15 Songs Where Want, or Lack Thereof, is Real | Playlist 🎧

1. Juice WRLD, “I Want It”

Legends Never Die • Interscope • 2020

“Fuck on a private jet, ain’t nowhere safe now / Baby, hold me down and stay down / Goin’ in raw, want you to feel me, I’m not playin’ around / Your heart is my safe house.” Juice WRLD tragically passed away in December 2019 just days after his 21st birthday.  It seems as if the popular rapper’s demise came at the hands of one of his demons, drugs.  Even though he is no longer with us, his music and his spirit live on. Tans and stans get a huge treat with the release of his posthumous album, Legends Never Die, which easily debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200. Furthermore, the late rapper provides us with a fitting entry on 15 SONGS WHERE WANT, OR LACK THEREOF, IS REAL: “I Want It.”

“Baby girl, don’t run from me, don’t run, I want it.” That’s about the size of it on “I Want It.”  Here, Juice WRLD likens drugs and infatuation.

“I know you don’t trust me
I’m sedated, baby, baby, did you drug me?”

Wow! He asks this question on the pre-chorus that precedes the aforementioned chorus where he makes it crystal clear, he ‘wants it.’

2. Teyana Taylor, “How You Want It?”

Ft. King Combs

The Album • Getting Out Our Dreams, Inc. / Def Jam • 2020

“How You Want It” is one of the highlights from The Album, the third album from actress/R&B singer Teyana Taylor. “How You Want It” appears near the end of this lengthy affair, and enlists the services of King Combs.  If the last name ‘Combs’ sounds familiar, well, that’s because King just happens to be the song of hip-hop royalty, Puff Daddy (Sean Combs).  Now, the question is how the recipient wants to receive his “gift!”

“You my MVP
Tonight, I plan on fucking you to sleep
Too, to, to put it deep
Baby, you know I’m a different type of freak.”

Woo! “How You Want It?” has some of that 90s New Jack Swing nostalgia, only it’s updated for 2020. There’s no letdown on Taylor’s end – she remains locked TF in within the context of The Album.  The aforementioned verse shows you exactly where she’s coming from, and the chorus only continues the freaky experience.

“Tell me what you want (How you want it?)
Ass up and face down with the loving
Baby, let me know when you need it
Four-course meal, chow down when you eat it
Make me curl my toes (Tell me)
What’s the quickest way to turn you on?
I’m on it, middle of the night
Tell me what you want.”

Following a number of solo cuts, after the beginning of The Album is dominated with features, it’s actually refreshing to get the King Combs feature.  He asserts, so ‘tastefully,’ “I’ma stand in that pussy, have you folding up (Uh-huh) / Face down, ass up, girl, you know what’s up.” Wow!

3. Luke Bryan, “What She Wants Tonight”

Born Here Live Here Die Here • Capitol Nashville • 2020

“She gets what she wants / And I get to be what she wants tonight.” Sounds ideal, Luke Bryan! On his seventh studio album, Born Here Live Here Die Here, the country star delivers a respectable if safe and un-innovative effort – just being honest.  That said, “What She Wants Tonight” is among the better songs on this short album.

In the context of Born Here Live Here Die Here, “What She Wants Tonight” feels like a fitting follow-up to “Knockin’ Boots”.  Sure, ‘her wants’ are probably best executed in the hands of her, a woman, but Bryan successfully paints a picture of a woman who’s an absolute badass. To be fair, Hillary Lindsey serves as a co-writer, bringing the femininity into the mix. Basically, this girl is in charge and Luke is all-in.

4. Fiona Apple, “I Want You to Love Me”

Fetch the Bolt Cutters • Epic • 2020

From the start of Fetch the Bolt Cutters, the long-awaited, comeback album by Grammy winner Fiona Apple, the LP is quite a listening experience.  According to Apple (Vulture), “I Want You to Love Me” is something of a ‘nonspecific love song’ – “The songs change who they’re about.” As the title suggests, Fiona wants him to love her, something she poetically expresses throughout.

