20 Amazing Songs About Boys | Playlist 🎧

1. The Neighbourhood, “Pretty Boy”

💿 Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones • 🏷 Columbia • 🗓 2020

🎵“Pretty Boy” is definitely a magnificent first full-length number from 💿 Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones, the fourth studio album by 🎙 The Neighbourhood. The big takeaway thematically is love… with doom, of course. Both dedication and that doom is captured on the centerpiece, the chorus: “Even if the Earth starts shaking / You’re the only thing worth taking, ooh with me.”

Worth noting, “Pretty Boy” features only one verse, in which ‘Pretty boy’ and ‘Baby girl’ are in it until the end.  The sound of the record is unique, with blending indie and psychedelic elements.  As always, you can depend on that signature, detuned sound Jesse Rutherford and company love.

2. Claire Rosinkranz, “Backyard Boy”

💿 BeVerly Hills BoYfRiEnd [EP] • 🏷 Purple Monkey Recordz • 🗓 2020

🎵 “Backyard Boy,” which appears as the opener from 💿 BeVerly Hills BoYfRiEnd, the 2020 EP from 16-year old 🎙 Claire Rosinkranz. She keeps things short and sweet as “Backyard Boy” runs just north of two minutes in duration. “Dance with me in my backyard boy / Looking super fine in your corduroy,” she sings on the fun, groovy, sunny, and innocent joint.

Rosinkranz paints a picture of utter perfection where everything feels totally right (“(Da-da-da-da-da) / Everything is perfect /… Backyard boy, you make me nervous”). The vibe is lit, of course, in the most innocent, sunny way possible.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Alluring Songs Where the Keyword is Back, Vol. 2

3. Omar Apollo, “Hey Boy”

Ft. Kali Uchis

💿 Apolonio • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 2020

Sometimes, you don’t even need two minutes to drop fire. 🎵 “Hey Boy” marks one of many captivating moments on 💿 Apolonio, despite its brevity. 🎙 Omar Apollo sets the tone with the chorus, which is incredibly simple yet memorable.  Then, 🎙 Kali Uchis shines on two incredibly sexy verses.  “Always on your mind, you could call it haunting,” she sings at the end of the second verse, continuing, “Papi, ven pa’ca’ and see this ass in person.”  Pretty sweet alternative R&B joint.

4. Charli XCX, “Boys”

🎵 “Boys” • 🏷 Atlantic UK • 🗓 2017 

“I need that bad boy to do me right on a Friday / And I need that good one to wake me up on a Sunday.” On 🎵 “Boys”, the lust is real for 🎙 Charli XCX. Brief, it packs a punch from the first listen.  The production is slick, while the vibe is sensual, yet in an innocent sort of way.  In that respect, the then 25-year-old British pop artist comes over as a teenager enamored by the opposite sex.

Charli XCX is no adolescent, yet ‘that’s the vibe’ and it’s captivating for sure. She sings in a low-key manner, aiming to give that sexy touch without truly getting sexual.  Upping the ante, she directed the music video for “Boys”, fittingly incorporating some serious eye candy.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Songs About Boys, Vol. 1

🔗 🎧 14 Songs That Are About Boys 👨 or Girls 👩

5. Joji, “Pretty Boy”

Ft. Lil Yachty

💿 Nectar • 🏷 88rising / 12TONE Music • 🗓 2020

On 🎵 “Pretty Boy,” a standout from 💿 Nectar, 🎙 Joji (George Miller) collaborates with an unlikely artist, 🎙 Lil Yachty. “Pretty Boy” has a hip-hop sensibility, apparent from the jump.  The chorus, sung by Miller, would be highly successful on any rap joint.  The Lil Yachty feature definitely seems far-fetched on paper, but the melodic sensibilities of the rapper make more sense when you hear the record.  Is it odd? Yes, but much of Nectar seems to be about experimentation – going beyond tried and true scripts.

6. LoveLeo, “BOYFREN”

💿 LOOK AT THIS MESS IVE MADE • 🏷 GODMODE / Republic • 🗓 2020

“You know I’m grade A / Ya boyfriend wanna B me / You go outta your way / Too make sure you don’t C me.” Woo! 🎵 “BOYFREN” was a breakout, viral hit for 🎙 LoveLeo, the handsome, talented musician son of actor John C. Reilly.  A highlight from his debut EP, 💿 LOOK AT THIS MESS IVE MADE, it’s distinct and utterly left of center.

