15 Sugar Songs That Are Indeed Sugary Sweet | Playlist 🎧

1. Harry Styles, “Watermelon Sugar”

Fine Line • Columbia • 2019

“Tastes like strawberries on a summer evenin’ / And it sounds just like a song.”  Apparently, the British pop singer Harry Styles enjoys fruit, as “Watermelon Sugar” marks his second fruit-oriented song (“Kiwi” being the first). “Watermelon Sugar” also marked the second single from his 2019, platinum-certified sophomore album, Fine Line.

“Watermelon Sugar” is a total BOP.  Harry Styles sounds superb vocally. The huskiness and assertiveness of his vocal performance is awesome.  Moving on to the sound, vibe, and production of the record, Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson give him a top-notch backdrop to work with.  There are elements of rock and pop, as well as a dash of retro and vintage.  In addition to vocals, some of the ‘ear candy’ listeners are spoiled with includes acoustic and electric guitars, piano, keyboard, and most distinctly, horns. Though “Watermelon Sugar” isn’t a deep, transcendently penned song, it is enjoyable and entertaining.  That begins with the love-centric, summery, and ‘fruity’ verses. It continues on the pre-chorus and is capped off by the repetitive but vibe-filled chorus, which highlights the titular lyric: “Watermelon sugar high.”

2. Green Day, “Sugar Youth”

Father of All… • Reprise • 2020

“All hell is breaking loose and Heaven only knows / I don’t wanna be a Romeo.” Fair enough Billie Joe Armstrong – fair enough. Those lyrics hail from “Sugar Youth,” the seventh track from Father of All…, the quietly released 2020 album by Grammy-winning rock band, Green Day.  “Sugar Youth” runs less than two minutes in duration, while Father of All… overall runs merely 26 minutes.

Brevity pays dividends for Billie Joe and company on “Sugar Youth.”  A quick tempo and ample energy don’t hurt the cause either. Basically, Armstrong plays the role of an awkward young man.  The struggle is real, as the youngster yearns for sex, though understands it’s unlikely to happen:

“I’ve got a fever, a non-believer, and it’s killing me
Like a high school loser that will never ever, ever, ever fuck the prom queen.”

The struggle continues on the second verse, as the anxiety only worsens:

“I’m hearing voices up inside my head
...I need a sugar fix, it’s making me sick
...I wanna drink all the poison in the water
I wanna choke like a dog that’s on a collar...”

3. Chaka Khan, “Like Sugar”

Hello Happiness • Diary / Island • 2019

Prior to the release of Hello Happiness, Grammy-winning R&B icon Chaka Khan hadn’t released an album since 2007 (Funk This).  Thankfully, Hello Happiness, although brief, is filled with some great moments, including “Like Sugar.”

“Like Sugar” keeps Hello happiness on the upswing, thanks in large part to one of the funkiest, absolutely irresistible grooves ever.  Adding to the glory is the use of a 70s disco sample, sigh.  Khan doesn’t lie when she sings, “It’s like sugar, so sweet / Good enough to eat / When you feel the funky beat / Get up on a-yo’ feet.” She’s clearly on autopilot.

4. Hayley Williams, “Sugar on the Rim”

Petals for Armor • Atlantic • 2020

Hayley Williams, best known as the front woman of Grammy-winning alternative band Paramore, delivers a superb debut LP with Petals for Armor.  Petals for Armor was released gradually (EP and single style) with the eventual three-disc, full-length project arriving on May 8, 2020.  Among the best moments from the album is “Sugar on the Rim,” which fits the sugary criteria of this playlist.

“Never felt this sensation / A kiss to every scar / Eclipse my expectation / Shock to my heart / Sugar on, sugar on / Sugar, sugar on the rim / On the rim.” “Sugar on the Rim” features a stunning, creative, and enigmatic intro that draws the listener in.  Clearly, we want to see exactly where Hayley Williams is going. Williams sings in her lower register some, which is refreshing.  More surprising, however, are the electronic sounds and dance elements. This is something that is totally unexpected from Williams and it works without a hitch.

