15 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 4

Reading Time: 18 min read

15 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 4 features songs by Ben Platt, Dua Lipa, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Omar Apollo, and Sexyy Red.

Names, names, NAMES. That is the focal point of the 15 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 4. 15 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 4 follows three previous names-driven musical compendiums: 13 Songs That Feature Names in Their Titles (2020), 13 More Songs That Feature Names in Their Titles (2020), and 13 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 3 (2023). The biggest list of the four comprises 15 songs. 15 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 4 features songs by Ben Platt, Dua Lipa, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Omar Apollo, and Sexyy Red. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into these NAMES, shall we?

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Eminem, “Tobey” (Ft. Big Sean & BabyTron)

2. Dua Lipa, “Houdini”

3. Curtis Mayfield, “Freddie’s Dead”

4. Sexyy Red, “Get It Sexyy”

5. Omar Apollo, “Pedro”

6. Ben Platt, “Andrew”

7. Rick Ross & Meek Mill, “SHAQ & KOBE”

8. BOYR!OT, “ALL THE BEST, JESS!”

9. Dexys Midnight Runners, “Come On Eileen”

10. Cole Blundin, “Miles”

11. Kendrick Lamar, “Meet The Grahams”

12. Mad Tsai, “mad’s world”

13. Thomas Rhett, “Mamaw’s House” (Ft. Morgan Wallen)

14. Aerosmith, “Janie’s Got a Gun”

15. Four Tops, “Bernadette”

1. Eminem, “Tobey” (Ft. Big Sean & BabyTron)

The Death of Slim Shady **(Coup De Grâce) // Shady / Aftermath / Interscope // 2024**

“Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat / If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke.” Woo! “Tobey” marked the second single from The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), the 12^th studio album by Academy and Grammy award-winning rapper, Eminem. Notably, Em’ enlists fellow Detroit rappers Big Sean and BabyTron for the assist. Eminem produced “Tobey” with marvy ayy, John Nocito, Daniyel Carlton McDowell, and Lyrical Lemonade mastermind, Cole Bennett. All three rappers get the opportunity to spit ill shit. BabyTronx, the youngest, is the first heard, dropping the chorus followed by the first verse. In the verse, he agilely raps about being legally blind (“I’m allergic to rojo and legally blind, all I’m seein’ is ‘go’), smoking (“Up in my Tesla, I’m rollin’ up ‘Ishers, I stopped at Valero, think I should quit smoking”), and his drip. Big Sean arrives for the second verse, dropping compelling one-liners and keeping the flow electrifying. “I’m the Ayatollah snatching your controller,” he spits, adding, “Bitch, I come from the D where they BMFing / Where they movin’ them keys like a chord progression.” The main attraction, the GOAT (“Yet, here I sit on your list though at five (Hm)”), Eminem, drops the third and final verse. Em’ drops plenty of lyrical gems and courts controversy. “Y’all thought you were sick, you were misdiagnosed (nope) / I’m dope, and you’ll never have this high a dose.” That’s cold 🥶! He keeps it a buck towards the end of the verse asserting, “Cement my legacy, I definitely did controversy, I always fed on, I need it / Treat it like a truck, hit it head-on, I meet it.” Accompanied by colorful, hard-hitting, sleek production, Eminem, Big Sean, and BabyTron ‘do the damn thing’ on “Tobey”.

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: July 2024

~ Table of Contents ~

2. Dua Lipa, “Houdini”

Radical Optimism // Warner UK // 2024

Grammy-winning pop superstar, Dua Lipa brings some serious magic on “Houdini”, the second track from her third album, Radical Optimism. She penned “Houdini” alongside Caroline Ailin, Danny L Harle, Kevin Parker (of Tame Impala fame), and Tobias Jesso Jr..  Harle and Parker also produced the record, characterized by a sick, danceable groove.  In addition to the beat, “Houdini” features a colorful palette of sounds – the keys and synths rock (in a 1980s sort of way, of course).  Beyond the backdrop, she brings the heat vocally.  Her performance is solid, yet non troppo, if you will.  It’s cool how the songwriting incorporates Harry Houdini into matters of the heart.  In this case, it’s singledom! The centerpiece, the chorus, arrives early, with Dua Lipa revealing the deck of cards: 

“I come and I go  

Tell me all the ways you need me 

I’m not here for long  

Catch me or I go Houdini  

I come and I go  

Prove you got the right to please me 

Everybody knows 

Catch me or I go Houdini.”  