While “BOYFREN” is a quirky tune, the form is standard, with two verses and a simple, but highly effective and infectious chorus – “You should break up with your boyfriend / And get with me.”  Furthermore, the sound of the record is sweet especially those whistles! Odd, but incredibly enticing.

7. Matt Fishel, “Bored of Straight Boys”

💿 M/F • 🏷 Young Lust • 🗓 2018

“And he can’t help himself from explaining / All the things he does to girls during sex.” Uh oh… We have an anti-straight boy anthem on our hands – nothing boring about that, right? Right! 🎙 Matt Fishel isn’t feeling the actions and despicable attitude of straight guys on the stand out from his 2018 album, 💿 M/F. On the infectious chorus, he proclaims, “And I’m so bored of straight boys / Who only wanna talk football, down alcohol, and hassle women.”

Fishel also incorporates same-sex references, including, “Somebody didn’t get enough bromance in as a teen, I suppose / Finally getting your chance to enjoy some same sex action with all of your bros.”  And to all the straight boys out there, he’s “…Not calling all hetero boys out/…But we all know those bros who act like dickheads.” Colorful joint to say the least… maybe not so much for straight boys though!

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 8 Songs That Certainly Won’t Leave You Bored

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🔗 🎧 15 Boring Songs That Are Totally Exciting

🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️‍🌈

8. Dua Lipa, “Boys Will Be Boys”

💿 Future Nostalgia • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 2020

“When will we stop saying things? / ‘Cause they’re all listening / No, the kids ain’t alright / Oh, and they do what they see / ‘Cause it’s all on TV / Oh, the kids ain’t alright.” Sigh, 🎙 Dua Lipa knocked it out of the park with her sophomore album, 💿 Future Nostalgia (among the best albums of 2020).  The Grammy-winning pop artist concludes the tight, 11-track, 37-minute effort with 🎵 “Boys Will Be Boys.” “Boys Will Be Boys,” is pretty straightforward in its messaging, and focuses on female empowerment (“And that was sarcasm, in case you need it mansplained”).

The chorus, the centerpiece, sums things up perfectly:

“Boys will be, boys will be
Boys will be, boys will be boys
But girls will be women.”

While Future Nostalgia lacks a slow jam, the brief balladry of “Boys Will Be Boys” is the closest the album comes.  Dua shows off the versatility of her instrument throughout Future Nostalgia, but this pseudo ballad further confirms her skills.

9. Isaac Dunbar, “comme des garçons (like the boys)”

💿 Isaac’s Insects [EP] • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2020

🎵 “comme des garçons (like the boys)” arrived as the fourth advance single from 💿 Isaac’s Insects, the 2020 EP by teen alternative musician, 🎙 Isaac Dunbar.  There are a number of aspects of “comme des garçons (like the boys)” that makes it stand out – beyond the French title of course!

The production is definitely a selling point. The synths are colorful, filled with exuberance, making “comme des garçons” sleek AF. It’s also a winner thanks to Dunbar’s amazing voice and perhaps more strikingly, the lyrics. “Comme des garçons (like the boys)” is personal and thoughtful, finding Dunbar reflecting on identity issues while fiercely embracing nonconformity on the chorus:

“I don’t wanna be the same
I don’t wanna be like you
I don’t wanna be comme des garçons...”

Also, worth noting, the fantastic 🎙 Rina Sawayama has her own fabulous “Comme Des Garçons (Like the Boys)” – totally separate from Isaac’s by the way!

10. Charlie Puth, “BOY”

💿 Voicenotes • 🏷 Artist Partner Group • 🗓 2018

💿 Voicenotes (2018) marked a big step forward for pop musician 🎙 Charlie Puth.  After he released the ultra-questionable Nine Track Mind in 2016, he honestly had nowhere to go but up. On 🎵 “BOY,” Puth exemplifies being both awkward and adorkable.

Give Puth credit for his honesty. He’s a 90s baby and being viewed as a “boy” by an older, more mature woman, who he wants to take him seriously. The lyrics are a bit corny, but the production, sound, and vibe are excellent.

“You tell me I’m too young, but
I gave you what you wanted
Baby, how dare you treat me just like
Like a boy
You won’t wake up beside me
‘Cause I was born in the ‘90s
Baby, how dare you treat me just like
Like a boy (Go and treat me like)
Boy (Go and treat me like)
Boy.” 

