13 Songs That SAY it! | Playlist 🎧

13 Songs That SAY it! features music courtesy of Doja Cat, Lana Del Rey, MAX, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, and Paul Russell. 

Sometimes, you just have to SAY it! That’s exactly what the songs that appear on 13 Songs That SAY it! do. F holding anything back, just SAY it and SAY it boldly, loudly, and proudly! With that said, the musicians who participate in saying ‘thangs’ include Doja Cat, Lana Del Rey, MAX, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, and Paul Russell, and among others. So, with all that star power, and keeping it 💯 by SAYING it, let’s jump right into 13 Songs That SAY it!. 

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1. Paul Russell, “Say Cheese”  

“Say Cheese” // Paul Russell / Arista // 2024 

“Say, ‘Cheese’ / Steppin’ out, purple Mercedes / Fall in love, why don’t you make me? / You want a picture? Just say, ‘Please.’” Ooh, wee! Paul Russell has ample swagger – he’s got plenty of personality and rizz, fo’ sho’! Post “Lil Boo Thang” – a pop juggernaut – Russell delivers another infectious, pleasant pop/rap single, “Say Cheese”.  Russell has a knack for fun, feel-good, vibe-laden songs.  He pens the exuberant “Say Cheese” alongside Raymond Haley, Richard Parker, and producer, Sean Cook. Russell does a fabulous job of balancing singing and rapping.  The chorus, the crème de la crème of “Say Cheese,” finds Paul flexing those pipes.  It’s tuneful to the nth degree – the first major section of the song.  From there, in the first verse, bars are dropped aka rapping.  Does Russell rewrite rap with said bars? Nah, but, the contrast to preceding chorus, and well as the following pre-chorus and another iteration of chorus is a pro. Arguably, the second verse, also rapped, is more exciting given the speed; it’s also a bit wordier.  Lines like “I’m on top of the game, shorty stop at the gate / I’m on the phone with the bank and they ain’t talkin’ the same” aren’t ‘brand new,’ but Russell’s delightful personality sells it.  Cook’s production also provides Russell with a huge lift, emulating the major-key, horn-laden, groovy sound of “Lil Boo Thang.” All in all, “Say Cheese” gives Paul another bop!

 

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 2. Lana Del Rey, “Say Yes to Heaven” 

“Say Yes to Heaven” // Polydor / Interscope // 2023   

“Say yes to heaven / Say yes to me / Say yes to heaven / Say yes to me.”  Word. “Say Yes To Heaven” was released officially by Lana Del Rey in 2023, though dates back to 2016. This three-and-a-half-minute song commences with a lovely, rhythmic guitar intro. The production is comprised of guitars and keys, primarily, but also adds lush strings. The record features those beloved, signature Lana vocals. She sounds expressive and nuanced with a celestial, heavenly tone. Composed alongside producer, Rick Nowels, the songwriting is simple but accessible. “If you dance, I’ll dance / And if you don’t, I’ll dance anyways,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Give peace a chance / Let the fear you have fall away.” Unsurprisingly, the tuneful chorus (excerpted above) is the section to beat. During the chorus, I love how Del Rey showcases her upper register  Notably, there is also a sped-up version of the single. 

 

Appears in 🔻:  

• 13 Incredible Songs That Make You Say YES! (2024) 

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3. MAX, “Say Less” (Ft. DUCKWRTH) 

Love in Stereo // Colour Vision // 2024   

“Uh huh / Say less, say less / Cuz you already got me baby.” Word, MAX, word! The talented pop singer drops a pop bop with “Say Less”, which appears on his 2024 LP, Love in Stereo.  Although brief at just over two-and-a-half-minutes in duration, the track is straight up fire 🔥! Furthermore, the pop star gets a rad assist from Duckwrth. MAX and Duckwrth penned “Say Less” alongside Tia Scola, Mayer Hawthorne, Michael Cody Dear, and Jacob Ray.  Providing the kick ass, picturesque, and hella slick backdrop is MAX, Dear, and Ray. Throughout “Say Less,” MAX is taken with her – infatuated. “Do you believe in love at first sight,” he asks her, continuing, “Or should I walk on by again.” She (who is nameless) later responds, via him, in the pre-chorus, “She said, baby what you talkin’ about / Let’s do something else with that mouth.” Ooh-wee – it’s getting hot in here!  Of course, those lyrics provide perfect context to the title. Duckwrth gets into the mix and gets a little dirty: “I’m a gentleman baby and a dog with a bite / I just wanna nibble on your ass all night.” Whoa, whoa! He caps off his verse with a ‘bang’ too: “And if you can’t groove she don’t want it / Great sex, say less.” All told, MAX shines on “Say Less” , a song best experienced via listening, and amplified by a fun music video. 

