13 More Songs Where the Need is Real

Reading Time: 15 min read

13 More Songs Where the Need is Real features songs by Bessie Smith, INXS, Jelly Roll, Lil Nas X, Shaboozey, and Tinashe.

Give me a N! N! Give me an E! E! Give me another E! E! Give me a D! D! What’s that spell? Need. This playlist is all about a need or needs. 13 More Songs Where the Need is Real isn’t the first time I have explored songs with needs on The Musical Hype. This playlist is a sequel that arrives a year after 13 Songs Where The Need Is Real (2023). Needs, they’ll never go away! 13 More Songs Where the Need is Real features songs by Bessie Smith, INXS, Jelly Roll, Lil Nas X, Shaboozey, and Tinashe. So, without further ado, or ‘needlessly’ repeating the ‘needy’ keyword, let’s dive into 13 More Songs Where the Need is Real!

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1. Lil Nas X, “need dat boy”	2. Shaboozey, “Drink Don’t Need No Mix” (Ft. BigXthaPlug)	3. Tinashe, “Needs”	4. INXS, “Need You Tonight”
5. City Girls, “I Need A Thug”	6. Jelly Roll, “Need A Favor”	7. Xavier Omär, “want/need”	8. Ghost, “We Don’t Need Another Hero” – Tina Turner cover
9. Kirk Franklin, “Needs”	10. John Legend, “Don’t Need to Sleep”	11. Thomas Whitfield, “We Need a Word from the Lord”	12. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, “You’re All I Need To Get By”
13. Bessie Smith, “Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl”

1. Lil Nas X, “need dat boy”

“need dat boy” // Columbia // 2024

Gays, no need to worry! Lil Nas X (Montero Hill) is still G-A-Y judging by “need dat boy”, the second single from his sophomore LP, DREAMBOY. The lyrics and the hot single cover art where he’s ‘having fun’ with a fine-ass boi in the car confirm he is still gay and not bi. Well, some of “need dat boy” is gay. The first verse encompasses his hiatus since his Grammy-nominated 2021 album, MONTERO. Sure, he asserts, “I been lookin’ for a muse, need a new persona,” but it seems related to his career and the direction of his music. Still, by the chorus, he goes gay! “Oh-oh, yeah, I been down but I need that boy / Oh-oh, I’ll shut shit down for you, East Side Boy.” Word. In the second verse, he’s also less concerned about ‘the boy’ than his career. He bites, “Fuck all you niggas, y’all do not support nobody / Show up for y’all, but y’all don’t show up for Lil Nassy.” Shots fired, but, let’s get to the gay, shall we? That’s what you’ve all been waiting for! Post-chorus, Nassy embraces his sexuality full throttle: “I think I love that boy / I think I wanna get up on him, ride upon that boy.” Yeah, it’s giving power bottom. And for good measure, in the bridge, we get “Bend over, that ass too fat.” Self-explanatory. “Need dat boy” is an intriguing listen, as often songs by Lil Nas X are. It features several writers including Hill, while Jahnei Clarke produced this gay little joint. The musical accompaniment is pleasant, gaining more steam during the bridge, where Montero is ‘true to self.’ The hyper-rhythmic beat seems to match Hill’s desire for “dat boy!”

Appears in 🔻:

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2. Shaboozey, “Drink Don’t Need No Mix” (Ft. BigXthaPlug)

Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going // American Dogwood / EMPIRE // 2024

“The drink don’t need no mix, what the fuck is this? / I’m tryna get faded, baby, this ain’t gon’ do shit.” Word. Shaboozey (Collins Obinna Chibueze) had a big year in 2024. The highlight of his album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, was the dominant, number-one hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”. Even so, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going has other enjoyable and entertaining moments including “Drink Don’t Need No Mix”. In the 10^th track, Chibueze taps Texas rapper BigXthaPlug (Xavier Landum) for the assist. Chibueze, Landum, Dave Cohen, and producers Sean Cook and McKay Stevens penned “Drink.” Shaboozey ‘does the damn thing’ in the first verse and the chorus (excerpted above). “Drive up to the dive bar, get PBR, that’s just how we start our nights,” Chibueze ‘sings,’ continuing, “I see them bachelorettes on Broadway and they all wanna be my wife.” Ooh-wee! As for BigXthaPlug, he exhibits his signature ear-catching flow in his guest verse (“Turnt up every day, you can tell that we winnin’ / Stay lit off tequila, Shaboozey want whiskey”). Although brief, “Drink Don’t Need No Mix” is a fun, vibe-laden number.

