13 Songs About ‘The Man,’ Whoever He May Be | Playlist

1. Marvin Gaye, “You’re the Man, Pt. 1 & II (Single Version)”

You’re the Man • Motown • 2019

Sometimes, unreleased or lost albums are gems, while at other times, one comes to the conclusion there was clearly a reason why the project wasn’t released. Soul legend Marvin Gaye takes the listener back to vintage soulful sounds of the 1970s (specifically 1972) with his enjoyable, socially-conscious ‘lost’ album, You’re the Man.  Although most accurately characterized as a compilation, You’re the Man features some great music moments, with “You’re the Man, Pt. 1 & II (Single Version)” leading the charge.

“If you have a master plan / I got to, I got to vote for you / … You’re the man, woo.” You’re the Man gets off to a good start with the politically-charged “You’re the Man, Pt. 1 & II (Single Version).” The 70s soul ambience is in full force, with the robust bass line, that signature Gaye percussive groove, and buttery smooth vocals that still manage to pack a sizable punch. Within the context of You’re the Man, further down the track list, an alternate version appears, with the same progressive political tilt.  Interestingly, even if “You’re the Man” was applicable to the anti-Nixon sentiment of 1972, the points Gaye made back then are still relevant today.

2. Quadeca, “The Man on My Left Shoulder”

Voice Memos • Quadeca • 2019

“Used to give a fuck / That was just an old phase / You and me were close, now you further than the old days.” There it is! There’s also a jab at Coldplay – “They like, ‘Lemme fix you,’ I don’t fuck with Coldplay, ay.” ‘K… “The Man on My Left Shoulder” appears as the fifth track on Voice Memos, the 2019 album by teen rapper and YouTube personality Quadeca.  Quite the juggernaut, “The Man on My Left Shoulder” exceeds the five-minute mark, actually approaching six minutes in duration when it’s all said and done.  Keeping things interesting, the record is divided into two parts, with production shifts to match each.

Part I commences with a reflective, sung intro, accompanied by a vibraphone patch (or a similar sound), before the aforementioned pre-chorus kicks in, with more traditional hip-hop production.  By the melodic chorus, featuring the titular lyric, the production is much more epic, full-fledged, anchored with a tight beat.

“I been talking to the man sitting on my left shoulder
He said everything just gets worse when you’re older
I just pulled up to the function, can’t even function
No nothing, I don’t know nothing.”

Beyond the chorus sections, there are two verses that find Quadeca on autopilot.  Between the two verses, there’s a production contrast, even prior to the second part, signaling the second verse.  The traditional production returns for the pre-chorus and chorus preceding Part II. Speaking of Part II, the tempo is noticeably slower, and Quadeca actually changes his tone to be much more reflective.  Interestingly, where Part I is laced with instances of profanity (“I checked the big picture, now that shit is getting cropped / Yeah I’ve been feeling what I want is something less / Feel like a sellout that ain’t made a fucking cent”), the third verse included in Part II is much cleaner.

“I hope my first impression wasn’t the last
I hope there’s plenty more, I hope this isn’t the last
But if it is, do me a favor and make sure that it last
It lasts forever...”

So, after it’s all said and done, who the hell is this man on his left shoulder? He never specifies, but he’s definitely negative to the nth degree.  Likely, ‘the man’ in this case is The Devil or some form of The Devil.

3. The 1975, “The Man Who Married a Robot / Love Theme”

A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships • Interscope • 2018

Near the end of 2018, British alternative collective The 1975 delivered an interesting third album with A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships. Many critics absolutely ‘ate it up,’ while personally, it was ‘less perfect,’ yet chocked-full of interesting, eclectic ideas and promise. One of the oddest moments on A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships, “The Man Who Married a Robot / Love Theme,” finds the band exploring an unhealthy, totally outlandish relationship with the internet.  The movie Her comes to mind, summarized by IMDB as follows: “In a near future, a lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with an operating system designed to meet his every need.”

Like the film itself, “The Man Who Married a Robot / Love Theme” is, well crazy. “The Man Who Married a Robot” is spoken word, depicting the lonely man’s relationship with the internet: “The internet, as you know, was his friend – you could say, his best friend. They would play with each other every day, watching videos of humans doing all sorts of things: Having sex with each other; informing people on what was wrong with them and their life; Playing games with young children at home with their parents.” Hmm… “Love Theme” is instrumental, so, not much craziness to be found there. Give Matt Healey and company credit for totally pushing the envelope.

4. Lil Xan, “The Man”

Ft. $teven Cannon

Total Xanarchy • Columbia • 2018

“I fuck dat bih, yeah, I fuck dat bih, yeah.” “The Man” is a shallow banger – emphasis on shallow.  On the hook, Lil Xan is incredibly cocky: “God damn, god damn Lil Xanny the man.” The verses don’t change the trajectory.  On the first verse, he asserts haters hate him because he’s successful.  Among his successes is the fact that he “fucked his dream ho.” Given the fact that she is a ho, “That bih don’t love me, she just want dick, aye.” Ugh!

