13 Songs Where The Need Is Real

Reading Time: 14 min read

13 Songs Where The Need Is Real features music courtesy of The 1975, Doja Cat, James Blake, Patti LaBelle, and Whitney Houston.

Ah! This is a playlist you’ll not only want, but one you definitely NEED. Yes, folks, 13 Songs Where The Need Is Real is all about one keyword: NEED! All 13 songs feature some form or the word without exception! 13 Songs Where The Need Is Real features music courtesy of The 1975, Doja Cat, James Blake, Patti LaBelle, and Whitney Houston among others. As always, there’s a little “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” for everybody! So, without further ado, let’s jump right into this needy, NEED songs!

1. Patti LaBelle, “Love, Need and Want You”

I’m In Love Again • Philadelphia International • 1983

“Honey, I love you / I do / More than you’ll ever know / It’s for sure / You can always count on my love / Forevermore.” two-time Grammy winner, Patti LaBelle exhibited no shortage of love and devotion on “Love, Need and Want You”, a single and surefire highlight from her sixth studio album, I’m In Love Again (1983). This smooth, 1980s Philly soul joint was written and produced by a formidable team: Kenneth Gamble and the late, great, Bunny Sigler. One of many career hits, “Love, Need and Want You” had a tough act to follow — “If Only You Knew” graced the same LP, earning pop success as well. “Love, Need and Want You” was a success on the R&B charts but failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 – go figure!

Despite the fact that “Love, Need and Want You” didn’t make a bigger splash on the mainstream, it ranks among the finest songs in the Patti LaBelle catalog. With elite songwriting and that sweet Philly production supporting her, Ms. Patti is on fire . “Sugar, I want you so bad / I got a burning desire,” she sings so amorously, continuing, “My soul’s on fire / Can’t you see / You’re my everything.” She’s infatuated ! Besides the unifying titular lyrics, arguably the best moment from this beloved Patti classic is when she sings:

“Baby, when we

When we’re together

Said, I’m alright and you’re alright

It’s like paradise

And I just want you to know how I feel

How I feel.”

“Love, Need and Want You” – a surefire, certified, Patti LaBelle classic!

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2. PNAU & Troye Sivan, “You Know What I Need”

“You Know What I Need” • etcetc Music Pty Ltd • 2022

What happens when PNAU and Troye Sivan collaborate? Magic – sheer magic. PNAU taps Sivan for the fabulous single, “You Know What I Need”. This is the single that you need in your life during those cold, frigid winter months! PNAU and Sivan keep things short and sweet, clocking in just under three minutes in duration. An infectious groove from the onset sets the tone. As always, Sivan serves up great vocals. Beyond his awesome pipes, the vocal production is superb as well. Sivan does the heavy lifting vocally, but he is also assisted by warm supporting vocals. The chorus is everything: the falsetto is ripe, the melody is tuneful, and the production is inviting.

“You’re all that I want

You’re all that I need

And if it hurts baby

I don’t want it.”

Beyond the chorus, the melody in the verses is also strong. So are the lyrics, which are love-centric (“But I’m thinkin’ lately / What’s so concernin’ / Soon as I leave you / I just keep on hurtin’.”). There is excellent contrast during the bridge section, which keeps “You Know What I Need” balanced. This is a superb dance-pop track that is a welcome addition to any winter 2022-23 playlist.

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3. Doja Cat, “Need to Know”

Planet Her • Kemosabe / RCA • 2021

“I just been fantasizin’ (Size) / And we got a lotta time (Time) / Baby, come throw the pipe (Pipe).” Doja Cat isn’t referencing a cigar! On “Need to Know”, one of the best moments from Planet Her, Doja gives us a little bit of everything, singing often, while also dropping un-pitched rhymes on the second verse. The theme and topic of choice for Doja is SEX. What really sells this sexed-up joint is her big personality. Of course, SIZE matters in the bedroom: “What’s your size? (Size) / Add, subtract, divide (‘Vide).”

