‘50 Awesome Boy & Girl Songs’ features songs by Beyoncé, blackbear, Charlie Puth, Lana Del Rey, Little Big Town & Panic! At the Disco.
“Candy girl / You are my world / You look so sweet / You’re a special treat,” 🎙 Ralph Tresvant sings on the 🎙 New Edition classic, 🎵 “Candy Girl” (💿 Candy Girl, 1983). “If I were a boy / I think I could understand,” 🎙 Beyoncé sings on 🎵 “If I Were a Boy” (💿 I Am…Sash Fierce, 2008), continuing, “How it feels to love a girl / I swear I’d be a better man.” On 🎵 “Am I a Girl?” (💿 Am I a Girl, 2018), 🎙 Poppy asserts, “Sometimes I’m feminine / Sometimes I’m masculine / Don’t evaluate me as a woman or man /… Am I a girl? Am I a boy?” Fair enough.
None of the aforementioned songs get full-fledged blurb action on 50 AWESOME BOY & GIRL SONGS. They are just three of the many, many omissions. That said, there 50 awesome songs that do make the list, all centered on boys and girls. Some of the artists fueling the fire include 🎙 Beyoncé, 🎙 blackbear, 🎙 Charlie Puth, 🎙 Lana Del Rey, 🎙 Little Big Town and 🎙 Panic! At the Disco among others. So, the question is, are you TEAM BOY or are you TEAM GIRL?
1. Megan Thee Stallion, “Girls in the Hood”
🎵 “Girls in the Hood” • 🏷 300 Entertainment • 🗓 2020
“Fuck bein’ good, I’m a bad bitch…” Ah 🎵 “Girls in the Hood” – another successful banger from the ever unapologetic 🎙 Megan The Stallion. “Girls in the Hood” is short but sweet, featuring fine production work from Illadaproducer and Scott Storch, including some old-school hip-hop cues coupled with a modern, hard-hitting beat.
The biggest reason for the success of the record is Megan, who serves up plenty of aggressive lyrics. A self-described “bad bitch,” she’s sexed up and assertive AF about what she does to her men (“I’ma make him eat me out while I’m watchin’ anime”). There is no shortage of colorful one-liners. The catchy chorus serves as the centerpiece.
“I’m a hot girl, I do hot shit (I do hot shit) Spend his income on my outfit (On my outfit) I don’t text quick ‘cause I ain’t thirsty (I ain’t thirsty) These bitches mad, mad, they wanna hurt me (Ah, ah).”
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Girls
2. 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.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Boys
3. Charlie Puth, “Girlfriend”
🎵 “Girlfriend” • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 2020
🎙 Charlie Puth is adorkable, and that’s part of his charm. Though he’s had his fair share of issues with schmaltziness in the past, he continues to show growing maturity, exemplified by the single, 🎵 “Girlfriend”. “Girlfriend” features sleek production by Puth that’s led by keyboards – sweet, sticky-sounding synths. The record sounds balanced and uncluttered – perhaps even spare at times; never are his vocals inhibited.
“Girlfriend” sounds as if it could’ve easily launched in the 1980s. Even though it’s retro, the single still sounds refreshing and an optimal fit for Puth. He’s definitely ‘sexy’ here, but without crossing any lines. His falsetto is absolutely awesome, while the chorus is infectious to the nth degree.
“Baby, would you ever want to be my girlfriend? I don’t wanna play no games This is more than just a phase Baby, would you ever want to be my girlfriend? If you want it, let me know We could make this official.”
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: July 2020
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Girls
4. 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
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Boys
5. BLACKPINK, “Lovesick Girls”
💿 THE ALBUM • 🏷 YG Entertainment / Interscope • 🗓 2020
The first half of 💿 THE ALBUM, the 2020 album by K-Pop girl group 🎙 BLACKPINK is fantastic – four straight hits. The second half doesn’t disappoint either, beginning with the GIRL song at hand, 🎵 “Lovesick Girls.” Performed with a blend of Korean (mostly) and English, the girls make sure they emphasize key lyrics in English for their English-speaking fans.
The English lines includes the epic chorus (“We are the lovesick girls”) as well as an entertaining hip-hop verse (“No love letters, no X and O’s / No love, never, my exes know…”). Honestly, “Lovesick Girls” sounds like a contemporary, American pop song. That’s a totally positive thing – nothing the least bit sick 🤒🤮 about that!
