15 More Compelling Songs That Are Turned ON features songs by Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, David Bowie, Johnny Bristol, Leon Thomas, and Victoria Monét.
Power On! That is right, the songs that grace 15 More Compelling Songs That Are Turned ON all feature one keyword in their respective titles: on! Naturally, there are a shit-ton of songs that feature this preposition. So, this particular 15-song musical compendium is random. Well, random with a curator’s nuance, that is! Notably, I plagiarized myself! That is because 15 More Compelling Songs That Are Turned ON is the follow-up to 15 Compelling Songs That Are Turned ON (2025), published in June 2025. 15 More Compelling Songs That Are Turned ON features songs by Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, David Bowie, Johnny Bristol, Leon Thomas, and Victoria Monét. So, without further prolonging this rather silly introductory blurb that, once again, I plagiarized from myself, let’s get into these 15 More Compelling Songs That Are Turned ON! Once again, I know you’ve been waiting for this with bated breath 😜! It’s giving S-E-Q-U-E-L, baby!

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1. Aretha Franklin, “On Our Way”
Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings » Atlantic » 1972
First things first. Aretha Franklin is NOT performing lead on “On Our Way”. This processional, in its longer version, is the 15th track on her beloved 1972, double-platinum album, Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings. “On Our Way” is performed by Rev. James Cleveland and choir, preceding Franklin’s arrival on the set. The lyrics are simple but moving as Cleveland and company look heavenward when their journey in life is complete.
“We are on our way
To a land of fadeless day (?)
We are on our way
We’re on our journey home
When we get to glory
We will shout and tell the story
How we made it over
We’re on our journey home.”
As simple as “On Our Way” is, it’s potent, jubilant, and moving. This gospel classic has been used many times as a choral processional in the black church. It’s a superb, spiritual way to set the tone of any service. Sometimes, it’s those old-school records with just a few lyrics that truly set the church on fire!
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2. Leon Thomas & Kehlani, “Dirt On My Shoes”
MUTT Deluxe: HEEL // UMG Recordings, Inc. / EZMNY » 2025
Two of R&B’s freshest, most talented artists, Grammy winner Leon Thomas and Grammy nominee Kehlani (Kehlani Parrish), duet on the dazzling “Dirt On My Shoes”. “Dirt On My Shoes” is the penultimate track from Thomas’ 2025 album, MUTT Deluxe: HEEL. “Dirt” features lots of cooks in the kitchen. Thomas and Parrish co-wrote the gem with Khris Riddick-Tynes, Alex Goldblatt, D. Phelps, Joseph McCue, and Freaky Rob (Rob Gueringer). From the production side of things, Thomas and Parrish co-produced with Goldblatt, Phelps, Riddick-Tynes, Freaky Rob, and Jester Beats.
Kehlani draws first blood, singing the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. She sounds amazing, wooing and wowing us with her angelic tone and expressiveness. Parrish asserts he deserves the truth, singing, “Can you just close your eyes / So you don’t see the mess I hide.” The lyrics resonate in the pre-chorus as Kehlani characterizes him as “damn mature” and admits, “And I didn’t think to pack / On the first night that we had / Came back with some baggage / The reason that I’m damaged.” Thomas brings it in the second verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. She joins him sparingly during his verse and fully collaborates in the pre-chorus and chorus. Like Parrish, Thomas has his shortcomings. Brilliantly, he highlights, “You got post-therapy clarity / And I got good sex and sincerity.” He adds vulnerable lines like, “You saw my heart and said you wasn’t scared of me,” and “‘Cause I been playing this terribly, uh / Forget what’s fair to me / But you deserve serenity.” Thomas sounds top-notch, bringing the melodies to life and impressing with his nuances. Their vocal chemistry is electrifying when they sing together, particularly on the centerpiece, the chorus:
“And I knew I messed up the room
I had dirt up on my shoes
And I still walked into you
I still walked into you (Oh)
Oh, it’s such a mess (A mess)
We can make it up in bed
Dirt all on my shoes (My shoes)
And I’m tracking it all over the house
Tracking it all over the house
Tracking shit all over the house (Oh)
Would you still want me walking around?
Still got me walking around (Oh).”
Ooh-wee, that is fire 🔥! Leon Thomas and Kehlani put their foot into “Dirt On My Shoes”. The vocals are elite, the songwriting sumptuous, while the musical backdrop is utterly sublime – lush and chock-full of soul.
