13 Songs That Highlight The Number TWO | Playlist

13 Songs That Highlight The Number TWO features songs by Arlo Parks, BTS, Céline Dion, Drake, Klovis Gaynor, and William Bell.

soul musician William Bell sings soulfully on the biggest hit of his career.  Also, those lyrics keep it 💯 since he is cheating… Not cheating, Arlo Parks sings, “You know how I feel / Tell me it’s TWO-sided.”  It would suck, and be unrequited if it were only one-sided, of course. BOLD, unapologetic queer singer-songwriter Klovis Gaynor sings from the perspective of his partner: “Cuz you thought the whole world should see / TWO faggots in love.” The ‘f-slur’ is being reclaimed… by some.  William, Arlo, and Klovis all have TWO in mind.  TWO is better than one on 13 Songs That Highlight The Number TWO.

13 Songs That Highlight The Number TWO wouldn’t be the first time on The Musical Hype where two gets all the love.  Twice before, TWO has been highlighted: 13 Songs Where the Focus is TWO (2021) and 13 More Songs Where the Focus is TWO (2025). On 13 Songs That Highlight The Number TWO, all forms of two are acceptable: two, 2, the number, twice, and double, which means there are two. This T-W-O playlist extraordinaire features songs by Arlo Parks, BTS, Céline Dion, Drake, Klovis Gaynor, and William Bell. So, without further ado, it’s time to double up – two is better than one, baby – and get into these two-loving songs!

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~ Table of Contents ~
1. BTS, “2.0”	2. Arlo Parks, “2SIDED”	3. Drake, “2 Hard 4 The Radio”
4. Céline Dion, “Think Twice”	5. Klovis Gaynor, “2 faggots in love”	6. J. Cole, “Two Six”
7. Sander Sanchez, “Two Spirits”	8. Beats By AI, “Double Fisting”	9. Kane Brown, “2 Pair”
10. Tony Enos, “Two Spirit”	11. Phil Collins, “Two Hearts”	12. William Bell, “Tryin’ To Love Two”
13. The Moments, “Love On A Two-Way Street”

 

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1. BTS, “2.0”

ARIRANG » BIGHIT MUSIC » 2026

Noted, BTS! “2.0” is the fifth track from their tenth studio album, ARIRANG, released in 2026. On this sub-three-minute gem, the boys are incredibly confident, bringing ample swagger to their performances. “2.0” was written by a lot of damn people, to say the least: BTS (Jung Kook, RM, SUGA, j-hope, and V), Pdogg, Atia Boggs, Charles Hinshaw, John Mitchell, Derrick Milano, and producers Mike WiLL Made-It (Michael Len Williams), Pluss (Asheton Terrance O’Neil Hogan).

“2.0” is jam-packed, like many BTS songs. With so many members to incorporate into the mix, the arrangement is always intriguing.  From a production standpoint, Mike WiLL Made-It and Pluss give the boy band a colorful, minimalist, hard-nosed, hip-hop-leaning backdrop.  It exemplifies the modern pop sound, with a mix of rapping, chanted vocals, and traditional pitched vocals. SUGA performs the first verse in Korean, with ad-libs in English by j-hope. RM follows up with the pre-chorus rapped exclusively in English: “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, pull up at your block / We gon’ knock, knock, knock, knock, yeah.”  Jimin and V take the first chorus.  Jimin sings exclusively in English (“You know how I do, do, do, do, do, do”) while V spices it up with both Korean and English (“불을 붙여, brand new, 붙여, brand new / Yeah, we on that brand new, you know how we do”). J-hope takes the reins in the second verse, blending English and Korean.  Some key English lyrics involve “2.0” (duh), as well as “10 out of 10, 10 (woah, woah).” Jung Kook and Jin are tasked with the chorus in its second iteration, keeping the same energy as Jimin and V. RM performs the third verse, exclusively in English. “Hit ‘em like pop / Hit ‘em with the truth like rah, uh,” he raps, and concludes, “Time to pay your debt, uh, fear me or fear me not / Let it be, let it bleed, uh, hit a lick, uh, in a split.” In a switch-up, SUGA performs the final pre-chorus, with V, Jung Kook, Jin, and Jimin all performing the final chorus, fittingly. All in all, “2.0” is another fun bop from boys based in Seoul! 

