An Exciting List of X & Z Songs

Reading Time: 20 min read

An Exciting List of X & Z Songs features songs by Beyoncé, Feng, JENNIE, Lil Uzi Vert, Malcolm Todd, and Óscar Maydon.

Be prepared to spotlight two letters: X and Z! After dropping alphabet-themed playlists in 2025 (A through S), The Alphabet Playlist Series continues in the year of our Lord, 2026! X and Z gets their time to shine in the duel-lettered playlist An Exciting List of X & Z Songs. Eight of 16 songs that appear on An Exciting List of X & Z Songs begin with an X-word. The other eight songs begin with a Z-word. The only exception is A or THE preceding the X- or Z-word, etc. An Exciting List of X & Z Songs features songs by Beyoncé, Feng, JENNIE, Lil Uzi Vert, Malcolm Todd, and Óscar Maydon. So, without further ado, let us all embrace the power of X and Z on An Exciting List of X & Z Songs!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Feng, “XOXO”	2. Oscar Maydon, “ZAZA” (Ft. Victor Mendivil)	3. Kim Petras, “XXX”
4. JENNIE, “ZEN”	5. Walter Miller, “X”	6. YUNGBLUD, “Zombie”
7. Billie Eilish, “xanny”	8. Rammstein, “Zeit”	9. Lil Uzi Vert, “XO Tour Llif3”
10. Malcolm Todd, “Zip Up My Fly”	11. Rina Sawayama, “XS”	12. Lillias White, Cheryl Freeman, LaChanze, Roz Ryan, Vaneese Thomas & Tawatha Agee, “Zero To Hero”
13. Badflower, “x ANA x”	14. Commodores, “Zoom”	15. Beyoncé, “XO”	16. The Cranberries, “Zombie”
The Alphabet Playlist Series 2025-26

1. Feng, “XOXO”

Weekend Rockstar » Regularisperfect » 2026

“Forget what I said, we’re not together for L.”

For L (life), huh? 💔 Hmm, my question is, why haven’t things worked out, Feng (Travas Alan Feneley)? A relationship doesn’t seem to be the modus operandi on the brief yet enjoyable “XOXO”. But, as well all know, sometimes, S meets E, and then they X… 😈 This pleasant, sub-two-minute joint was written by Feng, Mark Foster, and Greg Kurstin. Feng produced it.

“XOXO” begins with colorful keys and synths. Although it is set in a minor key, “XOXO” isn’t incredibly dark. Still, Feng, our Weekend Rockstar, expresses the fact, “‘I don’t want to see you again.’” But, what happens, per the end of the chorus: “I want this story to end, / I want you out of my head / But no matter how hard I try, we still end up in bed.” D-d-damn! It happens, though, Feng. Not only does the heart want what it wants, so does the body 😈. Beyond the chorus, there is one verse, which also features its share of memorable lyrics. “Your flags were green, but they’ve all turned to red,” he asserts, and adds, “You keep playin’ games, you left me for dead.” Oh, snap! Another banger of a lyric concludes the verse: “… I heard your knock on the door / I want to jump out the window, but you’re so hard to ignore.” Word. “XOXO” is a bite-sized rap song by the Asian English rapper, but there’s no denying that Feng delivers another banger. Adding fuel to the fire, it’s relatable.

Appears in:

Feng, XOXO: Bangerz N Bopz No. 25 (2026)

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2. Óscar Maydon, “ZAZA” (Ft. Victor Mendivil)

Rico o Muerto, Vol. 1 » Rancho Humilde / Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC » 2025

“La mota que fumo yo / Ey, las putas me aman.”

¡Oh, mierda! Translated into English, the lyrics and the reaction to those lyrics read as follows: “The weed I smoke / Hey, the bitches love me.” Oh, shit! The lyrics appear in the introduction of “ZAZA”, a Música Mexicana song by Óscar Maydon and Victor Mendivil. “ZAZA,” slang for weed 💨, is the 12^th track from Maydon’s 2025 album, Rico o Muerto, Vol. 1. Maydon and Mendivil wrote “ZAZA” with El Chachito, Joel Núñez, and $HUPE. Maydon, El Chachito, Núñez, Andres Farias and Jimmy Humilde produced it.

