15 Engaging, Absolutely NOT Songs

Reading Time: 19 min read

15 Engaging, Absolutely NOT Songs features songs by boygenius, d4vd, Kehlani, Kendrick Lamar, LUKAS OSCAR, and Sam Smith.

Open your Bibles (yes, you read correctly), if you would, to the book of Revelation, chapter 20, verse 10 ✝️. And if you don’t have a Bible, the app, or you don’t feel like clicking the embedded link – sloth (not the adorable, but incredibly slow animal) is one of the seven deadly sins – you can read the verse as follows 😉.

¹⁰And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Oh, snap! More like, oh, HELL *cues up the TikTok with the church mother singing “Hell is Hot”*! This feels like the appropriate time to utter the phrase, NOT 🚫 TODAY 📆, SATAN 😈!

Listen, you didn’t come here for Bible study, and I’m NOT the conduit for Biblical matters. But, what you came for is a big heaping dose of NOT, so the Bible verse, and being able to utter an anti-Satan phrase was NOT all for NOUGHT. If you didn’t catch it, 15 Engaging, Absolutely NOT Songs is about the word N-O-T, not. 15 Engaging, Absolutely NOT Songs is the sequel to 11 Absolutely Not Songs (2022). Isn’t it amazing that the sequel runs longer than the original by four songs? Anyways, 15 Engaging, Absolutely NOT Songs features songs by boygenius, d4vd, Kehlani, Kendrick Lamar, LUKAS OSCAR, and Sam Smith. Yes, you may put your Bibles elsewhere – you won’t need them for this engaging, absolutely NOT songs list.

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1. Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”	2. Kehlani, “When He’s Not There” (Ft. Lucky Daye)	3. LUKAS OSCAR, “Not Important Right?”	4. boygenius, “Not Strong Enough”
5. Twisted Sister, “We’re Not Gonna Take It”	6. Weyes Blood, “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody”	7. Omar Rudberg, “I’m Not a Boy”	8. Whitney Houston, “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay”
9. d4vd, “My House is Not a Home”	10. Patrice Rushen, “Forget Me Nots”	11. Daniel Caesar, “Please Do Not Lean” (Ft. BADBADNOTGOOD)	12. Sam Smith, Calvin Harris & Jessie Reyez, “I’m Not Here To Make Friends”
13. The Delfonics, “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love)”	14. Jennifer Holliday, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”	15. Tom Jones, “It’s Not Unusual”

1. Kendrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”

“Not Like Us” » Kendrick Lamar / Interscope » 2024

“I see dead people.” And so, begins the Kendrick Lamar diss directed toward Drake, “Not Like Us”. The sound is intentionally clubby and commercial. Atypical of him artistically, Kendrick clowned Drizzy post-“Family Matters”. “Not Like Us” was produced by Mustard, Sounwave, and Sean Momberger. “They not like us, they not like us, they not like us.” The sleekness of the instrumental is a selling point, but the bars ‘take the cake.’ Early on, K-Dot spits, “What’s up with these jabroni-ass niggas tryna see Compton?” He adds, “Beat your ass and hide the Bible if God watchin’.” He’s willing to compromise his Christianity to F him up. There’s more, in the first verse: “Certified Lover Boy? Certified pedophiles,” and, “Why you trollin’ like a bitch? Ain’t you tired? Tryna strike a chord and it’s probably A minor.” Gah-day-um! Verse two finds Lamar continuing to eat Drake TF up, bringing up skeletons in the closet: “Fucked on Wayne girl while he was in jail, that’s connivin’…” He clowns his moniker as the 6 God: “Devil is a lie, he a 69 God, ayy / Freaky-ass niggas need to stay they ass inside, ayy.” In the third verse, he criticizes his artistry, accusing him of using others for clout. One of the best jabs by K-Dot: “Let me hear you say, ‘OV-ho.’” “Not Like Us” is the third of three red-hot joints where Kendrick destroys his adversary.