Furthermore, Doja wants her man to know, “I got a lotta new tricks for you, baby / Just sayin’ I’m flexible / I do what I can to get you off.” She doesn’t stop there, considering on the second verse she’s a magician: “Oh, wait, you a fan of magic? / Poof, pussy like an Alakazam.” Woo! The crème de la crème – the crowning achievement – is the memorable chorus:

“Wanna know what it’s like

Baby, show me what it’s like

I don’t really got no type

I just wanna fuck all night.”

A bonus? A music video supplementing this sexed-up bop encompassing Doja’s abilities in the bedroom. Also, can’t fail to mention that studly hottie in the video, Cameron Saffle .

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4. The 1975, “All I Need To Hear”

Being Funny in a Foreign Language • Dirty Hit • 2022

“I get out my records / When you go away,” Matthew Healy sings in the opening verse from “All I Need To Hear”, the seventh track from the 2022, The 1975 album, Being Funny in a Foreign Language. He goes on to say, “When people are talking / I miss what they say.” Why is this, Matthew? Well, it all centers around love, or perhaps, the lack thereof. On this gorgeous ballad, which begins with both enigma and simplicity, Healy sings with incredible authenticity – you buy what he is selling. Of course, the most memorable moment is the chorus, where he clarifies, “… it all means nothing, my dear / If I can’t be holdin’ you near / So tell me you love me / ‘Cause that’s all I need to hear.” Those lyrics right there definitely hit something fierce. Even fiercer is when he adds, “Oh, I don’t care if you’re insincere / Just tell me what I wanna hear.” Apparently, hearing faux professions of love is better than none at all. What isn’t faux is the sheer brilliance of “All I Need To Hear.” Healy penned it alongside George Daniel, Jamie Square, and Rob Milton. Healy and Daniel also produce, alongside the one-and-only Jack Antonoff, who can do no wrong .

5. Jazmine Sullivan, “Need U Bad”

Fearless • Sony Music Entertainment • 2008

In 2008, there were two Fearless albums of note released. One, courtesy of Taylor Swift, received plenty of commercial success, not to mention Swift’s first Grammy win for Album Of The Year. The other Fearless album, courtesy of eventual Grammy winner, Jazmine Sullivan, didn’t earn the same degree of success as Swift, but did earn platinum certification for the album and the two most successful songs of her career, “Bust Your Windows” and the song at hand, “Need U Bad.”

“Boy, I need you bad as my heartbeat / Bad like the food I eat / Bad like the air I breathe,” Sullivan sings in the memorable chorus. Prior to the chorus, she shows how much she misses him, vowing to do better if just given the chance. “If I had you back in my world,” she asserts, “I would prove to be a better girl.” Oh, the hypothetical! Similarly, in the second verse of this Missy Elliott, reggae-tinged co-write (alongside other writers, too), Sullivan sings, “Baby, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do / To get back what we had when love was true.” Woo! The theme and message are straightforward – she needs him BAD! Her love pain remains our listening pleasure 15 years after first hearing the timeless single.

6. The Beatles, “All You Need Is Love”

1 • Apple Corps Ltd. • 2000

When it comes to The Beatles’ classic, “All You Needs Is Love” ( Magic Mystery Tour (1967)), it shouldn’t take too much thought to point out the keyword: LOVE! Of course, when it comes to 13 Songs Where The Need Is Real, well, the reason why it ends up on this list is the NEED. Regardless, “All You Need Is Love” is a surefire gem among many, many gems from the Fab Four’s collection. It is irresistible given its focus on something simple yet complex – again, it’s LOVE. Per the second verse, “(Love) Nothing you can make that can’t be made / (Love) No one you can save that can’t be saved / (Love) Nothing you can do, but you can learn how to be you in time / It’s easy.” Oh, the power of LOVE – “All you need is love!” Matching the positive vibes of the lyrics is exuberant, major key music, with some marvelous orchestration (George Martin). Although “All You Need Is Love” is approaching 60 (!), it, like much of The Beatles’ rich catalog, never grows old. Honestly, we need more of that love that John Lennon and Paul McCartney were touting here!

