15 Ear-Catching, Eye-Opening Songs → Playlist

15 Ear-Catching, Eye-Opening Songs features songs by Beartooth, Ethel Cain, Future, Justin Bieber, Kim Carnes, and The Platters.

Caleb Shomo of Beartooth asserts. Keep an EYE on those EYES. Long before Beartooth was a thing, Kim Carnes had a lot to say about EYES 👀: “She’s precocious, and she knows just / What it means to make a pro blush / She got Greta Garbo stand-off sighs / She got Bette Davis EYES.” Ooh-wee! As for the swaggy Justin Bieber, he’s enamored: “I’m looking at you, eye candy, eye candy / Can you look me in the eye? Candy.” On 15 Ear-Catching, Eye-Opening Songs, it’s safe to say the EYES have it 🤭😜! The first eye-driven list on The Musical Hype in a minute, it features eye-tastic songs by Beartooth, Ethel Cain, Future, Justin Bieber, Kim Carnes, and The Platters.  So, without further ado, it’s time to fully embrace and engage with these ear-catching, EYE-opening songs!

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~ Table of Contents ~
1. Beartooth, “Eyes Closed”	2. JISOO & ZAYN, “EYES CLOSED”	3. Future, “Eye To Eye”
4. Ethel Cain, “Fuck Me Eyes”	5. Justin Bieber, “Eye Candy”	6. Survivor, “Eye of the Tiger”
7. Imagine Dragons, “Eyes Closed”	8. Tove Lo, “Elevator Eyes”	9. Khamari, “Doctor, My Eyes”
10. The Weeknd, “In Your Eyes”	11. Kelly Clarkson, “Behind These Hazel Eyes”	12. Lauryn Hill, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You – (I Love You Baby)”
13. Rick James & Smokey Robinson, “Ebony Eyes”	14. Kim Carnes, “Bette Davis Eyes”	15. The Platters, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”

 

 

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1. Beartooth, “Eyes Closed”

Pure Ecstasy → Beartooth Band, LLC / Fearless Records → 2026

Caleb Shomo, the powerful and talented voice and face of Beartooth, said what he said.  2026 has been a turbulent year for him: divorce, coming out, and plenty of backlash and criticism. Based on the reactions I’ve seen online, it seems like Beartooth’s sixth studio album, Pure Ecstasy, had an uphill battle ahead of its release. Still, it’s hard to deny the energy of the single and second track, “Eyes Closed”. “Eyes Closed” was written and produced by Shomo and Jordan Fish.

If nothing else, “Eyes Closed” is a spirited track. The boisterous, distorted, and jagged guitars kick ass and take names. Rock on 🤘! Also, the bass holds it down on the low end, while the drums pummel the absolute shit out of you, ooh-wee! The ‘source of controversy’ himself, Caleb Shomo,  puts on a show, PERIODT!  His voice is powerful, showcasing grit, an impressive upper register, and a commanding performance from start to finish. “Is there anything to say to take me straight to Heaven? / To know I’ve been forgiven?” he asks in the first verse. In the second, he asserts, “‘Cause I’m waiting for a sign, I need it more than ever / Is the wrong mistake gonna last forever?” Despite being rough around the edges, “Eyes Closed” is quite the melodic metal cut. The verses are melodic overall, while the chorus is incredibly tuneful:

“But now I’m dying to live with my eyes closed

Trying to fly with no halo

Maybe I don’t wanna know

If I’m gonna lose it all, I’m gonna lose it all with my eyes closed

Eyes closed.”

Hell yeah! The breakdown section is nasty – malicious to the nth degree! “Oof / Yeah / Can’t be forgiven, but I’ll hold my breath / So close to Heaven, all I see is death.” The dissonance during the breakdown is epic and metal to the core. From my perspective, there is lots to like about “Eyes Closed”; it packs a mean punch. Hopefully, the criticism being laid at Shomo’s feet isn’t because of homophobia, as that’s just not cool.

