Reading Time: 19 min read

15 Marvelous M-I-N-E Mine Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; SHVETS production from Pexels; AcatXIo, Monika Grafik from Pixabay]15 Marvelous M-I-N-E Mine Songs features songs by Ariana Grande, Brandy & Monica, Foo Fighters, Lou Rawls, Rihanna, and The Isley Brothers.

Lord knows that Disney took a lot of liberties with their 1995 animated feature, Pocahontas. But, listeners got a bomb soundtrack out of it.  Reminisce with me, as we “Dig and dig and dig and diggety dig” because, dammit, “It’s mine, mine, mine / For the taking / It’s mine, boys / Mine, me that gold.” Governor Ratcliffe (voiced by David Ogden Stiers (1942 – 2018)) wasn’t fuckin’ messing around about that gold, she-it! During her Speak Now era, Taylor Swift informed us, “You made a rebel of a careless man’s careful daughter / You are the best thing that’s ever been mine.” Oh, snap 🫰! Oh, and by the way, now ALL of the masters of her music are hers! Slay, Tay! Oh, and just a few years later, Miguel lay claim to something private: “Tell me that the pussy is mine, yeah / Tell me, tell me, baby, that it’s all mine, yeah.” 😶 👀 What more can you say but, meow 😸!

The common thread between those three songs – none of which are featured in this playlist – is one word: mineMine can be an adjective, noun, pronoun, or verb.  It’s one of those words that is an undisputed boss. But, for 15 Marvelous M-I-N-E Mine Songs, we focus on the possessive nature – it’s giving #PRONOUN! 15 Marvelous M-I-N-E Mine Songs features songs by Ariana Grande, Brandy & Monica, Foo Fighters, Lou Rawls, Rihanna, and The Isley Brothers. Because I’ve yapped enough about gold, a boyfriend, the kitty cat 🐈 🌮 🍯, and grammar, let’s dive into this mine sugar, honey, iced tea, shall we?!


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1. James Mac & Vall, “The Boy Is Mine” (Ft. Rosalie) 2.Rihanna, “Friend Of Mine” – from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack 3. Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney, “The Girl is Mine” 4. Ariana Grande, “The Boy is Mine”
5. Brent Faiyaz, “All Mine” 6. Katy Perry, “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” (Ft. Doechii) 7. Lou Rawls, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” 8. Obscurest Vinyl, “I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine”
9. Kelly Clarkson, “Mine” 10. Jimin, “Be Mine” 11. Pat Reilly, “Already Mine” 12. Foo Fighters, “No Son of Mine”
13. Brandy & Monica, “The Boy Is Mine” 14. The O’Jays, “Forever Mine” 15. The Isley Brothers, “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)”  

 


1. James Mac & Vall, “The Boy Is Mine” (Ft. Rosalie)

“The Boy Is Mine” » Sweat It Out » 2023

James Mac & Vall, The Boy Is Mine [📷: Sweat It Out]“You need to give it up, had about enough / It’s hard not to see, the boy is mine.” James Mac (James MacCallum) and Vall (Valentine Leveille), assisted by Rosalie, unveiled “The Boy Is Mine” in 2023.  Even with marvelous production by Mac and Vall behind the boards, “The Boy Is Mine” is a cover of the beloved 1998 Brandy and Monica classic, “The Boy Is Mine”. The original was a multiplatinum single that appeared on two multiplatinum albums (The Boy is Mine by Monica and Never Say Never by Brandy). Brandy, Rodney Jerkins, Japhe Tejeda, Fred Jerkins III, and the late LaShawn Daniels composed the Grammy-winning duet.  A cover of such a massive hit has huge shoes to fill. 