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3. Lil Nas X, “Lean On My Body”
“Lean On My Body” » Columbia » 2025
“How you at the front of the motherfuckin’ crowd with a sad face? / Fix your motherfuckin’ face.” And thus begins the Lil Nas X single, “Lean On My Body”. Montero Lamar Hill is profane and unapologetic in the spoken word intro. The boldness carries over into the verses, where Hill is aggressive as fu—. He is accompanied by an excellent musical backdrop that includes a hard-nosed beat and scintillating synths courtesy of Take A Daytrip and Jasper Harris.
Lil Nas X talks ample shit. The trash talk is legit. “You know I love you, so I say this shit with love,” he asserts in the first verse, “But please tell your fans they need to shut the fuck up.” In the same verse, he also memorably mentions his nephew beating up someone, co-signing it: “Fuck it, yeah, I said it, I condone that shit / Choke that nigga out /… Go corona on that bitch / Walk that nigga like a dog, nephew, own that bitch.” Wow… The second verse continues boldly with more ferocious rhymes: “Y’all my sons, but I might just Marvin Gaye y’all niggas.” Gah-da-yum, Lil Nas X! The chorus is more reverent, featuring gospel-infused vocals and vibes:
“Lean on my body, Lord (Amen, amen, amen)
Bring blessings on my soul (Amen, amen, amen, amen)
And when the war is over (Thank you!)
See it’s time to tell the world the war is won (Yeah).”
Notably, the kick-ass, hard-hitting beat expands in the post-chorus that follows. Going back to the ‘Christian’ sensibilities, Lil Nas X petitions to God in the outro (“Save me, Lord, they schemin’ on me / Save your love, it’s leanin’ on me”). Lil Nas X remains ‘something else’ on “Lean On My Body”. He remains polarizing.

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4. Victoria Monét, “SOS (Sex on Sight)” (Ft. Usher)
JAGUAR II: Deluxe » Lovett Music, Inc. / RCA » 2024
“I need that SOS, sex on sight, baby, it’s urgent / Let me fuck up all your plans, come put this work in.” Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Victoria Monét is honest about her sexual desires in “SOS (Sex on Sight)”, a highlight from JAGUAR II: Deluxe. On “SOS,” she taps one of R&B’s sexiest musicians, Grammy-winner Usher, for the assist. Monét, Usher, Ant Clemons, Daniel Church, Ido Zmishlany, and producer Camper penned “SOS.” There is plenty to love about “SOS (Sex on Sight).” It benefits from a soulful, old-school sound. There’s nothing like lush instrumental accompaniment and a big, robust bass line. Monét takes the reins first. She never gets too high or too low. She delivers a well-rounded, cool-energy performance. After setting the tone in the first verse, she unveils the chorus, which features a tuneful melody and memorable lyrics:
“I am way too sexy
To be alone
Wanna show you what type
Of time that I’m on (What type of time I’m on)
Want you to come (Want you to come)
Send me your ETA
And when you lay me down
Pin my legs to the clouds
And I hope you’re ready for the rain.”
Oh, snap! Besides the lyrics and tune, instrumentally, there is a welcome addition of synth horns post-chorus (“SOS, please / Let it fall, let it go”). Usher enters the mix during the second verse. His performance begins with rap and spoken word. It adds to the character of the song. Soon enough, he finds his pitch, singing the rhythmic, sexed-up vocals. “And when I hit it right in the right place / Look me right in the eyes, do what I say,” he sings, adding, “Bend it over, throw it back, you and I, tongue-tied / I’ma kiss it good, good, good night.” Victoria Monét and Usher hit all the right notes on “SOS (Sex on Sight)”.
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5. Rihanna, “Love On The Brain”
Anti » Westbury Road Entertainment / Roc Nation » 2016
“And you got me like, oh / What you want from me?” On the stellar “Love on the Brain” (Anti, 2016), an uncharacteristic song for Rihanna, she opts for retro-soul. Up until this point, the Grammy-winning R&B/pop artist hadn’t dipped her toes into such a soulful, old-school sound. Ultimately, the result is a truly refreshing top-five pop hit that doesn’t sound the least bit anachronistic. Rihanna pens “Love on the Brain” alongside Joseph Ball and Fred Ball (Ball also produces). As refined as she sounds, she does throw in some colorful language (two fucks and a motherfuckin’ to be precise). While those bombs would be way out of character if this record were recorded in the time it sounds like, they very much capture the contemporary vibes. Furthermore, they bring more punch to the love that Rihanna has… wait for it… on the brain!
