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15 Ear-Catching FOR Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Erika Varga from Pixabay]15 Ear-Catching FOR Songs features music courtesy of Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, FINNEAS, Liam Payne, Muni Long, and Sexyy Red.

Some playlists come together quickly. Why? They aren’t too arduous to assemble. In other instances, your website had trauma, the number of published posts declined due to intermittent performance, and the regularly scheduled post just wasn’t going to work.  Those things happened with The Musical Hype in September and October 2024. It was a Fall bummer. So, where does 15 Ear-Catching FOR Songs come into play, then?  15 Ear-Catching FOR Songs was a future list that was compiled and written sooner than expected out of necessity – there wasn’t enough time or reviewed songs to compile Bops That Pop for October 2024. Despite the ‘change of pace,’ the musical compendium is one I’m proud of.  The sole criterion: FOR must be featured in the song title. 15 Ear-Catching FOR Songs features music courtesy of Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, FINNEAS, Liam Payne, Muni Long, and Sexyy Red. So, without further ado, let’s have a kick ass, FOR good time… or something like that!


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1. Ariana Grande, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”

2. FINNEAS, “For Cryin’ Out Loud!”

3. Muni Long, “Made For Me”

4. Post Malone, “Guy For That” (Ft. Luke Combs)

5. Tate McRae, “run for the hills”

6. Liam Payne & Rita Ora, “For You (Fifty Shades Freed)”  

7. Sexyy Red, “Looking For the Hoes (Ain’t My Fault)”

8. Drake, “Nice For What”

9. Charity Gayle, “Thank You Jesus for the Blood”

10. Giveon, “For Tonight”

11. Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?”

12. Lana Del Rey, “For Free” (Ft. Zella Day & Weyes Blood) – Joni Mitchell cover

13. Metallica, “For Whom The Bell Tolls”

14. Donna Summer, “She Works Hard For The Money”

15. William DeVaughn, Be Thankful for What You Got


1. Ariana Grande, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”

eternal sunshine // Republic // 2024

Ariana Grande, eternal sunshine [📷: Republic]“I don’t wanna tiptoe, but I don’t wanna hide / But I don’t wanna feed this monstrous fire,” Ariana Grande sings in the first verse of “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”, a juggernaut from her stupendous seventh studio album, eternal sunshine. She continues singing in the first verse of the second single from the LP, “Just wanna let this story die / And I’ll be alright.” I love the subtlety of the thudding beat (four on the floor), which is part of the tasteful nature of the production. In the chorus, the thuds and the intensity of the backdrop become more dynamic, fitting given the rise to the occasion.  “We can’t be friends” features colorful synths and a driving bass line – always a winning formula for the accompaniment! Another part of the winning formula is the violins, which appear at the end. With her elite vocals being her calling card, Grande delivers an honest and memorable chorus:

“We can’t be friends

But I’d like to just pretend

You cling to your papers and pens

Wait until you like me again.”

Lyrically, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” marks one of the cleverest songs of eternal sunshine, making you question if she’s referencing her ex-husband (Dalton Gomez), the media, or both simultaneously.

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2. FINNEAS, “For Cryin’ Out Loud!”

For Cryin’ Out Loud! // OYOY, Inc. / Interscope // 2024

FINNEAS, For Cryin' Out Loud! [📷: OYOY, Inc. / Interscope]“For cryin’ out loud / I’m calling your name / You’re wearing me out / But I love you the same.” “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” is the eighth track from FINNEAS’ (Finneas O’Connell) 2024 album, also titled For Cryin’ Out Loud!. “For Cryin’ Out Loud!” was penned by O’Connell, Aron Forbes, David Marinelli, Matthew Fildey, and Miles Morris. FINNEAS produced it.  There are ample colorful touches including a tight rhythm section and radiant horns. The groove ‘grooves’ from the beginning, setting the tone.  As far as the singing, O’Connell is ‘on-point’ delivering strong, expressive, and nuanced vocals.  He serves up memorable melodies in the verses with fine contours and catchy lyrics (“All of your clothes all over the floor / All of it happened in a hurry / Show me the ropes, then you show me the door”).  His bread is most buttered in the tuneful chorus, excerpted at the top in all its glory. The pre-choruses preceding the centerpiece are noteworthy, including lyrics like “You’re sweating off your makeup / You’re running every light / What’s gonna help you wake up / Won’t help you sleep at night.” Oh, snap! FINNEAS gets the most acclaim for his work behind the boards for his sister, Billie. But, the 27-year-old ‘puts in work’ as the lead artist on the charming, exclamatory “For Cryin’ Out Loud!”. 

