An Engaging Collection of Y Songs

Reading Time: 22 min read

An Engaging Collection of Y Songs features songs by Ariana Grande, Artemas, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Killer Mike, and Saja Boys.

Be prepared to spotlight the letter Y! After dropping alphabet-themed playlists in 2025 (A through S), The Alphabet Playlist Series continues in the year of our Lord, 2026! Y gets its time to shine on An Engaging Collection of Y Songs. Each of the 17 songs that appear on An Engaging Collection of Y Songs begins with a Y-word. The only exception is A or THE preceding the Y-word, etc. An Engaging Collection of Y Songs features songs by Ariana Grande, Artemas, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Killer Mike, and Saja Boys. So, without further ado, let us all embrace the power of Y on An Engaging Collection of Y Songs!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Artemas, “you and I could never be friends”	2. Lizzo, “YITTY ON YO TITTYS (FREESTYLE)”	3. Justin Bieber,, “YUKON”
4. Ariana Grande, “yes, and?”	5. Saja Boys, “Your Idol”	6. Coco Jones, “You”
7. Jordan Ward, “Y”	8. cupcakKe, “Yawn”	9. Leon Thomas, “YES IT IS”
10. Beyoncé, “YA YA”	11. Killer Mike, “Yes!”	12. Kesha, “YIPPEE-KI-YAY.”
13. Feng, “YOLO”	14. New Radicals, “You Get What You Give”	15. Candi Staton, “Young Hearts Run Free”
16. The Stylistics, “You’re A Big Girl Now”	17. Barbara Mason, “Yes, I’m Ready”	The Alphabet Playlist Series 2025-26

1. Artemas, “you and I could never be friends”

“you and i could never be friends” » Artemas » 2025

“I know that we only just met.”

Facts, Artemas. So, where, exactly, are you going with this? “But you and I ain’t gonna be friends.” Oh. Hmm, so what is happening between them? What we do know is the bedroom is involved… who’s shocked? Once again, Artemas engages us with another sexual bop, “you and i could never be friends”. Interestingly, this Artemas/Henry Morris/Kevin White-penned track (produced by Artemas and White) arrives weeks after his mixtape, LOVERCORE, was released. Artemas picks up where he left off, PERIOD.

“You and i could never be friends,” begins with Artemas singing abruptly. Our boy is standing on business! Our utterly naughty English pop singer-songwriter gets right to the point. “You” features an adventurous, noisy backdrop. There are boisterous, sharp synths and distorted, stuttering drums. At times, there are holes within the accompaniment, allowing more nuanced musical touches, including some inviting guitar lines and striking keys and sound effects. The backdrop aside, the star of the show is Artemas, who is unapologetic as… wait for it… fuck. He admits he’s in a dark place in life, horny, and gives no fucks. “You keep looking at me crazy, it’s a face I recognize / And you’re talking to me sweet while you fuck me with your eyes.” Oh, the eye-fucking! He continues singing in the verse, “You’re lucky that you met me at this dark time of my life / ‘Cause I couldn’t give a fuck if I don’t make it through tonight.” So, is this a hookup or love at first sight? With some drinks and drugs in them and a trip to the bedroom, friendship is unimportant. Sex, on the other hand, is the modus operandi. Is it casual, or, can non-friends become lovers? Debatable. What’s not debatable is the fact that Artemas satisfies our thirst once more with another sexed-up bop in “you and i could never be friends”.

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2. Lizzo, “YITTY ON YO TITTYS (FREESTYLE)”

MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING » Nice Life Recording Company / Atlantic Recording Corporation » 2025

