13 Songs That Address Matters of the Heart features music courtesy of Backstreet Boys, Benny Blanco, Eric Church, Swae Lee, and Toni Braxton.

Cutting straight to the chase, the heart – rather love – plays a central role in life.  Since 13 Songs That Address Matters of the Heart doesn’t seek to aim too high by tackling the complexities of life itself, we’ll focus merely on ‘matters of the heart’ in regard to music.  In most cases, the word heart is actually featured in the song title of the selections gracing this playlist.  That said, because we The Musical Hype has to be difficult, there are two exceptions – looking at you Ryan Beatty (“Cupid”) and Troye Sivan (“Animal”).  Other than the aforementioned exceptions, “13 Songs That Address Matters of the Heart” features music courtesy of Backstreet Boys (“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”), Benny Blanco (“Break My Heart”), Eric Church (“Heart Like a Wheel”),  Swae Lee (“Heartbreak in Encino Hills,”), and Toni Braxton (“My Heart”) among others.   

1. Backstreet Boys, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”

DNA • RCA • 2019

Iconic 90s boy band  Backstreet Boys gets things started off right on DNA with the catchy, fun, and soundly executed “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” sounds fresh and modern, clearly updating the sounds of old for Backstreet Boys.  No longer are they boys, but men, with “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” embracing a more mature sound. Perhaps the tenor of Nick Carter (first verse/bridge) isn’t as boyish as it was in the 90s, but he still sounds youthful and vibrant.  Likewise, AJ McLean (second verse) and the rest of the boys continue to compel, particularly fueled by the bright piano and synths of the backdrop, and terrific vocal production.

The chorus is clearly the centerpiece.

“Baby, don’t go breaking my heart, breaking my heart
Cause it’s the only one I got.”

2. Toni Braxton, “My Heart” (Ft. Colbie Caillat)

Sex & Cigarettes • Def Jam • 2018

“I tell myself I love you, because I really care / I tell myself I need you, but is that really fair? / … Just don’t know how to tell you, I don’t wanna be here.” Grammy-winning adult contemporary R&B veteran Toni Braxton returned in 2018 with a tight, well-rounded, eight-track album, Sex & Cigarettes. Sex & Cigarettes marked Braxton’s first solo album since 2010 (Pulse).  More than 20 years after she thrilled with the iconic “Un-break My Heart”, Braxton returns with more matters of the heart. Among the standouts on Sex & Cigarettes is “My Heart,” featuring Colbie Caillat.

The ballad is simply stunning.  Simple production work, in the form of guitar, piano, and strings, does wonders for Braxton.  Great, honest songwriting doesn’t hurt her cause either.  Essentially, Toni Braxton tells him, “But the one thing I can’t give you… is my heart.” Simply put, she can’t be any more than “that friend that [she] was to [him].”

3. Eric Church, “Heart Like a Wheel”

Desperate Man • EMI Nashville • 2018

“But I got a heart like a wheel, baby, let’s go / Get in this heart like a wheel and baby, let’s roll.” Following a three-year hiatus, Grammy-nominated country artist Eric Church returned with his sixth studio album, Desperate Man, in Autumn 2018. Perfectly fitting ‘Songs That Address Matters of the Heart’ is “Heart Like a Wheel,” which appears as the third track off of Desperate Man.  Naturally, love is the central theme.

Vocally, Church remains true to his country roots, while also bringing some legit soul into the fold. The soulfulness doesn’t only come courtesy of Church’s roaring lead, but also high-flying supporting vocals, not to mention the vintage, old-school backdrop. The six-eight meter also helps to establish the feel of an old-school, mid-tempo country ballad.  Lyrically, “Heart Like a Wheel” is chocked-full of commitment, despite the hurdles that might arrive.  The third and final verse is a prime example.

“Can’t say there won’t be rough patches
Scratches from thorns and briars
Over or under, we’ll roll like thunder
As long as there’s tread on these tires.”

4. Mark Ronson, “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” (Ft. Miley Cyrus)

Late Night Feelings •  Sony • 2018

“This world can hurt you / It cuts you deep and leaves a scar / Things fall apart, but nothing breaks like a heart / And nothing breaks like a heart.” Sigh, so true, so true. Grammy-winning producer Mark Ronson returns behind the boards, assisted by Miley Cyrus (vocals) on a stellar, retro country-pop record “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart”.’

“Nothing Breaks Like a Heart” features some of the beloved, expected Mark Ronson cues, specifically those retro, more soulful elements.  That said, knowing that his collaborator Miley Cyrus is no soul diva, he embraces a more suitable folksy, countrified pop sound. Cyrus, who possesses a distinct set of pipes, was made for the neo-outlaw country vibe Ronson assembles that deals with heartbreak.