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2. Kehlani, “When He’s Not There” (Ft. Lucky Daye)

While We Wait 2 » TSNMI / Atlantic » 2024

“I come over when he’s not there / He don’t even know that I here.” Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Kehlani shines on “When He’s Not There”, from her mixtape, While We Wait 2. “When He’s Not There” features Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter, Lucky Daye. With numerous songwriters in addition to Kehlani and Lucky Day, it was produced by Ambezza, Dillon, and Nik D. The sound of the record is resplendent. It is bright, lush, soulful, and warm. While “When He’s Not There” is idiomatic of contemporary R&B, it also hearkens back to the past. Both Kehlani and Daye sing beautifully. Both lyrics and melodies are memorable. “Girl, does he know you’re yearning, yearning for me?” Kehlani asks in the first verse, adding “Don’t tell none of your homegirls ‘cause nobody needs to know, no.” Context: Kehlani and this girl (who has a boyfriend) are hooking up and nobody needs to know! Hence, why in the chorus, “I come over when he’s not there.” Oh, snap! She expounds on their relationship in the second verse, admitting, “Lord knows I won’t end a happy home, but I’ll leave a condo broken.” Ooh wee! Daye enters the mix in the third verse, playing a similar role to Kehlani and the girl she’s cheating with: “Well, damn, guess, he won’t know what he had until it’s gone / Guess he can’t read between the lines / While he ignore and I explore /… We’re having hour fun and they ain’t gotta know.” All told, “When He’s Not There” is a steamy, irresistibly delicious song about cheating. Kehlani and Lucky Daye put their foot into this one!

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3. LUKAS OSCAR, “Not Important Right?”

From Under My Bed » LUKAS OSCAR » 2025

“You make it look so amazingly easy to love / Like it isn’t that hard for you,” LUKAS OSCAR (Lukas Oscar Janisch) sings in “Not Important Right?” For some, the perception is that love is easy and comes naturally and without fighting, as he sings. But for him, or who he portrays in this song, love and being comfortable seem like more of a challenge. He adds, “So forgive me for eyeing you / Can’t help but to overanalyze / When their ain’t no doubt I’m tripping but / I still feel afraid.” His authenticity, honesty, and vulnerability are appreciated on the fifth and final track from his 2025 EP, From Under My Bed. The theme that OSCAR conveys is universally relatable. Sure, it is more complicated from a queer perspective, but love is easier for some, and more difficult for others. Even as complex as matters of the heart can be, he admits, “Moth drawn to a flame / I keep chasing the light / I switch off my brain / But that’s just normal, right? / That’s not important, right?” Self-conscious, he later sings, “I feel so stupid next to you / To always make a big deal / When my feelings feel so surreal.” Beyond his sincere, transparent emotions, beautiful low-mid register vocals, and relatable songwriting, LUKAS OSCAR impresses with the sound and production. “Not Important Right?” thrives from its minimalism, characterized by a dusty beat, piano arpeggiations, and modest but colorful synths. Vocal layering also enhances the sound. Hopefully, LUKAS, as well as all of us who struggle with insecurities regarding love, can become comfortable and find peace sans worries. Another bop from the Filipino Austrian musician 💪.

Appears in:

LUKAS OSCAR, Not Important Right?: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 46 (2025)

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4. boygenius, “Not Strong Enough”

the record » boygenius / Interscope » 2023

“Black hole opened in the kitchen / Every clock’s a different time / It would only take the energy to fix it / I don’t know why I am…” Oh, wow! For the record, the Grammy-winning album by critical darlings, boygenius – Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker, and Phoebe Bridgers – the song to beat is the sixth track, “Not Strong Enough.” “Not Strong Enough” won two Grammys itself: Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance. In this four-minute gem, the songwriting is impeccable, as to be expected from three gifted singer/songwriters. Furthermore, it’s tuneful from start to finish – a ‘pop’ joint in the context of an alternative LP. “Not Strong Enough” covers plenty of territory – more than initially anticipated by the collective. Territory covered includes overthinking and self-hatred (“Not strong enough to be your man / I tried, I can’t”), mental health/illness, and, perhaps most interestingly, a god-complex (“Always an angel, never a god”). Notably, it’s brilliant how boygenius highlights this notion that women don’t receive the same acknowledgment as men. All told, “Not Strong Enough” is strong to the nth degree – easily, one of the elite songs of 2023. It’s well-written, well-produced, and well-performed.

