Years & Years, Janelle Monáe, and Troye Sivan highlight musicians with compelling songs comprising “Notable LGBTQ Songs from 2018.”

Every year, there is a fresh crop of incredible, intriguing songs that incorporate LGBTQ themes.  Queer elements have appeared in music historically, but the elements are much more overt in the 2010s.  The LGBTQ community is definitely more embraced now with a larger voice.  That said, as with any oft-marginalized community, there’s still plenty ways to go. Focusing merely on 2018, this list examines notable songs with LGBT issues and themes and/or performed by LGBTQ musicians.  Disclaimer: this list is a very small sampling.  There’s a host of rising artists and little-known musicians who are part of the movement.  Without further ado, Notable LGBTQ Songs from 2018. 

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1. Years & Years, “Sanctify”

Palo Santo • Universal Music • 2018

British electro-pop band Years & Years brilliantly fuses sexuality and spirituality on “Sanctify”, the promo single from their 2018 album, Palo Santo.The production is bright, despite being set in a minor key (there are some major moments). Anchored by a beat fit for any hip-hop record, plus fine keyboard/synth work, the backdrop sets up Y&Y for a surefire bop.  Adding to the glory, frontman Olly Alexander delivers exuberant, expressive vocals, filled with authenticity. The chorus is the centerpiece, but there are numerous notable lyrics, including the following excerpt with a double meaning:

“You don’t have to be straight with me

I see what’s underneath your mask

I’m a man like you, I breathe the rituals of the dancer’s dance…”

The “straight” lyric is key, as Alexander, who is gay, was inspired with experiences with straight guys.  In the linked article from Attitude, Olly asserts said straight guys were “struggling with their sexuality.” He touches upon issues of masculinity in regards to sexuality. “Sanctify,” hence, is a superb addition to the LGBTQ repertoire, as well as socially-conscious music overall.

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2. Janelle Monáe, “Pynk”

Ft. Grimes

Dirty Computer • Bad Boy • 2018

“Pynk, like the inside of your… baby.” Dirty Computer, the third album by eclectic R&B artist Janelle Monáe, is by far her boldest and most personal, with highlight “Pynk” leading the charge. On the verses, Monáe likens pynk to vagina, women in general, and feminism. The theme of the record – feminism and same-sex female attraction/love – earns more attention than the production and sound of the record, which is excellent in its own right. Dirty Computer comes off as Monáe’s coming out party – she officially came out as pansexual during the album rollout.

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3. Troye Sivan, “Bloom”

Bloom – Single • Capitol • 2018

“And it’s true, baby / I’ve been saving this for you, baby.” Alternative pop musician Troye Sivan has been honest about his life as an openly gay man, highlighted by his superb debut album, Blue Neighbourhood.  He continues his honesty and openness on his single, “Bloom”. On the first verse, he takes us on a trip:

“Take a trip into my garden

I’ve got so much to show ya

The fountains and the waters

Are begging just to know ya.”

Following the first verse, the refrain provides more perspective as to where Sivan is going – He’s seems willing to bloom sexually.  The innuendo is ‘out of the roof.’ Even though “Bloom” encompasses the physical, Sivan also highlights the emotions of the experience, which is what separates this from songs merely about empty sex.  On the pre-chorus, he sings, “Hold my hand if I get scared now,” which represents vulnerability, a legitimate emotion associated with losing one’s virginity.  On the chorus, Sivan exhibits dedication to his boyfriend, willing to ‘give it up’ because he truly ‘feels some type of way’ about him.

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4. Hayley Kiyoko, “What I Need”

Ft. Kehlani

Expectations • EMPIRE • 2018

Hayley Kiyoko, also nicknamed “Lesbian Jesus,” enlists Grammy-nominated, bisexual R&B singer Kehlani on “What I Need,” one of many highlights from her debut album, Expectations. The chorus is incredibly infectious, easily getting stuck in one’s head. Perhaps more important than the catchiness of the record is that it’s a perfect example of being fearless when it comes to sexuality. “When we’re alone, girl, you wanna own it,” Kiyoko sings on her verse.