Appears in 🔻:

BTS, 2.0: Bangerz N Bopz No. 55 (2026)

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2. Arlo Parks, “2SIDED”

Ambiguous Desire » Transgressive Records Ltd. » 2026

British singer-songwriter Arlo Parks (Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho) sings, and continues, “Yeah, I only made it out for you.” Ooh-la-la! Something special is brewing on “2SIDED”, the lead single and ninth track on Parks’ 2026 album, Ambiguous Desire. According to Parks, “2SIDED” was the last song written for the album.  Randomly concocted, it was born out of limitation. Parks adds that she was picturing a cold December night in London. Painting a picture of attraction and budding romance outside of the bar/club, according to Parks, neither of you wants to say it, but you take the leap (“I, I feel my heartbeat climb / The moonlight cuts through, white / My friends are all inside”). Parks, Baird, and Rob Bisel wrote it; Baird and Bisel produced it.

“2SIDED” is striking the first time you hear it.  The keys and synths are warm. The sound is exuberant but non troppo. The groove is electrifying, reminiscent of a club. Arlo Parks sings in a calm, cool, and collected fashion.  Her British accent is quite charming. Barely breaking a sweat, she masterfully brings the melodies to life and captures her feelings like a champ. In the second verse, she informs us, “I never really feel at home anywhere / It’s the right place at the wrong time.” Been there, done that! Of course, she desires that this person feels the same way about her – “Tell me it’s two-sided.”  The hope for reciprocated feelings is captured sublimely on the crème de la crème, the chorus.

“The heat and the dark

My head is so clouded (My head is so clouded)

You know how I feel

Tell me it’s two-sided (T-tell me it’s two-sided).”

All told, “2SIDED” is smooth…like butter, BTS! The yearning is real, and confessing feelings, particularly if you are introverted, can be incredibly difficult.  However, if you want someone, ultimately, you have to stop beating around the bush and confess those feelings.  Arlo Parks delivers a chill but potent bedroom pop/alternative R&B gem that ranks among the best songs of 2026.

Appears in 🔻:

Arlo Parks, 2SIDED: Beaming with Pride No. 32 (2026) Bops from 2026 That Make You Beam with Pride Best Songs of 2026 (So Far)

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3. Drake, “2 Hard 4 The Radio”

ICEMAN » OVO / Republic Records » 2026

Drake (Aubrey Graham) said what he fuckin’ said on “2 Hard 4 The Radio.” In the case of this TWO song, 2 is stylized for the word too, while 4 is stylized for the word for. Anyway, “2 Hard 4 The Radio” is the 13^th track from ICEMAN, the most popular of the three albums released simultaneously by the Grammy-winning rapper/singer. One of the things that stands out about the song is how it incorporates multiple samples. It uses multiple elements from “That’s What I Need” by SWV and “Too Hard for the Fuckin’ Radio” by Mac Dre (1970 – 2004), while it incorporates vocals/lyrics from the mega-hit “Rack City” by Tyga.

“2 Hard 4 The Radio” commences with warm rhythmic synth chords – that’s that SWV sample! The syncopated beat provides a strong anchor. Drake is confident (an understatement), rapping with swagger. He brings a compelling cadence and flow. Early on, he asserts, “Listen up, it’s about to be smoke / Ain’t nothin’ but some shit I wrote / About a rich-ass nigga that’s deep in the game / They call me Drizzy Drake, and I’m keepin’ the name.” Word. Beyond the chorus, excerpted earlier, there is a change of pace. The beat switch occurs at the one-and-a-half minute mark. The beat gets harder and more bass-heavy while the synths are sharper and more rhythmic. Other colorful music cues include lovely, synthesized strings and left-hand piano. As for Drizzy, he goes even harder.  In the second verse, he references Steph Curry (“Back when they was askin’ ‘bout where Davidson was at / Now everybody got a blue 30 on they back”), Tyga (“‘Rack City,’ bitch, we remember that”), Jeffrey Epstein (“Damn, y’all was really island hoppin’ back then…”), Pac-10, presumably Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Pusha T.

