A Collection of Randomly Curated C Songs

Reading Time: 28 min read

A Collection of Randomly Curated C Songs features songs by Artemas, Beyoncé, George Michael, Orville Peck + Willie Nelson, Vampire Weekend & Xiuhtezcatl.

Ah, ‘C,’ the third letter of the alphabet! Following the amazement of A, and the bitchin’ buffet of B, C keeps things captivating to the nth degree! In music, within this musical compendium, we celebrate the power of C via C songs. After celebrating A with 21 Randomly Curated, Amazing A Songs (2025), and B with A Buffet of Randomly Curated B Songs, we unveil A Collection of Randomly Curated C Songs.

Each of the 25 songs that appear on A Collection of Randomly Curated C Songs begins with a c-word – no exceptions! A Collection of Randomly Curated C Songs features songs by Artemas, Beyoncé, George Michael, Orville Peck + Willie Nelson, Vampire Weekend, and Xiuhtezcatl. So, without further ado, let us all embrace the power of C on A Collection of Randomly Curated C Songs!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. bbno$, “check”	2. Xiuhtezcatl, “Careful”	3. Bryson Tiller, “CALYPSO”	4. Hailey Whitters, “Casseroles”
5. Glass Animals, “Creatures in Heaven”	6. Bebe Rexha, “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)”	7. Orville Peck & Willie Nelson, “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”	8. Luna Li, “Confusion Song”
9. Artemas, “Caroline”	10. Normani, “Candy Paint”	11. EGOVERT, “CHEERLEADER!”	12. Charlotte Day Wilson, “Canopy”
13. Bryce Fox, “Chemicals”	14. Billie Eilish, “CHIHIRO”	15. Vampire Weekend, “Classical”	16. Ayra Starr, “Commas”
17. JVKE, “clouds”	18. Lainey Wilson, “Country’s Cool Again”	19. Asbjørn, “Child of the City”	20. Kim Petras, “Can we fuck?”
21. Bentley Robles, “CHAOTIC EROTICA”	22. Beyoncé, “Crazy In Love” (Ft. Jay-Z)	23. Malcolm Todd, “Chest Pain (I Love)”	24. Alex Warren, “Carry You Home”
25. Wham! featuring George Michael, “Careless Whisper”

1. bbno$, “check”

“check” // bbno$ / broke // 2025

“I got money, cabbage, I’m an addict / Spell it out like Reader Rabbit / Clapping cheekies in the hammock / Got no rubber on, save the planet.” Folks, the self-described “Gen-Z Eminem”, bbno$ (Alexander Gumuchian) should always be taken with a grain of salt. The handsome, ‘ball of fun’ Canadian rapper drops another banger with the short but sweet, silly and infectious “check”. “Produced by dwilly, “Check” samples the funk classic “Low Rider” by War. The backdrop is groovy, while Gumuchian eats with his compelling cadence and flow.

“Holy guacamole, yeah she ridin’ my little pony / Got me bricked up, Al Capone / Smooth and cold, last name Zamboni.” Damn, bbno$. It’s not the only time his penis is mentioned. “Sail the seven seas, got dick like Moby,” he asserts in second verse, referencing the novel and his junk. Also, he informs, “Oh my god / Yeah, I’m swinging big dick energy.” The chorus is the section to beat where Gumuchian is the shit:

“I stay crossing off my list

Got my money and my bitch

That’s a check.”

Woo! Beyond the enjoyable nature of the song, the music video is incredibly entertaining to watch. As usual, bbno$ does dumb stuff, and rocks out shirtless and in his undies. I never tire of hearing bbno$ be goofy. There is nothing transcendent about “check”, but transcendence isn’t necessary with this fly Canadian guy.

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2. Xiuhtezcatl, “Careful”

“Careful” // Pirates Blend // 2024

“Are you community-made? Are you claimed by who you claim? / If you ain’t from or for the land / See what that says about you.” Word. Xiuhtezcatl (Xiuhtezcatl Martinez) is incredibly unique (“Yo no soy artista común”). The activist and hip-hop musician delivered an awesome song with “Careful”. Xiuhtezcatl composed “Careful” with producers Adrian Quesada (of Black Pumas fame) and Sweetsound. The musical accompaniment is colorful, with the organ, an anchoring, banging beat, and marvelous guitar chords.

Xiuhtezcatl, who is bilingual, excels in English and Spanish throughout “Careful.” He showcases his Spanish in the first verse: “Mis primas, mi pueblo, mi pelo sin liga / Flow Popocatepetl / Nimitztlamachtia / Yo no soy artista común.” He ‘bites’ in a later verse, asserting, in English, “Cast a fake to the sidelines, playing activist for the timeline / Are you really down for the cause that you claim / Clout got you like a moth to a flame.” Woo! The tuneful, sung chorus, is the centerpiece:

“I’ve been under pressure

Hechándo le ganas hustle on what I was sent for

Barely working hard enough for y’all to say I’m special

The water high, baby, be careful.”

The handsome and talented Xiuhtezcatl delivers a surefire, must-hear banger with “Careful”. This is a gem from 2024 that deserves to be brought into 2025 and beyond.