Throughout “Love On The Brain,” Rihanna expresses the power and plight of love. “And I tried to buy your pretty heart, but the price too high,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “You love when I fall apart / So you can put me together and throw me against the wall.” Damn! Despite all the playing, Rihanna admits in the chorus, “And I’ll run for miles just to get a taste / Must be love on the brain.” Yep, must be! Of course, it is the f-bomb line, “It beats me black and blue, but it fucks me so good / And I can’t get enough” that captures the extremes she, and many of us, will go through for love. Vocally, “Love on the Brain” marks one of the best vocals Rihanna has delivered in her illustrious career. The distinctiveness and maturity of her pipes are utterly impressive.

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| Rihanna vs. Ryland James: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 8 (2022) |
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6. Johnny Bristol, “Hang On In There Baby”
Hang On In There Baby » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1974
“Hang on in there, baby, please don’t let me down / Please don’t destroy this new joy we found.” Sometimes, a songwriter and producer lands their own hit. That is what happened to Johnny Bristol (1939 – 2004), who is renowned for his work behind the scenes. With “Hang On In There Baby”, Bristol carved out success as a solo artist. The song is the second track on his 1974 album, fittingly titled Hang On In There Baby. He wrote and produced the song. This ace-in-the-hole peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. Bristol was nominated for two Grammys at the 17th Annual Grammy Awards: Best New Artist of the Year and Best R&B Performance Male for “Hang On In There Baby,” of course!
From start to finish, Johnny Bristol wows us with his talented and tremendous musicianship. The singing is marvelous, making you wonder why Bristol didn’t earn more recognition vocally. He sings enthusiastically and expressively as he encourages her, in the chorus, “Hang on in there baby, hang on in there darling / I’m gonna give you more than you ever dreamed possible.” Beyond his terrific performance, the songwriting is top rate, too. The melodies are tuneful in the verses and especially, the chorus. The theme and lyrics are also on point. “That sweet moment of surrender / Mmmh, we’ll hear the thunder roar,” Bristol sings in the first verse, continuing, “Feel the lightning strike / At a point we both decided to meet the same time tonight.” In the second verse, he asserts, “There’s true love between us girl / Mmmh, so let us touch that cloud / That every girl dreams of / Oh, we’re almost there darling, we’re truly making love.” Adding to the elite nature of “Hang On In There Baby,” the musical underpinnings – the harmonic progression, the arrangement, and production – deserve an A+. The ‘70s soul aesthetic is in full force, with the percussive groove, robust bass, and refined orchestral touches (winds and soaring strings). Also, did I mention there are key modulations, upping the ante, bringing up the energy to higher heights? Johnny Bristol deserved more recognition, but the greatness of “Hang On In There Baby” is indisputable.
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7. Taylor Swift, “You’re On Your Own, Kid”
Midnights » Taylor Swift » 2022
“You’re on your own, kid / You always have been.” On “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” pop superstar Taylor Swift reflects and revisits the past, including songs and mistakes made. Honesty and heightened maturity play sizable roles in her historic Grammy-winning, multiplatinum 2022 album, Midnights, particularly in this song. While earlier Swift seems to be skeptical regarding getting older and wiser, on “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” she seems to exude wisdom from lessons learned. There is no shortage of lyrical gems, such as “I search the party of better bodies / Just to learn that my dreams aren’t rare,” her transparency about body image (“I hosted parties and starved my body”), and of course, the repetition of the titular lyric.
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8. Kanye West, “Closed On Sunday”
JESUS IS KING » Getting Out Our Dreams / Def Jam » 2019
“Closed on Sunday,” an intriguing song from JESUS IS KING, runs past two-and-a-half minutes. Kanye West works with a minor key, and there’s a sense of enigma regarding the production work. He co-produces with Brian ‘AllDay’, Frederico Vindver, Angel Lopez, and Timbaland. Even with that many producers, “Closed on Sunday” is subdued, almost signaling that sense of the Sabbath Day – a day to praise, reflect, and refrain from work. As the scripture from Exodus 20 reads:
8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God… 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day.
Of course, the lyric that most stands out appears right at the onset, via the chorus: “Closed on Sunday, you’re my Chick-fil-A”. At a most basic level, Chick-fil-A is a Christian fast-food restaurant that is closed on Sunday. This is a controversial lyric, given the organization’s controversies, specifically regarding the LGBTQ+ community. Beyond the Chick-fil-A talk, West tones things down singing, “Hold the selfies, put the ‘Gram away / Get your family, y’all hold hands and pray / … No more livin’ for the culture, we nobody’s slave.” If nothing else, “Closed on Sunday” is a compelling discussion piece.
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9. David Bowie, “Life on Mars?”
