14 Listen , Hear Me Out Songs | Playlist

1. Marvin Gaye, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”

 In the Groove •  Motown •  1968

Once the late, great  Marvin Gaye took  “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” into his own hands, it was #GAME OVER for everyone else.  Maybe that’s not fair to   Gladys Knight & The Pips, who totally ‘knocked it out of the park’ with the ‘original,’ but honestly, Gaye absolutely slaughters. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” appears on Gaye’s 1968 album,  In The Groove. Examining In The Groove, the biggest song is undoubtedly “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”  It is the perfect record with its moderate pace, colorful palette of sounds – backing vocals, horns – and most importantly, those transcendent, once-in-a-lifetime pipes of Marvin Gaye.

The minute that THIS version kicks off, you feel moved – it just feels right, man! There aren’t really words sufficient to describe how Marvin transformed a great song into a truly game changing, unforgettable one.  Question: If there were a soul god, would he be Marvin Gaye? Totally not being sacrilegious… at least not intentionally…

Appears in :

• Gladys vs. Smokey vs. Marvin: Head 2 Head  16 (2021)
• 13 Ear Catching Covers, Vol. 2 (2021)
• Grape: 5ive Songs No. 63 (2022)

2. Beyoncé, “Listen”

Dreamgirls • Sony Music Entertainment • 2006

The biggest song from Dreamgirls is undoubtedly “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”. That said, besides the reprisal of the crowning achievement for the 2006 film adaptation of the broadway musical, an original song, “Listen”, was written.  It’s performed by the one-and-only Beyoncé.  Notably, she’s also credited as a songwriter alongside Anne Preven, Scott Cutler, and Henry Krieger. “Listen” is a marvelous record that superbly fits the film adaptation.  Beyoncé sings beautifully, showing the versatility of her pipes.

Beyoncé sets “Listen” up in the verses, ascending to higher heights during the soaring, memorable chorus.

“Listen, I am alone at a crossroads

I’m not at home in my own home

And I’ve tried and tried

To say what’s on my mind

You should have known, oh…”

Additionally, The Underdogs ‘put in work’ from the production end of things. “Listen” remains one of the finer moments of Beyoncé’s storied career.  It was nominated for an Academy Award for best song. Unfortunately, Beyoncé wasn’t acknowledged for her writing credit because only three songwriters could be recognized .

Appears in :

• Listen: 5ive Songs No. 24 (2022)

3. 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 .

Appears in :

• Hear: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 15 (2023)

4. Deniece Williams, “Let’s Hear It For the Boy”

Let’s Hear It For the Boy • Columbia • 1984

“My baby, he don’t talk sweet / He ain’t got much to say,” Deniece Williams sings in the opening verse from her 1984 hit, “Let’s Hear It For the Boy”. By hit, let’s clarify that “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” was a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks.  Furthermore, the Grammy-winning singer was nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Furthermore her 1984 album, also titled Let’s Hear It For the Boy, was nominated for the Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.  Also, adding to how big of a deal this song is, “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” appeared in an iconic film and soundtrack: Footloose! Yup, this Deniece Williams record is DEFINITELY a big deal!

Despite the fact he doesn’t have much to say, Williams is impressed that “He loves me, loves me, loves me.” She’s so taken with him that “Every time he pulls me near / I just wanna cheer,” hence why, she encourages in the chorus, “Let’s hear it for the boy / Let’s give the boy a hand / Let’s hear it for my baby.” Woo! Her passion, coupled with the energetic production – quintessential 1980s – is lit ! “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” was penned by Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford and produced by the late, great George Duke. It is safe to say that it’s not just the boy we should cheer for! Williams is in excellent voice.  The songwriting is fun, down to earth, and innocent! Honestly, it’s just a surefire vibe, four decades after it first arrived!

Appears in :

• Deniece Williams, “Let’s Hear It For the Boy”: Throwback Vibez 30 (2023)
• Hear: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 15 (2023)

5. The Weeknd, “I Heard You’re Married” (Ft. Lil Wayne)

Dawn FM • Republic • 2022 

“And I know this is a fling / But you’re hidin’ someone’s ring / It hurts to think I’m sharin’ you.” Woo! On   “I Heard You’re Married,” a highlight from his 2022 LP, Dawn FM, The Weeknd enlists Lil Wayne for the assist. Before Weezy ever spits a bar, The Grammy-winning Canadian R&B artist has this groovy joint on lockdown, singing the rhythmic, tuneful lines with ease.  The centerpiece is the chorus, which ranks among the catchiest of the LP: “Ooh, I heard you’re married, girl / I knew that this was too good to be true / Ooh, I heard you’re married, girl, oh, oh, oh.” As for Weezy, a Grammy winner in his own right, he’s true to self in the third verse: “I heard you’re married / I bet he treats you like Virgin Mary / You like it dirty and I’m Dirty Harry.” Lord! It is worth noting, in the outro, The Weeknd makes it clear, he can’t be with her… Makes perfect sense… she married!

