An Unbelievable Compendium of U Songs

Reading Time: 26 min read

An Unbelievable Compendium of U Songs features songs by D’Angelo, Gracie Abrams, Queen x David Bowie, Sam Smith x Kim Petras, sombr, and Stephen Sanchez.

Be prepared to spotlight the letter U! After dropping alphabet-themed playlists in 2025 (A through S), The Alphabet Playlist Series continues in the year of our Lord, 2026! U gets its time to shine on An Unbelievable Compendium of U Songs. Each of the 20 songs that appear on An Unbelievable Compendium of U Songs begins with a U-word. The only exception is A or THE preceding the U-word, etc. An Unbelievable Compendium of U Songs features songs by D’Angelo, Gracie Abrams, Queen x David Bowie, Sam Smith x Kim Petras, sombr, and Stephen Sanchez. So, without further ado, let us all embrace the power of U on An Unbelievable Compendium of U Songs!

~ Table of Contents ~

1.Queen & David Bowie, “Under Pressure”	2. sombr, “undressed”	3. Tainy & KAROL G, “Única”
4. Ghost, “Umbra”	5. Sam Smith & Kim Petras, “Unholy”	6. Landan Ash, “Up Next Ash”
7. Sub Urban, “UH OH!” (Ft. BENEE)	8. Kisos, “Unbothered”	9. Gracie Abrams, “us.” (Ft. Taylor Swift)
10. Kendrick Lamar, “United In Grief”	11. Thomas Day, “Underwear”	12. Stephen Sanchez, “Until I Found You”
13. Bad Bunny, “Una Velita”	14. Jon Campbell, “Ukrainian Blood”	15. Jill Scott, “Until Then (I Imagine)”
16. Kanye West, “Ultralight Beam” (Ft. Chance the Rapper, Kelly Price, The-Dream & Kirk Franklin)	17. D’Angelo, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”	18. Diana Ross, “Upside Down”
19. The Drifters, “Under the Boardwalk”	20. The Righteous Brothers, “Unchained Melody”	The Alphabet Playlist Series 2025-26

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Yes

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1. Queen & David Bowie, “Under Pressure”

Hot Space » Hollywood Records, Inc. » 1982

“Pressure on people, people on streets.”

Sooo, what happens when an iconic, Grammy-nominated band, Queen – Freddie Mercury, John Deacon, Brian May, and Roger Taylor – and an iconic, Grammy-winning solo musician, David Bowie, collaborate on one track? Simply put, an iconic, once-in-a-lifetime collaboration. The fruits of Mercury and Bowie’s labor are “Under Pressure”, the 11^th track from Queen’s 1982 album, Hot Space. Queen and Bowie wrote and produced “Under Pressure.” A top 40 pop hit, “Pressure” peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2022, the single was certified multiplatinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. A great song deserves to be highly decorated!

There is a lot to sink one’s teeth into when it comes to “Under Pressure.” Among the first things that stand out about the iconic Freddie Mercury/David Bowie duet is the bass line: 1 & 2 & a 3 &… John Deacon did his big one on the low end! One of the truly tuneful anchors ⚓️, had “Under Pressure” offered nothing else substantial, Deacon’s iconic, once-in-a-lifetime bass line would be sufficient. Beyond the bass, “Under Pressure” thrives on its utterly infectious groove. Of course, the stars of the show are our singing duo, Mercury and Bowie. Mercury is the first voice heard, memorably scatting. The irresistible scatting recurs throughout. The first substantial vocals belong to Bowie with the unforgettable, pressure-filled lyrics: “Pressure / Pushing down on me / Pressing down on you / No man ask for.” Mercury enters the mix in the second half of the first verse, which is also pressure-laden. “Under pressure,” he sings, and continues, “That burns a building down / Splits a family in two.” Following a refrain of scatting, Bowie helms most of the high-pressure chorus, with one line courtesy of Freddie:

“It’s the terror of knowing what this world is about

Watching some good friends screaming, ‘Let me out.’

Pray tomorrow gets me higher

Pressure on people, people on streets.”

Ooh-wee! Freddie performs the brief second verse, showing off his falsetto (“These are the days, it never rains, but it pours”), followed by an interlude of scatting (Mercury) and emphasis (“People on streets” by Bowie). Following another intriguing chorus, Bowie primarily performs the bridge (“Keep coming up with love, but it’s so slashed and torn”), with one inquiring contribution from Mercury (“Why, why, why?”). Mercury performs the third and final verse (“Why can’t we give love that one more chance”), while Bowie performs the powerful, socially conscious outro (“‘Cause love’s such an old-fashioned word / And love dares you to care for / The people on the (People on streets) edge of the night”). No extensive analysis is necessary to know that “Under Pressure” is a special song. Queen and David Bowie put their foot into this one. Honestly, isn’t it hard to believe it wasn’t a more substantial pop hit? The earworm of a bass line, infectious scatting, and strong vocal performance by Bowie and Mercury make “Pressure” the sugar, honey, iced tea!