“Yeah, and I’m on the west like the Pac-10

Yeah, I’m fuckin’ power couples up, yeah

Actin’ like you love marryin’ your wife, ayy

You boys need to worry ‘bout a jury in your life, ayy.”

Ooh-wee! Perhaps, just perhaps, “2 Hard 4 The Radio” is “Too hard for the fuckin’ radio” as Drake asserts. It’s some TWO track, I’ll tell you that!

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4. Céline Dion, “Think Twice” 

The Colour of My Love » Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc. » 1993

The key lyrics: “think twice.” Céline Dion is one of the greatest singers ever.  She flexes, like the boss that she is, on the timeless ballad, “Think Twice”, the third track from her 1993 studio album, The Colour of My Love.  An original, Andy Hill and Peter Sinfield wrote it while Aldo Nova and Christopher Neil produced it. Sadly, it only had modest success, reaching number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

“Think Twice” commences with an exquisite, celestial soundscape accompanying Céline Dion.  Fueled by the refined fire, she delivers gorgeous, glorious, and nuanced vocals.  Throughout “Think Twice,” the melodies are tuneful, while the lyrics are incredibly memorable.  “Don’t think I can’t feel that there’s something wrong / You’ve been the sweetest part of my life for so long,” Céline sings in the first verse, and continues, “I look in your eyes, there’s a distant light / And you and I know there’ll be a storm tonight.” There is a pre-chorus that follows each verse and reappears as a bridge that leads into the chorus.  In the first iteration, Dion sings, “This is getting serious / Are you thinking ‘bout you or us?” The chorus is the crème de la crème – the centerpiece:

“Don’t say what you’re about to say

Look back before you leave my life

Be sure before you close that door

Before you roll those dice

Baby, think twice.”

Beyond Dion’s lead vocals, the background vocals are delightful. The second verse (excerpted earlier) has more punch – harder drums, riper guitars, and more potent, powerful vocals by Dion. The contrast keeps this ballad incredibly engaging. I love the addition of background vocals during the pre-chorus, adding more bite. The second iteration of the chorus also expands beyond the first, propelling “Think Twice” forward.  A mean guitar solo follows the second chorus.  The bridge,  post-guitar solo, is powerful, high-flying, and showcases the sheer talent of Dion. Her ad-libs are otherworldly and pitch-perfect! The outgoing choruses are the biggest yet, including a break in the accompaniment that is timely. Those background vocals up the ante, eating just like Dion. All in all, “Think Twice” is a magnificent song. The songwriting and production are top-notch, while Céline Dion gives a masterclass in vocal performance.

 

Appears in 🔻:

Céline Dion, Think Twice: Bangerz N Bopz No. 12 (2026)

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5. Klovis Gaynor, “2 faggots in love”

i think the whole world should see 2 faggots in love » klovisgaynor » 2025

I’ve said it at least once, and I’ll say it again.  Handsome and talented queer musician Klovis Gaynor (Peter Gaynor Crummey, Jr.) isn’t one to mince words.  The boldness, confidence, and unapologetic spirit he exhibits in his music are admirable. The same can be said of “2 faggots in love”, the 14^th track from his 2025 album, i think the whole world should see 2 faggots in love. But let’s address the elephant in the room, or rather, the homophobic f-slur.  Like queer, faggot, has been reclaimed… by some members of the gay community… A polarizing word, depending on who you ask, there are varying opinions on whether it should be used.  The trauma of being called a faggot, at least by a cis-hetero male, never leaves you. But, depending on who you are or where you are in your gay journey, the word may or may not bother you.  In this case, Gaynor uses it as liberation. “2 faggots in love” was written by Gaynor.  He produced it with Brayden Baird.