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Girls
6. 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.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Boys
7. blackbear, “hot girl bummer”
💿 everything means nothing • 🏷 Alamo / Interscope • 🗓 2020
“Fuck you, and you, and you / I hate your friends and they hate me too.” What a colorful way to commence 🎵 “hot girl bummer,” 🎙 blackbear, not to mention his 2020 album, 💿 everything means nothing. With “hot girl bummer,” blackbear earned the biggest hit of his career. Essentially, he’s totally unimpressed with these stereotypical, shallow young women – he’s not with it.
Depending on who you ask, “hot girl bummer” was among the worst songs of 2019. That said, from my end of things, contextually, it’s an enjoyable start to the album. Furthermore, it’s definitely a perfect fit for this GIRL centric list.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Girls
8. 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 🔽:
🔗 🎧 14 Songs That Are About Boys 👨 or Girls 👩
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Boys
9. Fantasia, “Bad Girl”
💿 Sketchbook • 🏷 Rock Soul / BMG Rights Management • 🗓 2019
“I’m just a confident, independent, getting it, intelligent, woman / And if my confident, independence, go and get it, intelligence scares ya…” Ah, 🎵 “Bad Girl” ranks among the ‘crown jewels’ of 💿 Sketchbook, the sixth studio album by Grammy-winning R&B artist, 🎙 Fantasia. “Bad Girl” features lush production work courtesy of 🎙 Carmael Frith, 🎙 Jevon Hill, 🎙 Stanley Green, and 🎙 Theodore Thomas.
“Bad Girl” thrives off of high-flying, spirited lead vocals from Fantasia. She also gets superb support by backing vocals that further amplify both her lead and cause. This empowered anthem’s best moment comes courtesy of the chorus:
“Then I’ll be the bad girl The one that you really want The one that won’t settle for nothing And make you show just what you’re made of Yeah, I’ll be the bad girl The one that you’re scared to love I’ll make you face all your fears, then wipe all your tears So, toughen up, and fall for the bad girl.”
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Girls
10. 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.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Boys
11. Tyler Glenn, “G.D.M.M.L. GRLS”
💿 Excommunication • 🏷 Island • 🗓 2016
“Gay’s not a challenge that I’ll overcome / Not a thing to be tolerated / If I kiss a boy, I’m gonna kiss, that cool? / Am I fucking up your day? Now that’s just rude…” 🎵 “G.D.M.M.L. GRLS” (💿 Excommunication, 2016) definitely sounds like something that 🎙 Neon Trees front man 🎙 Tyler Glenn needed to get out of his system. He gets personal about his sexuality 🏳️🌈 and the hurdles associated with it. This heavily produced, intense record, showcases Glenn’s disillusionment with the Mormon church ⛪, who denounce homosexuality.
On the chorus, he asserts inability to change his sexual preference:
“I keep on hearing evil voices, voices ...They keep on messing with my choices, choices ...God didn’t give me alternative, no When she put me on the earth God didn’t make me like girls...”
Numerous churches and religions denounce homosexuality. Many cite Biblical text ✝ as the source, with Sodom and Gomorrah leading the charge. Swap out Mormonism for various religions or communities, and homophobia occurs. His message resonates with numerous members of the LGBTQ+ community 🏳️🌈, and others.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️🌈
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Girls
12. 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.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Boys
13. Beyoncé, “Run the World (Girls)”
💿 4 • 🏷 Sony • 🗓 2011
“Girls, we run this mutha (yeah!)” That’s that attitude that only 🎙 Beyoncé can bring to the track, sigh. Ask yourself, this one, burning question: “Who run the world?” Whether you’re a boy, girl, man, woman or otherwise, the ONLY correct answer is GIRLS. NO CAP!
No, Yoncé’s 🎵 “Run the World (Girls)” for her under-appreciated, 2011 album, 💿 4, didn’t pack the same punch as “Crazy in Love” or “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”. Even so, the badass girl power packed into this single is undeniable to the nth degree. Throw in awesome production by 🎙 Terius “The-Dream” Nash and 🎙 Switch, and “Run the World (Girls)” is still quite an important, impactful record in the artist’s illustrious music collection.
“Some of them men think they freak this Like we do, but no they don’t Make your check, come at they neck Disrespect us, no they won’t Boy, don’t even try to touch this.”
Aww snap! Boys everywhere, step TF aside because the “Girls, run this!”
