15 Songs That Highlight the Power of TOO

Reading Time: 16 min read

15 Songs That Highlight the Power of TOO features music courtesy of Bee Gees, Hozier, Jung Kook, Kacey Musgraves, SZA, and Taylor Swift.

Ah, TOO – “whatta word, whatta word, whatta word, whatta mighty good word!” What better way to celebrate this adverb than referencing a Salt-N-Pepa / En Vogue, 1990s bop! TOO doesn’t need much introduction or analysis – it does what it does, baby! Furthermore, when it comes to playlisting, there are a shite-ton of too songs. It’s giving an infinite amount – those already released in the past as well as future too songs. Focusing on the fifteen song-strong 15 Songs That Highlight the Power of TOO, it features TOO music courtesy of Bee Gees, Hozier, Jung Kook, Kacey Musgraves, SZA, and Taylor Swift among others. So, without prolonging this ridiculous introductory paragraph anymore because it’s wasting TOO much time, let’s jump right into 15 Songs That Highlight the Power of TOO, shall we?!

1. Hozier, “Too Sweet”

Unreal Unearth: Unheard // Rubyworks Ltd. // 2024

“It can’t be said I’m an early bird / It’s 10 o’clock before I say a word.” Word, indeed! Grammy-nominated, Irish singer/songwriter Hozier (Andrew John Hozier-Byrne) is a straight-up vibe – you heard it, rather, read it here, folks! The socially conscious “Take Me to Church” speaks for itself as one of the best songs of the 2010s. Beyond “Church,” Hozier has written and recorded some fantastic songs, including a second, top-five Billboard Hot 100 hit, the no. 1 hit, “Too Sweet”. “Too Sweet,” from his 2024 EP, Unheard, and the expanded edition of his 2023 LP, Unreal Unearth (Unreal Unearth: Unheard), is sugary sweet, and perfect in every way. He penned this opening earworm alongside Stuart Johnson, Tyler Mehlenbacher, and producers Bēkon, Peter Gonzales, Sergiu Gherman (Chakra also produces).

“Too Sweet” features smart, often poetic lyricism from Hozier – we expect no less. That said, the song isn’t difficult to decipher or decode. Hozier has been in a relationship with her, but he knows that she is “too sweet” for him – they’re incompatible. “You keep tellin’ me to live right / To go to bed before the daylight,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “But when you wake up for the sunrise / You know you don’t gotta pretend. He paints the picture of a more polished person – “Pretty as a vine / As sweet as a grape / If you can sit in a barrel / Maybe I’ll wait / Until that day” – which is not who he is or desires to be with. Hence, that’s why he asserts in the centerpiece, the chorus, “I think I’ll take my whiskey neat / My coffee black and my bed at three / You’re too sweet for me / You’re too sweet for me.” In addition to a masterful pen, Hozier sings delightfully, while the instrumental backdrop is DEFINITELY – wait for it – “Too Sweet”!

Appears in 🔻:

Hozier, Too Sweet: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 30 (2024)

2. Kacey Musgraves, “Too Good to be True” 

Deeper Well // Interscope / MCA Nashville // 2024

“Made some breakfast, made some love / This is what dreams are made of.” “Too Good to Be True” marks the reflective, second single from Deeper Well, the sixth studio album from Grammy-winning country musician, Kacey Musgraves. “Too Good to Be True” was penned by Musgraves alongside Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, and Anna Nalick. Musgraves produced the mellow number with Tashian and Fitchuk as well.  Initially, this sub-three-minute cut features rhythmic guitar accompaniment. Upon the arrival of the second verse, the instrumentation grows fuller, including an anchoring drum groove and synthesizer. The sound is fabulous but the biggest claim to fame are those signature calm, cool, and collected vocals by Musgraves.  The melodies she sings are memorable too. Also, throw in some harmonized vocals at select moments and the listening experience is – wait for it – too good to be true. Thematically, after seeing the worst of love (divorce), Musgraves is opening herself up to love again. “Summer’s gone and you’re still here / For both of us, it’s been a year,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “A tidal wave without a warning.” In the second, she adds, “I’ll admit that I’m in deep / that I don’t know how else to be / And I don’t wanna slow down.” The chorus, of course, is the crème de la crème:    

“Please don’t make me regret 

Openin’ up that part of myself 

That I’ve been scared to give again 

Be good to me and I’ll be good to you 

But please don’t be too good to be true.”    

“Too Good to be True” isn’t a dynamic record, but marks a beautiful, enjoyable, and well-rounded offering.  

