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“15 Must-Hear Songs to Celebrate Your Birthday” features music courtesy of AJR, Drake, K. Michelle, Kygo, Rihanna, and Sabrina Carpenter.

“Happy birthday to you / Happy birthday to you / Happy birthday.” Ah, Stevie Wonder’s feel-good “Happy Birthday” from his 1980 album Hotter Than July is an innocent, celebratory jam that serves as a sensational alternative to the tried-and-true standard “Happy Birthday.” If you didn’t already have an inkling, this playlist is all about something that’s unique to everyone – their birthday! That’s right folks – get ready to celebrate your birthday in style with 15 Must-Hear Songs to Celebrate Your Birthday.

Okay… we lied a bit with the playlist title. Perhaps not all 15 songs are appropriate for everyone’s birthday – some of them are, um, well, sketchy. You’ve got to understand the difference between the “Birthday Cake” Rihanna sings about, and actual ‘birthday cake’ for example. Unlike Sabrina Carpenter, well, we’re not all “Pushing 20”.  Furthermore, unlike 2 Chainz, we’re aren’t all in search of a “big booty ho” on our special day.  Just some considerations to remember along the way. 15 Must-Hear Songs to Celebrate Your Birthday features music courtesy of AJR (“Birthday Party”), Drake (“Ratchet Happy Birthday”), K. Michelle (“Birthday”), Kygo (“Happy Birthday”), Rihanna, and Sabrina Carpenter among many others.  Time to celebrate!

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1. Sabrina Carpenter, “Pushing 20”

Pushing 20 [Single] • Hollywood • 2019

“You got a way, you’re messing with my faith / You’re tryna paint a picture but you’re running out of paint / You had your say ‘til I took it away / Out of yours in my controlla…” Actress and pop singer Sabrina Carpenter released a fierce, sleek new single, “Pushing 20” in advance of both her 20^th birthday and forthcoming album, Singular: Act II.   

Sabrina Carpenter checks off all boxes on the brief but utterly satisfying “Pushing 20.”  As aforementioned, this is one totally sleek single, thanks to production courtesy of Oak, known for his urban production work.  A hard-nosed beat, sharp synths, and a rebellious, youthful spirit are all captured within Oak’s backdrop.  Carpenter eats it up, singing swagger-laden lyrics, heavily influenced by hip-hop culture, and giving off ‘that attitude’ you might say.  The centerpiece is definitely the unapologetic chorus that portrays Carpenter as one fierce, nearly 20-year old:

“I’m pushing 20, got no time for others
I’m pushing 20, got no time for others
Who ain’t on the same wave, yeah, on the same page
Tryna tell me what to be, yeah. Tell me what to think.”

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2. AJR, “Birthday Party”

Neotheater • BMG Rights Management • 2019

AJR (Adam Metzger, Jack Metzger & Ryan Metzger), comprised of three brothers from New York, makes quite the interesting collective.  AJR delivers their own unique brand of pop – yep, it’s definitely alt-pop that’s a bit more left-field than many of the songs gracing the Top 40.  The song at hand that matches this playlist’s expectations, “Birthday Party,” brings the clarinet to a modern pop record… that’s quite unique in its own right. “Birthday Party” appears from the trio’s third album, Neotheater.

 Besides the recurrent, jazzy clarinet lick, the production on “Birthday Party” shines.  This incredibly sleek cut is produced by Ryan Met (all three brothers abbreviate their last name btw), sounding exuberant, optimistic, and robust in sound.  The most robust moment occurs during the chorus, which is also the catchiest moment of the song:

“So, thank you,
For coming to my birthday party
I am one-minute-old today
And everything is going great (oh)
Thank you,
For coming to my birthday party
I am one-minute-old today
And my minute’s been going great
And I hope it stays that way.”

Of course, beyond the chorus, there are the sometimes-cheeky and clever lyrics of the verses, which capture that millennial-pop characterization associated with AJR.  Maybe it’s not for everybody, but all in all, this “Birthday Party” is pretty intriguing.

