13 Songs Driven by the Power of BE | Playlist 🎧

13 Songs Driven by the Power of BE features songs by Ariana Grande, CeCe Winans, Four Tops, Jimin, and Omar Apollo. 

B-E, Be, is a powerful verb.  Word. It fuels the fire of the musical compendium, 13 Songs Driven by the Power of BE.  The criteria are simple: the song title must feature the word, be. No further explanation is necessary.  This playlist has a simple concept. 13 Songs Driven by the Power of BE features songs by Ariana Grande, CeCe Winans, Four Tops, Jimin, and Omar Apollo. So, don’t BE lame, aim to BE awesome like these 13 Songs Driven by the Power of BE!

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~ Table of Contents ~

​​1. Four Tops, “Reach Out I’ll Be There”

2. Ariana Grande, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”

3. Omar Apollo, “Be Careful With Me”

4. CeCe Winans, “Be Still and Know”

5. Jimin, “Be Mine”

6. Benedict Cork, “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”

7. Billy Porter & Luke Evans, “Always Be My Man”

8. Edwin McCain, “I’ll Be”

9. Charlie Puth, “Charlie Be Quiet!”

10. Beyoncé, “Be Alive”

11. Donny Hathaway, “Someday We’ll All Be Free”

12. Nina Simone, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”

13. The Ronettes, “Be My Baby”

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1. Four Tops, “Reach Out I’ll Be There”

Reach Out // Motown // 1967

“Now if you feel that you can’t go on (Can’t go on) / Because all of your hope is gone (All your hope is gone)…” Hmm, if you’re feeling hopeless, what should you do? According to the late, great Levi Stubbs (1936 – 2008) and the rest of the Four Tops (Renaldo “Obie” Benson, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, and Lawrence Payton), you should “(Reach out) Reach out for me.” Word. “Reach Out I’ll Be There”, released as a single in 1966, is one of the best songs by the Grammy-nominated, Motown quartet.  It is one of the best songs in the soul catalog.  To take it a step further, it is one of the greatest songs ever.  “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” which peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, appeared as the opening track from Reach Out, released in July 1967.  It was penned by the iconic songwriting trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland (Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, and Lamont Dozier).  Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier produced the masterpiece inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (1998) and the Library of Congress National Registry (2022).

Perfect songs are hard to come by but “Reach Out I’ll Be There” is one of them.  The arrangement, production, and overall sound are marvelous and innovative. This includes the unforgettable flute/piccolo riff and galloping percussion sounds.  According to Dozier (via Genius via Wall Street Journal), “I alternated the keys – from a minor Russian feel in the verse to a major gospel feel in the chorus.” At the beginning of the first verse, an iconic “Yah” gives “Reach Out I’ll Be There” ample personality before the assertive, powerful lead of Levi Stubbs blesses the listener.  His gritty performance sounds like he’s singing for his life.  It’s easy to buy what he sells because of the authenticity and sheer exuberance he sings with. He continues singing in the first verse, “And your life is filled with much confusion (Much confusion) / Until happiness is just an illusion (Happiness is just an illusion) / And your world around is crumbling down, darlin’.”  The second and third verses are patterned similarly to the first, with Stubbs’ infectious vocals and awesome backing vocals by Benson, Fakir, Payton, and others. Of course, the section to beat is the chorus, with its distinct change of key to major:

“I’ll be there to love and comfort you

And I’ll be there to cherish and care for you

I’ll be there to always see you through

I’ll be there to love and comfort you.”

“Reach Out I’ll Be There” is a timeless, once-in-a-lifetime gem. And to think, Four Tops didn’t want to release it 🤯!

Appears in 🔻:

• Four Tops, Reach Out I’ll Be There: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 151 (2024) 

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2. Ariana Grande, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”

eternal sunshine // Republic // 2024

“I don’t wanna tiptoe, but I don’t wanna hide / But I don’t wanna feed this monstrous fire,” Ariana Grande sings in the first verse of “we can’t be friends (wait for your love),” a juggernaut from her stupendous seventh studio album, eternal sunshine. She continues singing in the first verse of the second single from the LP, “Just wanna let this story die / And I’ll be alright.” I love the subtlety of the thudding beat (four on the floor), which is part of the tasteful nature of the production. In the chorus, the thuds and the intensity of the backdrop become more dynamic, fitting given the rise to the occasion.  “We can’t be friends” features colorful synths and a driving bass line – always a winning formula for the accompaniment! Another part of the winning formula is the violins, which appear at the end. With her elite vocals being her calling card, Grande delivers an honest and memorable chorus:

“We can’t be friends

But I’d like to just pretend

You cling to your papers and pens

Wait until you like me again.”