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: March 2024

3. Ro James, “Too Much” (Ft. Miguel)

MANTIC // RCA // 2020 

“Is it too much? / Wonder how much more of this can I take.” Hmm, sounds like Grammy-nominated R&B singer Ro James is being pushed to the limit on “Too Much”. “Too Much” appears on his underrated 2020 sophomore album, MANTIC. The production is lush (Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman and Caston Grigsby), the vibe chill and relaxed, while the tempo relies on fewer BPMs. James showcases his vocal chops, presenting a mix of overt, powered vocals, some sweet falsetto, as well as effects-altered vocals, constructing a colorful, intriguing performance. Of course, the ‘too much-ness’ comes into play with LOVE. “I’ve been searchin’ for too long to let it go / You were my prescription to my antidote,” James sings on the first verse.  In the pre-chorus, he makes it clear that neither him nor his bae “Ain’t shit,” yet, “Ooh, you know we can’t quit, you know it.” The second verse perfectly captures the tumultuous nature of the relationship, where James suggest they build the chaos and dysfunction into, say, “A relationship like Bey and Jay.” While I would’ve loved to hear a full verse or bridge from Grammy-winning featured guest Miguel, it’s hard to deny how dope “Too Much” truly is. 

Appears in 🔻:

Too Much: 5ive Songs No. 30 (2021)

4. SZA, “Too Late”

SOS // Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA // 2022

“And if it’s just us, is that enough? / Is it bad that I want more?” Hmm, that is a question… rather, two questions.  Now, to provide some context! Phew 😅, it was a long time coming but finally, in December 2022, Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter SZA released her sophomore album, SOS. Although a long project, SOS was triumphant from start to finish, finding SZA being transparent about her defunct relationship and seeking fulfillment through sex with others.  On “Too Late,” the 17th track from the LP (!), she continues to desire reconciliation with her ex. “Is it too late for us? We both dangers / Movin’ so close, we combust / Is it bad that I want more?” she sings in the chorus, continuing, “Is it too late for us? / We both scared of love…” She asks the right questions but given everything she’s opened up about at this point, it does indeed feel too late for them to ‘try again.’ Still, see the second verse, where that S-E-X seems like motivation (“See, bust it like a toolie in your waistband / Bust it like that booty too big and you need two hands”). We’ll leave it there 😈!  

Appears in 🔻:

13 Late, Lately, or Later Songs (2023)

5. Bee Gees, “Too Much Heaven”

Spirits Having Flown // Capitol Music Group // 1979

“Nobody gets too much heaven no more / It’s much harder to come by, I’m waiting in line.” The glorious “Too Much Heaven” appears as the second track from Spirits Having Flown, the 1979 album by iconic, Grammy-winning pop trio, Bee Gees. Brothers Barry Gibb, Maurice Gibb, and Robin Gibb earned 15 top-10 hits with 9 of those reaching no. 1. It shouldn’t be shocking that “Too Much Heaven” has the distinction of spending two weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Brothers Gibb penned this stunning ballad, producing alongside Karl Richardson and Albhy Galuten. The backdrop is nothing short of refined – exquisite, lust, and sophisticated to the nth degree. The sound is idiomatic of the symphonic arrangements that graced much of soul and pop music during the 70s.

The sound of “Too Much Heaven” is a big deal. Even bigger, however, are the vocals. Barry Gibb delivers celestial lead vocals that are ultra-refined. His tone and the falsetto is nothing short of epic. Maurice and Robin Gibb sound superb as well, filling out golden vocal harmonies that sound flawless – as perfect as possible. Truly, the trio emulate heaven as they sing with incredible ease yet pack a mighty punch. Adding to the excellence beyond the production and vocals are the melodies – tuneful from the opening tip – as well as the songwriting. The lyrics aren’t complex, but they sufficiently impart the tale. “Ooh, you and me, girl, got a lot of love in store / And it flows through you,” Barry sings in the first verse, adding in the second, “Oh, you make my world a summer day / Are you just a dream to fade away?” Aww! There’s more, of course: “When you are to me the light above / Made for all to see our precious love.” Of course, the centerpiece – the crème de la crème – is the chorus. Excerpted at the top, it continues, sublimely, “Nobody gets too much love anymore / It’s as wide as a river and harder to climb.” “Too Much Heaven” doesn’t require extensive instrumental or lyrical analysis. Its greatness speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:

Bee Gees, Too Much Heaven: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 55 (2024)

6. Taylor Swift, “All Too Well (10-Minute Version)”

Red (***Taylor’s Version*) // Taylor Swift // 2021** 

Taylor Swift is one of the savviest businesswomen in the game, ensuring she gets the proper compensation and the rights to her music. In 2021, she released the re-recorded version of her critically acclaimed album, Red, as Red (Taylor’s Version). Among the best instances of recapturing the past and incorporating the present on Red (Taylor’s Version) is the fabulous, expanded “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).”