  

Appears in 🔻:  

• Bops That Pop: February 2024  

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4. Doja Cat, “Say So (Remix)” (Ft. Nicki Minaj)   

 “Say So (Remix)” // Kemosabe / RCA // 2019

“Day to night to morning, keep with me in the moment / I’d let you had I known it, why don’t you say so?” Shew, Doja Cat (Amala Zandile Dlamini) is a walking bop! She continues the chorus from “Say So” (Hot Pink), singing, “Didn’t even notice, no punches left to roll with / You got to keep me focused; you want it? Say so.” Honestly, she didn’t need Nicki Minaj to make “Say So (Remix)” but, I do like what Minaj serves up on the remix. Following the catchy chorus by Doja, Nicki goes right to work exuding confidence delivering drippy, clever, and eyebrow-raising bars.   

“Used to be bi, but now I’m just hetero  

Ain’t talkin’ medicine, but I made him more a fiend  

Ever since I put the cookie on quarantine  

He know this thing A1 like a felony  

All he gotta do is say the word like a spelling bee.”   

Holy sugar honey iced tea!!! Doja Cat responds with the superb chorus, and of course, the second verse from the original.  Doja is tamer than usual, but we still get plenty of sexual innuendo, as well as ending with a bang – or leading up to ‘banging’ as she references “Ass and titties.” Anyways, it’s not the last we hear of Nicki! We get an outro referencing COVID-19 (“I got dressed just to sit in the house”) as well as talking some shit (“Why you talkin’ ‘bout who body fake? / With all them fillers in your face, you just full of hate”). “Say So (Remix) = BOP!  

Appears in 🔻:  

• 13 Songs Buoyed by the Power of SO (2022) 

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5. Kanye West, “Heard ‘Em Say” (Ft. Adam Levine)  

Late Registration // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2005    

“And I heard ‘em say / Nothing’s ever promised tomorrow today / From the Chi, like Tim, it’s a harder way.” Woo! Before Kanye West became a totally unhinged @$$hole, the producer, rapper, and songwriter was renowned for talent.  His 2005 album, Late Registration, is one of the true classics of the aughts.  Chocked full of hits, among the best is the second track, “Heard ‘Em Say,” which enlists Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine for the assist.  Levine wows with his smooth, soulful tenor during the chorus, which is incredibly tuneful.  As for Mr. West, he impresses with his own potent rhymes, filled with personality and those signature one-liners.  

“My Aunt Pam can’t put them cigarettes down  

So now my little cousin smokin’ them cigarettes now  

His job try to claim that he too niggerish now  

Is it ‘cause his skin blacker than licorice now?  

I can’t figure it out, I’m sick of it now.”  

The production is equal to the performances of Levine and West, with West producing alongside Jon Brion.  Brion brings a different sound to West’s sophomore album as a whole – something that makes it a contrast to his groundbreaking debut, The College Dropout (2004).  Notably, “Heard ‘Em Say” samples Natalie Cole (“Someone That I Used to Love”) and Tommy James and the Shondells (“Candy Maker”).  Maroon 5 would later sample/repurpose the record on “Nothing Lasts Forever” from their 2007 LP, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long.  Also, in 2020, Grammy-nominated rapper Logic recorded his own song, “Heard Em Say” (No Pressure) interpolating the West classic.   