Mac and Vall superbly update the sound while preserving some of the classic cues of the original. The beat (giving Afrobeat and house) is nothing short of electrifying – lit to the nth degree. The percussive touches are magnificent.  The rhythmic guitars and keys also make the remix sweet. A quicker tempo helps establish the dance person on the remake. Even so, the vocals by Rosalie are firmly planted in R&B. The singing is lush, playful, smoky, sultry, and warm. There are fewer vocals on this take, with intentionally repeated lyrics and omitted lyrics.  That also fits the dance aesthetic and differentiates it from the original.  What is not altered is the signature chorus – the big reason we all love “The Boy Is Mine”:

“You need to give it up, had about enough

It’s not hard to see, the boy is mine

I’m sorry that you seem to be confused

He belongs to me, the boy is mine.”

Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine” is irreplaceable, but James Mac, Vall, and Rosalie ‘put in work’ on their spirited, vibe-laden remake.

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2. Rihanna, “Friend Of Mine” – from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack

“Friend of  Mine” – from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack » Westbury Road Entertainment / Roc Nation Distribution » 2025

Rihanna, “Friend of Mine” – from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack [📷: Westbury Road Entertainment / Roc Nation Distribution]Rihanna has dropped a few singles along the way since her extended hiatus (since 2016). “Friend of Mine” hails from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack. It features seven writers, including Rihanna.  Among the producers are Jon Bellion, f a l l e n, and Pete Nappi. “Friend of Mine” is polarizing from the start. It commences enigmatically.  The sound effects catch the ears, as does the hard-hitting groove once it kicks in. The first time we hear Rihanna is nearly a minute in.  Once she enters the mix, “Friend Of Mine” gains some stability and makes more sense tonally. Rihanna sounds ok…  given the oddity and wacky nature of this children’s soundtrack cut.  Does she say much? Nope!

“Ooh, I think the word here is déjà vu

Just met you tonight, but you feel like a friend of mine

Feel like a friend of mine, feel like a friend of mine

…How can so familiar be so brand new?”

You get the idea.  Honestly, that’s about the size of it.  She sings two choruses (that’s the only major section) where a new friend feels like an old friend over one of the weirder beats I’ve heard all 2025.  It is what it is…

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3. Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney, “The Girl is Mine”

Thriller » MJJ Productions, Inc. » 1982 

Michael Jackson, Thriller [📷: MJJ Productions]“The girl is mine / The doggone girl is mine,” Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009), the King of Pop, sings in the chorus of one of his greatest songs, “The Girl Is Mine”. He continues, singing to his legendary duet partner, Paul McCartney (1942 – ), “I know she’s mine / Because the doggone girl is mine.” “The Girl Is Mine” is the third track from Jackson’s 1982, diamond-certified, blockbuster, Grammy-winning, tour de force, Thriller. Jackson wrote the gem while the legendary Quincy Jones (1933 – 2024) produced it. “Girl” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2022. The sound of the record is nothing short of celestial. The smooth, sophisticated production work and arrangement exemplify the 1980s R&B and Pop sound. Some of the highlights of the instrumentation and ear-catching sounds include cool, rhythmic guitars, colorful keys, and soaring strings. This is the perfect blend of acoustic and electronic instruments/programming.

The stars of “The Girl Is Mine” are Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. Jackson brings the heat with his expressive, nuanced vocals.  His tone is heaven-sent – angelic –  as he stakes his claim to this girl: “Every night, she walks right in my dreams / Since I met her from the start / I’m so proud I am the only one / Who is special in her heart.” McCartney complements Jackson perfectly. Their vocal contrast is part of the charm. Like Jackson, McCartney sings buttery smooth: “I don’t understand the way you think / Saying that she’s yours, not mine…” McCartney sings the chorus following his verse. On the bridge, they trade lines, as well as together in select moments. Jackson hits the biggest, most high-powered moment, flaunting his upper register: “But we both cannot have her / So, it’s one or the other / And one day, you’ll discover / That she’s my girl forever and ever.” Paul McCartney and Jackson then split the final verse, with Jackson singing the tuneful chorus alone. A key change arrives near the end of the song. There is a cute, unforgettable spoken word interlude/skit between Jackson and McCartney before the outro. In the outro of “The Girl Is Mine”, one of the sweetest ballads of the 1980s, both superstars continue to assert their claim to this girl.  This duet NEVER grows old, and the musicianship is top-notch.

