13 Songs That Feature T-H-A-T

Reading Time: 16 min read

13 Songs That Feature T-H-A-T features songs by Bruno Mars, Future & Metro Boomin, Gracie Abrams, Post Malone, Ruben, and The Isley Brothers.

Give me a T…T! Give me an H…H! Give me an A… A! Give me another T… another T! What’s that spell? That! That’s right, folks, that is the keyword on the musical compendium, 13 Songs That Feature T-H-A-T. There are no exceptions: T-H-A-T MUST be featured in the song title of these 13 songs. Contractions are allowed, but the lack of that – that is NOT allowed ! No deep analysis is necessary behind the conception because THAT is obvious! 13 Songs That Feature T-H-A-T features songs by Bruno Mars, Future & Metro Boomin, Gracie Abrams, Post Malone, Ruben, and The Isley Brothers. So, with THAT out of the way, let’s get into these THAT songs! I’m done… I promise !

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Ruben, “Love That Hurts”	2. Gracie Abrams, “That’s So True”	3. Future & Metro Boomin, “Like That” (Ft. Kendrick Lamar)	4. Post Malone, “Guy For That” (Ft. Luke Combs)
5. Heather Headley, “All The Man That I Need” – Whitney Houston cover	6. Lil Nas X, “THATS WHAT I WANT”	7. Conan Gray, “The Cut That Always Bleeds”	8. Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”
9. Zay Hilfigerrr & Zayion McCall, “JuJu on That Beat (TZ Anthem)”	10. Gotye, “Somebody That I Used To Know” (Ft. Kimbra)	11. Ne-Yo, “Get Down Like That”	12. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, “Hope That We Can Be Together Soon” (Ft. Sharon Paige)
13. The Isley Brothers, “That Lady Parts 1 & 2”

1. Ruben, “Love That Hurts”

So Long, Ruben (EP) // Markussen Music / Warner Music Norway AS // 2025

“Want my feelings thrown around type of lovin’ / Like whiskey’s flowing through my veins.” Oh my, Ruben (Ruben Markussen)! In the first verse of “Love That Hurts”, the Norwegian singer/songwriter adds, “Burning virtues to the ground gets me going.” Wow! Truly, our handsome and talented musician wants a painful brand of love! “Love That Hurts” is the third track from his 2025 EP, So Long, Ruben. Markussen, Kasper Daugaard, and Mcdc (Mads Christian Damgaard Christiansen) wrote “Love That Hurts.” Mcdc produced it

Ruben sounds incredible. His vocals are expressive and nuanced to the nth degree. Additionally, the vocal production is on point. And what about the production overall? Superb, with lovely keys, a groove that cooks, and a colorful sound palette. What does not hurt about “Love That Hurts” is the tuneful melodies from start to finish. Following the first verse, where Markussen establishes his brand of love, he continues to shine in the pre-chorus: “Go away / If you don’t wanna stay / If you don’t wanna wait / Just get out my way.” At least he’s honest! The chorus is the ‘cat’s meow’ – the crème de la crème!

“I want that love that hurts me, darling

I need to feel it everywhere

Shot to the heart with an endless energy

Pick me apart, how bad can it be?

I want that love that hurts me, darling.”

Here, Ruben shows off his powerful upper register. That falsetto is high-flying – to die for, keeping the pain going! “Love That Hurts” is a surefire bop.

Appears in :

Ruben, Love That Hurts: Beaming with Pride ️‍ 32 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

2. Gracie Abrams, “That’s So True”

The Secret of Us (Deluxe) // Grace Abrams / Interscope // 2024

“I could go and read your mind / Think about your dumb face all the time / Living in your glass house, I’m outside.” Matters of the heart, from a post-relationship perspective, shape “That’s So True”, the 15^th track on The Secret of Us (Deluxe). Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Gracie Abrams can easily read her ex-boyfriend based on being in a relationship with him. Since their union ended, he has moved on, dating a new girl. As for Gracie, she’s still affected by him and the end of their relationship. Does she want him back? Lines like, “You’re an idiot, now I’m sure / Now I’m positive, I should go and warn her” suggest she escaped, and she should be the bigger person and warn his new girl. “That’s So True” is a deluxe cut, but it earned Gracie Abrams her first top 10 hit (number six on the Billboard Hot 100).