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3. Tinashe, “Needs”

BB/ANG3L // Tinashe Music Inc. / Nice Life Recording Company // 2023

“Hands on my knees / They ain’t never seen moves like these…” Ooh-wee! These moves, Tinashe, MUST be sexual.  Even so, in the chorus of “Needs”, the third track from BB/ANG3L (2023), the R&B artist asserts she’s more than just a banging body (“A1 body, but I take real mean (so mean)”). Mic drop worthy! Still, we know what you all came for, and that is S-E-X. No worries, because “Needs” references it plenty of times. In the same chorus where being on hands and knees happens, a simpin’ man begs for it… Tinashe wrote “Needs” alongside Royce David and Johnny Made-It, who also produced the track. The chorus is the first major section of the song we hear, setting the tone for “Needs.” The post-chorus implies the needs of needs, which is good sex.  After all, doesn’t an “After party in between the sheets” make it clear what’s going down? And if the chorus and post-chorus didn’t do enough to establish a sexual vibe, the verse covers the bases.  Notably, “There’s no shirts or shoes required.” Also, Tinashe proclaims, “My body is a buffet / Eat my pussy, boy…” Yuh, that’s, um, TMI. explicit.  There’s more, of course: “Damn, I can’t stand ya / Way we been at it, I can’t stand up, yeah…” “Needs” isn’t deep, but the sex… well, Tinashe and this boy seem to go hard on this banger.

Appears in 🔻:  

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4. INXS, “Need You Tonight”

Kick // Atlantic Recording Corporation // 1987

“I need you tonight / ‘Cause I’m not sleepin’ / There’s something about you, girl / That makes me sweat.” Ow! For Michael Hutchence (1960 – 1997), the late frontman of INXS, the lust is ‘turned up to the nth degree’ on “Need You Tonight”. He wants to ‘get down and dirty’ with her badly! Besides being overtly sexual, the ‘white girl’ Hutchence lusts for that makes him sweat is addictive and deadly. “Need You Tonight” is the fourth track from the Grammy-nominated Australian rock band’s sixth studio album, Kick. Kick was a massive success, earning multiplatinum certification from the RIAA. “Need You Tonight” played a sizable role in those platinum plaques. Among INXS’s seven top-10 hits, “Need You Tonight” was their sole number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached its peak position in January 1988. Hutchence and Andrew Farriss penned “Need.” Chris Thomas produced it.

From the beginning, you can feel the sweat Hutchence sings about. It’s dripping, baby! In the first verse, he encourages her to ‘live,’ wooing her to do naughty things. “All you got is this moment / Twenty-first century’s yesterday,” he sings. In the second verse and the bridge, he shares his loneliness and inability to think. Despite these issues, he’s “Gonna live my life.” The chorus sums things up, with Hutchence embracing pleasure to atone. “So, slide over here and give me a moment,” he sings, continuing, “Your moves are so raw, I’ve got to let you know.” These moves can be sexual and, from a druggy perspective, devastating. Musically, “Need You Tonight” is the sugar honey iced tea. The drum groove and guitar riffs are incredibly infectious. They are a crucial part of the song’s success. There’s a reason why Grammy-winning pop artist Dua Lipa sampled this classic in her Future Nostalgia standout, “Break My Heart”. Hutchence sounds fantastic as he unveils his cravings with plenty of charisma and ample personality. He oscillates between calm, cool, and collected singing and a more dynamic approach. The melodies are tuneful while the chorus is the crème de la crème. “Need You Tonight” is timeless.

