20 Dazzling NEVER Songs | Playlist

1. Luther Vandross, “Never Too Much”

Never Too Much • Sony Music Entertainment • 1981

“Too much, never too much, never too much, never too much!” AMEN! Yes, I realize that “Never Too Much” isn’t a gospel record, but man does a classic, groovy record like this make you want to witness! Hallelujah!!! The late, great, Grammy-winner Luther Vandross recorded and released this staple, back in 1981. Hard to believe this timeless joint is four decades old! It commenced Vandross’ debut album, also titled Never Too Much.  Notably, another beloved greatest hit of Vandross’ appears on the album: “A House is Not a Home” (also worth witnessing to).

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 Luther sang.  On this quick, groovy 80s soul cut, he never sounds as if he ever breaks a sweat while singing it – it’s absolutely amazing.  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.  Some songs just speak for themselves and “Never Too Much” is a prime example.

“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.” 

Also Appears On :

Too Much: 5ive Songs No. 30

2. Katy Perry, “Never Really Over”

Smile • Capitol • 2020

“Never Really Over” marks one of the best songs from Smile, the 2020 studio album by Katy Perry. “Never Really Over” sounds sleek from the onset, with its bright synths, pummeling drums, and its optimistic sound.  Zedd and Dreamlab get the credit for a superb backdrop for the pop star.  While it is a bright record set in a major key, Perry reminisces back on exes.  In the pre-chorus she sings, “I tell myself, tell myself, tell myself, ‘Draw the line’ / And I do, I do / But once in a while, I trip up, and I cross the line / And I think of you.”

Fittingly, the incredibly catchy chorus finds Perry providing context to the song title – the relationship may be over, but you always remember it:

“Two years, and just like that
My head still takes me back
Thought it was done, but I
Guess it’s never really over
Oh, we were such a mess
But wasn’t it the best?
Thought it was done, but I
Guess it’s never really over.”

It doesn’t end there, as a pre-chorus further analyzes the situation, while in the second verse, Perry is trying to “rewire this brain” with no success.  Hey, it’s “Never Really Over.” Ultimately, “Never Really Over” is a catchy, fun, well-rounded pop record through and through.

Also Appears On :

15 N Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason

3. Camila Cabello, “Never Be the Same”

Camila • Epic •  2018

Hard drums anchor the well-produced ( Frank Dukes) “Never Be the Same”, the opener from Camila.  Camila marked the Grammy-nominated debut studio album from former Fifth Harmony standout, Camila Cabello. In addition to Camilla herself, “Never Be the Same” was penned by a team comprised of Adam Feeney, Jacob Ludwig Olofsson, Leon Rami Dawod, Noonie Bao and Sasha Yatchenko.

On the verses, Cabello never pushes her voice much. Her stunning falsetto shows up, in all its sexiness and sweetness, beginning on the pre-chorus. Cabello exhibits the most vocal oomph during the high-flying chorus.

“It’s you babe
And I’m a sucker for the way that you move, babe
And I could try to run, but it would be useless
You’re to blame
Just one hit of you, I knew I’ll never be the same.”

Although somewhat casual, “Never Be the Same” is a solid start to Camila, and a fine addition to this never-driven playlist.

Also Appears On :

15 Gems from One Never-ending ‘Never’ List of Songs

4. The Offspring, “We Never Have Sex Anymore”

Let the Bad Times Roll • Wabi Sabi Worldwide LLC / Concord • 2021

“We never have sex anymore / We never roll around on the floor like we did so long ago.” Hmm, intimacy issues, The Offspring? Perhaps. The veteran band’s single, “We Never Have Sex Anymore”, appearing on their 2021 album, Let the Bad Times Roll, continues with more things that have changed within the relationship beyond the matters of the bedroom: “You never yell at me anymore / You never want to even the score like you did so long ago / But you’re still with me so I guess I’m not complaining / And you always leave my dinner on the stove.”

Basically, it sounds as if the singer (or his character) and his wife are in a rut.  It’s not that they don’t love and care for each other, but even the good and bad times have sort of just become neutral.  I mean, Dexter Holland go so far as to sing, “Baby please! / If you won’t love me, will you hate me? / If you won’t violate me, well, will you just at least aggravate me?” He’s not seeking out abuse but rather desires more oomph, life, and within the relationship, like they once had.  Of course, as couples get older, one of the first things that falls by the wayside is sex, hence why The Offspring key-in on this.

“We used to do it constantly
We used to have a ball
We use to do it everywhere
We never do it at all.”

Besides he fun, sexless lyrics, the sound of the record is pretty rad, with colorful sounds courtesy of horns and piano in addition to standard rock instrumentation.