Lyrically, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” marks one of the cleverest songs of eternal sunshine, making you question if she’s referencing her ex-husband (Dalton Gomez), the media, or both simultaneously.

Appears in 🔻:

• Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 1 (2024)

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3. Omar Apollo, “Be Careful With Me”

God Said No // Omar Apollo / Warner // 2024

“A fire burns between my eyes / Can’t always read between the lines / I tried to be someone you liked / But it’s just too much compromise.” Oh, snap, Omar Apollo (Omar Velasco).  God Said No found the Grammy-nominated Mexican American pop singer/songwriter more open, transparent, and vulnerable.  On “Be Careful With Me,” the opening track from his far underrated sophomore album, he reflects on a past relationship. Omar sings beautifully with a ‘plucked’ production (including guitar and synthesizer). He’s more restrained in the first verse.  In the second, he’s more overt, asserting, “You’re thinking ‘bout the last time I undressed ya, ooh,” adding, “I just know that it ain’t often you come across  this / It’s hard to let it go, it’s hard to let you go.” The chorus is ultra-repetitive, but Velasco makes his point ‘loud and clear’: “Be careful with me / Me, me, me, me, me me, me me.” “Be Careful With Me” was penned by Apollo, Billy Walsh, and producers Teo Halm, Carter Lang, and Blake Slatkin.  The resulting track is a sweet album opener.

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4. CeCe Winans, “Be Still and Know”

More Than This // Pure Springs Gospel, Inc. // 2024

“When I look around and it all seems hopeless / I won’t fear / I won’t fear.” The reason why Grammy-winning, gospel artist CeCe Winans won’t fear is because of GOD! In “Be Still and Know” Winans testifies about the omniscience and wonderworking power of The Most High. Winans penned the second track from her 2024 album, More Than This with Alvin Love III, and producer, Kyle Lee.  The spiritual, musical lift is REAL! Winans provides superb vocals on this inspiring, contemporary Christian/gospel song.  Winans shows poise early on, rising to the occasion as the music grows more dynamic.  The text is spot-on – relatable and speaking to the soul.  The melodies are tuneful, particularly in the section to beat, the chorus:

“Be still and know

Know You are God

You’re right here with me

Through all my troubles

I’ll be still and know

Know You are God

You are the light and rest for my soul

You’re God and I’ll be still and know.”

Yes, yes, yes 🙌! Beyond the chorus, the bridge is powerful, amplified by choral voices, pummeling drums, and, eventually, a timely key modulation that leads into the final chorus. Winans proclaims, “You are the well / That never runs dry / No valley too deep / No mountain too high.” In “Be Still and Know” CeCe Winans delivers a pitch-perfect message.

Appears in 🔻:

• CeCe Winans, Be Still and Know: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 19 (2024)
• 13 Marvelous Songs in the KNOW (2024)

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5. Jimin, “Be Mine”

MUSE // BIGHIT MUSIC // 2024

“Baby, come, baby come / Show me what / Show me what love is, yeah, yeah.” Ooh-la-la, JIMIN! The South Korean pop singer is best known as a member of the Grammy-nominated K-pop band, BTS.  On “Be Mine” he steps out on his.  This matters of the heart, sexy-fueled joint appeared on his 2024 ‘album,’ MUSE.  “Be Mine” was written by a team comprising Jimin, Ryan Tedder, Ali Tamposi, Jacob Kasher, EVAN, and producers Pdogg and GHSTLOOP.  A smooth cut set in a minor key, the musical accompaniment is sweet: lovely keys/synths and guitar which adds even more character.

The star of the show is Jimin.  He serves up sweet, sexy vocals. His upper register and falsetto are particularly ripe. Also ripe is the sexual innuendo. “I know what you want, and / Baby, I want the same / Love ‘til the morning,” he sings in the first verse. In the refrain, he urges her, “Baby come, baby come / Show me what / Show me what love is, yeah, yeah.” Word. In the centerpiece, the tuneful chorus, he asserts, “Movin’, comin’, lovin’, yeah, yeah, yeah / I want you to be mine.” The bridge separates itself instrumentally from the rest of the song, yet it’s still firmly connected lyrically and thematically.  The dash of horns at the tail-end is a stellar touch. Closing out this surefire vibe are fabulously harmonized vocals and ad-libs in the final chorus and outro.  Jimin ‘does the damn thing’ on the infectious “Be Mine” which is sexy without crossing the line.