Appears in 🔻:

INXS, Need You Tonight: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 9 (2025)

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5. City Girls, “I Need A Thug”

RAW // Quality Control Music / Motown // 2023

“I need a long dick nigga / Seven figures, bitch, and some / This a rich, young, pretty bitch anthem.” Um, okay, Yung Miami – thanks for your brutal honesty. So, just keeping up with the pre-chorus of the brief City Girls single, “I Need A Thug”, we know (1) size matters 📏 🍆, (2) he must be black, (3) he must make at least a milli 💰, and (4) this song is for rich, young, pretty bitches. So, with that information, along with the straight-to-the-point title, “I Need A Thug,” the 11^th track from RAW, reveals its cards, and those cards aren’t particularly profound. The chorus by Yung Miami is more of the same, as she touts the finer things in life, PERIOD. How high maintenance is Miami? “Cut a check before I even give a hug.” JT gets into the act on the first verse, echoing the sentiments of Yung Miami. Some gems dropped: “It turn me on when he high and fly as fuck” and “His dick long (dick long) / Give a bitch somethin’ to sit on.” NSFW, City Girls! Yung Miami drops a verse too, referencing rapper Pooh Shiesty, asserting, “Never tuck his chain but he always got a pole tucked,” and the fact that “This pussy bustin’ like a pistol, shit be whoopin’ ass (Period).” FIERCE! “I Need A Thug” is two minutes of unapologetic spitting from City Girls. Is it innovative? Nope. It is what it is!

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6. Jelly Roll, “Need A Favor”

Whitsitt Chapel // Bailee & Buddy Management, Inc. / This Is Hit, Inc. d/b/a Stoney Creek // 2023

“I only talk to God when I need a favor / And I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer,” Jelly Roll (Jason Bradley DeFord) sings honestly in the chorus of “Need A Favor”. “Need A Favor” appears near the end of the rapper-turned-country singer’s 2023 album, Whitsitt Chapel. DeFord, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta, and producer Austin Nivarel wrote “Need A Favor.” He continues singing expressively in the chorus, “So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I to expect a savior, oh? / But, God, I need a favor.” Word. While there will be many ‘Christians’ who will cry foul about Jelly Roll’s assertions, many of us ‘fall in the same boat.’ What do we do when we need help? We call on God. When things go well how often do we thank or seek Him out? Food for thought.

The chorus isn’t the only intriguing part of “Need A Favor.” In the verses, Jelly Roll continues to be an ‘open book’ regarding his flaws, spirituality, or lack thereof. “I know amazin’ grace, but I ain’t been livin’ them words,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “Swear I spend most Sundays / Drunk off my ass than I have at church.” My, my, my! In the second verse, he tells God, “Yeah, I owe you more than one,” adding, “I’ll pay for all I’ve done / Just please don’t let me lose her.” Jelly Roll has sinned – he’s flawed. But he knew exactly who to petition for help: G-O-D! Woo! Furthermore, DeFord’s voice is AMAZING!

Appears in 🔻:

Jelly Roll, Need A Favor: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 2 (2025)

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7. Xavier Omär, “want/need”

if You Feel // RCA // 2020

Sometimes, cool, sexy things come in small packages. For R&B artist Xavier Omär, his song “want/need” doesn’t even run two minutes long. That’s not a lot of song, but it is sufficient for the sexual vibes he captures. This brief gem from his 2020 album, if You Feel, superbly produced by Iophiile, gets a lift from a 1996 Dru Hill sample, “Tell Me”. This is a prime example where the sample is in plain sight and works fabulously. Much of the chorus is lifted directly from Dru Hill, forming the theme’s core (“Tell me what you want / Tell what you need”). In the first iteration, Omär shouts out the “90 babies.” Xavier puts in his most work in the sole verse of “want/need.” That work involves ‘doing the do’ 😈. “Switch positions and listen, you breathin’ a little different, your body always gon’ tell me,” Omär asserts at one point. God isn’t pleased later as he states, “It’s Sunday mornin’, and we messed around and miss the service / And still tryna find wherever your shirt is.” Holy hell, Xavier! “God bless them braids, eyes rollin’, glazed / And we can run it back if the feelin’ emerges…” WOO! To reiterate, cool sex things come in small packages, and this joint right here, “want/need” is a surefire vibe, perfect for S meets E, then they X 😈!!!