“2 faggots in love” begins tenderly as a piano ballad.  The keyword is begins… Gaynor handles the keys, while also lending his beautifully expressive voice.  Beyond the sweet pianistic moments, Brayden Baird aggressively strums the guitar, while Larah Helayne contrasts with sophistication via fiddle.  During the most aggressive, dynamic instrumental moments, Klovis is unhinged vocally. He’s gritty, screaming, with wild, unclean pipes. As you listen, his authenticity and sincerity are indisputable.  He puts his heart and soul into it, describing queer trauma. A prime example: “But we never had a fair shot /… The trauma that we both brought always tore us apart.” Aww, that’s no good! But there was some goodness, in the form of pleasure, which also gets an assertive delivery: “But holy hell / It made me so happy / To put my cock up your ass.” Holy fuck! No further explanation is necessary. Sex-positivity is all the rage, PERIOD.  Things didn’t work out for Klovis and his partner, but clearly, he wants to experience love again: “God, I really miss being a faggot in love.” “2 faggots in love” is an incredible piece of art.  Sure, some may be uncomfortable with Gaynor’s brutal honesty and the f-slurs, but remember, art is meant to challenge you and draw different emotions and reactions.  Klovis hits the nail on the head with this unforgettable record.

Appears in 🔻:

Klovis Gaynor, 2 faggots in love: Beaming with Pride No. 56 (2026)

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6. J. Cole, “Two Six”

The Fall-Off » Cole World, Inc. / Interscope Records » 2026

Woo! Say what, J. Cole?! It’s a Fayetteville, North Carolina thang. “If you spot a ‘Ville nigga, lock your car / It’s a real good chance he’s a –.” Of course, that’s the hometown of Grammy-winning rapper. “Two Six” is the second track from his seventh studio album, The Fall-Off.  Interestingly, the album was released on February 6, 2026.  That’s a lot of two and six 😝! T-Minus and Omen produced the banging track.

“Two Six” is fueled by a delightful sample: “Trial Time” by the Last Mr. Bigg.  That also adds to the song’s cleverness. J. Cole gives us whispered, edgy vocals in the intro and eventual chorus led by the titular lyrics. The record features a hard-hitting beat that is bass-heavy with ample cymbal.  Meanwhile, J. Cole is hard-nosed, confident, and spits plenty of real talk. “Bitch, you know you was good in school, why you hidin’ your intelligence?” he raps wisely in the first verse.  He adds, “He got a speech impediment from choppers he be cuddlin’ / He says he like the way that shit be s-s-s-s-stutterin’.” D-d-d-damn! Cole delivers a compelling cadence and flow.  He raps about a lot of intriguing and thought-provoking things. One of the best lines of the song appears in the second verse: “In the ‘90’s it was crack cocaine, nowadays it’s clout and fame / Niggas is gassed, goin’ viral off hate and shit a disgrace.”  He’s not wrong! Notably, in the outro, the sound is gentler, but the words remain intense and potent (“Be careful of the devil and the melodies you hum / Smilin’, goin’ viral while infectin’ all of the young”). Ultimately, J. Cole goes H.A.M. on “Two Six,” NO CAP!

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7. Sander Sanchez, “Two Spirits”

“Two Spirits” » The Arrangement » 2026

That is a mic-drop worthy line, Sander Sanchez (Sander Eagleroad Sanchez). Sanchez hails from Denmark.  However, he’s half Native American (South Dakota) and half Dane. His Native American heritage is integral to his single, “Two Spirits”. In an intriguing article, Point of Pride describes Two-Spirit as “Identifying as Two-Spirit is a term and concept rooted in Indigenous cultures in North America, primarily among Native American, First Nations, and Indigenous peoples.” They go on to describe Two-Spirit persons as being both masculine and feminine. “Two Spirits” was written by Sanchez, Lise Cabble, and Marcus Winther-John, and produced by Rasmus Rex.