At the end of June, Grammy-winning rapper/singer/songwriter/flautist Lizzo (Melissa Jefferson) dropped a surprise mixtape, MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING. Amazingly, MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING was recorded in only three days. Rather than focus on pop, she showed off her bad bitch side, rapping rather than singing for the most part. Among the songs on the project that catches the ears the most, if for no other reason than its title, is “YITTY ON YO TITTYS (FREESTYLE)”. “YITTY” finds Lizzo talking her shit. With a sweet, minor-key trap backdrop produced by prxdbyjai, One Play Mike, and Zaytoven, ‘Lizzy’ goes in. Worth noting, “YITTY” samples “WHIM WHAMIEE” by PLUTO and YKNIECE. “Bitch, it’s Lizzo, call me Lizzy / I been fat and I been skinny, bitches still ain’t fuckin’ with me,” she bites in the chorus, adding, “Bitch, it’s summer, we outside, put some Yitty on your titties (we outside, ho).” In case you were confused about the swimwear she’s promoting, it is called YITTY (by Fabletics). She mentions her weight throughout, including the recurring lyric from the chorus, as well as the likes of, “Nigga wanna smash real bad, this nigga burnt out (He burnt out) / Never fucked a big bitch before, I got him turnt out.” Ultimately, “YITTY ON YO TITTYS (FREESTYLE)” is an enjoyable record without being game changing or transcendent.

Appears in:

13 Rad Fitting, Clothing-Related Songs (2025)

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3. Justin Bieber, “YUKON”

SWAG » ILH Production Co. LLC / Def Jam Recordings » 2025

“In the city, uh / ‘Member you used to drive a Yukon / I pick up whenever you call / In the parking lot in Tucson, like.”

Grammy-winning pop superstar Justin Bieber struck gold with his minimalist Grammy-nominated single, “YUKON”. “YUKON” is the third track from his Grammy-nominated album, SWAG. It also appears on the expanded, SWAG II. Notably, Bieber gave a captivating performance of “YUKON” at the Grammys. Beyond his stripped performance, Justin stripped down too. JB in boxer shorts, with mad ink = hot 🥵 🥵 🥵. Bieber is one of 11 credited songwriters on “YUKON.” The song samples “Untitled” by Eminem. Daniel Chetrit, Sir Dylan (Dylan Wiggins), Carter Lang, and Dijon produced it. “YUKON” peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“YUKON” is a surefire pop banger for many reasons. It features a distinct groove that is irresistible. The guitar is perfect as the primary accompaniment instrument. Justin Bieber’s vocal performance is the main reason why “YUKON” shines. He performs with unique, pitch-shifted vocals for most of the song. Even though the vocals are laden with effects, Bieber sings incredibly smoothly. Some of his ad-libs are sung in his traditional voice, contrasting his pitch-shifted vocals. There are also additional ad-libs that aren’t Bieber’s (2 Chainz, specifically). Throughout, there are memorable lyrics and tuneful melodies. “In the Phantom with the roof gone / I pull up like Jimmy Neutron,” Bieber asserts near the end of the first verse. In the second verse, he informs her, “Just wanna be the one to give you what you want / I could put you in the Yves Saint Laurent.” There’s no doubt Bieber has the means to do so! The pre-chorus and chorus take the cake, lyrically. In the pre-chorus, he blesses us with the memorable “Slide city, slide city / You know what that means” lyrics 😈. Of course, the chorus is kind of a big deal, too: “What would I do (What would I do?) / If I didn’t love you, baby?” All told, “YUKON” ranks among the best moments from SWAG/SWAG II. Bieber does his big one on this one!

Appears in:

Justin Bieber, YUKON: Bangerz N Bopz No. 15 (2026)

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4. Ariana Grande, “yes, and?”

eternal sunshine » Republic » 2024

“Now, I’m so done with caring / What you think, no, I won’t hide.”

On “yes and?”, the promo single from her seventh LP, eternal sunshine, Grammy-winning pop superstar Ariana Grande embraces a dance-pop vibe. Interestingly, there is homage paid to pop icons and references to her relationship (“Your business is yours and mine is mine / Why do you care so much whose d**k I ride?”). The sound of the record deserves a shout-out. It begins with ample production gimmickry from the onset, followed by an infectious, danceable groove. Beyond that beat, there are plenty of ear-catching instrumental moments that complement the always brilliant vocals of Grande. Before establishing the narrative in the verses, the introduction lasts nearly 50 seconds. Grande eats from a vocal perspective, singing with ease. “Boy, come on, put your lipstick on / … Come on and walk this way through the fire,” she sings in the pre-chorus, embracing and promoting inclusivity. In the chorus she drops a few swears for ‘the sake of uplifting.’ “‘Yes, and?’ / Say that shit with your chest, and / Be your own fuckin’ best friend…” Woo! She brings the heat on the empowering, entertaining, and exuberant “yes, and?”.