5. Taylor Swift, “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together”

Red • Big Machine •  2012

Before Grammy winner Taylor Swift made it official that she was leaving country music in favor of pop ( 1989), she’d already began the transition on her 2012 album, Red. Yes, Red still had country music flowing through her veins, but the pop (or ‘country pop’ if you like) was much more pronounced here compared to previous albums.  One such pop record fits this togetherness embracing list, “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” If making the assertion “we are never getting back together” wasn’t enough, Swift makes it crystal clear that she and her ex are “never ever EVER getting back together.”

Piggybacking on the idea that Red is a transitional Taylor Swift album, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” was co-written by Swift with pop producers Max Martin and Shellback (they produce the track as well).  Naturally, the production encompasses ‘pop’ cues including a pounding beat, rhythm guitar.  It doesn’t go as far to the left as “I Knew You Were Trouble.” from the same album – it eschews dubstep and whacky synths – but this is pop music.  Swift’s vocal performance is catchy, cutesy, and playful, while the chorus specifically was among the catchiest of 2012:

“We are never, ever, ever, ever, getting back together
...You go talk to you friends talk
To my friends talk to me
But we are never, ever, ever, getting back together.”

Pop has certainly worked out for Taylor Swift, hasn’t it?

Also Appears On :

15 Songs Where We are in This Together!

6. Eminem, “Never Love Again”

Music to Be Murdered By • Interscope • 2020 

Iconic, Grammy-winning rapper Eminem rediscovered some of his mojo on his surprise 2020 studio album, Music to Be Murdered By.  It wasn’t perfect mind you, but definitely an improvement. On “Never Love Again,” the listener is treated to some old-school production, produced by Eminem, Dr. Dre, Dem Jointz, Trevor Lawrence, Jr., and Dewaun Parker.  In addition to its classic sound in the context of the album, the rapper serves up rhymes referencing drug use – charming!

“I can only take so much of you at one time
Because too much of you’s just too much to swallow sometimes
Gotta take you in doses, but when you’re not at my side
I shake in convulsions, separation anxiety ‘cause we may be the closest.”

If it’s that sort of love that Eminem is referencing, then he certainly should NEVER LOVE AGAIN!

Also Appears On :

10 Songs That Explore ‘Love Again’

7. The Weeknd, “I Was Never There”

Ft. Gesaffelstein

My Dear Melancholy, (EP) • Republic •  2018

“I Was Never There” appeared as the fourth track on the 2018 EP by Grammy-winning R&B artist, The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), My Dear Melancholy, (EP).  The Canadian standout brings French DJ and producer Gesaffelstein into the fold.  Gesaffelstein produces alongside Frank Dukes. The sound of the record is incredible, retaining the dark tilt established from the start of the EP as a whole.

“I Was Never There” was written by Tesfaye, Adam Feeney and Mike Levy. Lyrically, on there’s ample repetition, with the heartbroken, melancholic singer emphasizing the pain.

“When it’s time, when it’s time, when it’s time (time, it’s time, babe)
It won’t matter (it won’t matter, babe)
It won’t matter (ya)
It was like he was never there
(It was like he was never there)
It was like he was gone in thin air, oh.”

Despite lyrical limitations, “I Was Never There” is the lengthiest record on My Dear Melancholy, (EP).  Even so, there’s a well-executed, tasty production shift, and continual expressiveness courtesy of the distinctly voiced singer.

Also Appears On :

15 Gems from One Never-ending ‘Never’ List of Songs

8. BLACKPINK, “You Never Know”

THE ALBUM • YG Entertainment / Interscope • 2020

On their short but utterly sweet debut The Album, K-Pop girl group BLACKPINK impress with their knack for making hits that won’t leave your head anytime soon.  The Album only had eight songs in total, but guess what? All eight are worthy of multiple spins.  Only one fits the ‘never’ criteria of this list – concluding number “You Never Know.”

“You Never Know” concludes The Album strongly blending Korean and English.  Furthermore, this mid-tempo ballad incorporates some contemporary R&B sensibilities, in addition to the standard, hella slick K-pop script.  That’s not far-fetched, considering the influence of R&B on the genre.  Here, it shines in magnificent fashion. The vocals are ripe and the artistry (personality) lit. Most of the chorus, the epic centerpiece is in English, which certainly ‘brings it on home’ for the fans and stans stateside.