“Went dancing in the spotlight of a ritual / Learning to be my own individual.” 💯! Sander Sanchez’s Native American heritage is exhibited throughout “Two Spirits.” So is his individualism that won’t be threatened or derailed. Beyond the ritual mentioned in the introduction, he references the significance of nature.  Fearless, in the pre-chorus, Sanchez asserts, “I’ve got no shame to face my demons / Shame to show my love / I’ve got no shame, I taste the freedom / When I kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss my love.” He should be free and feel no shame whatsoever.  Kiss who you want, you handsome fella! Shame is a killer in the LGBTQ+ community that needs to be eradicated. In the chorus, he swears by “the rhythm of my drum,” and confirms his two-spiritedness 👏. Our talented Native American/Danish pop artist ate and left no crumbs on “Two Spirits.” He sings beautifully and expressively with incredible sincerity; you buy what he’s selling. The lyrics are poetic, meaningful, and uplifting (“They can shoot you down, try to kill the spark /… But they can never break my eagle heart”).  The musical backdrop is striking, with colorful keys, synths, and ample rhythm – the rhythm of HIS drum, after all! Big and grand, “Two Spirits” is nothing short of triumphant.

Appears in 🔻:

Sander Sanchez, Two Spirits: Beaming with Pride No. 31 (2026) Bops from 2026 That Make You Beam with Pride

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8. Beats By AI, “Double Fisting”

“Double Fisting” » Beats By Ai » 2025

Thus begins another Beats By AI masterpiece, “Double Fisting”. This nameless AI singer is lonely and, being bricked up, he’s horny and needs to release…  Once more, in the hands of AI, country music sounds much more sexual than EVER.  “I’m so damn drunk / I’m so damn bricked / Gonna sip this jack…” Can you fill in the ellipsis? If not, our drunk and bricked-up protagonist is going to drink more and “Jack [his] dick.” Eloquent to the nth degree, isn’t it?  We’d expect no less from Beats By AI!

So, where does the titular lyric, the double fisting, enter the mix on this countrified AI banger? The chorus, fittingly! Of course, AI could’ve gone many directions with fisting in play. “Yeah, I’m double fisting on a Saturday night / Got the bottle in my left, and my dick in my right.” Wow! He doesn’t stop there, of course! “It’s a blackout buzz, it’s a southern squeeze / Jerking off with Jack Daniels, buzzing beating my meat.” Naturally, there was a sexual component, but, surprisingly, Beats By AI didn’t go nearly as far as expected… for once! The second verse is rapped, with our country singer bumping Morgan Wallen, recollecting his ex-wife, and “when the women really want me.” Haunted, he drinks and masturbates.  Honestly, nothing more needs to be said about “Double Fisting”.  It’s still NSFW, but, again, this one could’ve been even spicier.

Appears in 🔻:

Beats By AI, Double Fisting: Midnight Heat No. 97 (2025)

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9. Kane Brown, “2 Pair”

“2 Pair” » Sony Music Nashville » 2025

Sometimes,  Kane Brown overdoes it in “2 Pair”.  Yes, there is a need, particularly when “I wear ‘em out till there’s holes on the outsole,” but at other times, the country music standout likes it and wants to flex: “Damn, I probably don’t need no more / But the second I walk through the door…” More on that in a moment.  “2 Pair” has no shortages of writers.  Brown co-wrote it with Andrew Haas, Gabe Foust, Ian Franzino, Jacob Hackworth, and Jaxson Free. Jordan Schmidt produced it. As the title suggests, Kane is doubling up! In the chorus, he splurges:

“Give mе two pairs of Luccheses

All-white shirt and somе bootcut jeans

I’ll go all night, stomping to the beat

I just got a check, blew it all on my feet like

Oh, ooh

Ain’t shit you can tell me, I feel like Nelly

Give me two pairs of Luccheses

All-white shirt and some bootcut jeans, yeah.”

Not only do rappers drop a bag, but so do country singers. Brown seems to have a fit that he digs: Lucchese boots 🥾, white shirt 👕, and bootcut jeans 👖. And, of course, he’s looking damn good, so much show that “Lil’ shorty came with a man, but she still starin’, damn.” Ultimately, in “2 Pair”, Brown sings well, the lyrics are entertaining, and the sound is contemporary country through and through. The music during the chorus is quite robust – those mammoth-sounding drums.  Yee haw, cowboys and cowgirls 🤠!