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Songs About Boys, Vol. 1

11. Lizzo, “Boys”

💿 Cuz I Love You (Super Deluxe) • 🏷 Nice Life / Atlantic • 🗓 2019

“Baby, I don’t need you / I just wanna freak you / I heard you a freak, too.” Hmm. 🎵 “Boys” (💿 Cuz I Love You (Super Deluxe)) courtesy of Grammy-winning pop artist 🎙 Lizzo, is an ode to all the boys of the world.  Lizzo likes them all – different shapes, sizes, colors, and sexualities, exemplified by the over-the-top second verse.

“I like big boys, itty bitty boys
Mississippi boys, inner city boys...
I don’t discriminate, come and get a taste
From the playboys to the gay boys
Go and slay, boys, you my fave boys.”

Glad to know that anybody would be under her consideration. While her aggressive approach has a sexy vibe naturally, the all-encompassing, non-discriminatory nature is definitely thinking big picture.  Beyond the content itself, Lizzo has a ferocious backdrop, specifically the groove, that fuels her fire.  “Boys” keeps it simple, but it’s infectious AF.  Solid production, fierce attitude, and actually some redeeming substance makes it a winner.

12. BROCKHAMPTON, “Boy Bye”

💿 GINGER • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2019

🎵 “Boy Bye” ranks among the standouts from 💿 GINGER, the fifth studio album by 🎙 BROCKHAMPTON. “Boy Bye” begins with production work that certainly doesn’t exemplify hip-hop.  Regardless, following the brief 🎙 Merlyn Wood intro, the rest of BROCKHAMPTON get to work, spitting capably over the backdrop.  🎙 Dom McLennon is the first to ‘shoot his shot,’ referencing weed (“Breaking up botanical to ease my stressing”), Johnnie Cochran (“I go Johnnie Cochran when I’m raising my defenses”), and Michael Keaton via 🎥 Birdman (“Man, I feel like Michael Keaton when a nigga start ascending”).  🎙 Matt Champion takes the reins on the second verse with his own share of colorful lines including “My shit bump like a belly when it’s pregnant,” as well as referencing Elmer Fudd and 🎥 Mean Girls.

A third verse by 🎙 Kevin Abstract, arrives prior to the chorus.  He references trauma, 🎥 The Lion King, and sobriety.  The chorus that follows is random, but intriguing. 🎙 Bearface, like Abstract, references trauma on the fourth verse: “Trauma the price of patience / Character shaped like an arc.” The outro, courtesy of 🎙 Joba and Wood, includes the titular lyric, “Boy, bye.”

13. BTS, “Boy with Luv”

Ft. Halsey

💿 Map of the Soul: 7 • 🏷 Bighit Entertainment • 🗓 2020

“Yeah, you makin’ me a boy with love.” Essentially, on 🎵 “Boy with Luv,” the boys of 🎙 BTS are clearly falling in love. While much of “Boy with Luv” is in Korean, there are lines performed in English throughout, confirming the love centric vibes oof the record.  Originally, “Boy with Luv” served as the promo single from 💿 Map of the Soul: Persona (2019), reappearing on the full-length 💿 Map of the Soul: 7 in 2020.  Worth noting, BTS enlists the services of one of [alternative] pop’s biggest stars, 🎙 Halsey.

Halsey, of course performs exclusively in English, first appearing on the chorus with additional appearances on the post-chorus (“I want something stronger / Than a moment, than a moment, love”) and bridge. She doesn’t have a huge role, but she definitely provides contrast and her own desire for love.  As far as the sound of the record, it’s sleekly produced – idiomatic of the K-Pop sound that dips into various genres and ultimately proves to be ear catching to the nth degree.

14. Ariana Grande, “Boyfriend”

w/ Social House

💿 Everything Changed… • 🏷 SRV LabelCo • 🗓 2019

🎙 Ariana Grande continued to be prolific, post-thank u, next dropping the single, 🎵 “Boyfriend”.  On “Boyfriend” she collaborated with rising duo, 🎙 Social House.  “Boyfriend” ultimately appears on Social House’s EP, 💿 Everything Changed… “Boyfriend” gives her, as well as the duo, a high-flying, totally sick pop single embracing urban and hip-hop sensibilities.  From the jump, she’s fierce and unapologetic AF.  “I’m a motherfuckin’ train wreck,” is the first lyric she sings, instantly setting the tone.  If further confirmation was needed that she was pissed TF off, well, of him, “And you don’t seem to give a fuck.”

