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15 Memorable Songs About Crushing & Catching Feelings (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Canva AI; Jonathan Goncalves, Nikita Skripnik from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]15 Memorable Songs About Crushing & Catching Feelings features songs by Alicia Keys, David Archuleta, Fantasia, Little Big Town, Prince, and Taylor Swift. 

Crushing and catching feelings happen every day, folks! Personally, I have had many crushes, many of which never knew they were the object of my affection…  That is another story for another day… or not… Anyways, the relatable occurrence of crushing and catching feelings has unsurprisingly been the subject of lots of songs.  For the first time, The Musical Hype has compiled a list of songs related to such feelings. 15 Memorable Songs About Crushing & Catching Feelings features songs by Alicia Keys, David Archuleta, Fantasia, Little Big Town, Prince, and Taylor Swift.  Songs may feature the word crush, or nah. The main criterion is that the songs on 15 Memorable Songs About Crushing & Catching Feelings reference crushing and catching feelings for someone, despite the song title.  So, let’s jump into these captivating crush-driven songs, shall we? Will any of these songs trigger your feelings of liking someone a lot?


~ Table of Contents ~

1. sombr, “crushing” 2. Ariana Grande, “Into You” 3. Ruben, “Girlfriend”
4. Alicia Keys, “You Don’t Know My Name” 5. Michael Jackson, “The Way You Make Me Feel” 6. Taylor Swift, “You Belong With Me”
7. Sam Smith, “Leave Your Lover” 8. Fantasia, “When I See U” 9. David Archuleta, “Crush”
10. Little Big Town, “Girl Crush” 11. Fergie, “Clumsy” 12. Carly Rae Jepsen, “Call Me Maybe”
13. Fountains of Wayne, “Stacy’s Mom” 14. Average White Band, “School Boy Crush” 15. Prince, “I Wanna Be Your Lover”

 


1. sombr, “crushing”

I Barely Know Her » SMB Music LLC / Warner » 2025

sombr, I Barely Know Her [📷: SMB Music LLC / Warner]

“I miss the days when we were crushing on each other,”
Gen-Z standout sombr (Shane Michael Boose) asserts on “Crushing”, the opening track from his debut album, I Barely Know Her. Notably, the talented alternative pop singer/songwriter dropped out of high school to pursue music full-time. With plenty of great moments on I Barely Know Her (namely “12 to 12”), and a strong social media following and presence, he validates a tough life decision. In the chorus, Boose adds, “Now you’re just crushing my soul, my lover.” That’s some heavy sugar, honey, iced tea right there!

In the verses, sombr shares the desires of his Gen-Z heart ❤️: “I want to see you in the morning.” Aww, the power of a crush! Yet, he’s also self-aware, acknowledging that she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings: “You want to shove me in the corner.” Unrequited love is the worst, and it can affect the person who is crushing fiercely in a devastating manner. In the second verse, his mental state is quite concerning: “In times like these, my mind becomes crazy / I feel like this because I miss your taste / Sometimes, I feel like I could leave this place / But then I think about my mother’s face.” Yikes.  On the bridge, Boose is jealous of a potential new suitor.  Soul-crushing for sure! Beautifully and expressively sung (even with a heavy dose of distortion on his voice at times), with relatable lyrics and well-rounded production (sombr and Tony Berg), “crushing” marks another shining moment for the ascending talented singer, songwriter, and producer.

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2. Ariana Grande, “Into You”

Dangerous Woman » Republic / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 2016

Ariana Grande, Dangerous Woman [📷: Republic]

“I’m so into you, I can barely breathe / And all I wanna do is to fall in deep.”
Damn, Ariana Grande 😮💨! She adds in the first verse of “Into You”, “But close ain’t close enough till we cross the line.” Word. “Into You” is the fourth track from her 2016 double platinum album, Dangerous Woman. A multiplatinum single, it peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. This fun bop was penned by Grande, Savan Kotecha, Alexander Kronlund, and producers Max Martin and ILYA. “Made too many mistakes,” Grande sings in the second verse, and continues, “Better get this right / Right, baby.” She’s not wrong!