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5. Saja Boys, Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, KEVIN WOO, samUIL Lee, KPop Demon Hunters Cast, “Your Idol”

KPop Demon Hunters (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film) » Visva Records / Republic Records » 2025

“Dies irae illa… / Vos solve in favilla… / Maledictus erus… / In flames aeternum… / I’ll be your idol.”

Ah, Dies Irae – day of wrath! With portions of the Latin hymn from the Catholic mass (with modifications), the end of the intro of “Your Idol” is more hellish than heavenly (“I’ll be your idol”). In Exodus 20: 3-6, God forbids false idols: ³ You shall have no other gods before me. Saja Boys, Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, KEVIN WOO, samUIL Lee, and the KPop Demon Hunters Cast don’t seem concerned about false idolatry on the banging seventh track from the platinum-certified KPop Demon Hunters (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film). Notably, it is starkly different from Saja Boys’ other big moment from the film/soundtrack, “Soda Pop”. One of many successful songs, “Your Idol,” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Vince (KOR), KUSH (쿠시), 24, and IDO (KOR) composed it. 24, IDO (KOR), and Ian Eisendrath produced it.

“Your Idol” is set in a minor key. It commences dramatically with a cinematic sound. That’s fitting – it is a song from a children’s movie soundtrack, after all! Following the bold, distinct choral harmonies (intentional), “Your Idol” settles into a contemporary pop record. While this contemporary pop record hails from a soundtrack, it’s also a fun, infectious, standalone gem. “Your Idol” thrives on tuneful, rhythmic melodies and its unforgettable lyrics. Those unforgettable lyrics are… idol-driven. “Know I’m the only one right now (Now) / I will love you more when it all burns down,” Mystery sings in the first verse, while Romance adds, “More than power (Uh), more than gold (Yeah) / Yeah, you gave me your heart, now I’m here for your soul.” A compelling rap appears in the second verse, providing contrast. Romance drops another banger of a lyric in the second verse: “Your obsession feeds our connection / 이 순간 give me all your attention.” In the pre-chorus, Jinu memorably sings: “You know I’m the only one who’ll love your sins / Feel the way my voice gets underneath your skin.” Oh, shit shiitake mushrooms 🍄! The chorus is the crème de la crème:

“Listen ‘cause I’m preachin’ to the choir

Can I get the mic a little higher?

Gimme your desire

I can be the star you rely on

내 황홀에 취해, you can’t look away

Don’t you know I’m here to save you?

Now we runnin’ wild

Yeah, I’m all you need, I’ma be your idol.”

Even though “Your Idol” is not “Golden”, the biggest song from the soundtrack, and is much darker than “Soda Pop”, it marks another K-pop banger. The performance, sound, and vibe are #GIVING, NO CAP!

Appears in:

Saja Boys, Your Idol: Bangerz N Bopz No. 19 (2026)

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6. Coco Jones, “You”

Why Not More? » Def Jam Recordings / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 2025

“Lil’ mama fine, and he a dime piece / Gotta be from heaven, looking like my blessing.”

Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Coco Jones (Courtney Jones) released “You” as an advance single from her full-length debut album, Why Not More?. Jones penned “You” with producers London on da Track, Boobie, Philip Cornish, Herothaproducer, Banger Slanger, and Kushaan Khattar. Damn, that is a lot of cooks in the kitchen, but “You” ends up being an enjoyable, positive listening experience. With so many producers, the music backdrop is ‘on point,’ PERIOD. The instrumental is lush, which is characteristic of the contemporary R&B sound (guitar, keys, bass, drum programming). Coco Jones ‘brings it.’ Her vocals are ear-catching – nuanced, rich, and robust to the nth degree. She sings beautifully with ample expression and sincerity. The section of “You” to beat is the tuneful chorus, which highlights the titular pronoun:

“You like my drink in the Sahara

You showed me things I never saw and

You know what, you real-life

Gave me my heart and then taught me to love again.”

