15 Bops From Around the Globe That Rock | Playlist

15 Bops From Around the Globe That Rock features songs by Bad Bunny, Benjamin, Björk, HUMBE, Peso Pluma & Tito Double P, and ROSALÍA.

In the United States of America, we have some gifted and incredibly talented musicians who compose, record, and perform awesome music. Likewise, globally, there are plenty of talented musicians from different countries and cultures who also ‘kill it’ musically. Like A Sampling of Marvelous Worldwide Songs (2024), 15 Bops From Around the Globe That Rock seeks to highlight fabulous musicians globally, beyond the U.S., who have plenty to offer through their music. This musical compendium includes songs by musicians from Brazil 🇧🇷, Cameroon 🇨🇲, Colombia 🇨🇴, Dominican Republic 🇩🇴, England 🇬🇧, Finland 🇫🇮, France 🇫🇷, Iceland 🇮🇸, Italy 🇮🇹, Japan 🇯🇵, Mexico 🇲🇽, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷, Spain 🇪🇸, Sweden 🇸🇪, and Taiwan 🇹🇼. 15 Bops From Around the Globe That Rock features songs by Bad Bunny 🇵🇷, Benjamin 🇫🇮, Björk 🇮🇸, HUMBE 🇲🇽, Peso Pluma & Tito Double P 🇲🇽, and ROSALÍA 🇪🇸. So, without further ado, let’s embrace the 15 Bops From Around the Globe That Rock on this musical compendium!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Bad Bunny, “DtMF”	2. ROSALÍA, “Berghain” (Ft. Björk & Yves Tumor)	3. Benjamin, “Bensaa tulipaloon”
4. Manu Dibango, “Soul Makossa”	5. Ice Spice & Tokischa, “Thootie”	6. Peso Pluma & Tito Double P, “intro”
7. Aisho Nakajima & Yohji Igarashi, “I Kissed A Boy”	8. Tainy & KAROL G, “Única”	9. Käärijä & Hooja, “San Francisco Boy”
10. HUMBE, “Morfina”	11. Rick Glam, “GLORY HOLE”	12. Ivan Cornejo, “Vuelve”
13. Hush, “當我們談論愛情 (What We Talk About)”	14. Björk, “The Dull Flame of Desire”	15. Riccardo Cocciante, “Era già tutto previsto”

 

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1. Bad Bunny, “DtMF”

DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS » Rimas Entertainment LLC » 2025

Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

Translated to English, the lyrics read, roughly, “Another beautiful sunset I see in San Juan / Enjoying everything that the departed are missing out on.” Grammy-winning Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 rapper, singer, and songwriter Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, b. 1994) shines bright like a diamond on his Grammy-nominated song, “DtMF”. “DtMF” is an acronym for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” which translates as “I Should Have Taken More Photos” in English. “DtMF” is the penultimate track from his 2025 Grammy-nominated album, also titled DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS. Bad Bunny wrote “DtMF” with MAG, JULiA LEWiS, Scott Dittrich, and Tyler Spry. MAG, Dittrich, LEWiS, and Spry also produced the highlight with La Paciencia and Hydra Hitz.

“Pero queriendo volver a la última vez / Que a los ojos te miré,” Bad Bunny sings, and continues, “Y contarte las cosas que no te conté (Te parece’ a mi crush, jaja) / Y tirarte la’ foto’ que no te tiré (Acho, jura’o te ves bien linda, déjame tirarte una foto).” The intriguing lyrics, excerpted from the first verse, translate as “But wanting to go back to the last time / That I look into your eyes / And tell you the things I didn’t tell you (You look like my crush, haha) / And to take the pictures I didn’t get to take (Damn, I swear you look so pretty, let me take a picture of you).” In this captivating and colorful “DtMF,” Bad Bunny is in nostalgic, recollective, and regretful mode. In the chorus, the crowning achievement of the record, he regrets not making more memories. “Debí tirar más fotos de cuando te tuve /Debí darte más beso’ y abrazo’ las vece’ que pude [I should’ve taken more pictures when I had you / I should’ve given you more kisses and hugs whenever I could],” he sings, and continues, “Ojalá que los mío’ nunca se muden / Y si hoy me emborracho, pues que me ayuden [I hope my people never move away / And if I get drunk today, I hope they help me out].” Accompanied by a picturesque, sleekly produced backdrop (those keys and synths radiate, while the rhythmic groove provides a mean anchor once it enters), Bad Bunny is authentic, sincere, and on autopilot on this thoughtful Latin pop number. Even if you barely understand a lick of Spanish, “DtMF” is sure to move you and greatly enhance your playlist.