9. Luke Combs, “Beer Never Broke My Heart”

What You See is What You Get • River House Artists / Sony • 2020

“Longneck ice-cold beer never broke my heart / Likin’ diamond rings and football teams have torn this boy apart… / And longneck ice-cold beer never broke my heart.” Luke Combs indulges in BEER as his drink of choice – at least when it comes to “Beer Never Broke My Heart”, which appears on his 2019 sophomore album, What You See is What You Get. Love, politicians, and sports teams have all messed him up, but never that glorious substance known as beer.  It shouldn’t come as a surprise – country musicians have notorious love for beer.

Luke Combs keeps it relatively tight on “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” just inching past three minutes in duration.  Besides a respectable length, he does a fabulous job of maintaining the country music script.  He delivers robust vocals, heavy on twang, and unapologetically country.  Here, Combs is all ‘old-school’ on this straightforward, turned-up, guitar-heavy joint. Perhaps he doesn’t revolutionize country music with this alcoholic joint, but it is rock-solid, period.

Also appears on :

11 Awesome Songs That Tickled my Fancy in May 2019

Time to Eat – Dinner is Served!

15 Songs Associated with Alcohol to Some Extent

10. Lady Gaga, “I’ll Never Love Again”

A Star is Born Soundtrack •  Interscope •  2018

“I would’ve broke my heart in two / Tryin’ to save a part of you.” Prepare for a sad one folks, sigh. “I’ll Never Love Again” appears as the final song on the A Star is Born Soundtrack – it’s some kind of closer.  Furthermore, in the film, it’s the final song performed by Lady Gaga (Allie).  On this gorgeous ballad, Allie remembers Jack ( Brandley Cooper), who committed suicide.  Even though A Star is Born is film as opposed to real life, this is an unfortunate, tragic ending – get the tissues ready.

“I’ll Never Love Again” allows Lady Gaga to show her impressive vocal skills.  At times she opts for more poise.  At other times, she delivers more powered, robust vocals.  Throughout, the memories and the extent of her love for late hubby are front and center.  The chorus says it best:

“Don’t want to feel another touch
Don’t wanna start another fire
Don’t wanna know another kiss
No other name falling off my lips
Don’t wanna to give my heart away
To another stranger
Or let another day begin
Won’t even let the sunlight in
No, I’ll never love again
I’ll never love again.”

Also Appears On :

10 Songs That Explore ‘Love Again’

11. Rex Orange County, “Never Had the Balls”

Pony • Rex Orange County / Sony • 2019

“But I never got the chance to tell you / I never had the balls to tell you / No, I never had the balls to tell you.” After being “Stressed Out” on his third studio album, Pony, Rex Orange County (Alex O’Connor) follows up with ‘balls,’ or a lack thereof…  On “Never Had the Balls,” O’Connor depicts his lack of confidence to tell her how he feels.  One of the best moments on this driving, sparkling, major-key number is the bridge that appears between the second and third verses.

“‘This could be the best decision that you ever make
Please, don’t be afraid,’ she reassures me
I know it’s hard to play pretend
I promise you it’s due to end
And winners never quit, you know, so quitters never win
(It’s only getting better now for you).”

The uplifting sensibility is awesome.  So are the strings, and the production in its totality.  The chorus may be ‘rough around the edges’ using ‘balls’ as its central lyric, but it’s also highly effective – quite potent.

12. Hayley Kiyoko, “He’ll Never Love You (HNLY)”

Expectations • Atlantic • 2018

“I left a mark on your neck / I know that you won’t forget / Yeah, I know, yeah, I know, I’m the best you’ve ever had.” Da-yum – that’s confidence right there! If you weren’t aware, there is a “Lesbian Jesus.” No, I’m not intentionally trying to offend anyone or blasphemy (I repent).  Furthermore, I didn’t personally coin the nickname, though it actually seems fitting (contradicting my repentance?). Regardless, “Lesbian Jesus” is how Hayley Kiyoko has been referred to.  She definitely came out roaring on her debut album, Expectations, where she’s unafraid to speak from a queer perspective.

On “He’ll Never Love You (HNLY),” which she produces with Jono Dorr, she encourages her ex-girlfriend to come back to her.  That, of course, means her ex- must ditch her boyfriend.  Yeah – complicated situation to say the least!

“I know every day you’re thinking of me (thinking of me)
I make it better when you’re feeling lonely (feeling lonely)
You say no one will understand
You wish you could, but you just can’t, so
How many days, how many nights?
‘Til you realize, he’ll never love you like me?
He’ll never love you like me.”

“He’ll Never Love You” sheds light on a relevant bisexual / “hetero-curious” situation.