Appears in:

51 Best Songs of 2023

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5. Twisted Sister, “We’re Not Gonna Take It”

Stay Hungry » Atlantic » 1984

“Now drop and give me twenty!” Twisted Sister is best known for one song and one song only: “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” was one of three songs by the heavy metal band to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 (“Leader of the Pack” and “I Wanna Rock”). HOWEVER, only the song at hand reached the top 40 of the pop charts, peaking at no. 21. Furthermore, “We’re Not Gonna Take It’ is the sole song by Twister Sister to be certified gold by the RIAA. It should come as no surprise that the single bolstered its parent album, Stay Hungry, the sole multiplatinum LP by the band.

Dee Snider deserves lots of credit for making “We’re Not Gonna Take It” a big hit. He wrote it and provided those high-flying vocals. The best part of the song is the chorus, which is catchy as albeit:

“Oh, we’re not gonna take it

No, we ain’t gonna take it

Oh, we’re not gonna take it anymore.”

This sing-along chorus is one of the quintessential ones! The verses have more meat on the bone lyrically. “We’ve got the right to choose, and / There ain’t no way we’ll lose it,” Snider snarls in the first verse, adding, “We’ll fight the powers that be, just / Don’t pick our destiny.” In the second verse, he asserts, “Oh, you’re so condescending / Your gall is never ending / We don’t want anything, not a thing from you.” WOO! The music is as assertive and amped up as the lyrics – “WE’RE RIGHT! (YEAH!) / WE’RE FREE! (YEAH!) / WE’LL FIGHT! (YEAH!) / YOU’LL SEE! (YEAH!).” The music includes some mean guitar playing (and soloing) and pummeling drums that hit you right in the chest. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” is timeless, easily cementing the band’s musical legacy.

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6. Weyes Blood, “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody”

» Sub Pop » 2022

“Oh, it’s not just me, it’s not just me / It’s not just me, it’s everybody.” Weyes Blood (Natalie Mering) returned in 2022 with her fifth LP, And In The Darkness, Hearts Aglow. The epic, six-minute-plus single, “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody”, marks one of the truly great moments from the epic album.  Written by Mering, she produces the record alongside Ben Babbitt and Jonathan Rado.   “It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody” commences marvelously and enigmatically. It opens with a crescendo of lush strings, prefacing a groove and warm piano chords.  Mering then enters, singing radiantly and expressively. Throughout the record, she never over-sings, maintaining poise while bringing just the right oomph.  The songwriting, alongside the refined music backdrop, is the biggest selling point.  Mering sings relatable, poetic, thoughtful lyrics with incredible authenticity.  “Sitting at this party / Wondering if anyone knows me / Really sees who I am,” she sings at the beginning of the first verse, continuing, “Oh, it’s been so long since I felt really known.” Similarly, lines like “Living in the wake of overwhelming changes / We’ve all become strangers” (verse two) and “Yes, we all bleed the same way” pack a sizable, ultra-relatable punch. The six-minute-long record thrives thanks to expressive vocal performance, elite songwriting, and stellar production work.

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7. Omar Rudberg, “I’m Not a Boy”

“I’m Not A Boy” » Atlantic » 2025

According to the hunky Omar Rudberg, “I’m not a boy / I’m not a girl.” Per the chorus of “I’m Not a Boy”, the hunky Venezuelan Swedish actor and musician 😍 is “an alien out of this world / I’m no thing you can put into words.” So, summing things up, gender doesn’t accurately characterize him. Rudberg adds, “I’m just an idiot looking for love / I am nothing (6xs), oh.”

Anyways, Rudberg penned “I’m Not a Boy” alongside Sophia Somajo and producer Elias Kapari. Omar is dramatic during the centerpiece, highlighting who he is, that we don’t know who he is… something like that. During the verses and the pre-chorus, he addresses how others view him. “What do you know about my life?” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Lover, now don’t be a hater.” In the second verse, he asserts, “My mama didn’t make me basic / Sorry to tell you, but I am a freak.” Well, he does state later that he is an alien, so… In the pre-chorus, following the first verse, he characterizes his freakiness more colorfully: “Hid your husband, hide your wife / Kiss and tell them, ‘See you later’ / Sorry to tell you, but I am a freak.” Ultimately, Rudberg is who he is and who he is meant to be on “I’m Not a Boy”. Labels don’t accurately describe him.