Ooh, wee! The melodies are tuneful in the verses as well, and beyond the chorus, the post-chorus is rad too: “If you’re good enough, you’ll find the way / Maybe you could cause a girl to change her ways / Do you think about it night and day? / Maybe you could be the one to make me stay.” “Houdini” = SUREFIRE BOP!

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

3. Curtis Mayfield, “Freddie’s Dead”

Superfly // Warner Strategic Marketing // 1972

“Freddie’s dead / That’s what I said.” Word. Without a doubt, Curtis Mayfield is one of the greatest soul musicians of all time. Not only did he shine as a member of The Impressions, but he was a dynamic solo artist. Mayfield charted nine songs on the pop charts including his ace-in-the-hole, “Freddie’s Dead”. “Freddie’s Dead,” the theme from the blaxploitation film, Superfly, was one of two top-10 hits, peaking at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. His self-penned and self-produced “Freddie’s Dead” earned him a gold single. His Superfly soundtrack was also certified gold.

Why is “Freddie’s Dead” the sugar honey iced tea? Many reasons! The instrumental accompaniment is sublime perfectly capturing the 1970s soul/funk sound. The rhythm section is tight – guitar, bass, keys, and drums. The riffs are on point. Upping the ante and expanding the timbre is the orchestra, marvelously arranged. Ear candy includes lush, soaring strings, gorgeous harp runs, warm woodwinds, and resonant brass. The backdrop is perfect for Mayfield’s instantly recognizable tenor. His voice is gentle and sweet yet packs a mean punch. He masterfully brings the melodies to life, wowing with his songwriting prowess. The theme is far less sweet than Curtis’ voice, however. “Everybody’s misused him / Ripped him off and abused him,” Mayfield sings, characterizing Fat Freddie as a drug dealer and junkie. “Another junkie plan / Pushin’ dope for the man / A terrible blow / But that’s how it goes / A Freddie’s on the corner now.” As we know, Freddie is dead, primarily because of the choices he made. Mayfield warns us, “Don’t wanna be like Freddie, now / ‘Cause Freddie’s dead,” adding, “If you don’t try [to get clean] / You’re gonna die.” Facts 💯. Gems like “Freddie’s Dead” are a testament to the enduring legacy of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Appears in 🔻:

Curtis Mayfield, Freddie’s Dead: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 112 (2024)

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4. Sexyy Red, “Get It Sexyy”

In Sexyy We Trust // Open Shift / gamma. // 2024

“Slim, thick, chrome skin / 5’5”, this bitch a ten (Yeah) / Hair done, bills paid / Catch me slidin’ in a Benz…” Sexyy Red is something else! Ultimately, it’s how unapologetic and outlandish the rapper is that makes her interesting, even if the bars she spits lack transcendence. There are far better and more talented rappers, but songs that ‘go stupid’ like “Get It Sexyy” from her 2024 mixtape, In Sexyy We Trust, are entertaining to listen to. Stitching up the track is her go-to producer, Tay Keith, as well as Jake Fridkis. They give her a malicious, minor-key backdrop that is perfect fuel for her fire. She’s true to herself with simple, highly sexual bars, and ample confidence. Beyond the chorus (excerpted above), Sexyy Red delivers a sole verse with no shortage of wild bars. “Yeah, boy, you know this ass super fat (I ain’t lyin’, though),” she brags, continuing, “Fuck me good, I’m throwin’ that shit back (I’m his favorite hoe).” There’s more, with the likes of “Big Sexy blood, love the hoes / Bounce that ass, touch them toes / Booty shorts, coochie swoll / Thong all up my booty hole.” Woo! She also manages to flip a nursery rhyme and make it, ratchet: “Little miss Sexyy walkin’ down the street (Beep beep) / I don’t know what to do ‘cause the niggas after me (Yeah, yeah).” Like many of her other records, there is clapping because why not? Even as ‘stupid’ as “Get It Sexxy” goes, there are some enjoyable, melodic moments in the backdrop. Even though it lacks class and depth, and has no shame, it’s incredibly entertaining.