Appears in :

• Hear: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 15 (2023)

6. Billie Eilish, “Listen Before I Go”

When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? • Darkroom / Interscope •  2019

“Take me to the rooftop / I wanna see the world when I stop breathing.” Hmm, well that’s incredibly morbid. Some background first! Billie Eilish released her major-label debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, to critical acclaim in March 2019.  Furthermore, the album was a commercial juggernaut that went on to earn five Grammys including the highly coveted award for Album of the Year. “Listen Before I Go,” the 12^th track from the highly decorated LP, is lethargic-paced and heavy to the nth degree.  How is it heavy exactly? Well, it references suicide… ouch. “Sorry can’t save me now,” Eilish sings on the chorus, later adding, “Sorry there’s no way out / But down.” What is fueling the suicidal thoughts that cross the protagonist’s mind? Depression, it seems. What isn’t sad is the top-notch quality of this dark standout from an equally brilliant debut album. As always, her brother and producer FINNEAS puts in work on the production end of things.

Appears in :

• 11 Awesome Songs: March 2019
• 11 Songs Where the ‘Before’ is Key (2019)
• 12 Simply Terrific Before or After Songs (2020)
• 13 Songs That Explore Mortality (In Some Form or Fashion) (2021)
• Listen: 5ive Songs No. 24 (2022)

7. Pusha T, “Hear Me Clearly” (Ft. Nigo)

It’s Almost Dry • Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc. / Def Jam • 2022

“These drug dealer Rollies is my TikTok and Triller / Insecure bitches get lip fillers.” Woo, Pusha T! King Push showcases unflappable consistency on his fourth studio album, It’s Almost Dry. “Hear Me Clearly” isn’t the crowning achievement from the Grammy-nominated LP, but it represents another ultra-consistent moment.  As always, Pusha T drops plenty of stellar bars (“Ten toes down, Loewe cover the cleats / Dope sell itself, got a trunk full of receipts”). Kanye West is a producer, sampling the Rick Ross song, “Free Mason”. Specifically, the chorus hails from the 2010, Teflon Don gem: “Hear me clearly, if y’all niggas fear me / Just say y’all fear me, fuck all these fairy tales.” Never change Pusha T, never change!

Appears in :

• Hear: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 15 (2023)

8. SAINt JHN, “I Heard You Got Too Litt Last Night”

Collection One • Godd ComplexX • 2018

“I heard you got too litt last night / Didn’t make it home / Mixin’ purple with your purple sprite / Things you should’ve known / I heard you flexin’ on em’ yeah / You wanna mix it up / But fuck it, baby, no regret / And never switch it up.” Brooklyn-bred rapper SAINt JHN dropped a “I Heard You Got Too Litt Last Night”, which appears on his debut LP, Collection One. “I Heard You Got Too Litt Last Night” sounds easy on the ears.  The production work is smooth, yet energetic and rhythmic.  The choice of synths, anchored by punchy drums, is impressive. SAINt JHN kicks things off with a melodic chorus, matching the ‘chill’ musical backdrop. In addition to the melodic nature of the chorus (excerpted above), it’s also catchy.

The melody continues to be the selling point of “I Heard You Got Too Litt Last Night.”  Even as smooth as it is, SAINt JHN still ‘lives on the edge.’  In the chorus, he references purple drank.  In the first verse, the rapper pop-raps, “Too turnt / Last night you showed me all that ratchet shit that you learned.” On the second verse, he references pills, and maybe more outlandishly, “Me and three bad bitches call it foreplay.” And in the third verse, it’s “Panties on my dash, pictures with no flash.”  Even with all the excess and shallowness, the colorful record allures.

Appears in :

• 17 Songs That Were Made for the Night (2018)
• Last: 5ive Songs No. 60 (2021)
• 13 Stellar ‘Last’ Songs You Should Spin (2021)

9. Marvin Sapp, “Listen”

Close • Provident Label Group LLC / Sony Music Entertainment • 2017

From the jump, “Listen” sounds like the construction of a controversial R&B artist.  That is correct because R. Kelly penned this record for Grammy-nominated gospel singer, Marvin Sapp.  Furthermore, Mr. Kelly also contributes vocals. As I stated while reviewing the album, Close, the timing of collaboration was poor. “You tried your way / It didn’t work, no / You put Him second (Second, yeah!) / And put you first (Oh, yeah!).” Despite the controversy, “Listen” has many of the attributes that made R. Kelly one of black music’s elite.  Aside from Kelly, “Listen,” brings contemporary gospel into the 2010s. Marvin Sapp sings exceptionally well, as always, as does his choir.  The message is positive and uplifting, best exemplified by the chorus:

“(God’s tryna tell me something)

He’s speaking to your heart right now

(God’s tryna tell me something)

Just listen to the Spirit, ohh

(God’s tryna tell me something)

Hold up, (Shh)

(Listen).”

Appears in :

• Listen: 5ive Songs No. 24 (2022)

10. 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.