Appears in:

Bad Bunny, DtMF: Wacky Wednesday No. 50 (2025) 60 Best Songs of 2025

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2. ROSALÍA, “Berghain” (Ft. Björk & Yves Tumor)

LUX » Columbia » 2025

Spain 🇪🇸; Iceland 🇮🇸; U.S.A. 🇺🇸; Italy 🇮🇹

Say what, ROSALÍA (b. 1992), rather, say what, choir?  Translated from German (!) to English, the chorus of “Berghain”, the single and sixth track from her fourth studio album, LUX, reads, “His fear is my fear / His rage is my rage / His love is my love / His blood is my blood.” The Grammy-winning Spanish 🇪🇸 singer-songwriter incorporates German on the track. Berghain is a German word, referencing a nightclub in Berlin, and a mountain grove. On this collaboration with Grammy-nominated Icelandic 🇮🇸 singer-songwriter Björk (b. 1959) and the talented, nonbinary American, Italy-based musician Yves Tumor (Sean Bowie, b. 1989), the latter meaning, a mountain grove, was the inspiration. “Berghain” is one of the most distinct and unique moments from ROSALÍA to date. ROSALÍA composed “Berghain” with Björk, Yves Tumor, Noah Goldstein, Jake Alexander Miller, and Sir Dylan (Dylan Patrice Wiggins). She produced it with Goldstein, Miller, and Sir Dylan.

ROSALÍA performs the verses on “Berghain.” The first verse is sung in German operatically. “Ich bewahre viele Dinge in meinem Herzen auf / Deshalb ist mein Herz so schwer,” she sings, which imperfectly translates as, “I keep many things in my heart / That’s why my heart is so heavy.” The second verse is performed in Spanish, translating in English as, “I’m just a sugar cube / I know that heat melts me / I know how to disappear / When you come, that’s when I leave.” Regardless of the language, ROSALÍA excels with her beautiful vocals and an authentic, captivating performance. Björk arrives in the third and final chorus, memorably singing, “This is divine intervention.” She expands on the statement in the bridge, with her distinct, easily recognizable voice: “The only way to save us is through divine intervention / The only way I will be saved (Is through) divine intervention.” Yves Tumor concludes “Berghain” boldly, asserting, “I’ll fuck you ‘til you love me.” All three performances are award-winning, accompanied by a grand, adventurous, and lush backdrop. That accompaniment includes choir and the soaring strings of the London Symphony Orchestra.  A big, bold, and striking record, “Berghain” is special the first time you hear it.  Not only is it the crème de la crème of LUX, but it is also among the best songs of 2025.

Appears in:

ROSALÍA, Berghain: Wacky Wednesday No. 51 (2025) 60 Best Songs of 2025

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3. Benjamin, “Bensaa tulipaloon”

“Bensaa tulipaloon” » Warner Music Finland » 2025

Finland 🇫🇮

Translated to English, our handsome Finnish 🇫🇮 pop singer-songwriter, Benjamin (Benjamin Peltonen), asserts, “But you can’t dim my light.” And thus begins “Bensaa tulipaloon”.  This Finnish-exclusive pop title translates as “Adding fuel to the fire” in English. Peltonen wrote this marvelous fuel-to-fire pop bop with Arttu Istala and Iiro Paakkari. Los Rollos (Istala and Paakkari) produced it. Los Rollos put their foot into the production. The musical accompaniment is bright and energetic. What makes the backdrop cook? It’s the driving bass and synths, the colorfulness of the keys, and the anchoring groove. “Bensaa tulipaloon” is a surefire, ear-catching vibe. The minor key (C minor) adds to the oomph and punch 🤛.

With his fire fueled by kick ass backdrop, Benjamin delivers a fiery, pitch-perfect performance. The melodies are rhythmic and tuneful throughout. The lyrics stand out, too.  Benjamin highlights how emotional this person/people get, asserting “Sun kynnet on mus kiinni ku tiikerin / Sun mielipiteet musta… [Your claws are as black as a tiger / Your opinions are black].” In the second Säkeistö (verse), Peltonen describes them as obsessed and criticizes them for their Facebook posts.  Of course, he uses the hate to bensaa tulipaloon! The section to beat is the chorus, which is infectious to the nth degree:

“Sä voit suuttua mun sanoista

[You can get angry at my words] Ja nähdä tulipunaista mun tavoista

[And see my ways as red] Mut sä et pysty himmentää mun valoo

[But you can’t dim my light] Sun sanat on vaan bensaa tulipaloon

[Your words are just fuel for the fire] Sun katse on täynnä vihaa

[Your eyes are full of hate] Mut sä et vieläkään mun tunnelmaa pilaa

[But you still don’t ruin my mood] Sillä mä loistaan niin et silmät hajoo

[Because I shine so brightly that your eyes won’t burn] Sun sanat on vaan bensaa tulipaloon

[Your words are just fuel for the fire].”