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: March 2024

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5. Omar Apollo, “Pedro”

God Said No // Omar Apollo / Warner // 2024

“If meadows was a man / Would you trade me for your land? / Mine still have a misty dew / Something I can offer you.” Oh, Omar Apollo, you gorgeous and talented artist! “Pedro” is the 13^th and penultimate track from Apollo’s under-appreciated, 2024 sophomore LP, God Said No. The brief, two-and-a-half-minute song was penned by Apollo, Teo Halm, and fittingly, Chilean American actor Pedro Pascal. Apollo and Halm produced. How does Pascal get into the mix? Following the vox effects-heavy, vibe-filled intro by Omar (“Would you train me with your hands? / Hold me with a magnitude / That takes me to a better view”), he provides vulnerable spoken words over a mellow backdrop.

“But my heart was, uh, pretty shattered by something

…And I remember just literally being kind of brought to my knees

By a park bench, and, um

And I remember asking the park bench to come alive and save me

‘Cause I didn’t feel like there was kind of any moment past that moment

But there was, there was

I can’t believe I’m sending you this.”

Deep. “Pedro” is one of many beautiful and unique moments from God Said No.

~ Table of Contents ~

6. Ben Platt, “Andrew”

Honeymind // Interscope // 2024

“His hair falls in cool careless waves without tryin’ / Goes days without cryin’ / But still treats me kind.” Oh, “Andrew”! The talented Ben Platt penned the single/third track from his third studio album, Honeymind, alongside Alex Hope. Hope produced the four-minute gem with Dave Cobb. The sound is celestial, giving off folk-pop vibes with instrumentation comprised of guitar, keys, bass, drums, and layered vocals. Platt delivers gorgeous vocals. He sings expressively, with ease, never forcing things. The inspiration is a boy he had a crush on. The songwriting superbly captures Platt’s feelings for him. In the second verse, he sings, “He floats through the air unaware of the damage / A hard right of passage for soft-hearted boys.” The pen game is awesome! See the pre-chorus for more excellence: “One look in his eyes and I’m gone / Helplessly dumb / My senses go numb / My brain is on fire / They say wanting someone is supposed to be fun / That’s because they never loved an Andrew.” The perspective will resonate with many in the LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 community, crushing on someone impossible to attain. See the EVERYTHING chorus for clarity:

“Honey, I know there’s no one to blame

But honestly, damn you

It’s just a cruel joke that chemicals play

You don’t wanna kiss me, ‘cause I’m not at all

Like the girls in the posters that hang on your wall

What a time-wasting heartbreak to fall

For an Andrew.”

Notably, the final chorus has a slight variation, but the effect is the same. All told, “Andrew” is a distinct, singer/songwriter pop record by Platt. He deserves plenty of love for this authentic, superbly penned and performed number.

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

7. Rick Ross & Meek Mill, “SHAQ & KOBE”

Too Good To Be True // Maybach Music Group / gamma. // 2023

“Niggas wanna see you lose when you’re makin’ moves (Moves) / We bringin’ tools in any rooms, we tryna break the rules (Rules).” WOO! Rick Ross and Meek Mill make a dynamic rap duo on “SHAQ & KOBE”, named after dynamic balling duo Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant (RIP). The highlight from their 2023 joint album, Too Good to Be True isn’t about Shaq or Kobe, but both rappers bring the heat. More accurately, they bring the bars 💯. It doesn’t hurt to have badass production courtesy of Fresh Ayr and D-Mo. The backdrop, set in a minor key, sounds malicious, anchored by its dusty, hard-hitting drums, and thriving off those detuned synths. Before “SHAQ & KOBE” settles in, things commence with a signature, Maybach Music intro, which piques the ears. From there, Meek Mill raps the first verse, showing off his aggressive, electrifying flow. The bars give, but perhaps as significant is how he reminds us why he was such a beastly rapper at his peak. He doesn’t hold back, serving up real talk: “I seen my dawg kill my dawg, just to get his stash / He went up top, they banged him out, got that nigga slatt.” Meek goes on to perform the chorus, with a few lines courtesy of Ross: “Too much money and power / Stumble into the penthouse, with a baddie to fuck in the shower…” Rick, The Bawse, performs the second verse, dropping an assertive flow and bars too. He’s true to himself with drippy lines like, “Sippin’ champagne, I own it myself,” but also keeps it violent (“They thought it was a game ‘til the shots rang,” and, “Killin’ niggas in the streets, I call it a feast”). Rick and Meek came to rap on “SHAQ & KOBE”, PERIOD!!!