With a straightforward form, Grande sings the first verse, followed by the pre-chorus, and an absolutely infectious chorus:

“You ain’t my boyfriend
And I ain’t your girlfriend
But you don’t want me to see nobody else
And I don’t want you to see nobody
...But you don’t want me to touch nobody else
Baby, we ain’t gotta tell nobody.”

Interesting turn of events, right? 🎙 Mikey Foster sings the second verse and pre-chorus, playing off of what Grande performed previously.  Like her, he’s also “a train wreck” and he “lose(s) my mind when it comes to you.” 🎙 Scootie arrives for the third verse, followed by a bridge sung alongside Grande.  Perhaps the pop wheel isn’t reinvented with “Boyfriend” but it’s another solid song from the untouchable AG.

15. Myylo, “Skinny Boys”

💿 I’m a Nice Boy Too [EP] • 🏷 Myylo • 🗓 2020

“My music is pretty preoccupied with boys and love.” That’s how Nashville-based, LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 pop artist 🎙 Myylo described his music when interviewed by The Musical Hype. Prior to the release of his EP 💿 I’m a Nice Boy Too, he dropped another certified bop, 🎵 “Skinny Boys”, addressing male body image.

“‘Skinny Boys’ is a body positivity anthem made for the boys who don’t have and don’t need to have Thor’s abs, Bat Man’s pecs, or Aquaman’s shoulders to love themselves.”

Myylo pens ‘a body positivity anthem for boys everywhere.’ This is encouragement and empowerment for us boys lacking that perfect body.  So many times, we hear about body positivity from a feminine perspective, but with men it’s a gray area.  Throughout the verses, he sets up the feelings of inferiority that many men have regarding their bodies, but don’t readily admit.  He allows himself to be vulnerable, something that’s relatable to any man who experiences the same issues.  The chorus is the crowning achievement, where the urban-pop sound really pops, with a sick trap beat, hella catchy lyrics, and stellar stacked harmonies:

“Give it up for the skinny boys
Give it up for the chunky boys
‘Cause we’re gonna have so much fun
Not give a fuck about anyone…
Never let ‘em steal your joy, joy, joy.”

“Skinny Boys” checks off all boxes, with strong vocals, strong production, and maybe most of all, superb, empowering songwriting.  Also, worth noting, Myylo sings about 🎵 “Sad Boys” on the same EP.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 11 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy in August 2019

🔗 🎧 11 Empowering Songs About Loving Yourself

🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️‍🌈

16. The Chainsmokers, “Sick Boy”

💿 Sick Boy • 🏷 Columbia • 🗓 2018

🎙 The Chainsmokers – 🎙 Alex Pall and 🎙 Andrew Taggart returned in 2018 with their second, full-length album, 💿 Sick Boy. 🎵 “Sick Boy”, the title track and yet another BOY-driven song, ranks among the best of the album.  “Sick Boy” opens with piano accompaniment and the vocals of Taggart abruptly. The more serious, thoughtful lyrics, particularly on the verses, definitely stand out, compared other songs by the duo.

A refrain of sorts separates the two verses, followed by a catchy, incredibly simple chorus:

“I am the, I am the, I am the sick boy...
They say that I am the sick boy
And they call me the sick boy.”

Concerning form, “Sick Boy” has lots of sections, lacking a standard, predictable overall plan. No, it’s not groundbreaking, but an enjoyable BOY cut all in all.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Songs About Boys, Vol. 1

🔗 🎧 14 Songs That Are About Boys 👨 or Girls 👩

17. Tyler, the Creator, “Who Dat Boy”

💿 Flower Boy • 🏷 Columbia • 🗓 2017

In the context of 💿 Flower Boy, the Grammy-nominated album by 🎙 Tyler, the Creator, 🎵 “Who Dat Boy” is representative of tough Tyler – “scum fuck” if you will.  After eerie, malicious production, he jumps right into unapologetic rhymes. He wants to ensure that everybody knows exactly who he is.  Without a doubt, “dat boy” is on autopilot.