The verses are intriguing, too. In the second verse, Jones asserts, “Got me on my knees /… I must’ve prayed so well for it / I swear on it.” Ultimately, as she states in the intro and outro, “Know that I’m down, I’m down in love.” What is not down is “You” which gives Coco Jones another winning R&B song.

Appears in:

13 More Songs Where YOU Are the Focus (2025)

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7. Jordan Ward, “Y”

BACKWARD » ARTium Recordings, LLC / Interscope Records » 2026

“I had to find my reason, you’re my reason why (Why).”

Aww 🥰, Jordan Ward! Why, in the hands of the talented musician, is stylized as the letter “Y”. The why-ness recurs throughout the ballad: “Touched down for a club appearance / Now you on tour with me next year / But when you cannot be here / You worry and want reassurance as far as the reasons why.” “Y” is the 13^th track from Ward’s 2026 sophomore album, BACKWARD. He wrote the sincere ballad himself while Lido and Zach Ezzy produced it.

“Y” commences with piano accompaniment. Eventually, the production expands, featuring bass, drums, and lush strings. Jordan delivers a delightful vocal performance. He sings expressively and with nuance. One thing I adore about his performance is his calm, cool, and collected approach. This approach doesn’t dare diminish or take away from the authenticity of the record. “Ooh, don’t know if I’ll find this again / And bae, that’s why,” he sings, expressively, and adds, “If you’re ever wondering / If you ever question, if you ever question / Anytime you want, got a room on the West End, oh.” Ooh-la-la. A strong vocal performance, tuneful melodies, sincere, thoughtful songwriting, and well-rounded, sophisticated R&B production make “Y” a surefire B-O-P, bop!

Appears in:

Jordan Ward, Y: Bangerz N Bopz No. 22 (2026)

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8. cupcakKe, “Yawn”

Dauntless Manifesto » cupcakKe » 2024

“Put me to sleep ‘til the crack of dawn / Stretch this pussy ‘til you make it yawn.”

👀 😮 😶 😳 Just when you think that cupcakKe (Elizabeth Harris) can’t surprise you anymore, she always does! Who would’ve thought a yawn would be “not that innocent,” Britney?! “Yawn” is the 13^th track from her provocative 2024 album, Dauntless Manifesto. CupcakKe penned this NSFW joint. KYXXX and SmokeyBeatz produced it.

“Yawn” features enigmatic synths and sleek production work. That said, no one is listening to “Yawn” merely for the accompaniment. They’re here for cupcakKe, who delivers her usual brand of aggressive and unapologetic rhymes. That’s a fucking understatement 🤭! No, she doesn’t warm up; she dives right into the NSFW lyrics, which thrive on oral sex 👀. In the post-chorus, she enthusiastically raps, “Open up my mouth / Come and get this yawn up out.” Damn! Of course, the chorus, excerpted earlier, is the centerpiece, where she adds:

“Pussy yawning on your dick, yawning on your dick

It’s contagious than a bitch, first my mouth and now my clit.”

Jesus! Of course, there’s more. There is a verse that continues to highlight cupcakKe’s sexual endeavors and titillation. “The pussy so fat, you may not wanna weigh this,” she raps, and continues, “Then cum down my throat, it would help me look ageless.” There’s also a pre-chorus, where she touts “seven rounds, made him bust,” and “Feel that shit in my gut, Snicker dick, it’s full of nut.” In the outro, there’s also mention of, and I quote, “Pussy water.” To reiterate, it is the lyrics, as well as cupcakKe’s personality-laden performance, that make “Yawn” raise eyebrows. Still, shout out the hard-nosed, minor-key musical accompaniment that supports this brief but naughty rap banger. “Yawn” certainly is no bore. But think about it. Is any song by cupcakKe dull or uninteresting in the least? Nope!

Appears in:

cupcakKe, Yawn: Spicy Tunez No. 16 (2026)

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9. Leon Thomas, “YES IT IS”

MUTT Deluxe: HEEL » EZMNY Records / Motown Records » 2025

“When I’m talking to you, I don’t know what to say.”