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3. Bryson Tiller, “CALYPSO”

Bryson Tiller // RCA / 2024

Four words: “Her body like Calypso.” Woo! The musical style or the beautiful, Greek mythological nymph? Or, both? The answer seems to be a mix of both with Grammy-nominated singer/rapper Bryson Tiller. “CALYPSO” appears on his self-titled 2024 album. “CALYPSO” is a vibe and sexy as albeit. Tiller penned this single alongside various producers, including Black Mic (Michael Williams), Che Ecru, and BassCharity. On “CALYPSO,” Tiller focuses exclusively on singing, delivering a radiant tone on this sexy record. Stylistically, “CALYPSO” primarily embraces contemporary R&B, with its lush keys and pads. However, the beat gives tropical, calypso vibes – the rhythm is infectious. Besides solid singing and a slick backdrop, it is entertaining from a songwriting perspective. At a VIP party, Bryson and this girl drop some sweet dance moves – sexy dance moves. The verses describe their encounters, while the pre-chorus prefaces the sexy dancing that is to commence. “Her body like Calypso / Way she throwin’ that back I’ma leave with my foot sore / I love it when you get low / I slide my hand down your back on your tats, when you get those,” he sings in the memorable chorus, closing out with a bang: “There’s a party in my bed, can I send you the info?” Ooh-wee! On “CALYPSO”, the 502 standout proves he’s still got it.

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: April 2024

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4. Hailey Whitters, “Casseroles”

“Casseroles” // Pigasus / Big Loud / Songs & Daughters // 2025

“Joe lost his wife, he’s lost in the blue,” Grammy-nominated country singer/songwriter Hailey Whitters sings, continuing, “He wonders what he’s gonna do / When the casseroles stop coming.” “Casseroles” piqued my interest initially because of the song title. The song is better than its distinct title. This is country music storytelling at its finest. Hillary Lindsey, James Slater, and Tom Douglas penned “Casseroles.” Jake Gear produced it. The musical accompaniment is superb – it is classy and incredibly refined. It features traditional country instrumentation, including guitars and pedal steel. Whitters paints this backdrop gorgeously with her dynamic voice. She sings authentically and expressively, making you believe every note and every lyric she sings. Beyond her solo moments, the harmonized vocals add to the excellence. The melody is radiant in the verses and chorus. Whitters is introspective in the second verse, pondering, “What kind of friend have I been / Am I tinfoil and Pyrex, I show up, that’s it.” She determines, “I could do so much better / Wrap you in my arms and a handwritten letter / I’ll hold your umbrella when the rain pours.” I wish I had composed those lyrics – perfect! The chorus is the crowning achievement:

“And those old six strings keep strumming

And those wild-winged hummingbirds keep humming

I don’t know how, but this world keeps on turning

And love keeps on loving

After casseroles stop coming.”

No deep analysis is necessary. “Casseroles” speaks for itself. Whitters ‘put her foot’ into this stunning, ‘must-hear’ dish!

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025

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5. Glass Animals, “Creatures in Heaven”

I Love You So Fing Much* // Polydor // 2024**

Glass Animals are back, baby! “Creatures in Heaven”, the lead single from the collective’s fourth studio album, I Love You So F***ing Much, is marvelous. Dave Bayley composed and produced this gem, which features warm, dream-like synths. The beat also matches the warmth of the keys and synths during the verses, while it grows punchier during the chorus. The form is straightforward: verse, pre-chorus, chorus, etc.

From a vocal perspective, Dave Bayley delivers beautiful, nuanced vocals. At times, he is playful in his delivery. In the first verse, he sets the tone, focused on love: “Three in the morning, making love / Laid on the floor of your apartment / Bird’s eye view of the two of us.” In the pre-chorus, he delivers his fair share of memorable lines, including “You held me like my mother made me just for you,” and the closing lyric, “Such small words but they hit so huge.” The chorus, the centerpiece, features memorable lyrics and melody:

“I don’t think I realize

Just how much I miss you sometimes

We were young and so in love

We were just creatures in heaven.”

The bridge brings contrast but also feels related harmonically and lyrically to the rest of the song. “I don’t see the point in a subtle romance / Ten-ton heartache sitting on your back,” Bayley sings, continuing, “Scared of the crack where the light comes through / I’m only really me when I’m here with you.” The big takeaway from “Creatures in Heaven” is that Bayley and Glass Animals have delivered a surefire bop.

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: April 2024

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6. Bebe Rexha, “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)”

“Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” // Warner // 2024

“I do things my way / Or take the highway / But my heart, it never missed a beat.” Bebe Rexha has spoken. Those lyrics hail from the first verse of her brief but entertaining single, “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)”. In the second, she asserts, “I’ve been on a vibe, babe / Breaking out of my cage / Living on the wilderness of my escape.” “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” serves up those dance-pop vibes – a good look for the pop star. It was penned by Rexha, Aluna Francis, and Chris Lake. Providing the sleek production work is Lake. The beat is infectious while the keys and synths shimmer. “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” thrives off of lightness. It never gets too heavy. Rexha delivers solid vocals, never forcing things. Does she break a sweat? No, particularly during the drop/post-chorus: “Mm, da-da-da, da-da-da…” Those lyrics are nonsensical but ear-catching. Before that, she shines in the chorus, asserting, “Chase it / I’ll never chase it / I won’t leave alone tonight.” She’s determined! Plenty of vocal effects make things even more colorful – pitch shift, reverb, etc. “Chase It (Mmm Da Da Da)” is a vibe, particularly for summertime. Bebe let’s dance!

