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15 Striking Husband & Wife Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Alex Green, Arda Öztürk, Bárbara Marques, Kampus Production, King Shooter, Mikhail Nilov, Moose Photos, Polina Tankilevitch, Trần Long from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]15 Striking Husband & Wife Songs features songs by Eli, Kehlani, Meghan Trainor, RAYE, RYANN, and Walker Hayes.

Where is my husband? Where is my wife? Those are the questions! Or perhaps, if you are me, you’ve resolved yourself to the fact that marriage isn’t in the cards… not to bring down the mood or kill the vibe… Moving on! For the first time, in the nine years of The Musical Hype’s existence, I have compiled a playlist of songs focused on spouses! It’s giving husband and wife songs! There have been plenty of songs written about husbands and or wives, some of which specifically include the word husband or wife.  That is the case with 15 Striking Husband & Wife Songs. Yes, I know, Eminem wrote a song about his ex-wife, Kim, but that controversial track doesn’t make the cut because it doesn’t feature the word wife or husband in its title.  The husband and wife receipts, hence, must be explicit!

@ortaledri

Surprising my shy husband with his favorite Elvis song at our Vegas wedding ended up Elvis enjoyed it more 😭 #canthelpfallinginlove #elvis #wedding #elvispresley

♬ original sound – Ortal Edri

15 Striking Husband & Wife Songs features songs by Eli, Kehlani, Meghan Trainor, RAYE, RYANN, and Walker Hayes. Also, worth noting, Eminem does appear on this list, so Kim is referenced! Another Kim is also referenced, via Kanye West… Enough introductory blurb! Let’s dive into these 15 Striking Husband & Wife Songs, shall we?!


~ Table of Contents ~

1. RAYE, “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” 2. RYANN, “Housewife” 3. Meghan Trainor, “Dear Future Husband” 4. Kehlani, “Lose My Wife”
5. ¥$, Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign, “HUSBAND” 6. Eli, “Wife Pleaser” 7. Mitski, “Me and My Husband” 8. Walker Hayes, “Next Wife”
9. Loo-Loo Belle, “I’ve Locked Hubby in the Red Room” 10. Kacey Musgraves, “good wife” 11. Eminem, “Bad Husband” (Ft. X Ambassadors) 12. Russ, “Wife You Up”
13. Shirley Murdock, “Husband” 14. Next,“Wifey” 15. Roger Miller, “Husbands and Wives”

 


1. RAYE, “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”

“WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” » RAYE / Human Re Sources » 2025

RAYE, “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” [📷: RAYE / Human Re Sources]

“Baby (Woo-hoo), where the hell is my husband? (Woo-hoo) / What is takin’ him so long to find me?”
RAYE (Rachel Keen), I’ve been asking the same question… for a hella long time.  But, this isn’t about me, it’s about the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter who never fails to impress! In “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” she’s waiting for a great man to make her his wife.  She penned and produced  “HUSBAND” alongside Mike Sabath. “Why is this beautiful man waiting for me to get old?” she asks in the first verse, and adds, “Wait till I get my hands on him, I’ma tell him off, too / For how long he kept me waitin’, anticipatin’.”

The loneliness has really gotten to RAYE in the second verse, where, “I’m doing lonely acrobatics, unzipping my dress at 2 am / And I’m tired of living like this.” Her loneliness and yearning are our listening pleasure. From start to finish, RAYE wows with her commanding, distinct, expressive, and nuanced instrument.  The melodies are rhythmic and tuneful, while the lyrics are engaging, memorable, and in most instances, relatable.  Further fueling her fire is a colorful musical accompaniment, which has some jazz, soulful, and vintage touches.  Though old-school is easily perceptible, “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” sounds incredibly refreshing in the year of our Lord, 2025.  All told, RAYE knocks it out of the park with this joint.  Hopefully, you find your man, gurl!