Appears in 🔻:  

• 14 Listen 🔊, Hear👂 Me Out Songs (2023) 

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6. Ronald Isley & The Isley Brothers, “Make Me Say It Again, Girl” (Ft. Beyoncé)   

Make Me Say It Again, Girl // RI Top Ten // 2022 

In 2022, Ronald Isley and The Isley Brothers returned with a new version of their classic, “Make Me Say It Again, Girl”.  Joining him on this remake is none other than Beyoncé, who collaborates with Isley for the very first time with superb results. No, “Make Me Say It Again Girl, Pts. 1 & 2”, from the 1975 album, The Heat Is On, didn’t require a remake. That said, this rework from Make Me Say It Again, Girl is legit. The smooth pipes of Ronald Isley remain elite – it’s truly surprising he’s in his eighth decade.  Furthermore, Beyoncé proves to be the perfect duet partner, showing how refined her instrument truly is.  She’s duetted with other veteran artists many times, and the results never fail to impress.  Given the timbre of Isley’s voice, as well as her own distinct pipes, the chemistry between the two is epic. No, “Make Me Say It Again, Girl” won’t change your life, or the face of R&B music, but this remake is beautiful!    

Appears in 🔻:   

• Awesome Songs: August 2022  
• 11 Songs That Embrace the Voice (2024)  

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7. James Brown, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” 

The 50th Anniversary Collection // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2003

“Uh! With your bad self! Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud!” Ooh wee! Three-time, Grammy-winning funk/soul icon James Brown shows immense black pride on his classic, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”.  These days, it’s “Pt. 1” that gets the most love, appearing on such greatest hits compilations like the fine 2003 compendium, The 50th Anniversary Collection.  That said, the full-length original, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud – Pts. 1 & 2,” appears on Brown’s 1969 album, Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.  Quibbling over parts aside, it is the unapologetic, embrace of blackness during a turbulent time that earns “Say It Loud” a controversial stamp.    

This hella funky cut is straightforward.  The Godfather of Soul is intentional about being proud of who he is and his people.  He’s pushes for better things and times to come, citing the many hardships that have faced black folks.  “We have been ‘buked and we have been scorned,” he sings on the first verse, adding, “We’ve been treated bad, talked about as sure as you’re born /… Brother, we can’t quit until we get our share.” Hmm, I wonder if reparations are part of that share? Probably just opening another can of worms here! Regardless, I love Brown’s socially conscious mindset, which means even more to me as a black man myself. Beyond the message, the music is dope. The band drops some of the most ill and sickest funk you’ll ever hear.  Furthermore, as lit as hook and verses are on “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” the bridge might be the crowning achievement, with James Brown doing those signature Brown things over those killer riffs! 

“Ooh-wee, you’re killing me  

All right, you outta sight  

All night, so tough  

You’re tough…  

Ooh-wee, you’re killing me!”   

James Brown had a legitimate point on “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”, one that continues to resonate more than 50 years after the record first arrived.   

Appears in 🔻:  

• ‘Say it Loud,’ Beautiful Black Voices (2021) 
• 15 More Soul Oldies That Tickle My Fancy (Vol. 2) (2021) 
• James Brown, Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud: Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 No. 32 (2021) 

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8. Maggie Rogers, “Say It” 

Heard It in a Past Life // Capitol // 2019 

“Standing in the open light / Within the swelter of the night / I found myself staring at you.” Oh, snap! Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Maggie Rogers adds, “I cannot be this way with you / I cannot fall in love with you.” Hmm… K. Rogers delivered a well-rounded, debut LP with Heard It in a Past Life, which was released in 2019.  One of the best moments from the album is the R&B-tinged, love-driven record, “Say It.”  

Notably, within the context of Heard It in a Past Life, “Say It” is unlike anything that precedes or follows.  This surefire bop was penned by Rogers, Jack Hallenbeck, and Tor Miller.  She produced it alongside Hallenbeck, Ricky Reed, and Lucio Westmoreland.  The backdrop includes warm, detuned pads, synths/keys, and banging drums, straight out of the urban playbook. Vocally, Rogers is on-point, maintaining coolness yet packing a punch regarding L-O-V-E (“And every evening, every night / I keep replying in my mind / And wondering if you do the same”). The section to beat is the tuneful centerpiece, the chorus, where she sings, “I knew it when you looked my way / That I’d be begging you to stay / I couldn’t say it to myself / I couldn’t say it to myself.” Ooh-wee! She continues, gloriously, “I felt it burning in the way / I held on when you pulled away / I couldn’t say it to myself  I couldn’t say it to myself.” Although NOT released as a single, Rogers has performed the fabulous “Say It” live many times.    