Appears in 🔻:

• Jimin, Be Mine: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 80 (2024)

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6. Benedict Cork, “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”

Notes On A Hopeless Romance // Benedict Cork // 2024

“He comes at midnight / He promises the world and all that / But he can leave his shoes on.” Why, Benedict Cork? “‘Cause I know he’ll be gone in a little while.” Oh, snap! The English singer/songwriter shines on “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”, the 10^th and final track from his 2024 debut album, Notes On A Hopeless Romance. But, he’s pessimistic regarding the relationship.  Bummer! Cork penned and produced the record alongside Hoost.  The second verse is similar to the first.  “He says he’ll call me / When he’s flying through my city,” Cork sings, adding “But I let the promise die.” Word. It’s not happening. In the chorus, Benedict had high hopes, but, it’s a case of ‘same shit, different day,’ or ‘another boy, same result’: “I thought things might be different / But Lord knows I’ve been through this one too many times.” The situation is relatable regardless of how you identify sexually.  Love and relationships are hard.  In the LGBTQ+ community, they can be far more challenging. Despite another failure for Benedict, he sings angelically, barely breaking a sweat.  His falsetto is ripe, and the overall vibe of the performance is cool.  The accompaniment is delightful too, despite that “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”.  It is a bloody brilliant way to conclude Notes On A Hopeless Romance!

Appears in 🔻:

• Benedict Cork, I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 59 (2024)
• 13 Marvelous Songs in the KNOW (2024)

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7. Billy Porter & Luke Evans, “Always Be My Man”

“Always Be My Man” // Island / Republic / Universal Music Operations Limited // 2023 

The incredibly talented Billy Porter collaborates with Luke Evans – fellow actor, singer, and member of the LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 community – on  “Always Be My Man”. This touching duet appears in the motion picture, Our Son, starring both actors. The first voice heard on “Always Be My Man” is Porter, with his distinct, raspy instrument. Evans contrasts, with his smoother instrument. After Evans’ turn, Porter initiates the vocal power-up section, unsurprising given the robustness and gospel-influence of his pipes.  Evans, likewise, rises to the occasion, matching his on-screen hubby’s power.  Grammy winner Robert Glasper produces this heartwarming, romantic, and thoughtful record, written by Porter, Connor Reeves, and Joseph Peter Michael Killington. Besides the standard rhythm section (keys, guitar, bass, and drums), strings add elegance to the mix, arranged beautifully by Derrick Hodge. All told, “Always Be My Man” is sweet. Furthermore, it’s rare to hear two men sing a duet about mutual love, even in 2024 with as much as the LGBTQ+  catalog has expanded. This song is a winner in my book. Kudos Mr. Porter and Mr. Evans!

Appears in 🔻:

• Bops That Pop: January 2024
• 15 Epic Songs That Appear on Movie Soundtracks (2024)
• 50 Bops from 2024 That Make You Beam with Pride 🏳️‍🌈(2024)
• Marvelously Memorable Duets, Vol. 1 (2024)

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8. Edwin McCain, “I’ll Be”

Misguided Roses // Atlantic // 1997

“I’ll be your cryin’ shoulder / I’ll be love’s suicide / And I’ll be better when I’m older / I’ll be the greatest fan of your life.” Ah, “I’ll Be” – a love song for all time.  It is the ace-in-the-hole for South Carolina rocker, Edwin McCain (his sole top-five hit).  The fourth track from the 1997, platinum-certified album, Misguided Roses, wasn’t intended as the great love and wedding anthem it’s become. According to an interview with Songfacts, McCain states, “I didn’t really write the song as a love song. It was kind of a Hail Mary prayer for me, personally.” He adds, “It was this admission of failure and this prayer that I could be a better person, wrapped up as sort of the end of a relationship kind of thought.” Matt Serletic produced this 90s gem. The sounds include a standard, pop/rock rhythm section, saxophone, and strings.   

Besides the radiant instrumental, McCain ‘puts in work’ vocally.  He delivers a compelling performance.  He’s commanding and expressive from start to finish.  Soundly executed, he impresses with tasteful ad-libs, never over-singing or forcing things.  His performance feels natural.  The songwriting is a big selling point, particularly the sing-along chorus.  The verses are well-penned too, while the pre-chorus is the perfect preface to the ‘crowning achievement.’