5. Benny Blanco, “Break My Heart” (Ft. Ryan Beatty)

Friends Keep Secrets • Friends Keep Secrets / Interscope • 2018

“Don’t call me a friend, ayy yeah / You know it’s more than that / It’s more than that.” Near the end of 2018, producer and songwriter Benny Blanco released a seven-song, 21-minute album entitled Friends Keep Secrets.  The project is a star-studded affair, featuring collaborations with the likes of Brendon Urie (“Roses”), and Halsey & Khalid (“Eastside”). “More/Diamond Ring,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign and 6LACK, appeared on a previous playlist, 11 Songs Focused on Diamonds. Blanco and Friends Keep Secrets continues to be ‘the gift that keeps on giving,’ serving up “Break My Heart” to this heart-centric list.  Making things even sweeter is the fact that Ryan Beatty (Boy in Jeans), drops his sweet pipes on this joint.

“There’s a piece of my heart for you
There’s a piece of my heart for you
The pain isn’t nothing, thought I felt it…
I broke it in two for you, you can have it.”

Beatty is definitely the ‘cat’s meow’ on “Break My Heart,” with his emotional, heartfelt performance, intact with some gorgeous runs.  The performance is nuanced to the nth degree. Are the pitch-shifted vocals, autotune, or other vocal effects necessary? Nah, but at the same time, they fit the moody, alt-pop/alt-R&B/electronic vibe.  The production also makes “Break My Heart” intriguing, including the use of soulful guitar, a simple, but effective beat, as well as the aforementioned experiments involving Beatty’s voice.  Also worth noting, “Break My Heart” includes with an outro – a monologue.

6. Ryan Beatty, “Cupid

Boy in Jeans • Boy in Jeans • 2018

“And when we get older / And y’all break up someday / And this is not a secret / Maybe then you’ll say you love me back / But until then I’ll be dreaming about that.” Breaking away from songs that explicitly feature ‘heart’ within their respective titles, “Cupid” still addresses the ‘bigger’ theme at hand – matters of the heart.  Sweetening the excellence of “Cupid,” a standout from Boy in Jeans, is the fact that openly gay pop singer Ryan Beatty does a great job singing about boys. As aforementioned, Beatty is ‘out and proud’ with nothing to hide. “Cupid” finds him singing to a high school, closeted boy crush.

Filled with vocals featuring unique effects, he begins addressing his desires:

“He’s the only one on my mind
He’s the only one I call when I’m feeling reckless
Tell me that you’re mine.”

The second verse is particularly telling:

“Press your lips against my neck
With me you don’t pretend like you’re with your girlfriend
She’s nice but she’s not me
She’s nice but hates me
Date me, I’m just playing
Didn’t mean to say that…
But if you’re down, so am I
I can’t lie.”

“Cupid” also appears on another playlist that graces The Musical Hype, 15 Songs Where Guys Sing About Guys.

7. Swae Lee, “Heartbreak in Encino Hills”

SR3MM • Eardruma / Interscope • 2018

“I’m the one that won’t know how it feels / But I think we both know how it feels / Gotta make it so hot like fire drills / And took a ride ‘cause I spent cash on them wheels.” Okay… SR3MM, the 2018 triple album from Rae Sremmurd (Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi), has its share of hits, but ends up being too long. The Mississippi-bred hip-hop brother duo drop 27 tracks and 101 minutes’ worth of music! While at times SR3MM suffers from a lack of inspiration and variance, there are some bright spots.

The record at hand, “Heartbreak in Encino Hills,” appears on the second disc of the project, Swaecation, the Swae Lee solo portion of SR3MM which embraces mellower vibes. In the context of Swaecation, “Heartbreak in Encino Hills” continues the vibes of “Touchscreen Navigation.” While the record is a bit repetitive in production and lyrical content, Lee still delivers a joint with a nice – wait for it – vibe.

“Off the drink, baby, I’m a wreck, yeah
In the backseat, when I get the neck, yeah
Got me runnin’ to you for some sex, yeah
But for one night, don’t know how to feel
About a heartbreak story in Encino Hills.”

8. BØRNS, “Faded Heart”

Blue Madonna • Interscope • 2018

“Faded Heart”, a surefire highlight from Blue Madonna, cooks. Blue Madonna is the sophomore LP by Michigan bred, Cali-based alternative musician, BØRNS. The record is up-tempo, driving, and chocked-full of energy.  Despite his distinct, generally high-pitched voice, BØRNS packs a punch.  On the verses, he resides in his middle register, showcasing some grit, at least contextually.

Expectedly, BØRNS ascends into his upper register on the centerpiece of “Faded Heart,” the memorable chorus.

“High as a pretty star
Don’t you break my faded heart
Don’t put me out
Show me what it’s all about
Don’t you break my faded heart
Don’t you break it, no.”

Other selling points include superb production and a rocking vibe.

9. Troye Sivan, “Animal”

Bloom • Capitol • 2018

“Animal”, among a number of standouts from Bloom, the superb sophomore album by South African-born, Australian-bred pop musician Troye Sivan, is the second exception on this list (“Cupid” being the first).  Basically, the word heart isn’t featured in the title, yet, “Animal” exemplifies the ‘matters of the heart’ sentiment.  “Animal” commences mysteriously with thunderstorm sound effects and a wobbly, unsettled, sustained synth. The production is superb overall, featuring modern, electro-pop cues mixed with the 80s vibes.  The lushness of the record is awesome. It never gets hurried and never feels overproduced.  As for Sivan, he sounds fantastic – ‘cool as a cucumber’ – showcasing clear vocals and never forcing anything.  His vulnerability is one of many of his selling points as an artist.