Appears in:

Queen & David Bowie, Under Pressure: Dazzling Duets No. 29 (2025)

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2. sombr, “undressed”

I Barely Know Her » SMB Music LLC / Warner » 2025

“I’m lookin’ at you, and you’re lookin’ at me / But the glimmer in your eyes is sayin’ you wanna leave.”

Oh, snap 🫰, sombr (Shane Michael Boose)! Our Gen-Z alternative singer-songwriter had a breakout year in 2025. “Undressed”, the seventh track from his debut album, I Barely Know Her, earned Boose a top 20 pop hit (it peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100). He wrote the song himself and produced it alongside Tony Berg. As the excerpted lyrics from the pre-chorus suggest, those pesky matters of the heart propel “undressed.”

“There’s nothin’ worse than seein’ your lover / Moving on while you still suffer.”

Have truer words ever been spoken?! Although my guy sombr is a slim fella, he ate and left no crumbs on “undressed,” PERIOD! His vocals are strong from the beginning to the end. He brings the relatively simple melodies to life. Tunefulness, baby! The section to beat is the memorable and catchy chorus:

“I don’t wanna get undressed

For a new person all over again

I don’t wanna kiss someone else’s neck

And have to pretend it’s yours instead.”

Word! The dedication is dedicated! The bridge distinguishes itself from the verses and chorus, with a more complex harmonic progression and more adventurous melody. “And I don’t wanna learn another scent / I don’t want the children of another man,” he sings, and concludes, “To have the eyes of the girl, I won’t forget / I won’t forget.” Beyond the vocals, lyrics, and tuneful melodies, the musical accompaniment earns high marks on “undressed.” The sounds that most impress the ears: The bass line, drum groove, and guitars, both acoustic and electric. A breakout star, sombr truly makes our ears perk up with his naked gem, “undressed”.

Appears in:

sombr, undressed: Bangerz N Bopz No. 2 (2026)

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3. Tainy & KAROL G, “Única”

“Única” » NEON16 LLC / Republic » 2025

“Única / Tu boca besándome toda de una forma única / Tanta gente en el mundo, y esa noche yo era la única / Lo entregamo’ todo sabiendo que iba a ser la única.”

¡Oh, chasquido!, aka, oh, snap! Puerto Rican 🇵🇷 producer-songwriter Tainy (b. 1989) and Colombian 🇨🇴 singer-songwriter KAROL G (b. 1991) join forces for a unique listening experience in “Única”, which translates into English as, you guessed it, “Unique.” In the refrán (refrain) excerpted above, KAROL G sings about unique kisses and being his only one. KAROL G, Tainy, Richi López, and Rios penned “Única.” Tainy and López produced it.

Beyond the refrain, other sections of the brief “Única” include the coro (chorus) and the verso (verse). In the chorus, KAROL G recalls their passionate love experience, which has since come to an end. “Y aunque estemo’ distantes / Sé que tú también sientes [And even though we’re far apart / I know you feel it too],” she sings in the chorus, and continues, “Y cuando ames a alguien, bebé / Sé que vas a extrañarme, eh-eh [And when you love someone, baby / I know you’re gonna miss me, eh-eh].” Word! The verse confirms their special bond, despite being with different people. KAROL G asserts, “Bebé, tu recuerdo no me deja / To’ lo que hicimos se ha quedado / Como un tattoo en mi cabeza [Baby, your memory won’t leave me / Everything we did has stayed / Like a tattoo on my head].” KAROL G sounds beautiful as she sings about those unique, seemingly once-in-a-lifetime kissds. She’s supported by sleek musical accompaniment (colorful keys, synths, and a sweet bass line), anchored by a hard-hitting syncopated reggaetón beat. All told, Tainy and KAROL G put in work on the short but utterly sweet “Única”. ¡Esta canción es simplemente maravillosa!

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4. Ghost, “Umbra”

Skeletá » Loma Vista Recordings » 2025

“In the shadows, pale and cold / In the shadows, lay my soul / In the shadows, death becomes your lover.”