Appears in 🔻:

13 Rad Fitting, Clothing-Related Songs (2025)

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10. Tony Enos, “Two Spirit”

10 » Anthony R Enos III » 2019

Amen!  To reiterate, LGBTQIA2S+ is a lengthy acronym.  It covers a lot of ground, too. The 2S, which stands for Two Spirit, is much more difficult to find a soundtrack for, unfortunately. However, gay, Two Spirit, Native American (Cherokee) musician, Tony Enos (he/him), composed and recorded the song, “Two Spirit”, and accompanying music video that celebrates Two Spirit ancestors, present Two Spirit leaders, and future Two Spirit leaders. Describing his song, Enos adds, It’s ‘a song for the movement, welcoming Two Spirits from all Nations back into the sacred hoop.’

“Two Spirit” sounds celebratory, enthusiastic, and exuberant from the beginning. It’s anchored by an awesome percussive groove, drum programming, and bright, danceable synths. Liberated, the instrumental, as well as Enos’ vocals, reflect such.  The vibes are positive and uplifting – no sadness or depression to be found here! “Listen up, ancients / It’s a new day,” Enos sings proudly, continuing, “Love is here to stay / And there’s no room for hate.” I co-sign that! Adding to the relentless positivity, Enos highlights, “Two spirits / With one heart / One Love… / We’re all different, but the same,” and caps it off with the celebratory, “Celebrate me / Celebrate you.” 💪. A dynamic song released on National Coming Out Day 2015, appearing on Enos’ 2019 album, 10, “Two Spirit” is a must-hear anthem that celebrates members of the Two Spirit community and sincerely preaches inclusivity and love.

Appears in 🔻:

Tony Enos, Two Spirit: Beaming with Pride No. 67 (2025) Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs (2025)

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11. Phil Collins, “Two Hearts”

The Singles (Expanded) » Philip Collins Ltd. / Rhino Entertainment Company » 2016

Phil Collins (b. 1951) had no shortage of hits in the 1980s.  Among many unforgettable songs is “Two Hearts”, which appears on the second disc of Collins’ greatest hits compilation, The Singles (Expanded), released in 2016.  It originally appeared in the soundtrack to the 1988 film Buster. “Two Hearts” spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989. Collins penned and produced the hit with a legend: Lamont Dozier (1941 – 2022).  A decorated hit, Collins and Dozier won a Golden Globe (Best Original Song) and a Grammy (Best Song Written Specifically For A Motion Picture).  They were also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

“Two Hearts” is nothing short of a surefire vibe.  It sounds bright and enthusiastic, set in an optimistic major key.  The soulful pop vibes are perceptible from the jump.  Those soulful pop vibes comprise Motown influence, unsurprising given the co-writing and co-production of Lamont Dozier.  The musical accompaniment is picturesque, with an updated Motown sound (keys, bass, guitar, busy drums, and strings). Beyond the backdrop, Phil Collins impresses with his expressive, jubilant, and spirited vocals.  “Well, there’s no easy way to / To understand it,” he sings in the second verse, and adds, “There’s so much of my life in her / And it’s like I’m blinded.” Oh, snap! Supportive background vocals amplify Collins’ lead.  He delivers tuneful melodies in the verses, pre-chorus (“‘Cause she’s always there behind you / Just to remind you”), and particularly in the chorus.   

“Two hearts

Living in just one mind

Beating together

Till the end of time

You know we’re two hearts

Living in just one mind

Together forever

Till the end of time, oh.”

The bridge, excerpted earlier, distinguishes itself from the other sections. It features a different harmonic scheme and a key modulation. As the quick-paced, peppy record progresses, Collins provides even more oomph. All told, “Two Hearts” is another epic pop joint from one of the best to do it.  Fun and unforgettable, these hearts never grow old or stale!