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3. Muni Long, “Made For Me”

Revenge // Supergiant / MPR Global / Def Jam // 2023

Muni Long, Revenge [📷: Supergiant / Def Jam]“The smell of your perfume / I thought I was immune / Lookin’ around this room / Can’t help but see the traces of you…” “Made For Me” was a hit for Grammy-winning R&B singer, Muni Long (Priscilla Renae). It peaked respectably at no. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 2024 after being released in September 2023. Long, Bryan-Michael Cox, Jermaine Dupri, and Jordan XL wrote this beautiful, emotional ballad that appears on her sophomore album, Revenge. Furthermore, it was produced by Dupri, Cox, and Jordan XL.  The instrumental thrives thanks to warm, gorgeous piano lines, slick, rhythmic drum programming, and ‘classic,’ classy contemporary R&B cues.

Muni Long, of course, slays in the vocal department. She sounds authentic, refined, and soulful.  Like in the first verse (excerpted above), she’s deeply affected by love.  “It ain’t every day / That I get in my feelings this way,” she sings, adding, “Don’t know what I would do / If I had to go on without you.” The section to beat, unsurprisingly, is the chorus, with passionate vocals and sublime use of vocal layering.

“Nobody knows me like you do

Nobody gon’ love me quite like you

Can’t even deny it, every time I try it

One look in my eyes, you know I’m lyin’, lyin’

…You were made for me…”

All told, “Made For Me” is an awesome R&B song.  It’s well-performed, well-produced, and well-written. Muni Long did that!

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4. Post Malone, “Guy For That” (Ft. Luke Combs)

F-1 Trillion // Mercury / Republic // 2024 

Post Malone, F-1 Trillion [📷: Mercury / Republic]“Hell, I got a guy for every damn thing” Post Malone asserts on “Guy For That”, the third single from F-1 Trillion.  Even though he’s got guys, he continues singing in the first verse, “Oh, that ain’t exactly what I’m lookin’ for.” Post is assisted by Luke Combs who performs the second verse and chorus.  “Guy For That” was written by Malone, Combs, Charlie Handsome, ERNEST (Ernest Smith), Hoskins, James McNair, and Louis Bell. Bell, Handsome, and Hoskins produced. “Guy For That” is respectable – enjoyable enough. The instrumental accompaniment is unsurprising.  It is a standard, contemporary country soundscape. Post sings with his signature vibrato.  His tone is fitting, and there’s no question he pulls the country vibes off.  The melodies in the verses are tuneful, and the chorus is catchy enough. The chorus is a bit lengthy.  Also, there is a post-chorus, where Post and Combs inform us, “Ain’t got the guy for that.” Speaking of Luke, he contrasts Post in the second verse and second chorus. Regardless, he’s on the same page about having a guy for things. But, in the chorus: “I’m pretty good at breakin’ down a heart / But picking up the pieces is the hard part.” True.