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4. Ariana Grande, “The Boy is Mine”

eternal sunshine » Republic » 2024 

Ariana Grande, eternal sunshine [📷: Republic]“How can it be? You and me / Might be meant to be, can’t unsee it / But I don’t wanna cause no scene.”  Ariana Grande is fierce AF on the 90s-inspired “The Boy Is Mine”, the eighth track on her critically acclaimed, 2024 LP, eternal sunshine.  In this song, written and produced by Grande alongside Max MartinShintaro Yasuda, and DaviDior (ILYA also produces), Grande accepts the controversy she receives being in a relationship with this man. In the first verse, she adds, “I’m usually so unproblematic,” but of course, the power of the boy has driven her to the dark side (“And God knows I’m tryin’, but there’s just no use in denying”).

Despite being devilish, she sounds angelic from a vocal perspective. In the second verse, she makes it clear the way this relationship has gone down wasn’t as intended. Still, she’s confident that “My girls, they always come through in a sticky situation / Say, ‘it’s fine.’” In the bridge, she takes accountability for the mess, but also states, “I can’t ignore my heart, boy.”  In the chorus, Grande embraces her lustful side: “The boy is mine / I can’t wait to try him / Le-let’s get intertwined / The stars, they aligned.” Messy love or nah, the Grammy winner brings the heat on this one.

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5. Brent Faiyaz, “All Mine”

WASTELAND » Lost Kids LLC » 2022

Brent Faiyaz, Wasteland [📷: Lost Kids]“Baby, let’s keep it real.”  Now that is a statement, Brent Faiyaz! “All Mine” appears as the sixth track on Faiyaz’s successful 2022 sophomore LP, WASTELAND. True to his word, Faiyaz keeps it real, referencing S-E-X! “Let’s make love / That be the reason that you always hit me up,” Brent sings in the first verse, adding, “I swear, you like the way I fuck ‘cause I get rough.” Whoa – that heated up quickly!

Of course, Brent Faiyaz provides more intimate details. “You told me your new man don’t make you nut” 😬 👀…  Also, a confident Brent touts his skills, which includes the instrument used for such skills: “You come here, I’ll knock your pussy out the damn frame.” Woo!!! Faiyaz wishes to restart this previous relationship. Sex is a big part of that, but he does at least promise forever… Furthermore, it’s not everybody that makes the bold statement, “If only I could pay the bills with my love for you / We’d be the richest in the fuckin’ room.”  We’ll leave the sensual, self-produced “All Mine” right there.

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6. Katy Perry, “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” (Ft. Doechii)

143 » Capitol » 2024 

Katy Perry, 1432 [📷: Capitol]“I’m his queen, I’m his freak / I’m every woman he wants and needs / I’m his dream, I’m his drug / I’m every woman he wants, so what?” Oh, snap! Katy Perry tapped Grammy-winning Florida rapper Doechii (Jaylah Hickmon) for the assist on “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE”, the fourth track from her ‘floptastic’ 2024 album, 143. “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” samples the 1991 Crystal Waters song, “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)”.  The sample is overt, which bodes well for Perry. “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” is groovy from the onset.  Doechii brings fierceness, adding some much-needed spice. That fierceness begins in the second half of the infectious chorus, where she asserts, “I’m his boss, I’m that bitch / I’m every woman he knows exists.” Doechii also performs the second verse: “Hoes so pressed when I step in the spot /  I’m so possessive and up-echelon.” Perry drops the first verse (“You’re creepin’ in his DMs / I’m sleepin’ in his sweatpants”) and the irresistible post-chorus (“La-da-dee, la-da-da / I’m his, he’s mine”). “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” has lots of writers: Waters, Perry, Hickmon, Ferras Alqaisi, Gamal “Lunchmoney” Lewis, Neal Conway, Ryan Ogren, and Theron Thomas.  The track’s two producers, Rocco Did It Again! (Rocco Valdes) and Dr. Luke (Lukasz Gottwald) (😏) are also credited as writers. With its fierce attitude and sweet melodic touches, “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” is a better moment from a subpar LP.