Now that is a powerful message, Benjamin 🤩! All told, our swoon-worthy, out and proud Finnish singer-songwriter shines on “Bensaa tulipaloon”. This pop record is a powerful, spirited, irresistible earworm 💪. Catchy to the nth degree, Finnish 🇫🇮 proficiency is not a requirement to vibe out to this one!

Appears in:

Benjamin, Bensaa tulipaloon: Beaming with Pride No. 3 (2026)

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4.Manu Dibango, “Soul Makossa”

Best Of  » Mercury Music Group » 2020

Cameroon 🇨🇲 

Those lyrics came from a Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009) classic, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”, right? Yes, but “Mama ko mama sa maka makossa” originally hails elsewhere – Jackson sampled it without permission or giving credit to the original performer and composer 🤯. Oopsies! Late Cameroonian 🇨🇲 saxophonist and songwriter Manu Dibango (1933 –2020) sued MJ and Rihanna, who sampled “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” in her hit, “Don’t Stop the Music”.  The original song and source material for both Jackson and Rihanna (via Jackson) was “Soul Makossa”. Dibango released his best-known song, and one-hit wonder, in 1972. “Soul Makossa” peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973, and the vibe is indisputable!

The repeated lyrics are part of the charm of “Soul Makossa.” They aren’t the sole reason his African song is a bop that became a significant crossover hit and is often sampled. The groove is electrifying and infectious from the get-go.  Unsurprisingly, rhythm plays a crucial role in an African song. The rhythm section is tight. The horns are sickening as well, bringing heat on epic riffs.  Among the sweetest sounds from “Soul Makossa” is the soulful, spirited saxophone playing by Manu Dibango.  The grit the Cameroonian musician brings to his horn is sublime.  Of course, given the repetitive, dance-catalyzing vocals, the background vocalists deserve to be shouted out for those charming African lyrics and the tuneful melodies. Manu Dibango only reached the pop charts once, but what better way to make history than “Soul Makossa”, which speaks for itself?!

Appears in:

Manu Dibango, Soul Makossa: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 44 (2024)

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5. Ice Spice & Tokischa, “Thootie”

Thootie”» Dolo Entertainment, Inc. / UMG Recording, Inc. / 10K Projects, LLC » 2025

U.S.A. 🇺🇸; Dominican Republic 🇩🇴

Indeed, Ice Spice.  The rapper collaborates with Dominican rapper, Tokischa, on the brief but potent banger, “Thootie”. RIOTUSA and Remy produced it.  “Thootie” features a minimalist backdrop, which is ample fuel for the fire for both rappers. Simply put, the beat kicks ass and takes names. Ice Spice delivers a compelling cadence and flow here. Her performance is filled with naughtiness and personality. She draws first blood, rapping the crème de la crème, the chorus:

“Thootie (Thootie), need a blunt and a cup, and a thootie (Thootie)

Bad bitch, so he think I’m his thootie (Bad bitch)

In a spot with a thousand thooties (Yeah, yeah)

All I think about is money and thooties.”

Oh, snap! Of course, Ice Spice goes on to mention her privates, which he is going to eat… Speaking of eating, like Ice, Tokischa brings the heat over the hypnotic groove. “Chiquitica con un fat booty,” she spits in the first verse, and adds, “Play with my coochie, a toy like Woody.” Woo! Ice Spice also drops a verse, where she raps, “My ass too fat, no me cabe en el puchi [I can’t fit in the] (Damn) / I’m cocky, bitch (Grrah), you can’t outdo me / I put on a panty, crop top hoodie / Still look perra, cara, baddie.” Word. Does Ice Spice or Tokischa say anything particularly profound or insightful? Absolutely not. But both serve up a brief banger that you won’t be able to get unstuck. “Thootie” may not be deep, but it is fun!

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6. Peso Pluma & Tito Double P, “intro”

DINASTÍA » Double P » 2025

Mexico 🇲🇽

¡Oh, chasquido! The English translation of the excerpted lyrics from the back half of the chorus of “intro” is nothing short of naughty, encompassing sex. Música Mexicana musicians Peso Pluma (Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija) and Tito Double P (Jesús Roberto Laija García) are bad boys on their fiercely entertaining opener from their 2025 album, DINASTÍA.  The duo brings the heat, no cap! Peso Pluma, Tito Double P, Jorsshh, and Pabblo wrote the track, while Pluma, Ernesto Fernández, and Iván Leal “Parka” produced it.

