13 More Songs That Feature Names in Their Titles | Playlist

1. Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean”

Thriller • MJJ Productions • 1982

“She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene / I said, ‘Don’t mind, but what do you mean, I am the one / Who will dance on the floor in the round.” One of the greatest songs of all time is none other than “Billie Jean” by the late, great, King of Pop, Michael Jackson.  “Billie Jean” is just one of many hits from one of the greatest albums of all time, Thriller, released in 1982. Yes, Jackson has been a leading candidate to be cancelled for a fair share of controversies, but the genius of his music and artistry has never been disputable. “Billie Jean” is the perfect, timeless name song.

“She told me her name was Billie Jean / And she caused a scene…” The lyrics are catchy as albeit, while the music (produced by Jackson and the legendary Quincy Jones) successfully fuses pop, funk, and R&B.  Jackson blesses us numerous times with his signature ad-libs – “Hee-hee” and “Hoo!” – adding to the decadent listening experience. I’ll leave you with the most famous, memorable lyrics from the chorus:

“Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son!”

2. Fiona Apple, “Shameika”

Fetch the Bolt Cutters • Epic • 2020

“But Shameika said I had potential / But Shameika said I had potential,” Fiona Apple sings on the infectious chorus of “Shameika”, a gem from her 2020 masterpiece, Fetch the Bolt Cutters. A record about someone she met as a kid, but doesn’t describe as a friend, Shameika certainly had an influence on Apple – one of many stories that adds to the sheer excellence of Fetch the Bolt Cutters.

Throughout, she recounts her childhood experiences, not to mention throwing in a colorful lyric inspired by bassist, Sebastian.  Musically, the listener is blessed with acrobatic piano lines, and quick, rhythmic, and playful melodic lines. Sometimes, they’re not even melodic – chanted, spoken word.  This is art pop with a lot of approaches idiomatic of jazz.

3. Highly Suspect, “Lydia”

Mister Asylum • 300 Entertainment • 2015

Before making the ‘suspect’ MCID in 2019, Highly Suspect rocked TF hard – facts.  They rocked so hard, in fact, that they earned a Grammy nomination for their 2015 debut, Mister Asylum.  No, Grammy recognition isn’t necessarily vindication – plenty of great musicians have been snubbed way too many times – but it’s a big deal for an up-and-coming collective like HS were at the time.  The song that likely fueled the acknowledgement from the Grammys was “Lydia,” a perfect fit for 13 MORE SONGS THAT FEATURE NAMES IN THEIR TITLES.

“Your eyes are lined in pain
Black tears don’t hide the rain
And I tied you to the tracks
When I turned around, I heard the sound
I hit the ground; I know there’s no turning back.”

“Lydia” is a prime example of “zero fucks” Johnny Stevens at his best. The Highly Suspect frontman has a voice that’s tailor made for rock, and rock out he does. Worth noting, Lydia herself is never explicitly named throughout the four-minute record.  That said, she’s clearly characterized, becoming intertwined into a toxic relationship fueled by drug addiction.  Johnny’s character brought Lydia down when she decided to become his girlfriend basically.  The best moment of the junkie record comes on the third chorus, with a fitting f-bomb:

“I can’t fucking breathe, much less believe the truth
I pick up a gun, aim for the sun, and shoot
Better days, so unafraid in my youth
I can’t breathe or believe the truth.”

4. The Chicks, “Julianna Calm Down”

Gaslighter • Columbia • 2020 

“Julianna Calm Down” appears as the ninth track on Gaslighter, the comeback album from The Chicks (formerly Dixie Chicks, of course).  It took 14 years to get a new album from Natalie Maines, Emily Strayer, and Martie Maguire, but Gaslighter ultimately ends up being well worth the wait. “Julianna,” a co-write by Julia Michaels, serves as an advice column from Natalie to younger women (specifically her bandmate’s daughters) about matters of the heart.

For Natalie, ‘she’s been there,’ so she wants to forewarn those who haven’t experienced pain, heartache, and devastation she has.  This is a song written by women (save for Jack Antonoff) for women. Flexing unapologetically, we get an absolutely no-no from country music – the f-bomb! “Just put on, put on, put on your best shoes / And strut the fuck around like you’ve got nothin’ to lose…” Even if its profane, The Chicks’ message is potent and thoughtful by all means.  Definitely, a perfect fit for 13 MORE SONGS THAT FEATURE NAMES IN THEIR TITLES.

5. Perfume Genius, “Jason”

Set My Heart on Fire Immediately • Matador • 2020

“Jason undressed me / Lying on his sheets / He did not do the same / Even his boots were on…” “Jason”, a highlight from the superb, 2020 Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) album, Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, explores sexuality. “Jason” details a one-night stand when Hadreas was 23.