The original version and the shorter “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)”, are strong.  That said, “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” is EPIC – a juggernaut to say the least!  What stands out most is what makes Taylor Swift elite – her songwriting. Yes, her voice sounds great, but it’s her pen – the lyrics – that shine. Verse after verse on this expanded version, Swift unleashes greatness.  Furthermore, back in 2012, would we ever expect to hear the clean-cut Swift dare utter “And you were tossing me the keys / ‘Fuck the patriarchy’ / Key chain on the ground, we were always skipping town?” Those lyrics rank among my favorites. Of course, the chorus and its variations are the centerpiece – catchy and memorable to the nth degree.   

“‘Cause there we are again in the middle of the night 

We’re dancing ‘round the kitchen in the refrigerator light 

Down the stairs, I was there 

I remember it all too well.” 

Appears in 🔻:

7. Jake Shears, “Too Much Music” 

Last Man Dancing // Boys Keep Swinging / Mute Artists Ltd. // 2023 

“There can never been too much music.” Amen, Jake Shears (Jake Sellards), you handsome, talented man, you! The former, Scissor Sisters front man returned with his sophomore album, Last Man Dancing, in 2023. Leading the charge was his infectious promo single, “Too Much Music”. The production (Ryland Blackinton and Vaughn Oliver) is exuberant and spirited, perfectly suiting the voice and personality of Shears.  That beat instantly makes you want to get that disco finger up and hit the dance floor.  Shears penned “Too Much Music” alongside Blackinton, Oliver, and Dominic Thomas.  There are plenty of fun, noteworthy lyrics such as, “Oh, I feel the sweetest salvation / Flowing through this heart of mine / I see the blooms of a budding spring / Your love, it makes me get up and sing.” Awe-inspiring! Basically, Shears informs us, we’ve arrived, baby – Let the music take control!   

Appears in 🔻:  

8. The Kid LAROI, Jung Kook & Central Cee, “TOO MUCH”

THE FIRST TIME // Columbia // 2023

“Let me love you the way that I do now / I never knew how.” Well, that’s sad 😢.  What isn’t sad is a superstar collaboration between Australian pop artist, The Kid LAROI (Charlton Howard), South Korean pop singer, Jung Kook, and British rapper, Central Cee, on “TOO MUCH”. “TOO MUCH” was written by Howard and Central Cee alongside Billy Walsh, Blake Slatkin, Emile Haynie, Jasper Harris, Justin Bieber, and Omer Fedi. Fedi, Harris, Slatkin, and Haynie also produced the song, which appears as the fifth track on The Kid LAROI’s 2023 debut LP, THE FIRST TIME. Jung Kook, the first voice we hear, sings the chorus in lovely fashion. “Uh, if we had the chance and the time to spend / Would you do it again? Would you do it again?” he sings, adding, “Was it too much?” The Kid LAROI contributes the titular lyric, before taking the reins in the first verse. Matters of the heart dictate as he depicts a failing relationship. He delivers one of his best sung performances. In the pre-chorus, he misses her ‘something fierce,’ asserting, “So, I’m layin’ in my bed, tripped off the shrooms / I’ll be dead before I’m without you now / Realizin’ I’m addicted to you now.” Central Cee gets in on the action in the second verse, serving as the main reason “TOO MUCH” earns the parental advisory sticker 🤬.  His British accent adds some charm: “When your girlfriends tell you I been fuckin’ ‘round / Would you believe me if I told you that they lyin’ and that’s just a rumor.” Supported by a banging beat and colorful backdrop, The Kid LAROI, Jung Kook, and Central Cee put together a fun one.

