13 Splendid Songs Where the Men Ask Questions | Playlist 🎧

1. Jonas Brothers, “What a Man Gotta Do”

🎵 “What a Man Gotta Do” • Republic • 2020

The return of 🎙Jonas Brothers 2019 was a total surprise.  🎙Nick Jonas, 🎙Joe Jonas, and 🎙Kevin Jonas definitely had a great year, earning a number one album with 💿Happiness Begins, a number one hit with comeback single, “Sucker”, and earning only the second Grammy nomination of their career.  Even with all those accomplishments, the Jo Bros drop a brand-new single in 2020, 🎵“What a Man Gotta Do”, and it’s a total B-O-P!

“What a Man Gotta Do” commences with intense, rhythmic guitar, setting the assertive tone of record.  This is a nice lead-in and accompanying backdrop for Nick Jonas’ commanding lead vocals.  On both of the verses, Nick gives us a nice blend of chest vocals, as well as a dash of falsetto. Joe Jonas gets his vocal opportunities on the chorus, clearly the centerpiece of “What a Man Gotta Do.” The chorus can be described as incredibly catchy and chocked-full of attitude and energy.

“So, what a man gotta do?
What a man gotta do?
To be totally locked up by you
What a man gotta say?
What a man gotta pray?
To be your last good night and your first good day….”

As the song progresses, the song only grows more soulful.  When both Nick and Joe sing together (towards the end particularly) it’s pretty sweet.  Of course, they owe plenty of love to their co-songwriters (🎙Dave Stewart, 🎙Jess Agombar, and 🎙Ryan Tedder), as well as producers (Stewart and Tedder) for conceiving such a fun, energetic, and irresistible piece of pop music. Hate on the bros if you want, but you won’t be able to get “What a Man Gotta Do” unstuck out of your head.  “What a Man Gotta Do” previously appeared on the playlist, Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: January 2020.

2. $uicideBoy$, “What the Fuck is Happening”

💿 Stop Staring at the Shadows • G*59 • 2020

🎙$uicideBoy$ returned in 2020 with their sophomore album, 💿Stop Staring at the Shadows.  Sure, 🎙Ruby Da Cherry and 🎙Scrim have only released two studio albums, but they’ve released numerous projects additionally. The rap duo, comprised of the two cousins are quite pessimistic lyrically, which is part of their charm. 🎵“What the Fuck is Happening” is ‘so charming,’ that it first appeared on the ‘fuck-based’ playlist, 25 Colorful Songs, Clearly For Under Consent of the King. “What the Fuck is Happening” also fits perfectly on this question-based playlist, SPLENDID SONGS THAT ASK QUESTIONS.

“Glock to my fuckin’ back, a pill smacked to my head / I catch another, clutchin’ on the smoke from the marijuana…” What a way to commence the boldly titled record.  The lyrical sample serves as a hook of sorts, even though Stop Staring at the Shadows is generally devoid of them. Like most of the album, the backdrop is nasty AF, and 🎙Papa Pine (Ruby) and 🎙Yung $carecrow (Scrim) eat it up.  Papa Pine raps about the come-up (“All of a sudden me and my cousin / Rich from pressing buttons) and drops the absolute jewel, “She asked if she could blow me / I said, ‘Bitch, I ain’t no trumpet.’” SAVAGE! Of course, it should come as no surprise Yung Scarecrow mentions pills – blue ones specifically.

3. Jack Harlow, “WHATS POPPIN”

💿 Sweet Action • Generation Now / Atlantic • 2020 

As you can gather from the title, 🎵“WHATS POPPIN” is a banger – a flex-fest.  Louisville, Kentucky-bred rapper 🎙Jack Harlow serves up ample drip on this short, entertaining record.  Harlow has superb production work to spit over, courtesy of 🎙JetsonMade and 🎙Pooh Bear.  As far as the lyrics, “WHATS POPPIN” commences with the chorus, which also appears at the end of the song.  This is where the flex begins…

“What’s poppin’?
Brand new whip just hopped in
I got options
I could pass that bitch like Stockton
Just joshin’
I’ma spend this holiday locked in
My body got rid of them toxins
Sports Center, top ten.”

Following the drippy chorus, Jack Harlow drops one verse that certainly doesn’t lack in confidence.  Notably, he references his hometown a couple of times, including the restaurant, Vincenzo’s, as well as the Louisville Cardinals basketball team.  Beyond those shout outs, Harlow offers many clichés – sex (“She heard of my deep stroke”) and money (“Spending money at the club like Sam’s”) primarily.  Sure, we’ve ‘been there, done that’ obviously, but he possesses confidence, personality, and swagger. That’s “WHATS POPPIN’!”