Gracie Abrams and Audrey Hobert penned “That’s So True.” Abrams, Aaron Dessner, and Julian Bunetta produced it. “That’s So True” has a nice driving nature, led by the guitar accompaniment. Abrams’ vocals are smooth, but she still brings some ‘edge’ to “That’s So True.” “What’d she do to get you off? (Uh-huh) / Taking down her hair like, oh my God / Taking off your shirt, I did that once / Or twice, uh,” Gracie sings in the colorful second verse, adding, “No, I know, I know I’ll fuck off / But I think I like her, she’s so fun / Wait, I think I hate her, I’m not that evolved.” Word. She shines during the centerpiece, the chorus:

“Ooh, bet you’re thinking, ‘She’s so cool’

Kicking back on your couch, making eyes from across the room

Wait, I think I’ve been there too, ooh.”

Another highlight from “That’s So True” is the rhythmic melodic lines. We don’t wish the pain of a defunct relationship on anyone but Abrams’ expired union, and her efforts to ensure the ‘next woman up’ is aware he’s ‘no good’ (maybe…) is our listening pleasure. “That’s So True” is truly a fine song.

Appears in :

Gracie Abrams, That’s So True: Bangerz N Bopz 12 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

3. Future & Metro Boomin, “Like That” (Ft. Kendrick Lamar)

WE DON’T TRUST YOU // Wilburn Holding Co. / Boominati Worldwide / Epic // 2024

One of the big catalysts in the Kendrick Lamar and Drake rap beef of 2024 is the Billboard Hot 100 no. 1 hit, “Like That.” “Like That” appears on WE DON’T TRUST YOU, the first of two collaborative albums by Grammy-winning rapper Future and ‘it’ hip-hop producer Metro Boomin. Young Metro and Prince 85 produced, incorporating a trio of samples. Kendrick is the featured guest where he memorably asserts in the second verse, “Motherfuck the big three, nigga, it’s just big me / Nigga, bum What? I’m really like that / And your best work is a light pack.” WOO ! Future does ‘Future’ things in the first verse (“I know she gon’ swallow, she a G.O.A.T.” and “Bring a friend, bitch, we fucked ‘em at the same time”). His bread is buttered in the chorus where he takes a shot at his former collaborator: “Niggas from the bottom really like that (If you like that).” “Like That” is one of the biggest rap songs of 2024 from one of the biggest albums.

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

4. Post Malone, “Guy For That” (Ft. Luke Combs)

F-1 Trillion // Mercury / Republic // 2024

“Hell, I got a guy for every damn thing” Post Malone asserts on “Guy For That”, the third single from F-1 Trillion. Even though he’s got guys, he continues singing in the first verse, “Oh, that ain’t exactly what I’m lookin’ for.” Post is assisted by Luke Combs who performs the second verse and chorus. “Guy For That” was written by Malone, Combs, Charlie Handsome, ERNEST (Ernest Smith), Hoskins, James McNair, and Louis Bell. Bell, Handsome, and Hoskins produced. “Guy For That” is respectable–enjoyable enough. The instrumental accompaniment is unsurprising. It is a standard, contemporary country soundscape. Post sings with his signature vibrato. His tone is fitting, and there’s no question he pulls the country vibes off. The melodies in the verses are tuneful, and the chorus is catchy enough. The chorus is a bit lengthy. Also, there is a post-chorus, where Post and Combs inform us, “Ain’t got the guy for that.” Speaking of Luke, he contrasts Post in the second verse and the second chorus. He’s on the same page about having a guy for things. But, in the chorus: “I’m pretty good at breakin’ down a heart / But picking up the pieces is the hard part.” True.

Appears in :

15 Ear-Catching FOR Songs (2024)

~ Table of Contents ~

5. Heather Headley, “All The Man That I Need” – Whitney Houston cover

Broadway My Way // in:ciite // 2018

“He fills me up, he gives me love / More love than I’ve ever seen.” “All The Man That I Need” is a timeless R&B classic popularized by Whitney Houston. Many other artists have covered this song, originally released by Linda Clifford. In 2018, R&B/gospel singer and actress Heather Headley recorded her superb rendition of “All The Man That I Need”. It is the sixth track from her 2018 covers album, Broadway My Way.

Headley is supported by warm, adult contemporary production. Among the instrumentation are the rhythm section and strings. The tempo is slow and relaxed. As Headley sings, she is never in a hurry, keeping things cool, calm, and collected throughout. She never forces things and sings with a gorgeous tone. A key difference compared to the definitive version (Houston’s) is no background vocals. The biggest moments lack the added depth of a choir, but Headley compensates with her pitch-perfect vocal riffs and runs. One of her most impressive runs finds her ascending into her ripe upper register, signaling a mean-sounding electric guitar solo. There is an awesome key change where Headley ‘goes to town’ with jazzy nuances. Covering Whitney Houston is an elephantine task, but Heather Headley makes “All The Man That I Need” hers and does a ‘bang up’ job.