 

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9. Lionel Richie, “Say You, Say Me”  

Dancing on the Ceiling // Motown // 1986 

“Say you, say me / Say it for always, that’s the way it should be,” Lionel Richie sings on his 1985 hit single, “Say You, Say Me”.  He continues singing, in the centerpiece, the chorus, “Say you say me / Say it together, naturally.” “Say You, Say Me,” penned by Richie, marks one of 13 top-10 hits. Making the song even more elite is the fact that it is one of five no. 1 hits by the Grammy-winning musician. Specifically, “Say You, Say Me” spent four weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching its peak position in late 1985. Ultimately, it was certified gold by the RIAA. Meanwhile, the parent album, Dancing on the Ceiling, has been certified quadruple platinum. One more accolade regarding “Say You, Say Me” – it won Best Original Song at the 1986 Oscars. 

 

The chorus is simple, but a big reason for the success of “Say You, Say Me.” That said, the songwriting in the verses is sweet too. “As we go down life’s lonesome highway / Seems the hardest thing to do is to find a friend or two,” Richie sings in the second verse. In the bridge, he asserts, “I’m telling you / It’s time to start believing, oh yes / Believing who you are, you are a shining star.” Lionel sounds fabulous, singing authentically and expressively.  The melodies are sweet, playing a key role in the catchiness of this classic.  Furthermore, the music – the instrumental – shines as well.  It is idiomatic of the 1980s sound with it use of keys/synths, guitar, and punchy drums. He produced this four minute, juggernaut alongside James Anthony Carmichael. “Say You, Say Me” sits at or near the top of Richie’s illustrious song catalog.

Appears in 🔻:  

• Lionel Richie, Say You, Say Me: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 26 (2024) 

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10. Panic! At The Disco, “Say Amen (Saturday Night)”  

Pray for the Wicked // Fueled by Ramen // 2018

Brendon Urie and Panic! At the Disco are ‘tuned-in and turned-up’ on “Say Amen (Saturday Night)”, a single and highlight from their 2018 album, Pray for the Wicked. The production is a work of art, including fantastic keyboard work and synths.  Later, the gargantuan chorus adds horns and massive, pummeling drums. The choruses represent the most epic moments for sure, as well as summing up the record’s message. The push-and-pull is what makes “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” so compelling. Urie is struggling with spirituality versus being free and living it up.  

“I pray for the wicked on the weekend  

Mama, can I get another amen?  

Oh, oh, it’s Saturday night, yeah  

Swear to God, I ain’t ever gonna repent  

Mama, can I get another amen?  

Oh, oh, it’s Saturday night, yeah.”  

Appears in 🔻:  

• 8 Secular Amen Songs Playlist (2018) 
• 17 Songs That Were Made for the Night (2018) 
• 12 Songs to Celebrate the Weekend…Or Not (2018) 
• 101 Best Songs of 2018 
• 11 Secular Songs About Praying, Preaching & Baptism (2019) 
• 11 Utterly Fantastic Songs About Saturday (2019) 

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11. Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson, “Say Say Say”  

Pipes of Peace // MPL Communications Inc/Ltd / Concord Music Group, Inc. // 1983

“Say, say, say what you want / But don’t play games with my affection.” Ooh-wee! “Say Say Say” marks one of 23 top-10 hits by Paul McCartney and one of 30 top-10 hits by Michael Jackson.  This gem, which appears on McCartney’s 1983 album, Pipes of Peace, marks one of the biggest collaborations of all-time. Paul! Michael! That’s huge! Unsurprisingly, “Say Say Say” spent six weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking in December 1983. In 1992, this superstar collab was certified platinum by the RIAA.  “Say Say Say” was written by McCartney and Jackson and produced by George Martin. The lyrics are memorable while the music slays.

 

“Say Say Say” features an electrifying groove from the onset, which sets the tone of this 80s pop classic. The instrumental is extra smooth. Instruments worth highlighting include the keys, guitars, harmonica (!), and those exuberant, rhythmic, and highly articulated horns. Both McCartney and Jackson serve up superb vocals.  The vocal chemistry, as well as the contrast between Paul and Michael is excellent.  Another pro from “Say Say Say” are the melodies, which are tuneful throughout.  McCartney handles the verses, while MJ takes the chorus, with variations:

“All alone, I sit home by the phone 

Waiting for you, baby  

Through the years, how can you stand to hear 

My pleading for you, dear?  