Throughout, Grande’s desires are turned all the way up, through memorable, suggestive lyrics, tuneful melodies, and elite vocals. Beyond the verses excerpted above, Ari is unafraid to share her feelings. In the pre-chorus, she asserts, “Oh, baby, look what you started / The temperature’s risin’ in here / Is this gonna happen?” Oh, snap! The chorus is the crème de la crème, where she requests “A little less conversation and a / Little more touch my body / ‘Cause I’m so into you, into you, into you.” Fair enough, Ari! And if that didn’t make it clear, in the outro, she implores him, “So, come light me up, baby / Little dangerous / A little dangerous, my boy.” She is a Dangerous Woman, after all! Ultimately, “Into You” is an entertaining, sexy standout from Grande’s illustrative pop catalog.

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3. Ruben, “Girlfriend”

“Girlfriend” » Markussen Music / Warner Music Norway AS » 2025

Ruben, Girlfriend [📷: Markussen Music / Warner Music Norway AS]

“You say you don’t swing that way…”
Red flag 🚩, Ruben (Ruben Markussen), he’s straight. DUN, DUN, DUN. It’s a bummer, I know. The rub highlighted by “Girlfriend” has played out time and time again. But has a straight technicality ever stopped a gay man from attempting to woo him, or, at a minimum, dream about the possibility? In the same verse, Mr. Markussen asserts, “You like them girls who wear sundresses and wedding rings / I like them boys who don’t like boys, so maybe we’re the same thing.” Um, probably not, Ruben, but good try! The love below makes you do crazy things! Markussen wrote “Girlfriend” while Kasper Daugaard and MDCD (Mads Christian Damgaard Christensen) produced, assembling a mean (in the most positive way possible), bright-sounding, 80s-infused pop backdrop.

The good news is, once more, Ruben drops a bomb song with “Girlfriend.” Yes, he’s reaching by trying to turn this hetero dude homo, but it’s a compelling narrative. “I get a feeling sometimes /… To tell you how I’ve been feeling,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “But you’ve got a girl that sounds like / Heaven on crack, singing along to Fleetwood Mac / But I could serenade you, bent back at the laundromat.” Truthfully, Ruben could sing to you, dude – he has the voice of an angel! Anyways, if you are the G in LGBTQ (could be other letters, too), there is little doubt that you have experienced the same feelings as our Norwegian musician. Ruben’s tactics are extreme but give him credit for a Herculean effort! See the chorus:

“Put on a skirt, let it ride high

Sing your name like a lullaby

All the things that your girl won’t do

I’d cross that line if you asked me to

And baby, I could be your girlfriend.”

A skirt, Ruben? Damn, you really got the hots for him, don’t you? He admits to feeling guilty, singing, “You don’t know how it kills me.” True. Many gays have been forced to hold lots of things in, including their sexuality, so adding a straight boy crush is just another hardship, damn it! But, Mr. Markussen, thanks for your vulnerability to deliver another, undeniable pop bop! The situation may be shitty, but “Girlfriend” is the shit! #SLAY 💅!

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4. Alicia Keys, “You Don’t Know My Name”

The Diary of Alicia Keys » RCA » 2003

Alicia Keys, The Diary of Alicia Keys [📷: RCA]

“Baby, baby, baby / From the day I saw you / I really, really wanna catch your eye.” 
On “You Don’t Know My Name,” Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Alicia Keys had a serious crush.  The problem? He doesn’t notice her or know who she is! “Will you ever know it? / No, no, no, no, no, no, no.”  “You Don’t Know My Name” ranks among the biggest hits of Keys’ career, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Furthermore, the song, written alongside Harold Lilly, J.R. Bailey, Kanye West, Ken Williams, and Mel Kent, won the Grammy for Best R&B Song.  Worth noting, Kanye West produced this neo-soul gem, which samples The Main Ingredient ( “Let Me Prove My Love to You”).

The good news about this The Diary of Alicia Keys standout, is that Keys ensures he DOES know her name! Check out the music video, and Keys’ crush frequents the coffeehouse where she works.  So infatuated, Keys informs us that he “always orders the special.”  She eventually reveals her feelings via cell, eventually securing the date during the spoken word interlude (“I know girls don’t usually do this / But I was wondering if maybe we could get together / Outside the restaurant one day”).  Ultimately, “You Don’t Know My Name” is a fabulous song about crushing on someone.  Furthermore, it’s one of the finest songs of the aughts.

 

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5. Michael Jackson, “The Way You Make Me Feel”

Bad » MJJ Productions » 1987

Michael Jackson, Bad [📷: MJJ Productions]In the 1980s, Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009) had TWO juggernaut albums. Though it was an arduous task for Jackson to follow up the biggest of the two juggernauts, Thriller (1982), Bad (1987) is a masterpiece too. Bad landed five no. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including its third single, “The Way You Make Me Feel”. “The Way You Make Me Feel” is a vibe from the onset, thanks to a fierce revving sound (for lack of a better description) and the signature 80s drum programming – gotta love that boxy sound! The groove cooks, including a bass line for the ages. Jackson penned this memorable number and produced it alongside the iconic Quincy Jones. Even if those drums sound anachronistic in the 2020s the charm and energy of “The Way You Make Me Feel”  never loses its freshness or luster.