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7. Orville Peck & Willie Nelson, “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”

Stampede // Orville Peck, LLC / Warner // 2024

In 2024, beloved, gay country artist, Orville Peck, duetted with Willie Nelson on a brand-new cover of the queer, Ned Sublette-penned country gem “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”. This 2024 rendition from Peck’s album, Stampede, was produced by Beau Bedford. The instrumental is subtle, which is perfect for allowing Peck and Nelson’s voices to shine. Peck starts things off with his expressive, masculine baritone. His tone is EVERYTHING. Gay men are often pigeonholed and stereotyped as being effeminate. Just hearing a ‘manly’ voice, from an openly gay musician, singing lyrics about male/male relationships is intriguing (“No, a small town don’t like it when a cowboy has feelings for men”). Following Peck’s verse, Nelson performs the second, delivering one of the best lyrics of the song: “But the ones [cowboys] who brag loudest are the ones that are most likely queer.” There is truth to the lyrics too, and it doesn’t simply limit itself to cowboys. Peck and Nelson join forces in the choruses, bringing out the cowboy love in, well, all its queerness. Following an instrumental break, Peck takes over the reins in the third verse, once more wowing with his awesome pipes. He manages to drop in the most colorful verse: “So, when you talk to a cowboy, don’t treat him like he was a sister / You can’t fuck with a lady that’s sleepin’ in each cowboy’s head.” Peck and Nelson join forces together on the queer country classic that is “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other”, it’s nothing short of magic!

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8. Luna Li, “Confusion Song”

When a Thought Grows Wings // Real Life Music // 2024

“I thought we were taking space / Held my heart in a suspended place / Never said that I missed your face / Can love regenerate?” Ah, a state of confusion! Korean Canadian multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Luna Li (Hannah Kim) goes on to ask in the chorus of her “Confusion Song”, “How do you see it? / How?” “Confusion Song” is the opener from When a Thought Grows Wings. She penned and produced this marvelous song alongside Andrew Lappin and Monsune. What makes “Confusion Song” marvelous? The production is utterly sublime. The instrumental touches are gorgeous. I love the dreamy vibes of the backdrop, which musically paints a portrait of confusion and uncertainty. Also, contributing to the confusion is the way the music is written metrically. Certain ideas are written across the bar line in opposition to the meter – a clever and cool effect. Li also plays a key role in the marvelousness with her easy-going, cool, calm, and collected vocals. Does she break a sweat? It doesn’t sound like it. Besides her voice, the lyrics are sensational too. They support the confusion of this romance. “Broke your heart into a million men / You’re falling back, I’m running way ahead,” she sings in the second verse, adding, “Could you be the one to make amends?” Yes, there is confusion lyrically and thematically on “Confusion Song”. Regarding quality and musicality, Luna Li ‘put her foot’ into this song.

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: May 2024

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9. Artemas, “Caroline”

yustyna // Artemas // 2024

“Caroline, you should break up with your girl / For the night, let me fucking rock your world.” The keyword from those excerpted lyrics from Artemas’ “Caroline” is fucking. Artemas Diamandis is sexed up throughout his alluring 2024 mixtape, yustyna. With songs like “wet dreams”, “ride me darling”, and “mess of me, sexually”, sex is a big deal. It’s no different in “Caroline,” written and produced by Diamandis, Toby Daintree, and Kevin White. The backdrop kicks ass and takes names. It’s the banging beat, electrifying synths, and prominent bass line. The chorus raises eyebrows from the jump. Caroline should break up with her girlfriend because you, Artemas, want to have sex with her? You’re encouraging her to cheat, sir? It appears she’s bisexual. “A tidal wave / I like it when you’re in my face,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “Just like the way you ride her face / Problem is, I like the taste, you like this pace.” Hmm… He adds in the same verse, “Bitches love a broken heart.” The rendezvous (cheating) is pronounced in the second verse. “I can feel you getting close / You been trying not to, but since you took off your clothes,” he sings, adding, naughtily, “You don’t have to tell no one, you tell ‘em anyway / You think that I’m famous way you’re screaming out my name (Caroline).” The naughty artist admits he likes the fact that she’s a cheater and, sadly, advocates it. Despite giving Artemas a serious side-eye, “Caroline” is a ‘fucking’ bop. Mr. Diamandis’ sexcapades are something else, but his music, including his playful vocals with various effects, is a must!