“Intro” features a marvelous accompaniment, regional Mexican music at its finest! The first element of music that comes to mind is rhythm. The riffs kick ass and take names. Timbre and tone color play a significant role.  Among the instruments that stand out are the guitars (Iván Leal “Parka” and Christian Javier Castañeda Almeida “Tori”). At times, the rhythm goes so hard that it sounds as if the guitarists are going to rip those strings off!  The athletic lines showcase superb musicianship.  There is also the mean-sounding brass, namely the trombone, performed by Fidel Antonio Iribe Cota. Peso Pluma and Tito Double P bring their own assertive performances. I love how both artists split sections and dig in. Tito Double P performs the first half of the first verse (“Voy por la noche arriba en el Porsche / Recorriendo todos los pinches puteros [I’m driving up in the Porsche at night, checking out all the damn brothels]”). Peso Pluma performs the second half (“Traigo unas ganas, que aquí voy pa’l cielo / Que el billete se note y un polvo sin corte / La piki le jala y le mama el refuego [I’m so horny, I’m going straight to heaven / Let the money show, and a no-holds-barred fuck / The girl pulls and sucks the fire]”). Wow! Likewise, Tito takes the first half of the chorus, with Peso taking the second half. There is an interlude following the chorus performed by Peso. In the second verse and final chorus, they switch roles. Peso performs first, with Tito concluding. Even if you are a novice at Spanish, “intro” is a fabulous Música Mexicana that is simply irresistible.  Peso Pluma and Tito Double P put their feet into this one!

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7. Aisho Nakajima & Yohji Igarashi, “I Kissed A Boy”

“I Kissed a Boy” » Aisho Nakajima » 2025

Japan 🇯🇵

Sigh, can’t relate, Aisho Nakajima! The Japanese 🇯🇵 singer-songwriter is incredibly handsome – stunning!  Regardless, he gets butterflies and questions acting on his feelings.  “Will I regret it if I made a move tonight? / Tonight, I want it,” he sings, and adds, “And what if I like you? / What if I feel for you?” Boys liking boys… uh-oh.  Of course, you know what happens: “I Kissed A Boy”.  Nakajima, who lends his beautiful, marvelous, and nuanced vocals to the track, collaborates with Japanese 🇯🇵 DJ and producer Yohji Igarashi.  Not only are the results gay, but, most importantly, ear-catching and striking to the nth degree!

Aisho Nakajima is accompanied by a cool, enigmatic, and reflective-sounding backdrop initially.  With an awesome sound palette, “I Kissed A Boy” is sleekly produced. Music on fleek! What makes the accompaniment so sweet are the colorful, picturesque keys, pads, synths, anchored by a strong beat. When that boy kiss occurs, it signals a great change of groove with a quicker tempo beginning about the one-minute mark. Expectedly, Nakajima enjoys the experience.  “You made it feel so good / You made it feel so right / I keep replaying it in my head.” Woo! If you’ve experienced a passionate kiss, or more 😈, you DEFINITELY replay the experience.  Of course, given the sexuality factor, it’s not as simple as boy like boy… “Too weak for your games / Masc and DL / Promise I’ll hush / I won’t tell.” Masculine and down low… that’s a lot of internalized homophobia! Even though it’s complicated, Aisho can’t shake him.  “Staring intensely / Got me all sweating,” he asserts, and adds, “When you’re around I’m just a boy / Losing track of time.” D-d-damn!  Could “I Kissed A Boy” have been published in my Beaming with Pride column? Yes, of course it could! But, queer songs aren’t merely reserved for one column, and this collaboration between Aisho Nakajima and Yohji Igarashi is s-s-steamy, steamy – perfect for the bedroom come midnight! If you haven’t heard this gay little, sensual bop, you are totally missing out on some surefire titillation! Love, it’s universal and contagious!