Also Appears On :

15 Gems from One Never-ending ‘Never’ List of Songs

13. Lyyke Li, “Never Gonna Love Again”

I Never Learn • RCA • 2014 

“Baby, can you hear the raian fall on me? Never gonna love again / Baby, can you hear my heart cry tonight?” On the beautiful, “Never Gonna Love Again”, Swedish alternative-pop singer Lyyke Li vows that she’s, well, “never gonna love again.” Why? Because she only wants him and nobody else.  If she can’t have him, she’ll never love anybody else.  It’s passion, hence that makes this gem from her 2014 album, I Never Learn, sound incredibly enthusiastic.

The major key and the gargantuan scope of the refrain also amplify her dedication and resolve to make things work. You can tell Lyyke Li ‘feels some type of way,’ willing to find a solution to what ailed her previous relationship.

“Every time the rain falls, think of me
On a lonely highway
How can we turn around the heartache?
Oh, I, I’m alone tonight, babe
And I’m never gonna love again.”

Lykke Li seems to accept her lot in love, but should she? Even as she’s experiencing some trying times, there’s nothing trying about this gem.

Also Appears On :

10 Songs That Explore ‘Love Again’

14. Death From Above 1979, “Never Swim Alone”

Outrage! Is Now • Warner • 2017

Canadian punk-rock duo Death from Above 1979 – Jesse F. Keeler and Sebastien Grainger – returned in 2017 with its third studio album, Outrage! Is Now. The duo keeps things short and sweet on standout, “Never Swim Alone”. The title alone is intriguing, wouldn’t you say?  Furthermore, an aggressive, energetic sound is a major selling point.

Chocked-full of energy, there are gritty, distorted, whiny vocals.  Fittingly, we get a characteristic f-bomb:

“Backseat conceive, so unclean
Plug it in like USB
18 years, fuck being free...”

Yeah – “Fuck being free” indeed Sebastien! Also, worth mentioning, is sick guitar work. Ultimately, “Never Swim Alone” is simply delicious, especially the catchy, ‘discouraging’ chorus that tell us to, “NEVER. SWIM. ALONE!”

Also Appears On :

Swimming…5ive Songs No. 22

11 Summery Songs Loosely Associated with The Beach

15. Halsey, “Now or Never”

Hopeless Fountain Kingdom • Astralwerks • 2017

“Never pick up, never call me / You know we’re runnin’ out of time / Never pick up when you want me / Now I gotta draw a line…” On “Now or Never”, Halsey is firmly planted in pop (there’s always been a debate on the degree of her alternativeness). The production on this gem from her 2017 album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, is handled by a star-studded team: Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat and Happy Perez.

On “Now or Never,” the modus operandi is love versus non-love. She keeps it real, yet simple. From her perspective, her lover is “hot n cold” exemplified by the pre-chorus above. On the chorus, she confirms her desire for love right now or never.

“...Said you know I wanna keep you around
‘Round forever, hey, hey, hey
I want you to love me now, now, now, now, now, now
Now or never.”

Pretty cut and dry right? Right. The second verse offers much of the same.  Halsey wants him, yet there’s still clearly dysfunction within the relationship: “Tryna talk to a wall / But you could never tear it down for me.” By the bridge, she sends the final ultimatum:

“Yeah, draw the line up
Don’t take no more time up, yeah
Make your mind up
I need you to make your mind up, yeah...
Baby you gotta decide something
Let me know.”

“Now or Never” isn’t particularly innovative in subject matter, production, vocal performance or otherwise, but it’s ultimately enjoyable.

Also Appears On :

15 Gems from One Never-ending ‘Never’ List of Songs

Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 1

16. Anthony Hamilton, “Never Love Again”

Ain’t Nobody Worryin’ • Arista • 2005 

Anthony Hamilton is a Grammy-winning R&B artist who’s had to fight for every ounce of success he’s achieved. Finally, back in 2003, he ‘came up’ with a platinum-certified album, Comin’ From Where I’m From, propelled by soulful hit, “Charlene”.  His follow-up album, Ain’t Nobody Worryin’, would give him a gold-certified album. It also provides us with a brilliant, ‘love again’ song, “Never Love Again.”

“Never Love Again” is something of an ‘uncharacteristic’ performance by Hamilton.  How so? Well, it finds the gritty soul singer tapping into his falsetto for the majority of the song.  Sure, we get that robust middle register on the chorus, but the verses are dominated the head – ‘head voice’ that is! When I first heard this song years back, I’ll never forget being so impressed hearing how potent he was going outside the box.  As far as the theme, Hamilton questions if he can get back to point of loving again following a devastating break-up. On the centerpiece, the chorus, he sings:

“How could I ever love again
How could I start to love again
After you broke me down, it’s hard
To trust that feeling, to fall in love again.”