Apple is quite aggressive about her desired on the bridge:

“And I know that you know that you got
The potential to pick me up
And I want you to use it, blast the music
Bang it, bite it, bruise it
Whenever you want to begin, begin
We don’t have to go back to where we’ve been.”

Besides love, Apple makes references to a life changing meditative experience, which she also opens up about to Vulture.  Musically, the instrumentation is minimal – piano/keyboard, bass, and drums.  This is very much art pop, exemplified especially by the distinct, playful ending.

5. Post Malone, “Take What You Want”

Ft. Ozzy Osbourne & Travis Scott

Hollywood’s Bleeding • Republic • 2019

Hollywood’s Bleeding – certainly a dramatic album title by Post Malone to say the least. Post amplifies the pop more pronouncedly on Hollywood’s Bleeding compared to his debut, Stoney, or sophomore LP, Beerbongs & Bentleys.  One of the awesome songs on Hollywood’s Bleeding highlighted previously in September 2019 is “Take What You Want.”

“I feel you crumble in my arms down to your heart of stone / You bled me dry just like the tears you never show / Why don’t you take what you want from me?” “Take What You Want” pairs Post Malone with Ozzy Osbourne (!) and Travis Scott.  Can you say vibes?  Ozzy Osbourne sounds particularly awesome here, singing the aforementioned chorus at the beginning and following Travis Scott’s verse (verse two).  Of course, Post sings the first verse and his own version of the incredibly catchy chorus following his verse.  Easily among the crème de la crème of Hollywood’s Bleeding and a pretty rad song outside the confines of the album.  “Take What You Want” also previously appeared on 15 T Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason.

6. Snoh Aalegra, “I Want You Around”

-Ugh, those feels again • Artium Recordings, LLC / AWAL Recordings America, Inc. • 2019

R&B is worldwide baby! Yes, we already knew this, but what better way to affirm such than by example. Snoh Aalegra was born in Sweden to Iranian parents – quite interesting if I do say so myself.  Furthermore, she’s now based in the City of Angels, Los Angeles.  When you think of Sweden or Iran, R&B definitely isn’t the style of music that comes to mind, yet, that’s what Snoh Nowrozi brings us, and it is LIT.  A prime example of this LIT-ness occurs on “I Want You Around” from her 2019 sophomore album, -Ugh, those feels again.

“I know that I don’t make things clear (No) / I fall for you every time I try to resist you…” Honestly, “I Want You Around” is self-explanatory. Matters of the heart have Snoh Aalegra in her feels, just as her album title suggests.  She tries to play coy and resist him and his moves, asserting, “I don’t wanna kiss you yet / I just wanna feel you / Feel you.” Ultimately, she simply can’t resist him, no way, no how – she’s infatuated to the nth degree:

“And sit right next to you, you
I try not to show how I feel about you
Thinkin’ we should wait, but we don’t really want to
I just wanna get away
And sit right next to you, you.”

7. 5 Seconds of Summer, “Want You Back”

Youngblood • Capitol • 2018

Initially “Want You Back” commences with ambient production work.  This ambient production signals the stylistic transformation for 5 Seconds of Summer on their third studio album, Youngblood. Luke Hemmings sings smoothly, matching the cool, calm, and collected production of the first verse.

“Can’t help but wondering if this
Is the last tie that I’ll see your face
Is it tears or just the fucking rain?”

Following the mellower, smooth first verse, the chorus is driven by a more commanding groove, which continues for the remainder of the song.  Likewise, Hemmings becomes more aggressive vocally.  The chorus is the centerpiece of “Want You Back.”

“No matter where I go
I’m always gonna want you back
No matter how long you’re gone
I’m always gonna want you back
I know you know
I will never get over you
No matter where I go
I’m always gonna want you back
Want you back.”

While nothing brand-new or revolutionary, 5SOS clearly articulates their point. Selling points include the groove, the falsetto, and an enjoyable chorus.