Hunky Dory » Warner » 1971
“Oh, man, wonder if he’ll ever know / He’s in the bestselling show / Is there life on Mars?” David Bowie recorded one of the greatest songs of all time with “Life on Mars?” “But the film is a saddening bore / For she’s lived it ten times or more,” he sings, continuing, “She could spit in the eyes of fools / As they ask her to focus on.” “Life on Mars?” is that rare, perfect song. Everything aligned with the universe to create such a classic. Bowie sings fantastically, putting his soul into the performance. The production and overall sound are alluring, ear-catching, and grand. The songwriting, arguably, is the crowning achievement. Bowie tells us a brilliant escapist narrative where a little girl is tired of her boring and mundane life. Sadly, as she seeks to escape via “the silver screen,” she realizes even that means of escape ultimately doesn’t atone or replace reality. It’s like the cycle will never end, hence why she asks, “Is there life on Mars?” to escape.
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10. Nicki Minaj, “Did It On’em”
Pink Friday » Cash Money » 2010
“Shitted on ‘em / Man, I just shitted on ‘em.” Holy shit, that is disgusting, Nicki Minaj! You should not be shitting on anybody! Toilets will gladly accept your shit! Okay, okay, okay, I’m being silly, but how can I not with such a shitty chorus? “Did it On’em” is the third track from Pink Friday, the Grammy-nominated debut album by Nicki Minaj. After proclaiming to be the best and taking us into a wild experience with Roman, Nicki shits on ‘em! This was long before Ice Spice asserted, “Think you the shit, bitch? You not even the fart”. “Put your number twos in the air if you did it on ‘em.” Damn, Nicki!
To successfully pull this shitting off, Nicki Minaj tapped Bangladesh to produce the track. As always, he constructs a musical backdrop that kicks ass and takes names. At the time (2010), “Did It On’em” sounded incredibly fresh from its beat to its synths. Minaj matches the energy of the sleek, minor-key joint beyond poop bars. In the first verse, she memorably asserts, “All these bitches is my sons / And I’ma go and get some bibs for ‘em.” Gah-day-um! She adds, “If I had a dick, I would pull it out and piss on ‘em.” Woo! The second verse is a trip too: “This stone is flawless, F1 / I keep shooters up top in the F1 / A lot of bad bitches beggin’ me to F one / But I’ma eat them rap bitches when the chef come.” There is another verse, too, where Nicki continues to eat, no cap. “Did it On’em” is not the top song from Pink Friday but it marks one of the album’s better moments. Minaj is unapologetic az fucc.

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11. Ed Sheeran, “Castle On the Hill”
÷ (Divide) » Atlantic » 2017
“And I miss the way you make me feel, and it’s real / We watched the sunset over the castle on the hill.” “Castle on the Hill” is one of the best songs from Divide, the third studio album by Grammy winner Ed Sheeran. “Hill” embraces a singer-songwriter, pop/rock sound. Sheeran, who co-writes with Benny Blanco, superbly constructs a narrative and autobiographical approach, particularly on the verses:
“When I was six years old, I broke my leg
I was running from my brother and his friends
And taste the sweet perfume of the mountain grass I rolled down
I was younger then, take me back to when I…”
The chorus – excerpted at the top – is the selling point, as he delivers enthusiastic, energetic vocals. Beyond thoughtfully composed verses and chorus, the bridge is also strong.
“One friend left to sell clothes
One works down by the coast
One had two kids but lives alone
One’s brother overdosed
One’s already on his second wife
One’s just barely getting by
But these people raised me
And I can’t wait to go home.”
“Castle on the Hill” is a B-O-P, bop!
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12. Beyoncé, “Love On Top”
4 » Columbia » 2011
“Baby, it’s you, you’re the one I love / You’re the one I need, you’re the only one I see…” If there is one album in the Beyoncé discography that is considered ‘divisive,’ it is likely 4 from 2011. The album has no shortage of strong songs, yet, at the time, it felt different for the highly decorated R&B/pop diva. One of the best moments from 4 is “Love On Top.” Bey’s vocals always give, so it’s unsurprising that “Love On Top” serves up a top-notch performance. Furthermore, she collaborates with a formidable songwriting team: Terius Nash (The-Dream) and Shea Taylor (also produces with Beyoncé). The result is an R&B record that seamlessly balances past and present. One of the best features from a musicianship perspective is the use of modulation. Far too often, artists are afraid of key changes these days. For Bey and “Love On Top,” those modulations are a godsend – a truly awesome accentuation! Of course, when it all comes down to it, it is Beyoncé’s voice, and those love-dedicated lyrics – “Finally [Jay-Z], you put my love on top!”