5. D’Angelo, “Brown Sugar”

Brown Sugar • Virgin • 1995

“Let me tell you ‘bout this girl, maybe I shouldn’t / I met her in Philly and her name was Brown Sugar / See, we be making love constantly / That’s why my eyes are a shade blood burgundy.” Wow! “Brown Sugar” serves as the opener (and title track) from Brown Sugar, the 1995 debut studio album by D’Angelo.  This album definitely established the Grammy-winning R&B artist and was among the most important albums in the neo soul movement.  This record makes no apologies for its soulful, gospel-infused sounds.

While there’s clear musical influence from D’Angelo’s upbringing in the Pentecostal church, “Brown Sugar” is no spiritual statement – well, unless spirituality and sex have become synonymous. Honestly, that organ hits differently when it’s used to amplify a ‘banging’ sexual encounter.  Speaking of hitting and banging, on the second verse, ‘Angelo asserts, “And whenever you let me hit it / Sweet like the honey when it ‘comes’ to me.” Of course, besides the awesome backdrop, top-notch vocals, and of course, sex, a key takeaway is appreciation of black women.

“Brown sugar babe, I gets high off your love
I don’t know how to behave
I want some of your brown sugar.”

6. Brandi Carlile, “Sugartooth”

By the Way, I Forgive You • Elektra • 2018

Singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile’s pipes electrify on “Sugartooth,” one of the crowning achievements from her 2018, Grammy-winning album, By the Way, I Forgive You.  “Sugartooth” is an Americana joint that screams crossover appeal beyond its base.  What makes “Sugartooth” the elite number that it is? An awesome arrangement/production, intact with an active, prominent bass line and soulful backing vocals among other suitable cues.

Beyond the production and top-notch vocals, songwriting leads the charge.  The verses are sensational, establishing the narrative:

“He was born with a sweet tooth he couldn’t beat
Always trying to find himself something sweet
All that he found was a trouble and me
Or maybe trouble just found him.”

Clearly, the man which Carlile sings about has ended up in a deep, dark, twisted hole – addiction.  On the second verse, Brandi states, “Nothing could tame him and nothing could hold him / He only took the pills when the doctor told him.” Of course, that’s where it all can start.  Beyond five awesome verses, the chorus is nothing short of golden:

“He was a liar, but not a fraud
Living proof that there was no God
Just the devil, stiff as a rod
A slave to a sugar tooth.”

7. Glass Animals, “Hot Sugar”

Dreamland • Wolf Tone • 2020

“Long black tulips, born in your blue tints / Lemongrass eyelids, smoke in your lick lips…” Well, certainly poetic lyrics Dave Bayley! Bayley and his Glass Animals earned their highest chart debut to date with the release of Dreamland in 2020. For the most part, the album earned positive reviews though notably, Anthony Fantano (needledrop) wasn’t thrilled, giving the album one of his signature NOT GOOD reviews – ouch! Regardless of whether you were a fan or not of the album, this sugary sweet list could definitely use some “Hot Sugar,” wouldn’t you agree.

“So cool, but we don’t talk / Hotels and alcohol / Pool paintings on the wall / Hot rubber on the tar…” Okay – what an intriguing chorus! “Hot Sugar” appears as the fourth track on Dreamland.  The ear candy is definitely ripe with smooth vocals from Bayley and super sleek production work.  The gist of the track is admiration for a person without ultimately being with that person or even conversing in any capacity with that person. The rest of the chorus makes that point crystal clear: “I don’t wanna be around you / Just wanna be like you.” That’s pretty much the size of it!  

8. BROCKHAMPTON, “SUGAR”/ “SUGAR (Remix)”

GINGER • RCA • 2019 

In 2019, BROCKHAMPTON released a compelling fifth studio album, GINGER. One of the best songs from the album was “Sugar,” which commenced with a chorus performed by Ryan Beatty, with pitch-shifted vocals. Following the old-school, relatively catchy chorus, Dom McLennon takes the reins on the first verse, making several references to religion (“And we all out lookin’ for, lookin’ for God so we never see it in ourself”).  Matt Champion is reflective on the second verse, focusing on a relationship, with bearface piggybacking on the pre-chorus. Kevin Abstract appears on the bridge, before bearface finishes things off on the outro, which asks, “Do you love me, love me, love me?” 

