13 Songs You SHOULD Give a Listen

Reading Time: 14 min read

13 Songs You SHOULD Give a Listen features music courtesy of 21 Savage, Bee Gees, Kehlani, Mitski, and Yeat.

Cutting straight to the chase, the keyword is SHOULD. 13 Songs You SHOULD Give a Listen all feature some form of the word, period. There are no ifs, ands, or buts – this one SHOULD be straightforward. And if it’s not straightforward, it SHOULDA (SHOULD’VE) been. It SHOULDN’T be that complicated. Catch the drift? Good. 13 Songs You SHOULD Give a Listen features music courtesy of 21 Savage, Bee Gees, Kehlani, Mitski, and Yeat. So, without further ado, you SHOULD check out this SHOULD-driven list!

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1. 21 Savage & Brent Faiyaz, “should’ve wore a bonnet”

2. Mitski, “Should’ve Been Me”

3. Cory Stewart, “I Shoulda Known Better”

4. Kehlani, “more than I should”

5. Yeat, “U Should Know”

6. Sam Vance-Law, “I Think We Should Take It Fast”

7. Kevin Abstract, “What Should I Do”

8. Tim Abend, “Should’ve Been Us”

9. Halsey, “You should be sad”

10. Chris Stapleton, “You Should Probably Leave”

11. Billie Eilish, “you should see me in a crown”

12. Dan + Shay, “I Should Probably Go to Bed”

13. Bee Gees, “You Should Be Dancing”

1. 21 Savage & Brent Faiyaz, “should’ve wore a bonnet”

American dream // Slaughter Gang, LLC / Epic // 2024

“Drop your dot, you know I’m comin’ / Lace front fucked up, you should’ve wore your bonnet.” “Should’ve wore a bonnet” is the 12^th track from American dream, the third studio album by Grammy-winning rapper, 21 Savage. It was produced by Cardo, Johnny Juliano, and Dpat. Among the unique sounds on “Should’ve” is the sample, “I Don’t Want to Do Anything” by Mary J. Blige featuring K-Ci. “I Don’t Want to Do Anything” is prominent at the beginning of the record. Multiple elements are woven throughout. As for, 21 Savage’s rapping, he showcases an easygoing but hella confident flow. “Make a baby, listenin’ to Tems (21) / These bitches call me Sugar Ray,” he spits during the first verse, adding, “I might ball, but nigga, I don’t play / Call a Uber, she done overstayed / Every hour, new one on the way.” Oh, snap! Brent Faiyaz provides smoothly sung vocals in the post-chorus and second verse. “And that’s all that I want / Is for you to run,” he sings in the post-chorus, adding, Runnin’ like a faucet / Don’t give a fuck ‘bout where you goin’.” Ooh-wee! In the second verse, he sings, “Fuck where your bed at, bitch, get down on the floor.” An enjoyable song, “Should’ve wore a bonnet” debuted and peaked at no. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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2. Mitski, “Should’ve Been Me”

Laurel Hell // Dead Oceans // 2022

“When I saw the girl looked just like me / And it broke my heart, the lengths you went to hold me.” Oh, those pesky, pesky matters of the heart. Mitski sings about them, in all their hellishness on “Should’ve Been Me,” the ninth track from her 2022 album, Laurel Hell. Mitski penned this art-/ indie-pop record, while Patrick Hyland produces. The instrumental is sensational! “Should’ve Been Me” is groovy as albeit from the onset – foot-tapping is inevitable while listening! Furthermore, the backdrop is refined – picturesque with its robust bass, guitars, and marvelous keyboard work. Also, from a harmonic standpoint, there are some surprising moments within the harmonic progression, specifically during the instrumental sections. Of course, Mitski is crucial to the success of this love- and grief-oriented number – her pen and her vocals. Vocally, she’s Cool, calm, and collected, and it’s a surefire vibe. Lyrically, her perspective and reflection on love and grief hit different, particularly in the second verse:

“I’d be going ‘bout my day, until a hand

Would come and lift me out

And drop me in the middle of a labyrinth

Where I’d be stuck a while.”

Also, the chorus is awesome too, where Mitski asserts, “I haven’t given you what you need / You wanted me, but couldn’t reach me / I’m sorry, it should’ve been me.” “Should’ve Been Me” is a winner, PERIOD.