 

“The Way You Make Me Feel” is a prime example of Michael Jackson embracing being The King of Pop. Yes, the soulful, R&B vibes are still present, particularly those accented horns and the bluesy harmonic structure, but this is a pop record. Jackson is in great voice, following the groove with his signature “Hee-hee.” The straightforward structure makes “The Way You Make Me Feel” incredibly accessible. The writing is straightforward, too – love, love, love. “You give me fever like I’ve never, ever known,” Jackson asserts in the first verse, adding in the pre-chorus, “I feel your fever from miles around.” In the second verse, he melts 🫠 because of her – “Just hold me, baby, and I’m in ecstasy.” Oh, the power of a crush and a relationship! Of course, the main attraction – the focal point – is none other than the chorus: “The way you make me feel / You really turn me on / You knock me off of my feet / My lonely days are gone.” The excellence and infectiousness of “The Way You Make Me Feel” speaks for itself!

 

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6. Taylor Swift, “You Belong With Me”

Fearless (Taylor’s Version) » Taylor Swift » 2021

Taylor Swift, Fearless (Taylor's Version) [📷: Taylor Swift]

“‘Cause she wears short skirts, I wear T-shirts / She’s cheer captain and I’m on the bleachers.”
In 2008, “You Belong With Me” solidified pop star status of then-19-year-old Taylor Swift.  Swift was still firmly entrenched in country music, but “You Belong With Me” was a big-time, infectious country-pop song.  “You Belong With Me” was written by Swift and Liz Rose. Nominated for three Grammys, it won none despite being Swift’s ace-in-the-hole. In 2021, she re-recorded her Grammy-winning sophomore album Fearless as Fearless (Taylor’s Version).  The re-recorded “You Belong With Me (Taylor’s Version)” is faithful to the original.

Swift has become an even more elite songwriter since her “You Belong With Me” days. Revisiting “You Belong With Me,”  you can’t deny how catchy, infectious, and memorable it is.  “And you’ve got a smile that could light up this whole town,” Swift sings in the second verse, continuing, “I haven’t seen it in a while since she brought you down.” Oh, the nostalgia of a T. Swift song about a boy! The chorus is the centerpiece:

“If you could see that I’m the one who understands you

Been here all along, so why can’t you see?

You belong with me

Standing by and waiting at your back door

All this time how could you not know, baby?

You belong with me, you belong with me.”

“You Belong With Me” is one of the most memorable and tuneful songs of the aughts hands down.

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7. Sam Smith, “Leave Your Lover”

In the Lonely Hour » Capitol » 2014

Sam Smith, In The Lonely Hour (Drowning Shadows Edition) [📷: Capitol]

“Pack up and leave everything / Don’t you see what I can bring?”
Academy Award and Grammy winner Sam Smith sings on the chorus of “Leave Your Lover” from their debut album, In the Lonely Hour.  Smith asserts themselves as a capable and compelling lover – the perfect replacement for their love interest’s current boyfriend. Smith adds, “Can’t keep this beating heart at bay / Set my midnight sorrow free / I will give you all of me / Just leave your lover, leave him for me.”

Possibly the lyrics exaggerates things, but when one is in love, infatuation seems to be amplified and over-amplified greatly.  The heart definitely wants what it wants and at the time, Smith desired this guy who was already taken. There’s an interesting, likely unintended oxymoronic moment when Smith encourages to “Pack up” yet follows up with “…leave everything.” Yes, we know what he means but still, how you gonna pack things and leave everything 😜.