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2. JISOO & ZAYN, “EYES CLOSED”

“EYES CLOSED” → Warner → 2025

For the first time, JISOO of BLACKPINK and ZAYN collaborate! The fruits of their musical labor yield a sweet pop song, “EYES CLOSED”.  JISOO and ZAYN co-wrote “EYES CLOSED” with numerous songwriters. The Monsters & Strangerz, Isaiah Tejada, and Alex Hope produced it. It commences with a brief, enigmatic intro. From there, JISOO draws first blood.  Her vocals are smooth in the first half of the first verse (“Time is standing still, and I don’t wanna leave your lips / Tracing my body with your fingertips”). ZAYN brings his soulful pop pipes to the second half of the verse, urging patience between them.  The duo showcases sensational vocal chemistry during the pre-chorus  (“Damned if I don’t, damned if I do”) and the crème de la crème, the chorus. I love the sound of their voices against those acoustic guitars during the chorus, excerpted earlier. Soon enough, the chorus grows in scope. JISOO performs the brief second verse alone, welcoming ZAYN back into the fold during the pre-chorus (“Whatever you’ve done, trust, it ain’t nothing new / You know by now we’ve seen it all”). Once more, they shine on the chorus, which is respectfully tuneful – not necessarily the catchiest ever. All told, “EYES CLOSED” is an enjoyable, well-rounded pop collaboration between JISOO and ZAYN. It features strong singing, individually and collectively, and is accompanied by a pleasant backdrop.  That’s a win in my book.

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3. Future, “Eye To Eye”

The Real Me → Sahluna Management Company, Inc. / Epic Records → 2026

Word, Future. Pluto concludes his 10^th  studio album, The Real Me, with “Eye To Eye.” It’s worth noting that “Eye To Eye” is the 22^nd track on the album – deep into the track list.  It was written by Future and producer Will A Fool.

“Eye To Eye” has a brief runtime at shy of two-and-a-half minutes long.  Future is accompanied by a dramatic, sophisticated instrumental including keys and strings, and is anchored by a strong beat 💪. He is assertive on this track.  He flexes with his rhythmic flow. Notably, he gives us one big, jam-packed verse.  “I got a mill’ and chopped it up with the niggas who rolled with me,” he spits, and continues, “You keepin’ it real with a nigga like me, you know you can roll with me.” 💯 – what more can you say? Of course, there are more intriguing lyrics like, “I had to kick a few to the curb just like LaTavia / I wasn’t playin’ ‘round on the curb, I was movin’ tilapia.” Hopefully Latavia Roberson wasn’t listening 😳🤞. Cocky and confident, Pluto declares, “I’m on another level with the paper,” and adds “I gave you drip, taught you how to test, gave niggas lifestyles / I’m the reason you had bossed up and brought your dope with you.” Noted.  After Future talks his shit, I love how “Eye To Eye” fades out, letting that marvelous production shine.  While it’s nothing groundbreaking, it’s enjoyable enough.

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4. Ethel Cain, “Fuck Me Eyes”

Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You → Daughters of Cain → 2025

Ethel Cain (Hayden Silas Anhedönia) is a gifted singer-songwriter. In 2025, she released her sophomore album, Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You, which featured the boldly titled single, “Fuck Me Eyes”. Urban Dictionary describes fuck me eyes as ‘when someone looks at you like they want to fuck.’ Cain pays homage to the 1981 Kim Carnes pop classic, “Bette Davis Eyes”, on this six-minute-plus track. Cain wrote and produced “Fuck Me Eyes.” As the narrator, she examines a popular girl who earns all the attention from boys.

“Fuck Me Eyes” is accomplished is so many ways.  The production and sound of the record are sublime. It begins with lighthearted synths and warm production –  a pop-oriented vibe. As the song progresses, the sound grows better. Cain’s performance matches the dynamic, expanded sound palette. Early on, her vocals are smooth. Not only is her tone lovely, but the vocal production is top-notch.  Adding to the beauty are select, harmonized vocal moments.  The chorus is memorable – one of the best moments of “Fuck Me Eyes.”

“Nowhere to go, she’s just along for the ride (She’s just along)

She’s scared of nothing but the passenger’s side

Of some old man’s truck in the dark parking lot (Parking lot)

She’s just tryna feel good right now

They all wanna take her out

But no one ever wants to take her home.”

Backtracking, all of the songwriting is captivating. A perfect example of characterization, Cain puts in the work to describe this complex, polarizing girl. “She’s got hair up to God, she’s gonna get what she wants,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Her nails are heartbreak red ‘cause she’s a bad motherfucker.” In the second verse, she’s a contradiction, going to church after going to the club… But, despite being confident and fearless (“Boy, if you’re not scared of Jesus, fuck around and come find out”), it’s ultimately a façade (“And when she leaves, they never see her wiping her fuck me eyes”).  In the bridge, Ethel has mixed views about her, asserting, “I’ll never blame her, I kinda hate her / I’ll never be that kind of angel / I’ll never be kind enough to me.” Ultimately, “Fuck Me Eyes” is a brilliant, thought-provoking song by Ethel Cain.  There is plenty to unpack, yet the poppier vibes, including the chorus, make this alternative singer-songwriter record accessible.