Hmm, what’s going on here, Leon Thomas? Dude, what’s the problem if you can “call up a stranger and talk [your] whole life away?” The Grammy-winner is all over the place regarding her on his marvelous Grammy-nominated R&B song, “YES IT IS”. What is NOT all over the place is the banger status of the eighth track from his Grammy-winning R&B album, MUTT. Thomas co-wrote “YES” with Bizzy Cook and producers Mike Hector, Ali P, JEHREEUS, and Peter Lee Johnson. The production is a chef’s kiss, no cap! Strike that! The whole song is chef’s kiss, like, PERIOD!

The ear candy is decadent! It’s #GIVING! The bass line is robust – thick just how I like it 😈! The piano lines are incredibly elegant. The harmonic progression adds musical depth – more than three chords and the truth! Of course, the crowning achievement of “YES IT IS” is the expressive, high-flying, nuanced vocals of Leon Thomas. He puts his foot into this performance. That includes his delicious vocal ad libs. The rhythmic melodies shine throughout, elevating this track’s excellence. Of course, the theme and lyrics go a long way, too. “Young, wild, and free, I can’t blame her / Young, wild, and pretty in Miami, I can’t tame her,” he sings in the second verse, and concludes, “She’s a Virgo, so I can’t explain her / Just tell me, ‘Yes, it is’.” Yes, it is, what, you ask? That she’s his, which is what he questions throughout the song’s centerpiece, the chorus:

“All I hear is, ‘Yes, it is’

… My ears are sensitive

Tell me that it’s mine, oh

… So, when I ask you, ‘Is it mine?’

All you ever say is, ‘Yes, it is.’”

Leon wants her, but seems concerned, even as she constantly reassures him. Is it legit? Whether it is or isn’t, “YES IT IS” the song itself is truly legit. “MUTT” is the song to beat, but “YES IT IS” is a bop in its own right.

Appears in:

Leon Thomas, YES IT IS: Bangerz N Bopz No. 20 (2026)

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10. Beyoncé, “YA YA”

Cowboy Carter » Parkwood Entertainment LLC / Columbia » 2024

“Texas Hold ‘Em” garnered the most attention during the pre-Cowboy Carter album cycle. It far overshadowed the companion single, “16 CARRIAGES”. After Cowboy Carter arrived, “YA YA” earned plenty of love, and reached number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100. TikTok was flooded with energetic, hip and booty shaking to “YA YA”. In the ‘chorus,’ varied throughout, Bey asserts: “Ladies? / Fuck it, we shakin’ (Ya-ya-ya-ya…) / We swimmin’… / We jerkin’… / We twerkin’…” This seems nonsensical but dig deeper and Beyoncé makes numerous cultural references. Early on, she mentions the Chitlin’ Circuit, where black performers earned opportunities that eluded them in white venues and helped them become stars. Politically charged, one of the most memorable lines Beyoncé sings occurs in the first verse: “Whole lotta red in that white and blue, huh / History can’t be erased.” Not only is “YA YA” one of the best songs from Cowboy Carter, but it is also a history lesson and decadent food for thought. Also, shout out the producers (Beyoncé, Cadenza, Harry Edwards, Khirye Tyler, and The-Dream) for the sickening instrumental and awesome samples: “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys and “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra.

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11. Killer Mike, “YES!”

MICHAEL » VLNS, LLC / Loma Vista » 2023

“You kick it like the benefactor’s benefactor (Yes!) / Well, truthfully, we know you never been a factor (Yes!).”

Ooh-wee! “YES!” Appears as the 15^th track from the deluxe version of MICHAEL, the 2023 album by Grammy-winning rapper, Killer Mike. “YES!” features banging production courtesy of Menace. Notably, Menace samples a soulful, spiritual, gospel gem: “Have You Been Tried in the Fire” courtesy of Florida Mass Choir. The yeses by the choir are filled with power, packing a mean punch, bolstering electrifying rhymes by Killer Mike.

“The truth a heavy burden and it’s weighin’ on me (Yes!)

Red doggies caught me slippin’, went to wailin’ on me

I went to callin’ out to Jesus like a reverend, homie (Yes!)

Chalked it up to sin, took it on my chin (Yes!)”