Also Appears On :

10 Songs That Explore ‘Love Again’

17. Flume, “Never Be Like You”

Ft. Kai

Skin • Mom+Pop • 2016

“I’m only human, can’t you see? I made, I made a mistake / Please just look me in my face, tell me everything’s okay / ‘Cause I got it, ooh, he’ll never be like you.” Grammy-winning EDM artist Flume (Harley Streten), wants his music to reach further and transcend “commercial EDM”. That’s awesome! He definitely delivered ‘the goods’ on his 2016 album, Skin.  The crowning achievement of skin was “Never Be Like You,” featuring Kai.

“Never Be Like You” mixes urban, pop, and electronic elements. Flume masterfully synthesizes it all. As for Kai, she paints over Streten’s production radiantly. She flexes with f-bombs and flaunts her glorious upper register. 

“I would give anything to change this fickle-minded heart
That loves fake shiny things
Now I’m fucked up and I’m missing you
He'll never be like you.” 

Also Appears On :

15 Gems from One Never-ending ‘Never’ List of Songs

18. Katy Perry, “Never Worn White”

“Never Worn White” • Capitol • 2020

“Never Worn White” marks the second Katy Perry to grace this never-driven list following “Never Really Over”.  While “Never Really Over” made the final cut on her 2020 studio album, Smile, “Never Worn White” was totally M.I.A.  Despite its absence, the standalone single was quite respectable, finding Perry dropping the rare ballad.

“Never Worn White” is beautifully executed overall.  Johan Carlsson does a nice job setting up Perry with lovely production.  Musically, it’s anchored by piano and strings – gentler, more radiant sounds.  Perry herself sounds more alluring and compelling than she has in some time.  She’s never been the most technically gifted vocalist, but the way she uses her instrument here – the expressiveness and nuances – are pretty sweet.  Listening to “Never Worn White,” I believe what she has to sell – the authenticity is clear and present.  Particularly impressive is how she truly rises to the occasion towards the end of the record, ‘bringing it on home.’

It’s easy to be more authentic when the subject matter is mature.  “Never Worn White” is about a committed, dedicated relationship, with matrimony in mind.  “Thank God that you were man enough to come,” Perry sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “Answer my prayers / You asked the question, I said, ‘Yes’ / But I’m scared.” Of course, the centerpiece is the following chorus, where Perry wants to be the best version of herself to her future husband:

“‘Cause I’ve never worn white
But I wanna get it right
Yeah, I really wanna try with you
No, I’ve never worn white
But I’m standin’ here tonight
‘Cause I really wanna say, “I do” 

Also Appears On :

Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: March 2020

19. Rick Astley, “Never Gonna Give You Up”

Whenever You Need Someone • Sony • 1987

One of the ‘most 80s’ hits of all time arrived courtesy of Grammy-nominated British singer, songwriter, and personality, Rick Astley. Cutting straight to the chase, his iconic, former no. 1 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” was more than enough to secure his musical legacy.  Of course, Astley had other hits off his 1987 album, Whenever You Need Someone, including another no. 1, “Together Forever”.  Still his ace in the hole is the hella groovy, hella infectious “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

Take one listen to “Never Gonna Give You Up” and you know that you’re listening to a certified bop.  Even more than 30 years after it first arrived, Astley’s most important single of his career is still potent to the nth degree.  The production is absolute fire, the vocals are expressive, and the chorus is golden to the nth degree.  I could sit here and pick apart every aspect of this timeless record but there’s no need – it speaks for itself.

“Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you.”

20. Marvin Sapp, “Never Would Have Made It”

Thirsty • Sony • 2007

“Never would have made it / Never could have made it without you / I would have lost it all / But now I see how you were there for me.” It’s a rarity when a contemporary gospel song impacts the pop charts.  The inspirational, spiritually charged Marvin Sapp gem “Never Would Have Made It” ( Thirsty) is one of the rare songs that simply couldn’t be contained to gospel charts.

“Never Would Have Made It” landed on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no. 82, an amazing feat for a gospel record. “Never Would Have Made It” ended up being certified platinum, while Thirsty went on to attain gold certification.  More important than the commercial success is the message – why “Never Would Have Made It” was so successful. It’s a song about faith, resolve, and strength, giving thanks to God for his mercy (“I am stronger / I am wiser / And now I am better / so much better”).  Even the most faithless person is hard pressed to deny the power of the song, regardless of belief in a deity or not.

Also Appears On :

Five Uplifting Contemporary Gospel Songs