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8. Whitney Houston, “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay”

My Love Is Your Love » Arista » 1998

“It’s not right, but it’s okay / I’m gonna make it anyway / Pack your bags, up and leave / Don’t you dare come runnin’ back to me.” Ooh-wee! The late, great Whitney Houston (1963 – 2012) released the biggest hits of her career in the 1980s and 1990s. “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” arrived as the opening track from her fourth studio/comeback album, My Love Is Your Love, released in 1998. My Love Is Your Love debuted modestly at number 13 on the Billboard 200, but was eventually certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA. “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” was a big hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1999. In 2019, the single was certified platinum. Houston won her sixth and final Grammy award for the song (Best Female R&B Vocal Performance) at the 42^nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. Toni Estes, Isaac Phillips, Fred Jerkins III, Rodney Jerkins, and the late LaShawn Daniels penned the gem. Rodney Jerkins produced it.

“It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” gave Houston a contemporary R&B record. Although firmly planted in R&B, but, like so many Whitney songs, had pop crossover written all over it. On the spirited third single from My Love Is Your Love, Houston confronts her man’s infidelity. Suspicious, she asks of his night out with the boys, “If six of y’all went out, ah / Then four of you were really cheap, yeah / ‘Cause only two of you had dinner / I found your credit card receipt.” Oh, snap! In the second verse, he gets in even deeper trouble when his phone rings: “You said it was one of your friends, down on 54^th street, boy / So why did 213 show up on your caller I.D.?” Whitney is not going to take his BS. After determining “[He was” making a fool of [her],” she tells sends his trifling ass out the door in the unforgettable chorus. Excerpted earlier, she adds, “I’d rather be alone than unhappy.” Amen, sis! As always, Houston sounds remarkable singing this song. The melodies are tuneful, and she adds her own spice with her nuances and celestial runs. The musical accompaniment is classy (it’s the mallet percussion for me). It’s tailored for her once-in-a-lifetime voice – a voice gone far too soon. Pushing 30 after its release, “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” remains fresh – a bop for the ages!

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9. d4vd, “My House is Not a Home”

“My House is Not a Home” » Darkroom / Interscope » 2024

“Hello, I’m at your door again / I just need a friend, but now I share a bed with you.” Teen alternative pop musician d4vd (David Burke) is authentic and honest on “My House is Not a Home”. In the first verse, he comments about the adult decisions he’s made, pushing 19 years old (“I’m not a little boy no more, I’ve made stupid choices too / Tell my mother that I’m sorry, tell my father just the same”). Born and bred in Houston, he’s moved to “spacious LA / Where the grass is always greener, and the world can scream my name.” Burke penned this four-minute ballad alongside Lucio Westmoreland and producers Jack Hallenback and Scott James. Also producing is Silent Sky. The results are stunning. Throughout the record, d4vd serves up beautiful, expressive vocals. His tone is intimate and warm. Specifically, his falsetto, which appears in the chorus, is EVERYTHING. The melodies are tuneful throughout, as he speaks about his life and a questionable relationship (“You get drunk then start to curse me out” and “But baby, you can call me when it’s over / I talked to your therapist, he said you were getting sober”). The centerpiece is the chorus:

“But you never really cared about the way that everything turned out

You didn’t wanna fall in love, you’re looking out for yourself now

It’s starting to piss me off, I thought I had you figured out

Never thought you would call my bluff, guess who belongs to someone else now.”

Besides a marvelous vocal performance and honest songwriting, the production – the backdrop is gorgeous too. D4vd has perfect accompaniment to reflect upon. And reflect he does on the stunning “My House is Not a Home”.

Appears in:

Bops That Pop: March 2024

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10. Patrice Rushen, “Forget Me Nots”

Straight from the Heart » Strut » 1982  

“Sending you forget me nots / To help you to remember.” Well, that’s incredibly thoughtful, Patrice Rushen! She continues singing in the chorus of “Forget Me Nots”, “Baby, please forget me not / I want to remember you.” Sweet, sweet, sweet! “Forget Me Nots” appears as the opening track from the singer/songwriter/pianist’s 1982 album, Straight from the Heart. Straight From The Heart marked the most successful album of her career, eventually peaking at number 14 on the Billboard 200. Furthermore, “Forget Me Nots” marked the biggest hit of her career, peaking at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.  