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Girls
14. 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
🔗 🎧 14 Songs That Are About Boys 👨 or Girls 👩
🔗 🎧 15 Boring Songs That Are Totally Exciting
🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️🌈
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Boys
15. Katy Perry, “I Kissed a Girl”
💿 One of the Boys • 🏷 Capitol • 🗓 2008
“That was never the way I planned / Not my intention / I got so brave, drink in hand / Lost my discretion…” Well, that’s very telling 🎙 Katy Perry. Of course, the opening lines from the first verse set up the 2008, bisexual 🏳️🌈 anthem (rather, bi-curious ), 🎵 “I Kissed a Girl.” Of course, the juiciest part of the verse is the second half, where Perry asserts, “Just wanna try you on / I’m curious for you…”
Does “I Kissed A Girl” have a transcendent message? Eh. A Huffington Post article sheds some light on this controversial, though extremely popular hit. Regardless of the controversy, you could argue “I Kissed A Girl” broke barriers at the time. Same-sex interactions wasn’t a popular topic for pop hits back in 2008. And who didn’t “like it” at the time? By the way, the “cherry chap stick reference” was naughtier than anyone thought.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 12 Interesting Songs That Reference Bisexuality 🏳️🌈
🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️🌈
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Girls
16. 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.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Boys
17. Lana Del Rey, “Cinnamon Girl”
💿 Norman Fucking Rockwell! • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2019
🎵 “Cinnamon Girl” boasts some of the best production work of 💿 Norman Fucking Rockwell!, the best 🎙 Lana Del Rey album to date. She can thank Jack Antonoff for his work behind the boards. Sound wise, the keyboards and drum programming stand out.
Beyond the backdrop, the chorus shines, particularly the way she sings it, as well as the lyrics (“There’s things I wanna say to you, but I’ll just let you live / Like if you hold me without hurting me / You’ll be the first whoever did”). It’s followed by a marvelous post-chorus, where some of those aforementioned production tricks arrive.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Girls
18. 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!
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Boys
19. blackbear, “why are girls?”
💿 everything means nothing • 🏷 Alamo / Interscope • 🗓 2020
🎙 blackbear commenced his 2020 album, 💿 everything means nothing, with 🎵 “hot girl bummer” (“Fuck you, and you, and you / I hate your friends and they hate me too”). Down the track list, the 11th and penultimate track, 🎵 “why are girls?” poses a question. The real question is, what is/are the answers?
Basically, bear sings (and asks), “Why are girls so hot? / Take everything I’ve got.” Well, basically, you can figure out the answer for yourself considering that lyrics such as that pretty much says it all. But, if it really needs to be laid out, he’s totally awed by their beauty, but disillusioned with relationships themselves. Neither the aforementioned “hot girl bummer” or “why are girls?” was the first time, or likely the last time the pop/R&B artist will tackle this subject matter.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Girls
20. 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 🔽:
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Boys
21. Maren Morris, “Girl”
💿 GIRL • 🏷 Sony • 🗓 2019
“Man, this shit’s unflatterin’, all up in my head again / I don’t feel myself right now, maybe I should just lay down.” Ladies everywhere, prepare to be uplifted on 🎵 “Girl”, a surefire highlight from Grammy-winner 🎙 Maren Morris’ 2019 album, 💿 GIRL. While “Girl” is idiomatic of country, Morris definitely blurs the lines between country and pop. It doesn’t hurt that producer extraordinaire 🎙 Greg Kurstin serves as co-producer alongside Morris.
She delivers solid, aggressive and confident vocals from the jump, including the feisty aforementioned lyric. Throughout, there are plenty of clever lyrics, giving “Girl” its fair share of moments. Fueling Morris’ fire is the key driving guitar accompaniment. Speaking of vocals, the backing vocals are on-point during the pre-chorus section:
“What you feel is natural But I don’t wanna feel this anymore Pick yourself up off the kitchen floor What you waitin’ for?”
A catchy chorus is the crowning achievement, uniting the entirety of the record. Notably, the vocal arrangement and production stand out during this particular section.
“Girl, won’t you stop your cryin’? I know that you’re tryin’ Everything’s gonna be okay Baby girl, don’t you hang your head low Don’t you lose your halo Everyone’s gonna be okay Baby girl.”
All in all, Morris delivers a sensational record with “Girl” –a superb anthem that that should speak to girls everywhere. The positivity and uplifting vibes truly help to make “Girl” elite.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 51 Best Songs of 2019 (#40).
🔗 🎧 11 Empowering Songs About Loving Yourself
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Girls
22. 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.”
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Boys
23. Billie Eilish, “All the Good Girls Go to Hell”
WHEN WE FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? • Darkroom / Interscope • 2019
“All the good girls go to Hell / ‘Cause even God herself has enemies / And once the water starts to rise / And Heaven’s out of sight / She’ll want the devil on her team.” Wow, 🎙 Billie Eilish, wow! The teenage alternative artist makes a bold statement with the minor-key 🎵 “All the Good Girls Go to Hell,” not to mention her full-length debut album, 💿 WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?.