Appears in:

Aisho Nakajima & Yohji Igarashi, I Kissed a Boy: Midnight Heat No. 88 (2025) BOY, These Songs Are About You, Part 5 (2026)

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8. Tainy & KAROL G, “Única”

“Única” » NEON16 LLC / Republic » 2025

Puerto Rico 🇵🇷; Colombia 🇨🇴

¡Oh, chasquido!, aka, oh, snap! Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 producer-songwriter Tainy (b. 1989) and Colombian 🇨🇴 singer-songwriter KAROL G (b. 1991) join forces for a unique listening experience in “Única”, which translates into English as, you guessed it, “Unique.” In the refrán (refrain) excerpted above, KAROL G sings about unique kisses and being his only one.  KAROL G, Tainy, Richi López, and Rios penned “Única.” Tainy and López produced it.

Beyond the refrain, other sections of the brief “Única” include the coro (chorus) and the verso (verse). In the chorus, KAROL G recalls their passionate love experience, which has since come to an end. “Y aunque estemo’ distantes / Sé que tú también sientes [And even though we’re far apart / I know you feel it too],” she sings in the chorus, and continues, “Y cuando ames a alguien, bebé / Sé que vas a extrañarme, eh-eh [And when you love someone, baby / I know you’re gonna miss me, eh-eh].” Word!  The verse confirms their special bond, despite being with different people. KAROL G asserts, “Bebé, tu recuerdo no me deja / To’ lo que hicimos se ha quedado / Como un tattoo en mi cabeza [Baby, your memory won’t leave me / Everything we did has stayed / Like a tattoo on my head].” KAROL G sounds beautiful as she sings about those unique, seemingly once-in-a-lifetime kissds. She’s supported by sleek musical accompaniment (colorful keys, synths, and a sweet bass line), anchored by a hard-hitting syncopated reggaetón beat.  All told, Tainy and KAROL G put in work on the short but utterly sweet “Única”. ¡Esta canción es simplemente maravillosa!

Appears in:

An Unbelievable Compendium of U Songs (2025)

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9. Käärijä & Hooja, “San Francisco Boy”

“San Francisco Boy” » Warner Finland » 2025

Finland 🇫🇮; Sweden 🇸🇪

Indeed, Käärijä (Jere Mikael Pöyhönen) 🇫🇮 and I happily co-sign! The Finnish rapper, singer, and songwriter collaborates with Swedish electronic duo, Hooja (Hooja and DJ Mårdhund) 🇸🇪 on the infectious dance single, “San Francisco Boy”. Käärijä continues singing in the chorus of “San Francisco Boy,” “I’m a party boy / I’m a cool boy / I’m a dance boy / I’m a disco boy / San Francisco boy / I’m a dance boy.” Noted! Pöyhönen, Hooja, Aleksi Nurmi, and Mårdhund wrote “San Francisco Boy.” Nurmi and Mårdhund also produced it.  The backdrop sounds like a dance/electro musical paradise, set in a hellish, minor key 😈.

Fun is the modus operandi for Käärijä, Hooja, and the listeners. Käärijä feels confident from the get-go, expressing his desire to dance. Not only is he a “dance boy,” but he informs us, “Everybody’s dancing / Everybody feel the beat.” Ooh-wee, it’s giving a surefire vibe! Most of the song is in English. However, where some of us merely listen and nod our heads, sans comprehension, is when he drops some Swedish lyrics: “Om du vill va’ med mig / Får du ta och skärpa dig.” Say what, now?! Translated into English, Pöyhönen tells this nameless person, “If you want to join me / You better get your act together.” Lyrically, “San Francisco Boy” isn’t complex or deep.  It doesn’t need to be.  This unique Finnish and Swedish collaboration is infectious, carefree, and ready-made for the clubs.

Appears in:

Käärijä & Hooja, San Francisco Boy: Wacky Wednesday No. 17 (2025) BOY, These Songs Are About You, Part 4 (2025) A Hodgepodge of Place Songs (2025)

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10. HUMBE, “Morfina”

DUEÑO DEL CIELO » PARASIEMPRE.wav Records » 2025

Mexico 🇲🇽

Translated in English, Mexican singer, songwriter, and producer HUMBE (Humberto Rodríguez Terrazas) sings, “It’s not real for me to think that love ended there / I couldn’t fly without you.” Love is key theme on “Morfina” (“Morphine”), the 22^nd track from his third album, DUEÑO DEL CIELO, released in 2025. The handsome (😍) and talented musician outdoes himself on the near-six-minute-long ballad. In his Genius verified video, HUMBE stated that the song reminds him of his father.  He penned and produced “Morfina” alongside Emiliano RDZ. The results are nothing short of awe-inspiring and breathtaking.