The chorus goes a long way in solidifying the success of “Forget Me Nots” – it’s catchy, infectious, tuneful, etc. However, it’s just one of the reasons why the song was and still is a BOP.  The funky groove is inescapable, PERIOD.  The bass line (Freddie Washington) is incredibly active, featuring that glorious slapping technique, which was extremely popular in the 1980s. The production (Rushen and Charles Mims, Jr.) is a huge selling point – a V-I-B-E to the nth degree! As for the star, Patrice Rushen, she sounds incredibly refined vocally, sophisticated.  Rushen never breaks a sweat, singing coolly yet still bringing the heat.  Her modest approach speaks volumes as she tackles the universal topic of L-O-V-E. “Was it the simple things / That made me so crazy about you,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Was it your charm or your passion / It’s not hard to believe / I love you and I need you…” WOO! Unfortunately, Rushen and her lover ended up as friends, we learn in the second verse, though Patrice wants more, hence sending those “forget me nots” and reminding him of “Good times we had.” Perhaps “Forget Me Nots” is underrated compared to bigger R&B hits of the 1980s.  It shouldn’t be. Just like that bass, it still totally slaps! Rushen, Washington, and Terri McFaddin penned a good one!  

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11. Daniel Caesar, “Please Do Not Lean” (Ft. BADBADNOTGOOD)

NEVER ENOUGH » Hollace Inc. / Republic » 2023

“Please do not lean on me, I’m unstable / You’re all you need, I’ve seen it, you’re able.” Daniel Caesar gives “Sweet Emily, my bride to be” a fair warning on “Please Do Not Lean”.  The Grammy winner collaborates with the always talented BADBADNOTGOOD, conjuring up a brilliant, contemporary soul cut, which ultimately appears on his 2023 album, NEVER ENOUGH. Safe to say, “Please Do Not Lean” is incredibly pleasing to the ears. Caesar, being unfit for her is an awesome means to drive the narrative; it keeps things interesting.  The fact that he isn’t shy about his shortcomings is awesome. Of course, it comes down to more than just theme and lyrics.  Caesar offers up a soulful, refined brand of vocals, showcasing his talent.  Furthermore, he has an incredibly beautiful backdrop supporting him. The boys of BADBADNOTGOOD put in some serious work behind the boards, and of course, performing on their respective instruments. I heart the harmonized vocals during the chorus. Here, the production grows in scope. Notably, there’s a stellar change of pace following the second chorus, including some instrumentation changes, with rhythm guitar leading the charge.  It’s an awesome way to conclude an awesome record.

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12. Sam Smith, Calvin Harris & Jessie Reyez, “I’m Not Here To Make Friends”

Gloria » Capitol » 2023

On their fourth studio album, Gloria, Academy- and Grammy-award-winning, nonbinary and genderqueer musician Sam Smith keeps things brief. Despite the brevity, there is no shortage of hits, including the contemporary disco smash, “I’m Not Here To Make Friends.” “…Friends” features Calvin Harris and Jessie Reyez. The groove is electrifying, thanks to work behind the boards by Smith, Napes, and the key ingredient, Harris, of course! Of course, the grandeur comes down to more besides the beat – those strings make this “the whole damn meal”, to quote the goddess better known as Lizzo! Even though Reyez contributes, Smith is the star on “I’m Not Here To Make Friends.” “Put your aura into mine / Don’t be scared if you like it,” they assert in the pre-chorus, dropping the titular lyric in the chorus (“I’m not here to make friends / I need a lover”). I love how commanding Smith sounds, delivering some incredible runs.

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13. The Delfonics, “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love)”

The Sound of Sexy Soul » Arista » 1969

“Ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide / Gonna find you and keep you happy.” Classic! Speaking of classic, the classic lineup of Grammy-nominated Philly soul collective The Delfonics comprised lead singer/songwriter William “Poogie” Hart (1945 – 2022), Wilbert “Wil” Hart (1947 – ), and Randy Cain (1945 – 2009). Among the classic songs from their catalog is “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love)”, the opening track from The Sound of Sexy Soul, released in 1969. The chorus, the centerpiece of “Ready,” excerpted above, continues, “Ready or not, here I come, you can’t hide / Gonna love you and make you love me.” Thom Bell (1943 – 2022) and William “Poogie” Hart penned “Ready or Not Here I Come.” Bell produced it alongside Stan Watson. While the song was not a major pop hit, it peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.