Appears in 🔻:

15 Marvelous ME Songs (2026)

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5. Justin Bieber, “Eye Candy”

SWAG II → ILH Production Co. LLC. / Def Jam Recordings → 2025

Noted, Justin Bieber. Of course, the Grammy-winning pop superstar is a piece of eye candy himself… 😍 That “YUKON” Grammy performance will never be forgotten! His voice sounded beautiful… and his tatted body was beautiful too. Anyway, focusing on “Eye Candy”, the eighth track from SWAG II shouldn’t be forgotten either. I would argue it is underrated thanks to the big hits from the album. It shouldn’t be, as J.B. is on his A-game here. “Eye Candy” was written by Bieber, Carter Lang, Daniel Chetrit, Dylan Wiggins, Eddie Benjamin, Tobias Jesso Jr., Jackson Lee Morgan, SIR DYLAN, and Will Miller.  Lang, Chetrit, Wiggins, Miller, and Benjamin produced it.

 

“Eye Candy” shines from the jump. The mellow introduction (keys and synth) sets the tone.  When the rhythmic beat enters, it packs a mean punch – adds another dimension.  You know who else adds another dimension? Justin Bieber, of course.  His voice is incredibly beautiful and filled with soul. He exudes swagger. “Ooh, the first one’s free, the second’ll cost you,” he sings in the first verse, and adds, “And if you look too close, you’ll lose your mind.” Oh, snap 🫰!  In the second verse, he asserts, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder / So I’ma hold you, baby / You can’t let a sweet thing pass you by.” Ooh-wee, J.B.! Beyond his fine singing, the melodies are chill, easygoing, and tuneful. The chorus is a surefire vibe. It represents the very best moment of the song.

“Eye candy, eye candy

‘Cause you taste so sweet, uh (Sweet)

When you’re looking at me, uh

Baby, I wanna know why can’t we eye candy

Just a little bit closer and a little bit longer?

I’m looking at you, eye candy, eye candy

Can you look me in the eye? Candy.”

All told, “Eye Candy” is a big-time, surefire vibe from Justin Bieber.  Bruh ate and left no crumbs! It’s electrifying in a cool sort of way.  Also, it’s sensual and soulful.  It wouldn’t be far-fetched to name this one of Bieber’s best songs.

Appears in 🔻:

Justin Bieber, Eye Candy: Bangerz N Bopz No. 61 (2026)

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6. Survivor, “Eye of the Tiger”

Eye of the Tiger → Volcano Entertainment, III, L.L.C. → 1982

YES, YES, YES 💪! More, please! “And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night / And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger.” Woo! Although Survivor earned five top 10 hits, “Eye Of The Tiger” was their sole no. 1 hit.  It spent six weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  In 2018, the single was certified octuple platinum. Eye of the Tiger (the LP) peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard 200. It secured a platinum plaque.  “Eye of The Tiger” also appeared as the theme song from Rocky III as well as the opener from the soundtrack (1982). It was written and produced by Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan.

“Eye of the Tiger” provides motivation musically and thematically. The instrumental is epic with driving, rhythm guitar, prominent bass, sweet keys, and an infectious groove.  With an excellent build-up during the intro, those heavy-handed, distorted guitar hits are crucial to the song’s success. Another reason for “Eye of the Tiger’s” success are dynamic vocals by Dave Bickler, the lead singer from 1978 – 1983.  He brings the tuneful melodies and unforgettable chorus to life.  “Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past,” Bickler encourages in the first verse, adding, “You must fight just to keep them alive.” The keyword is FIGHT.  In the second verse, he’s “Hangin’ tough, stayin’ hungry,” adding, “They stack the odds ‘til we take to the street / For the kill with the skill to survive.” Maybe the most motivational lyric comes from the end of the third and final verse: “Went the distance, now I’m not gonna stop / Just a man and his will to survive.”  40+ years later, Survivor continues to lift and motivate us with “Eye of the Tiger”.  It NEVER grows old.