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

6. Lil Nas X, “THATS WHAT I WANT”

Montero // Columbia // 2021

On “That’s What I Want,” Grammy-winning pop artist Lil Nas X keeps things short. Also, on the highlight from Montero, he opts for a pop/rock sound. What do I mean, exactly? Well, the opening trio from Montero embraces the ‘urban’ sound more while “That’s What I Want” has emo/punk touches, and I’m here for it ! What’s on Lil Nas’ mind on “That’s What I Want”? Love and combating the loneliness he feels. Lil Nas X keeps things black and queer, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! “Need a boy who can cuddle with me all night / Keep me warm, love me long, be my sunlight.” Woo! As always, the best part of the song is the chorus, which is authentic, catchy, and tuneful.

“I want someone to love mе

I need someone who needs me

‘Causе it don’t feel right when it’s late at night

And it’s just me in my dreams

So, I want someone to love

That’s what I fuckin’ want.”

Appears in :

13 Totally Ear-Catching WHAT Songs (2022)

~ Table of Contents ~

7. Conan Gray, “The Cut That Always Bleeds”

Kid Krow // Republic // 2020 

In March 2020, pop artist Conan Gray released his highly anticipated debut album, Kid Krow. Kid Krow marked a big milestone for the California-born artist, who gained attention early on as a YouTube personality. Ultimately, he’s impressive throughout the LP, showing off compelling vocal and songwriting skills. He gives us a record that’s a ‘cut above the rest,’ rather, “The Cut That Always Bleeds.” Matters of the heart fuel “The Cut That Always Bleeds.” The lyrics are darkly poetic and thoughtfully penned.  A prime example occurs in the first verse when Gray sings, “‘Cause you keep me on a rope / And tied a noose around my throat / You’re gone, then back at my door.” Gray contradicts himself, painting the perfect picture of the plight of love – liking someone, yet knowing it’s best to move on, yet not being able to move on. “The Cut That Always Bleeds” cuts deep!

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

8. Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”

24K Magic // Atlantic // 2016

“Sex by the fire at night / Silk sheets and diamonds all white / Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like / Lucky for you, that’s what I like, that’s what I like.” Ooh-wee, that is what Bruno Mars likes! Mars pulled in a Grammy haul in 2018 with his third studio album, the retro-minded, throwback 24K Magic. Three of his six wins from 24K Magic came from his number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, “That’s What I Like” (Song of the Year, Best R&B Performance, and Best R&B Song). In the context of 24K Magic, “That’s What I Like” slackens the tempo, yet maintains a groove. 80s cues are present, but the record is much more contemporary than many songs from 24K Magic. Shampoo Press & Curl and The Stereotypes put their foot into the production. Mars, alongside many co-writers, put in work lyrically, too. He is sharp in the first verse, flexing, “I got a condo in Manhattan / Baby girl, what’s happenin’? / You and your ass invited / So go on and get to clappin’.” Damn! In the pre-chorus, he urges her to “Jump in the Cadillac, girl, let’s put some miles on it / Anything you want, just to put a smile on it.” Noted! Mars brings top-notch vocals, setting the sexy vibes from the jump. Aside from the irresistible chorus (excerpted at the top), the bridge, not to mention the falsetto, represents high-flying moments. “If you want it, girl, come and get it / All this is here for you,” he sings, continuing, “Tell me, baby, tell me, tell me, baby / What you tryna do?” Bruno kicked ass and took names with “That’s What I Like” that endures as an R&B gem well into the 2020s.

Appears in :

21 Songs With ‘Like’ in their Title (2018)

~ Table of Contents ~

9. Zay Hilfigerrr & Zayion McCall, “JuJu on That Beat (TZ Anthem)”

“Juju on That Beat” // Tha Lights Global, INC / Atlantic Recording Corporation // 2016

“Juju on the beat, Juju on that beat / Juju on that, Juju on that, Juju on that beat.” Woo! Zay Hilfigerrr and Zayion McCall scored a whale of a hit with “JuJu on That Beat (TZ Anthem)” in 2016. The viral “Juju” peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA in 2017. As popular as the song was, it would be the sole pop hit for the duo. Even if the one-hit wonder label has a negative connotation for some, this song continues to slap anytime and anywhere it is played.