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8. BOYR!OT, “ALL THE BEST, JESS!”

“ALL THE BEST, JESS!” // BOYR!OT / Venice Music // 2024

“My therapist / Said you were a narcissist / I guess I’m just a masochist / Craving the taste of our lips.” Los Angeles-based queer alt-rock/pop-punk duo BOYR!OT (Greg Driscoll and Brendan Eprile) keep it a buck on their electrifying, rocking single, “ALL THE BEST, JESS!”. Jess is something else, as Greg and Brendan tell it. Driscoll, Eprile, and Marlo Berberian penned this spirited song. NKLAI and Taylor Morrow produced. “Soulsucker / You found a different lover / You always kept me down / And now I’m looking for an upper.” Sigh, love will make you do crazy and risky things… and drugs… BOYR!OT, specifically Driscoll in the first verse, tries to convince us they’re unbothered, but the chorus confirms being bothered.

“Even though you’re just a

Hot mess

Such a fucking

Actress

Was I just a conquest

Use someone else

I guess

I just failed

Your Chem test

Wish you all the best, Jess

Use someone else…”

‘Jess’ deserves the “Go fuck yourself” by BOYR!OT that concludes the lengthy but potent chorus. Brendan shines in the second verse, taking over the lead vocals. Greg and Brendan serve up high-flying, energetic vocals – you buy what they sell. The lyrics are believable – emotional and honest. The instrumental rocks. What more can you ask for? “ALL THE BEST, JESS!” is the best!

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: July 2024

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9. Dexys Midnight Runners, “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 no. 1 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 10^th 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 ode 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. Do you know what else is different for the synth-heavy 1980s? “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.

Appears in 🔻:

Dexys Midnight Runners, Come On Eileen: 1 Hit WONDERful 23 (2024)

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10. Cole Blundin, “Miles”

“Miles” // Cole Blundin Music // 2024

“Will you ever be more than a destination baby?” A destination Cole Blundin? That sounds like an ultra-familiar app with a distinct sound effect. In his debut single, “Miles”, the handsome and talented Berklee College of Music grad is falling for this guy. He is seeking more than just hooking up. The fun and refreshing “Miles” was written and produced by Blundin. “Miles” has ample positives. The production is sleek – superbly executed by Blundin. It begins with a danceable, thudding, four-on-the-floor groove which evolves into more. Later, there’s a sickening saxophone solo with jazzy piano comping. The sound palette and arrangement are ear-catching. Besides his work behind the boards, Cole sings fabulously. His tone is beautiful, rich, and robust. He sings with ample expression without overreaching. He serves up some fine vocal ad-libs and delivers colorful vocal effects. That leaves the songwriting, which is a vibe itself. The lyrics are flirty, playful, and sexy but tasteful. My favorite verse is the second where Cole is ‘catching feelings’ for him: “My mom caught on / I smiled too much / Now you’re the subject of 20 questions.” Aww! The best section is the chorus which is catchy as albeit:

“Miles

Why you gotta be miles away?

All I think about

Is ways to make you stay

Hey, Miles

Why you gotta be miles away?

There’s no holdin’ back

Road’s already paved

So, give me the distance

I’ll do the miles.”

Cole Blundin serves up a sickening two-and-a-half-minute bop with “Miles”. Bravo!