Appears in 🔻:

Survivor, Eye Of The Tiger: Music Lifts No. 29 (2024) 13 Electrifying Animal Songs (2024) An Epic Compendium of E Songs (2025)

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7. Imagine Dragons, “Eyes Closed”

LOOM → KIDinaKORNER / Interscope → 2024

Those lyrics commence Imagine Dragons’ “Eyes Closed”, the third track from their 2024 album, LOOM, with gimmicky, pitch-shifted vocals. The tone is set early. The alternative band has plenty of cooks in the kitchen from a writing perspective: Ben McKee, Dan Reynolds, Mattias Larsson, Robin Lennart Fredriksson, and Wayne Sermon.  The production, slick with plenty of playful touches – synths, sound effects, and such – is handled superbly by Mattman & Robin (Larsson and Fredriksson). Besides the gimmickry and unique sound, Frontman Dan Reynolds brings it vocally. The lyrics are dark and dramatic: “The wrath and the gift from the pit of despair / Been takin’ every whip and every word, I’ve never been spared,” which concludes the first verse. The second is penned similarly: “Less medications, less manifestations / Mantras, meditation, throw it away…” Woo! The melodic lines are rhythmic, which is on brand for the collective.  The heaviest moments arrive in the chorus:

“Lock me up in a maze

Turn out, turn out the lights

I was born, I was raised for this…”

Word! In the post-chorus, Reynolds utters the opening lyric once more: “I could do this with my eyes closed.” The bridge is kinder and gentler, separating itself from everything else. “Eyes Closed” is tried-and-true Imagine Dragons but also a fresh, reinvigorating change of pace for the veteran, Grammy-winning band.

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: April 2024

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8. Tove Lo, “Elevator Eyes”

Dirt Femme (Extended Cut) → Pretty Swede → 2023

Come taste you, Tove Lo? Mm, that sounds sexual…😈. The lyrics appear on the Swedish pop artist’s “Elevator Eyes”,  the opener from her 2023 album, Dirt Femme (Extended Cut). She continues singing in the first verse, “I’m on vacation / No obligations / But maybe we’ll fall in love / Let the stars be our audience.” Oh, snap! So, what happens on vacation stays on vacation… or, perhaps not 😈! Tove Lo penned “Elevator Eyes” alongside producer Joel Little.

Throughout the record, the listener is blessed with beautiful, well-produced vocals by Tove Lo. Adding to the strength of her lead vocals are harmonized backing vocals. Oh, the ear candy!  The production is marvelous – smooth, slick, and alluring to the ears.  The sound is hypnotic, which seems intentional given the lust and heavy dose of ogling.  See the tuneful centerpiece, the chorus, for confirmation:

“Elevator eyes

Elevator eyes

I’m not surprised

You’re hypnotized

Goin’ up and down

Elevator eyes

Elevator eyes

If looks could touch

No need to rush

Goin’ up and down.”

Ooh-wee! Where the first verse and chorus were tamer, the second verse is a bit more risqué. “Go get a rubber,” she tells him, though she changes her mind regarding safe sex 👀. “No, never mind that / Cooked your boys in a jacuzzi / Let’s risk it, it’s worth it.” Wow… I’m speechless 😶! Moving on, there’s a fabulous contrast during the bridge section, though it is still related to the verse/chorus. It’s still sexual too (“Our position’s always sittin’ in the back of my head”). Tove Lo has a knack for delivering epic sex songs. “Elevator Eyes” is no exception.

Appears in 🔻:

Tove Lo, Elevator Eyes: Midnight Heat No. 20 (2024) 13 Rousing Elevator Songs (2024)

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9. Khamari, “Doctor, My Eyes”

A Brief Nirvana → RCA → 2023

Now that’s a statement, Khamari! Furthermore, it’s one that many of us can get behind, at least at some point. Unfortunately, “My friends wouldn’t let me, they know / Most of the time I feel too much / So I try not to feel at all…”  The reflectiveness, the transparency, and the vulnerability! On “Doctor, My Eyes,” originally released in 2021 and the second track from his 2023 LP, A Brief Nirvana, the ‘20-something’ artist is on the emotional struggle bus.  Even so, he’s accompanied by an exquisite backdrop, produced alongside Trackside and johan lenox.  Early on, the instrumental is primarily a rhythmic groove carried by guitars. Isaiah Gage contrasts the timbre with the radiant addition of the cello – such a vibrant instrument! The second verse ups the ante with a drum groove and strings.  The main attraction, Khamari, sings with a beautiful, expressive, and nuanced tone.  The melodies are tuneful, particularly the chorus where he pleads “Doctor, would you give me something /… I’m way too young to feel this numb…” “Doctor, My Eyes” concludes with a thoughtful outro courtesy of David Worrell, his grandfather (“To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did / You have to take time to live / Tomorrow’s not promised to anybody”).