That sounds damning, dark, and morbid, Ghost. It’s also darkly romantic, given the word, lover… It’s on brand for the Grammy-winning Swedish 🇸🇪 metal/rock band. The keyword in those three lines from the first verse of “Umbra” is shadows. It makes sense considering that the word umbra is a Latin word that means shade or shadow. “Umbra,” the song, is the ninth and penultimate track from Ghost’s 2025 album, Skeletá. It runs five-and-a-half minutes in duration. Tobias Forge (b. 1981) has a lot to say! Forge wrote “Umbra” with Fat Max Gsus (Max Grahn). Gene Walker produced it.

“The chapel of the holy one

In the presence of the chosen son

I see your light shine through

In the temple of the Godly scene

In the shadow of the Nazarene

I put my love in you.”

I put my love in you??? Holy shit! It feels proper in the context of “Umbra” and its blasphemous spiritual references mixed with love/sex. “Umbra” commences enigmatically, with ominous, sharper synths. The record features an intriguing and striking sound palette comprised of keys, guitar, bass, and drums. The guitars enter the mix just before the one-minute mark. The distorted, juicy guitars solidify the hard rock/metal vibes 🤘💪. Beyond the instrumental introduction, there are some additional kick ass instrumental moments, including dizzying, soaring guitars (with pedal effects), and organ. The verses are set in G minor. Interestingly, the chorus (excerpted earlier) sounds much brighter than the verses, with more major chords. Throughout, Tobias Forge delivers solid vocals, bringing this spiritual, love-driven metal track to life (“In the shadows, stripped of sin /… In the shadows, I will make you my angel”). “Umbra” is one of a kind, and we wouldn’t have it any other way from a Ghost track!

Appears in:

Ghost, Umbra: Wacky Wednesday No. 53 (2025)

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5. Sam Smith & Kim Petras, “Unholy”

Gloria » Capitol » 2023

“Mummy don’t know daddy’s getting hot / At the body shop / Doing something unholy.”

Gah-day-um! “Unholy” arrived as a single in 2022 by Academy- and Grammy-award-winning, nonbinary singer/songwriter, Sam Smith.  From the first note, it was clear that Smith was tweaking their sound and evolving. In the Grammy-winning single from their 2023 album, Gloria, Smith is assisted by German pop singer, Kim Petras, who fits the unholiness perfectly. “Unholy” commences unexpectedly with big, a cappella vocals by Smith (with vocal effects).  Unknowingly, upon first listen the intro is the eventual chorus of the record.  The chorus ends up being a vibe that you can’t get unstuck. Besides the epic intro and alluring chorus, “Unholy” features sleek production work by Smith, Ilya, Cirkut, Blake Slatkin, Omer Fedi, and Jimmy Napes. Although the chorus fabulously sums up the sus happenings, the verses by Smith and Petras fill in the blanks.  In the first, Smith sings, “Dirty, dirty boy / you know everyone is talkin’ on the scene / I hear them whisperin’ bout the places that you’ve been / And how you don’t know how to keep your business clean.” As for Petras,  in playful and sassy fashion, she asserts, “You gon’ need to bag it up ‘cause I’m spendin’ on Rodeo (Woo) / You can watch me back it up, I’ll be gone in the A.M.” “Unholy” is short but ultimately sweet.

Appears in:

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6. Landan Ash, “Up Next Ash”

“Up Next Ash” » Landan Ash » 2025

“He ran into a boy bar / There were dancers on stage / With tips tucked into somewhere where there was no light of day.”

Well, that is a more thoughtful, nuanced way to describe where this boy went, Landan Ash (Landan Ash Boyde). The handsome, talented, and gay pop singer/songwriter dropped another scintillating bop with “Up Next Ash”. Interestingly, this song is intriguing thanks to the narrative he imparts about this boy… Ash. And yes, of course, it gets hot! Boyde co-wrote the steamy “Up Next Ash” with producer Wesley Henry.

@landanashb

me trying to blow up my song before it comes out this month #stripper #lgbtq #songwriter

♬ Up Next Ash – Landan Ash

Landan Ash sounds lovely as he tells the story of becoming a stripper in the third person. As mentioned, “Up Next Ash” is hot as he “slips into something that’s real hot” and then, “Dances for strangers / He gets them off / He leaves with a bag that’s full of cash.” Is leaving with money Landan’s big takeaway? It doesn’t seem like it as Ash continues, “But nothing could buy him / What he really lacks.” The gist is broke and desperate, Ash is getting money to strip. While he may be ‘cheapening himself’ to some, Ash informs us, “But back at home he was nothing / So he let himself be bought.” The money provides needed income, but the dancing/sex/sexual favors seem empty, ultimately. Landan asserts that this boy will eventually “know the truth,” singing, “But tonight, it’s his callin’ / ‘Up next Ash,’ / That’s your cue.” Word. “Up Next Ash” qualifies as a sex song given Ash’s occupation at the boy bar, and beyond, but it seems to go deeper than that. Bravo, Landan!