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10. Normani, “Candy Paint”

Dopamine // RCA // 2024

“If you let me take him, you might never get him back / I’m a baddie and I don’t know how to act.” Oh, snap, Normani! One thing’s for sure, the Dopamine is flowing in her second single, “Candy Paint”. There is nothing timid about this Tommy Brown-produced joint. Normani delivers a fun and infectious record that fits into the pop and R&B music spheres. Things pop from the beginning thanks to an irresistible groove. That beat incites head-nodding. It’s the catalyst for body movement particularly shaking that booty! The production is minimalist, which is perfect for this banger. Normani delivers sexy, confident vocals – she eats! The huskiness of her tone is utterly sublime, adding a sultriness. She doesn’t spend much time on each lyric, however. The melody is tuneful but also rhythmic. The best moment is the chorus, where the self-proclaimed ‘baddie’ continues singing, “Booty candy painted with the diamond in the back / It’s too bad your nigga don’t know how to act.” Ooh-wee! Beyond the chorus, Normani sings her fair share of memorable lines like “Big girl shit, baby, I don’t do no runnin’ / I can make it boom-boom clap like I’m drummin’.” Holy sugar honey iced tea! Of course, we must mention the “Shake it, make it tick, tick, tick, brum-bumpin’” refrain. Normani served up a bop with “Candy Paint”. It is readymade for summer!

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: June 2024

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11. EGOVERT, “CHEERLEADER!”

VENDETTA // EGOVERT // 2023

“She a cheerleader, and her dad’s rich (wow) / She’s a big brat, but her ass thick (What, yeah).” Well, it’s clear what rapper EGOVERT (Sidharth Gopakumar) is thinking with on “CHEERLEADER!”. The brief banger appears on his 2023 ‘album,’ VENDETTA. In the exuberant, objectifying chorus, he adds, “She gon’ make her back bend, gymnastics.” I see you, Sidharth! “CHEERLEADER!” runs just one-and-a-quarter minutes in duration. It’s enough for Gopakumar to drop a chorus, verse, chorus, and an outro. In the verse, there is a lack of substance… “Baby touch your toes, get down low / Face down, ass up, you know how it go” is giving S Meets E and then they X, PERIOD! There are more sexual references, whether it’s the confident “Ten bitches on me right now / Ten bands on the fit, baby pipe down,” or “How your waist is small, but your ass so fat?” To reiterate, the substance isn’t there, but EGOVERT drops an impressive flow over the spirited, marching-band infused Dustin Cavazos backdrop. “CHEERLEADER!” qualifies as an infectious, bite-sized banger.

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12. Charlotte Day Wilson, “Canopy”

Cyan Blue // Stone Woman Music / XL Recordings Ltd // 2024

“You pick a fight, I keep it light / No one stays friends with you.” That sounds sus, Charlotte Day Wilson! The Juno-nominated, Canadian R&B singer/songwriter unveiled “Canopy” in advance of her second studio album, Cyan Blue. She penned “Canopy” alongside Amy Allen and produced it with Jack Ro with top-notch results. In the verse, she sings, “I’m done, my towel tossed / And I can’t be tapered off.” The songwriting is strong. Following the verse, the chorus arrives in its tuneful glory. “It’s like a canopy, all that hate / And I’m above it, can’t live that way,” Day Wilson asserts, continuing, “I know I’m covered and can’t be changed / You’re the only one in your way.” She possesses a marvelous instrument, with an utterly sublime tone. Furthermore, with vocal layers coming into the mix specifically during the chorus, “Canopy” reaches the highest of heights. Before the chorus, the accompaniment was simple – rhythm guitar. Post-chorus, in the bridge, the backdrop fills out anchored by a sick beat (“You get what you give into / It’s not the world verse you…”). Notably, there is a change of pace during the outro, with guitar accompaniment supplanted with legato piano. Reflective, she asks, “What does it say about me? / I keep on fallin’ for it / I’m under your canopy / What does it say about me?” On this terrific “look through the unjaded eyes of my younger self”, Day Wilson delivers the goods.

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13. Bryce Fox, “Chemicals”

The Bomb (EP) // Foxy Boom Boom Inc. / Nettwerk Music Group // 2023

“Living on chemicals / Praying for miracles / It’s hard to make it feel right / When everybody’s looking for a fight.” Have truer words ever been spoken? Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and producer Bryce Fox penned his brief but potent song, “Chemicals” (The Bomb (EP)) alongside David Pramik and Kevin Hissink (Boonn). Pramik and Boonn produce the record, which commences with enigmatic vibes from the onset. Furthermore, “Chemicals” maintains the enigma throughout its brief duration. The strong production cues, incorporating electronic elements alongside a rock foundation, help fuel the fire of Fox. The drums and groove mark one of the biggest selling points of “Chemicals.” Of course, the biggest selling point is Fox, who delivers confident, expressive, and strong vocals. “We been out our fucking mind / We can’t see we’re going blind,” he asserts. The songwriting is solid, particularly moments like, “Holy euphoria tease me to sleep / String me along by the powers that be.” Notably, in the second verse, Fox breaks into more of a melodic rap vibe, while maintaining the sanctity of rock – pretty cool. Of course, the crème de la crème is the memorable, tuneful chorus: “Living on chemicals (oh-oh, oh, oh, oh) / Praying for miracles (oh-oh, oh, oh, oh).” All in all, Bryce Fox brings the heat on “Chemicals”.