Appears in :

13 Marvelous Songs That Have BEEN There (2024)

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3. Cory Stewart, “I Shoulda Known Better”

“I Shoulda Known Better” // Cory Stewart // 2024

“Buh bye / Buh bye…” Handsome and talented Canadian singer/songwriter Cory Stewart isn’t waving us off. Rather, he regrets a sus romantic endeavor. His annoyance with this toxic person is our listening pleasure. Stewart penned and produced “I Shoulda Known Better” alongside Gavin Bradley. The result of their musical union is a bop perfect for Pride ️‍ and any time of the year! What makes “I Shoulda Known Better” the sugar honey iced tea? It starts with Stewart, who sounds fantastic. He sings incredibly smoothly. Also, when he sings, he evokes plenty of personality. Not only are you wooed by the tuneful melodies he’s penned, but you also buy what he’s saying because you feel the authenticity and artistry. Besides a stellar voice and awesome melodies, the lyrics are entertaining. Stewart criticizes the shallowness and superficial nature of this person, hence why he asserts, “I shoulda known better / Than to ever love you.” Damn, right! The chorus is lit, as is the bridge, but the second verse is epic:

“Babe, I know it’s cool to you

To be poor when you’re choosing to

But while you’re posting all those TikToks

The rest of us are working our ass off.”

Oh, snap! The final reason why “I Shoulda Known Better” is the bop we all need in our life… the instrumental is sick! The beat is groovy AF, while those synths are electric! Cory Stewart, you have delivered a surefire pop bop, PERIOD!

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: June 2024

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4. Kehlani, “more than I should”

Blue water road // Atlantic // 2022

Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Kehlani is incredibly talented with the voice of an angel. “More than I should”, from her third album, blue water road, finds her living her truth in a hairy situation – she’s cheating on one woman with another. She is assisted by Grammy-nominated Canadian R&B singer, Jessie Reyez. Reyez finds herself in the same boat except cheating with a man. With slick production work from Pop Wansel, GRADES, and Daoud, Kehlani, and Reyez have an awesome canvas to paint upon. “If you knew how long it’d been since I felt her on my skin,” Kehlani sings in the verse, adding, “And why I keep lookin’ at the shape in the pants she got on.” She justifies her cheating because she feels her girlfriend isn’t fulfilling her needs and treating her right (“Is it really cheating if she ain’t lovin’ me right? / If she’s not touching me right?”). Admittedly, in the chorus, she’s more impressed with her side chick “more than [she] should” be. The same scenario for Reyez in verse two, where she unapologetically asserts, “Swear I’m not the type to lie / But I’d feel hella justified / If I climbed on top and we fuck tonight away like two wrongs.” Wow! These ladies both understand that two wrongs don’t make a right. They also understand that they need to be fulfilled and loved to the utmost by their respective partners. Cheating should never be advocated, but man oh man, is it captivating on this surefire bop which should please the hetero- and non-hetero crowd alike!

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5. Yeat, “U Should Know”

2093 // Field Trip Recordings / Capitol // 2024

“I know you know, you think you know, you know better / I think by now you, you should know better.” WOO! Yeat is ‘kind of a big deal’ in rap. He’s racked up gold singles, even earning a platinum plaque (“Monëy So Big”). “U Should Know” is the seventh track on the rapper’s 2024 LP, 2093. Dulio and Neile produced it. Colorful, mean-sounding synths and a hard-hitting beat fuel Yeat’s fire. Furthermore, “U Should Know” is set in a minor key. Yeat excels with a minor key behind him. His flow is unhurried. It’s relaxed, syrupy, and melodic. “I could help you see, I could help you breathe, I could,” he spits, continuing, unapologetically, “But I don’t give no fucks ‘bout nobody but me ‘cause I should.” Word. Fittingly, in the verse, Yeat asserts, “Don’t text me ‘bout shit, yeah, I don’t wanna know.” “U Should Know” doesn’t go deep or transcendent. That isn’t the intent. Yeat delivers a SELFISH vibe and nothing more (“Makin’ money, it feels good / Doing things that you never should”).

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6. Sam Vance-Law, “I Think We Should Take It Fast”

Homotopia // Sam Vance-Law / Caroline International // 2018  

Often, when it comes to love and relationships, we hear musicians encourage ‘taking things slow.’ That’s not the case for Sam Vance-Law.  Consistently during his 2018 song, “I Think We Should Take It Fast” (Homotopia), he emphasizes the opposite.  It’s clear that Vance-Law is horny from the titular line, but he doesn’t stop there.  Casual sex is the goal, with a relationship being unimportant.  “I know we just met five minutes ago,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “And I can’t remember your name / But you’re the center of my world tonight, baby.” Give Vance-Law credit for being honest and transparent about his intentions. He wants to hook up with this guy, and potentially, others. “Maybe you think I’m hasty / But what else are we doing,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “I’m not here to fool myself / and I won’t fool you / Into what I wanna do / With you / And maybe the guy behind you too.” There’s some additional innuendo later with Vance-Law commenting on being tired, encouraging his sex partner, “How long do you think you’re gonna last / Do you think you can take it fast?” All told, “I Think We Should Take It Fast” is entertaining from start to finish.  It’s about sex – NO STRINGS ATTACHED!  