Appears in 🔻:

Entertaining, if Medically Sus Doctor Songs, Vol. 1 (2024)

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10. The Weeknd, “In Your Eyes”

After Hours → The Weeknd XO, Inc. / Republic Records → 2020

The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) sings in the chorus of “In Your Eyes.” Written by Tesfaye, Belly, Max Martin, and Oscar Holter, “In Your Eyes” has an elephantine task: it follows up a surefire bop – a juggernaut – in “Blinding Lights” 😳.  Without a doubt, “Blinding Lights” was the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement – from the snubbed After Hours (how does this album get no Grammy nominations?). The Weeknd ensured “In Your Eyes” was another infectious, totally groovy number. “I tried to find love / In someone else too many times,” he sings in the second verse, and continues, “But I hope you know I mean it (Mean it) / When I tell you you’re the one that was on my mind, oh.” Woo! Like so much of After Hours, “In Your Eyes” has incredible crossover appeal.  The pop sensibility on this 80s-tinged R&B cut is amped-up to the nth degree.  The production (The Weeknd, Martin, and Holter) is magnificent: colorful keys, slick rhythmic guitars, smooth saxophone solo, and vintage horns.  The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the section to beat:

“In your eyes

I see there’s something burning inside you

Oh, inside you

In your eyes

I know it hurts to smile, but you try to

Oh, you try to

You always try to hide the pain

You always know just what to say

I always look the other way

In your eyes

You lie, but I don’t let it define you

Oh, define you.”

After Hours = one of the truly great albums of the 2020s. “In Your Eyes” = another The Weeknd bop!

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11. Kelly Clarkson, “Behind These Hazel Eyes”

Breakaway  → 19 Recordings Ltd. / RCA/JIVE Label Group → 2004  

OH, indeed, Kelly Clarkson!  What is the Grammy-winning pop superstar OH-ing about? The universal polarizing topic of love, specifically heartbreak 💔.  How bad is/was it? “‘Cause I can’t breathe / No, I can’t sleep / I’m barely hangin’ on.” NOT GOOD.  What is good is how she S-H-I-N-E-S on the rock-infused “Behind These Hazel Eyes”. “Behind These Hazel Eyes” is the third track from her multiplatinum, Grammy-winning sophomore album, Breakaway.  The single peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was certified platinum in 2008.  Who is responsible for composing this aughts masterpiece? That would be Clarkson and producers Dr. Luke and Max Martin.

“Behind These Hazel Eyes” opens epically, with pummeling drums and boisterous, distorted, juicy electric guitar and bass. The sound doesn’t soar; it ROARS 🤘! Kelly Clarkson blesses the track with her marvelous pipes. Typically, a soulful singer, Clarkson changes course here, doing her best Avril Lavigne, who was huge in the 2000s. She channeled her inner pop-rocker with awesome results.  Of course, those pipes are still powerful and robust to the nth degree! The verses are tuneful, with their fair share of memorable lyrics.  “I told you everything / Opened up and let you in,” she sings in the second verse, and adds, “Now all that’s left of me / Is what I pretend to be.” Big-time bummer, Kelly! The crowning achievement should come as no surprise – the high-flying, sing-along-able chorus!

“Here I am, once again

I’m torn into pieces

Can’t deny it, can’t pretend

Just thought you were the one

Broken up, deep inside

But you won’t get to see the tears I cry

Behind these hazel eyes.”

Perhaps the best way to describe “Behind These Hazel Eyes” is Kelly Clarkson doing her best version of Avril Lavigne.  In other words, she channeled her inner pop-rocker with awesome results.  Although it wasn’t the biggest hit of Breakaway, it was certainly in contention, for good reason. “Behind These Hazel Eyes” is a pop banger, PERIODT!