“Morfina” shines for a plethora of reasons.  It begins with the creative soundscape. The instrumental is colorful, enigmatic, and beautiful. The instrumental introduction sets the tone, prefacing the excellence to come. The sounds that catch the ears include keyboards, programming, and rhythmic guitar mixed in the background.  By the end, the experience is incredibly cinematic, with the orchestral touches.  As striking as the accompaniment is, HUMBE’s vocals are some of the sweetest you’ll ever hear.  It is easy to lean on every word he sings given the sincerity he performs.  No matter the register in which he sings, his voice sounds angelic. Adding to the high-flying musicianship are selective harmonized vocals.

“Morfina” features two verses, with a chorus following each.  Even without understanding Spanish, or translating it to English, the lyrics sound emotional, poetic, and thoughtfully penned. “Y aceptamos nuestro final, nada malo a tu lado / Sentarnos a existir, y empalagarnos de amarnos tanto,” he sings in the second verse, and concludes, “Fue nuclear coincidir, al contacto detonamos / No nos preocupamos, nadie nos detiene a los dos.”  As suspected, the translation showcases the brilliance of HUMBE’s pen: “And we accept our ending; nothing is bad by your side / Sit and exist and drown in loving each other so much / It was nuclear to meet; at the touch, we detonated / We don’t worry; no one stops the both of us.” As stellar as the verses are, the chorus is epic:

“Admito que es real

[I admit that it’s real] Me enseñaste que el amor es infinito y que me busque más

[You taught me that love is infinite and that I should look for myself more] Ya no duele nada, llenas de morfina mi inseguridad

[Nothing hurts anymore; you fill my insecurity with morphine] Dulce eternidad

[Sweet eternity]…
Te amará mi alma cuando mi cabeza deje de Pensar

[My soul will love you when my mind stops thinking] …”

Providing additional context, HUMBE states that morphine numbs the pain, as pure love does.  He describes this as the perfect metaphor. Beyond the chorus, there is a fabulous bridge, which leads to a dramatic, lush, and soaring instrumental-led outro. “Tu morfina, mi morfina [Your morphine, my morphine] / Háblame mientras termina [Talk to me while it ends],” he sings in the bridge, and adds, “Endorfina que me arruina [Endorphin that ruins me] / Me apendeja, me da vida [Makes me dumb, gives me life].” In a fitting touch, beyond the celestial orchestral sounds, the outro features a voice note from HUMBE’s dad’s voice.  So much more can be said about “Morfina”; it’s a truly special song by HUMBE.  But this gem is best experienced by simply listening.

Appears in:

HUMBE, Morfina: Wacky Wednesday No. 4 (2026)

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11. Rick Glam, “GLORY HOLE”

VAMPIRE (EP) » Rick Glam » 2025

Brazil 🇧🇷

If you happen to do a Google search for gloryhole, certain results are pornographic. This hole, intended for pleasure, is part of the gay experience, for some. Rick Glam sings about this experience via the NSFW “GLORY HOLE”. Brenozy produced this hole-loving sex cut from his 2025 project, VAMPIRE (EP).  The lust is real for Rick. “I’m so hungry, baby, tell me why?” he asks in the first verse, and continues, “The way you make me scream, I feel alive.”  Sexual contact, clearly, with orgasm.  In the pre-chorus, a sense of anonymity may have disappeared from this glorious experience, considering, “In this club, I found you / Looking at me / I was looking at you, yeah.” In the second verse, there is emphasis on licking, no biting, and… “The way I choke on you, it’s on my mind …” Last but not least, the chorus is the crème de la crème:

“No wasting time, just observe, that’s how I roll

Your body is so divine, you can shove it down my throat

I’m high in the dark, you gave me so much hope

Now I can see you through the glory hole

Glory hole, glory hole.”

Beyond the filthy, free, and sexually liberating lyrics (sex positivity is all the rage), the electronic-driven backdrop kicks ass and takes names. The synths and groove, coupled with the playful vocals of Rick, craft a sound palette that perfectly captures an intimate experience at this gay club.  “GLORY HOLE” is something else! 

Appears in:

Rick Glam, GLORY HOLE: Midnight Heat No. 86 (2025)

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12. Ivan Cornejo, “Vuelve”

MIRADA » Zaragoza Records, LLC / Interscope » 2024

U.S.A. 🇺🇸 (Mexican American)

!Ah, esos problemáticos asuntos del corazón¡ Translated into English, it reads something like this: “Come back / Because without you, the depression always returns / Tell me you’ll never fall in love with anyone else / I get excited like a dog when I see you arrive.” Ah, those pesky [troublesome] matters of the heart. Mexican American, Música Mexicana singer-songwriter Ivan Cornejo (b. 2004) delivered a musical gem with “Vuelve” (“Come back”).  “Vuelve” is the fifth track from his third studio album, MIRADA, released in 2024.  He penned “Vuelve” with Frank Rio, Édgar Barrera, and Juan Carlos Corral Félix. Cornejo and Rio produced it.