7. Ariana Grande, “Needy”

thank u, next • Republic • 2019

“And I can be needy, way too damn needy / I can be needy, tell me how good it feels to be needed.” “Needy” appears as the second track on the Ariana Grande masterpiece, thank u, next. The record definitely keeps the under-appreciated album (*cough* by the Grammys *cough*) on an upward trajectory. The brief “Needy” is incredibly well-produced ( Tommy Brown), characterized by inescapable lushness. This lushness is created by the keyboard loop, pad, and rich, robust harmonized vocals.

“I can be needy, so hard to please me

I know it feels so good to be needed.”

As always, Ariana Grande sings incredibly well, truly making the melody sound gorgeous. Also, worth noting, Victoria Monét serves as a co-writer . #SLAY

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8. James Blake, “I Need a Forest Fire” (Ft. Bon Iver)

The Colour in Anything • Polydor Ltd. • 2016

“To burn it like cedar / I request another dream / I need a forest fire,” Justin Vernon of Bon Iver sings in the chorus of “I Need a Forest Fire”. Hmm, isn’t it sort of strange that there is a necessity for a forest fire? I mean forest fires utterly destroy! Well, per the James Blake gem from his 2016 LP, The Colour in Anything, the forest fire is necessary… metaphorically. “I’m saved by nature / But it always forgets what I need,” Blake sings in the first verse, adding, “I hope you’ll stop me before I build a wall around me / We need a forest fire.” So, while Blake and Vernon reference those devastating forest fires, actually, they are referencing a relationship with issues that needs to be burned and restarted, so to speak… something like that. As with any Bon Iver or James Blake song, the sound is incredibly distinct.

9. Lady A, “Need You Now”

Need You Now • Capitol Nashville • 2010

“It’s a quarter after one, I’m a little drunk and I need you now / Said I wouldn’t call, but I lost all control, and I need you now,” Grammy-winning country group Lady A sings on the catchy, incredibly memorable chorus of “Need You Now.” “Need You Now” was their biggest hit from the biggest album of their career, also titled Need You Now (2010). The glorious chorus continues: “And I don’t know how I can do without / I just need you now.” The well written record was easily among the best crossover cuts of the 2010. It features superb production work (restrained piano and soft guitars) and straddles country and pop. Hillary Scott serves up lovely vocals during the first verse. There’s awesome chemistry between her and Charles Kelley. Kelley, like Scott before him, shines on the second verse. Dave Haywood also gets into the action with a grand guitar solo. Definitely the ballad everyone needed in 2010 and could still enhance any playlist today!

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10 .Solomon Burke, “If You Need Me”

If You Need Me • Atlantic • 1963

“If you need me, I want you to call me / Said if you need me, all ya gotta do is call me,” the late, great Solomon Burke sings on his no. 2 R&B hit, “If You Need Me”. As is so often the case, the Grammy-winning musician was NOT the original person to record “If You Need Me.” The original artist, and co-writer was none other than another soul icon, Wilson Pickett. Even though Pickett often had the Midas Touch with many hits to his name, in this case, it was Burke who made “If You Need Me” a certified soul classic. He continues singing, with incredible soulfulness, “Don’t wait too long if things go wrong / I’ll be home (I’ll be home).”

So, what’s the premise of “If You Need Me”? Matters of the heart is the theme with potential reconciliation the goal, and perhaps, the expectation from Solomon Burke. The relationship has ended, however, Solomon ‘leaves the door open,’ if you well. Essentially, if she needs him, he advises her to call, and he’ll be there. Honestly, he asserts, “And I’ll hurry home / Where I belong.” Of course, we get a snapshot into what might’ve gone awry: “People always said, darlin’ / That I didn’t mean you no good / And you would need me someday.” Hmm, interesting! He continues singing, “Way deep down in my heart / I know I’ve done the best I could / That’s why I know that one of these days / It won’t be long, you’ll come…” Fill in the ellipsis!

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11. Whitney Houston, “All the Man That I Need”

I’m Your Baby Tonight • Arista • 1990

“And in the evening / When the moon is high / He holds me close and won’t let go / He won’t let go.” The late, great Whitney Houston had a knack for covers. Her most famous cover was “I Will Always Love You” with “The Greatest Love of All” in the mix as well. However, on her 1990 album, I’m Your Baby Tonight, the Grammy-winning singer also did wonders with another cover and no. 1 hit, “All the Man That I Need”. “All the Man That I Need” was written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore and originally recorded by Linda Clifford in 1982. Also, prior to the iconic Houston version, Sister Sledge recorded it as the penultimate track on their 1982 album, The Sisters. Ultimately, despite being a cover, Houston’s recording has become the definitive version. Prior to researching “All the Man That I Need,” aside from a Luther Vandross reinterpretation ( “All the Woman I Need” from Songs), it was the only version of the song I’d heard.