In 2020, “Sugar (Remix)” would arrive, with some clear-cut changes from the original. An intro by bearface precedes Beatty’s chorus, for example. Grammy-winning pop sensation Dua Lipa replaces the original verse by Dom:

“I move mountains on my own, don’t need nobody’s help
I’ve been lookin’ after me like only I can watch my back.”

Dua Lipa goes on to add, however, “You know you really turned me on, right from the start / Just to hear you call my name, I call to God.”  She joins Beatty on the chorus, prior to a shorter, brand-new Matt Champion verse, that’s sexy without crossing any lines.

“I don’t want us movin’ too fast (Fast, play your part, play your part)
(That’s a damn shame, but it gon’ make your man insane).”

Post-Matt, the original bearface pre-chorus is nixed. Jon B and bearface deliver a verse highlighted by the lyric, “Pour some more on you, sugar on me.” Kevin Abstract performs the bridge with Jon B, while Beatty also adds a couple of lines. Bearface handles a portion of outro, which asks, “Do you love me, love me, love me?”, like the original, but he’s joined by Joba and Kevin.

9. Julie Andrews, “A Spoonful of Sugar”

Mary Poppins • Walt Disney • 1964

“In every job that must be done / There is an element of fun / You find the fun and snap! / The job’s a game.” “A Spoonful of Sugar” is one my personal favorites from Mary Poppins, period.  The particular scene finds Mary and the children cleaning up the nursery, in the most engaging and fun way possible.  All the while, the marvelous Julie Andrews sings like an absolute angel. The aforementioned intro prefaces the most memorable and ear-catching, endearing moments of the record.

“It’s very clear to see that
A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
The medicine go down, the medicine go down
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
In a most delightful way.”

Besides great vocals and an awesome accompanying scene from the film, it is the clever, enjoyable, sometimes tongue-n-cheek lyrics that make this the classic that it is.

10. Charlie Wilson, “Sugar.Honey.Ice.Tea”

Forever Charlie • RCA • 2015

Interestingly, there are younger artists who are less prolific than R&B veteran Charlie Wilson.  However, since 2005, Wilson has been on a roll, consistently releasing albums! In 2015, Wilson’s 62^nd year, he released his fifth album of the ‘Charlie’ series, Forever Charlie.  As with his previous efforts, Forever Charlie is well rounded – soundly executed, all in all.  He brings some sweetness to 15 SUGAR SONGS THAT ARE INDEED SUGARY SWEET with “S.H.I.T.” – okay, not literally! 

Let me clarify the poo! Wilson drops a cliché euphemism for ‘being the shit,’ with his song, “Sugar.Honey.Ice.Tea.” Neither the saying nor the record are ‘brand-new’ in an innovative sense, but it’s certainly a funky joint.  “Sugar.Honey.Ice.Tea” is a fine fit for Wilson’s style, artistry, and voice.  Little depth, but when a song sports a form of a dirty word in its title, does one expect profundity?

“Girl, sweeter than candy
Girl, it's Sugar Honey Ice Tea
Got me spendin’ my money
Down on Sugar Honey Ice Tea.”

11. Bring Me the Horizon, “sugar honey ice & tea”

Amo • Sony • 2019

“You could tell the Messiah / His pants are on fire / I politely decline…” Damn! Despite continual references to atheism, give Bring Me the Horizon credit for making the ‘shit’ taste delicious.  How does the UK rock band do so? Well, with “Sugar honey ice & tea” from their superb 2019 album, amo.

According to Oli Sykes, “Everybody’s full of / Sugar, honey, ice, and tea.” Perhaps that’s the case (it probably is), but man, oh man, does the production bang hard! The synths and programming are lit, while the souped-up, dirty and distorted guitars are equally compelling.  As the saying goes, ‘That shit’s awesome’ – NO CAP!