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5.MNEK, “Tongue”

Tongue – Single • Virgin • 2018

23-year old rising English dance, pop, and R&B artist MNEK showcases massive potential on his utterly infectious single, “Tongue”. “Tongue” begins abruptly with MNEK showcasing the beauty of his voice. He possesses a gorgeous tone and a compelling falsetto, particularly on the pre-chorus section.  A surprising change of pace occurs on the chorus, where he begins singing in his lower register, in somewhat tongue in cheek fashion.  Ultimately, it’s this part of the song that’s the crowning achievement of “Tongue.”

“So, I’m putting both hands over my mouth
I can only hope nothing’s gonna come out
But there it is on the tip of my tongue
(I think I love you)
I think you’re the one.”

In the music video, MNEK is true to self, giving the visual a clear, unapologetic LGBTQ vibe.

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6. Carlos Vara, “Numb”

Numb – Single • Carlos Vara • 2018

“You fill me up to pour me up / You build me just to break me down.” “Numb” is the debut single by 20-year old, Nashville-based pop-soul newcomer, Carlos Vara. It blends old-school soul with some modern pop and urban contemporary trickery.  Among the superb sounds are the vintage guitar chords, dusty, hard-hitting drums, a dash of trumpet, and synths. Narratively, Vara’s lover has him completely out of sorts.  With his expressive, robust pipes, he sums up his feelings, particularly on the chorus, the record’s centerpiece.

“You make me go numb

Hypnotized, I know it’s dangerous

Don’t speak, just make me come down.”

While “Numb” isn’t tailored specifically to LGBTQ circles, Vara is openly gay.

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7. cupcakKe, “Crayons”

Ephorize • cupcakKe • 2018

“Yeah, in conclusion, the gays ain’t losing / Like boomerang ‘cause I’m all about the movement.” CupcakKe is ‘one of a kind’ – there’s really no other way to describe the risqué, unapologetic rapper.  On “Crayons,” she cools off her oft oversexed rhymes in favor of a truly respectable LGBTQ anthem.  Perhaps “Crayons” isn’t amongst the most heavyweight anthems of “love is love,” but it successfully conveys a socially relevant message.  This isn’t the first anthem by cupcaKke, who released “LGBT” back in 2016.

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8. Hayley Kiyoko, “Curious”

Expectations • EMPIRE • 2018

Hayley Kiyoko shines on “Curious”, one of many standouts from her debut album Expectations.  She is exuberant, sparkling in her upper register on the infectious pre-chorus. She follows up with incredibly rhythmic vocals on the chorus, where her attitude and feistiness are a pro. Sexuality plays a pivotal role here (and on Expectations as a whole), as Kiyoko is curious about a previous relationship with a girl who is now with a boy.  This fun, well-produced record that builds a strong case for Kiyoko artistically.

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9. Sufjan Stevens, “Mystery of Love”

Call Me by Your Name • Madison Gate • 2018

“Hold your hands upon my head / Till I breathe my last breath.” Sufjan Stevens is poetic throughout the course of “Mystery of Love,” a song appearing from the soundtrack to the Academy-Award-nominated film, Call Me by Your Name.  Call Me by Your Name is a film depicting a gay coming of age story. Stevens performs in his usual hushed manner, depicting new love as well as the hardships and plights of love.  Clever throughout its course, some of the cleverest Sufjan Stevens lyrics occur in the second verse, which references Hephaestion and Alexander, the Great.

“Lord, I no longer believe / Drowned in living waters / Cursed by the love that I received / From my brother's daughter / Like Hephaestion, who died / Alexander's lover / Now my riverbed has dried / Shall I find no other?”

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10. ZEE MACHINE, “Brainchemistry”

Brainchemistry – EP • ZEE MACHINE • 2018

Brainchemistry marks the debut EP from up-and-coming California pop artist ZEE MACHINE.  On the spirited, minor-key title track “Brainchemistry,” ZEE MACHINE asserts he can’t change the way he is wired.  How is he wired exactly? Well, he’s gay, and nothing that anybody says is going to change that. Sounds sensible. This is a fast-paced, ‘out and proud’ anthem, and nothing’s gonna kill his vibe.  To quote Adam Lambert, ZEE MACHINE doesn’t seem to give “Two Fux” what anybody thinks about him.