Appears in 🔻:

11 Songs That Are Driven by Miles (2024)

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11. Kendrick Lamar, “Meet The Grahams”

“meet the grahams” // Kendrick Lamar / Interscope // 2024

“Dear Adonis / I’m sorry that that man is your father, let me be honest.” Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar is savage on “meet the grahams”, a scathing diss track aimed at Drake (Aubrey Graham). In his response to Drizzy’s “Family Matters”, Kendrick addresses members of the Graham family, including Drake’s son, mom, and father. He doesn’t hold back from rapping numerous eyebrow-raising lyrics and making newfound allegations against the Canadian musician. The six-and-a-half-minute banger is produced by The Alchemist. He gives Lamar a dark, evil instrumental to demolish Drizzy.

The first verse is addressed to Adonis, Drake’s son. Kendrick criticizes Drake’s parenting and tells Adonis he needs “good leadership / Let me be your mentor since your daddy don’t teach you shit.” He also informs him, “[I] wish your grandpa woulda wore a condom.” He also takes shots at Drizzy’s blackness. In the second verse, he addresses Drake’s mom, Sandra. “Sandra, sit down, what I’m about to say is heavy, now listen / … Your son’s a sick man with sick thoughts, I think niggas like him should die.” Wow… In this wild verse, he criticizes Dennis Graham, likens Drizzy to Harvey Weinstein, blasts his treatment of black women, and alleges there are sex offenders on his OVO payroll. Gah-day-um! In the third verse, he addresses an alleged daughter. There is no evidence of Drake having a secret daughter, but the rapper runs with it. “Yes, he’s a hitmaker, songwriter, superstar, right / And a fuckin’ deadbeat that should never say More Life / Meet the Grahams.” Finally, in verse four, Kendrick addresses Drake himself. Why did “meet the grahams” have to happen? Per K-Dot, “But you fucked up the moment you called out my family’s name.” Kendrick Lamar obliterates Drake.

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: May 2024

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12. Mad Tsai, “mad’s world”

“mad’s world” // Mad Tsai // 2023

“If I could escape the thoughts in my brain / I would travel far, so fucking far away.” A bomb has been dropped by Mad Tsai – WOO! First and foremost, let’s take an opportunity to appreciate how fierce (and handsome) Mad Tsai looks on the cover art of his single, “mad’s world”. He’s emotional, judging by the excepted lyrics from the first verse, f-bomb and all, but his profane, emotional ways are our listening pleasure. Ultimately, as fierce as Tsai looks, he’s equal if not more fierce on this marvelous single.

First and foremost, Mad Tsai delivers solid vocals. He sounds expressive, and he serves up tasteful runs. Besides his tone, I ❤️ his brutal honesty in the lyrics. In the memorable first chorus, he goes on to sing, “Ain’t it fun growing up? / Wishing you were never made / My head is fucked, don’t know what / What is real and what is fake.” Damn, Tsai. He’s in a sus place, in the outro adding, “Crazy, psychopathic, and deranged / It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world / And I’m the king,” but it’s an epic listening experience. Making things even more thrilling are the old-school, retro-pop touches and a dramatic backdrop. Produced by ‘the king’ himself, “mad’s world” also incorporates some rock cues – in a pop sense, if you will. The guitars and keys shine, with that guitar solo being sweet. All told, just to be part of “mad’s world” is an honor, pain, and all!

~ Table of Contents ~

13. Thomas Rhett, “Mamaw’s House” (Ft. Morgan Wallen)

20 Number Ones // Big Machine Label Group, LLC // 2023

Country singer Morgan Wallen has a hot hand ] when it comes to chart success beyond country. Can you blame fellow country musician Thomas Rhett for collaborating with him? “Mamaw’s House” appears on Rhett’s compilation album, 20 Number Ones. The sentimental, thoughtful record, which is country to the core, was written by Wallen, Rhett, Matt Dragstrem, and Chase McGill. Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure produce. It commences with an intro performed by Wallen: “Sorry, y’all, my Mamaw called me, I’ll, I’ll be right back…” He proceeds to perform the first verse and chorus, recalling the sights, sounds, and smells of his Grandma’s house. Of course, “Cussin’ and complainin’ weren’t allowed at Mamaw’s house.” This is giving typical country music vibes, particularly the chorus:

“If every nightstand had a Bible, every front porch had a swing

If every backyard had a garden, eveyr front door had a screen

Well, maybe this crazy world would straighten up and slow on down

If every town had a Mamaw’s house.”