Appears in 🔻:

Xavier Omär, want/need: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 44 (2023)

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8. Ghost, “We Don’t Need Another Hero” – Tina Turner cover

Phantomime // Loma Vista // 2023

Grammy-winning Swedish hard rock/metal band Ghost covered the beloved Tina Turner hit, “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” on their covers EP, Phantomime. “We Don’t Need Another Hero” is the fifth and final track. Phantomime was released days before it was announced Turner had passed away. Tobias Forge gives his best recreating this famous soundtrack cut that has always stood on its own. The sound contrasts the original, avoiding sounding like a copycat and playing true to the Ghost style and vibes. Vocally, Forge starkly contrasts Turner, but that’s to be expected. He gives a solid performance never overdoing it or trying to be Turner. Turner is a once-in-a-lifetime singer, and rightfully, Forge stays true to self. He delivers the goods in the powerful, anthemic chorus, amplified by a more dynamic sound via instrumentation. One clear difference is that when he calls on the children to sing the choir is absent. Beyond the chorus, one of the best moments of this lit Ghost cover is the bridge section, followed by a badass guitar solo 🎸🤘. In Ghost’s hands, “We Don’t Need Another Hero” gets better and better as it progresses.

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9. Kirk Franklin, “Needs”

Father’s Day // Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA // 2023

“Needs” is one of many highlights from Father’s Day, the 2023 album by Grammy-winning contemporary gospel musician Kirk Franklin. It is a potent, satisfying, and tight record. Franklin penned the song, while Maxwell Stark, Ron Hill, Justin Pearson, and Demetrius Smith produced it. Franklin encourages in the tone-setting intro: “There’s so many voices out there right now… I found the answer’s really simple / And it’s been there the entire time.” The answer is Jesus, something made abundantly clear in the first verse. Before uttering Jesus, Franklin’s choir names things Christians associate with Him – peace, grace, strength, patience. In the soulful chorus, accompanied by keys, organs, and harmonized vocals, non-needs are highlighted:

“I don’t need another love song

For the radio to play

I’m at the end of myself

When I talk to myself

I have nothing left to hear me say.”

In the second and third verses, it’s all about Him – J-E-S-U-S. Post-third verse, there is a high-flying refrain (or bridge), which separates itself from the chorus (“I trust you won’t let go / You live to catch each dream that falls”). “Needs” concludes beautifully with an outro, where the only thing that Franklin needs that he has is Jesus.

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10. John Legend, “Don’t Need to Sleep”

“Don’t Need to Sleep” // John Legend Music, Inc. / Republic / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2023

“I won’t let ‘em write my story / No, oh-oh-oh.” In other words, John Legend won’t let anyone put words in his mouth or prohibit him from speaking up for himself. Word! Those powerful lyrics hail from “Don’t Need to Sleep”, a song from the Angelina Jolie/Legend executive-produced film, We Dare to Dream. Legend penned this thoughtful record alongside Justin Tranter and Warren “Oak” Felder. Oak produces with Alex Niceforo and Keith Sorrells. This soundtrack cut lands somewhere between pop adult contemporary pop and R&B. Initially, it is a bit mysterious. The lyrics are rock solid from the jump, with Legend testifying, “I’ve been lower than low down / Only way is up right now / I can see a new dawning.” Right on. Of course, it is in the second verse where he makes it clear he is writing his own stories, previously singing, “I won’t let ‘em feed me lines.” The biggest moment is the chorus, where Legend makes it clear, “I don’t need to sleep to dream.” That is a thought-provoking idea, something that makes you as a listener reflect. As “Don’t Need to Sleep” progresses, it grows grander with Legend letting loose with those distinct, soulful pipes. Also, any questions sparked at the onset are answered by a beautiful, complete, well-rounded performance.

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11. Thomas Whitfield, “We Need a Word from the Lord”

My Faith // Benson // 1991

According to the late, great Thomas Whitfield (1954 – 1992), “We don’t need another political uprising / We don’t need another conqueror on the scene.” Both are true. Whitfield made valid observations. So, Thomas, what do we need? “What we need is a special world, that will bond within our hearts / And give us direction from above” Also, true. Whitfield, who studied at the Detroit Conservatory of Music, penned and performed a gorgeous, meaningful, and spiritual song with “We Need a Word from the Lord”. Whitfield’s rendition, covered by Shirley Murdock and Vickie Winans, appeared on his 1991 album, My Faith.

The crème de la crème of “We Need a Word from the Lord” is its tuneful, uplifting, and wise chorus:

“We need a word from the Lord

A word from the Lord

Just one word from the Lord

Will move all doubts

And cause the sun to shine

And give peace of mind

Speak Lord, speak.”