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7. Lou Rawls, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine”

All Things In Time » Sony Music Entertainment » 1976

Lou Rawls, All Things In Time 📷: Sony Music Entertainment]Back in the day, everything that songwriter/production team Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff touched turned into gold.  These Philly soul proponents are responsible for some of the very best R&B music of all time.  In 1976, they linked up with the versatile, Grammy-winning baritone, Lou Rawls (1933 – 2006) for a timeless classic, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine”. “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” appears as the second track off Rawls’ album, All Things In Time.  Silky smooth, natural, and unforced, “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” earned Rawls his sole top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The record peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. 

The theme of the song is straightforward – pretty simple.  She will NOT find a better, more caring, more dedicated lover than Lou Rawls, PERIOD! “Whoa, I’m not braggin’ on myself, baby,” he asserts in the pre-chorus, “But I’m the one who loves you / And there’s no one else!” Throughout the verses, he reminds her of specifics she won’t find with someone other than himself.  In the second verse, he sings, “You’ll never find the rhythm, the rhyme / All the magic we shared, just us two.” The centerpiece, of course, is the chorus, where the key lyric is, “You’re gonna miss my lovin’.” A lush backdrop, memorable songwriting, and sophisticated, nuanced vocals make the gold-certified “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine” truly epic.  Furthermore, the parent album earned a platinum plaque.   

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8. Obscurest Vinyl, “I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine”

“I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine” » Hallwood Distribution » 2024

Obscurest Vinyl, I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine[📷: Hallwood Distribution]Obscurest Vinyl is responsible for releasing ‘the greatest records you’ve never heard.’ Among those records is an ‘obscure’ one from the risqué jazz crooner Vito Lovejoy.  You’re not alone if you’ve never heard of him until he unleashed the ‘charming’ song, “I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine”.  The title not only contains innuendo, but also fecal matter – shit! Before Lovejoy gets ‘down and dirty,’ the listeners are privy to a refined instrumental intro. Beyond the old-school, big band backdrop, “I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine” isn’t refined in the least.  I mean, the title is on-the-nose to the nth degree.

Vito Lovejoy is brutally honest about his shitting problem. “I just can’t stop ruining all of these pants / I’m just shittin’ and shittin’ and shittin’.” Damn, that’s ample shit, bruh!  Irritated regarding his irritable bowels, Lovejoy adds an intensifier to the shit: “Trying to get in your pants / Because I keep fuckin’ shittin’ in mine.” What more can you say but, holy fuckin’ shit! “I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine” is all about shock value. Although it’s brief, running north of a minute, Vito Lovejoy and Obscurest Vinyl get their point across loud and clear.  And that point involves lots of shit! In all seriousness, this ‘unreal’ record should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s all for the sake of entertainment and thoroughly gets the job done. 

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9. Kelly Clarkson, “Mine”

Chemistry » Kelly Clarkson / Atlantic » 2023 

Kelly Clarkson, Chemistry [📷: Atlantic]“Can’t believe I let you in, I can’t believe I stayed / As long as I stayed…” Matters of the heart are on full display on “mine”, the promo single from Chemistry, the tenth album by Grammy-winning pop superstar Kelly Clarkson. On “mine,” Clarkson reflects post-relationship, seeking to heal from the pain (“And now I second-guess my thoughts every step I take / I’m losin’ hope in love, and I’ve lost all in faith”).  Penned alongside Erick Serna and Jesse Shatkin, who also produce, it commences abruptly sans intro. As always, Clarkson’s vocals are radiant.  Furthermore, she has a tuneful melody to work with.