Appears in:

Landan Ash, Up Next Ash: Midnight Heat No. 44 (2025)

13 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 7 (2025)

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7. Sub Urban, “UH OH!” (Ft. BENEE)

HIVE » Warner » 2022

Sub Urban (Daniel Virgil Maisonneuve) dared to be different on his 2022 debut album, HIVE. HIVE showcased immense potential. The LP had no shortage of effort, talent, and unique songs, all of which Maisonneuve produced or co-produced.

“Uh-oh, uh-oh

Uh-oh, you made a mistake

… Tell me things that can’t be true.”

Among the most fun records from HIVE is “Uh Oh!” featuring New Zealand singer, BENEE. The titular lyric fuels an infectious chorus you won’t possibly get unstuck in your head! Beyond the chorus, the approach is dark and mysterious – that’s how Sub Urban rolls. He performs the first verse, asserting, “Your slacks are on fire, I’m fanning the flames / Like a vampire 🧛, stood out in broad day.” Oh, snap! BENEE supplies the darkness in the second verse: “Your face has turned pale, gon’ faint, you’re not well / While you were distracted, I cast a spell.” Whoa! “Uh Oh!” is no mistake – it’s a bop! Also, Maisonneuve’s Genius Official Lyrics & Meaning video is wild – a ‘can’t miss’!

Appears in:

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8. Kisos, “Unbothered”

“Unbothered” » Miller Place » 2025

“Bitch, I’m unbothered.”

Whoa! Have words ever sounded more profound?! Kisos is exactly what he says he is, “Unbothered”! He describes this brief but utterly entertaining song as ‘a playful, yet cutting diss track inspired by the hyphy sounds I grew up with.’ WORD. He adds, in the spirit of unbothered-ness, ‘Let a ho talk to the wall, say your peace, and live your best, unbothered life!’ Damn right, Kisos! I felt that! “Unbothered” doesn’t require extensive analysis. Kisos said what he said, and it’s relatable as ForUnderConsentoftheKing. At the top, he blesses our ears with the chorus, telling that bi-otch, “It’s goodbye from me.” As unbothered as he is, he doesn’t profess to be perfect himself. Good ole self-awareness! But, apparently, someone is accusing him of saying things he didn’t. His response to these nevers? “So put the smoking gun in a holster / And take a step back.” 100. His second verse is even more colorful, as he asserts, “You conveniently made me the villain / Guess your prophecies are self-fulfilling / Cuz all you see is what you wanna see.” ‘Tis a damn shame, isn’t it? Of course, Kisos is U-N-B-O-T-H-E-R-E-D, PERIOD. As always, he brings his A game, singing expressively and bringing plenty of playfulness to this diss track. The musical backdrop superbly replicates those hyphy sounds he grew up with. The beat bangs, hitting you right in the chest. Short and sweet with an edge, “Unbothered” marks another banger from the ever-compelling artist.

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9. Gracie Abrams, “us.” (Ft. Taylor Swift)

The Secret of Us » Gracie Abrams / Interscope » 2024

“You’re twenty-nine years old / So how can you be cold 🥶 when I open my home?”

According to Gracie Abrams, he was the older, more mature one in their relationship, so how is it that he seems less invested, etc.? Notably, Abrams was only 24 when “us.” was released, appearing as the fifth track from her 2024 sophomore album, The Secret of Us. Abrams receives a big-time assist from a pop superstar: Taylor Swift. Besides her vocal contributions supporting Gracie, Swift penned “us.” With Abrams and Aaron Dessner. Jack Antonoff joins the three songwriters as a producer on the track.

The rhythmic plucked strings that recur throughout are a nice touch – one of the finer instrumental moments of “us.” Gracie Abrams handles most of the vocals and sings in an undertone initially. She is cool, calm, and collected, never forcing things. “I know your ghost / I see her through the smoke,” she sings in the first verse, and continues, “She’ll play her show / And you’ll be watchin’.” Abrams goes on to sing the first pre-chorus, before Swift provides minor contributions during the chorus. As “us.” progresses, it gradually builds into something grander beyond the striking, minimalist plucked strings. The production is fuller by the first chorus, and even fuller beyond it.

“Do you miss us, us?

I felt it, you held it, do you miss us, us?

Wonder if you regret the secret of us, us

Us (Us), us (Us), us (Us).”