Eilish’s vocal approach is low key, yet also packs a punch at the same time. Specifically, what makes “All the Good Girls Go to Hell” intriguing are the religious references, likely an eyebrow raiser with the religious crowd. In addition to the ‘God’s enemies’ lyric, Eilish also references Peter (“Peter’s on vacation, an open invitation”) and Lucifer (“My Lucifer is lonely / There’s nothing left to save now / My god is gonna owe me / There’s nothing left to save now”).
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 15 Really ‘Good’ Songs… It’s That Simple!
🔗 🎧 11 Go, Going, Gone, Gonna Songs
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Girls
24. 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.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Boys
25. 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 🔽:
🔗 🎧 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 Amazing Songs About Boys
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Girls
26. 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.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Boys
27. Lizzo, “Like a Girl”
💿 Cuz I Love You (Super Deluxe) • 🏷 Nice Life / Atlantic • 🗓 2019
“Woke up feelin’ like I just might run for President /Even if there ain’t no precedent, switchin’ up the messaging / I’m about to add a little estrogen…” 🎵 “Like a Girl” hails from 💿 Cuz I Love You, the 2020 album by Grammy-winning pop artist 🎙 Lizzo. In the context of the album, she maintains momentum on the feisty joint, which follows the rousing, title track. Lizzo raps on the verses, while singing on the pre-chorus and chorus.
“Find me up in Magic City bustin’ hundreds by the bands And I throw it (Like a girl) Go and throw it (Like a girl) Hangin’ out the 750, feelin’ bossy in my city ‘Cause I run it (Like a girl) Run it, run it (Like a girl).”
What stands out most about “Like a Girl” is its message of female empowerment. Sure, there’s some element of ‘tongue in cheek,’ but beyond having a little bit of fun, she’s is all about celebrating the girls (“I work my femininity”) and “Making these boys get on their knees.” To quote 🎙 Beyoncé, “Who run the world? Girls”! Or, to quote 🎙 Nicki Minaj, more explicitly, “All these bitches is my sons / And I’ma go and get some bibs for ‘em”.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Girls
28. 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.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Boys
29. Charlie Puth, “LA Girls”
💿 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. It’s not ‘the second coming,’ but all in all, it’s an enjoyable album. Puth’s personality works much more effectively on this set, and even though his awkwardness gets the best of him at times, more often than not, it bodes in his favor.
Among the Voicenotes’ highlights is the song 🎵 “LA Girls,” which has a nasty groove, while keeping the production on the simpler side of things. The groove fits the narrative, where Charlie Puth “Misses my baby” (his ex) and perhaps, the East Coast as well. “How the hell did I get caught up / Messin’ with these LA girls?” he asks himself on the chorus.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 14 Songs That Are About Boys 👨 or Girls 👩
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Girls
30. 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 🏳️🌈
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Boys
31. Anderson East, “Girlfriend”
💿 Encore • 🏷 Elektra • 🗓 2018
“I think I’m in love, think I’m in love / I think I’m in love with your girlfriend.” Soulful singer-songwriter 🎙 Anderson East delivers on the brief, but thrilling 🎵 “Girlfriend”, the third single issued from his sophomore album, 💿 Encore. “Girlfriend” kicks off like a throwback soul record. The production certainly doesn’t sound like the majority of modern music but this is actually a major selling point. Instead of trap percussion and wild synths, there are horns, piano, organ – all things 60s and 70s. East matches the vibe vocally, with his distinct, gritty, soulful pipes.
He’s authentic, invested, and incredibly playful with his performance.
“She’s putting me out there And she got a look like she leaving It looks like she knows what she’s wantin’ And I think I'm just what she's needin’.”
All in all, great vocals, great production, and a killer vibe makes “Girlfriend” ‘good stuff’ without question.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 10 Alluring Boyfriend or Girlfriend Songs
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Girls
32. 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 🔽:
🔗 🎧 14 Songs That Are About Boys 👨 or Girls 👩
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Boys
33. Summer Walker, “Girls Need Love (Remix)”
Ft. Drake
💿 Over It • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2019
R&B artist 🎙 Summer Walker shines on her debut album, 💿 Over It, released in 2019. It should come as no surprise that Over It is dominated by matters of the heart. Among the crème de la crème of the LP is 🎵 “Girls Need Love (Remix).” Yes, Over It closes with a bang thanks to the record featuring the biggest collaboration, 🎙 Drake.
As is the case throughout Over It, Summer Walker’s honesty is quite appreciated:
“I just need it now, better swing my way I just need some dick, I just need some love Tired of fucking with these lame niggas, baby I just need a thug.”