The centerpiece is the powerful chorus, featuring a fabulous vocal arrangement and production.  Notably, during the chorus, we get a clever reference to Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind: “Go ahead and break my heart, that’s fine (So unkind) / Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind (Oh, love is blind) / Why am I missin’ you tonight? (Was it all a lie?) / Someone’s gonna show you how a heart can be used / Like you did mine.” The second verse ups the production, while the bridge features a unique change of pace and unexpected increase in tempo.  Clarkson asserts, “And you keep talkin’, it’ll come back, karma / Is the truth, I don’t make you look bad, you do, darlin’ / Sabotage, your choice of art / Who the hell do you think you are.” Ooh-wee! “Mine” = authentic, heartfelt, and enjoyable.   

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10. Jimin, “Be Mine”

MUSE » BIGHIT MUSIC » 2024

Jimin, MUSE [📷: BIGHIT MUSIC]“Baby, come, baby come / Show me what / Show me what love is, yeah, yeah.” Ooh-la-la, JIMIN! The South Korean pop singer is best known as a member of the Grammy-nominated K-pop band, BTS.  On “Be Mine” he steps out on his own.  This matter-of-the-heart, sexy-fueled joint appeared on his 2024 album, MUSE.  “Be Mine” was written by a team comprising Jimin, Ryan Tedder, Ali Tamposi, Jacob Kasher, EVAN, and producers Pdogg and GHSTLOOP.  A smooth cut set in a minor key, the musical accompaniment is sweet: lovely keys/synths and guitar which adds even more character.

Jimin is the star of the show.  He serves up sweet, sexy vocals. His upper register and falsetto are particularly ripe. Also ripe is the sexual innuendo. “I know what you want, and / Baby, I want the same / Love ‘til the morning,” he sings in the first verse. In the refrain, he urges her, “Baby come, baby come / Show me what / Show me what love is, yeah, yeah.” Word. In the centerpiece, the tuneful chorus, he asserts, “Movin’, comin’, lovin’, yeah, yeah, yeah / I want you to be mine.” The bridge separates itself instrumentally from the rest of the song, yet it’s still firmly connected lyrically and thematically.  The dash of horns at the tail-end is a stellar touch. Closing out this surefire vibe are fabulously harmonized vocals and ad-libs in the final chorus and outro.  Jimin ‘does the damn thing’ on the infectious “Be Mine” which is sexy without crossing the line.

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11. Pat Reilly, “Already Mine”

“Already Mine” » Pat Reilly » 2023 

Pat Reilly, Already Mine [📷: Pat Reilly]Have you ever longed for a boy, something fierce 🙋‍♂️[*raises hand nervously, perspiring 🥵 😥 💦] ??? Has the pent-up lust nearly taken you out??? Well, if you have, or even if you haven’t 😝, Pat Reilly captures these feelings superbly in his 2023 single, “Already Mine”. Following the ear-catching intro with its slick, R&B-infused production, Reilly asserts, “You make me feel weak / You walk in the room, I fall to my knees…” Ooh-wee! This boy has Pat all in his feels, which he freely admits: “I got you on my mind / 24/7, all of the time.” The pop artist sings with great authenticity, flaunting a beautiful tone.  He illustrates lust capably, making it relatable to all who have experienced it. Addressing this guy, whom he has the hots for, he asserts, “I wanna mess with you / Do things I shouldn’t do / Go crazy, lose my cool / Make you scream, I love you too.” Those things he shouldn’t do, well, use your imagination! Reilly serves up plenty of memorable lyrics, including “No other boy can fill your cup / Never trust a dog if he’s just a pup,” and perhaps the crowning achievement, “Go crazy, have a baby / Make you scream, I love you too.” Of course, Pat is exaggerating with the have a baby part, but it’s charming and truly shows how much desires him.  Entertaining and well-rounded, there’s much to praise regarding “Already Mine” – The boy lusts for boy narrative (G-A-Y 🤭 🌈), the modern R&B vibes, and of course, the voice. #WINNING!