What makes “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love)” the sugar honey iced tea? It starts with the musical backdrop. The instrumental introduction is epic with its dramatic, driving, rhythmic strings. The orchestrations are superb throughout, including strings and the symphonic brass. Additionally, the groove cooks – utterly sublime! The Delfonics delivers awesome singing as a group, as well as the dynamic high tenor lead of William. “You can’t run away / From this life I got, oh baby,” he sings in the first verse, asserting in the second, “Anywhere you go / My poor heart’s gotta know, baby / Hey baby, you can’t hide from my love, no.” Oh, snap! Short but sweet, “Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love)” is superb. Notably, The Fugees sampled it in their hip-hop classic, “Ready or Not” from their 1996, Grammy-winning album, The Score.

Appears in:

The Delfonics, Ready or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide from Love): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 46 (2025)

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14. Jennifer Holliday, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”

Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album » Universal Music Enterprises » 1982

“And I am tellin’ you I’m not going / You’re the best man I’ll ever know / There’s no way I can ever go.” When you think of Jennifer Holliday, one song, and one song only, comes to mind: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”. Holliday, playing Effie White, performed the big, demanding ballad in the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls. The Henry Krieger (music) and Tom Eyen (lyrics) penned song is the crown jewel from Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album. “And I Am Telling You” is Holliday’s sole top 40 hit. It peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Deservedly, Holliday won her first Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female at the 25^th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Take one listen to her dynamic, expressive performance on “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” and there is no way that she could’ve been denied!

If you’ve seen Holliday perform “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” you can tell she infuses every ounce of herself. Her performance is gritty and soulful and exhibits top-notch musicianship. A ‘big’ song, few vocalists can bring the punch needed to successfully deliver this Broadway classic. Holliday makes us believe every word. “Darlin’, there’s no way / No, no, no, no way / I’m livin’ without you,” she sings, spiritedly, confirming her love for “the best man I’ll ever know.” In the bridge, she remains unshakable, dramatically asserting, “Tear down the mountains / Yell, scream, and shout / You can say what you want / I’m not walking out.” Word. The chorus, of course, is the crème de la crème. Still, the outro seals the deal: “Love me / Love me / Love me / Love me / You’re gonna love me.” Besides winning a Grammy for her once-in-a-lifetime performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”, Holliday won the Tony for Actress (Musical). Holliday may be a ‘one-hit wonder,’ but who wouldn’t kill for this juggernaut to be their sole pop hit?

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15. Tom Jones, “It’s Not Unusual”

Along Came Jones » Decca Music Group Limited » 1965

“It’s not unusual to be loved by anyone / It’s not unusual to have fun with anyone.” One of the most recognizable hits by English singer Tom Jones is “It’s Not Unusual”. Written by Gordon Mills and Les Reed, and often covered, Jones originally recorded it. Peter Sullivan produced it. A pop hit, it peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“But when I see you hanging about with anyone / It’s not unusual to see me cry / Oh, I wanna die.” Jones kept things short but utterly sweet on “It’s Not Unusual.” The eighth track from Jones’ 1965 LP, Along Came Jones clocks in at about two minutes in duration. The tempo is quick, the sound is exuberant, and the production is sunny. The orchestration marks one of the biggest selling points – the horns! His vocals are awesome and quite expressive. He superbly delivers the tuneful melody and those timeless, unusual lyrics. “It’s not unusual to go out at any time,” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “But when I see you out and about, it’s such a crime.” Word. “It’s Not Unusual” is a once-in-a-lifetime song that never grows old.

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15 Engaging, Absolutely NOT Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, Atlantic, boygenius, Capitol, Darkroom, Decca Music Group Limited, Hollace Inc., Interscope, Kendrick Lamar, LUKAS OSCAR, Republic, Strut, Sub Pop, TSNMI, Universal Music Enterprises; Luis Zambrano from Pexels; AcatXIo, Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay]

15 Engaging, Absolutely NOT Songs | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on July 28, 2025July 28, 2025