Once more, Abrams does the heavy lifting during the second verse, excerpted earlier. Swift performs the second pre-chorus, asserting, “And if history’s clear, the flames always end up in ashes,” and adds, “Babylon lovers hangin’ missed calls on the line.” What more can you say but, word. From there, Swift mostly contributes to Abrams’s lead, with the duo joining forces for a pair of lines in the final chorus. Before the final chorus, the bridge separates itself from the rest of the song. “That night, you were talkin’ false prophets and profits / They make in the margins of poetry sonnets,” Gracie asserts, with Swift adding, “You never read up on it, shame, could’ve learned somethin’.” All told, “us.” Marks one of the more accomplished moments from The Secret of Us. There have been more collaborative duets, but Abrams and Swift put in work.

Appears in:

Gracie Abrams & Taylor Swift, us.: Dazzling Duets No. 30 (2025)

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10. Kendrick Lamar, “United In Grief”

Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers » Aftermath / Interscope » 2022

“I wake in the morning, another appointment / I hope the psychologist listenin’.”

Woo! Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar kicks off Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers with a bang with “United in Grief.”  Here, Lamar reflects on a wide array of topics: his career, money/drip, trauma experienced (including loss of friends), meaningless sex, and mental health.  It seems as if Kendrick has used sex and money to cope with emotional/mental health.  He admits, in the outro, “I grieve different.”  Notably, “United in Grief” features intriguing production switches, which marvelously help to illustrate all that’s spinning around in his head. Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers is a challenging album, but “United in Grief” marks one of its best moments.

Appears in:

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11. Thomas Day, “Underwear”

“Underwear” » Arista » 2025

“What a thing to do.”

Thomas Day is heartbroken in his ballad, “Underwear”. Despite its title, “Underwear” isn’t about undies, though they are mentioned: “You left your underwear / But still bought another pair / Like you really had to / Did you have to?” Day and Noah Nockels composed the emotional song about an ex, who Thomas still has feelings for. Rudey produced it. Thomas sounds angelic as he bears his soul. “Why did you leave me there? / Why are you set on running out,” he asks, later asking, “Why you had to change your tone?” In the chorus, he’s dejected, as his ex encourages him to move on:

“You wanted me to love somebody else

But I’m still in love with you

You wanted me to go and fuck myself

‘Cause I’d do anything for you.”

Bummer. Beyond emotional lyrics and a strong vocal performance, Day is backed by lovely musical accompaniment. The sound is rhythmic yet tender, complementing his hurt feelings. Going back to the lyric excerpted above, “What a thing to do,” Day is hurt and angry that reconciliation isn’t a possibility. It’s over whether he likes it or not. “Underwear” is a winner. Heartbroken, but relatable.

Appears in:

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12. Stephen Sanchez, “Until I Found You”

Angel Face » Republic » 2023

“Georgia, wrap me up in all your / I want ya in my arms”

. Aww, Stephen 🥰! Stephen Sanchez is firmly a member of Generation Z (b. 2002). However, judging by the sound of his music, you’d guess he’s much older. The ‘old soul’ struck gold with “Until I Found You”, which originally appeared on What Was, Not Now. The multiplatinum single reappeared on his 2023 gold-certified debut album, Angel Face. Written by Sanchez, Ian Fitchuk, and Konrad Snyder produced it.

“Until I Found You” embraces old-school, retro-pop. While it’s sound hearkens to the past, it’s ultimately refreshing. The guitars sound particularly gorgeous. Sanchez serves up beautiful, expressive vocals. He’s supported by strong background vocals that contribute sweet vocal harmonies. “Until I Found You” benefits from fabulous songwriting and tuneful melodies, particularly in the centerpiece, the chorus:

“I would never fall in love again until I found her

I said I would never fall unless it’s you I fall into

I was lost within the darkness, but then I found her

I found you.”

The ‘Club Deluxe’ version of Angel Face includes the Em Beihold version of “Until I Found You”. Beihold sings a brand-new second verse (“Heaven / When I held you again / How could / We ever just be friends?”). Whatever rendition of “Until I Found You” you listen to is utterly sweet and satisfying.

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13. Bad Bunny, “Una Velita”

“Un Velita” » Rimas Entertainment LLC » 2024

“‘Tá empezando a llover, otra ve’ va a pasar / Por ahí viene tormеnta, ¿quién nos va a salvar?”