Rhett performs the second verse, which continues the nostalgic vibes and meaningfulness of Mamaw’s house. He recalls things she said, “like ‘hellfire,’ ‘tarnation,’ and ‘I reckon’s’.” He performs the second chorus, before Wallen returns for the bridge, and then both share the final chorus. All in all, “Mamaw’s House” is reflective, sentimental, and thoughtful.

~ Table of Contents ~

14. Aerosmith, “Janie’s Got a Gun”

Pump // Geffen // 1989

“Now that Janie’s got a gun / She ain’t never gonna be the same.” What a statement Steven Tyler and Aerosmith make on “Janie’s Got a Gun”. “Janie’s Got a Gun” appears as the fifth track on the band’s 1989 LP, Pump. A hit single, it peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990. Not only was it successful on the charts, but it also earned Aerosmith one of its four Grammys, for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. “Janie’s Got a Gun” was written by Tyler and Tom Hamilton. The late Bruce Fairbairn produced the gem which benefits from rocking production and a bright, exuberant sound.

It’s surprising that “Janie’s Got a Gun” does sound bright – the content is dark! What isn’t surprising is the fact that we get high-flying, rousing vocals by Steven Tyler. That, of course, is the expectation from the iconic, gifted frontman. The songwriting, coupled with the tuneful melodies, make “Janie’s Got a Gun” the ‘sugar honey iced tea.’ “They say when Janie was arrested / They found him underneath the train,” Tyler sings in the second verse. He adds, “But man, he had it comin’ / Now that Janie’s got a gun / She ain’t never gonna be the same.” So, how and why did he have it comin’? Well, her daddy “Jacked a little bitty baby /… They say the spell that he was under / The lightening and the thunder / Knew that someone had to stop the rain.” Controversial justice, right? Of course, Tyler fills us in on how things went down with Janie: “She had to take him down easy / And put a bullet in his brain / She said, ‘cause nobody believe me / The man was such a sleaze / He ain’t never gonna be the same.” Facts – he’s dead! “Janie’s Got a Gun” is one of the best rock songs of the late 80s and early 90s – a tour de force by Aerosmith.

Appears in 🔻:

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15. Four Tops, “Bernadette”

Reach Out // Motown // 1967

A signature introduction goes a long way. “Bernadette” has one of those that makes it distinct. The classic from the iconic soul collective, Four Tops, appears as the 9^th track from their 1967 LP, Reach Out. “Bernadette” was written by the iconic team of Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, and Lamont Dozier. Furthermore, Dozier and Brian Holland produced the hit, which peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The instrumental is stellar, thanks especially to the epic groove and robust bass line. The arrangement and production are on point.

The songwriting is another selling point of “Bernadette.” The theme is love, and Four Tops has plenty of love for Bernadette. “Some go on searching their whole life through / And never find the love I’ve found in you,” Levi Stubbs sings in the first verse. He excels as the lead vocalist, delivering a commanding, exuberant, and ultra-soulful performance. In the second verse, he sings, “Some other men, they long to control you… / But how can they control you, Bernadette? / When they cannot control themselves, Bernadette.” Beyond Stubbs’ lead, there are fabulous background vocals. The chorus is key as there is no shortage of mention of – you guessed it – Bernadette. Equally alluring is the bridge, which contrasts and separates itself melodically and harmonically from the verses and chorus.

“In your arms, I find the kind of peace of mind

The world is searching for

But you, you give me the joy this heart of mine

Has always been longing for.”

Four Tops were the stuff, PERIOD. “Bernadette” ranks among their greatest hits of all time. This elite cut speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

15 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 4 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Aftermath, Big Machine Label Group, LLC, BOYR!OT, Cole Blundin Music, gamma., Geffen, Interscope, Mad Tsai, Maybach Music Group, Motown, Omar Apollo, Open Shift, Shady, UMG Recordings, Inc., Venice Music, Warner, Warner Strategic Marketing; EFRA MAGAZINE, GlassesShop GS, Jonathan Silva, Leonardo Goncalves wild, Murat IŞIK, Rajeev Singh, Simon Schlee, Vanessa Pozos from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

15 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 4 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on September 11, 2024September 11, 2024