“Vuelve” features great rhythmic guitar accompaniment. I like the edgy sounds of the strummed strings. Beyond the guitar, the hard-plucked bass adds bite. Ivan Cornejo delivers an expressive vocal performance.  He sings authentically, with incredible sincerity. His tone is beautiful and rich with nuance.  He has truly gorgeous melodies to work with. Even if you don’t understand the Spanish lyrics sans translation, it’s hard to deny how radiant a song that “Vuelve” is.  The songwriting is emotional.  “Tú muy mal / Eso de cortar conmigo fue fatal / Me dejaste como un traste sin lavar,” he sings in the intro, which translates as, “You were so wrong / Breaking up with me was terrible / You left me like [an unwashed] a dirty dish.” Ooh-wee, Ivan! Later, he asserts, “Todo es artificial hasta mi felicidad / Si esto es una matrix, ¿dónde encuentro mi alma?” which translates as “Everything is artificial, even my happiness / If this is a matrix, where do I find my soul?” All told, “Vuelve” is an emotional, superbly penned, produced, and performed Música Mexicana ballad by Ivan Cornejo. Ivan, you did your big one on this one! 

Appears in:

Ivan Cornejo, Vuelve: Bangerz N Bopz No. 5 (2026) 13 Mo’ Compelling Come Songs (2026) A Vivid Collection of V Songs (2026)

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13. Hush, “當我們談論愛情 (What We Talk About)”

當我們談論愛情” (“What We Talk About”) » Bin Music International Limited » 2025

Taiwan 🇹🇼

Love is complicated to the nth degree. That, my friends, might be an understatement. The complicated complex nature of love is something that gay Taiwanese singer-songwriter, Hush (Chen Pin-he) captures superbly in his single, “當我們談論愛情” (“What We Talk About”). The Mandopop musician articulates his thoughts poetically.  The English translation doesn’t perfectly capture the Chinese lyrics, but the essence is there (“We have learned to recognize the tacit understanding in our eyes”).  Hush penned this song, which he comments about via IG [translated]:

“If he had said he loved me then, would he have continued to do so until now? I don’t think so, otherwise I wouldn’t be saying such stupid things here.

That false sense of satisfaction, perhaps in the end, will be the same no matter who gives it.”

Passionate love, loving, abnormal love, attachment, unrequited love…what are we talking about when we talk about love?

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The handsome and talented musician ‘brings the heat’ throughout “當我們談論愛情” (When we talk about love)”.  His voice sounds stunning – simply beautiful! He sings with authenticity and incredible sincerity about the wide-ranging emotions of love. “Occasionally, I think of the time I spent with him / I’ve heard a lot about him since then,” he sings [translated] in the first verse.  He continues, “I’ve heard a lot about him, how his heart left him / We talk about the different paths that once belonged to each of us.” Later, he honestly asserts, “I’d rather he’d just lie /… At that time, he couldn’t tell the truth / When he did, he was just like everyone else.” Beyond the elite vocals and love-talk, Hush is supported by radiant music accompaniment (piano, guitars, bass, and drums). Even without understanding the Chinese, the plight of love is easily perceptible. Hush “shines bright like a diamond” on “當我們談論愛情” (“What We Talk About”).

Appears in:

Hush, 當我們談論愛情 (“What We Talk About”): Beaming with Pride No. 16 (2025) WHAT is up with These 15 Songs? (2025) Bops from 2025 That Make You Beam with Pride

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14. Björk, “The Dull Flame of Desire”

Volta » One Little Independent / Wellhart Limited » 2007

Iceland 🇮🇸; England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿; U.S.A. 🇺🇸

And thus begins “The Dull Flame Of Desire”. Grammy-nominated (should be a winner 😏) Icelandic singer/songwriter Björk enlists ANOHNI of Antony & the Johnsons for the assist. “The Dull Flame Of Desire” is the third track from Björk’s seventh studio album, Volta, released in 2007. A lengthy song, it runs seven-and-a-half minutes long. It is worth every second of his duration! Björk penned the song alongside Russian poet and diplomat Fyordor Tyutchev (1803 – 1873).  The lyrics are translated in English from Tyutchev’s poem. The musical accompaniment is utterly sublime.  The orchestration is gorgeous, particularly the brass, arranged by Björk. Another key feature of the backdrop is the pummeling drums.