“And tell me that we belong together

Dress it up with the trappings of love

I’ll be captivated, I’ll hang from your lips

Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above.”

Adding to the sheer excellence, the melodies are tuneful. Although McCain had a different interpretation in mind for “I’ll Be”, it’s become one of the greatest love songs.

Appears in 🔻:

• Edwin McCain, I’ll Be: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 56 (2024)

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9. Charlie Puth, “Charlie Be Quiet!”

Charlie // Atlantic // 2022

“Charlie, be quiet, don’t make a sound / You’ve got to lower the noise a little bit now / If she knows you’re in love, she’s gonna run away.” Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter/producer Charlie Puth refers to himself, in the third person, in the short but relatable “Charlie Be Quiet!”. Why does Charlie tell himself to be quiet on this gem from his third studio album, Charlie? He doesn’t want to get hurt (as in heartbreak) or ruin his chance at love. Even as Puth is excited about a prospective serious relationship, he asserts, “… It’s all getting too loud.”  He doesn’t want to get ahead of himself, hence, he’s toning things down.  A prime example occurs in the second verse: “I’ll act like I don’t even care, yeah / I’m not going out looking dumb.” Even though he’s quieting down, the chorus is big, showing off his upper range, and his ability to pack a punch behind his vocals.  It contrasts the quieter, more tentative verses, which represent being tame – calm, cool, and collected – regarding love.  Besides relatable songwriting and respectable vocals, “Charlie Be Quiet” is respectably produced.

Appears in 🔻: 

• 13 Quiet Songs U Should Turn Up Loud (2022)
• 13 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 3 (2023)

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10. Beyoncé, “Be Alive”

“Be Alive (Original Song from the Motion Picture King Richard)” // Parkwood / Columbia // 2021

“It feels so good to be alive / Got all my family by my side…” Grammy-winning R&B/pop singer Beyoncé ‘brings the heat’ on “Be Alive (Original Song from the Motion Picture King Richard)”. Beyoncé deservingly earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. On “Be Alive,” she serves up powerful lead vocals. She’s commanding but in total control, never growing overwrought.  Also impressive are glorious, harmonized vocals.  I love the warmth of her tone that’s introduced at the beginning. In the intro, she prefaces the eventual chorus, which is memorable and quite tuneful. The chorus, excerpted above, continues as follows:

“…Couldn’t wipe this black off if I tried

That’s why I lift my head with pride

Now we’re sitting on top of the world again, huh.”

In the verses, Beyoncé focuses on fighting and working hard to attain success – it wasn’t easy and wasn’t absent of adversity. “The path was never paved with gold,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “We worked and built this on our own.” Despite adversity, there’s also a sense of black achievement and black excellence, which is uplifting and encouraging to the black community (“Look how we’ve been fighting to stay alive / So when we win, we will have pride”). Shout out superb production work by Dixson, which provides the perfect palette for Bey to sing this inspired number over.

Appears in 🔻: 

• 13 Captivating Songs That Are Alive & Well (2022)
• Beyoncé, Be Alive: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 12 (2022)
• 13 Lit 🔥 Songs To Lift You Up (2022)

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11. Donny Hathaway, “Someday We’ll All Be Free”

Extensions of a Man // Atlantic // 1973

“Hang on to the world as it spins around / Just don’t let the spin get you down.” Prudent words, Donny Hathaway. Mental health is real, something more readily acknowledged in the 21^st century compared to the 20^th when Hathaway lived. Sadly, the short-lived, musical genius, passed away at age 33 in 1979. Despite an untimely death, he left his mark with a brilliant catalog, including the ballad, “Someday We’ll All Be Free”. “Keep on walking tall / Hold your head high,” he sings, in an uplifting fashion, in the second verse, adding, “Lay your dreams right up to the sky / Sing your greatest song / And you’ll keep going, going on.” Word!

“Someday We’ll All Be Free” is the second track on Hathaway’s 1973 album, Extension of a Man. He composed it alongside Edward Howard (lyricist) with Arif Mardin producing the soulful gem. “Someday” features a gorgeous palette of sounds: guitar, electric piano, bass, drums, and orchestra. The highlights of the orchestra include a dynamic trumpet solo, performed by Marvin Stamm.  Beyond the instrumental, the soulful pipes by Hathaway shine brightly. Furthermore, he nails the tuneful melodies. The harmonic progression is also sweet, while Howard’s lyrics, sung utterly sublimely, are where Hathaway’s bread is buttered. Of course, the liberated, one-line chorus marks the lyric to beat: “Take it from me, someday we’ll all be free, yeah.” “Someday We’ll All Be Free” is a masterpiece, PERIOD!