Basically, everything that Whitney touched in her heyday turned into gold. “All the Man That I Need” never ignited the charts until she anointed the track. The big takeaway is that Houston made this non-original sound completely original. The authenticity is a big selling point, as you buy what Houston is selling regarding love:

“He fills me up
He gives me love
More love than I’ve ever seen
He’s all I got
He’s all I got in this world
But he’s all the man I need.”

The chorus is the crowning achievement, particularly post-saxophone solo (courtesy of Kenny G!). We get a dramatic key change, and those signature, indescribable Houston ad-libs. Her voice soars effortlessly, supported by marvelous backing vocals. Also, the lush, warm production work cannot be denied ( Narada Michael Walden).

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12. John P. Kee, “Standing in the Need”

The Essential John P. Kee • Zomba Recording LLC • 2007

“It’s me / It’s me, oh Lord / I’m standing in the need / (I am standing in the need of prayer).” Woo! That is a powerful and intense petition to the Lord. One of gospel music’s best, John P. Kee, sings this powerful record. “Standing in the Need” originally appears on Kee’s 1991 album, Wash Me. Of course, the minister isn’t the sole performer. He’s joined by the anointed, New Life Community Choir who plays an equally important role to Kee’s dynamic lead. A relatively simple record that recalls a spiritual, Kee transforms it into a contemporary gospel record for the ages. It’s no surprise that “Standing in the Need” is considered one of his greatest hits, arriving early on the compilation, The Essential John P. Kee. Continuing his petition, Kee goes on to assert that the prayer – the intercession required – is on his behalf and no one else’s. So many times, we offer thoughts and prayers up for everyone else but don’t pray or petition for ourselves. In this case, Kee (and New Life Community Choir, of course) prioritizes prayer for himself:

“Not my mother

(Not my mother)

Not my father

(Not my father)

Not my sister

(Sister)

Not my brother

(Or brother)

But it’s me, oh Lord.”

On “Standing in the Need”, the spiritual refresh is real.

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13. Tina Turner, “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)”

Simply the Best • Parlophone • 1991

“Out of the ruins / Out from the wreckage / Can’t make the same mistake this time.” For sure, Tina Turner, for sure! By the time “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” arrived, Turner had firmly secured her makeover as a pop/rock artist in her solo career. Private Dancer had arrived in 1984, a year ahead of the Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome soundtrack. Notably, Turner was an actor in the movie (Aunty Entity) in addition to singing on the soundtrack. Of course, the song trumps everything else on the soundtrack, earning Turner another huge hit (it peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100).

“We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” was written by Graham Lyle and Terry Britten. The backdrop is energetic, with ample rhythm, an impressive groove, and colorful instrumental cues (keys, guitars, bass, saxophone solo by Tim Cappello). From start to finish, Tina Turner delivers her signature tone. She is a bit more poised during portions of the verses, picking up steam on the gargantuan, anthemic chorus in all its glory.

“We don’t need another hero

We don’t need to know the way home

All we want is life beyond

Thunderdome.”

Another memorable moment precedes the chorus, as Turner sings, in both verses, “And I wonder when we are ever gonna change / Living under the fear, until nothing else remains.” Also, shout out the totally turned up bridge – WOO! Adding to the distinct, memorable nature of “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” is when a truly spirited Turner invites the children to sing. The timbre of children’s voices just adds something extra special to so many songs, with “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” being no exception.

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13 Songs Where The Need Is Real [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Apple Corps Ltd., Arista, Atlantic, Capitol Nashville, Dirty Hit, etcetc Music Pty Ltd, Kemosabe, Parlophone, Philadelphia International, Polydor Ltd., RCA, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, Zomba Recording LLC; Maria from Pixabay]

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