The chorus, excerpted above, performed by Zay Hilfigerrr, is the crowning achievement. Beyond the JuJu-ing, memorable lyrics from the centerpiece include “Running on that beat, ayy,” and, “Now do your dance… / You ugly, you your daddy’s son.” It’s not all about the chorus, though. Zay drops the first verse, rapping about girls checking him out in his skinny jeans and nappy hair. Of course, he invites everybody to do the dance, which is important, if not more so, than the song itself. Zayion McCall gets into the mix in the second verse, where he raps, “Okay, we knuckin’ and buckin’ and ready to fight / I got my cousin, he with me, and got Lil Zay on the right.” Word. Fittingly, “Knuck If You Buck” by Crime Mob featuring Lil Scrappy is sampled. So is “My Friends (We Get Turnt Up)” by Mr. Hotspot featuring Team Twin. Anyways, does Zayion say much? Nah, but like Zay, it’s fun, and that is the M.O. His confidence is through the roof: “I mean, I like your style, I’m on a whole ‘nother level / If you compare me and you, there wouldn’t be no comparings.” Over a fire beat, the Detroit rappers drop an enduring rap banger with “JuJu on That Beat (TZ Anthem)”.

Appears in :

Zay Hilfigerrr & Zayion McCall, JuJu on That Beat (TZ Anthem): 1 Hit WONDERful 7 (2024)

~ Table of Contents ~

10. Gotye, “Somebody That I Used To Know” (Ft. Kimbra)

Making Mirrors // Republic // 2011

“But you didn’t have to cut me off / Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing / And I don’t even need your love / But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough.” Gotye (Wouter André De Backer) won two Grammys for his quirky, compelling record, “Somebody That I Used to Know”. Those two wins include Best Pop/Duo Group Performance and the most prestigious win, Record Of The Year. Gotye won a third Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album for its parent album, Making Mirrors. Before the Grammy wins, “Somebody That I Used to Know” peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks! Amazingly, this duet with Kimbra would be his sole pop hit. He wrote the record alongside Luiz Bonfá, who is sampled.

“No, you didn’t have to stoop so low

Have your friends collect your records and then change your number

I guess that I don’t need that though

Now you’re just somebody that I used to know.”

The chorus is the centerpiece – the biggest claim to fame with “Somebody That I Used to Know.” That said, the verses catch the ear too. Gotye performs the first two, while Kimbra delivers the third and final verse. Matters of the heart dominate, as Gotye asserts, “But felt so lonely in your company / But that was love and it’s ache I still remember.” In the second verse, he concludes, “Well, you said that we would still be friends / But I’ll admit that I was glad it was over.” Oh, snap! As for Kimbra, she’s fiery at the top of the third: “Now and then, I think of all the times you screwed me over / But had me believing it was always something that I’d done.” Oh, the plight of love! Gotye may be known for just one song, but “Somebody That I Used to Know” is a stellar one!

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

11. Ne-Yo, “Get Down Like That”

In My Own Words // The Island Def Jam Music Group // 2006

When Ne-Yo (Shaffer Smith) is single, he is “a man with a very healthy appetite for chicks.” However, things change when he decides to settle down. “Still may be a couple cuties at my door / Thinking we could get down like we did before,” he sings in the first verse of “Get Down Like That”, continuing, “And get mad when I tell her / It can’t be like that no more.” When Ne-Yo is locked in with that special woman, he “just don’t get down like that” – being unfaithful, that is. “Get Down Like That” is the ninth track from his 2006 double-platinum debut album, In My Own Words. This contemporary R&B cut has more of a neo-soul vibe, thanks to sampling a 1976 The O’Jays song, “I Swear, I Love No One but You”. Besides a writing credit for the legendary Bunny Sigler, Smith penned “Get Down Like That” alongside producer Ervin “EP” Pope.

Ne-Yo sings beautifully, never forcing things. His ad-libs are effortless, too as he shows himself to be a ‘changed man’ when fully committed. “Thinking about cheating would be crazy,” he sings in the bridge section. Indeed! The chorus is infectious – among the most memorable from In My Own Words.

“Girl, you know I got a girl

I just don’t get down like that

I don’t get down like that

Baby you fine, baby you’s a dime

But I just don’t get down like that

I don’t get down like that.”