 

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8. Fantasia, “When I See U”

Fantasia » 19 Recordings Limited » 2006

Fantasia, Fantasia [📷: 19 Recordings Limited]

“I put your picture on my mirror / Start to blush when somebody says your name…”
Sounds like a boy crush! When Grammy-winning R&B singer Fantasia released her self-titled sophomore album in 2006, it arrived in the crowded fourth quarter of the year, settling for a modest debut on the Billboard 200. Fantasia could’ve folded, but single “When I See U” caught on, eventually reaching the top 40 of the pop charts (number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100). “When I See U” checks off all boxes, period.  This is a sound, well-written, well-performed contemporary R&B record.  Fantasia sings superbly, whether she’s highlighting the gorgeous melodic line or soulfully ad-libbing.  The production (Midi Mafia and Mzmeriq) is nicely balanced – colorful and lush but not overdone in the least.  The songwriting is catchy, relatable, and straightforward.  As mentioned earlier, Fantasia has a crush – who can’t relate to that?  “I get nervous when you call, so I say I’m not home,” she sings in the second verse, and adds, “I see your face when I hear my favorite song.” The chorus marks the crowning achievement:

“You’re always on my mind

When you come around, I get shy

When I see you, when I see you

Never know when you might walk by

So, I gotta be right on time

When I see you, when I see you.”

“When I See U” remains one of the sweetest moments of Fantasia’s career.

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9. David Archuleta, “Crush”

David Archuleta » 19 Recordings Ltd. / RCA/Jive Label Group » 2008

David Archuleta, David Archuleta [📷: 19 Recordings Ltd. / RCA/Jive Label Group]

“I hung up the phone tonight / Something happened for the first time deep inside,”
a young David Archuleta sings in the first verse of “Crush”.  He continues, describing this feeling as “a rush, what a rush (What a rush).” “Crush,” a song about the young man crushing on a girl (times have changed since then) was the crown jewel of his gold-certified, 2008 debut album, David Archuleta.  Like many youngsters, his feelings are overwhelming, particularly if she possibly feels the same way.  David Hodges, Emanuel Kiriakou, and Jess Cates penned “Crush.” Hodges and Kiriakou also produced it. A significant pop hit, it peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Crush” sounds like quintessential late 2000s pop. The musical backdrop is smooth, including piano and R&B-infused drum programming. Later, during the chorus, which grows bigger in scope, guitars (acoustic and electric) enter the mix.  Throughout, Archie’s vocals are smooth and youthful.  Yes, the lyrics are bubblegum-laden and schmaltzy, but ultimately, memorable. “Has it ever crossed your mind / When we’re hangin’, spendin’ time, girl,” he sings the second verse, and adds, “Are we just friends? Is there more, is there more?” His innocent and sweet vocal performance brings the tuneful melodies alive.  The chorus, of course, is the crème de la crème. “Do you ever thing when you’re alone / All that we could be, where this thing could go?” Archie sings, adding, “Am I crazy or fallin’ in love? / Is it real or just another crush?” For extra emphasis, plenty of repetition appears in the post-chorus… you can never have too many affirmative yeahs, right?  Archuleta’s music is far different from “Crush” these days, but, lest we forget, other than being the runner-up on American Idol, this was the song that put our talented Latino cutie on the map.

 

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10. Little Big Town, “Girl Crush”

Pain Killer » Capitol Nashville » 2014

Little Big Town, Pain Killer [📷: Capitol Nashville]

“I gotta girl crush, hate to admit it but / I gotta heart rush, ain’t slowin’ down.”
If Karen Fairchild weren’t singing lead vocals, there’d be nothing eyebrow-raising about the Little Big Town hit, “Girl Crush” (Pain Killer), would there? No. “Girl Crush” is a cleverly written song that shocked many people.  How? Well, if you don’t pay close attention to the lyrics, “Girl Crush” can be mistaken as an LGBTQ+ record.  IT’S NOT (technically 😉)! “Girl Crush” is a great song that simply requires you to pay attention to the lyrics. According to Fairchild (via ABC News), “Girl Crush” is about “a girl saying [to her ex], ‘Why do you love her and not me’ and not about a lesbian relationship.”  You can see how people made the mistake, and Fairchild acknowledges the provocativeness of the song.  Even so, the chorus debunks the oft-mistaken ‘gay agenda’ early on:

“I wanna taste her lips, yeah, ‘cause they taste like you

I wanna drown myself in a bottle of her perfume

I want her long blonde hair, I want her magic touch

Yeah, ‘cause maybe then, you’d want me just as much

I gotta girl crush, I gotta girl crush.”

Clearly, this woman is jealous of her ex’s new girl. She admires the girl only because she’s won over her ex, which is a – drum roll please – GUY! He remains her biggest crush, end of story. For those upset that “Girl Crush” was queer, you have nothing to worry about.  For those of us who thought “Girl Crush” was awesome because it was queer, well, take solace in the fact that it bothered narrow-minded folks and homophobes!