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2. RYANN, “Housewife”

Housewife” » RYANN » 2025 

RYANN, Housewife [📷: RYANN]

“We ate lasagna / Now you’re lying on top of me / You whisper, ‘I love you’ / I say it back.”
Aww, how sweet RYANN (Ryan Adriaens)! The 21-year-old singer/songwriter from the Netherlands 🇳🇱 has found love despite the fact he did not feel like it was possible on “Housewife”: “I had never really been in love before / I had convinced myself I was asexual.” He is not asexual, hinted at by the lyrics from the first verse, with confirmation provided in the second. The single cover art stands out with the Gen-Z singer/songwriter dressed in a housedress as a housewife.  Notably, the spray bottle of cleaning solution is labeled with his name.  All the while, the handsome musician sports yellow gloves, a yellow handcloth, and the pride flag painted on his face, proudly 🏳️‍🌈. Perhaps those “Gay Struggles” are over!

“Housewife” features warm, pop production.  The warmth of the musical backdrop is matched by beautiful, cool, calm, and collected vocals by RYANN.  Love is the modus operandi, with Adriaens willing to be his housewife. Naturally, he references cleaning and even goes so far as to assert he’ll give birth to his children (“And I’ll give birth to your children as many as you would like”). Adriaens is expressing his dedication to his love. As mentioned earlier, this previously convinced ace sings about great sex: “We lie naked in bed / We had our moment in the dark / You told me it was the best you’ve ever had / And I agreed.”  The bridge provides contrast. RYANN sings about how it didn’t feel right with his ex (“I didn’t want to be his housewife”).  The centerpiece of “Housewife” is the chorus, which acknowledges how strongly he feels about his boyfriend.

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3. Meghan Trainor, “Dear Future Husband”

Title » Epic » 2015

Meghan Trainor, Title [📷: Epic]

“Dear future husband / If you wanna get that special loving / Tell me I’m beautiful each and every night.”
On her full-length debut Title, more often than not, Grammy-winner Meghan Trainor checks off the boxes, delivering a fun, svelte, retro pop/soul effort. “Dear Future Husband” continues the throwback sound, appealing to pop and R&B bases.  Catchy, contextually, there’s no drop-off from the set’s most visible cut (“All About That Bass”).  “Dear Future Husband” even sports a key-change that 60s pop and soul was notable for.

Despite the ‘innocence’ and clean-cut sound of the record, it has been criticized, along with Trainor, for stereotyping female roles (“‘Cause if you’ll treat me right, I’ll be the perfect wife / Buying groceries, buy-buying what you need”).  That said, the follow-up lyric might have you believe she’s more feminist than previously assumed 🤷 (“You got the 9 to 5, but baby, so do I / So don’t be thinkin’ I’ll be home and baking apple pies”).

 

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4. Kehlani, “Lose My Wife”

CRASH » TSNMI / Atlantic » 2024

Kehlani, Crash [📷: TSNMI / Atlantic]

“And if I make it home / Damn, I would feel so wrong / I’ve been wildin’ out tonight.”
Oh, really, Kehlani (Kehlani Parrish) 👀? They continue in the pre-chorus of “Lose My Wife”, “So when I get home / I give you what you want / I’ve been wildin’ out tonight / I might lose my wife tonight.” The chorus from the 13th and final track from their 2024 album, CRASH, confirms the risks taken, including “I might lose my life.” Damn, ‘Lani! Parrish penned “Lose My Wife” with Darius Dixson and producer Jack Ro (Jack Rochon).

