash of hip-hop (the drum programming). He delivers a fine vocal tone; those masculine pipes are sexy AF 😍. The vocal production is excellent, too. “Better Without You” earns more high marks as well.  The melodies are tuneful. The songwriting is catchy and well-rounded, with the chorus earning the highest marks:

“I hope you miss me when you think about me

And everything we could have been (We could have been)

And now you’re nothin’ but another memory

You know it hurt but in the end…”

“Better Without You” is another winner from Dixon Dallas though more subtle than some of the gay country singer’s songs.

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10. Pink Sweat$, “Nothing Feels Better”

Pink Moon // Atlantic // 2022

“When the world is over, I’ll wait here for you / Through space and time, I’ll still adore you.” Now that is some dedication, and I’m here for it! In 2021, Pink Sweat$ (David Bowden) dropped a surefire, contemporary R&B joint with  “Nothing Feels Better”, which appears on his 2022 EP, Pink Moon. “I Feel Good” has an inviting, chill, and relaxed vibe.  Part of that inviting sound comes from the primary accompaniment instrument, the guitar.  Throughout the song, the soulful guitar does the heavy lifting. Later, beginning in the second verse, a tasteful groove is added, providing a timely and welcome contrast.  Furthermore, in the second chorus, a bass line adds more oomph to the production (Pink Sweat$, Dante Bowden, Geoffro Cause, and Ruffin), which plays to his strengths.  Pink Sweat$ vocals are fantastic – his tone is marvelous.  Regarding songwriting, it is solid, and the melodies are memorable. The centerpiece is the chorus, where the dedication is at an all-time high:  

“Oh, nothing feels better than you, ooh-ooh 

Nothing feels better than you, ooh-ooh 

All those kisses and hugs, wake me up in the morning 

Forever, I’m yours, just know that I’m all in 

Nothing feels better than you, ooh-ooh, ooh.”  

All in all, Pink Sweat$ kills it on this brief but feel-good, vibe-laden gem!

 

Appears in 🔻: 

• 11 More Songs Fueled by NOTHING (2024)

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11. TGT, “Sex Never Felt Better”

Three Kings // Atlantic // 2013

“What’s happening, baby? What’s good tonight?” Ginuwine sings at the beginning of the first verse of “Sex Never Felt Better”, continuing, “I’d rather show you than tell you what’s on my mind.” Yeah, I bet you would!  He’s not the only member of TGT that feels that way. Ginuwine, of course, is the ‘G’ in TGT, filled out by two Ts: Tank and Tyrese.  This trio released the album Three Kings in 2013, which debuted at no. 3 on the Billboard 200, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album.  “Sex Never Felt Better” marks one of the best songs from the LP. “Let’s make a movie, you steal the show / You can be my leading lady, baby anything goes,” Tyrese sings in the second verse, adding, “Let the bed be the set, ‘cause I know you on some freak shit…” Ooh-la-la! Can’t leave out Tank – Mr. “When We” – who sings in the third verse, “Hard for me to leave, once you start to ride on / That was made for me, let me keep the light on.” So, does “Sex Never Felt Better” need any further explanation? Nope – it’s self-explanatory! Shout out to the production (B.A.M. and The Underdogs).  Furthermore, shout out the pre-chorus, and most of all, the centerpiece, the chorus!

“Sex ain’t never felt better

I wanna swim in it all night

Girl your body belongs to me, belongs to me

I’ll be your sex slave

Sex ain’t never felt better, babe.”

Appears in 🔻: 

• TGT, Sex Never Felt Better: After Dark 🕛 🌃 No. 57 (2022)
• 13 More Dazzling NEVER Songs (2023)

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12. Benson Boone, “Better Alone”

Walk Me Home // Night Street / Warner // 2022

Ah, there’s nothing better than fresh, young talent. Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter Benson Boone exemplifies those characteristics, not to mention that he looks the part of a star.  Boone unleashed an impressive pop ballad with “Better Alone” which appeared on his debut EP, Walk Me Home.  Boone doesn’t ‘reveal all of his cards’ initially on “Better Alone.” He’s more poised in the verses yet still brings ample expression and nuance. After building up slow but steady, he busts free on the chorus, which is simple but incredibly telling:

“Maybe I’m better alone (Alone, alone)

I’ll say I’ll get better, I won’t (ooh-ooh)

Maybe I’m better alone.”

Besides his soaring lead, the backing vocals are gorgeous, and the production (Jason Suwito and Chris Murdoch) shines brightly.  The backdrop is colorful and sets up Benson superbly.  The best part of this reflective, heartfelt record is the end from the bridge onward.  Boone showcases inspired vocals. So, so talented!

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: July 2022

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13. Marvin Sapp, “Your Way Is Better”

Substance // Elev8 Entertainment & Media LLC / Thirty Tigers // 2022

“‘Cause everything, He has is better / It’s so much better.” True! Grammy-nominated gospel musician Marvin Sapp commences his 2022 album, Substance, with a bang – in the most spiritual, religious way possible! The groove is ‘righteous’ from the onset of “Your Way Is Better” – energetic to the n^th degree.  Sapp sings with incredible optimism, praising God early on. “I will keep chasing after the Father first / I know He’ll always take care of me,” he sings, continuing, “No matter how much I think it’s worth / I won’t forget what He promised me.”  Later, the choir repeats this spirited, thoughtful verse, emphasizing the greatness of God. The song keeps things simple yet meaningful.  Sapp expresses that God is the only way – the better way.  He’s “Better than what I see / Anything that I feel / Everything that I want / Your way is better.” Woo! That’s the gist of this six-minute opener, which marvelously sets the tone of Substance. The spiritual refresh for Sunday, any day of the week, or any day of the year.

Appears in 🔻:

• Marvin Sapp, Your Way Is Better: Sunday Refresh 🙏 23 (2022)
• 15 Marvelous Songs That Lead the WAY (2022)

 

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13 More Magnificent BETTER Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Belting Bronco, Body of Work, Dixon Dallas, Domino, Elev8 Entertainment & Media LLC, Forever Living Originals, Night Street, RCA, Snapback Entertainment LLC, Sony Music Entertainment, Thirty Tigers, TSNMI, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Mohamed Hassan, u_if8o5n0ioo, u_ziuenp439c, Vika_Glitter from Pixabay]

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