“ZAZA” features a sleek, vibrant production. Even though it sounds vibrant, the record is firmly planted in a minor key, like much of trap music. The synths are dark, while the beat goes hard – trunk-rattling hard. Óscar Maydon dominates the beginning of “ZAZA.” He performs the intro, first chorus, first verse, refrain, second chorus, second verse, third chorus, and an interlude. In the intro, excerpted earlier, Maydon sets the tone, focusing on excess: money, smoking weed, and sex. In the first verse, among many things he sings, he admits, “La tusi en tu pussy ya me trae bien atravesado [The pink cocaine in your pussy has me completely messed up.]” In the refrain, he wants to fuck… his words, not mine (“quiero chingarte” and “son cuatro culos” 🍑🍑🍑🍑). In the second verse, Maydon goes a little deeper, asserting he has money today, but could die tomorrow, and is pleased that after death, people will continue singing his songs. But, of course, it gets shallow too: “Quiero y quiero más, chingar en un penthouse / Putas, tusi, Miami” aka fucking in a penthouse, with bitches and pink cocaine in Miami. Victor Mendivil performs the third and fourth verses, with a chorus sandwiched between them. The vibes are the same, whether it’s Mendivil flying an American bitch to Punta Cana, or the braggadocious “Los tatuajes de tu morra los conozco de memoria” (“I know your girl’s tattoos by heart”). The drip is dripping hard in Mendivil’s hands. Most of the time, Maydon performs the chorus. Mendivil performs the final chorus, however. Most often, Maydon sings:

“(ZaZa, ZaZa, ZaZa, ZaZa)

No sé qué me pasa [I don’t know what’s wrong with me]
(ZaZa, ZaZa, ZaZa, ZaZa)

Mi madre me llama [My mother calls me]
(ZaZa, ZaZa, ZaZa, ZaZa)

Hay dinero en casa [There’s money at home]
(ZaZa, ZaZa, ZaZa, ZaZa)

Las putas me aman [The bitches love me].”

All in all, “ZAZA” is an epic Mexican trap banger from Óscar Maydon and Victor Mendivil. It’s naughty AF, but also fun AF!

Appears in:

Óscar Maydon, ZAZA: Bangerz N Bopz No. 30 (2026)

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3. Kim Petras, “XXX”

Slut Pop » Amigo / Republic » 2022

Does a song named “XXX” leave much to the imagination? Fuck no, it doesn’t (🤭). Do you see what I did there? Anyway, you can fuckin’ (🤫) bet one thing: S-E-X is involved! Throughout her 2022 EP, Slut Pop, Grammy-winning pop singer-songwriter Kim Petras keeps it sex-positive to the nth degree. The sex is prominent on “XXX” where Kim informs us, “I wanna X-X-X.” Woo! The verse is super naughty and titillating. “Say you got a girl? Like a give a fuck,” Kim asserts, continuing, “If you wanna cum, gotta level up.” Geezus! She goes on to sing, “If you play it right, you can dick me up / Do a line on your dick, it’s a pick me up.” #SPEECHLESS, cue up the emoji 😶! “XXX” is two minutes of surefire filth! I will say we get more melody on the pre-chorus, where she tells him to “Sex me how you wanna, sex me how you like.” This song is something else, and definitely NOT SAFE FOR WORK! But as for werk… werking it… it slaps!

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4. JENNIE, “ZEN”

Ruby » Columbia Records » 2025

“I’ma keep it Z, Zen / Presence, bless / Money can’t buy sixth sense,”

JENNIE (Jennie Kim) sings in the first verse of “ZEN”. “ZEN” is the ninth track from JENNIE’s debut album, Ruby. It appears as the 15^th track on Ruby (The Complete Collection). So, what is Zen? According to one definition in Merriam-Webster, Zen is “a state of calm attentiveness in which one’s actions are guided by intuition rather than by conscious effort.” Of course, it can also be associated with Zen Buddhism. JENNIE composed “ZEN” with Jelli Dorman, Asheton Hogan, Badriia “Bibi” Bourelly, and Kristen Allyssa Spencer. Pluss produced it.