From the jump, “Lose My Wife” is a certified, surefire vibe.  The guitar accompaniment is perfect fuel for the fire. Kehlani sings with a beautiful, expressive, ear-catching tone. Their upper register (falsetto-like) is splendid.  They get great support from the background vocals.  Previously mentioned, the titular lyric (the catchline) and pre-chorus/chorus are memorable.  The melodies are tuneful. During the verse, Kehlani is delivers memorable, rhythmic lyrics and melodies. They admit their wrongs, including “And I’ve been dancin’ on my homegirls / Throwin’ ass on a few strangers / I been being way too friendly / It’s a part of my love language.” Ooh-wee!  But, Kehlani knows that they have to make it up: “I ain’t even kiss her on the mouth / You should know it’s yours without a doubt / You won’t ever catch me crashin’ out.” All told, the semi-infidelity-driven “Lose My Wife” is a marvelous closer on CRASH as well as another fab addition to the LGBTQ+ catalog.

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5. ¥$, Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign, “HUSBAND”

VULTURES 2 » YZY » 2024

¥$, Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign, VULTURES 2 [📷: YZY]

“Neighbors know this shit get out of hand, but they smile / ‘Cause you been so long without a man.”
Hmm, okurrr, Kanye WestYE… whoever you are.  While “HUSBAND” is credited to ¥$, West, and Ty Dolla $ign, the 13th track from VULTURES 2 is only performed by YE. Him and Dolla $ign penned “HUSBAND” with producer Dez Wright (Dylan Cleary-Krell), Malik Yusef, Nova Blessed, Tani Renee, and Yasiin Bey. It is something else… It begins with West singing against an enigmatic, warm musical backdrop.  He tells her, “The only thing you really need is a husband,” and adds, “The only thought you ever need is ‘I trust him’ / All your dreams, all your goals / Is promised with this ring I have in my hands.” Oh, my… West mentions the plans he has: to grow, bad times, good times, hood times, trust, lust, Beverly Hills.   He also defines the husband’s romantic and sexual roles:

“Let him touch you, let him rub you, let him hug you

Let him thug you, let him hold you down (Hold you down)

All you need is a husband who gon’ touch you, who gon’ rub you, hug you

Who gon’ kiss you, who gon’ miss you with no issue

With no issue, ain’t no issue

(And I’m with you).”

😶… And that’s all I have to say about that.

 

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6. Eli, “Wife Pleaser”

“Wife Pleaser” » Zelig Music / RCA » 2024 

Eli, Wife Pleaser [📷: Zelig Music / RCA]

“I’m the queer Rihanna / Bad girl to the bone / With how my shit been singing / I might buy it back tenfold.”
Ooh-wee, Eli!  The ascending transgender pop singer/songwriter (she pronouns) is confident as fuck on her 2024 single, “Wife Pleaser”. Eli understands who she is, and she shares it openly with the world.  “Show up and show out, fuck you talkin’ ‘bout? / Show up, limp wrist, blow a French kiss, mwah.” Not the limp wrist! Eli and benchwarmer (Nick Catrambone) produced the sub-three-minute-long joint.

“Wife Pleaser” features a sweet music backdrop, complete with great guitar accompaniment, keys, and contemporary R&B-infused pop vibes. Eli’s vocals are smooth, sensual, and playful throughout.  The melodies are both rhythmic and tuneful.  In the second verse, she asserts, “I don’t cook or clean / But I fuck so mean / His whole body scream.” Gah-day-um, Eli!  She concludes the verse, “Fuck a homophobe / Pleaser to the throat.” Fuck yeah! The crème de la crème, the centerpiece, is the chorus, which dives into gender and gender expression:

“I’m in a mini skirt and a wife pleaser

‘Is that a boy or a girl?’ Bitch, I’m the either

I’ma put your man in a chokehold

John is such a fan, I’m Yoko

I’m in a mini skirt and a wife pleaser.”

Eli, as quote, “the either” makes it crystal clear  “I know how to treat ya,” with plenty of fuck its, lick its, and hit its for emphasis.  “Wife Pleaser” is a fun, must-hear queer pop bop! 