Featured guest $teven Cannon arrives for the second verse, also focused on sex: “I need fellatio.” As clumsy as “The Man” is, not to mention the equally irresponsible music video, it represents one of the better moments from Total Xanarchy for what it’s worth.  That said, we all know that Total Xanarchy is nothing short of a total mess – straight up musical trash.  Total Xanarchy earned the top spot on The 15 Most Disappointing and/or Worst Albums of 2018. Ouch!  Focusing on “The Man,” it  rightfully earned a spot on the colorful playlist, 11 Songs Where Rappers (And a Singer) Keep it Basic AF. Yeah, this is incredibly basic.

5. Dierks Bentley, “Burning Man”

Ft. Brothers Osborne

The Mountain • Capitol Nashville • 2018

“I’m a little bit steady but still little bit rollin’ stone / I’m a little bit heaven but still a little bit flesh-and-bone/ Little found, little don’t-know-where-I-am I’m a little bit holy water but still a little bit burning man.” Country musician Dierks Bentley reflects on his status in life on “Burning Man,” the opening song on his 2018 LP, The Mountain.  The aforementioned chorus perfectly captures the sentiment and overall vibe of this standout.

On “Burning Man,” Dierks Bentley taps Brothers Osborne for the assist. As stated above, the premise is about growing older, wiser, and more mature, yet still being imperfect and searching for answers about himself and ‘this thing called life.’ On the first verse, Bentley sings, “Most days I’m just like most / Some days I’m headed in the right direction / And some days I ain’t even close.” TJ Osborne sings the second verse, in a similar vein to Dierks: “I still don’t get it right sometimes / I just don’t get it as wrong / I still go a little crazy sometimes / Yeah, but now I don’t stay near as long.” “Burning Man” also appears on the playlist, Experience the Burn of These 11 Songs.

6. Tamar Braxton, “My Man”

Bluebird of Happiness • LoganLand • 2017

“Boy, you let me down / … I stood right by your side / Through everything that you went through / … How could you just turn your back? / When I stood by you?” In the 90s, the Braxton family had one clear star: Toni Braxton – ever heard of her? “Un-Break My Heart” was enough to cement Toni’s legacy, yet the Grammy-winner had many more hits.  However, in the 2010s, Tamar Braxton proved that there’s more than one star within the Braxton family.  On her fourth studio album, Bluebird of Happiness, she remained a vocal force – beastly throughout the course of 11 songs. Here, we key in on “My Man,” one of the most emotional songs from Bluebird of Happiness.

“Word around town / Is that you live with her / And you said she took your heart away, oh baby / I told them, that’s a lie / ‘Cause I don’t wanna hear no bullshit stories ‘bout my man.” Yeah, that emotion includes some name-calling (“Bitch actin’ like she was my friend”) and a little profanity in the process. Basically, “My Man” is about a woman stealing a man away from another woman, in this case, Tamar. By the end, Tamar talks about how foolish she was:

“See, I was just a fool
Didn’t wanna hear the truth, and she took my man
And my heart screams out loud.”

7. John Legend, “One Woman Man”

Fifty Shades Darker • Republic • 2017

“A one-woman man / A one-woman man, oh / Want you all to myself / Don’t want nobody else…” Now that’s some monogamy right there!  Among the best, most memorable songs from the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack is “One Woman Man,” courtesy of John Legend. Co-written by producer and songwriter Toby Gad, The arrival of Legend and “One Woman Man” gives the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack a timely lift. As classy and soulful as ever, he shows his knack for nuance and emotionally-driven vocal performances.

Ultimately, “One Woman Man” ranks among the crème de la crème because of its authenticity. Making one of multiple playlist appearances on 15 Songs That Incorporate Virtues,  the two virtues encompassed by this gem are love and temperance. “One Woman Man” could’ve easily appeared on any John Legend album and felt right in place – it’s that good. The monogamous record has appeared on multiple playlists including Ballads from 2017 That’ll Give You Those Feels and 100 Best Songs of 2017 (#89).

8. The Killers, “The Man”

Wonderful Wonderful • Island • 2017

“I know the score like the back of my hand / Them other boys, I don’t give a damn / They kiss on the ring, I carry the crown / Nothing can break, nothing can break me down.” Wonderful Wonderful definitely took a long time to happen.  The Killers’ fifth studio album arrived in 2017 following a five-year hiatus (Battle Born, 2012).  Unsurprisingly, Wonderful Wonderful would debut at no. 1 on the Billboard 200, proving that Brandon Flowers and company were “The Man” … technically ‘the men.’  And if you want to get even more technical, well, Wonderful Wonderful ended up underperforming… #buzzkill.