4. Sam Fender, “Will We Talk?”

💿 Hypersonic Missiles • Polydor • 2019

“And she said / ‘If you dance with me, darlin’ / If you take me home / Will we talk in the mornin’?” Sounds like a legitimate question to me 🎙Sam Fender! If you’ve never heard the British singer/songwriter, well, he’s pretty rad.  Similarly, so is his entire debut album, 💿Hypersonic Missiles.  What makes Hypersonic Missiles the ‘cat’s meow?’ Excellent musicianship in regard to vocal performances and colorful, creative, and poetic songwriting. Fortunately, Fender’s talk-centric song, 🎵“Will We Talk?”, also fits on 13 SPLENDID SONGS WHERE THE MEN ASK QUESTIONS.

“There’s no romance
Sprawled out across the couch
Can’t even make his fuckin’ face out
An age-old ritual.”

The tempo is quick on “Will We Talk?”, a record that Fender states is about one-night stands.   When originally reviewing Hypersonic Missiles, I didn’t consider “Will We Talk?” to be the very best, but revisiting it, it gives Sam Fender another enjoyable record featuring a high-energy performance. Notably, Fender, who has been compared to 🎙Bruce Springsteen, exhibits legit ‘Springsteen vibes’ on this cut, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Additionally, there’s a dash of 80s rock, without overdoing the synths or the gloss, which is pretty sweet.

5 & 6. Tyler, the Creator, “What’s Good” & “Are We Still Friends?”

💿 IGOR • Columbia • 2019

🎙Tyler, the Creator has come a long way – understatement. His career has been filled with controversy, including ample examples of homophobia.  However, beginning with his album 💿Flower Boy, he began to open up about his own sexuality… hmm.  This continues on the most ambitious and unexpected album of his career, the Grammy-winning 💿IGOR.  No, Tyler still never comes right out and says what everybody is thinking about him sexually, but undoubtedly sexuality plays a pivotal role in this relationship and romance-driven, non-traditional album. Notably, there are two songs that asks questions: 🎵“What’s Good” and 🎵“Are We Still Friends?”

“Turn my lights on / How the fuck you quiet with the mic on?” Well… 🎵“What’s Good” is composed of two separate parts.  The toughness of Tyler, the Creator shines on the first part, even with his rapped vocals distorted and mixed more into the background.  The second part is also quite hard-nosed, featuring its fair share of memorable lyrics, with “Dracula, Dracula, Dracula / Suck me first, I might get back at ya” leading the charge. Hmm, a reference to sexuality perhaps?

Question(s): “Are we still friends? Can we be friends? IGOR concludes soulfully with the radiant 🎵“Are We Still Friends?” which samples the Memphis soul of 🎙Al Green (“Dream”). This feels like a natural follow-up to “I Don’t Love You Anymore” (the preceding record) because it serves as resolution. Interestingly, 🎙Pharrell Williams appears as does 🎙Jack White, who delivers an uncredited guitar solo.

7. Wallows, “Are You Bored Yet?”

Ft. Clairo

💿 Nothing Happens • Atlantic • 2019

“I’m still thinking, let’s pretend to fall asleep now / When we get old, will we regret this? / Too young to think about all that shit / And stalling only goes so far when you’ve got a head start.” 🎙Dylan Minnette serves as the front man of alternative rock band 🎙Wallows.  The actor and singer probably best known for his role portraying Clay Jensen on the polarizing Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why.  Minnette, along with fellow members 🎙Cole Preston and 🎙Braeden Lemasters dropped their debut album, 💿Nothing Happens, 2019.  🎵“Are You Bored Yet?” featuring 🎙Clairo, previously appeared on the playlist, 8 Songs That Certainly Won’t Leave You Bored, and fits perfectly on this question-based list.

“Are You Bored Yet?” is alluring from start to finish.  The record keeps things short, sweet, chill, and enigmatic among other things.  Minnette and Clairo have excellent vocal chemistry, never losing their poise.  You could say that both deliver performances that ‘float along’ as opposed to being incredibly assertive or commanding.  Likewise, the production maintains similar composure, with its gentle, but totally fitting palette of sounds: piano, warm synths, and light, rhythmic drums.  Just to reiterate, the chill is real on “Are You Bored Yet?”

“‘Cause we could stay at home and watch the sunset
But I can’t help from asking, ‘Are you bored yet?’
And if you’re feeling lonely you should tell me
Before this ends up as another memory
Will you tell the truth, so I don’t have to lie?
Will you tell the truth, so I don’t have to lie?”

Well, will you?

8. Mac Miller, “What’s the Use?”

💿 Swimming • Warner • 2018

It’s hard to believe that 🎙Mac Miller passed away September 7, 2018.  Quite a talented musician, his output during his short lifetime of 26 years was quite intriguing.  I’ll never forget being excited when his debut album, Blue Slide Park arrived back in 2011, bringing a youthful, fresh, and energetic personality into hip-hop.  Of course, he’d released mixtapes prior to that effort.  The last album that Miller released while still living is 💿Swimming, which features the questioning song at hand, 🎵“What’s the Use?”.