Appears in 🔻:

Ranking the 20 Best Kelly Clarkson Songs (2018) Kelly Clarkson, Behind These Hazel Eyes: Bangerz N Bopz No. 64 (2026)

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12. Lauryn Hill, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You – (I Love You Baby)”

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill → Ruffhouse → 1998

Grammy-winning R&B/hip-hop superstar Lauryn Hill delivered a surefire classic with “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”.  But, guess what? Frankie Valli (b. 1934) originally recorded it in 1967 on his album, Four Seasons Present Frankie Valli Solo (“Can’t Take My Eyes off You”). Focusing on Hill’s epic cover, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You – (I Love You Baby)” is the 15^th and penultimate track on her 1998, historic, Grammy-winning masterpiece, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Notably, it was a hidden track on the album.  It earned the distinction of becoming the first hidden track to receive a Grammy nomination (Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 41^st Annual GRAMMY Awards). “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” didn’t impact the pop charts, but it did spend one week on the R&B charts, where it peaked at number 45.  Regardless of its lack of chart success, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” is considered one of Hill’s best songs.

Hill makes “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” her own, period. It sounds starkly different from the original, which has a traditional pop sound and vibe. One reason Hill’s version is distinct is the banging hip-hop soul beat.  That beat easily carries this ‘67 classic to the late ‘90s. Also, the beatboxing is epic too. The sound is modernized, thanks to the production of Ms. Hill! Besides the beat, a sickening bass line, and colorful keys, ‘up the ante.’ Hill captivates with her stunning voice, blessing our ears with that gorgeous tone.  She’s particularly on fire during the chorus. She asserts, expressively:

“I need you, baby, and if it’s quite alright

I need you, baby, to warm a lonely night

I love you, baby, trust in me when I say, ‘It’s okay’.”

Beyond the chorus, Lauryn brings a swagger, solidifying the hip-hop influence (those chill but potent ad-libs).  Ultimately, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Lauryn Hill remains the sugar, honey, iced tea to this day. Oh, Lauryn, why couldn’t you have released another album?! 

Appears in 🔻:

Lauryn Hill, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You: Covers No. 15 (2025) Frankie Valli vs. Lauryn Hill: Head 2 Head No. 19 (2025) 13 Songs Where YOU Are the Focus, Vol. 4 (2025) 13 Possessive Songs Featuring the Adjective, MY, Vol. 3 (2025) Can’t!: 5 Gems No. 6 (2026) 13 More Take Songs There for the Taking (2026)

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13. Rick James & Smokey Robinson, “Ebony Eyes”

Cold Blooded → Motown → 1983

Sadly, Rick James (1948 – 2004) had his fair share of demons. But the Grammy-winning musician oozed with talent.  He showcases his music gifts to the fullest on “Ebony Eyes”,  the third track from his 1983 gold-certified album, Cold Blooded.  He wrote and produced the track himself.  On the love-centric gem, he duets with a fellow Motown legend, the one-and-only Smokey Robinson (b. 1940). “Ebony Eyes” respectably impacted the pop charts, reaching number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It performed better on the R&B charts, peaking at number 22.

“Ebony Eyes” commences with a great drum groove, setting up the awesome balladry.  The production is characteristic of the 1980s, with ample lush, electronic, and synthesizer-dominated sounds.  Also, upping the ante from a musical underpinnings standpoint is the harmonic progression.  However, it is the duet that you came for. Smokey Robinson draws first blood, singing the first half of the first verse. Ultra-refined, Smokey’s tone is buttery smooth and pure (“Wind in your hair, sun on your skin / You’re looking good, girl, all over again”). Rick James sings the second half of the verse. After beginning similarly to Smokey, he delivers more overt, powerful pipes (“Ooh, we, baby, girl, you’re such a score / And I want you to know that”). James brings it on home in the song’s centerpiece, the chorus:

“I love you

I bet you didn’t know that, girl

You didn’t know that

I need you

Right now, baby, right now, baby

And I bet you didn’t know that ebony eyes.”

Following an interlude between the chorus and the second verse, Robinson takes on the first half of the second verse, with a similar approach to the first. James returns for the second half, beginning poised, before gradually upping the ante, once more (“You’re such a queen, woman, you’re such a prize”).  Expectedly, he’s even more powerful in the second chorus. James flexes in the extended chorus, giving his all with his soaring pipes.  The inspiration remains the same: L-O-V-E! Robinson also gets into the mix, singing passionately and romantically with his cool, calm, collected, and celestial ad-libs. All told, Rick James and Smokey Robinson make a formidable duo on “Ebony Eyes”.  They complement and contrast each other superbly.  Beyond the amorous vocals and songwriting, the musical accompaniment incites love, too 😍!