With terrific songwriting, classic production, and marvelous singing, “Get Down Like That” is an enduring bop from Ne-Yo. Amazingly, this gem was not released as a single . Blasphemy! Notably, there is a remix, featuring Ghostface Killah that concludes the album.

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

12. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, “Hope That We Can Be Together Soon” (Ft. Sharon Paige)

To Be True // Sony Music Entertainment // 1974

“I hope that we can be together soon / Real soon, can you make it real soon?” Matters of the heart, L-O-V-E are central to the Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes classic, “Hope That We Can Be Together Soon”. The collective, which often features the late great Teddy Pendergrass (1950 – 2010) on lead vocals, tapped Sharon Paige (1952 – 2020) for the assist. While Pendergrass appears at the end of “Hope That We Can Be Together,” wowing with his gritty, soulful outro, Harold Melvin (1939 – 1997) handles the male lead vocals. Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff penned and produced “Hope That We Can Be Together Soon,” the fourth track from the Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes’ 1974 album, To Be True. Although the ballad didn’t set the pop charts on fire, it peaked at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached number one on the R&B charts.

Paige is the star early on. Her vocals are smooth, soulful, and filled with desire. “When I’m away from you, boy / All I seem to do is cry,” she sings, adding, “And then when I see you, boy / My, how the time does fly.” The dedication is lit. Harold Melvin brings the male perspective in the second verse, with his robust pipes. “When I think about you, girl / Chills run up and down my spine,” he sings, continuing, “And if my wish would come true, girl / I’d be with you all the time.” The centerpiece is the chorus, excerpted earlier: it’s all about togetherness… real soon. As for Teddy, he caps things off: “Every day my love grows stronger / Ooh, baby, and I, I’d like to make it real soon.” Beyond brilliant vocal performances by Paige, Melvin, and Pendergrass, the musical backdrop is elite. The orchestration, with the strings and brass, is brilliant. This is Philly soul at its finest. Unsurprisingly, “Hope That We Can Be Together Soon” has been sampled by others – looking at you, Jaheim (“Life Of A Thug”).

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

13. The Isley Brothers, “That Lady Parts 1 & 2”

**The Isley Brothers // 3 + 3 // Sony Music Entertainment // 1973**

“Who’s that lady (Who’s that lady?) / Beautiful lady (Who’s that lady?) / Lovely lady (Who’s that lady?) / Real fine lady (Who’s that lady?).” Indeed, Ronald Isley, indeed. Those lyrics hail from the timeless The Isley Brothers’ gem, “That Lady”. “That Lady, Pts. 1 & 2” is the opening track from the Grammy-winning soul collective’s milestone album, 3 + 3. The album also features the ‘single’ version of the song “That Lady, Pt. 1”, which reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100. 3 + 3 marked the expansion of The Isley Brothers and their eclecticism. This includes the monstrous addition of Ernie Isley (guitar). There are also the keys of the late Chris Jasper (1951 – 2025) and bass of Marvin Isley, forming the instrumental half of the band. Harmonizing sweetly with Ron are the late Rudolph Isley and the late O’Kelly Isley. “That Lady” was written and produced by the soul collective.

The chorus, excerpted above, is the section to beat on “That Lady.” Ronald Isley delivers cool but potent lead vocals. He gets epic background vocals from Rudolph and O’Kelly. Even with the chorus being the cat’s meow, the verses are captivating, too. “Your eyes tell me to pursue,” Ronald sings in the first verse, continuing, “But you say ‘Look, yeah, but don’t touch, baby’.” In the second verse, he continues to be enamored by the lady, imploring her to “Come ‘round my way, baby / Shine my way.” Beyond the lyrics, the music slaps. “That Lady” thrives off a soulful groove and sensational drumming by George Moreland. The rhythm section is electrifying, led by Ernie’s guitar playing. On the extended version, his soloing is epic. Jasper ‘brings the heat’ on the keys, particularly when he accompanies Ernie during his guitar solo. Also, amplifying the timbre is a mean-sounding organ performed by Truman Thomas. And of course, we cannot leave out that sickening, robust bass line performed by Marvin Isley. Whichever version of “That Lady” you partake of is epic!

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

13 Songs That Feature T-H-A-T (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic Recording Corporation, Boominati Worldwide, Epic, Grace Abrams, in:ciite, Interscope, Markussen Music, Mercury, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, Tha Lights Global, INC, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Warner Music Norway AS, Wilburn Holding Co.; AcatXIo, Use at your Ease from Pixabay]

13 Songs That Feature T-H-A-T | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on May 14, 2025May 14, 2025