The chorus is absolutely golden:

“I want you all to myself
Don’t leave none for nobody else
I am an animal with you
No angels could beckon me back
And it’s hotter than hell where I’m at
I am an animal with you.”

Like much of his career to date, love, particularly as an openly gay male, is part of his artistic script.  It continues to be highly effective here. On the contrasting bridge, he has no problems with mentioning his ‘fellow’:

“All is right in the meadow
When I’m lying next to my fellow
Baby, that’s you
Baby, that’s
Baby, that’s you, you-you
One-way trip like an arrow
All laid out like a tarot…”

10. J. Cole, “Kevin’s Heart”

KOD • Dreamville / Roc Nation • 2018

On his fifth studio album KOD, North Carolina rapper J. Cole speaks about numerous, relevant societal issues including drugs, money, and sex. Also, he criticizes and takes shots a mumble rap (who can blame him there). KOD means three different things: Kids on Drugs, King Overdosed, and Kill Our Demons.  On the song at hand, “Kevin’s Heart,” Cole busts out his singing voice, at least on portions of the record. Here, he focuses primarily on sex and drugs.

“Run from the pain, sip lean, smoke tree up
When I’m in your town, press pound, hit me up…
Only if you down and you slurp good D up
If the work good I’ll be back for the re-up…”

The wordplay is a key selling point, particularly during the chorus when Cole interchanges hip-hop expressions like skrt with and “skirt.”

“Slip me a Xanny at once (somebody)
I got the earth in a blunt (smoke)
I get the skirt when I want (skrrt!)
I get to skrrt when I want (skrrt!)
Due to the money aroma (somebody)
My girl she got a diploma (smoke)
She got wife written all over
She got wife written all over.”

Matters of the heart… also Kevin Hart.

11. Taylor Swift, “King of My Heart”

Reputation • Big Machine • 2017

“Salute to me, I’m your American Queen / And you move to me like a Motown beat / And we rule the kingdom inside my room.” Within the track listing of Taylor Swift’s album Reputation, “King of My Heart” follows the optimistic “Getaway Car.”  Fittingly, the exuberance continues on “King of My Heart,” which is set in good ole, happy, major. Notably, the heart-centric record doesn’t spoil Swift’s ‘reputation’ like some of the darker, more polarizing numbers – “Look What You Made Me Do”. On “King of My Heart” she asserts, “Your love is a secret I’m hoping, dreaming, dying to keep.” Selling points include harmonized vocals as well as the overall vocal production. There also the chorus, as seen below.

“And all at once, you are the one I have been waiting for
King of my heart, body, and soul, ooh whoa
And all at once, you’re all I want, I’ll never let you go
King of my heart, body, and soul, ooh whoa.”

“King of My Heart” originally appeared on the playlist, 11 Truly Royal Songs.

12. Superfruit, “Heartthrob”

Future Friends • RCA • 2017

“Freddie Prinze, Jr. / Chad Michael Murray / Want you to be my / Want you to be my / 90s heartthrob.” “Heartthrob,” a record chocked-full of swagger, plays to the strengths of pop duo, Superfruit (Pentatonix members Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying). Mitch is the dominant voice on this highlight from the 2017 LP Future Friends, but Scott isn’t merely a backup singer.  On this ultra-fun number, the guys reference heartthrobs (and male crushes) from the 1990s (“Frosted tips and a middle part / Tiger Beat said he’s off the charts…”).

Among the most fun moments arrives on the over-the-top bridge:

“H-E-A-R double T, H-R-O-B
Joey, Lance, and JT
Maybe Chris after a couple of drinks
H-E-A-R double T, H-R-O-B
Joey, Lance, and JT
Don’t forget JC, he can really sing.”

13. Jon Pardi, “Heartache on the Dancefloor”

California Sunrise • Capitol Nashville • 2016

“She was a heartache on the dance floor / Yeah, she’s moving through my mind / I gotta know her name and I gotta see her again / She’s got me wondering, yeah, I’m just wondering…” Perhaps the state of California isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking about country music.  Despite the location, the state has provided listeners with quite a few contemporary country artists, including Brett Young, Devin Dawson, and the musician on hand, Jon Pardi.  Pardi provides us with the second country record gracing this list, the groovy, infectious “Heartache on the Dancefloor.” “Heartache on the Dancefloor” appears on Pardi’s sophomore album, California Sunrise.

The premise of “Heartache on the Dancefloor” is pretty simple.  Pardi sees a girl that catches his eye at a bar (in California of course), but he never finds out who his “little mystery” is.  Obviously, it drives his little heart crazy, even if they never interact.  While it may be silly, it’s honestly not far-fetched.  “Heartache on the Dancefloor” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Songs All About the Floor.

Photo Credits: Big Machine, Boy in Jeans, Capitol, Capitol Nashville, Def Jam, Dreamville, EMI Nashville, Interscope, Mark Ronson, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Roc Nation, Sony UK

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