Like the rest of Ruby, “ZEN” features a polished musical backdrop. The highlights include the hard-nosed, hit-you-in-the-chest drum programming and the polychromatic synths. JENNIE has plenty of instrumental inspiration to fuel her vocal fire. While she never overreaches, she brings plenty of attitude and energy, particularly during the centerpiece, the chorus.

“Nobody gon’ move my soul, gon’ move my aura, my matter

Nobody gon’ move my light, gon’ touch my glow, my matter…”

Say it, JENNIE! Beyond the chorus, there are many other memorable lyrical moments. “Bad bitch, ‘kay, so make me better / Fire aura quiets chatter,” she sings in the first pre-chorus, and continues, “Shoo, shoo, shoo, I make ‘em scatter / They can’t move my matter.” Word. In the second verse, she keeps things Zen: “Rain, midnight bloom / In the dark, I grew.” JENNIE does an awesome job of maintaining the Zen concept throughout “ZEN”. Ultimately, this is a fabulous pop record.

Appears in:

JENNIE, ZEN: Bangerz N Bopz No. 31 (2026)

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5. Walter Miller, “X”

“X” » Walter Miller » 2024

“Oh, fuck.”

Thus begins Walter Miller’s infectious, naughty single, “X”. Not only is the handsome and talented singer expressing his feelings, but it also describes ‘what goes down’ in the song. Him and this hottie are, um, 🍆 🍩… Miller concludes “X,” saying, “Yeah, my parents are gonna hate this.” He’s correct. However, if you enjoy a titillating sex song, particularly from a queer perspective, “X” is ‘right up your alley.’ Miller and Jacob Freyou penned “X.” Zack Page produced. The backdrop that Miller sings over is striking – dramatic, groovy, smooth, and rhythmic. Still, the star of the show is Walter.

Walter brings the heat with his boyish vocals, lush, and sex-positivity. The lightness of his voice is delightful, much like the sexual experiences he sings about. His upper register and falsetto are to die for. All the while, Miller is transparent about sex. If you read into the lyrics, it seems as if Walter didn’t get to enjoy love and sex the way he does now. Whatever bound him before, he’s set it aside. “You’ve got my body locked down / And you know you’ve got what I need.” Word, Walter. He adds, “Anything you want, I won’t deny, no.” Free rein, baby!

There are plenty more memorable moments from Miller, including the assertion that “It feels so good inside when we link up / And every move you make gives me a rush / Don’t even have to try to make me blush.” Facts. One of the best lyrics from Miller involves driving and riding: “Take each other for a ride / Legs tangled on the floor / You don’t have to worry, babe / I’ve driven stick shift before.” Damn! A recurrent lyric blames sex drive on being a boy:

“It’s just a game

That we can explore

See something that you like

And I’ll show you more

It’s not our fault, boys will be boys

Human nature is no choice

Don’t need to mark the spot for me

I’ll hit it each time perfectly.”

Walter Miller ‘does the damn thing’ on “X”, PERIOD!

Appears in:

Walter Miller, X: Beaming with Pride No. 72 (2024)

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6. YUNGBLUD, “Zombie”

Idols » Locomotion Recordings / Capitol » 2025

“So, say your prayers, you’re almost there / But it’s running out, it’s running.”

YUNGBLUD (Dominic Harrison) released an honest, personal, and vulnerable single with “Zombie”. “Zombie” is the fourth track from Harrison’s fourth studio album, Idols. Harrison sings about losing his grandmother. He penned “Zombie” with producer Matt Schwartz.

@yungblud

zombie. 🤍

♬ Zombie – YUNGBLUD

“Zombie” begins with a rhythmic guitar. Soon, the sound becomes grander, maintaining a dark vibe. Despite the dark vibes, YUNGBLUD delivers beautiful, expressive, and sincere vocals. The melodies are gorgeous during the verses. I love Harrison’s melisma. The lyrics are thought-provoking. “If I was to talk about the words / They would hurt, they would hurt,” he sings emotionally in the first verse, and continues, “So, if you were to ask about the pain / I would lie, I would lie.” Sometimes, the truth is too painful. In this situation, it feels more fitting to lie to protect loved ones. In the second verse, YUNGBLUD sings, “We could catch a spaceship to the moon / But we’d crash, it wouldn’t last / Because the world is just a figment of the fools.”