“I’m so above from beyond you take the drugs to make it up / Way up where we on, space, shuttle, Elon.”  “What’s the Use?” is a prime example of Miller being authentic and getting personal.  The results are awesome on this groovy cut, which features throwback, soulful production.  Notably, he’s assisted with background vocals by Thundercat, Snoop Dogg, and Syd. On the chorus, he pop-raps about alcohol making him incredibly reminiscent. On the verses, his relationship and break-up with Ariana Grande seem to fuel his rhymes. He mentions the haters trying to bring him down on the second verse: “Look how far we came, still they throwin’ dirt on my name / But it never worried my brain.” Besides the authenticity that he showcases, the record is hypnotic.

9. The Boxer Rebellion, “What the Fuck”

💿 Ghost Alive • Absentee Recordings • 2018

🎙Nathan Nicholson, who is American, serves as the front man of UK alternative/indie band, 🎙The Boxer Rebellion.  The Boxer Rebellion opened their 2018 album, 💿Ghost Alive, with a bang. That bang, my friends, is entitled 🎵“What the Fuck.” Like the aforementioned song by the $uicideBoy$ (“What the Fuck is Happening”), “What the Fuck” previously appeared on the fuck-driven playlist, 25 Colorful Songs, Clearly For Under Consent of the King.

The most eyebrow-raising lyrics of this gorgeously penned and produced ballad occur on the chorus:

“So, what the fuck, who do you
Think you are to talk to me, to look the way you do?
So, what the fuck, who do you
Think you are to talk to me, to look the way you do?”

For those hoping Nicholson would sing more f-bombs, you’ll be disappointed.  The verses are more poetic, refined, and reflective.  “Outside the world the distance looking down from the moon,” Nicholson thoughtfully sings on the first verse, continuing, “Accept the gifts you’ve been given and accept it ends too soon.” On the second verse, he seems to take the high road: “I always found it better if I looked you in the eye / Even if you didn’t notice, even if you wouldn’t try.” Ultimately, this common, profane phrase makes for a bold, powerful question, and of course, a terrific song.

10 & 11. Shawn Mendes, “Why” & “Where Were You in the Morning?”

💿 Shawn Mendes • Island • 2018

🎙Shawn Mendes isn’t always asserting “It isn’t ‘In My Blood’” or getting “Lost in Japan” on his 💿self-titled, third studio album.  Sometimes, he’s inquisitive – nothing wrong with a young man asking questions! Two such songs from Shawn Mendes where he asks questions: 🎵“Where Were You in the Morning?” and 🎵“Why.”

On 🎵“Where Were You in the Morning?”, Shawn Mendes confirms that he’s no longer a kid anymore.  Clearly, Mendes (and/or the protagonist) has experienced a one-night stand.  He doesn’t get sexual lyrically, but boy and girl had ‘something’ that turned out to be temporary as she was gone the next morning… Oh boy! Beyond the question and overall narrative, Mendes remains a force to be reckoned with vocally, showing off some sick falsetto. Furthermore, he’s backed by guitar-driven, soulful-pop production, a backdrop he excels at.

Moving down the tracklist, we encounter another questioning record, 🎵“Why,” one of the biggest triumphs of Shawn Mendes. Mendes gives a truly elite vocal performance, showing off his gorgeous tone.  Sigh, can you say chills?  The chorus is simply stunning, filled with reflective questions about the relationship.

“I pretend that
I’m not ready
Why do we put eat other through hell?
Why can’t we just get over ourselves?
And you say ‘hi’ like
You just met me.”

Beyond the excellence of the lead vocals, “Why” is a production showcase.  The way the background vocals are used to accentuate the lead, the addition of vocal effects for a cool change of pace – there’s some awesome, thoughtful touches.

12 & 13. Justin Bieber, “What Do You Mean?” & “Where Are Ü Now”

💿 Purpose • Def Jam • 2015 

In 2015, 🎙Justin Bieber was totally into inquisitive songs.  The proof lies with two big-time hits: 🎵“What Do You Mean?” where he is the lead artist, and 🎵“Where Are Ü Now,” where he’s the lead vocalist, but the featured artist – Skrillex and Diplo are attributed as the lead artists.  Both songs appeared on 💿Purpose, which was nominated for the Grammy’s most coveted award, Album of the Year. Bieber wouldn’t walk out empty handed, as “Where Are Ü Now” earned him his sole Grammy to date – Best Dance Recording.

“What Do You Mean?” gives the pop superstar a song that suits both tween and adult fans alike. “What do you mean? Oh, oh / When you nod your head yes / but you wanna say no / What do you mean?” he sings on the infectious chorus.  His girl just can’t seem to make up her mind about anything and so, Bieber needs these mixed signals to be interpreted and clarified.  Fair enough – makes sense.

Moving on to “Where Are Ü Now,” it is a catchy, purely fun listen. In the context of Purpose, it ranks among the best moments of the album.  Sure, deadmau5 had his fair share of criticism regarding the electro-pop joint, but it’s hard to deny it was among the most infectious and most memorable records.  It’s not a songwriter’s song, but nor is it intended to be. “Where are you now that I need ya,” Bieber sings memorably on the simplistic, repetitive, and ultimately, golden chorus.