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5. Tate McRae, “run for the hills”

THINK LATER // RCA // 2023 

Tate McRae, THINK LATER [📷: RCA]“Maybe the danger’s covered by the thrill / ‘Cause I know I should be runnin’ for the hills.” Intriguing, Tate McRae. “Run for the hills” is the third track from THINK LATER, the breakout sophomore album by Canadian Gen-Z pop singer. The brief “run” was written by McRae, Amy Allen, Grant Boutin, Jasper Harris, and Ryan Tedder.  Boutin, Harris, and Tedder produced the record, which modestly impacted the Billboard Hot 100 at no. 69 at the end of 2023. “Run for the hills” benefits from sleek, modern pop production. Tate McRae never forces things vocally. Even though she sings coolly, she’s energetic and honest: “I know that when it’s all done / I’ll hate you bad in the long run, but / Somehow, it never ends.” Word.  The song features tuneful, simple melodies in the verses.  The chorus is memorable with rhythmic lines and f-bombs:

“The way you touch me (Huh, huh)
Straight to the heart (Huh, huh), yeah, it cuts me (Huh, huh)
‘Cause I know deep down that it’s (Huh, huh)
Never gon’ ever be us (Huh, huh), uh-uh-uh (Huh, huh)
Never gon’ ever be more (Huh, huh) than just something that’s fuckin’ me up.”

While McRae probably should be ‘runnin’ for the hills,’ there’s nothing about “run for the hills” the song to make us run away. Instead, it’s easy to be drawn in by this brief bop.

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6. Liam Payne & Rita Ora, “For You (Fifty Shades Freed)” 

LP1 // Hampton / Universal Music Operations Limited // 2019

Liam Payne, LP1 [📷: Capitol]z“Been waiting for a lifetime for ya / Been breaking for a lifetime for ya / Wasn’t looking for love ’til I found you / Ooh, na-na, ayy / For love ’til I found you, oh.” “For You (Fifty Shades Freed)” marked the lead single from the soundtrack to the erotic film, Fifty Shades Freed. Besides its soundtrack appearance, “For You” appeared on the sole, full-length solo album by the late Liam Payne (1993 – 2024), LP1.  Sadly, Payne passed away following a fall from a third-floor balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An autopsy revealed multiple substances in his body at the time of his death.  Payne collaborated with Rita Ora on the enjoyable record.  “For You” commences in a minor key, led by synth production (Ali Payami produced). The sound is appealing.  Vocally, Ora takes first blood, with successful results. As the song continues, the groove asserts itself more. Ora also asserts herself more vocally.  By the time Payne arrives for a brief second verse, there’s more production and rhythm, and the cards have been revealed. “For You (Fifty Shades Freed)” is a respectable collaboration. No, it’s not the second coming, but it is one of the more memorable moments of Payne’s solo career.

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7. Sexyy Red, “Looking For the Hoes (Ain’t My Fault)”

Hood Hottest Princess // Open Shift / gamma.// 2023

Sexyy Red, Hood Hottest Princess [📷: Open Shift / gamma.]“Shake that ass, ho, shake that ass, ho (It ain’t my fault).” Sexyy Red wouldn’t know what subtle was if it hit her, particularly when it comes to sex 😏. Pardon my French, but the St. Louis, Missouri rapper is outlandish as fuck.  Following “Pound Town 2” on her wild, 2023 mixtape, Hood Hottest Princess, Sexyy unveils the stupidly infectious, and X-rated “Looking for the Hoes (Ain’t My Fault)”.  The chorus instantly catches the ears following the ass-shaking intro. Fittingly, the ass-shaking continues in the chorus, which also features ‘bow’ sound effects and clapping.  The rhymes in the verses are dumb and unapologetic – she has no filter.  “Twirl on the dick… / It ain’t my fault that I fuck better than yo’ bitch,” she asserts in the first verse, continuing, “I’m so fuckin’ sexy, you can’t even fake it (You can’t) / Got that nigga nuttin’ and I think his ass was Haitian.” Gah-day-um, Sexyy! It’s equally explicit in the second verse where “He ate my coochie and I cracked him to my song,” and “I bounce that ass, make my knees touch them elbows.” Is there any further explanation necessary on “Looking for the Hoes (Ain’t My Fault)?” Nope – it speaks for itself.