Harrison’s vocals are much grittier during the big and powerful, zombie-driven chorus:

“Oh, I know that I can’t live without you

But this world will keep turning if you do

Would you even want me looking like a zombie?

Would you even want me, want me, want me?”

Being a zombie is not ideal. It is optimal to be alive and well and not the shell of one’s former self. Harrison stated that seeing his grandma’s decline was incredibly difficult. Ultimately, “Zombie”, a four-minute ballad, is a deep, moving, and incredibly powerful song from YUNGBLUD.

Appears in:

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7. Billie Eilish, “xanny”

When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? » Interscope » 2019

“What is it about them? / I must be missing something / They just keep doing nothing / Too intoxicated to be scared.”

Billie Eilish’s ‘druggy’ “Xanny” marked one of the best songs of 2019. “Xanny” keeps her Grammy-winning debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? going strong. Eilish asserts, “I don’t need a Xanny to feel better.” Why? Well, the effects of recreational drugs, including drink and various smokes, particularly at a party, just isn’t cool from Eilish’s perspective. The centerpiece of this delightful, minimalist production (FINNEAS) is the chorus. Eilish continues to sing coolly, embracing a most glorious undertone.

“I’m in their secondhand smoke

Still just drinking canned Coke

I don’t need a Xanny to feel better

On designated drives home

Only one who’s not stoned

Don’t give me a Xanny, now or ever.”

Appears in:

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8. Rammstein, “Zeit”

Zeit » RAMMSTEIN GBR / Universal Music GmH » 2022

“Zeit / Bitte bleib steh’n, bleib steh’n (“Time / Please stand still, stand still”).”

In 2022, renowned German metal band Rammstein returned with its eighth studio album, Zeit. “Zeit” (“Time” in English) served as the promo single. It’s a reflective, thoughtful, and well-crafted record. Why does Rammstein want time to stand still? Till Lindemann understands that life is fleeting, and its great moments don’t last forever. Essentially, he wishes he could make time stop so that great moments won’t disappear. He captures this marvelously with his authentic, rich vocal performance. “After us, there will be a ‘prior,’ / Youth will turn into hardship,” he sings in the first verse (roughly translated from German), adding, “We are drifting towards the end.” It’s pessimistic but true. In the second verse, he captures the disappointment of moments fading:

“I’m lying here in your arms

Oh, if only it could just be forever!

But time knows no mercy

Already, the moment is over.”

Besides the reflective, thoughtful lyrics, the music is ear-catching. I love the radiance of the production, including keys and programming alongside the guitars and traditional metal instrumentation. “Zeit” checks off all boxes. Till kills it from a vocal perspective. The songwriting and theme are relatable, reflective, and thought-provoking. The sound is fantastic, blending kinder, gentler sounds with more dynamic metal cues.

Appears in:

A Sampling of Marvelous Worldwide Songs (2024)

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9. Lil Uzi Vert, “XO Tour Llif3”

Luv is Rage 2 » Atlantic » 2017

“She said, ‘Baby, I am not afraid to die’ / Push me to the edge / All my friends are dead, push me to the edge.”

Ooh-wee! 👀 Now that is some type of lyric, if I do say so myself! Focusing on the dead part, Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Uzi Vert (Symere Basil Woods) references those dead presidents, aka money! The lyrics appear in the chorus of “XO TOUR Llif3”, the 16^th and final track from his debut album, Luv is Rage 2, released in 2017. The melodic rap track is quirky, but incredibly intriguing. It marks one of the best moments from Luv is Rage 2. A popular song, it reached the top 10 of the pop charts, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, spending 34 weeks on the charts. Given its success and longevity, the Recording Industry Association of America certified “XO TOUR Llif3” diamond. Lil Uzi Vert composed “XO TOUR Llif3” with producers TM88 (Bryan Lamar Simmons) and JW Lucas.