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3. The-Dream, “It’s Yo Birthday”

Ménage à Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3 • Radiokilla / HITCO • 2018

“It’s yo birthday, it’s yo birthday / And we gon’ start at 8, you better not be late / And we gon’ celebrate, I get the first taste / And we gon’ end this party in your favorite place.” Yeah, that sounds like some kind of a birthday to say the least! The-Dream (Terius Nash) is no stranger to suggestive or flat-out explicit, sexually-charged songs.  Hailing from his triple mixtape, Ménage à Trois: Sextape Vol. 1, 2, 3, The-Dream turns a birthday into a freaky sex session on “It’s Yo Birthday.” “It’s Yo Birthday” appears as the 13^th track on the first disc of the two-and-a-half-hour-long project.

Throughout “It’s Yo Birthday,” The-Dream spits plenty of game for this one particular, extra special girl. On the first verse, he asserts, “Ain’t got no dimes, but I got a rock for you.” Don’t worry, it gets much freakier than a ring – “Whatever you want, that’s what we’ll do / Surprise party, starting right here in the living room.” If The-Dream was relatively tame on the first verse, as well as the chorus excerpted at the top of this blurb, well, he ‘loosens up’ more on the second.  This includes “Turn this bitch up to a thousand degrees,” “I’ma knock that shit out like a ’89 version of Mike Tyson,” and “From your lips to. Your hips / Now open up… open up for me.” What more can you say but, GIRL… “It’s Yo Birthday!”

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4. Drake, “Ratchet Happy Birthday”

Scorpion • Cash Money • 2018

“It’s your birthday, baby, it’s your birthday / Yeah, who’s gonna love you on your worst day?” On the enthusiastic “Ratchet Happy Birthday,” Drake is assisted by an uncredited PARTYNEXTDOOR (there’s plenty of uncredited features on Scorpion).  While “Ratchet Happy Birthday” is no masterpiece, but it is a fun track that definitely makes you want to celebrate.

Depth is certainly NOT a factor on “Ratchet Happy Birthday” – there is no substance whatsoever to be found.  A perfect example of the ridiculousness? Drake sings, on the first verse, “Cool your head-top, you hotter than Anita / Bakin’, baby, tell me where I need to…”  Interesting way to reference Grammy-winner Anita Baker… As for the second verse, well, Drake doesn’t say that much either, as he tries to win back an ex of which “Haven’t been official in a long time.” Oh my! Regardless, “It’s your fuckin’ birthday… it’s your brrrrrrr…”

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5. K. Michelle, “Birthday”

KIMBERLY: The People I Used to Know • Atlantic • 2018

Unapologetic R&B singer K. Michelle returned sensually charged-up, erotic, and flat-out naughty on “Birthday” (KIMBERLY: The People I Used to Know), a crowd-pleasing ‘gift.’ Michelle has never been shy, coming over as one of the bolder artists in the game, regardless of genre. The context of the naughtiness on “Birthday” is sex – are you surprised? Among the pros are great production work, characterized by lush sounds and trap drums.  Michelle, who hails from Memphis, Tennessee, naturally has the ‘trap-soul’ thing locked down.

K. Michelle delivers an excellent vocal performance, showing off her unapologetic personality, while also delivering a smoother vocal than usual. On the second verse, she goes completely out of character, dropping bars. The chorus is naughty, yet catchy AF:

“It’s your birthday baby whatcha wanna do
Got some bitches, got some pretty bitches coming through
Know I said I never do it, but I guess I lie
Roll a L, roll a L fuck it lets get high.”

Ultimately, “Birthday” is well-produced, well-sung, and risqué. “Happy Birthday!”

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6. All Time Low, “Birthday”

Birthday [Single] • Fueled by Ramen • 2018

“You know I want you in the worst way / I need you like cake on my birthday,” All Time Low frontman Alex Gaskarth sings on the colorful chorus of “Birthday”, the second single that that band released in 2018. From the start, “Birthday” is incredibly groovy, set in a major key with a moderate tempo.  On the first verse, Gaskarth confesses his love (clear infatuation), before dropping the pre-chorus, filled with nonsensical syllables (“ba da”) and ‘teenage emotions.’ The same can be said of the second verse, where “a lot of long nights” seem to be getting to him. “I can’t say I expected something so visceral / But the way we complicate it’s simple.”