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11. Fergie, “Clumsy”

The Dutchess » A&M » 2006

Fergie, The Dutchess (Deluxe) [📷: A&M]

“She can’t help it, the girl can’t help it.”
Noted, Fergie (Stacy Ferguson)… actually, Little Richard (more on that later).  Fergie had a huge year in 2006 with the release of her debut solo album, The Dutchess. That is an understatement. “Clumsy”, the second track and a single from the quintuple platinum album, was one of the reasons for the album’s success. Will.i.am produced this gem, which samples multiple elements from “The Girl Can’t Help It” by Little Richard and VL-1 Rock 2 by Casio (drums). “Clumsy” was a sizable hit on the pop charts, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2007. There’s nothing clumsy about this song being certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Although Little Richard’s sampled, pitched-up vocals in the refrain play a key role on “Clumsy,” Fergie does plenty of heavy lifting.  The lyrics aren’t deep in the least, but Fergie expresses the desires of her heart. “First time that I saw your eyes / Boy, you looked right through me, mm-mm,” she sings in the first verse, and continues, “Played it cool, but I knew you knew / That cupid hit me, mm-mm.” No extra analysis necessary – it’s self-evident! The vibes are the same in the second verse, where she has “butterflies, so crazy.” Deeply affected by the power of her crush, in the chorus, the section to beat, Fergie sings, “You got me trippin’ (Oh), stumblin’ (oh), flippin’ (oh), fumbling (Oh) / So clumsy ‘cause I’m fallin’ in love.” “Clumsy” stands out because of its distinct, quirky production (this is will.i.am through and through), and Fergie-Ferg’s playful, silly performance.  Is it cringy? Arguably, but that’s part of the charm.

 

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12. Carly Rae Jepsen, “Call Me Maybe”

Kiss » Interscope » 2012

Carly Jepsen, Kiss [📷: Interscope]

“Your stare was holdin’ / Ripped jeans, skin was showin’ / Hot night, wind was blowin’ / Where you think you’re goin’, baby?”
Ooh-la-la, Carly Rae Jepsen. Kiss, the 2012 debut album by the Canadian pop artist, has its fair share of enjoyable and respectable moments.  Even so, there is one, surefire hit that defines this album: “Call Me Maybe.” The ubiquitous number one hit is one of the most fun, most memorable pop songs of all time. Josh Ramsay produced the preeminent single of summer 2012, which ultimately was certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America. The neo-disco sound is perfect, confirmed by lovely string swirls, clearly lifted from the 70s or early 80s. Though she sounded years younger on this playful, flirty, crush-driven joint, Jepsen was a youthful 26 years old when “Call Me Maybe” arrived.  Catchy, addictive, and ‘over-the-top,’ “Call Me Maybe” was bound to top the charts.  The chorus is memorable and gargantuan:

“Hey, I just met you

And this is crazy

But here’s my number

So, call me maybe

It’s hard to look right

At you baby

But here’s my number

So, call me maybe…”

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13. Fountains of Wayne, “Stacy’s Mom”

Welcome Interstate Managers » S-Curve 2 » 2003 

Fountains Of Wayne, Welcome Interstate Managers [📷: S-Curve 2]Seven memorable lyrics: “Stacy’s mom has got it goin’ on.” Fountains Of Wayne solidified their musical legacy with one song: “Stacy’s Mom”. The third track from their 2003 album, Welcome Interstate Managers, would be their only pop hit. It peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Also, the Recording Industry Association of America certified the single gold. The band has no other RIAA certifications.  One-hit wonder, exemplified, thanks to the hotness of not Stacy, but rather, her mom! Chris Collingwood (vocals, guitar) and Adam Schlesinger (bass, backing vocals, 1967 – 2020) wrote the gem while Collingwood, Schlesinger, and Mike Denneen produced it.

The focal point of “Stacy’s Mom” is Stacy’s mom, of course. Written from the perspective of a pre-pubescent/pubescent boy, experiencing the new experience of attraction, he is taken with the hotness of her mom.  Asking Stacy to come over after school, Chris Collingwood has questions about her mom: “Did your mom get back from her business trip? / Is she there, or is she trying to give me the slip?” Ooh-wee, buddy! No longer a boy, he adds, “I’m all grown up now, baby, can’t you see?” The pubescent mind is something else.  As an adult, it’s mind-blowing how awkward that time is. The boy, I mean, the man, continues to be delulu and enamored in the second verse. In his lawn mowing memory, Collingwood recollects, “Your mom came out with just a towel on / I could tell she liked me from the way she stared.” Bro, I don’t think she likes you the way you say she likes you… “And I know you think it’s just a fantasy / But since your dad walked out, your mom could use a guy like me.” Um, no… You have seen the cases and incidents where adult-minor relationships are inappropriate, right? Well, I guess if he’s a hormone-laden adolescent, he’s not thinking with his brain but rather his… Exuberant and tuneful, “Stacy’s Mom” is irresistible. And honestly, the delusional view of a kid going through those ch-ch-ch-changes is spot on. 2000s pop/rock gold! Rock on! R.I.P. Adam!