Translated in English, Grammy-winning Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny (Benito Martinez Ocasio) sings, “It’s starting to rain, it’s gonna happen again / Here comes the storm, who will save us?” On “Una Velita”, he sings about the hurricane that devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, Hurricane Maria. The effects are still prominent in the territory as recovery has been slow. Ocasio penned the thoughtful song while Tainy and LaPaciencia produced it. “Una Velita” is more solemn compared to other Bad Bunny songs; it has a different tenor and tone. Ocasio is accompanied by sleek production. An awesome, rhythmic beat provides an anchor. Also, he continues to perform with an agile cadence and flow. He generally eschews profanity save for what translates as “Don’t send me anything with the government, those bastards are going to hide it.” He focuses on bettering and saving Puerto Rico. His performance is sincere, hoping and imploring substantial change. “Y del Espíritu Santo, que Dios cuide mi canto / No quiero toldo, quiero su manto, ey,” he sings in the verse, translated in English as, “And of the Holy Spirit, may God protect my song / I don’t want a tarp, I want His mantle, ayy.” Amen! “Una Velita” is much bigger and more meaningful than a song. Hopefully and prayerfully, Puerto Rico is restored and rebuilt to be much better than ever.

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14. Jon Campbell, “Ukrainian Blood”

Still Life With Motion Sickness » 7lb » 2024

“My father’s got Ukrainian blood / Should I, should I, should I, worry more / About America and Russia’s war?”

Thought-provoking lyrics from American-born singer/songwriter and visual artist, Jon Campbell. The opening lyrics from “Ukrainian Blood”, the ninth track from the Berlin-based artist’s album, Still Life With Motion Sickness, set the tone for this socially conscious song. Campbell composed, arranged, and produced the indie-folk cut, which sounds distinct from the opening tip. Besides serving up superb, authentic vocals, Campbell also performs body percussion, in addition to playing colander and tambourine. The percussion plays a key part in the sound, establishing a driving rhythm. Also bolstering the sound of “Ukrainian Blood” are trumpet (Robin Kahl), trombone (Jan Landowski), and bass (Rosie Salvucci). The musicianship is top-notch – impressive.

The sound is a vibe, but the biggest reason why “Ukrainian Blood” is successful is the theme and lyrics. Campbell reflects on the inhumane state of the world, specifically citing his connection to the devastating situation in Ukraine. Of course, he is NOT in the warzone: “I watch them from the safety of my phone / Can’t understand a sibling’s blood in our hands.” Seeing devastation from pictures on a phone isn’t the same as experiencing it firsthand. When you are part of a situation live and in person, it ‘hits different.’ Far too often, even if we, as humans find something to be horrible, we aren’t truly as affected or as outraged as we should be. In the final section of the song, he asks, “Where the hell’s our humanity? / Should I cry more for my baby niece / Or one in Yemen or Somalia / How much blood should we share before we know peace? / How much blood shall be shed before we know peace?” “Ukrainian Blood” marks an epic, must-hear number from a talented individual.

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15. Jill Scott, “Until Then (I Imagine)”

The Light of the Sun » Babe Blues / Warner » 2011

“I’m your kitty cat, love what we do / I adore the taste of every thought of you.”

Few artists compose and perform sensual songs than R&B singer/songwriter Jill Scott. Early in “Until Then (I Imagine)” the 11^th track from her 2011 LP, The Light of the Sun, the sexual innuendo is ripe. Kitty cat, do, and taste all suggest where Scott is going with this song. She penned it with R&B/contemporary gospel producer Warryn Campbell. There is nothing gospel-tinged about this song: “Got me dickmatized and I want some more.” If you’ve ever been dickmatized, you understand that “frenzied state” Scott is coming from. Campbell captures the sensual vibes marvelously in the instrumental.

The first verse of “Until Then (I Imagine)” prefaces a chorus filled with desire. The tone is set. “I imagine myself on my knees / Waiting for you to come over and see me.” Hmm, please, continue. “…Waiting for you to come over and feed me.” Feed me? Ooh, girl, that’s nasty but hot 🥵! When you fantasize, the mind is free of restriction. In this song, Scott is ready for him to free her. Feeling wild, she asserts, “I’m your lioness in the jungle, babe / And I’m hungry now and it’s you I crave / I drink you, my suga, consume your soul.” Admit it, that drink you lyric is fire 🔥! On the bridge, she tells him how she wants him to do it. She admits that she’s “Submissive dominant freaky.” As always, Scott sings sensationally. She’s sexy, smooth, and soulful. Also, she’s honest about the pleasure she desires. Sex positivity has grown exponentially since the arrival of “Until Then (I Imagine)”. But, back in 2011, Scott had shit on lockdown. To quote Jill, “That shit is nice.”