Appears in :

13 Chemical and Chemistry Driven Songs (2024)

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14. Billie Eilish, “CHIHIRO”

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT // Darkroom / Interscope // 2024

“Did you take / My love away / From me? Me / Me.” Chihiro, rather, Billie Eilish sings in the refrain of “CHIHIRO”. The five-minute song is the third track from the Academy- and Grammy Award winner’s platinum-certified third studio album, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT. “CHIHIRO” was inspired by Chihiro Ogino, the protagonist from the 2001 Academy Award-winning animated fantasy/adventure film Spirited Away. “CHIHIRO” features beautiful, tuneful melodies. Eilish shows off the radiance of her instrument, particularly in her upper register. Co-written with FINNEAS, the musical backdrop is elite. The sound is rhythmic. There is a ‘cool energy’ for much of the song. Still, the crescendoing synths are ear-catching, adding punch during the bridge.

Beyond the accompaniment and Eilish’s vocals, the songwriting is the biggest selling point – the crème de la crème. Eilish references the film and her life, too. “When I come back around, will I know what to say / Said you won’t forget my name,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “Not today, not tomorrow / Kinda strange, feelin’ sorrow.” In the second, she memorably sings, “Said, ‘I need to be alone now, I’m takin’ a break’ / How come when I returned, you were gone away?” It may be Spirited Away, but it also sounds like matters of Billie’s heart. The ‘chorus’ marks another winning moment:

“Open up the door, can you open up the door?

I know you said before you can’t cope with anymore

You told me it was war, said you’d show me what’s in store

I hope it’s not for sure, can you open up the door?”

“CHIHIRO”, which peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, is superb.

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15. Vampire Weekend, “Classical”

Only God Was Above Us // Columbia // 2024

“Untrue, unkind, and unnatural / How the cruel, with time, becomes classical.” Mic-drop moment, Ezra Koenig. Koenig’s Grammy-winning collective, Vampire Weekend, return in 2024 with their fifth studio album, Only God Was Above Us. “Classical”, marks the third advance single from the LP. The ambitious, well-rounded four-minute-plush record was written by Koenig. He produced it alongside Ariel Rechtshaid with top-notch results. The music is nothing short of brilliant. It is groovy from the onset. Furthermore, “Classical” boasts a unique sound palette that is on brand for the band. The instrumentation includes guitar(s), string bass, piano, organ, synthesizer, bass, wailing tenor saxophone, and programming. Beyond the dazzling instrumental, we get sweet lead vocals by Koenig. The verses feature a beautiful, tuneful melody, as well as distinct, thought-provoking lyrics. “In times of war, the educated class knew what to do,” he sings in the first, adding, “In times of peace, their pupils couldn’t meet your baby blues.” In the second, he mentions “A staircase up to nothingness inside your DNA / Well, that’s a bleak sunrise.” Indeed. In addition to the verses, the pre-chorus (excerpted at the top) and the chorus is tuneful and memorable as well (“It’s clear something’s gonna change / And when it does, which classical remains?”). As ambitious as “Classical” is, the form is straightforward. After the second verse, there is an extended instrumental break, prior to the return of the fantastic pre-chorus and chorus. “Classical” marks an elite alternative song from Ezra Koenig and company – the bomb dot com!

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: March 2024

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16. Ayra Starr, “Commas”

The Year I Turned 21 // Mavin Global Holdings Ltd // 2024

“Energy wrong, I log off / Mowa friendly and conscious / I’m allergic to isokuso / I’m not ready for confusion.” Word. Beninese-born Nigerian singer Ayra Starr delivers a surefire bop with her Afro-beat single, “Commas”, the third track from her 2024 debut album, The Year I Turned 21. From the get-go, Starr serves up sensational vibes on this relatively brief but potent record. The groove is grooving, her voice = stunning, and the overall aesthetic is #giving. Crafting the pleasant sounds of “Commas” were producers AoD, London, and BigRagee. Melodically, “Commas” is tuneful to the nth degree, particularly the chorus. The songwriting is also sensational, featuring no shortage of memorable lyrical moments. Fittingly, as evidenced by the excerpt from the chorus above, Starr incorporates Nigerian Pidgin and Yoruba lyrics, which is cool. In the first verse, Starr speaks to her faith: “Na which kind life wey I never see? / I carry God, so I fear nothing.” Yes ! She then introduces those commas into the mix: “Steady increasing the commas / Comma, comma, comma.” Whatever lyrics she sings, whether it’s “Original, be no parody,” or “Check and balance everything inside my mind / Trust me, you can’t fool me,” Ayra sings beautifully, showcasing her rich, robust instrument. All told, “Commas” is marvelous.

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17. JVKE, “clouds”

“clouds” // JVKE Music LLC // 2024

“Yeah, I’m down bad, bad / Happiness was just a fad, fad.” Not good, JVKE (Jake Lawson) – not good! While mentally, the pop singer/songwriter is in a questionable spot – “Overthinking everything” and “Swimming in [his] thoughts” – there is nothing questionable about the quality of “clouds”. Lawson composes and produces “clouds” alongside his brother, Zac Lawson, with top-notch results. The instrumental supporting his depressed state is delightful – driving production with a great groove, bright synths, and warm pads. Upping the ante is whistling! It’s not merely the instrumental, or that infectious whistling, that lifts “clouds”! JVKE has a beautiful voice, which he flaunts in the verses and the chorus. The good news is, after the first verse, he gets a “pick me up” from that special somebody who changes his whole perspective. In the chorus, he masterfully and memorably sings, “You got my head above the clouds / My feet up off the ground / And I’m not comin’ down, down, down, down.” Right on, JVKE! Furthermore, in the second verse, Lawson is in a better place. All in all, he delivers the goods with “clouds” which is sure to lift your spirits.