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7. Mitski, “Me and My Husband”

Be the Cowboy » Dead Oceans » 2018

Mitski, Be the Cowboy [📷: Dead Oceans]

“I steal a few breaths from the world for a minute / And then I’ll be nothing forever.”
👀… Mitski (Mitski Miyawaki) sounds, um, pessimistic on “Me and My Husband”. “Husband” is the seventh track from her 2018 album, Be the Cowboy. She penned the brief sub-2:20 track while Patrick Hyland produced it.  The loneliness is keenly perceptible from the opening sigh as well as the excerpted opening lyrics.  The instrumental accompaniment is beautiful: piano, acoustic guitar, and keyboards.  The melodies are distinct, accompanied by interesting chords and harmonic moments. Mitski sounds lovely as she captures the plight of loneliness.  “I’m the idiot with the painted face,” she sings in the second verse, and continues, “In the corner, taking up space / But when he walks in, I am loved, I am loved.” Oh, snap! That’s a lot to unpack! In the chorus, her character sticks it out with her husband, but is it really ideal?

“Me and my husband

We are doing better

It’s always been just him and me

Together

So, I bet all I have on that

Furrowed brow

And at least in this lifetime

We’re sticking together

Me and my husband

We’re sticking together

Me and my husband

We are doing better.”

Is better ideal, though? Food for thought! Regardless, the brief “Me and My Husband” is quite enjoyable, well-penned, well-performed, and well-produced.

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8. Walker Hayes, “Next Wife”

17 Problems » Monument / RCA » 2025

Walker Hayes, 17 Problems [📷: Monument / RCA]

“Baby, I know I drive you crazy.”
Well, Walker Hayes, at least you are self-aware, my friend.  “Ain’t nobody in Tullahoma / Can figure out why you wanna / Marry somebody like me.” I’ve been to Tennessee, but never Tullahoma 📍, so… can’t relate.  But, I’m sure many can dig the happenings of “Next Wife”, the 10th track from Hayes’s 2025 album, 17 Problems. Walker does what he normally does in this two-and-a-half-minute-long country cut. Mr. “Fancy Like” is one of a kind, after all. “Next Wife” is country-sounding through and through with its blend of acoustic and electric guitars.  The melodies that Hayes sings are rhythmic.  As always, his approach is playful and unique. And by playful, that means a heaping dose of tongue-in-cheek. “It’s a knock on wood / You still think I’m funny ‘cause,” he sings, and adds, “I’d be George Jonesin’ / And you’d say, see you later / Pray to God I don’t ever get served no papers.” Noted! If nothing else catches the ears, the chorus certainly does:

“‘Cause if you were my ex-wife

And I saw you at Walmart

And I was with my next wife

Girl, it would be so hard

Even if she had a diamond body and a gold heart

I’d be wishing I was pushing your cart.”

Never change, Walker Hayes, never change! Hayes penned “Next Wife” with Micah Carpenter and Lee Thomas Miller.

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9. Loo-Loo Belle, “I’ve Locked Hubby in the Red Room”

This Is My Kingdom (I Reign Supreme) » Rocker » 2024

Loo-Loo Belle, This Is My Kingdom (I Reign Supreme)[📷: Rocker]

“I’ve Locked Hubby in the Red Room / It’s time for payback / Hell yeah, it’s true.”
Oh, snap, Loo-Loo Belle! What are his crimes, ma’am? “He left the fucking / Toilet seat up again / Now he’s trapped / Can’t be a prick.” Oh, shit! Wonder if he peed all over it, too! Damn, these men! Who is this diva, anyhow? Loo-Loo Belle is a 1970s AI funk diva known for her electrifying performances and infectious grooves, per Spotify. The keyword: AI. Expectedly, “I’ve Locked Hubby in the Red Room” is outlandish, which goes with the territory with AI songs. It is the fifth track from her 2024 album, This Is My Kingdom (I Reign Supreme).