Appears in 🔻:

Rick James & Smokey Robinson, Ebony Eyes: Dazzling Duets No. 3 (2026) 13 More Anatomical Songs – To Some Degree º (2026)

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14. Kim Carnes, “Bette Davis Eyes”

Mistaken Identity → Capitol → 1981

 “Bette Davis Eyes” is a quintessential 1980s song, popularized by Kim Carnes. Penned by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon, DeShannon originally recorded and released it in 1975.  Carnes’ definitive version arrived in 1981, appearing on her Grammy-nominated album, Mistaken Identity. Val Garay produced the iconic song where “She’ll turn her music on you,” and “You won’t have to think twice!” The eyes mentioned throughout the song belonged to the legendary Hollywood actress Bette Davis (1908 – 1989). “Bette Davis Eyes” spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Nominated for three Grammys, it won two: Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 24^th Annual Grammy Awards.

“She’ll take a tumble on you / Roll you like you were dice 🎲.” Word! Kim Carnes eats on “Bette Davis Eyes”.  Her distinct, raspy vocals perfectly capture the memorable, novel lyrics and tuneful melodies.  It’s not all about pitch on “Bette Davis Eyes.” Sometimes, there’s playful, talk-singing.  Among the playful moments are “She’s precocious and she knows just / What it takes to make a pro blush,” as well as the variation, “She’s ferocious…” Both lyrics appear from the unforgettable, varied choruses:

“And she’ll tease you

She’ll unease you

All the better just to please you

She’s precocious, and she knows just

What it means to make a pro blush

She got Greta Carbo stand off sighs

She got Bette Davis eyes.”

Beyond her memorable vocal performance, the musical accompaniment shines too.  This superbly produced record thrives on its quintessential 1980s music cues: guitars, keyboards (synths), drums, drum programming, etc. The minute you hear that riff, you know you’re listening to those Bette Davis eyes! A striking instrumental for a striking oldie! “Bette Davis Eyes” is one of the best pop songs ever.

 

Appears in 🔻:

Kim Carnes, Bette Davis Eyes: Throwback Vibez No. 125 (2025)  Kim Carnes vs. JoJo Siwa: Head 2 Head No. 27 (2025) 13 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 8 (2026)

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15. The Platters, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”

Remember When? → Mercury → 1959

Oh, the nostalgia! Early, renowned R&B/vocal collective The Platters landed the biggest hit of their career with “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” (Remember When?), which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1959.  Even though this record was recorded and released more than six decades ago, it remains potent – a once-in-a-lifetime recording. “Smoke” features a gorgeous, truly celestial backdrop.  That backdrop is comprised of strings (including harp), piano, and drums – it sounds sophisticated and vintage through and through.  Beyond the refined instrumental, Tony Williams’ lead vocals are marvelous.  While Williams is the engine that made this seminal hit by the Platters go, the supporting vocals by the rest of the collective are brilliant too.

“When your heart’s on fire, you must realize

Smoke gets in your eyes.”

“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” was NOT an original by The Platters even though the collective made it sound that way – speaks to their tremendous musicianship. The tune is a jazz standard, from the 1933 musical, Roberta, written by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach in 1933.  While The Platters owe Kern and Harbach for a stellar song, they made it even bigger.

Appears in 🔻:

The Platters, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes: Throwback Vibez No. 8 (2023)  Smoke 🚬 💨: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 5 (2023)  13 Engaging YOUR or YOURS Songs (2023)

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15 Ear-Catching, Eye-Opening Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 19 Recordings Ltd., Beartooth Band, LLC, Capitol, Daughters of Cain, Epic Records, Fearless Records, ILH Production Co. LLC., Def Jam Recordings, Interscope Records, KIDinaKORNER, Mercury, Motown, Pretty Swede, RCA, RCA/JIVE Label Group, Republic Records, Ruffhouse, Sahluna Management Company, Inc., The Weeknd XO, Inc., Volcano Entertainment, III, L.L.C., Warner; Anna Shvets,Володимир Олейніков, Emiliano Vittoriosi, Mikhail Nilov, Pegah Sharifi, Ron Lach, Uncle mom’s,  Wallace Castro from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay; from Unsplash]

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