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7. Kevin Abstract, “What Should I Do”

BLANKET // RCA // 2023

Rapper and singer Kevin Abstract has a question: “What Should I Do?”. “What Should I Do?” appeared on his 2023, post-BROCKHAMPTON solo album, Blanket. On the Romil Hemnani and Jonah Abraham produced joint, Abstract continues to embrace alternative music. The three-minute cut commences with a unique intro. A fine touch is the rhythmic guitar accompaniment. Besides strong work behind the boards by Hemnani and Abraham, Kevin puts in the work vocally. Throughout, his voice sounds unique, thanks to the effects and the approach he sings with. The vocal layering, as well as the use of call and response, are welcome features. The melodies are tuneful, specifically during the refrain: “Don’t touch me, it turns me on / Frizzy hair, naked, hit the bong.” Of course, in the chorus, he poses the titular question – “What should I do?” Notably, there is only one verse, prime evidence that “What Should I Do?” is a more contemporary track with a less orthodox form. Beyond the verse, the bridge is unique, preceding the extended outro (“Ba-ba”). “What Should I Do?” is muy interesante!

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8. Tim Abend, “Should’ve Been Us”

“Should’ve Been Us” // Soir // 2023 

“No fruit is forbidden as long as you keep it hidden.” For German singer/songwriter Tim Abend, the unattainable, forbidden fruit, is H-I-M.  “It should’ve been us / Darling, you know that,” he sings, continuing, “No need to prove it / It should have been me.” Ah, we have a case of internalized homophobia and secrecy. The happy ending is not boy meets boy as Abend is saddened because the happy, successful relationship that SHOULD’VE been is not.  He’s not his boyfriend or future husband .  The disheartening scenario of “Should’ve Been Us” makes this record simultaneously difficult to listen to, particularly if you are a member of the LGBTQ ️‍ community, and superb.  Abend nails it. He sings authentically and beautifully, selling this unfortunate situation.  Far too often, an out and proud individual falls for someone who isn’t out for whatever reason, and ultimately, ends up following a heteronormative path.  Abend tells his ex, “Nobody sees you the way that I see you / And you know that, yeah you know that.”  It seems like Abend is encouraging his love interest to be brave, and take the plunge – step out of the closet.  Clearly perturbed, Tim makes it clear, “Don’t wanna watch you walk down the aisle / Don’t invite me when the day arrives / Don’t wanna see you be the father of a child that’s not mine / Don’t wanna watch you kiss the bride.” The persistence of Abend is admirable, even if it seems like the end of this relationship is a done deal.  “Should’ve Been Us” is a reality for far too many – a should’ve been rather than a happy, healthy, loving relationship between two men who love each other.  Don’t let yourself be a ‘should’ve been’… allow yourself to live, love, and be happy. 

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9. Halsey, “You should be sad”

Manic // Capitol // 2020

“Oh, I feel so sorry, I feel so sad / I tried to help you, it just made you mad / And I had no warning about who you are / I’m just glad I made it out without breaking down…” Woo! There is no shortage of standouts on Manic, an excellent album by Grammy-nominated alt-pop musician, Halsey. “You should be sad” ranks among the album’s best as well as one of the best songs of 2020. Halsey enlists one of pop’s most reliable and successful fixtures, Greg Kurstin, to construct the background, resulting in pop with a dash of country influence. The biggest takeaway from “You should be sad” is Halsey superbly plays the ‘woman scorned’ role – she’s mad as hell. “No, you’re not half the man you think that you are / And you can’t fill the hole inside of you with money, drugs, and cars,” she asserts in the pre-chorus, continuing, “I’m so glad I never ever had a baby with you / ‘Cause you can’t love nothing unless there’s something in it for you.” Oh, snap! The chorus, excerpted at the top, further confirms how she feels post-relationship.

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10. Chris Stapleton, “You Should Probably Leave”

Starting Over // Mercury // 2020

Four words: you should probably leave. Wow, Chris Stapleton! What did we do to deserve such a harsh statement? “I recognize that look in your eyes.” Hmm, seems like matters of the heart – lust specifically – are the primary reason the Grammy-winning country musician is shooing us away! Well, not us, ‘her’ on “You Should Probably Leave,” a highlight from his fourth studio album, Starting Over. “You Should Probably Leave” was written by Stapleton, Ashley Gorley, and Chris DuBois. The writing is on-point as it should be with that team. “There’s still time for you to finish your wine / Then you should probably leave,” Stapleton sings in the second verse. He continues, “And it’s hard to resist, alright, just one kiss / Then you should probably leave.” Ooh-la-la! Also, worth noting, the production sounds particularly slick here –a refined effort from Stapleton and Dave Cobb. We get those cutting lead vocals from Stapleton, lovely, harmonized vocals, bluesy guitar, and Hammond B3. That’s that country music that I ️!