“I’ve Locked My Hubby in the Red Room” is brief, running two minutes and change. Even so, despite being AI, many elements of the song are impressive.  The instrumental is drenched in soul, sounding like it could’ve easily hailed from the 1970s.  Loo-Loo Belle embodies a soul diva, delivering a strong, passionate vocal performance.  The main reason the song is wild is the explicit, unapologetic, and outlandish lyrics.  There weren’t many ‘70s soul divas who dropped f and s-bombs in the music they released, even if they were potty-mouthed in private (“I don’t mess around / I fuck hard”).  Still, the energy is high-flying, particularly in the chorus, where Mrs. Belle sings:

“He’s tied up

And I’m the boss

With feathered whips

He’s at a loss

Fifty shades

Of fucking fun

Teaching him not

To leave shit undone.”

👀… Women’s empowerment, but also, a heaping dose of BDSM (“Now he’s in leather / Feeling the stress”)… 👀. Other offenses that earned the hubby being tied up: Not doing dishes and a messy car. “I’ve Locked Hubby in the Red Room” is best taken with a grain of salt.  One thing’s for sure, though – Loo-Loo Belle is NOT vanilla.

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10. Kacey Musgraves, “good wife”

star-crossed » UMG Recordings, Inc. / MCA Nashville » 2021 

Kacey Musgraves, Star-Crossed [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.]

“Wake him up nice and slow, bring coffee in bed / Listen to his problems, tell him that I understand.”
Grammy-winning country musician Kacey Musgraves keeps divorce front and center on “good wife”, a highlight from her fourth studio album, star-crossedStar-Crossed is a divorce album, following Musgraves’ divorce from Ruston Kelly after three years of marriage (2017 – 2020). On “good wife,” Musgraves tries to give her all to her hubby. “Help me let go of all the things that make me mad,” she sings in the second verse. She adds, “At the end of the day, he’s gotta know that I’ve got his back.” Telling lyrics for sure. On the bridge, she asserts, “And the truth is / I could probably make it on my own / But without him, this house just wouldn’t be a home / And I don’t wanna be alone.” I appreciate the authenticity she brings to the table, as well as the groovy production by Musgraves, Daniel Tashian, and Ian Fitchuk. Like much of her brand of country music, the sound is not overtly country or particularly country in the least.

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11. Eminem, “Bad Husband” (Ft. X Ambassadors)

Revival » Aftermath » 2017

Eminem, Revival [📷: Interscope]

“Like it was fun, actually used to run back to the booth / Jump back in the studio, give you a tongue-lashing…”
Decorated rapper Eminem definitely gave his ex-wife, Kim, a tongue-lashing many times. That is an understatement! Specifically, the song named directly after her is brutal, cruel, and controversial through and through. On “Bad Husband,” the 10th track from his 2017 album, Revival, Eminem approaches their relationship differently. The nearly five-minute song begins abruptly with Eminem rapping about his poor relationship with his ex-wife. Authentic, blunt, and sincere, he takes his share of the responsibility and apologizes for his immaturity within the relationship and post-relationship. “‘Cause it was such a dumbass excuse / You hit me once, and that I would use,” he spits, and adds, “To continue the pattern of abuse / Why did I punch back? Girls, your dad is a scumbag, I’m confused.”

As always, Eminem delivers a compelling cadence and flow. He acknowledges Kim’s strengths in the second verse, describing her as “my lightning rod when the sky gets dark.” He is contrite in the third verse, asserting, “We brought out the worst in each other / Someone had to make the sparring end / ‘Cause I loved you, but I hated that me / And I don’t wanna see that side again.” X Ambassadors frontman Sam Harris sums up the rapper’s shortcomings, highlighted by Kim previously, in the chorus, which suits the song’s sound and vibe.

“How come you can be a lord and a loser?

How come, how come, you can be a liar and a good father?

A good dad, but a bad husband

Why are you a good father?

A great dad, but a bad husband.”

Beyond the rapping and singing, the production by Alex da Kid is intriguing. Give Eminem credit for owning up to his flaws on “Bad Husband.”