As for the rest of the song, there’s the return of the teenage, puppy dog emotions and the purely infatuated chorus. The theme is tried-and-true, but Gaskarth and company run with it and deliver an appealing, hard-rocking, emo/pop-punk gem.  Gaskarth’s assertiveness on the chorus stands out in particular.

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7. St. Vincent, “Happy Birthday, Johnny”

MASSEDUCTION • Loma Vista • 2017

“Remember one summer, we walked in Times Square / I showed you zombies with hundred-inch stares / You took a Bic, set your hotel on fire / We took the blame, took the bags to the train.” If you’ve been keeping up with St. Vincent (Annie Clark) over the years, you’ll know that Johnny is a character that has appeared in several songs (“Prince Johnny” comes to mind from St. Vincent, released in 2014). The case is no different on the thoughtful ballad “Happy Birthday, Johnny,” from her 2017 album MASSEDUCTION, which paints a disturbing portrait of bad choices.

“The last time you called, it was on New Year’s Eve / You asked me for dough to get somethin’ to eat / Since we last spoke, you live on the street / Yeah, I wouldn’t believe all the shit that you’ve seen.” “Happy Birthday, Johnny” features strong vocals and is another well-rounded joint in the ‘Johnny’ series. Johnny is clearly a drugged-out junkie, living in the streets, and Clark debates providing him money because it would enable his destructive addiction.  Naturally, she’s upset about the situation, as well as the perception Johnny has toward her because she doesn’t want to make him sink any further than he already has.   Really, the birthday is only secondary in this song, but she does reference it, showing concern: “Happy birthday, Johnny / Wherever you are.”

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8. Kygo, “Happy Birthday”

Ft. John Legend

Cloud 9 • Sony • 2016

“Ooh, I wanna dance with you / Ooh, I’ll promise to stand for you / Ooh… I’ll do anything for you / Oh yeah, oh yeah, tonight, my love all I want / I wanna sing for you… / Happy birthday, baby.” In 2016, Norwegian pianist/DJ/producer Kygo proved he was ‘one to watch’ in the dance/electronic music world.  That year, he would release his enjoyable, debut LP, Cloud Nine.  Luckily, Kygo had our humble playlist in mind when he released the song, “Happy Birthday,” featuring Grammy-winning R&B musician John Legend.  Yeah, we probably exaggerated about Kygo creating “Happy Birthday” for The Musical Hype… haha.

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In the context of Cloud 9, “Happy Birthday” gives Kygo a different look.  Why? John Legend, of course. From Legend’s perspective, it is interesting to hear such a soulful singer in a pop/dance capacity.  Pure soul will always be Legend’s niche (proven to the nth degree on his mixed contemporary pop/R&B effort Evolver), he sounds respectable here.

Lyrically, the sentiment isn’t far-fetched for Legend, particularly moments like the second verse:

“Wrap you in love for the rest of my days
Pray you find joy through your pain
I can’t protect you from every heartbreak
The world isn’t easy that way.”

Kygo does a fantastic job of giving Legend a superb backdrop to paint those pipes over.  Ear candy is indeed a viable birthday gift.

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9. Charlie Wilson, “Birthday Dress”

Forever Charlie • RCA • 2015

“I don’t wanna give you flowers again, it’s something that is typical / Wanna give you a gift that you would never forget / This is special day so we gotta do something that’s unusual.” Okay! In 2015, R&B veteran Charlie Wilson released the fifth album of his ‘Charlie’ series, Forever Charlie.  As with previous efforts, Forever Charlie proves to be well-rounded without being monumental or transcendent. Even where the effort lacks ‘innovative spirit,’ Forever Charlie features some of Wilson’s finest musical moments as a solo artist, led by “Touched by an Angel.”