Beyond the chorus, there are plenty of striking lyrical moments. See the end of the first verse: “Xanny, help the pain, yeah / Please, Xanny, make it go away / I’m committed, not addicted, but it keep control of me /All the pain, now I can’t feel it, I swear that it’s slowin’ me, yeah.” Beyond Xanax, the money is a huge deal. Uzi Vert references “Stackin’ bands,” “G-Rolls,” and his and hers Hermès bracelets. Of course, he’s kind of a big deal, hence why, “Your girlfriend call me like, ‘Come on over’ / I like the way that she treat me, gon’ leave you, won’t leave me, I call it that / Casanova.” All told, “XO TOUR Llif3” is the sugar, honey, iced tea – one of the most memorable rap tracks from the 2010s. Lil Uzi Vert does the damn thing, no cap!

Appears in:

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10. Malcolm Todd, “Zip Up My Fly”

Malcolm Todd **(still) » Columbia Records » 2025**

“You told me you think that I smell good, then told me, ‘Zip up my fly.’”

Oh, is that how it went down, Malcolm Todd (Malcolm Todd Hobert)? “Zip Up My Fly” missed the cut on Todd’s self-titled album, but it ultimately appeared on the deluxe version, Malcolm Todd (still). Todd composed “Zip Up My Fly.” He produced it with Jonah Cochran and Charlie Ziman.

“Zip Up My Fly” is a surefire vibe. Why, you ask? The sound of this brief record is alluring – the drum programming, sunny-sounding guitars, and an optimistic major key! Of course, Malcolm Todd compels with his desirable vocal performance. “Zip” begins with a brief intro, which expresses desire – “I wanna.” DUN, DUN, DUN! Following the intro, Todd unveils the centerpiece, the chorus, which includes the lyrics excerpted earlier.

“I wanna love you and tell you that you are mine

You told me you think that I smell good, then told me, ‘Zip up my fly.’

I wanna kiss you in the back of my car that I barely drive

Because I share it with my mom, and my mom’s busy all the time, I tell ya.”

Poetic… well, sort of. The chorus is followed by only one verse. Here, Malcolm informs her how cool she is – like “reading and swimming in the pool” cool. That said, he then states he doesn’t want to indulge because “I’m just too cool for you, girl,” but ultimately, he’s frontin’ like the Pharrell classic because he’s in L-O-V-E. Following another colorful chorus where the infatuation is lit, he drops the bridge that further confirms his infatuation. Although a bite-sized record, “Zip Up My Fly” is sugary sweet! Decadent!

Appears in:

Malcolm Todd, Zip Up My Fly: Bangerz N Bopz No. 32 (2026)

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11. Rina Sawayama, “XS”

SAWAYAMA » Dirty Hit » 2020

“Hey, I want it all, don’t have to choose / And when the heart wants what it wants, what can I do?”

True, Rina Sawayama. No lies detected! The pansexual Japanese British singer-songwriter delivers the goods on “XS”, the second track from her 2020 album, SAWAYAMA. Sawayama composed “XS” with Kyle Shearer, Nate Campany, and Chris Lyon. Sawayama, Shearer, Lyon, Valley Girl, and Clarence Clarity produced it.

Like most of SAWAYAMA, the production and sound are electrifying. There are orchestral cues (strings and timpani), aggressively strummed and distorted, jagged guitars, and a mean percussive groove. Rina Sawayama rides the backdrop like a champ. Finishing off the first verse of “XS,” she asserts, “So, I’ll take that one, that one, yeah, that one too / Luxury and opulence.” Get it… eXcesS! The pre-chorus continues the excess, while the chorus confirms the desire for more and more material things.

“Gimme just a little bit (More), little bit of (Excess)

Oh me, oh my

I don’t wanna hear (No, no), only want a (Yes, yes)

Oh me, oh my…”

In the second verse, Rina goes deeper, discussing the costs of excess. “Flex when all that’s left is immaterial,” she sings, and adds, “And the price we paid is unbelievable.” Later, on the bridge, she highlights human disregard for the earth in favor of shallow materialism and less important things: “Oh me, oh my, where did it go awry? / When all this time, heaven was in our eyes / So, say goodnight, forget about it ‘til the end of time.” Not only is “XS” enjoyable, but it also delivers a warning about human disregard for the earth and focusing far too much on materialism instead of more important and meaningful things.