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16. Kanye West, “Ultralight Beam” (Ft. Chance the Rapper, Kelly Price, The-Dream & Kirk Franklin)

The Life of Pablo » G.O.O.D. / Def Jam » 2016

“We don’t want no devils in the house, God (Yes, Lord) / We want the Lord (Yes, Jesus) /… Jesus praise the Lord.”

Amen, Amen! Kanye West is one of music’s most polarizing artists. He’s said some bizarre, off-the-wall, and truly despicable things throughout his career. However, that career has been illustrious, spawning ample hits. He’s an innovator who has 24 Grammy awards to his name out of 75 nominations (to date). Two of those nominations came from a marvelous, minimal, rap-gospel song, “Ultralight Beam”. “Ultralight Beam” commences his somewhat messy 2016 album, The Life of Pablo. Where does the gospel come into play? Well, this haunting number embraces his spiritual side, enlisting assists from Chance the Rapper, Kelly Price, The-Dream, and renowned gospel innovator Kirk Franklin. “Ultralight Beam” was not a pop hit, settling for number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100, with just two weeks tallied. Despite modest performance, “Ultralight Beam” is incredibly memorable and has been certified by the RIAA as multiplatinum. Notably, this track features eight producers: West, Chance the Rapper, Swizz Beatz, MIKE DEAN, Plain Pat, Noah Goldstein, DJDS, and Rick Rubin.

Following the sampled intro (excerpted above), Kanye West delivers the simple but memorable, tuneful chorus: “We on an ultralight beam / We on an ultralight beam / This is a God dream / This is a God dream / This is everything / This is everything.” He follows with a simple verse, minimal, but not dissimilar to some Christian songs (“Deliver us serenity / Deliver us peace / Deliver us loving / We know we need it…”). After another iteration of the chorus, The-Dream, with the assist from the choir, delivers the memorable post-chorus: “I’m tryna keep my faith / But I’m lookin’ for more…” Kelly Price takes the reins in the second verse, which is more lyrically complex. She caps it off with ample faith: “Oh, no longer am afraid of the night / ‘Cause I, I look to the light.” Word! Chance The Rapper enters with a sung bridge, also memorable, leading into an epic mostly unpitched rap verse with no shortage of one-liners. Some of the lyrical gems include the opening “Foot on the Devil’s neck ‘til it drifted, Pangaea,” “Treat the demons just like Pam / I mean, I fuck with your friends, but damn, Gina,” which references Martin, his own musical highlight, “Sunday Candy”, and some Biblical allusions, led by “Know what God said when he made the first rainbow.” Of course, Kirk Franklin ministers in the outro, true to self, with the choir concluding, with four key lyrics: “Faith, more, safe, war.” “Ultralight Beam” is minimalistic yet epic. West crafted a rousing, spiritual masterpiece.

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17. D’Angelo, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”

Voodoo » Virgin » 2000

“I’d love to make you wet / In between your thighs ‘cause / I love when it comes inside you.”

WOW! Cutting straight to the chase, D’Angelo (Michael Eugene Archer, 1974 – 2025) delivered one of the sexiest, most soulful gems of all time with “Untitled (How Does it Feel)”. Yes, the music video stole plenty of attention, and how could it not? A nude, chiseled D’Angelo was certainly a sight to behold 🤤. That said, no matter how fine D was, the song itself is the crowning achievement. Listening to “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” you can’t help feeling a bit guilty. Why? Well, D’Angelo goes all in on the neo-soul sound, meaning the influence of gospel music is crystal clear. Some of the most soulful R&B hearkens back to the sounds of the church with big bass lines, marvelous piano riffs, harmonized vocals, and the groove. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” checks off those boxes, adding guitar to the mix. Those layered, harmonized vocals are utterly sublime! As heavenly as this seven-minute aughts R&B classic sounds, there’s nothing godly about this record. Mr. Archer is all about S-E-X. Yes, there’s dedication, but “I can provide everything that you desire” certainly indicates plans to stick [his] key in [her] ignition. Also, later, he asserts, ‘Let me take off your clothes…” All told in “Untitled (How Does it Feel)”, D’Angelo sings his ass off, and understandably, women (and men too) felt ‘some type of way’ listening to this one.

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18. Diana Ross, “Upside Down”

Diana » Motown » 1980

“Upside down / Boy, you turn me inside out / And ‘round and ‘round.”

Word, Diana Ross (b. 1944)! “Upside Down” is the opening track from her 1980 platinum-certified album, Diana. The Grammy-nominated icon landed a big hit with this hella danceable, infectious joint. “Upside Down” was written and produced by Songwriting Hall of Fame inductees Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of Chic fame. One of six number-one hits by Ross, “Upside Down” spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by the RIAA.