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12. Foo Fighters, “No Son of Mine”

Medicine at Midnight » RCA » 2021 

Foo Fighters, Medicine at Midnight [📷: RCA]“No son of mine will ever do / The work of villains, the will of fools.” Right on, right on! In 2021, Grammy-winning, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Foo Fighters returned with a brand-new, badass studio album, Medicine at Midnight 🤘.  The set’s second single, “No Son of Mine” is quite energetic and rousing – among the best moments from the LP!  “No Son of Mine” has ample pros.  It starts with electrifying, jagged guitars that roar from the jump.  Furthermore, the bass anchors things down, while the drums pummel hard AF.  Of course, the biggest pro is none other than the electrifying front man, Dave Grohl, who is turned up as ever.  Everything about the record rocks hard, including the repetitive, infectious, and in-your-face titular lyric.  Not only does “No son of mine” appear in the chorus (four times in most instances), but it also appears on every verse multiple times.  No, the Foos aren’t serving up a poetic lyrical masterpiece, but they have clear intent, per the front man’s quote from Rolling Stone: “Lyrically it’s meant to poke at the hypocrisy of self-righteous leaders, people that are guilty of committing the crimes they’re supposedly against…” “No Son of Mine” is a big and obnoxious record, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!  RIP Taylor Hawkins (1972 – 2022) 😢

 

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13. Brandy & Monica, “The Boy Is Mine”

Never Say Never » Atlantic » 1998 & The Boy is Mine » Arista » 1998

Brandy, Never Say Never [📷: Atlantic]“You need to give it up, had about enough / It’s hard not to see, the boy is mine.” Ooh-wee! Brandy and Monica ‘struck gold,’ rather, multiplatinum, with their iconic single, “The Boy Is Mine”.  The beloved, dominant number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 appeared on both artists’ 1998 albums.  It is the third track on Brandy’s Never Say Never, released in May.  It is the second track on Monica’s The Boy is Mine, released in July. Without question, “The Boy Is Mine” is the biggest hit of both artists’ careers. Yes, Brandy had another number one hit (“Have You Ever?”), and Monica had two more (“The First Night” and “Angel of Mine”), but the ‘one’ to beat is “The Boy is Mine,” which topped the charts for 13 weeks.  Did I mention it won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocals?

Monica, The Boy is Mine [📷: Arista]What makes “The Boy Is Mine” ‘the sugar honey iced tea.” First and foremost, Brandy and Monica sing marvelously.  Brandy sounds buttery smooth in the first iteration of the chorus (excerpted above), showing off her distinct smokey pipes.  When she and Monica join forces in the unforgettable chorus, the centerpiece, the vocal contrast, and the chemistry are strong.  The ad-libs are also top-notch.  Before hearing that once-in-a-lifetime chorus, the listeners are treated to an extended intro, setting up this duel between Brandy and Monica over the same boy. In the verses, they go back and forth regarding him. “There is no way you could mistake / Him for your man, are you insane?” Brandy asks. Mo responds, “You see, I know that you may be / Just a bit jealous of me / But you’re blind if you can’t see / That his love is all in me.” Oh, snap! In the second verse, Mo asserts, “You need to know it’s me, not you / And if you didn’t know it, girl, it’s true.” Brandy responds, “I think that you should realize / And try to understand  why / He is a part of my life / I know it’s killing you inside.” It’s a fun rivalry! Beyond the singing and songwriting (Brandy, Rodney Jerkins, Japhe Tejeda, Fred Jerkins III, and the late LaShawn Daniels), the production and sound of “The Boy Is Mine” is one of many draws. It is classy and refined.  Credited to Brandy, Austin, and Rodney Jerkins, they ‘put their foot’ into it. Gotta love those colorful pizzicato string synths.  This record exemplifies the 1990s contemporary R&B sound. Ultimately, “The Boy Is Mine” is epic for so many reasons.