Appears in:

Rina Sawayama, XS: Bangerz N Bopz No. 33 (2026)

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12. Lillias White, Cheryl Freeman, LaChanze, Roz Ryan, Vaneese Thomas & Tawatha Agee, “Zero To Hero”

Hercules » Disney » 1997

“Bless my soul, Herc was on a roll.”

Woo, indeed! He’s Hunk-ules with that chiseled bod and those dashing looks 😍! Some of the very best, most electrifying moments from the soundtrack to the 1997 Disney animated film, Hercules, arrived courtesy of The Muses. Among the best songs performed by The Muses – Lillias White, Cheryl Freeman, LaChanze, Roz Ryan, Vaneese Thomas, and Tawatha Agee – is “Zero To Hero.”

“Zero To Hero” speaks for itself. The Muses highlight the come-up of Hercules. The one-liners are everything. “Herc could stop a show / Point him at a monster, and you’re talkin’ SRO.” Woo! Calliope, who sings that marvelous line, goes on to say, “Now he’s a honcho,” of course, after previously being a zero! Fittingly, Thalia informs us, “And they slapped his face on every vase,” echoed by Clio (“On every vase!”). Beyond the awesome lyrics celebrating this zero-turned-hero, the music is ripe, embracing R&B and gospel vibes. One of the best moments of this classic is when The Muses turn it up another notch and “Zero to Hero” opts for a double-time feel. Amen! Alan Menken and David Zippel composed a surefire gem!

Appears in:

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13. Badflower, “x ANA x”

OK, I’M SICK » Big Machine » 2019

“I can’t feel my toes or my fingertips / My chest if pounding so fast I can’t keep up with it / I’m losing it – FUCK! I just want to quit it.”

Frontman Josh Katz and Badflower are in a bad spot to say the least, thanks to “x ANA x” – a stylization of Xanax – from their 2019 debut album, OK, I’M SICK. The effects of anxiety and Xanax itself have Katz down. He’s profane, dropping multiple f-bombs, as he suffers. Notably, Katz emphasizes the ‘ANA’ approaching Xanax like it’s a relationship. On the first verse, he memorably states, “Judging my fucking sex ANA x ANA x / And I’m faking just to stay in my body / I’m nervous, I can’t fucking stand it.”

The lyrics, throughout the course of the song, reflect Katz’s anxiety, while the high-energy, instrumental backdrop matches the anxiousness. As the song continues, the listener is invited more and more into the suspect mindset of the protagonist, particularly at the end of the second verse.

“The kind of sick that makes an atheist pray for Jesus

The kind of sickness that turns your power into weakness

I’m sick of being sick for this whole fucking place to witness

And I’m living a sick life that most people call privilege

And they’re kinda right

But I’m still sicker than I can cope with.”

“x ANA x” is an energetic, honest, and well-rounded song. Katz has the personality to sell this anxiety-driven record superbly.

Appears in:

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14. Commodores, “Zoom”

Commodores » Motown » 1977

“Oh, Zoom / I’d like to fly far away from here / Where my mind can be fresh and clear.”

Sigh, I feel you Lionel Richie! “Zoom” is one of the best songs from the Commodores’ catalog, PERIOD. It graces the Grammy-winning soul collective’s 1977, self-titled album (it was the set’s third single). Notably, Commodores wouldn’t win their sole Grammy until 1985, post-Lionel Richie. ‘Tis a shame, considering they delivered so many classic cuts in the 70s. Richie penned “Zoom” alongside Ronald LaPread. The spectacular, seven-minute joint was produced by Commodores and James Anthony Carmichael.