As for Drake, like many of Walker’s other male collaborators, he brings the masculine perspective. One lyric that is a direct response is when he states, “You just need some dick with no complications / You just need some, you just need some / Late night attention, un-condition.” Honestly, “Girls need love, too.”
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 15 G Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Girls
34. 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 🔽:
🔗 🎧 14 Songs That Are About Boys 👨 or Girls 👩
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Boys
35. One Direction, “Steal My Girl”
💿 Four • 🏷 Sony • 🗓 2014
“Everybody want to steal my girl / everybody want to take her heart away…” 🎵 “Steal My Girl” is an epic way to open 💿 Four, the fourth studio album by 🎙 One Direction. A sound and truly enjoyable single for 1D, “Steal My Girl” shows more maturity compared to much of their previous work.
Does “Steal My Girl” exemplify maturity? Nah – 1D is still a boy band, so, there’s still schmaltz and corniness to the nth degree. That said, we also get a greater degree of vocal maturity. Furthermore, big production cuts down on the complaints from the haters – the ‘non-directioners’ and anti-Stans. Still, “Steal My Girl” is totally hard to resist, particularly the totally tongue-n-cheek, “na na na na.” Also, worth noting, the blend of classic rock and pop cues is pretty sweet.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧20 Amazing Songs About Girls
36. 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 🔽:
🔗 🎧 14 Songs That Are About Boys 👨 or Girls 👩
🔗 🎧 13 Little or Small Songs That Transcend Size
🔗 🎧 Thrilling Songs All About the Town (Part I)
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Boys
37. Rita Ora, “Girls”
Ft. Cardi B, Bebe Rexha & Charli XCX
💿 Phoenix • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 2018
“I ain’t one-sided, I’m open-minded / I’m fifty-fifty and I’m never gonna hide it.” Perhaps, her heart was in the right place, but 🎙 Rita Ora fell far short on her star-studded bisexually-driven anthem, 🎵 “Girls” (💿 Phoenix), which features 🎙 Cardi B, 🎙 Charli XCX, and 🎙 Bebe Rexha. Typically, socially charged songs, particularly those with a LGBTQ+ 🏳️🌈 tilt, are applauded. That has NOT been the case with “Girls,” which received widespread criticism. Considered to be among the worst songs of 2018, to Ora’s credit, she makes a statement about sexuality, specifically bisexuality, albeit poorly stated.
On the aforementioned Ora excerpt from the first verse, she seems to be admitting that she’s bisexual, or at least not merely heterosexual. Charli XCX follows up with the pre-chorus encompassing a lesbian relationship, ménage trois, and kush – hmm. On the chorus, both admit, “I just wanna kiss girls.” Rexha joins on the second verse, focusing on same-sex attraction with Cardi B capping things off: “I steal your bitch, have her down with the scissor / Tonight, I don’t want a dog, I want a kitten.” Again, Ora and company oversimplify bisexuality, same-sex attraction, and sexuality in general. This is a misguided pop record through and through, that had it been executed better, could’ve packed a mightier punch. Still, it’s a girl song worth discussing.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming with PRIDE 🏳️🌈
🔗 🎧 12 Interesting Songs That Reference Bisexuality 🏳️🌈
🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️🌈
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Girls
38. 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
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Boys
39. Maroon 5, “Girls Like You (Remix)”
Ft. Cardi B
🎵 “Girls Like You (Remix)” • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2018
🎵 “Girls Like You” originally appeared as the ninth track on 💿 Red Pill Blues, the sixth studio album by 🎙 Maroon 5. Originally described as a decent song – “slick, well-sung, and feel-good” – all of those characterizations remain true on the remix, featuring 🎙 Cardi B. This record exemplified the trendy, ultra-slick, modern pop sound that dominated the airwaves at the time.
Hearing “Girls Like You” post- Red Pills Blues, it’s more appealing compared to back then. 🎙 Adam Levine continues to shine vocally. While the stylistic shifts are highly debatable, his voice isn’t. As for Cardi B, she delivers a short verse – merely a taste – that keeps things interesting but doesn’t bring profundity. The cut isn’t ‘next level’ per se, but worthwhile.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 20 Amazing Songs About Girls
40. ZEE MACHINE, “If You Were My Boyfriend”
💿 Brainchemistry – EP • 🏷 ZEE MACHINE • 🗓 2018
“I could be your one and all / Pin you up against the wall / And I’d make you feel so safe and sound / Take your picture secretly / Make it dirty just for me / And I’d use it when nobody’s around.” Ooh la la – someone’s crushing hard! On the silky-smooth, urban-pop ballad 🎵 “If You Were My Boyfriend,” a standout from 💿 Brainchemistry, 🎙 ZEE MACHINE tells his potential man everything he’s willing to do to be a good partner to him.