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12. Russ, “Wife You Up”

“Wife You Up” » Russ My Way Inc. / Columbia » 2017

Russ, Wife You Up [📷: Russ My Way Inc. / Columbia]

“And if I’m wrong, I won’t debate it with you / I’ll own up to it, you voluptuous / They not down for the curves, but I’m up to it / Come gimme all that.”
Ooh, yeah, Russ (Russ Vitale)! Russ has every intention to “Wife You Up”! Although “Wife You Up” didn’t earn a spot on the Billboard Hot 100, it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2019. This monogamous number was penned by Vitale and producer Scott Storch. Russ is accompanied by a smooth, R&B-infused instrumental comprising keys, dusty groove, and a big bass line.

Throughout “Wife You Up,” Russ delivers a smooth, easygoing melodic rap performance. In the first verse, he recollects their past, asserting, “You were tryna love way before I had it all,” hence, before he became Russ, the famous rapper/singer.  But, he didn’t have his shit together: “Looking back ashamed, we were only a phase.”  In the second verse, he embraces a more standard rap flow, even if pitch is still in the mix.  More mature, he informs her, “If they call us foul, I’m fighting all the refs for you.” He adds, “All eyes on me, but you loved me when I had seven views / You lookin’ like I should go half on a baby with you.” Word.  In addition to lyrics excerpted earlier (also from the second verse), the chorus is memorable to the nth degree:

“Baby, you’re a one of one to me
I know that I should probably wife you up
And baby, I swear I’m done with these
Other women, they don’t mean shit to me, yeah.”

Russ came to his senses about her late, but better late than never, right? “Wife You Up” is a surefire winner that shockingly never touched the pop charts.

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13. Shirley Murdock, “Husband”

A Woman’s Point Of View » Elektra Entertainment Company » 1988

Shirley Murdock, A Woman's Point Of View [📷: Elektra Entertainment Company]

“Mmm, those lonely nights / I waited for your call / I didn’t know it then…”
What didn’t you know then, Shirley Murdock (b. 1957)? Why, “You were someone’s husband.” Scandalous! “Husband” is the opener from Murdock’s 1988 sophomore album, A Woman’s Point Of View. Although a marvelous song, it regrettably didn’t chart on the pop charts (Only “As We Lay” earned those honors). The good news is that “Husband” did reach number five on the R&B charts. Billy Beck and Larry Troutman (1944 – 1999) penned “Husband.” Larry’s brother, Roger (Roger Troutman, 1951 – 1999) produced it.

Shirley Murdock has strong feelings for this man – somebody else’s husband.  “You satisfied a real desire in me,” she admits in her dynamic second verse, and adds, “I still have those needs.” Not unfounded in the least.  However, despite these desires and urges, she describes herself as “a lady with class,” making it crystal clear, “This cannot occur.” On the bridge, she is transparent about past foolishness.  However, she drops banger lyrics singing, “If Shirley’s gonna be a fool / A fool for any man / That man has got to be my…” Fill in the ellipsis… HUSBAND, of course! The chorus is the crème de la crème, intact with marvelous vocal harmonies carried by background vocals.

“Because you are my husband

My desire for you is strong

And I won’t do wrong

‘Cause I know in my heart that you are hers

I know, I know you are her husband

That’s why I got to let you go

Desire says I should, but I say no

I say no.”

That’s right, Shirley – “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin”! Beyond Murdock’s refined, lead vocals, memorable songwriting, and tuneful melodies, “Husband” thrives on its smooth, adult contemporary R&B instrumental.  There are plenty of cool, playful music cues. Perhaps, listening back, some of the synths and sounds are somewhat dated, but the sound of “Husband” remains striking. Old-school, the mature position that Shirley Murdock takes despite the temptation to cheat is admirable.  This should’ve impacted the pop charts!