The call and response is everything 🙌. Besides those affirming yeses, the harmonized vocals of the choir also help to take us to chuuch! This rap joint may not full embrace church – Mike is dropping some profanity, after all – but this gospel-infused rap song is a must-hear. What I’m saying is, it’s giving a… YES!!!

Appears in:

13 Incredible Songs That Make You Say YES! (2024)

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12. Kesha, “YIPPEE-KI-YAY.”

. (period) » Kesha Records » 2025

“Bitch, I just got a brand-new car / Hose me down at the trailer park / We lit up like a bonfire / Singing yippee-ki-yay, yippee-ki-ya-ya.”

Woo! Grammy-nominated pop singer-songwriter Kesha (Kesha Sebert) commences “YIPPEE-KI-YAY.” with a surefire bang. The intro eventually recurs as the first half of the chorus. “YIPEE-KI-YAY.” is the third track from her sixth studio album, .(Period). Kesha wrote “YIPEE-KI-YAY.” with a team comprising Brittany Coney, Blu June, Pink Slip, Royal & the Serpent, and Poutyface. NOVA WAV (Coney and June) and Pink Slip produced it.

“YIPPEE-KI-YAY.” is chock-full of energy from the get-go. The record commences with a memorable rhythm guitar riff. The musical accompaniment/production is big, bright, and loud. Kesha is on autopilot. She brings plenty of attitude, particularly during the chorus, which continues as follows:

“Bitch, I just got a brand new start

Call the cops, baby, kumbaya

We lit up like a bonfire

Singing yippee-ki-yay, yippee-ki-ya-ya.”

Interestingly, “YIPPEE-KI-YAY.” is filled with country-pop vibes. There are plenty of country characteristics, elements, and sensibilities. Many of those involve drinking 🍻. “The whiskey spilled, it’s already gone,” she asserts in the first verse, and adds, memorably, “I’m drinking spirits, I’m spiritual / Good goddamn, yeehaw.” In the first pre-chorus, she compares herself to Miller Lite 👀. In the second verse, Kesha gives us Dollar Tree, gasoline, “barefoot baddie from Tennessee,” cowboys, cheap liquor, and tight blue jeans. Ooh-wee! Fun, outlandish, and unrefined, “YIPEE-KI-YAY.” is nothing short of a bop. It’s best experienced by “Putting your hands up in the sky-ya-ya!”

Appears in:

Kesha, YIPPEE-KI-YAY.: Bangerz N Bopz No. 21 (2026)

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13. Feng, “YOLO”

What The Feng » DistroKid Records » 2025

“I said, ‘YOLO, capture the moment with a photo.’ / The best things in life are the things that you don’t know.”

There is some truth to what Asian English rapper Feng (Travas Alan Feneley) asserts on “YOLO”. Regarding photos, I believe Bad Bunny would co-sign that statement via “DtMF” – Debí Tirar Más Fotos, aka I should have taken more photos. Also, many of the ‘kids’ love photos and the ‘Gram. But the latter part of the excerpted lyrics of the fourth track from What The Feng is significant, too. That was a mouthful, wasn’t it? Anyway, “YOLO” is a brief record that runs under two minutes, but there’s a lot to like. Feng penned it while Boxxy produced it.

Mellow, nebulous-sounding synths accompany Feng. This feels fitting given the driving acronym: You only live once. The groove is sickening, giving the backdrop more punch. As for Feng, he is chill put potent in his vocal performance. “YOLO” begins with the chorus, excerpted earlier. He concludes, “Life like a sentence, no full stop / It’s a story that will never end / We’re the authors, and we’re Heaven-sent.” Word. Sandwiched between the choruses is one verse. “God made me, and he made you too / Walk on a path that feels brand-new,” he raps, and continues, “Don’t be afraid of what comes next / Just do your best.” That is wise, particularly coming from a then 19-year-old. Feneley has more to say, noting that Rollies aren’t a necessity, and friends over hoes… Oh, and, “Run with your hands in the air, don’t care / Don’t give a F if they stare / Just do you and say a prayer.” Ayy! Short but utterly sweet, Feng gives thoughtful advice on the fun, carefree “YOLO”. This bite-sized rap cut is a great way to lift one’s spirits and affirm living life to the fullest.