Clearly, ZEE MACHINE has made mistakes, something he highlights on the bridge, where he delivers some of his best vocals. Despite ample flaws – a wandering eye and beyond – he ultimately believes, “If you were my boyfriend,” he’d be a better person and fully committed. Regardless where your sexuality lies, “If You Were My Boyfriend” is an incredibly relatable, superbly conceived record.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Totally Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs Beaming with Pride 🏳️🌈
🔗 🎧 10 Alluring Boyfriend or Girlfriend Songs
🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️🌈
41. Lana Del Rey, “Sad Girl”
💿 Ultraviolence • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2014
“He’s got the fire and he walks with it / He’s got the fire and he talks with it,” 🎙 Lana Del Rey sings on the chorus of 🎵 “Sad Girl,” a gem from her 2014 album, 💿 Ultraviolence. Del Rey, who is awesome at writing and singing depressed songs, continues, “His Bonnie on the side, Bonnie on the side / Makes me a sad, sad girl.” It’s certainly fitting given the tone of this particular record that it is set at a slow tempo and in a minor key. “Sad Girl” is moody – definitely a vibe!
Ultraviolence remained my personal favorite Lana Del Rey album, up until the masterpiece that was 💿 Norman Fucking Rockwell! arrived in 2019. “Sad Girl” probably wouldn’t be considered a key song from the project, but, this marks another marvelous instance of Del Rey being true to herself and her style. Worth noting, “Sad Girl” got a shout out within the introductory paragraph of 🎧 11 Songs Where the Sadness is Legit.
42. Keiynan Lonsdale, “Kiss the Boy”
🎵 “Kiss the Boy” • 🏷 Keiynan Lonsdale • 🗓 2018
“You messing my emotions up / My air gets stuck / I’m scared to show just how I feel ‘cause people talk…” And it’s that last part of the first pre-chorus from 🎵 “Kiss the Boy” that makes a life-altering happening like coming out so difficult. On “Kiss the Boy,” 🎙 Keiynan Lonsdale urges embracing who you are – being true to self, coming out. First things first of course, in case you are unaware, Lonsdale is an actor, dancer, and musician from Australia, known for his role in the CW television series The Flash, and film roles in Insurgent and Love, Simon. As you might imagine given the aforementioned lyrical excerpts, he’s a member of the LGBTQ community 🏳️🌈, but dislikes labels (he’s been labeled by media as bisexual).
It’s following the aforementioned pre-chorus that Keiynan tells us, ‘go all in!’ On the chorus, eh sings:
“If you want to kiss the boy Then you better kiss the boy right now You ain’t got to be afraid Of the words you want to say right now ‘Cause love is a game we deserve to play out loud So, if you wanna Then you better kiss the boy.”
From that point on, Lonsdale encourages taking the plunge. On the second verse, he asserts, “Give into love / … Give it the time,” while on the third verse, he states, “Don’t want to hide / Most of my life I’ve been terrified / Spending my days always questioning / Am I wrong to love a man.” Essentially, he captures the fears, skepticisms of so many questioning their sexuality, ultimately saying, DON’T BE AFRAID TO BE WHO YOU ARE.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 19 Songs That Reference Coming Out 🏳️🌈
🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️🌈
43. Mötley Crüe, “Girls, Girls, Girls”
💿 Girls, Girls, Girls • 🏷 Eleven Seven• 🗓 1985
“Joyously sleazy and stupid, they became one of the top heavy metal bands of the ’80s, but garnered more headlines for their infamous antics.” Sounds like an accurate description of 🎙 Mötley Crüe to me, David Jeffries. One song in particular seems to fit the colorful characterization of cock rock: 🎵 “Girls, Girls, Girls” (💿 Girls, Girls, Girls, 1987).
“Girls, girls, girls Long legs and burgundy lips Girls, girls, girls Dancing down on Sunset Strip Girls, girls, girls Red lips, fingertips.”
Ultimately, that sums up the shallow “Girls, Girls, Girls.” The record is all about hooking up and nothing more. Is there the sense that any of the guys in MC were looking for an emotional connection? No, of course not; they simply wanted to do it with hotties! Then there’s the line, “I’m such a good, good boy, I just need a new toy… / Dance for me, I’ll keep you over-employed.” Yep, this is cock rock exemplified!