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: April 2024

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18. Lainey Wilson, “Country’s Cool Again”

Whirlwind // This Is Hit, Inc. d/b/a Broken Bow // 2024

Per Lainey Wilson, “Everybody wanna be a cowboy / Drive a jon boat, whip a John Deere.” Yee-haw, ooh-wee, hot damn, that sounds country to the nth degree! The Grammy-winning country musician asserts, “Country’s Cool Again”. “Country’s Cool Again” is the second track from Wilson’s Grammy-nominated album, Whirlwind. She isn’t wrong, being honest. The musical genre has experienced a resurgence, including among non-country musicians. Wilson penned this entertaining, well-rounded song alongside Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, and Aslan Freeman. Jay Joyce produces. Wilson is true to self, employing ample twang and singing expressively with plenty of personality. She never compromises or deserts from her roots. “My crooked drawl, the way I sung / My mama’s genes sure stuck out like a thumb / In a Metro City crowd.” In the second verse, she kicks things off with a southern-tinged bang: “Once you get a taste, you’ll lick the spoon / Learn every word to “The Dance” and “Neon Moon”. (Garth Brooks and Brooks & Dunn gems respectively).” Of course, the chorus confirms the coolness of country as there “Must be something in the water flowing out of the holler / Blue collar musta caught a new wind / Doggone, dadgum it, didn’t see that coming / Country’s cool again.” Also, cool is the backdrop with its mix of guitars (acoustic, electric, pedal steel), and keys. Wilson excels on this ‘cool’ country track.

Appears in :

Bops That Pop: February 2024

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19. Asbjørn, “Child of the City”

The Secret Our Bodies Hold // Body of Work // 2024

“And so, we woke up in the morning feeling like ghosts in our bodies / 21 grams lighter but the weight of planets on us.” One of many brilliant lyrics from the handsome, talented, and gracious, Asbjørn (Asbjørn Toftdahl Terkelsen). The self-described ‘Danish pop rebel’ describes “Child of the City”, the 10^th track from his 2024 album, The Secret Our Bodies Hold, as a ‘fast-paced piece of pop music with a villainous touch,’ and a ‘dizzying, clubby pop song featuring boys choir, me pounding a metal lampshade and a pinch of existential crisis.” Woo! The boys choir that Terkelsen mentions is his childhood boys choir, Skt. Clemens Drengekor. The choir adds angelic sounds to the breathtaking single penned by Asbjørn. He produced it with Steffen Lundtoft. True to his characterization, “Child of the City” exemplifies the club sound. The unique, percussive intro marks one of the most impressive sounds from the single. The rhythm of the intro continues in all facets of the song. Vocally, Asbjørn brings the heat. He sounds lovely, flaunting his tone and some sweet falsetto moments. Even though he’s potent – locked in and loaded, baby – he maintains a calm, cool, and collected energy vocally. He never forces things or sounds as if he breaks a sweat. Still, Terkelsen packs a punch, convincingly singing the rhythmic, tuneful melodies. There is no shortage of intriguing lyrics, including “Gimme that veggie McD, Gen-Z in a millennial body / My boy algorithm-chic, pretty on my feed.” The chorus easily gets stuck in the head.

“You are a child of the city

Don’t know if you ever sleep at all

Yes, you are a child of the city, child of the city, child of the city.”

As “Child of the City” progresses it packs a bit more punch. Still, that ‘punch’ is sans growing overblown or overwrought – it feels just right. The ambient outro is unexpected but keeps the song intriguing. Once again, my boy, Asbjørn brings the heat on “Child of the City”.

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20. Kim Petras, “Can we fuck?”

Slut Pop Miami // Amigo Records, LLC / Republic // 2024

“Can we fuck? / Let me see what you got danglin’.” Damn, Kim Petras! The brutally honest “Can we fuck?” is the 12^th track on Petras’ second ‘sex-positive overdrive’ album, Slut Pop Miami, released in 2024. Is Petras a size queen? The slang is often associated with gay men who prefer larger penises, but, women can have preferences too! In the chorus, where the inquiry into fucking first appears, the Grammy-winning pop adds, “Bend me over, watch me handle it / Watch me handle it, watch me handle it.” Woo! Dr. Luke produced this sub-two-minute NSFW dance-pop banger. The track sounds like sex with its hard-hitting, danceable beat and infectious synth bass line. Petras sings about his ‘dangler’ in the chorus. In the verse, she raps! The sex can occur anywhere – the park, car, or beach. Kim wants him to be aggressive, too. “Come and feed me, sweet dessert / In a circ, I’ll make it jerk,” she spits, adding, “We can play dirty games / Tie me up, dicks and chains / Call your friends, run a train.” No, Kim is not talking about an innocent choo-choo train ! There is nothing emotional about “Can we fuck?”. This song is what it is – an empty but utterly satisfying sex song.