Appears in:

Feng, YOLO: Music Lifts No. 10 (2026)

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14. New Radicals, “You Get What You Give”

Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1998

“One dance left, this world is gonna pull through.”

Perhaps those lyrics meant something different in 1998. However, those words Gregg Alexander sings remain relevant well into the 2020s. Another lyric that remains potent and thoughtful: “Don’t give up, you’ve got a reason to live.” Yes! New Radicals was comprised of Alexander and Danielle Brisebois primarily. Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too was their sole LP, released in 1998. The song to beat is the second track and single, “You Get What You Give”. It gave the band a top 40 hit, peaking at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Give” was written by Alexander and Rick Nowels. Alexander produced it.

“You Get What You Give” is a feel-good, uplifting pop/rock classic. Yes, the song sounds 1990s, pre-2000 through and through. That is part of its charm pushing 30 years later. The encouraging vibes to those reckless, liberal kids are not dated but rather timeless. Gregg Alexander ‘brings up’ the youth with his terrific tenor. “Wake up, kids, we got the dreamers’ disease / Age fourteen, they got you down on your knees,” Alexander sings in the first verse. Just like in the 1990s, the kids of the 2020s aspire, which some parents and conservative society desire to snuff out. Beyond battling narrow-minded views, Alexander criticizes the ‘bad rich,’ asserting, “God’s flying in for your trial.” Oh, snap! With a crazy, unpredictable world, Gregg encourages us not to be scared: “This whole damn world could fall apart / You’ll be okay, follow your heart.” The chorus is the section to beat:

“You’ve got the music in you

Don’t let go, you’ve got the music in you

One dance left, this world is gonna pull through

Don’t give up, you’ve got a reason to live

Can’t forget, we only get what we give.”

No matter what happens, New Radicals encourage us to give our all – don’t give up or fall victim to fears. Live life to the best of your ability. “You Get What You Give” remains the sugar honey iced tea, with its thoughtful messaging, it’s seize-the-day, assertiveness, and celebrity shade (“Fashion shoots with Beck and Hanson /… You’re all fakes, run to your mansions / Come around, we’ll kick your ass in”). #CLASSIC!

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15. Candi Staton, “Young Hearts Run Free”

Young Hearts Run Free » Warner » 1976

“Say I’m gonna leave / A hundred times a day / It’s easier said than done / When you just can’t break away.”

Thought-provoking lyrics. Grammy-nominated, multi-faceted singer Candi Staton scored the biggest hit of her career with “Young Hearts Run Free”. Staton was the first to release it in 1976. It appeared on her album, also titled Young Hearts Run Free. Dave Crawford wrote and produced it. Interestingly, the lyrics were inspired by Staton’s abusive and toxic marriage, which she was trying to escape. “Young Hearts Run Free” peaked at no. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Young Hearts Run Free” benefits from bright, exuberant production. Among the striking sounds are sweet strings and bright horns (including gritty baritone sax). The rhythm section is tight: Rhythm guitar, active, robust bass, tasty keys, and hard-grooving drums. The backdrop exemplifies a sophisticated 1970s backdrop. The star is Staton, who delivers commanding and soulful vocals. She never over-sings yet brings the right punch. The songwriting marks another selling point. “Love only breaks up to start over again / You’ll get the babies,” Staton sings in the first verse, and continues, “But you won’t have your man / While he is busy loving every woman that he can.” She responds to this scenario in the second verse, asserting, “I’m gonna love me for the rest of my days / Encourage the babies every time they say / Self-preservation is what’s really going on today.” The melodies are tuneful throughout, particularly in the memorable, sing-along chorus. The background vocals provide fabulous support during the crowning achievement, the chorus:

“Oh! Young hearts run free

They’ll never be hung up

Hung up like my man and me

You and me

Oh! Young hearts

To yourself be true

Don’t be a fool when love don’t love you

Don’t love you.”

“Young Hearts Run Free” remains fresh five decades after its release.

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16. The Stylistics, “You’re A Big Girl Now”

The Stylistics » Amherst » 1971

“You’re a big girl now / No more daddy’s little girl.”