9. Meghan Trainor, “Me Too”

Thank You // Epic // 2016

“If I were you, I’d wanna be me too.” Oh snap, Meghan Trainor! Throughout her career, the Grammy-winning pop musician has never lacked confidence. A prime example is her polarizing single, “Me Too,” which appeared on her 2016 sophomore album, Thank You. It was written by Trainor, Peter Svensson, Jason Derulo, Jacob Kasher, and producer, Ricky Reed. Commercially successful, “Me Too” reached no. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA. Despite its success, many have cried foul about the single. Yes, we understand what Trainor attempted to do – self-belief and self-empowerment. However, her attempts have the adverse effect 😬. Narcissism has been thrown around a lot when discussing “Me Too.” Rather than trying/wanting to be you Meghan, shouldn’t we just be true to self and love ourselves? “Me Too” makes it easy to flip the script, which is arguably one of its flaws.

10. Jung Kook, “Too Sad to Dance”

GOLDEN // BIGHIT MUSIC // 2023

💔 has Jung Kook feeling 😢 on “Too Sad to Dance,” the ninth track from the K-Pop singer’s debut LP, GOLDEN. Despite going to the club and drinking (verse one), he’s ultimately “too sad to dance.” In the second verse, the sadness continues: “And this Christmas, I got no gifts / Do I really deserve all this? / So, I head straight down to the liquor store.” While he never overcomes loneliness in this pleasant number, his Pops does give him sound advice in the final verse, prior to the instrumental outro: “Walk that walk alone / And talk that talk, you know / ‘Cause you don’t need no one to dance.”

11. Next, “Too Close” (Ft. Vernell “Vee” Sales)  

Rated Next // Arista // 1997   

“I wonder if she could tell I’m hard right now.” Damn, that’s an eyebrow raising lyric, from the intro of the Next classic, “Too Close”.  Honestly, the transparency regarding a boner sets the tone for this beloved, naughty contemporary R&B cut from 1997 album, Rated Next.  As a child, when “Too Close” reached no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, I didn’t catch all the sexy references. As a fully matured adult, starting with the opening boner, the intimacy, or desire for intimacy, is fully erect! The chorus alone was enough to send “Too Close” to the top of the charts. Even to this day, it’s one of the more memorable choruses of the 1990s. Interestingly, most people butcher the words. See the often flubbed, opening lyric of the chorus:      

“Baby, when we’re grindin’, I get so excited  

Ooh how I like it, I try but I can’t fight it  

Oh, you’re dancin’ real close, plus it’s real, real slow  

You know you’re makin’ it hard for me.”      

With grindin’ being confirmed, that explains the excitement.  The verses emphasize the desire, the lust, the sheer horniness. Perhaps more erect is the pre-chorus, when Vernell “Vee” Sales sings, “Step back, you’re dancin’ kinda close / I feel a little poke comin’ through on you.” What more is there to be said thematically?  Musically, “Too Close” benefits from smooth, rhythmic production (Kay Gee) that helps to fuel its sensual fire. This joint remains sexy AF to this day.   

Appears in 🔻:   

12. MGMT, “She Works Out Too Much”

Little Dark Age // Columbia // 2018  

“But I’m constantly swiping and tapping / It’s never relaxing, I need a new routine.” Intriguing. Please, tell us more. “Welcome to the shitshow / Grab a comfortable seat / Find me in the front row / Facing the music, anyone can see.” Oh, snap 🫰! Trippy alternative collective MGMT returned in 2018 after nearly a five-year hiatus.  That’s right, Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser dropped their fourth studio album, Little Dark Age. Little Dark Age deserved a Grammy nomination – it was among the best alternative music projects of 2018.  No need to “cry over spilled milk,” let’s focus on hitting up the gym, or perhaps, cutting back from the gym on “She Works Out Too Much.”

“Don’t take it the wrong way  

I can never keep up  

Sick of liking your selfies  

Should’ve gone with my gut.” 

On “She Works Out Too Much,” MGMT speaks on the fakeness, shallowness, and superficiality of some modern relationships.  Musically, this record sounds like a mix of 80s exercise music, psychedelia, and synth-pop.  “(He’s trying) / (She works out too much) / The only reason we never worked out was / He didn’t work out,” VanWyngarden sings in the chorus, repeatedly. WORD. Of the ‘Tinder’ song, VanWyngarden tells Uproxx, “I think we’re joking at ourselves for being a little out of touch… We’re in our mid-30s and we collect records and we’re pretty out of touch with what’s popular.” 