12. The Rolling Stones, “Brown Sugar”

Sticky Fingers • UMe • 1971

“Brown sugar, how come you taste so good? Uh huh / Brown sugar, just like a young girl should, uh huh, oh (Woo).” Sticky Fingers! That’s the album where The Rolling Stones classic, sweet, sugary “Brown Sugar” hails from.  “Brown Sugar” is a prime example of blues rock at its best.  Mick Jagger has ample swagger, showcasing his electrifying personality.  The energy is L-I-T, from the enthused guitars, honky-tonk piano, and of course the vocals. Besides the vocal performance, the key component of “Brown Sugar” – the theme/lyrics!

Sex is key – there’s no disputing that whatsoever: “Drums beating, cold English blood runs hot…” Much dirtier, and incredibly controversial, however, are the references to black women/sex with black women. Lauretta Charlton (Vulture) accurately writes in 2015, “‘Brown Sugar’ is gross, sexist, and stunning offensive toward black women’… It’s been called one of the nastiest, most controversial, and racist songs of all time.”  The third verse in particular is, um, something:

“Ah, I bet your mama was a tent show queen
And all her boyfriends were sweet sixteen
I’m no schoolboy, but I know what I like
You shoulda heard me just around midnight.”

Utterly filthy!

13. Maroon 5, “Sugar”

V • Interscope • 2014

“I’m hurting baby, I’m broken down / I need your loving, loving I need it now / When I’m without you, I’m something weak / You got me begging, begging on my knees.” Damn, Adam Levine sounds desperate.  Anyways, you simply can’t have a ‘sweet’ or ‘sugary’ playlist without “Sugar” by Maroon 5.  

“Sugar” appears on V, the fifth studio album by the band which was a marked improvement over the flimsy Overexposed that preceded it. “Sugar” is incredibly slickly produced, and Adam Levine shines vocally.  The chorus is the sugary sweet crowning achievement:

“Sugar, yes please
Won’t you come and put it down on me?
I’m right here, ‘cause I need
Little love, a little sympathy.”

14. Fall Out Boy, “Sugar, We’re Goin Down”

From Under the Cork Tree • Island • 2005

“We’re going down, down in an earlier round / And sugar, we’re going down swinging / I’ll be your number one with a bullet / A loaded God complex, cock it and pull it.” You know, when you think back to some of the big hits by Fall Out Boy, lyrically, they’re truly compelling.  The hit that put the pop-punk band on the map, “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down,” is a prime example. The chorus lyrics, excerpted above, definitely aren’t necessarily what you might associated with a typical, sing-along chorus, yet that’s what it ultimately became.

“Sugar We’re Goin’ Down” appears on FOB’s sophomore album, From Under the Cork Tree, their first album to gain traction.  Again, this was the song that ‘put them on the map.’  Patrick Stump delivers soulful vocals, truly bringing the lyrics of bassist (and essentially the front man) Pete Wentz alive. The chorus is awesome, but the verses are pretty epic too. I mean, the opening line, “Am I more than you bargained for yet? / I’ve been dying t tell you anything you want to hear” is legendary in my book!

15. Four Tops, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)”

The Definitive Collection • Motown • 2008

“Sugar pie, honey bunch / You know that I love you / I can’t help myself / I love you and nobody else.” Oh, the feels – the feels! There is an overabundance of sugary sweet songs. That said, no sugar-driven list is complete without the soul classic, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” courtesy of Four Tops. The aforementioned, opening lines should serve as clear evidence why “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch” is a prime example of the “Sugar Honey Iced Tea!”

Besides the dedicated, love-oriented lyrics, the vibe is absolutely tremendous.  The soul aesthetic is in full effect with groovy, colorful production and vocals that dig right in – none of that playful, subtle stuff! Furthermore, “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch” is sexy without being explicit or the least bit offensive.  Good sugary, sweet stuff right here!  Worth noting, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” originally hails on Four Tops Second Album (1965).