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8. Drake, “Nice for What”  

Scorpion // Cash Money // 2018  

Drake, Scorpion [📷: Cash Money]“Everybody get your mothafuckin’ roll on / I know shorty and she doesn’t want no slow song.” Ooh-wee! “Nice for What” earned Grammy-winning rapper/singer Drake another no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from his 2018 album, Scorpion. It spent eight weeks in the penthouse. “Nice for What” brilliantly samples the beloved, Lauryn Hill classic, “Ex-Factor” (“Care for me, care for me, you said you’d care for me / There for me, there for me, said you’d be there for me…”). The producers (Murda Beatz, BlaqNmilD, Noah “40” Shebib, and Corey Litwin) soundly use the sample, speeding it up, yet retaining its original glory.  Four other samples are used, including “Drag Rap” by The Showboys and “Intro – Freedia Live” by Big Freedia. An excellent, old-school, hip-hop soul beat anchors down the record. Drake drops a compelling, rhythmic flow, oscillating between pop-rap and unpitched rhymes. “Gotta hit the club, gotta make that ass jump / Gotta hit the club like you hit them mothafuckin’ angles,” he spits confidently in the second verse. Musically, he makes good choices, specifically space allowing Hill’s sampled vocals to shine. Pretty ‘nice’ ear candy FOR the listeners!

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9. Charity Gayle, “Thank You Jesus for the Blood”

Endless Praise // Charity Gayle / The Fuel Music // 2021 

Charity Gayle, Endless Praise [📷: Charity Gayle / The Fuel Music]“I was a wretch / I remember who I was / I was lost, I was blind / I was running out of time,” Charity Gayle sings in the first verse of the uplifting, CCM song, “Thank You Jesus for the Blood”. “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” is the third track on Gayle’s 2021 album, Endless Praise.  She penned it with Bryan McCleery, David Gentiles, Ryan Kennedy, and Steven Musso. Kyle Lee produced. In the first verse, she adds, “But from the far side of the chasm / You held me in Your sight.” That You, of course, was J-E-S-U-S 🙌.

Gayle goes on to laud and magnify His holy name.  In the second verse, she sings with conviction, “And there, at the cross / You paid the debt I owed / Broke my chains, freed my soul / For the first time, I had hope.” AMEN 🙏! In the third verse, she expounds on the sacrifice made by Jesus. It is so impactful that Charity proclaims, “For I have been transformed / By the blood of the Lamb.” In the chorus, she gives all the praise and glory to Him, who “saved my life / Brought me from the darkness / Into glorious light.” All the while, Charity sings beautifully and powerfully.  She’s supported by a reverent backdrop filled with spiritual vibes.  There are keys, a warm organ, rhythm guitars, and percussion. In the second chorus, background vocals add to the power, making “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” more dynamic.  The bridge also ups the ante, with Charity showing off the sheer power of her pipes, touting “the wonder-working power / Of the blood.”  This song is the perfect way to say thank you 👏 🙌!

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10. Giveon, “For Tonight”

Give or Take // Epic // 2022

GIVĒON, Give or Take [📷: Epic]“For Tonight” was as an early promo single for Give or Take, the debut album by Grammy-nominated R&B artist, Giveon (Giveon Evans). Mr. Evans’ celestial, one-of-a-kind voice, remains intact here, which is a big-time selling point.  Evans wrote “For Tonight” alongside Marcus Semaj, Sevn Thomas, and Tony Dixon. The songwriting on “For Tonight” is well-rounded, setting up Giveon to enjoy her, though solely “For Tonight,” as the title implies.  “For tonight, I’m yours,” he sings on the tuneful chorus, continuing, “So deny the truth / We’ll stay behind closed doors / ‘Cause all I wanna do is lie with you / Even though it’s wrong to lie with you.” Sure, we’ve heard this scenario time and time again, and yet, it never gets old.  Evans does it justice. Helping him out beside a strong pen is the production, crafted by Sevn alongside Jahaan Sweet and Akeel Henry. “For Tonight” sounds modern enough for an R&B record, but also reminisces on the R&B of the past. I appreciate the soulful sounds, which complement Evans’ commanding, nuanced, and soulful vocals.

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11. Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?” 