“You’re A Big Girl Now” is the first single and fifth track off The Stylistics’ marvelous, self-titled 1971 debut album. On the R&B charts, it peaked in the top 10. Despite its modest performance on the pop charts (it peaked at number 73), this Robert Douglas and Marty Bryant gem is no slouch! Bryant and Bill Perry produced. The musical accompaniment is sickening. The backdrop is soulful, led by rhythm guitar, keys, a robust bass line, and a vintage drum groove. The melodies are tuneful throughout “You’re A Big Girl Now,” particularly the chorus. The falsetto by the lead vocalist Russell Thompkins, Jr. is stellar. He highlights the maturity of the ‘big girl’ soundly in the verses. “No more pigtails in your hair / No more silly looks with a childish glare,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “No more doll for you to play / No more dumbness in the things you say.” When you grow up, you put aside childish things. In the second verse, he highlights what she can do now: love, kiss, and ‘realness.’ In an interlude, the nameless, ‘big girl’ is characterized as “my dream come true.” Word. “You’re A Big Girl Now” marked a key moment in The Stylistics’ illustrious career.

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17. Barbara Mason, “Yes, I’m Ready”

Yes, I’m Ready » Jamie Record Co. » 1965

“(Are you ready?) Yes, I’m ready.”

Oh, if only love were as innocent as it’s presented in the sweet ‘60s classic, “Yes, I’m Ready”. “Yes, I’m Ready”, fittingly, serves as the opener of… Yes I’m Ready, the 1965 album by Barbara Mason.  Notably, Mason earned the biggest hit of her career with this record, which focuses on L-O-V-E. Also notable, Barbara was a mere teenager when she recorded and released this gem. How successful was this song? Well, “Ready” peaked at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  On the R&B charts, “Yes, I’m Ready” peaked at no. 2. “I don’t even know how to love / Just the way you want me to,” Mason sings in the first verse of “Yes, I’m Ready.” Despite her naivety regarding love, she adds, “But I’m ready (ready) to learn (to learn).” Sweet! The sentiment is similar in the second verse, where Barbara embraces learning what it means to fall in love. The concept of the song isn’t complicated, but, even as innocent as it is, it’s relatable – at least when you’re young, find yourself crushing hard, and ready for some action! Besides a solid vocals performance, including accentuating backing vocals, the music is sweet. “Yes, I’m Ready” gets off to a rousing start thanks to the lush orchestral sounds.  This song has that vintage, 60s soul sound that never grows old – it’s refreshing to hear six decades later.

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The Alphabet Playlist Series 2025-26 🔻
21 Randomly Curated, Amazing A Songs (2025)	A Buffet of Randomly Curated B Songs (2025)	A Collection of Randomly Curated C Songs (2025)
A Dazzling Drove of D Songs (2025)	An Epic Compendium of E Songs (2025)	A Fvckin’ Fantastic Bunch of F Songs (2025)
A Gripping Cluster of G Songs (2025)	A Heaping Dose of H Songs (2025)	Jam Out To This Jampacked List of J Songs (2025)
A Kool Kollection of K Songs (2025)	A Laudable List of L Songs (2025)	A Marvelous Sampling of M Songs (2025)
A Noteworthy Compendium of N Songs (2025)	An Outstanding Collection of O Songs (2025)	A Poppin’ Compendium of P Songs (2025)
A Quirky Collection of Q Songs (2025)	A Riveting Collection of R Songs (2025)	A Spectacular Compendium of S Songs (2025)
A Terrific Collection of T Songs (2026)	An Unbelievable Compendium of U Songs (2026)	A Vivid Collection of V Songs (2026)
A Wow-tastic Compendium of W Songs (2026)	An Engaging Collection of Y Songs (2026)

~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~

An Engaging Collection of Y Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amherst, Artemas, ARTium Recordings, LLC, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Columbia, Def Jam Recordings, DistroKid Records, EZMNY Records, ILH Production Co. LLC, Interscope Records, Jamie Record Co., Kesha Records, Loma Vista, Motown Records, Nice Life Recording Company, Parkwood Entertainment LLC, Republic Records, UMG Recordings, Inc., Visva Records, VLNS, LLC, Warner Records; Canva AI; Font Generator; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

An Engaging Collection of Y Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on March 16, 2026March 16, 2026