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21. Bentley Robles, “CHAOTIC EROTICA”

CHAOTIC EROTICA (EP) // Bentley Robles Music // 2024

“Put your hands on me / Sweat from body heat / Chained to the rhythm / To the rush / Of this red hot crush.” Sounds hot, Bentley Robles (Bruno Pazzi Robles)! The gay pop artist keeps things sex-positive to the nth degree on “CHAOTIC EROTICA”, the title track and the sixth track overall from his 2024 EP. He penned this flirty, sensual gem alongside the talented Myylo (Michael Myylo Lewis) and producer FLORIO (Dominic Florio). The musical accompaniment is the perfect catalyst for the dance floor. No worries, though. The energetic synths and groove are also perfect post-dance floor – aka the bedroom.

Bentley Robles ‘brings the heat,’ rather, ‘the sex,’ consistently. “Oh, hot damn it’s so fucking crazy / Pornographic thoughts of us daily,” he asserts. If you really like someone, admit it, you lust after them. You have those same fucking thoughts that Robles describes . Of course, Bentley takes it to the next level, which may not be everyone’s sexual experiences .“I want bruises on my knees – please / Playgirl magazine – dreams.” Oh, snap! Use your imagination for that one! The chorus is the section to beat in all its infectious glory:

“Ahh

Dirty loving I’m wanting you

Losing all my logica

Chaotic erotica

Chaotic erotica

Ahh

God your loving feels so good

You wanna have me

Well, you really should

Chaotic erotica

Chaotic erotica.”

While the chorus is tamer than some of the lyrics that appear elsewhere, Robles sums up that this experience is chaotic in the most pleasing way possible. “CHAOTIC EROTICA” radiates midnight heat!

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Bentley Robles, CHAOTIC EROTICA: Midnight Heat 2 (2025)

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22. Beyoncé, “Crazy In Love” (Ft. Jay-Z)

Dangerously in Love // Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. // 2003

“Uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh, oh no, no / Uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh, oh no, no.” #ICONIC! “Crazy in Love” was the single that launched Beyoncé as a superstar. Yes, she’d already attained success with Destiny’s Child, but “Crazy in Love” was the breakthrough moment for what would be an illustrious career. “Crazy in Love” was written by Beyoncé, featured guest (and hubby) Jay-Z, producer Rich Harrison, and Eugene Record. Beyoncé produced alongside Harrison, who in the 00s, brought a fresh, intriguing sound to contemporary R&B. Specifically, his beat plays a pivotal role in the success of “Crazy in Love.” Also, a soul sample doesn’t hurt the cause (Chi-Lites’ “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)”). Safe to say, Bey had ample fuel for the fire on this multiplatinum, 8-week, no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Bey gets gassed up in the intro by Jay-Z (“Yes / So crazy right now / Most incredible / It’s your girl, B / It’s your boy, Young”).

“Crazy in Love” – a vibe of all vibes. Set in a minor key, with bright exuberant sounds and those sick, Rich Harrison drums, Beyoncé is on autopilot from the jump. The verses are both tuneful and rhythmic. Bey brings the heat, with her beautiful tone and big personality. “Such a funny thing for me to try to explain / How I’m feelin’, and my pride is the one to blame,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “‘Cause I know I don’t understand / Just how your love can do what no one else can.” That is what we call ‘a mighty love.’ The sentiment is similar in the second verse, where she pays an ode to the only person she loves (“It’s the beat that my heart skips when I’m with you”). Of course, her biggest moment comes with the chorus – one of the most memorable of the aughts!

“Got me looking so crazy right now

Your love’s got me looking so crazy right now…

I’m looking so crazy, your love’s got me looking

Got me looking so crazy in love.”

Jay-Z doesn’t only gas up his wife in the intro and ad-libs throughout – he also delivers the rapped third verse. Perhaps he says it best when he brags, “Ever since I made the change over to platinum / The game’s been a wrap, one.” All told, “Crazy in Love” is a masterclass in releasing a lead single from a debut solo album. Unsurprisingly, it earned two Grammys on its own at the 46^th Annual GRAMMY Awards (Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best R&B Song). Nominated for three Grammys, the sole loss was for Record of The Year. “Crazy in Love”, again, is #ICONIC.

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23. Malcolm Todd, “Chest Pain (I Love)”

Malcolm Todd // Columbia // 2025

“My chest is hurting, my feet can’t fall out of bed / I don’t know where to go, so I’ll lay here instead / With my symptoms, symptoms of sorrow and dread.” What in the world is going on with Malcolm Todd? It’s those pesky matters of the heart, folks. “They all said it would fade, but again and again / I love, I love.” In “Chest Pain (I Love)”, the fourth track from his self-titled 2025 album, he’s in love, yet the object of his affection is not there with him. Major bummer. This ‘love’ thing is making the ascending alternative/indie artist sick emotionally and physically. Todd penned “Chest Pain (I Love)” alongside Charlie Ziman and Jonah Cochran.