Barbie The Album // Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. // 2023

Barbie The Album [📷: Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.]“I used to float, now I just fall down / I used to know, but I’m not sure now / What I was made for / What was I made for?” When Academy/Grammy-winning musicians Billie Eilish and FINNEAS release music, it ‘hits different.’ Most of the songs from Barbie The Album are brief, energetic, groovy, and upbeat.  In the case of Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” tempo slackens, the duration increases and the tone is much more reflective.  As always, Eilish and FINNEAS concoct magic in the studio, penning this ballad. Producing alongside FINNEAS is Andrew Wyatt and Mark Ronson. “What Was I Made For?” is beautiful.  It commences as a piano ballad. As the record progresses, there’s additional instrumentation that fills things out (the beauty of the synthesizer).  The melody is stunning, amplified more by radiant vocals by Billie Eilish.  Eilish sounds particularly strong in her upper register showcasing her versatility.  Besides her superb vocal performance, the vocal production is also a selling point. From a songwriting perspective, “What Was I Made For?” is well-penned. It’s sad, mind you, but highly successful (“When did it end? All the enjoyment/ I’m sad again, don’t tell my boyfriend / It’s not what he’s made for / What was I made for?”).    

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12. Lana Del Rey, “For Free” (Ft. Zella Day & Weyes Blood) – Joni Mitchell cover

Chemtrails Over the Country Club // Interscope // 2021 

Lana Del Rey, Chemtrails Over the Country Club [📷: Interscope]Lana del Rey is always good for a cover on many of her albums.  She concludes her seventh studio album, Chemtrails Over the Country Club, brilliantly with the Joni Mitchell classic, “For Free.” Del Rey enlists Zella Day and Weyes Blood to assist with a truly chilling interpretation.  The vocals are elite, the harmonies haunting, and the production is stunning. The original – intact with clarinet solo, fitting – is magical.  Likewise, the Del Rey take is quite special and has a strong case for crowning achievement on a truly intriguing album.  That’s saying something considering how many great originals grace Chemtrails.  Del Rey makes “For Free” sound like her own song.  I selected “For Free” as the 30th best song of 2021.

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13. Metallica, “For Whom the Bell Tolls”

Ride The Lightning // Blackened Recordings // 1984

Metallica, Ride The Lightning [📷: Blackened Recordings]For whom the bell tolls / Time marches on / For whom the bell tolls.” With “For Whom The Bell Tolls”, iconic, Grammy-winning metal band Metallica released one of the best and most beloved songs of their illustrious career.  The gold-certified “Bells” is the third track from the band’s sextuple platinum album, Ride The Lightning, released in 1984. The song is inspired by the Ernest Hemingway novel of the same name.  The title dates back to a 17th-century poem by John Donne. The theme and lyrics of the Metallica song are based on the Hemingway book, which is set in Spain and features the protagonist, American teacher, Robert Jordan.

The intro of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” is distinct, thanks to chiming sounds and a chromatic ‘guitar-like’ riff.  The chiming sounds are Lars Ulrich playing an anvil 🤯.  The chromatic ‘guitar-like’ riff is not guitar but Cliff Burton on bass.  The lively introduction sets the tone for this epic joint. While James Hetfield guitars during the extended intro, his first vocals appear more than two minutes in. “For Whom The Bell Tolls” comprises two verses, two choruses, and instrumental sections.  The vocal performance is spirited, while the lyrics are poetic. “For a hill, men would kill – Why? They do not know / Stiffened wounds test their pride,” Hetfield sings in the first verse, concluding, “Men of five, still alive, through the raging glow / Gone insane from the pain that they surely know.” In the second, he sings, “Blackened roar, massive, roar, fills the crumbling sky / Shattered goals fills his soul with a ruthless cry.” Woo! Besides Hetfield’s high-flying vocals and engaging lyrics, the instrumental moments ‘kick ass and take names.’ Ultimately, on “For Whom The Bell Tolls”, Metallica gifts the listeners with five minutes-plus of unforgettable badass-ness 🤘.