44. Steve Grand, “All-American Boy”
💿 All American Boy • 🏷 Grand Nation • 🗓 2015
A male country artist who is gay? Do those even exist? Yes, there are, and they have nothing to be ashamed of. In this case, the openly gay country musician we are referencing is the hunky 🎙 Steve Grand. Grand did something that no mainstream country artist would dare do – he recorded a same-sex 🏳️🌈 love song, 🎵 “All-American Boy,” released in 2013. “All-American Boy” would eventually appear on his 2015 album, 💿 All-American Boy.
Love songs are commonplace in country music, where hunky male artists sing about wooing girls. While Grand has the “hunky” part covered, the fact that the object of his affection is a male shocked the world at the time: “Ripped jeans, only drinks whiskey / I find him by the fire while his girl was getting frisky, oh / I say we go this road tonight…” All said and done, the one thing that truly separates “All-American Boy” from any other country love song is sexual preference. Few country songs address the LGBTQ+ community. Grand filled a gap and initiates the discussion. He does a damn good job of doing so too.
“Be my all-American boy tonight Where every day’s the fourth of July And it’s alright, alright And we can keep this up ‘til the morning light And you can hold me deep in your eyes It’s alright, alright So be my, be my My all-American boy.”
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 15 Songs Where Guys Sing About Guys 🏳️🌈
🔗 🎧 15 Must-Hear, All-American Songs
🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️🌈
45. Sean Kingston, “Beautiful Girls”
💿 Sean Kingston • 🏷 Epic • 🗓 2008
“Damn all these beautiful girls, they only wanna do you dirt / They’ll have me suicidal, suicidal, when they say it’s over.” 🎙 Sean Kingston definitely has a point on the sole no. 1 hit of his career, 🎵 “Beautiful Girls.” 🎙 Blackbear made a similar statement on the aforementioned, 🎵 “why are girls?” (“Why are girls so hot? / Take everything I’ve got”). Of course, this same scenario is applicable to a smoking hot guy who potentially does the same.
That said, often, it seems to be girls who are leery of dudes cheating on them or rejecting them. Here, Kingston sings from the guy’s perspective where rejection and broken relationships make for a state of mind as serious as being suicidal because of the wrecking of emotions. Love can be awesome, but it can also be a train wreck that potentially ruins, ends, or threatens to end your life. As bad as the scenario may be, what’s not the least bit objectionable is how awesome this standout from Sean Kingston’s 2007 💿 self-titled album is.
46. Estelle, “American Boy”
Ft. Kanye West
💿 Shine • 🏷 Atlantic • 🗓 2008
“I really want to come kick it with you / You’ll be my American boy.” Fair or unfair, British R&B artist 🎙 Estelle has one big hit to her name stateside: 🎵 “American Boy.” The 2008 Billboard Hot 100 hit was produced by 🎙 will.i.am and features a verse from 🎙 Kanye West. Furthermore, “American Boy” earned Estelle her sole Grammy win. Basically, “American Boy” was definitely a big deal and certainly the most important track from its parent album, 💿 Shine.
So, what’s the premise? Basically, Estelle is all-in on boys stateside – The United States. You could say she wants a ‘foreign,’ as the rappers might put it. This is an energetic, fun cut with a great beat – infectious to the nth degree. Estelle sings beautifully, will.i.am drops the perfect backdrop, and Kanye West provides a nice lift. Amazing we neglected to include this BOY song previously.
47. Little Big Town, “Girl Crush”
💿 Pain Killer • 🏷 Capitol Nashville • 🗓 2014
“I gotta girl crush, hate to admit it but / I gotta heart rush, ain’t slowin’ down.” Perhaps if it weren’t 🎙 Karen Fairchild, a female, handling the lead vocals, there’d be nothing eyebrow raising about the 🎙 Little Big Town hit, 🎵 “Girl Crush.” If you don’t pay close attention to the lyrics, it’s easy to mistake this particular country standout from 💿 Pain Killer as an LGBTQ+ joint. It’s not – it’s just a great song that’s cleverly written and requires you to pay close attention to the lyricism.
According to Fairchild (via ABC News), “Girl Crush” is about “a girl saying [to her ex], ‘Why do you love her and not me’ and not about a lesbian relationship.” You can see how people could make the mistake, and Fairchild has acknowledged the provocativeness of the song, but the chorus also seems to debunk the oft-mistaken ‘gay agenda’ early on:
“I wanna taste her lips, yeah, ‘cause they taste like you I wanna drown myself in a bottle of her perfume I want her long blonde hair, I want her magic touch Yeah, ‘cause maybe then, you’d want me just as much I gotta girl crush, I gotta girl crush.”