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11. Billie Eilish, “you should see me in a crown”

WHEN WE FALL ASLEEP WHERE DO WE GO? // Darkroom / Interscope // 2019

“Bite my tongue, bide my time / Wearing a warning sign / Wait ‘til the world is mine…” Billie Eilish conquered the world in 2019 with her brilliant debut album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?.  One of the best moments from the Grammy-winning LP comes by way of “you should see me in a crown”. Among the many impressive things about Eilish is her vocal poise, eschewing gospel histrionics.  On “you should see me in a crown,” her vocal tone is breathy as she opts for the more understated. Even though she’s not screaming aggressively, her teenage angst is in full force, aided by sleek, electronic-infused production.  The best example comes in the chorus, the crowning achievement: 

“You should see me in a crown 

I’m gonna run this nothing town 

Watch me make ‘em bow 

One by one by one

One by one by…”

Impressively, Eilish doesn’t have to be profane to frighten you with her attitude.  She just relies on her mesmerizing instrument, alluring songwriting, and laser-sharp production.  In the end, the synths pop, further amplifying the excellence of the record.

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12. Dan + Shay, “I Should Probably Go to Bed”

Good Things // Warner Music Nashville LLC // 2021

“So, I should probably go to bed / I should probably turn off my phone / I should quit while I’m ahead,” Grammy-winning country duo Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney) sings in “I Should Probably Go to Bed”. The 12^th track from the duo’s 2021 album, Good Things, features high-flying vocals and vocal harmonies. It possesses familiar musical cues from the duo. Dan + Shay typically walk a fine line between country and pop, with “I Should Probably Go to Bed” leaning pop.

“…I should probably leave you alone

‘Cause I know in the mornin’

I’ll be callin’

Sayin’ ‘sorry’ for the things I said

So, I, yeah, I should probably go to bed.”

The song dabbles in matters of the heart. Lyrically, it could’ve used a wee bit more development. Still, we get the gist: the guy has been on the struggle bus regarding heartbreak, gets off the struggle bus, finds out his ex is returning to town, and decides he should ‘go to bed.’

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13. Bee Gees, “You Should Be Dancing”

Children of the World // Barry Gibb, The Estate of Robin Gibb and Yvonne Gibb // 1976

“What you doin’ on your back? Hey / What you doin’ on your back? Hey / You should be dancing, yeah / Dancing, yeah.” Indeed! Bee Gees – Barry Gibb (1946 – ), Robin Gibb (1949 – 2012), and Maurice Gibb (1949 – 2003) – were a once-in-a-lifetime pop collective. Throughout an illustrious career, the British brother trio earned 15 top-10 hits. Nine of those top-10s were no. 1 hits, including the jubilant, “You Should Be Dancing”. “You Should Be Dancing” spent one week atop the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1976. It serves as the opener from the trio’s album, also released in 1976, Children of the World. “You Should Be Dancing” was composed by – you guessed it – Bee Gees! It was produced by the trio alongside Karl Richardson and Albhy Galuten . The instant you hear this song, there is no way your body won’t start moving and grooving!

The backdrop is electric on “You Should Be Dancing.” The rhythm section is on fire. The drums (Dennis Byron) and additional percussion groove hard. The bass (Maurice) is fat and rhythmic. The guitar (Barry) riffs are sick. Also, there’s a stellar guitar solo by Alan Kendall who rocks out in this pop/disco/funk joint. The keys, courtesy of Blue Weaver, add warmth. Besides the core instrumentation, the listener is blessed with bright, biting horns, characteristic of an era that thrived in orchestration. Of course, where the bread is buttered for Bee Gees are the vocals and memorable lyrics. Barry Gibb wows with his ripe, top-notch falsetto – truly innovative. Even with the head voice dominating, Barry is commanding and sounds potent to the nth degree. Lyrically, the focus is on something that many men think about – their woman. “My woman, take me higher / My woman, keep me warm,” Barry sings in the first verse, adding in the second, “She’s juicy and she’s trouble / She gets it to me good / My woman, give me power / Go right down to my blood.” Woo! More can be said of “You Should Be Dancing” but does it need to be? No, because this Bee Gees gem deserves to be listened to on repeat. It never grows old.

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~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

13 Songs You SHOULD Give a Listen (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Barry Gibb, Capitol, Caroline International, Cory Stewart, Darkroom, Dead Oceans, Epic, The Estate of Robin Gibb and Yvonne Gibb, Field Trip Recordings, Interscope, Sam Vance-Law, Slaughter Gang, LLC, Soir, Warner Music Nashville LLC; Diogo Miranda from Pexels]

13 Songs You SHOULD Give a Listen | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on September 13, 2024September 13, 2024