You know I’m crying, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh.” 

Ooh-wee! The bridge separates itself from the verse and chorus – a solid lead into the third and final verse.  Ultimately, “Say Say Say” doesn’t require deep analysis lyrically or musically – it’s greatness speaks for itself.   

Appears in 🔻:  

• Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson, Say Say Say: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 27 (2024) 

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12. Galantis x David Guetta x MNEK, “Damn (You’ve Got Me Saying)” 

🎵 Damn (You’ve Got Me Saying) // Big Beat // 2022   

“And there ain’t no way I’m gettin’ you back / You got me sayin’ / Damn!” WOO – #baby swear word 🤬!!! 🎵 “Damn (You’ve Got Me Saying)” is set in a minor key, but there’s nothing downright malicious, damn it! The record features the exuberant, nuanced vocals of MNEK. It’s safe to say, he totally #SLAYS.  His best moments come on the centerpiece… the main course – the infectious, spirited chorus.  Here, MNEK asserts, “Damn, I shouldn’t have let you walk right out my life (Uh) / I shoulda treated you right / I shoulda been by your side.” Uh-oh! DAMN, those pesky matters of the heart always provide the fuel for a great song, and in this case, it’s a surefire dance-pop bop! Backtracking, MNEK messed up with his ex-lover, and he regrets it terribly, admitting, in the first verse, “It drives me crazy to see you move on / While I lay alone in my bed.” Oh, snap 🫰! “Damn (You’ve Got Me Saying)” isn’t all MNEK, despite the fact he’s totally #GIVING! He gets classy, picturesque production courtesy of Swedish DJ/producer Galantis (Christian “Bloodshy” Karlsson) and French DJ/producer, David Guetta, who are also credited to this track. Additionally, Galantis and Guetta collab with producers Tre Jean-Marie and Y3LLO KOALA to assemble this decadent ear candy. MNEK’s love pain ends up being the ultimate listening pleasure. 

 

Appears in 🔻:   

• Galantis x David Guetta x MNEK, Damn (You’ve Got Me Saying): Dance Gemz 🕺 💎 🎶 No. 4 (2023) 
• 13 Dayum Good Damn Songs (2023)  

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13. The Manhattans, “Kiss and Say Goodbye”  

The Manhattans // Sony Music Entertainment // 1976  

“This has got to be the saddest day of my life / I called you here today for a bit of bad news,” Winifred Lovett says in the intro of “Kiss and Say Goodbye”.  He continues, “I won’t be able to see you anymore / Because of my obligations and the ties that you have /… Let’s just kiss and say goodbye.” “Kiss and Say Goodbye” is one of the greatest R&B/soul songs of all-time, period.  It is worth noting that Lovett composed this 1976 classic, which hails from The Manhattans’ self-titled album and marks their biggest hit. “Kiss and Say Goodbye” topped the Billboard Hot 100, deservedly so! Sadly “Kiss and Say Goodbye” wasn’t nominated for a Grammy, but the collective later won a Grammy for another hit, “Shining Star”.    

“Kiss and Say Goodbye” is iconic for many reasons. The production (Bobby Martin) is idiomatic of the 70s soul sound – lush, picturesque, romantic, and warm.  The vocals are stellar, from the commanding, expressive lead (Gerald Alston) to the assertive backing vocals.  The theme and lyrics are relatable, as the love affair has come to an end.  Even if it’s wrong, breaking up is difficult regardless of the situation, something that “Kiss and Say Goodbye” captures perfectly.     

“We’ve been meeting here so long  

I guess what we done, oh, was wrong  

Please darlin’, don’t you cry  

Let’s just kiss and say goodbye.”  

“Kiss and Say Goodbye” = a once-in-a-lifetime record. 

Appears in 🔻:   

• Kisses: An Intriguing Compendium of Kiss Songs 💋 (2021) 
• The Manhattans, Kiss and Say Goodbye: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 86 (2022) 

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13 Songs That SAY it! (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, Big Beat, Capitol, Colour Vision, Concord Music Group Inc., Fueled by Ramen, Interscope, Kemosabe, Motown, MPL Communications Inc/Ltd, Paul Russell, Polydor, RCA, RI Top Ten, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings Inc.; ]

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