The ‘hook-up’ occurred with a straight guy (perhaps ‘questioning’) and apparently, involves some nurturing from Mike.  “He was afraid / Tears streaming down his face,” he sings on the second verse, adding on the third, “I was proud to seem / Warm and mothering / Just for a night.” Musically, the biggest triumph on “Jason” is Hadreas’ falsetto – simply amazing.  From a sexual perspective, it’s awesome to hear a scenario where a man still seems to be in the infancy stages of accepting and understanding his sexuality.

6. Prince & The New Power Generation, “My Name is Prince”

[ Love Symbol ] • Warner • 1992

“I got two sides and they both friends / Don’t try to clock ‘em, they’re much too fast / If you try to stop ‘em they kick that ass…” Before Prince lost his name (he was ‘The Artist Formerly Known as Prince’ at one point), he made it clear that EVERYONE knew his name.  While you can take the subtle approach, obviously, we know that when it came to performances and writing songs, The Purple One wasn’t subtle in the least.  That’s why it’s not surprising that on The Love Symbol Album from 1992 he wrote a gem called “My Name is Prince.” I should note, that the album is credited to Prince & The New Power Generation.  I should also note, “My Name is Prince” falls under the New Jack Swing style that became a popular R&B substyle in the 1990s.

“My name is Prince and I am funky
My name is Prince, the one and only
I did not come to funk around
‘Til I get your daughter I won’t leave this town.”

Hmm, “I did not come to funk around” – that’s a musical euphemism right there! Prince is a metaphorical ‘chest puffer’ throughout “My Name is Prince” – understatement! “In the beginning God made the sea / But on the seventh day he made me,” he asserts on the first verse, continuing, “He was tryin’ to rest y’all when he heard the sound / Sound like a guitar cold getting’ down…” While some may consider The Purple One is being a bit, um, blasphemous, he actually addresses spiritual matters on the third verse.  You could say he’s woke to the wages of sin and the utterly mad world. Also, worth noting, we get a rap verse by Tony M.

7. K. Michelle, “Just Like Jay”

All Monsters are Human • Chase Landin, LLC d/b/a No Color No Sound • 2020

K. Michelle commences All Monsters are Human with some punch with the honest “Just Like Jay,” referencing Jay-Z. She specifically references the rapper’s 2003 album, The Black Album, and his 2004 documentary, Fade to Black. The context? Criticism, exemplified by standout lines like “I walked away from Atlantic ‘cause they wanted me to be Mary J. / And the whole time I was thinkin’, ‘Who the hell gon’ be K?” “Just Like Jay” sets the tone and confirms that K. Michelle is very much true to self.

“Where is the love (where is the love?) ‘Cause they not givin’ me none
What have I done (what have I done?) to make them hate me so
It’s been so tough (It’s been so tough) it made me wanna give up
Crucified for my mistakes, make me wanna walk away.” 

8. Lizzo, “Jerome”

Cuz I Love You • Nice Life / Atlantic • 2019

On “Jerome,” one of many standouts on Cuz. I Love You, Grammy winner Lizzo tells ole boy, “Take your ass home / And Come back when you’re grown.” Oh snap! Lizzo is not messing with a man who is acting or playing around like a child – no man-children allowed! Go home you dirty, filthy, worthless boy! Okay, I got a little carried away…

A contemporary neo-/retro-soul gem, within the context of Cuz I Love You, “Jerome” marks another brilliant collaboration with X Ambassadors.  The alt-rock band seems to get the best out of the Minneapolis standout, who laments his trifling, boyish, and totally immature ways.

9. Charlie Wilson, “Charlie, Last Name Wilson”

Charlie, Last Name Wilson • Zomba Recording LLC • 2005

Prince wasn’t the only musician who liked his name enough to write a song about it! Charlie Wilson lands into the same boat on “Charlie, Last Name Wilson.” “Charlie, Last Name Wilson” appears on his 2005 solo album, also titled Charlie, Last Name Wilson. While R. Kelly is definitely been cancelled and muted TF up, he did give Uncle Charlie one heck of a satisfying bop.

Wilson uses his ‘John Hancock’ to help him ask out a lady he’s feeling on “Charlie, Last Name Wilson,” best exemplified by the chorus:

“Hey girl, how you doin’
My name is Charlie, last name Wilson
I was wonderin’ if I could take you out
Show you a good time, invite you to my house
Here is my number, girl you can call me
And don’t forget it baby, the name is Charlie.”

Charm, indeed, goes a long way. Wilson also asserts, “Being in love is good for your health.” But going back to his contact information, Uncle Charlie makes it clear that this fine specimen can get in contact with him any and everywhere.  In an outgoing chorus that only R. Kelly could pen, Charlie sings, “Here is my number… My manager’s number… My studio number… Even momma’s number…” Day-um!