Appears in 🔻:

• Donny Hathaway, Someday We’ll All Be Free: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 67 (2024)
• Donny Hathaway vs. Bobby Womack: Head 2 Head No. 19 (2024)
• 15 Songs Filled with ALL (2024)

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12. Nina Simone, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”

Broadway–Blues–Ballads // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1964

“But I’m just a soul / Whose intentions are good / Oh, Lord / Please don’t let me be misunderstood.” The late, great Nina Simone is among the most iconic and revered musicians. More than a musician, Simone was a civil rights activist who embraced blackness to the fullest. While “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” didn’t impact the pop charts, it ranks among the top of Simone’s illustrious catalog.  “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” is the opening track from her 1964 album, Broadway-Blues-Ballads. It was written by Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell (Horace Ott used his wife’s name instead of his), and Sol Marcus. Hal Mooney produced it. Simone was the first to record it.  There have been many covers courtesy of The Animals and Lana Del Rey.  Also, many musicians have sampled it.

The songwriting is a major selling point of “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” “Don’t you know, no one alive can always be an angel,” Simone sings in the first verse, concluding, “When everything goes wrong, you see some bad.” In the second verse, she asserts, “And then sometimes again it seems, that all I have is worry / And then you’re bound to see my other side.” Word. Of course, the lyrics to beat are the chorus, excerpted earlier. The musical accompaniment and production are top-notch as well.  Set in a minor key, the backdrop is dark, enigmatic, and lush. The dramatic strings and melancholic piano fuel the musical fire. Simone has the perfect backdrop to sing upon.  She sings authentically, dynamically, and expressively.  Her commanding, robust tone is otherworldly – truly, anointed. “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” was tailor-made for the one-and-only Nina Simone.  It never grows old, 60 years after its release.

Appears in 🔻:

• Nina Simone, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 134 (2024)

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13. The Ronettes, “Be My Baby”

Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica // Phil Spector // 1964

“So, won’t you say you love me? / I’ll make you so proud of me / We’ll make ‘em turn their heads every place we go.” “Be My Baby”, one of the greatest songs ever, appeared on The Ronettes’ album, Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica.  Fun fact: Veronica was the birthname of the late Ronnie Spector (1943 – 2022), the lead vocalist of the collective. Besides Ronnie, The Ronettes consisted of Ronnie’s older sister, the late Estelle Bennett (1941 – 2009), and their cousin, Nedra Talley (1946 – ). The iconic soul cut was written by Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, and producer, Phil Spector.  Notably, Ronnie was married to Phil Spector from 1968 – 1974. Phil Spector became infamous later in life, dying disgraced.  However, early on, he was an innovative producer, renowned for his wall of sound, in full display on “Be My Baby.” The drums are big and heavy-handed, anchoring the production fiercely. The drum intro is iconic. Additionally, the orchestration is an impressive ‘wall of sound’ – strings, horns, and the rhythm section.

“So won’t you please (Be my, be my baby)

Be my little baby? (My one and only baby)

Say you’ll be my darlin’ (Be my, be my baby)

Be my baby now (My one and only baby)

Whoa-oh-oh-oh.”

“Be My Baby” was the highest charting single by the girl group, who landed two top 10 pop hits. It peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963. Ronnie is commanding and powerful, flaunting distinct lead vocals.  The chorus, excerpted above, is the section to beat. It is infectious to the nth degree, performed in a call-and-response style. Estelle and Nedra provide superb background vocals. They get some help including Sonny Bono (1935 – 1998) and Cher. As for the rest of the verses, Ronnie urges him to ‘be hers,’ plain and simple.  She makes a compelling argument: “For every kiss you give me, I’ll give you three.” Word. To reiterate, “Be My Baby” is one of the greatest songs ever, regardless of genre. More than 60 years later, it remains ‘the stuff.’

Appears in 🔻:

• The Ronettes, Be My Baby: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 122 (2024)

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13 Songs Driven by the Power of BE (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Benedict Cork, BIGHIT MUSIC, Columbia, Island, Motown, Omar Apollo, Parkwood, Phil Spector, Pure Springs Gospel, Inc., Republic, UMG Recordings, Inc., Universal Music Operations Limited, Warner; The Digital Artist, Werner Moser from Pixabay]

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