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13. Tear Da Club Up Thugs, “Slob On My Knob”
CrazyNDaLazDayz » Columbia » 2000
“Suck a nigga dick or something.” Yeah – you see where this rap classic is going! The 2000 Tear Da Club Up Thugs album, CrazyNDaLazDayz, has no shortage of songs – 24 to be exact! Furthermore, the album runs nearly 75 minutes. The song that gets the most attention is the 19th track, “Slob on My Knob.” Honestly, the title says it all. That said, you know Juicy J, who exclusively raps here, gets specific about what’s going down with the mouth and his 🍆 😏.
“Slob on my knob like corn on the cob
Check in with me, and do your job
Lay on bed, and give me head
Don’t have to ask, don’t have to beg.”
Well, that’s self-explanatory, as is “Let’s call the boys, let’s run a train / Squeeze on my nuts, lick on my butt.” That said, the “lick on my butt” – his butt – is a bit more eyebrow raising. Of course, Juicy J continues down the NSFW when he dives into odor… The second verse is also entertaining with no shortage of sex (“Know a little freak, in Hollywood / Sucks on dick, does it real good”), a street fight (“Got caught, fucking with her mother / She blamed it on me, we fought in the street / she pulled out a knife”), and the police (“Saw a few cops, drove by and sprayed them”).

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14. Dexys, “Come On Eileen”
Too Rye Ay » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1982
“Come on, Eileen / Oh, I swear (Well, he means) / At this moment / You mean everything… ” Dexys Midnight Runners (now merely Dexys) charted only two songs on the Billboard Hot 100 😬. Only one of those singles by the UK pop band peaked in the top 40. Not only was “Come On Eileen” a top 40 hit, but it was also a number one hit in the United States and other countries. The sole hit by the collective is the sugar honey iced tea – a marvelous gem from the 1980s. It is the 10th track on Kevin Rowland and company’s 1982 album, Too Rye Ay. Rowland, James Paterson, and Kevin Adams penned it. Rowland produced it with Alan Winstanley and Clive Langer.
The main reason “Come On Eileen” is ‘the stuff’ is thanks to the catchy, memorable chorus (excerpted above). Rowland continues singing enthusiastically, “You in that dress / My thoughts, I confess / Verge on dirty / Oh, come on, Eileen.” Hmm, emphasis on the come, it seems. Rowland wanted some action from Eileen – when he was a teenager, back in the day. Interestingly, “Come On Eileen” was originally “James, Van and Me,” paying homage to musicians who influenced Rowland. Rowland does reference Johnnie Ray in the first verse. In both verses, Kevin gives us some infectious Irish lyrics: “Toora, loora, toora, lo-rye-aye.” In the second verse, he swears he and Eileen won’t resign themselves to fate because “We are far too young and clever.” Rowland tells Eileen and the audience that they have the world in front of them and won’t be beaten down or held back by anything! They’re young and their life will be different. Interestingly, “Come on Eileen” isn’t a synth track. There are violins, keys, and banjo – an Irish folk aesthetic. Enthusiastic, even four decades later, “Come On Eileen” is timeless.
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15. Paul Anka, “Put Your Head on My Shoulder”
Put Your Head on My Shoulder: The Very Best of Paul Anka » RCA » 2000
“Put your head on my shoulder / Hold me in your arms, baby / Squeeze me oh-so-tight / Show me that you love me too.” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” is a gorgeous classic performed and written by singer/songwriter Paul Anka. “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” dates to 1959. Despite its age, this number two hit on the Billboard Hot 100 exemplifies timelessness. It’s a record that reminds you of the simplicity and sheer beauty of the music of the past. “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” is inoffensive lyrically – completely unobjectionable. Love is the modus operandi.
“People say that love’s a game / A game you just can’t win / If there’s a way / I’ll find it someday / And then this fool will rush in.” Anka delivers expressive vocals. His tone of voice and the nuance with which he performs is nothing short of sublime. The production and sound of the record are also impressive. Sure, production has evolved since Anka recorded this gem, but the music is beautiful and uncluttered – it just feels right. Lovely guitar, drums, and smooth backing vocals accentuate Anka’s commanding, love-driven lead.
“Put your head on my shoulder
Whisper in my ear, baby
Words I want to her, baby
Put your head on my shoulder.”

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15 More Compelling Songs That are Turned ON (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Cash Money, Columbia, Def Jam, EZMNY, Getting Out Our Dreams, Lovett Music, Inc., RCA, Roc Nation, Taylor Swift, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner, Westbury Road Entertainment; AcatXIo, Bartek from Pixabay] |