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14. The O’Jays, “Forever Mine”

Identify Yourself  » Sony Music Entertainment » 1979

The O'Jays, Identify Yourself [📷: Sony Music Entertainment]“Forever mine / All because you’re my kind, oh baby.” Oh, the feels, the feels, the feels! “Forever Mine” is the sixth track on Identify Yourself, the 1979 album by legendary Midwest soul collective, The O’Jays. At this time, The O’Jays consisted of Walter Williams, Eddie Levert, and Sammy Strain Jr. (William Powell passed away in 1977). While Identify Yourself has been described as a weak album, “Forever Mine” marks the strongest song.  It was written and produced by iconic duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.  While top-20 success eluded them, it peaked respectably at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 1980 and reached no. 4 on the R&B charts.

“Forever mine / And I’m so glad ‘cause it gets better with time, oh girl…” What makes “Forever Mine” the crème de la crème on a less memorable album? Soul balladry is where The O’Jays’ bread is buttered. “Forever” is slow, unhurried, and silky smooth. The instrumental retains the lush Philly soul stylings.  It’s not as heavily orchestrated as some Philly soul songs, but it still contains idiomatic music cues. The vocals are high-flying. Walter Williams takes the reins early, setting the tone with his nuanced, and refined pipes.  He’s backed marvelously by Eddie Levert and Sammy Strain. Levert also gets his fair share of moments in the spotlight, bringing an earthier, grittier sound than Williams.  Levert is particularly dynamic in the bridge, giving his all.

“We’ve been around

And I had a lot of loves, and I know you had a lot of loves too

But I ain’t never had nobody

That do the things you do.”

Topping the likes of seminal hits like “Back Stabbers” and “Love Train” is a tall task. “Forever Mine” doesn’t eclipse those gems but gives the legendary soul collective a fantastic hit following their most lucrative period.

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15. The Isley Brothers, “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)”

This Old Heart Of Mine  » Motown » 1966

The Isley Brothers, This Old Heart Of Mine [📷: Motown]“Maybe it’s my mistake to show this love I feel inside / ‘Cause each day that passes by / You got me never knowing if I’m coming or going.” Oh, snap! Those pesky matters of the heart. Iconic, Grammy-winning soul collective The Isley Brothers sings about love and its complications in the scintillating “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)”. “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You),” which arrived during their Motown days, is the third track from their 1966 album, This Old Heart Of Mine. “This Old Heart of Mine” was a success on the pop charts, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Songwriting Hall of Famers Holland-Dozier-Holland (Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier (1941 – 2022)) and Sylvia Moy (1938 – 2017) wrote this classic. Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier produced it.

“This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)” exemplifies the Motown sound of the 1960s.  The orchestration is magnificent with the biting horns (particularly that baritone saxophone) and lush strings. The rhythm section is on point, particularly the piano and the groove carried by the drums. The vibraphone, a staple of 1960s soul, adds a distinct color.  Vocally, Ronald Isley (1941 –  ) brings the heat with his dynamic, nuanced performance. “These old arms of mine miss having you around,” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “Makes these tears inside start pouring down.” Oh, the feels, the feels, the feels! He gets excellent support via background vocals from the rest of The Isley Brothers. The memorable chorus is one of the biggest selling points:  

“‘Cause I, I love you

This old heart, darling, is weak for you

I love you, yes I do, yes I do.”

The timeless “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)” has been covered by various musicians, including Rod Stewart and Boyzone.  The song right here is one for the ages!

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15 Marvelous M-I-N-E Mine Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, Atlantic, BIGHIT MUSIC, Capitol, Hallwood Distribution, Kelly Clarkson, Lost Kids LLC, MJJ Productions, Inc., Motown, Pat Reilly, RCA, Republic, Roc Nation Distribution, Sony Music Entertainment, Sweat It Out, Westbury Road Entertainment; SHVETS production from Pexels; AcatXIo, Monika Grafik from Pixabay]

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the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and 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. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.