Amen! The message urges us to focus on what He says instead of far less important or meaningful earthly things. Whitfield emphasizes our unworthiness and ignorance, lacking wisdom, understanding, and love, and asserting that “We’ve altered in They ways and we stand so much to gain.” So, what should we do? All lean into God and be like a sponge absorbing his excellence, omniscience, and ‘wonder-working power.’ Whitfield sings with a beautiful, refined tone, digging in as “We Need a Word from the Lord” progresses. He navigates the key change, which increases the energy like a champ. If you need a powerful, resonating word, this Whitfield gem will bless you.

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12. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, “You’re All I Need To Get By”

You’re All I Need // Motown // 1968

“Like sweet morning dew / I took one look at you / And it was plain to see / You were my destiny.” That is how Marvin Gaye serenades his duet partner, Tammi Terrell on “You’re All I Need to Get By”. “You’re All I Need to Get By” appeared on their 1968 album, fittingly titled, You’re All I Need. Terrell responds to Gaye, singing, memorably, “With my arms open wide / I threw away my pride / I’ll sacrifice for you / Dedicate my life to you.” Aww, the feels, the feels, feels. Gaye and Terrell cultivate incredible dedication with their electric chemistry. They also get significant help, courtesy of songwriting royalty: Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson. The #SOLID AS A ROCK duo also produced the record. While their respective parts in the lead role are elite, so is their singing together. This is amazing considering the singers recorded separately, something that is a common practice today. The chorus is where their bread is buttered as they proclaim, “There’s no, no looking back for us / We got love, sure ‘nough, that’s enough / You’re all, You’re all I need to get by.” WOO! The outro also marks a terrific moment from this hit, which peaked at no. 7 on the pop charts. “You’re All I Need to Get By” is classic Motown at its best. Sadly, Tammi Terrell’s life was cut extra short due to cancer, and she passed away at just 24 years old in 1970. “You’re All I Need to Get By” has been covered many times, including a famous rendition by Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams.

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13. Bessie Smith, “Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl”

The Best of Bessie Smith // Sony Music Entertainment // 2015

“Tired of bein’ lonely, tired of bein’ blue / I wished I had some good man, to tell my troubles to.” That’s understandable, Bessie Smith (1894? – 1937). Those lyrics aren’t scandalous from her 1931 song, “Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl”. Originally recorded by Smith, this blues classic was written by Tim Brymn, Dally Small, and Clarence Williams. Smith is accompanied by piano. She ‘brings her A Game,’ performing with her beloved, commanding, and robust vocals. Her performance is playful in this flirty sex song. So, where is the sex, you ask? Yes, early on, Smith states she desires a man to cure her loneliness, but she doesn’t get graphic about it. That, my friends, is only the ‘tip’ of the iceberg 🤭. Even though the singer seeks emotional fulfillment from a partner, “Sugar” still has its fair share of naughty moments. The desire for physical fulfillment is evident, and the sexual innuendo is lit. “I need a little sugar in my bowl / I need a little hot dog between my rolls,” Smith sings, continuing, “You gettin’ different, I’ve been told / Move your finger, drop something in my bowl.” The bowl 🥣 that Smith is talking about is not found in the kitchen… it’s anatomical 😈. Furthermore, that “little hot dog” 🌭 isn’t stored in the refrigerator 😈 🍆. She wants it, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what it is!

“I need a little steam-heat on my floor

Maybe I can fix things up, so they’ll go

Get off your knees, I can’t see what you’re drivin’ at

It’s dark down there looks like a snake!”

Da-yum! “Need a Little Sugar in My Bowl” is double entendre at its finest. Dirty blues exemplified!

Appears in 🔻:

Bessie Smith, Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 3 (2025)

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13 More Songs Where the Need is Real (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; American Dogwood, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Bailee & Buddy Management, Inc., Benson, Columbia, EMPIRE, Fo Yo Soul Recordings, John Legend Music, Inc., Loma Vista, Motown, Nice Life Recording Company, Quality Control Music, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, This Is Hit, Inc. d/b/a Stoney Creek, Tinashe Music Inc., UMG Recordings, Inc.; AcatXlo from Pixabay]

13 More Songs Where the Need is Real | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on February 12, 2025February 12, 2025