Appears in 🔻:  

13. Right Said Fred, “I’m Too Sexy”

Up // Gut Reaction, Ltd. // 1992

“I’m too sexy for my shirt / Too sexy for my shirt / So sexy it hurts.” If you’ve got it, flaunt it, right? Richard Fairbrass of Right Said Fred didn’t see the need to keep his shirt on, so, he took it off! “I’m Too Sexy” appeared as the third track on the English band’s 1992 album, Up. Both campy and infectious to the nth degree, the single spent three weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The platinum certified single is a prime example of a one-hit-wonder. Fairbrass isn’t only too sexy for his shirt – he’s too sexy for anywhere! This over sexiness includes being “Too sexy for Milan / New York, and Japan,” “Too sexy for my car,” Too sexy for my cat,” and “Too sexy for my love.” Going back to the cat, specifically, Fairbrass adds, “Poor pussy, poor pussy cat.” Ooh-wee! Of course, there’s one more set of lyrics worth analyzing – the chorus! “I’m a model, you know what I mean / And I do my little turn on the catwalk.” Confidence isn’t a bad thing as long as you’re not too cocky or hedonistic! Obviously, the lyrics aren’t deep – cringe to the nth degree – but also fun and silly. The music video only amplifies the cringe, but that’s the intent. The instrumental is groovy to the nth degree – it screams dance floor! Notably, this Tommy D-produced joint samples three songs: “Third Stone from the Sun” (Jimi Hendrix), “Think (About It)” (Lyn Collins), and “Hot Pants (Bonus Beats)” (Bobby Byrd). Even if “I’m Too Sexy” is that one-hit-wonder you roll your eyes at every time it comes on, you can’t deny it’s impact in pop culture. Oh, and it’s been sampled in other songs by big-name artists such as Drake, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé.

Appears in 🔻:

Right Said Fred, I’m Too Sexy: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 9 (2024)

14. Sam Smith, “Too Good at Goodbyes”

The Thrill of It All // Capitol // 2017

Academy- and Grammy-award winning pop singer/songwriter Sam Smith made a big-time return in 2017 with “Too Good at Goodbyes”. The multiplatinum, promo single from The Thrill of it All reached no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Smith sounds absolutely gorgeous, showing off their unique vocal tone and brilliant falsetto. The verses are distinct of one another in this ballad yet written similarly.  A refrain follows both verses, in advance of the pre-chorus. The pre-chorus, a key section, begins to intensify the emotions:

“And every time you hurt me, the less that I cry 

And every time you leave me, the quicker these tears dry 

And every time you walk out, the less I love you 

Baby, we don’t stand a chance, it’s sad but it’s true.” 

The production (Jimmy Napes, Steve Fitzmaurice, and StarGate) expands beginning on the chorus.  Here, Smith has backing vocals supporting them. By the return of the chorus towards the end, Smith loosens up more, delivering some awesome vocal runs. Smith may be “too good at goodbyes” but they’re also good at singing, songwriting, and the whole pop artist thing.  

Appears in 🔻:

15. Luther Vandross, “Never Too Much” 

Never Too Much // Sony // 1981

“Too much, never too much, never too much, never too much!” The late, great, Grammy-winner Luther Vandross recorded and released his staple, “Never Too Much”, back in 1981. Hard to believe this timeless joint is more than four decades old! It commenced Vandross’ debut album, Never Too Much.  Notably, another beloved greatest hit of Vandross’ appears on the album: “A House is Not a Home”. So, why is “Never Too Much” so awesome? First and foremost, LUTHER VANDROSS.  Few singers could match the smoothness, tone, phrasing, and overall ease with which he sang.  In this quick, groovy 80s soul cut, he never sounds as if he ever breaks a sweat while singing it.  Beyond the vocal performance, the songwriting and the production are utterly sublime, both of which are also handled by Vandross.  With talented instrumentalists behind him, as well as some background vocals, the sound is celestial.  The melody he composed and performs is elite, with the quick, rhythmic lines on the verses and longer, more connected passages on the chorus, capped off by “Too much, never too much, never too much, never too much” that commenced this blurb.   

“Oh, my love 

A thousand kisses from you is never too much 

I just don’t wanna stop 

Oh, my love 

A million days in your arms is never too much 

I just don’t wanna stop.” 

Appears in 🔻:

Too Much: 5ive Songs No. 30 (2021)

15 Songs That Highlight the Power of TOO (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, BIGHIT MUSIC, Boys Keep Swinging, Capitol Music Group, Columbia, Epic, Gut Reaction Ltd., Interscope, MCA Nashville, Mute Artists Ltd., RCA, Rubyworks Ltd., Sony, Taylor Swift, Top Dawg Entertainment; goosebumps98 from Pixabay]

15 Songs That Highlight the Power of TOO | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on May 1, 2024May 1, 2024