The sound of “Zoom” is DEFINITELY a big deal. It features an epic groove, idiomatic of 70s soul through and through. Also representative of the style is the lush orchestration. It is breathtaking, exquisite, and utterly sublime. The warmth of the horns and strings is amazing. Specifically, the signature horn riff gives “Zoom” one of its most memorable and defining moments. Sampled many times, among the biggest repurposing came via Fergie in 2006: “All That I Got (The Make Up Song)”. Of course, it’s not all the backdrop, even if it is, celestial. As always, Lionel Richie is the man in the vocal department. His clear, nuanced, soulful lead, as well as his pen, made Commodores hard to beat. He is in tremendous voice on “Zoom” as he seeks happiness. Not only does he seek happiness for himself, but he wants happiness for the world, too: “I wish the world were truly happy / Living as one / I wish the word they call freedom, someday would come.” The thing is, approaching 50 years later, the world is still longing for happiness and freedom. Of course, the chorus is where the escapism is ripest. “Oh, Zoom / I’d like to fly far away from here / Where my mind can be fresh and clear,” he sings in the chorus, continuing, “And I’ll find the love that I long to see / People can be what they wanna be.” So much more could be said about “Zoom” but it’s best to let this glorious music speak for itself.

Appears in:

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15. Beyoncé, “XO”

BEYONCÉ » Columbia » 2013

“Your love is bright as ever / Even in the shadows / Baby, kiss me / Before they turn the lights out.”

“XO,” the 10^th track from Beyoncé’s self-titled visual album, is an emotional track, filled with L-O-V-E. Yoncé adds, “Your heart is glowing / And I’m crashing into you.” Beyoncé, Ryan Tedder, and Terius Youngdell Nash composed “XO.” Beyoncé, Tedder, Nash, and Hit-Boy produced it. Notably, the Grammy-winning superstar had a sinus infection when she recorded “XO” and decided to keep the ‘imperfect’ version, which is incredibly authentic and sincere. The chorus, the centerpiece, the crème de la crème, particularly shines:

“In the darkest night I’ll

I’ll search through the crowd

Your face is all that I see

I’ll give you everything

Baby love me lights out

Baby love me lights out

You can turn my lights out.”

Sure, “Turn my lights out” can be spun sexually, but the context is more about legitimate devotion. Fittingly, the titular lyric appears later: “I love you like XO (XO) / You love me like XO (XO) / You kill me boy XO (XO) / You love me like XO (XO).” BEYONCÉ was an album filled with hits. “XO” wasn’t higher than “Drunk In Love” or “Partition” (both were substantial hits) but it was a big deal and one of the best songs from the LP.

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16. The Cranberries, “Zombie”

No Need to Argue » UMG Recordings » 1994

“In your head, in your head / Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie / What’s in your head, in your head? / Zombie, zombie, zombie-ie-ie-ie.”

To this day, that’s a truly glorious, timeless chorus – one for the ages. That head– and zombie-driven chorus hails from “Zombie”, a once-in-a-lifetime song from the Irish alternative rock band, The Cranberries. The Cranberries were fronted by the late Delores O’Riordan, who died in 2018 at only 46 years old. O’Riordan penned this classic, which appeared on the band’s 1994 album, No Need to Argue. Julie Gardner and Stephen Street produced it.

“Zombie” is not just any kind of song. It is a protest song that conveys the  unrest between Ireland and England. “It’s the same old theme, since 1916,” Dolores memorably sings in the second chorus. She adds, “With their tanks, and their bombs, and their bombs and their guns / In your head, in your head, they are dyin’.” Specifically, O’Riordan focuses on a 1993 bombing by the Irish Republican Army that killed two English children. “Another head hangs lowly / Child is slowly taken,” she informs us in the first verse, continuing, “And the violence caused such silence / Who are we, mistaken?” A deep, thought-provoking song, “Zombie” references conflict as well as seeking peace.

Appears in:

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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)	An Exciting List of X & Z Songs (2026)
A Memorable Song From Each Letter of the Alphabet (2026)

~ Table of Contents ~ » ~ intro ~

An Exciting List of X & Z Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amigo, Atlantic, Capitol, Columbia Records, Dirty Hit, Disney, Locomotion Recordings, Motown, RAMMSTEIN GBR, Rancho Humilde, Regularisperfect, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC, UMG Recordings, Universal Music GmH, Walter Miller; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

An Exciting List of X & Z Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on April 27, 2026April 27, 2026