 

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14. Average White Band, “School Boy Crush”

Cut the Cake » Atlantic Recording Corp. » 1975

Average White Band, Cut The Cake [📷: Atlantic Recording Corporation]

“Meet me in the playground at a quarter to four / Wait ‘til everybody’s long gone.”
Ooh-wee! So, what’s going down on the playground, Average White Band? “There must be so many things that we could explore / Hey baby, maybe I can walk you home.” Wow! On “School Boy Crush”, the Grammy-nominated Scott funk/R&B collective piques our ears with a strong vocal performance, entertaining and playful lyrics, and tremendous musicianship. “School Boy Crush” is the second track from the band’s gold-certified 1975 album, Cut the Cake. AWB (namely, Hamish Stuart, Steve Ferrone, and Alan Gorrie) wrote “School Boy Crush.” The legendary Arif Mardin (1932 – 2006) produced it. “Crush” peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

No matter how average they might be, Average White Band showcases elite musicianship throughout “School Boy Crush.” Beyond the expressive, nuanced, and soulful lead vocals, the instrumental slaps hard. “School Boy Crush” benefits from its infectious, sickening funk groove from the get-go. The rhythm guitar kicks ass and takes names. The bass line is epic – big, fat, and robust, baby! The horns add another dimension to the greatness. Also, the musical underpinnings shine! The harmonic progression is marvelous, while key modulations give the song an adventurous spirit. Speaking of adventurous spirit, the innuendo is ripe: “If we play cool (If we play coo), it’ll be alright / Don’t let the teacher see us talking  / But after school we can be out of sight / Everybody gonna think we just gone walkin’.” Ooh-wee! The centerpiece is the chorus:

“She said, Hey – wait a minute – hold on

She said, Hey – just a little bit – hold on

When I try to think of what it feels like

To feel it for the first time, was it really such a thrill?

She said, Look, boy – but don’t you touch

That ain’t much – it’s only a school boy crush.”

“School Boy Crush” remains a vibe well into the 21st century. It has been sampled many, many times for good reason!

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15. Prince, “I Wanna Be Your Lover”

Prince » NPG / Legacy Recordings » 1979

Prince, Prince [📷: NPG / Legacy Recordings]

“I wanna be your lover / I wanna be the only one that makes you come running.”
After failing to find commercial success with his 1978 debut album, For You, iconic musician extraordinaire Prince (Prince Rogers Nelson) needed a hit. With “I Wanna Be Your Lover”, The Purple One attained the first top-40 hit of his career. The highlight from Prince peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980, performing even better on the R&B charts, where it spent two weeks at number one 💪.

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” truly showcases Prince’s abilities as an artist – incredible musicianship.  Vocally, he sounds magnificent, wowing with a falsetto for the ages.  Instrumentally, the soul factor is full force with an infectious groove where the rhythm section is ‘in the pocket.’ Melodically, the lines Prince sings are memorable, checking off the tuneful box we love for pop music to have.  The songwriting is infectious, too. The Purple One is infatuated, so much so that he asserts in verse two, “I wanna be your brother / I wanna be your mother and your sister too.” Woo – he wants to be her all and everything! Now that is a mighty crush he has! The love is pronounced on “I Wanna Be Your Lover”, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.  Adding to the allure is the instrumental outro, where Prince is in no rush to close things out.  He lets it ride out 💪.

 

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~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~

 15 Memorable Songs About Crushing & Catching Feelings (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 19 Recordings Ltd., A&M, Atlantic Recording Corp., Capitol, Interscope, Legacy Recordings, Markussen Music, MJJ Productions, NPG, RCA/Jive Label Group, Republic, S-Curve 2, SMB Music LLC, Taylor Swift, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner, Warner Music Norway AS; Canva AI; Jonathan Goncalves, Nikita Skripnik from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]

 

Categories: EvergreenLGBTQMusicPlaylistsPop Culture

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.

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