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Unfortunately, the superb “Touched by an Angel” in no way, shape, or form fits this birthday-centric playlist.  Sigh.  But, penultimate number “Birthday Dress” does check off boxes for inclusion – happy birthday to all of us! On “Birthday Dress,” Charlie Wilson returns to old school R&B – a post-disco sound, characteristic of the 80s.  The groove is ‘groovy,’ while the overall record finds Wilson dipping into funk.  The chorus is the cat’s meow.

“Make your request tonight’s your night, oh yes
Show off them curves your birthday dress
Blow out the candle and I grant your wish
I’m lovin’ you in that birthday dress
Birthday dress.”

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10. Katy Perry, “Birthday”

Prism • Capitol • 2013

“Boy, when you’re with me, I’ll give you a taste / Make it like your birthday every day.” Who would deny this from pop superstar Katy Perry? On “Birthday,” which appears on her 2013 album, Prism, Perry continues to serve up a heaping does of suggestiveness.  Yes, the innuendo is on-point as Perry plans to treat this boy to his ultimate fantasy.  The aforementioned chorus continues, “I know you like it sweet, so you can have your cake / Give you something good to celebrate.”  Yeah, we all want to be the boy that Perry is referencing here.

“So, make your wish / I’ll make it like your birthday every day / I’ll be your gift / Give you something good to celebrate.” That’s pretty sweet Katy Perry, pretty sweet.  Arguably, “Birthday” could be characterized as a toned-down, more thoughtful “Teenage Dream” – she’s giving a gift after all! That said, Perry is still pretty naughty, particularly when she sings, “So let me get you in your birthday suit…” or the ‘boned-up’ “Pop your confetti, we can get it on.” “Teenage Dream” indeed!

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11. Selena Gomez, “Birthday”

Stars Dance • Hollywood • 2013

“Tell ‘em that it’s my birthday…when I party like that, every night’s my birthday…” The birthdays continue with another pop entry on this list, courtesy of Selena Gomez.  “Birthday” appears on her 2013 album, Stars Dance, an album that I personally wasn’t a fan of – understatement.  The moment that really irked me is arguably a highlight, “Come and Get It”, which sounded like a Rihanna rip-off at the time.  The song at hand is also annoying, but at the same time, undeniably catchy.

“Birthday” commences Stars Dance solidly, if unspectacularly. “Birthday” is simplistic lyrically-speaking, like its title and the album as a whole. Gomez starts things off with the aforementioned chorus.On the verses, depth remains nonexistent as she is “Happy as can be / Fallin’ into you, fallin’ into me (verse one) and “Feeling fine and free / Crashing into you / Crashing into me…” (verse two).  It is what it is and to quote Drake, “It’s your fuckin’ birthday.”

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12. 2 Chainz, “Birthday Song”

Ft. Kanye West

Based on a T.R.U. Story • Def Jam • 2012

“All I want for my birthday is a big booty ho / all I want for my birthday is a big booty hoe.” I would venture to say that for most, “Birthday Song” doesn’t quite capture what we expect to receive on our birthdays.  For 2 Chainz, on the crowning achievement from his debut album, Based on a T.R.U. Story (2012), he wants to have sex with a sexy ho on his birthday.  Hook-ups are temporary pleasure, and clearly, on his birthday, 2 Chainz is thinking with his pants and ‘getting some’ as they say.

As dumb as “Birthday Song” goes, it’s infectious to the nth degree.  The chorus is the crowning achievement of the song that is the crowning achievement of Based on a T.R.U. Story:

“They ask me what I do and who I do it for
And how I come up with this shit up in the studio
All I want for my birthday is a big booty ho...
When I die, bury me inside the Gucci store
When I die, bury me inside the Louis store…”

Beside the outlandish lyrics, there are plenty of other highlights. Among those highlights is the creative production work, which serves as a great backdrop for both 2 Chainz and featured guest, Kanye West. Following the chorus, there’s contrast – a change of pace – that keeps “Birthday Song” fresh from a musical standpoint.  That’s not to say that this is a lyrical masterpiece by any means, but with some musical contrast, it makes things even more enjoyable.  Arguably, West out-raps 2 Chainz on the second verse, while the combined effort by both rappers is fantastic on the third verse.