8. BØRNS, “I Don’t Want U Back”

Blue Madonna • Interscope • 2018

“I should’ve known better when you’re coming to bed at four in the morning / I should’ve taken your eyes avoiding me as a warning.” Uh-oh – relationship issues! Michigan bred, Cali-based alternative musician BØRNS nails it on “I Don’t Want U Back”, a single from his 2018 sophomore album, Blue Madonna. The biggest selling point of “I Don’t Want You Back” is his distinct, beautiful voice.

BØRNS exhibits a beastly, yet radiant tone with his high-pitched vocals. The falsetto is masterful to say the least.  Additionally, the production shimmers, while the songwriting is both memorable and thoughtful, particularly the chorus.

“I sleep better than every night you were lying next to me
Don’t wanna see your face, you need to face the facts
I don’t want you back.”

Also, worth noting, “I Don’t Want U Back” received music theory analysis from myself in a short-lived column, and has managed to appear on multiple playlists including 9 Songs Focused on ‘Want’ and 100 Best Songs of 2018.

9. Taylor Swift, “Call It What You Want”

Reputation • Big Machine • 2017

“My castle crumbled overnight / I brought a knife to a gunfight / They took the crown, but it’s alright / All the liars are calling me one / Nobody’s heard from me for months / I’m doin’ better than I ever was…” Oh boy… “Call It What You Want” features a nice introduction to set the tone of the record, which is cool, calm, and collected.  Taylor Swift delivers sexy vocals. While she doesn’t go ‘above and beyond’ or do anything special vocally, she meets expectations on this standout from Reputation. It sounds as if she never has to break a sweat, but still nails that romantic, intimate sound.  In addition to the vibe and pleasant vocals, she’s backed by sleek, modern and, balanced production work, with the drum programming and synths leading the charge.

The catchy chorus is one of the best features of “Call It What You Want.”  Swift references her boyfriend and being in a happy place following adversity.

“My baby’s fit like a daydream
Walking with his head down
I’m the one he’s walking to
So, call it what you want, yeah
Call it what you want to
My baby’s fly like a jet stream
High above the whole scene
Loves me like I’m brand new...”

10. Russ, “What They Want”

There’s Really a Wolf • Columbia • 2017

“What they want, what they want, what they want / Dollar signs, yeah, I know it’s what they want.” There’s Really a Wolf marked the debut album by do-it-yourself, rapper and singer Russ, who has carved success in the industry slowly but steadily. “What They Want” serves as the crowning achievement from his debut LP.

Ultimately, “What They Want” is a relatively brief, simplistic record with minimal production.  Nonetheless, it’s charming, unveiling the rationale for its success.  Once more, Russ touts his self-made status – his “start from the bottom.”

“I Been at this shit for nine years, now they start to call
I’m a DIY pioneer, they try to get involved.”

11. P!nk, “Whatever You Want”

Beautiful Trauma • RCA • 2017

“Running like a dog / Fighting like I bitch too much / And you just can’t stand it baby / Even when I fall / You don’t seem to give two shits…” That’s P!nk in all of her glory! On the pop star’s Beautiful Trauma hit single, “Whatever You Want”, the pros are ample. Look no further than the aforementioned lyrics, which exude attitude and toughness.  That attitude and toughness is further exemplified through gritty vocals.

In addition to a consistent, powerful vocal, the production has more of rock-oriented pop sound.  In the context of Beautiful Trauma itself, this contrasts the urban-pop sound of “Revenge”. Some other cool happenings include a dash of parallel minor during portions of the chorus (it’s in a major key) and of course, the chorus itself.

“I feel like our ship’s going down tonight
But it’s always darkest before the light
And that’s enough for me to try
Whatever you want
Whatever you need
Whatever you do, ah-ah-ah
Even if I say that it’s over now
Even if we want to move on somehow
And just like that we come alive
Whatever you want (ah)
Whatever you need (yeah)
Whatever you do, ah-ah-ah.”