The chorus marvelously sums up his ailments and feelings. Beyond the centerpiece is one verse where Todd expresses his longing. “I’ve been so busy / But now that I’m alone, where did you go?” He asks, adding, “Why can’t you live at home tonight and stay with me /… Please, I wanna see what we would be if you were by my side.” Straightforward lyrics, Todd sings beautifully and honestly and sounds relatable. Beyond the singing, the musical accompaniment is sweet, blending alternative, pop, and a dash of R&B. The bass line is robust, the guitars add spice, and the keys provide color. Notably, strings amplify the drama and emotion near the end. Set in compound duple meter, “Chest Pain (I Love)” gets a nice lilting feel. Ultimately, Todd’s unfortunate experiences with the loss of love are our listening pleasure.

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24. Alex Warren, “Carry You Home”

You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1) // Atlantic Recording Corporation // 2024

“Oh, I hope you know, I will carry you home / Whether it’s tonight or fifty-five years down the road.” What is that sound that I hear, Alex Warren? Why, it’s wedding bells ! “Carry You Home” is giving off those ‘sealing the deal forever’ vibes. The dedication is sublime, like “Love, lift us up where we belong”! Alex, you may now kiss the bride! “Carry You Home” is the fourth track from his 2024 album, You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1). He penned “Carry” alongside Cal Shapiro, Mags Duval, and producer Adam Yaron.

Beyond the chorus excerpted above, Warren sees a bright and fruitful future. “I know none of them [dreams] have stuck yet,” he sings in the first verse, “But I bet it on you, honey / Oh, I would risk it all.” In the second verse, despite being homeless, him and her “kept each other warm under a ceiling full of stars.” Aww ! Despite adversity, they made it through thick and thin. Through the good and bad times, Alex has made his choice, and he won’t change his mind: “I choose us every time.” That is a great choice, buddy! Warren sings this driving, folk-pop record beautifully. He never gets ‘too high’ in the verses but ups the ante in the pre-chorus and the crème de la crème, the chorus. The authenticity, sincerity, and thoughtfulness of “Carry You Home” are awe-inspiring. Alex, YOU are a surefire winner.

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25. Wham! featuring George Michael, “Careless Whisper”

Make It Big // Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Limited // 1984

“I’m never gonna dance again / Guilty feet have got no rhythm / Though it’s easy to pretend / I know you’re not a fool.” Uh-oh! The guilt is pronounced on the Wham! – George Michael and Andrew Ridgeway – classic, “Careless Whisper”. In the chorus, the centerpiece, Michael, expounds regretfully, “I should have known better than to cheat a friend / And waste the chance that I’d been given / So, I’m never gonna dance again / The way I danced with you.” Infidelity is always a stellar topic for a song, hence why so many love this song. But George is critical of it. Michael asserts (via GM Forever):

“I was 17 years old, and I had not really experienced anything that strong in my life, so it was a bit precocious. …But basically, I see that song as a bunch of images which I threw together to represent the fact that at the time I was seeing one girl and then I started seeing another, and it was just the guilt in between those two periods.”

“Careless Whisper” is the eighth and final track on Wham’s multiplatinum, 1984 album, Make It Big. It runs a ‘glorious’ six-and-a-half minutes in duration. It spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985. “Whisper” was certified septuple platinum by the RIAA in 2024. George may not have been a fan, but everybody else was!

Michael produced the gem, set in a minor key. The sound palette is marvelous. The instrumental highlights include a robust bass line, strings, rhythm guitar, keys (including synthesizer), saxophone, drums, and percussion. The alto saxophone solo by Steve Gregory is nothing short of iconic. Speaking of icons, what about those ultra-smooth, boyish vocals of a youthful George Michael? His tone is everything. He brings the tuneful melodies to life, particularly the chorus. In the third verse, he continues his regret: “We could have been so good living together / We could have lived this dance forever / but now, who’s gonna dance with me? / Please stay.” The greatness and timeless nature of “Careless Whisper”. Even though Michael hadn’t experienced much life when it was written or released, he gave listeners an enduring pop/R&B classic.

Appears in :

George Michael, Careless Whisper: Throwback Vibez 13 (2025)

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A Collection of Randomly Curated C Songs (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amigo Records, LLC, Artemas, Atlantic Recording Corporation, bbno$, Bentley Robles Music, Big Loud, Body of Work, broke, Columbia, Darkroom, EGOVERT, Foxy Boom Boom Inc., Interscope, JVKE Music LLC, Mavin Global Holdings Ltd, Nettwerk Music Group, Orville Peck, LLC, Pigasus, Polydor, Pirates Blend, RCA, Real Life Music, Republic, Songs & Daughters, Sony Music Entertainment, Inc., Stone Woman Music, This Is Hit, Inc. d/b/a Broken Bow, Warner, XL Recordings Ltd; Manish Jain, ROSA GATTUSO, Sylwester Ficek from Pexels; 愚木混株 Cdd20, AcatXIo, Chad Henninger, DreamDigitalArtist, Elisa, Felipe from Pixabay]

A Collection of Randomly Curated C Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on May 19, 2025May 19, 2025