Appears in 🔻:

Phil Collins, Two Hearts: Throwback Vibez No. 185 (2025)

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12. William Bell, “Tryin’ To Love Two”

‘70s Soul Number 1’s » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 2007

William Bell (b. 1939) sings soulfully on his biggest hit, “Tryin’ To Love Two”. His assertion is correct, considering Bell is trying to manage his main squeeze and a side piece. The song appeared on Bell’s comeback album, Comin’ Back for More, released in 1977 via Mercury. “Tryin’ To Love Two” was Bell’s only top 40 hit. It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It reached the top spot on the R&B songs chart. Bell wrote and produced this ‘70s gem with Paul Mitchell.

William Bell has a gorgeous musical backdrop supporting him. It is lushly orchestrated with cool woodwinds, sophisticated strings, and articulated, exuberant brass.  Also, the rhythm section is locked in with an epic bass line, organ, and guitar. The groove cooks while the instrumental riffs are sickening. Meanwhile, Bell delivers buttery smooth vocals, specifically in the verses. “I got a woman at home / That’s sweet as can be / A woman on the outside / Crazy about me,” he sings, adding, “I’m caught in the middle / Of a three-way love affair / Caught up in this triangle / Can’t go nowhere.” Oh, snap! Adding insult to injury, Bell asserts, “I need to be three men in one.” The section to beat is the chorus, excerpted earlier in all its two-loving glory. Bell’s ad-libs are gritty ad-libs, steeped in southern soul. Beyond his vocals, he is assisted by gorgeous backing vocals. William Bell knows he’s dead wrong but being dead wrong by “Tryin’ To Love Two” never sounded better than this unforgettable soul gem that screams unfaithfulness.

Appears in 🔻:

William Bell, Tryin’ To Love Two: Throwback Vibez No. 77 (2025) 15 Surefire Classics from the 1970s (2025) A Terrific Collection of T Songs (2026) 15 Songs Where LOVE is the Name of the Game (2026)

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13. The Moments, “Love On A Two-Way Street”

A Moment With The Moments » Rhino Entertainment Company » 1970

Bummer! They’d become the trio Ray, Goodman & Brown, but originally, they were The Moments. The Moments are renowned for the classic “Love On A Two-Way Street”, which is a cover 🤯. Lezli Valentine (d. 2021) originally released it in 1968. “Love” is the ninth and final track from their 1970 album, A Moment With The Moments. Sylvia Robinson (1935 – 2011) and Bert Keyes (1930 – 1987) penned it.  Notably, Willie & The Mighty Magnificents provide the musical accompaniment.  The instrumental intro, in particular, stands out (including piano, guitar, bass, drums, and strings). Jay-Z and Alicia Keys sampled the striking intro on their widely successful, Grammy-winning hit, “Empire State of Mind”. A significant pop hit in its own right, “Love On A Two-Way Street” peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

Matters of the heart drive “Love On A Two-Way Street.” “True love will never die / So I’ve been told,” the lead vocalist sings in compelling falsetto in the first verse, and continues, “But now I must cry / It is finally goodbye.” Oh, snap! In the second verse, they deliver another memorable lyric, “To be loved and fooled is a crying shame.” Facts! The refrain, excerpted earlier and appearing at the beginning and the end of the song, is the crowning achievement, detailing the loss of love. There is also a chorus, where the man encounters a similar fate. “She held me in desperation / I thought it was a revelation,” he sings, and concludes, “And then he walked out.” Those pesky, pesky matters of the heart are something else! What else is something else, in a good way, is “Love On A Two-Way Street”, which is one of the great, truly successful soul songs of the 1970s. Well-written and produced and beautifully performed, it’s not surprising this record earned gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.

Appears in 🔻:

The Moments, Love On a Two-Way Street: Throwback Vibez No. 154 (2025)

 

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13 Songs That Highlight The Number TWO (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Anthony R Enos III, Beats By Ai, BIGHIT MUSIC, Cole World, Inc., Interscope Records, klovisgaynor, OVO, Philip Collins Ltd., Republic Records, Rhino Entertainment Company, Sony Music Entertainment (Canada) Inc., Sony Music Nashville, The Arrangement, Transgressive Records Ltd., UMG Recordings, Inc.; Агзам Гайсин, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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