Clearly, this woman is jealous of her ex’s new girl. She admires the girl only because she’s won over her ex. Honestly, her biggest crush is still on him. Even if this wasn’t the case, “Girl Crush” would STILL be a terrific song.
48. Myylo, “Sad Boys”
💿 I’m a Nice Boy Too (EP) • 🏷 Myylo • 🗓 2019
“Hug all the sad boys / Chilling in their Gucci sweaters / Shrug off the sad boy / You won’t feel this way forever.” Talented LGBTQ pop singer/songwriter 🎙 Myylo highlights the often-neglected topic of male sadness on his succinct but thoughtful, must-hear record, 🎵 “Sad Boys”. The lo-fi highlight, which marks the second Myylo entry from 💿 I’m a Nice Boy Too (EP), not only tackles depression, but explores the way that masculinity allows or doesn’t allow men to deal with sadness.
“Sad Boys” is low-key in regard to sound, placing more emphasis on the lyrical content, mood, and theme. That’s a pro, because Myylo has so much to say, beginning with the chromosomal reference of the first verse, to expressing sadness as men, something society so often frowns upon:
“But all my friends never get to say We’re blue with grief We’re thinking deep thoughts We’re thinking deep thoughts like you woulda woulda not Believe oo-ee believe me.”
Myylo offers solutions as well as more of the mindset on the second verse (or section if you will) of “Sad Boys.” The pop singer seems to mention about the importance of support for males going through a variety of issues that cause depression. Adding to the characterization of “Sad Boys,” it’s also a counterpoint to dads who tell their kids to “man up” and a culture that frequently proclaims that “crying is for girls.” “Sad Boys” is a deep, must-hear record that does a superb job of tackling a topic that seems to be ‘swept under the rug.’ Society needs to progress, particularly when it comes to masculinity. Myylo provides ‘food for thought’ for the world, and we all seriously need to devour it.
Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 11 Songs Where the Sadness is Legit
🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️🌈
49. Beyoncé, SAINt JHN, WizKid & Blue Ivy Carter, “Brown Skin Girl”
💿 The Lion King: The Gift (Deluxe) • 🏷 Sony • 🗓 2020
“Brown skin girl / Your skin just like pearls / The best thing in the world / Never trade you for anybody else.” 🎵 “Brown Skin Girl” has a case for the crowning achievement of 💿 Lion King: The Gift (Deluxe). The Lion King: The Gift is truly a ‘gift’ from 🎙 Beyoncé and the various artists inspired by the culture of African, and the storylines and wisdom from The Lion King itself. “Brown Skin Girl” finds Yoncé collaborating with 🎙 SAINt JHN, 🎙 Wizkid, and none other than her daughter, 🎙 Blue Ivy Carter.
What makes the record a true gem is brilliant production, the continual embrace of all things African, and the appreciation for and adoration for black women. This is an extension of Simba’s love for Nala – certainly more transcendent and applicable to real life.
“Pose like a trophy when Naomis walk in She need an Oscar for that pretty dark skin Pretty like Lupita when the cameras close in Drip broke the levee when my Kellys roll in.”
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50. Bronski Beat, “Smalltown Boy”
💿 The Age of Consent • 🏷 London Music Stream Ltd. • 🗓 1984
“Mother will never understand why you had to leave / But the answers you seek will never be found at home / the love that you need will never be found at home.” Those lyrics from 🎵 “Smalltown Boy,” a hit by English synth-pop trio 🎙 Bronski Beat, are quite relatable, regardless of how one identifies sexually. That said, 🎙 Jimmy Somerville, 🎙 Steve Bronski, and 🎙 Larry Steinbachek definitely gave the LGBTQ+ population 🏳️🌈 a voice decades before LGBTQ+ themes would truly thrive in popular music. The five-minute classic appears as the sixth track on the band’s 1984 album, 💿 The Age of Consent.
“Run away, turn away, run away, turn away, run away.” Ah, that gem of a chorus sounds like a total missed opportunity from 🎧 13 Songs That Feature Elements of Escapism. The thing is, Somerville and company definitely have a legit reason to be running and turning away – the mistreatment and persecution of gays. Essentially, the song speaks of not being able to live your truth. “Pushed around and kicked around, always a lonely boy,” Somerville sings, continuing, “You were the one that they’d talk about around town as they put you down.” Later, he adds, “But you never cried to them, just to your soul,” before later discouraging the suppression, “Cry, boy, cry.” In this case, in order to ‘come out’ and live life freely, the ‘small-town boy’ must leave the small town.
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🔗 🎧 A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs 🏳️🌈