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14. Donna Summer, “She Works Hard For The Money”

She Works Hard For The Money // The Island Def Jam Music Group // 1983

Donna Summer, She Works Hard For The Money [📷: The Island Def Jam Music Group]“She works hard for the money / So hard for it, honey / She works hard for the money / So you better treat her right.” Donna Summer was the undisputed Queen of Disco, period.  Notably, the late musical icon had 14 top 10 hits.  However, not all of her top 10s were from the disco era. “She Works Hard For The Money” came after disco died.  The five-minute-plus song is the opening track from her 1983, gold-certified album, She Works Hard For The Money. “She Works Hard For The Money” peaked at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was written by Summer and Michael Omartian, who also produced it.

“She Works Hard For The Money” is synth-heavy, with drum programming, quintessential 1980s sounds, and vibes. Besides the synthesizer/keyboard work, it incorporates guitar and horns, including guitar (Marty Walsh) and saxophone (Gary Herbig) solos.  The riffs are sickening. Donna Summer delivers assertive lead vocals.  She is supported by superb backing vocals.  The melodies are tuneful in the verses and the unforgettable chorus. “Onetta there in the corner stands / And wonders where she is,” Summer sings in the first verse, adding, “And she’s waiting for the bell / And she’s looking real pretty / Just waitin’ for her clientele.” Onetta was real – a bathroom attendant Summer encountered –exhausted from working two jobs to make ends meet.  In the second verse, Summer continues narrativizing a blue-collar working woman: “It’s a sacrifice, working day to day / For little money, just tips for pay / But it’s worth it all / To hear them say that they care.” The Grammy-nominated (Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female) “She Works Hard For The Money” is a gem not only because of the great instrumental backdrop and lead vocals but also because of the message that speaks to so many, hardworking women.

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15. William DeVaughn, “Be Thankful for What You Got”

Be Thankful for What You Got // Unidisc Music Inc. // 1980

William DeVaughn, Be Thankful for What You Got [📷: Unidisc Music Inc.]“Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac / … You may not have a cart at all / But remember brothers and sisters / You can still stand tall.” How so, William DeVaughn? It’s simple: “Be Thankful for What You Got”! “Be Thankful for What You Got” was written by DeVaughn and produced by Frank Fioravanti and John Davis.  No, this is not a Curtis Mayfield classic – it’s all William DeVaughn! A memorable and ultra-successful soul classic, it peaked at no. 1 on the R&B charts.  It also gave William his sole hit on the pop charts, peaking at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. DeVaughn may only be renowned for this song and its remixes, but, it’s a whale of a song to be renowned for.

“Be Thankful for What You Got” is groovy to the nth degree.  It’s not only the drums and percussion, though.  The warm organ, rhythm guitar, and robust bass also contribute to the sheer excellence.  Even as dynamic as the instrumental is, the song lays back, never coming off as overwrought or too much.  DeVaughn sings gloriously, never forcing things, yet oozing with soul. The lyrics are positive and uplifting, promoting gratitude – counting your blessings.  Also, the chorus is cool and iconic: “Diamond in the back, sunroof top / Diggin’ the scene with a gangsta lean / Woo-ooh-ooh.” Indeed! DeVaughn also gets a lift from background vocals, who also maintain a sense of ‘non troppo’ (not too much). “Be Thankful for What You Got” is potent yet characterized by its cool energy.  This classic has often been sampled by others including songs by N.W.A. (“Gangsta Gangsta”), Ludacris (“Diamond in the Back”), and De La Soul (“Keepin’ the Faith”).

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15 Ear-Catching FOR Songs (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. Blackened Recordings, Charity Gayle, Def Jam, Epic, The Fuel Music, gamma., Hampton, Interscope, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Mercury, MPR Global, Open Shift, OYOY, Inc., Republic, Supergiant, Unidisc Music Inc., Universal Music Operations Limited; Erika Varga from Pixabay]

 

Categories: EvergreenLGBTQMusicPlaylistsPop Culture

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.