The hypnotic, mesmerizing nature of the music is a big reason why “The Dull Flame Of Desire” is epic. Another reason is the elite vocal performances by Björk and ANOHNI.  Both musicians bring distinct, unique-sounding pipes.  The vocal chemistry between both is electrifying.  Furthermore, the melodies are radiant, shaped by their exquisite singing.  Early, Björk and ANOHNI trade lines.  After Björk sets the tone in the first verse, ANOHNI responds, “When suddenly you raise them so / To cast a swift embracing glance.” They also trade lines during the first chorus: “And through the downcast lashes / I see the dull flame of desire.  Both singers also get their respective moments to shine in extended solos.  Björk sings the second verse and the chorus that follows, rejoined by ANOHNI in the post-chorus.  ANOHNI then performs the third verse and chorus before being rejoined by Björk in the post-chorus.  They collaborate once more in the fourth and final verse and chorus before Björk concludes.  The lyrics by Tyutchev shine throughout, executed superbly by both. Also, I can’t neglect to shout out the layered vocals – decadent! “The Dull Flame Of Desire” is one of many masterpieces by Björk, who is way overdue for a Grammy. Notably, this gem has been remixed.

Appears in:

Björk, The Dull Flame Of Desire: Wacky Wednesday No. 5 (2025)

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15. Riccardo Cocciante, “Era già tutto previsto”

L’Alba » Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Italy) S.p.A. » 1975

France 🇫🇷; Italy 🇮🇹

The shock 😮! The awe 🫢! Um, what does that mean, exactly 🤔? That’s Italian 🇮🇹, right 😬? In English, those lyrics from the first verse of “Era già tutto previsto” (roughly translates as Everything was already planned or It was already planned), translate as “Everything was already foreseen / Ever since you, dancing / Secretly kissed me / While he who was not looking.” Again, the shock 😮! The awe 🫢! French Italian 🇫🇷 🇮🇹 singer-songwriter Riccardo Cocciante (1946 –  ) unveiled a surefire musical masterpiece to the world in 1975. “Era già tutto previsto” is the fourth track from his album, L’Alba (The Dawn).  Cocciante co-wrote “Era già tutto previsto” with producer Marco Luberti. As the title suggests, this ballad is sung exclusively in Italian. Era in Italian translates to was, or it was in English.

“Era già tutto previsto” begins with warm, somber piano accompaniment. Subtle strings gradually enter into the mix, accentuating the warmth. Riccardo Cocciante delivers lovely, romantic vocals. He sings authentically and sincerely, selling it like a champ. You buy every lyric and note that he sings. As the excerpted lyrics from the first verse suggest, matters of the heart play a pivotal role. As the ballad progresses, Cocciante gives his all, delivering one of the most inspired vocal performances you’ll ever hear. Even if you don’t understand a lick of Italian, you hear and appreciate the sheer beauty. The third and final verse is the most dramatic.

“Ho previsto che sarei

[I foresaw that I would]

Restato solo in casa mia

[Left alone in my house]

E mi butto sopra il letto

[And I throw myself on top of the bed]

E mi abbraccio il tuo cuscino

[And I hug your pillow]

Non ho saputo prevedere

[I could not foresee]

Solo che, però, adesso, io

[Only, though, now, I]

Vorrei morire.

[Would like to die.]”

The musicianship is superb, from Cocciante’s soaring, gritty vocals to the instrumental arrangement and orchestration. Upping the ante, the musical underpinnings are sophisticated, with a strong harmonic progression, key modulations, and clever music cues from start to finish. If you have never experienced the musical glory and rewarding experience that is “Era già tutto previsto”, then you are missing out.  This song is simply beautiful. Timeless! Notably, Italian tenor extraordinaire Andrea Bocelli covered “Era già tutto previsto” on his 2013 album, Passione.

Appears in:

Riccardo Cocciante, Era già tutto previsto: Throwback Vibez No. 112 (2025) 11 Exhilarating Era Songs (2025)

 

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15 Bops From Around the Globe That Rock (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 10K Projects, LLC, Aisho Nakajima, Bin Music International Limited, Columbia, Dolo Entertainment, Inc., Interscope, Mercury Music Group, NEON16 LLC, One Little Independent, PARASIEMPRE.wav Records, Republic, Rick Glam, Rimas Entertainment LLC, Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Italy) S.p.A., UMG Recording, Inc., Warner Music Finland, Wellhart Limited, Zaragoza Records, LLC; Canva AI; CatsWithGlasses, Gordon Johnson, jorono from Pixabay]

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