11. Juice WRLD, “Hear Me Calling”

Death Race for Love • Interscope • 2019

The premise of  “Hear Me Calling” ( Death Race for Love) is familiar for late, rapper, Juice WRLD – love, sex, etc. “Hear Me Calling” settles in with a tropically tinged pop groove. “Do you hear me calling? / Do you hear me calling?” he asserts in the most memorable moment of the song, the chorus. He adds, “Me no want no drama / Not a fighter, a lover… /I just want you, my darling.” Juice WRLD employs a pop-rap sensibility, keeping things melodic to the nth degree. Even though he’s melodic, he still incorporates plenty of rhythm. There are some nice musical moments within the production ( Purps on the Beat), including the beat, piano, and warm sounding synths.  All in all, “Hear Me Calling” is a pretty smooth, slick record – one of the better moments of the rapper’s short-lived musical career.

Appears in :

• 11 Songs Associated with the Phone (2019)

12. George Ezra, “Listen to the Man”

Wanted on Voyage • Sony Music Entertainment UK • 2014

There’s something extra special about a distinct voice.  Sure, there are plenty of musicians that possess an instrument that is uniquely theirs, but George Ezra is truly different.  The British singer/songwriter has a husky, robust instrument that instantly sets him apart from everybody else.  He busted onto the scene in 2014 with his debut album, Wanted on Voyage.  Filled with several gems, among the best is the groovy, lighthearted “Listen to the Man.” “Listen to the Man” was written by Ezra and Joel Pott.  Safe to say they do a fine job, particularly the breezy, incredibly catchy chorus:

“You don’t have to be there, babe

You don’t have to be scared, babe

You don’t need a plan of what you wanna do

Won’t you listen to the man that’s loving you.”

Woo! In the verses, Ezra vows to be a support system for her – hold her down. The dedication is legit and lit, to say the least: “I feel all your tears and you’re not alone, oh / When I hold you, well, I won’t let go.” Another selling point from this husky-voiced gentlemen is none other than the production.  Cam Blackwood ensures “Listen to the Man” sounds awesome to the n^th degree.  Blackwood and Ezra play several instruments, with other musicians covering the rest.  Also, can’t mention this song without mentioning the fun music video featuring Sir Ian McKellen.

Appears in :

• Listen: 5ive Songs No. 24 (2022)

13. The Stylistics, “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)”

The Stylistics – The Original Debut Album • Amherst • 1971

“Stop, look / Listen to your heart, hear what it’s saying / Stop, look / Listen to your heart, hear what it’s saying / Love, love, love.” Yes, The Stylistics, YES! “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)” marks a stellar joint by this stellar soul collective.  Like some of the big hits off The Stylistics (1971), “Stop, Look, Listen” was penned by Thom Bell and Linda Creed. Bell helps to craft that lush, signature Philly soul sound, one of the best things to come out of the 1970s. Ample credit also goes to lead singer Russell Tompkins, Jr., who sounds amazing, wowing with a ripe falsetto.  The theme is matters of the heart, but have they ever sounded better than in the hands of this fivesome?  Tompkins and company encourage allowing yourself to L-O-V-E on this magnificent opener!

“Though you try, you can’t hide

All the things you really feel, this time decide

That you will open up, let it in

There’s no shame in sharing love you keep within.”

The Stylistics ‘put in work’ on this entire The Stylistics album beyond “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)”.  Honestly, music just doesn’t sound like this anymore. “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)” is a surefire classic gem! 

Appears in :

• The Stylistics, “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)”: Throwback Vibez 35 (2022)
• Listen: 5ive Songs No. 24 (2022)
• 15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 2 (2022)
• 15 Compelling Songs From the Heart (2023)

14. The Supremes, “I Hear A Symphony”

I Hear A Symphony • Motown • 1966

“You’ve given me a true love / And every day, I thank you, love.” Oh, how sweet! The Supremes delivered a surefire, soul classic with “I Hear A Symphony” ( I Hear A Symphony, 1966).  “I Hear A Symphony” was sweet music to the ears of pop and soul enthusiasts alike in the mid-1960s.  The exuberant, 1965 record about true love spent two weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The iconic Motown girl group, consisting of Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson, continues singing, in the opening section, “For a feeling that’s so new / So inviting, so exciting.” Oh, love, in all its splendor!

Of course, the hook line is that legendary titular lyric: “Whenever you’re near, I hear a symphony.” The Supremes follow it up with numerous poetic lines, such as “A tender melody / Pulling me closer, closer to your arms / Then suddenly (I hear a symphony) / Ooh, your lips are touching mine…”  and later, “I hear a tender rhapsody of love now, baby, baby.” This Motown classic was not only performed by icons but written by the iconic collective, Holland-Dozier-Holland (Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Brian Holland).  Brian and Dozier also produced this catchy gem.  Sure, songs don’t sound like “I Hear A Symphony” anymore but the nostalgia and the innocence of this love-driven number is refreshing in much more blunt and explicit times. It’s sad that Diana Ross and The Supremes have failed to ever win a Grammy.

Appears in :

• The Supremes, “I Hear A Symphony”: Throwback Vibez 29 (2023)
• Hear: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 15 (2023)