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13. Rihanna, “Birthday Cake”

Talk That Talk • Def Jam • 2011

Earlier, in the intro to this ‘deep’ playlist, I made it clear that as a listener, “you’ve got to understand the difference between the “Birthday Cake” Rihanna sings about, and actual ‘birthday cake’.”  Rihanna definitely isn’t referencing the delicious dessert that is a tradition at many birthday parties.  No, Rihanna’s “Birthday Cake” is all about what’s going down in the bedroom.  Sex, sex, and more sex.  The case(s) in point – “Come and put your name on it,” “But he wanna lick the icing off,” and “I know you want to bite this.”

In no way, shape, or form is Rihanna talking about actual birthday cake – period! Yes, it’s customary to decorate birthday cake by putting your name on it, but when Rihanna sings the line, she isn’t talking about icing. How does anyone who may be the slightest bit naïve of sexual innuendo and double entendre get this? Rihanna helps us out: “It’s not even my birthday / But he wanna lick the icing off…” Come on! – No pun intended.  Throughout the course of about one-minute-and-twenty-seconds, Rihanna amplifies the sex really, really loudly.  This Talk That Talk literally screams orgasm.

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14. Jeremih, “Birthday Sex”

Jeremih • Def Jam • 2009

“You say you want passion / I think you found it / Get ready for action / Don’t be astounded / We switching positions / You feel surrounded / Just tell me where you want / Your gift, girl.” Oh my! If a poll were taken, likely, most people would likely agree sex is great – an incredibly fun, playful activity. “One on One Fun” to quote Tamar Braxton.  Anyways, several artists on this playlist are all about sex taking place on their birthday.  Exhibits A through D: The-Dream (“It’s Yo Birthday”), Katy Perry (“Birthday”), 2 Chainz (“Birthday Song”), and Rihanna (“Birthday Cake”).  Basically, Jeremih arrives with Exhibit E with “Birthday Sex,” which appeared on his 2009 debut album, Jeremih.

For Jeremih, experiencing the ultimate pleasure on your day of birth was enough to earn him a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  Everyone agreed in 2009 that “Birthday Sex” as awesome to the nth degree.  And probably (almost certainly), even more supported the act that the R&B hitmaker was supporting.

“Girl you know I-I-I…just need your body to make
Birthday sex
Birthday sex.”

Really, there’s not much more to say about “Birthday Sex” – it’s pretty cut and dry. Well, the song itself…

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15. Metalocalypse: Dethklok, “Birthday Dethday”

The Dethalbum • Cartoon Network • 2007

We close out this birthday-centric playlist with a different sort of birthday cut.  While many of the songs on this playlist are a bit more easy-going, Metalocalypse: Dethklok opts for a different direction to say the least on “Birthday Dethday.” “Birthday Dethday” is the oldest song featured on this list (aside from the Stevie Wonder shoutout earlier), arriving on the band’s 2007 album, The Dethalbum.  Judging by the title of song and album, well, the ‘birthday’ isn’t a fun occasion in the least.

Ultimately, “Birthday Dethday” is very dark and DISTURBING. For many of us who would rather be receiving gifts or ‘getting down,’ “Birthday Dethday” isn’t quite the ideal way to celebrate. Safe to say, it definitely won’t be supplanting the classic “Happy Birthday” nor the Stevie Wonder rendition.  Why? Well, lyrics like “Now you’re old and full of hatred / Take a pill to masturbatred” or “One more year of further suffering / There’s no point of fucking bluffing” aren’t exactly endearing… We’ll leave it at that!

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[Photo Credits: Atlantic, BMG Rights Management, Capitol, Cartoon Network, Cash Money, Def Jam, Fueled by Ramen, Hollywood, Loma Vista, Radiokilla / HITCO, RCA, Sony]

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