12. Jason Derulo, “Want to Want Me”

Everything is 4 • Warner • 2015

“Girl, you’re the one, I want to want me / And if you want me, girl, you got me.” Simple, but Jason Derulo easily makes his point. An artist known for his success with singles as opposed to albums, that’s the case once more on his 2015 LP, Everything is 4. Don’t get it twisted – it’s a well-rounded affair – but it’s clearly highlighted by Top-five Hot 100 hit, “Want to Want Me.”

For a man who has no shortage of hits, “Want to Want Me” is among the best by Jason Derulo. “Want to Want Me” is successful thanks to its infectious, upbeat vibes, not to mention some of the most elite falsetto of his entire career.

13. Sufjan Stevens, “All of Me Wants All of You”

Carrie & Lowell • Asthmatic Kitty • 2015

“All of Me Wants All of You” maintains the consistency of Sufjan Stevens’ emotional 2015 album, Carrie & Lowell.  He’s emotional because he’s reflecting on his relationship with his estranged mother, as well as her death.  Throughout the majority of his career, Stevens hasn’t ‘rocked the boat’ with much with profanity or sexual matters. It was shocking when he sung, “I’m not fucking around” on the “I Want to Be Well” from his Age of Adz album.

Once again, Sufjan raises eyebrows, but not with any four-letter words: “You checked your texts while I masturbated.” While on the surface level it’s sexual, in the bigger scheme of things, it’s another emotional reaction from Stevens regarding the relationship and lack thereof he experienced with his mother.  That relationship lacked closeness – lacked the intimacy it should’ve possessed.

14. Eamon, “Fuck It (I Don’t Want You Back)”

I Don’t Want You Back • Zomba • 2004

“You played me; you even gave him head.” #TMI. It’s safe to say that R&B singer Eamon was a one-hit wonder.  Can’t be stated enough. What’s surprising is the song that ended up being a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100: “Fuck It (I Don’t Want You Back).” Six years before CeeLo Green changed the game with “Fuck You”, music was even less explicit, so the success of a raunchy joint like “Fuck It (I Don’t Want You Back)” was a total shocker.

“Fuck what I said, it don’t mean shit now
Fuck the presents, might as well throw ‘em out
Fuck all those kisses, they didn’t mean jack
Fuck you, you ho, I don’t want you back.”

Eamon says ‘fuck’ so much it makes any and everybody who hears it want to say it… maybe… maybe not… One thing’s for sure, he makes it ‘fucking’ clear that he doesn’t want her back.  Think about it – “Fuck It (I Don’t Want You Back)” might’ve had even bigger success in 2010s, where songs with f-bombs prominently displayed in their titles became less taboo. Regardless, it shined in 2004, making the f-bomb, well, prominent in mainstream music. It should come as no surprise that this record previously appeared on 25 Colorful Songs, Clearly for Under Consent [of the] King.

15. Queen, “I Want to Break Free”

Bohemian Rhapsody (The Original Soundtrack) • Hollywood • 2018 

“God knows, God knows I want to break free.” “I Want to Break Free” is undoubtedly one of the greatest hits by Queen. Amazingly, the Freddie Mercury fronted rock collective NEVER won a Grammy – ain’t that a big, fat, stinky load of 💩 ? Focusing on the song at hand, “I Want to Break Free” brought the band some controversy.

It’s not the escapist lyrics that are controversial – many people can relate to those in some capacity. It’s the music video, where the band famously dressed up as the cast of the British soap opera, Coronation Street (us Americans are more familiar with Victor Newman and The Young and the Restless, of course).  Flamboyant, as we often associate with Freddie, we come to find out the liberating music video wasn’t actually his idea – now that is shocking.  Unique video aside, the song is Queen through and through with powerful vocals and a rocking backdrop.  “I Want to Break Free” previously appeared on the playlist Free 🆓 3.0: A Compendium of 30 Songs.