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11. Janelle Monáe, “I Like That”

Dirty Computer • Bad Boy • 2018

Janelle Monáe characterizes herself throughout the course of the soulful “I Like That”, among many highlights from her third studio album, Dirty Computer. On the verses, she paints a picture of eclecticism and nonconformity.  On the second verse, she asserts, “Take a different type of girl to keep the whole world afloat.” There’s dualism about the particular lyric.  In one token, Monáe is revealing more about her sexuality to the world.  In another token, she simply seems to be asserting she’s a special, truly unique person who can’t be pigeonholed.  On the pre-chorus, she continues this characterization, while she snarls on the chorus.

“And I like that
I don’t really give a fuck if I was just the only one
Who likes that
I never like to follow, follow around, the chase is on.”

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12. Troye Sivan, “My My My!”

My My My! – Single • Capitol • 2018

Troye Sivan has a winning record on hands with “My My My!”, which is groovy, honest, and sexy.  The record features sleek, modern production work, a sound that perfectly matches the low key, mid-register vocals of Sivan on the verses and pre-chorus.  Despite the fact that Sivan keeps things ‘cool, calm, and collected,’ “My My My!” packs a punch. Lyrically and vocally, Sivan gives off a sexy vibe.  On the first verse, he sings, “Don’t make me wait another day / ‘Cause passion is passion / You know it just as well as me.” He goes on to say, “Now, let’s stop running from love / Let’s stop, my baby.” The arrival point is the chorus, which amps up the energy level.  He’s not one who opts for gospel histrionics, but still, his passion and authenticity are indisputable.

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13. Hayley Kiyoko, “He’ll Never Love You (HNLY)”

Expectations • EMPIRE • 2018

Hayley Kiyoko, also known as “lesbian Jesus,” came out roaring on her debut album, Expectations.  Throughout the course of Expectations, Kiyoko isn’t afraid to speak from a queer perspective. On “He’ll Never Love You (HNLY),” she encourages her ex-girlfriend to come back to her and ditch her boyfriend.  While “He’ll Never Love You” isn’t particularly complex, it does shed light on a relevant bisexual or perhaps even “hetero-curious” situation.

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14. Ezra Furman, “Suck the Blood from My Wound”

Transangelic Exodus • Bella Union • 2018

Gender-fluid rock musician Ezra Furman maintains something of cult-following. Self-described as a ‘Queer Outlaw Saga,’ Furman’s 2018 album Transangelic Exodus is incredibly underrated as well as incredibly special. “I woke up bleeding in the crotch of a tree,” Furman sings on phenomenal opening highlight, “Suck the Blood from My Wound.”  Furman sings with incredible grit, delivering his concept of transangelicism.

“Blood on my angel’s lips blends with his make-up
...Peeling off bandages to unfold his wings
The doctors said they’d have to stay on for another three weeks
Fuck it baby, let ‘em bruise, let ‘em break
But bleed, let ‘em bleed.”

Sure, Furman has a concept in mind, but more relatable, “Suck the Blood from My Wound” encompasses body transformation, a prevalent social issue generally, and specifically to the trans community.

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15. Tyler, the Creator, “OKRA”

OKRA – Single • Columbia • 2018

We conclude this edition of the list with arguably the most controversial choice yet. For the most part, “OKRA” is a song that certainly doesn’t sound like it fits the LGBTQ bill in the least.  Maybe it doesn’t, however, the third verse raises curious case of the potentially ambiguous sexuality of Tyler, the Creator. Tyler seems to join the bandwagon in admiration for young, burgeoning, Academy Award-nominated actor, Timothée Chalamet.

“Tell Tim Chalamet to come get at me

Skin’ glowing, clear of acne.”

Looking back on his 2017 Grammy-nominated album, Flower Boy, he did admit to “kissing white boys.” Even with a fancy for Chalamet, he later references his “bitch mixed like jambalaya.” Perhaps he really is just complimenting Chalamet’s skin… who knows with Tyler. Regardless, isn’t it possible “Okra” dabbles in sexual fluidity, whether intentionally or merely for shock value?

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📷: Atlantic, Bad Boy, Bella Union, Capitol, Carlos Vara, Columbia, cupcakKe, EMPIRE, Polydor, Virgin, ZEE MACHINE

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