Tyler, the Creator gets help courtesy of 🎙 A$AP Rocky, who kills the second verse.  Upping the ante, they join forces on the final verse.  Chocked-full of twisted, cocky, and confident rhymes, “Who Dat Boy” concludes fittingly.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Songs About Boys, Vol. 1

🔗 🎧 14 Songs That Are About Boys 👨 or Girls 👩

18. Dustin Lynch, “Small Town Boy”

💿 Current Mood • 🏷 Broken Bow • 🗓 2017

Tennessee country artist 🎙 Dustin Lynch amps up the southern charm on 🎵 “Small Town Boy”, the second single from his third album, 💿 Current Mood. “Small Town Boy” has ample pros.  First and foremost, it plays directly to his southern roots.  Rather than trying to employ the modern bag of country tricks – rather pop tricks – Lynch keeps it country.  He’s southern, he’s from a small town, and that’s what she wants.  Not only is that what she wants, but for the traditional country audience, that’s what they want too.  Perhaps it’s cliché, even platitudinous, but isn’t southern charm and southern-ness huge in country music?  That’s rhetorical by the way.

The chorus is a huge selling point:

“She loves a small-town boy like me
She’s my ride or die baby
She’s my cool, she’s my crazy
She’s my laid back in the front seat
She’s my with me to the end girl
I’m turning it up to ten, girl
She can have anybody that she wants
Or be anywhere she wants to be
She loves a small-town boy like me.”

Of course, Dustin, there’s lots of girls that feel that way, and plenty of guys who envy you. Just saying!

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Songs About Boys, Vol. 1

🔗 🎧 14 Songs That Are About Boys 👨 or Girls 👩

🔗 🎧 13 Little or Small Songs That Transcend Size

🔗 🎧 Thrilling Songs All About the Town (Part I)

19. Panic! At the Disco, “Boys/Boys/Girls”

💿 Too Rare to Live, Too Young to Die • 🏷 Fueled by Ramen • 🗓 2013

🎙 Brendon Urie and 🎙 Panic! At the Disco delivered one of his most risqué singles of its career with 🎵 “Girls/Girls/Boys” (💿 Too Rare to Live, Too Young to Die, 2013). The single, not to mention Urie’s revelation of sexual experimentation caused the media to incorrectly label him as bisexual; notably, he came out as pansexual in 2018 🏳️‍🌈. He’s definitely onboard with the freedom to be and of course do what you’d like.

“Girls/Girls/Boys” embraces bisexuality, from a girl’s perspective:

“And never did I think that I
Would be caught in the way you got me
But girls love girls and boys
And love is not a choice.”

Later on, Urie admits to interfering with his love interest’s preferences:

“I’m just a villain vying for attention from a girl
A girl who can’t decide
And here’s the reason why
Girls love girls and boys.”

While he proclaims himself as the villain in this case, he’s ultimately thinking bigger. Since “Girls/Girls/Boys” is a bisexual anthem, he suggests those interfering with people choosing who to love – judgmental or otherwise – are the villains.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Songs About Boys, Vol. 1

🔗 🎧 14 Songs That Are About Boys 👨 or Girls 👩

🔗 🎧 Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming With Pride 🏳️‍🌈

🔗 🎧 12 Interesting Songs That Reference Bisexuality 🏳️‍🌈

🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️‍🌈

20. Ruth B., “Lost Boy”

💿 Safe Haven • 🏷 Columbia • 🗓 2017

Cutting straight to the chase, 🎙 Ruth B. is best known for one big hit: 🎵 “Lost Boy.”  “I’m a Lost Boy from Neverland / Usually hanging out with Peter Pan and / And when we’re bored, we play in the woods / Always on the run from Captain Hook.” As you can gather from the chorus, the Canadian pop singer/songwriter relies on elements of Peter Pan to fuel her fire.  The result is one truly electrifying piano ballad, which ultimately appeared on Ruth’s 2017 album, 💿 Safe Haven.  That said, “Lost Boy” actually arrived back in 2015.

It is the storytelling that makes “Lost Boy” special. Sure, Ruth B. sings beautifully, and although minimal, the production is nice, but the biggest selling point are those Peter Pan-tinged lyrics.  “He sprinkled me in pixie dust and told me to believe,” Ruth sings on the second verse, later adding, “As we soared above the town that never loved me / I realized I finally had a family / Soon enough, we reached Neverland.” On the bridge, she references every character explicitly: “Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy Darling / Even Captain Hook, you are my perfect storybook.” While Ruth B. didn’t become a gargantuan star beyond the brilliance of “Lost Boy,” this song is absolutely phenomenal in all senses of the word.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 11 Compelling Songs That Are Totally Lost