On “The Man,” Brandon Flowers is feistier and cockier than ever. The record commences with an enigmatic, foreboding tone. While enigma eventually transforms into stability, the sound remains malicious, anchored by a ‘takes no prisoners’ groove. Even before the bravado of the frontman blesses the track, it’s clear that The Killers as a band are in a “kick ass and take names” sort of mood. Throughout its course, Flowers ‘flexes hard’, asserting his manliness and the utmost confidence.  A contrast to their past songs and arguably devoid of depth – cough* cough* that “USDA certified lean” lyric – it’s catchy and fun. The chorus is pretty epic:

“I got gas in the tank
I got money in the bank
I got news for you baby; you’re looking at the man
I got skin in the game
Headed to the hall of fame
I got news for you baby; you’re looking at the man.”

9. Thomas Rhett, “Die a Happy Man”

Tangled Up • Big Machine • 2015

“And if I never get to see the Northern lights / Or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night / Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand / Baby, I could die a happy man.”  No sugarcoating it – “Die A Happy Man” is the biggest hit of country musician Thomas Rhett’s career.  In the context of his adventurous sophomore album, Tangled Up, “Die a Happy Man” opts for a more traditional sound.

Even so, the record recalls the Ed Sheeran mega-hit, “Thinking Out Loud”, a soulful pop record that recalls classic soul itself.  Even so, “Die A Happy Man” is a country record – the pedal steel itself is enough to signify this – but also incredibly soulful with crossover appeal. “Die a Happy Man” appears on the previous playlist 11 Totally Happy Songs.

10. Aloe Blacc, “The Man”

Lift Your Spirit • Interscope • 2014

“I got all the answers to your questions / I’ll be the teacher you could be the lesson / I’ll be the preacher you be the confession / I’ll be the quick relief to all your stressing / (This is my world).” Man, that’s confidence right there! For many, Lift Your Spirit served as the first impression of Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins, better known as R&B singer Aloe Blacc. That said, Lift Your Spirit actually marks the singer’s third studio album, following Shine Through (2006) and Good Things (2010).  The big difference on Lift Your Spirit comes courtesy of a big-time hit with the late Aviici (“Wake Me Up”) and his own solo smash, the ubiquitous promo single, “The Man.”  

“The Man” is nothing short of enthusiastic – a sensational opening cut.  “Girl you can tell everybody…I’m the man, I’m the man, I’m the man,” Blacc sings passionately on the on the simple, yet absolutely terrific chorus. The throwback vibe hearkening back to R&B’s prime just makes “The Man” just that much greater.  As confident as Blacc may be on quote that commences this blurb, it’s an ‘admirable confidence’ as opposed to cockiness – confidence that those who struggle with it should embrace.

11. ScHoolboy Q, “Man of the Year”

Oxymoron • Interscope • 2014

“Bruh, I see, girls everywhere / Titty, ass, hands in the air, it’s a party over here / Shake it for the man of the year / Uh, ma-man of the year, ma-man of the… bounce.” Grammy-nominated rapper ScHoolboy Q concludes his 2014 album, Oxymoron, superbly with “Man of the Year.” “Man of the Year” comes over much more accessible than some of the edgiest cuts gracing the LP.  Still, the gritty rapper hasn’t forgotten where he came from before he became the ‘man of the year.’

“Fast forward getting real tell me now / Every dog need a cat to meow, every once in a while,” he raps on the second verse. “I see hands in the crowds / See whites, blacks blazing a pound, jumping around…”  Yup, he’s totally feeling himself.  Understandable because hey, he’s the ‘man of the year’, and by having a unified fan base coming out to see his shows, he’s really experienced a ‘come up.’ “Man of the Year” also appears on the playlist, 13 Songs Centered on the Year.

12-13. Logic, “Just a Man” & “Man of the Year”

Young Sinatra – Welcome to Forever • Visionary Music Group • 2013

Long before he’d land his first no. 1 album (Everybody), earn Grammy-nominations for “1-800-273-8255”, as well as becoming the ‘First rapper with a New York Times No. 1 Best-Selling Novel’ (Supermarket), Logic would released numerous mixtapes.  And, just in case you were confused, we’re not referencing his commercial mixtapes Bobby Tarantino or Bobby Tarantino II (another no. 1 album btw).  Specifically, his 2013 mixtape, Young Sinatra – Welcome to Forever (available for download here) provides the final couple of songs on this manly playlist.  Those two gems are “Just a Man” and “Man of the Year,” which appear side by side at the end of Young Sinatra – Welcome to Forever.

Young Sinatra – Welcome to Forever ends as consistently as it began.  On “Just A Man,” Logic speaks of his flaws, stating: “…I’m just a man homie / Flesh and blood, I’m just a man / But I don’t think they understand homie / I ain’t perfect, I’m just a man / Y’all think I’m more than just a man…”  His best line on this humble record? “Now I ain’t perfect, on occasion I’ve strayed / It’s been forever since I prayed, and I guess today is the day / So I step in the booth and treat that shit like a confession…” Amen…I think.

Logic is much more confident on the tape’s penultimate number, “Man of the Year.” Here, the haters didn’t believe in him.  According to him: “They said I couldn’t do it / Back when I was broke going through it / Til I got a deal, now they talkin’ bout I knew it.”