10. Bruno Mars, “Natalie”

Unorthodox Jukebox • Atlantic • 2012

“Natalie, she ran away with all my money/ And she did it for fun/ Natalie, she’s probably out there thinking it’s funny/ Telling everyone.” Clearly, Bruno Mars is mad.  He’s been wronged by Natalie on “Natalie,” the seventh track from his sophomore album, Unorthodox Jukebox.  Just to show you how mad he is, he calls her a bitch – them’s fighting words (well, sometimes)! Finishing off the aforementioned chorus, the fed-up musician asserts, “I’m digging a ditch for this gold diggin’ bitch/ Watch out she’s quick/ Look out for a pretty little thing named / Natalie, if you see her tell her I’m coming/ She better run.”

It’s not only the chorus where Bruno Mars is mad as hell.  “Natalie” overall is dramatic and incredibly feisty. I mean, he even goes so far as to say, “I’ll spend a lifetime in jail / I’ll be smiling in my cell.” On the bridge, he states the obvious: “I should’ve known better cause when we were together she never said forever/ I’m a fool that played in her game…” True bro. As The Main Ingredient once sung, “Everybody plays the Fool”.

11. Halsey, “Ashley”

Manic • Capitol • 2020

Manic, the third studio album by Grammy-nominated alt-pop sensation Halsey (Ashley Frangipane), is an intriguing affair overall, with its fair share of moments. Among the most elite moments include the likes of “Without Me”, “Finally // beautiful stranger”, and “You should be sad”, among others.  There are actually a couple of proper named songs on Manic, including “clementine”, which appeared on 13 Songs That Feature Names in Their Title.  Prior to “clementine” however is the song “Ashley,” which is named after her.

“Took my heart and sold it out to a vision that I wrote myself / And I don’t wanna be somebody in America just fighting the hysteria / I only wanna die some days…” Heavy! “Ashley” commences Manic. It’s a sleek pop record where the emotions are high. Sure, the verses are a bit cooler as far as the vocal (even given the aforementioned lyrics), but the intensity level rises on the chorus sections.

“Now, if I figure this out
Apart from my beating heart
It’s a muscle, but it’s still not strong enough to carry the
Weight of the choices I've made
I told you I’d ride this out
It’s getting’ harder every day
Somehow, I’m burstin’ out of myself.”

Perhaps I wouldn’t characterize it as a highlight in the context of Manic, which has no shortage of highlights, it definitely sets the tone of the album.

12. Rapsody, “Nina”

Eve • Jamla / Roc Nation • 2019 

Eve was a critically acclaimed studio album from Grammy-nominated rapper Rapsody.  Unfortunately, in addition to being critically acclaimed, Eve was also underrated. Oh, the plight! Regardless, the entire album is comprised of songs named after black women.  Basically, all of the songs from Eve could’ve been featured on 13 MORE SONGS THAT FEATURE NAMES IN THEIR TITLES (or I could’ve just reviewed the album…).  Album opener “Nina” gets the nod here.

Fittingly, the legendary Nina Simone is sampled on “Nina,” specifically the devastating classic, “Strange Fruit”. Kanye West used this same sample to fuel his 2013 gem, “Blood on the Leaves” – one of the best songs of his career in my opinion.  Remaining focused on Rapsody, she only drops one verse, but it’s a killer one.  Her flow is spot-on, while the lyrics are woke AF.  Rapsody name drops numerous black folks including Emmett Till, Lauryn Hill, Henry Louis Gates, Tina Turner (Anna Mae Bullock), and Angela Bassett.  One of my favorite lyrics she says in reference to Nina Simone arrives near the end of the verse, prior to the Reyna Biddy outro: “I felt more damned than Mississippi was / They deny Nina in Philadelphia.” Two words: “Mississippi Goddam”.

13. CeeLo, “CeeLo Green Sings the Blues”

Heart Blanche • Atlantic • 2015

“Hello, my name Is CeeLo Green, and I’ve got the blues / Cause don’t nobody love me no more / Maybe just a little bit more than you did yesterday / But not like you loved my before…” “CeeLo Green Sings the Blues” marks the most moving performance from Heart Blanche, the 2015 album by Grammy-winning R&B singer, CeeLo Green.  Why is “CeeLo Green Sings the Blue” so accomplished? Well, it’s because it is something of an apology from Green, who has made his share of mistakes, namely being embroiled in controversy with ‘highly irresponsible’ rape tweets.  Keeping it , that shit will cancel you damn quick!!!

Green is incredibly talented, but talent alone doesn’t atone for mistakes, period. “CeeLo Green Sings the Blues” proved not to be near enough to revive the idiosyncratic musician to his full glory.  A line like “My heart is filled with unconditional love / How could anyone hate me?” doesn’t necessarily play out favorably in everyone’s eyes because it seems, um, defensive.  Still, from a critical standpoint, The record, to some extent, shows his willingness to attempt to redeem himself, as well as remind us of his remarkable musicianship.  That vocal grit – awesomeness exemplified!