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14. Next,“Wifey”

Welcome II Nextasy » Arista » 2000

Next, Welcome II Nextasy [📷: Arista]

“You never try me / Always stood right by me / Make living lively highly / Spoken of, my only love, the only one / You’re my wifey.”
Ah, the dedication! Minneapolis contemporary R&B trio Next comprises Robert “R.L.” Huggar, Terry “T-Low” Brown, and Raphael “Tweety” Brown.  The collective is best known for two songs, both of which performed well on the pop charts: “Too Close” and “Wifey”. “Wifey” is the third track from their 2000 sophomore album,  Welcome II Nextasy.  It peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one on the R&B charts. Huggar penned “Wifey” alongside producers Eddie Berkeley and Kay Gee. It samples a pair of songs: “No Scrubs” by TLC (1999) and “You Know I Love You” by George Smallwood and Marshmellow Band (1980).

“Wifey” is groovy from the get-go.  The drum programming is lit, while the bass line is active and robust. Nearly 25 years later, the production still sounds sleek.  Beyond the instrumental, the vocals are smooth and nuanced.  Next does a fabulous job of bringing the rhythmic, tuneful melodies to life.  The chorus (excerpted above) is stellar.  So are the verses.  T-Low performs the first verse, where he asserts his wifey “had my mind blown,” and informs us when she caught his eye. The pre-chorus follows, highlighting her beauty and leading into the irresistible, wife-driven chorus.  Remember, she’s a “Freak, but only when it comes to me.” R.L. performs the second verse, keeping the same energy as T-Low (“Either braids or weave / Skirt or jeans, you’re still my queen / Baby girl, go do your thing / I’m so glad you’re on my team.”). There is also the bridge, which extends the narrative of the verses, highlighting how special wifey is (looks, emotionally, sexually, etc.). Notably, Lil Mo provides some additional vocals. All in all, “Wifey” by Next is the sugar honey iced tea.  A timeless aughts contemporary R&B song.

 

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15. Roger Miller, “Husbands and Wives”

Words and Music by Roger Miller » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1966

Roger Miller, Words And Music By Roger Miller [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.]

“A woman and a man, a man, and a woman / Some can, and some can’t, and some can’t.”
Noted, Roger Miller (1936 – 1992). If it is a bit hard to decipher what the 11-time Grammy-winning musician is insinuating, those lyrics speak volumes within the context of “Husbands and Wives”. Miller penned and performed many novel country gems during his career.  Furthermore, many of his songs have been covered by others, including the song at hand. “Husbands and Wives” is the second track from his 1966 album, Words and Music by Roger Miller. Written by Miller, “Wives” performed respectably on the pop charts, peaking at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Miller is accompanied by a sweet instrumental on “Husband and Wives.” Fueling his fire is piano, bass, guitar, and light drums.  His vocal performance is warm and easygoing.  Even if Miller is chill, his performance is potent, bringing his tuneful melodies and thoughtful songwriting to life.  It begins in the verses, where there are “Two broken hearts lonely,” and “Two people each havin’ so much pride inside / Neither side forgives.” Oh, snap! Then, there’s the unforgettable chorus, where Miller never spoke truer words:

“The angry words spoken in haste

Such a waste of two lives

It’s my belief pride is the chief cause in the decline

In the number of husbands and wives.”

“Husbands and Wives” is an oldie – it hails from the 1960s.  But, is this song an anachronism thematically? Absolutely not.  Love and heartbreak are universal, and have been for a long, long time.  This country gem right here is timeless.

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~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~

15 Striking Husband & Wife Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Aftermath, Arista, Atlantic, Columbia, Dead Oceans, Elektra Entertainment Company, Human Re Sources, MCA Nashville, Monument, RAYE, RCA, Rocker, Russ My Way Inc., RYANN, TSNMI, UMG Recordings, Inc., YZY, Zelig Music; Alex Green, Arda Öztürk, Bárbara Marques, Kampus Production, King Shooter, Mikhail Nilov, Moose Photos, Polina Tankilevitch, Trần Long from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]

 

Categories: EvergreenLGBTQMusicPlaylistsPop Culture

the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.

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