The music is nothing short of electrifying on “Upside Down.” It is a prime catalyst for body movement. The songwriting is sexy without crossing any lines. “Instinctively, you give to me the love that I need,” Ross sings in the memorable first verse, continuing, “I cherish the moments with you.” But, to quote Linda Ronstadt, “Baby, you’re no good”: “I’m aware that you’re cheating / When no one makes me feel like you do.” Hmm! The cheating, allegedly, continues in the second verse, where Ross asserts, “You always play the field / I’m crazy to think you’re all mine.” The section to beat is the rhythmic, unforgettable chorus excerpted above, which matches the song title – it sounds upside down. “Upside Down” marked one of 13 instances where Diana Ross missed out on a Grammy. That is a bummer, but a song this iconic does not require validation by a statuette. It is timeless, and Ross sounds exceptional.

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19. The Drifters, “Under the Boardwalk”

Under the Boardwalk » Atlantic Recording Corp. » 1964

“And your shoes get so hot / You wish your tired feet were fireproof,”

Johnny Moore (1934 – 1998), the lead vocalist of The Drifters, sings, “Under the boardwalk / Down by the sea / On a blanket with my baby / Is where I’ll be.” “Under the Boardwalk” is the second track from The Drifters’ 1964 album, Under the Boardwalk. The classic was penned by Artie Resnick (Arthur Resnick) and Kenny Young. Mike Leander and Bert Berns produced it. A success on the pop charts, “Under the Boardwalk” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It is a magical song that thrives off its old-school charm – those classic vibes. It features a sickening groove and refined production work. The rhythm section cooks while the brilliant string orchestration ups the ante. Moore wows with his classy, refined lead. His falsetto is gorgeous. Of course, The Drifters provide marvelous background vocals. For those who have never experienced a boardwalk, or don’t live near one, The Drifters capture the magic superbly. “From the park you hear / The happy sound of a carousel,” Moore sings in the second verse, adding, “Mmm, you can almost taste / The hot dogs and French fries they sell.” Dining is associated with boardwalks. Also, the chorus gives us a bit of a risqué happening that will be ‘going down’ under the boardwalk:

“(Under the boardwalk) Out of the sun

(Under the boardwalk) We’ll be having fun

(Under the boardwalk) People walking above

(Under the boardwalk) We’ll be making love

Under the boardwalk, boardwalk.”

“Under the Boardwalk” is one of the best songs from The Drifters. It is also one of the greatest songs from the 1960s soul catalog. It’s vintage – old-school to the nth degree – but its charm and magic never fade.

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15. The Righteous Brothers, “Unchained Melody”

Just Once In My Life » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1965

“Whoa, my love, my darling / I’ve hungered for your touch / A long, lonely time…”

Alex North and Hy Zaret penned a classic song in 1955 with “Unchained Melody”, a soundtrack cut 🤯! An oft-covered song (understatement), the most famous rendition of the song belongs to The Righteous Brothers – originally a duo comprised of Bill Medley (b. 1940) and the late Bobby Hatfield (1940 – 2003). Notably, it is Hatfield that performed the lead on this song – a solo recording to be precise. “Unchained Melody,” which appeared on the duo’s 1965 album, Just Once In My Life, was one of six top-10 hits for the duo, peaking at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Also, interestingly, a re-recorded version also performed well on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990, peaking at no. 19. Of course, it is the original that is the ace-in-the hole for The Righteous Brothers – well, Hatfield.

The melody of “Unchained Melody” is to die for – splendid! It is easy on the ears and tuneful, brought to life by Hatfield’s expressive, nuanced performance. The two verses truly shine, with the conclusion of the second verse shining brightest historically. Intensifying lyrics that also appeared at the end of the first verse, Hatfield tweaks the melody, showing off his impressive range, and setting the tone for how “Unchained Melody” was to be performed for eternity: “I need your love / I, I need your love / Godspeed your love to me.” Besides the famous artistic liberty, the bridge section marks another brilliant part of this beloved classic. Form-wise, it does what a bridge is expected to – separate itself from the other sections of the song, in this case, the verses. Harmonically and melodically, it is a contrast, one that Hatfield executes flawlessly: “Lonely rivers flow / To the sea, to the sea / To the open arms of the sea, yeah.” We could analyze and analyze “Unchained Melody” but honestly, the music speaks for itself on this easy listening, pop gem.

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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)

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An Unbelievable Compendium of U Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 7lb, Aftermath, Arista, Atlantic Recording Corp., Babe Blues, Capitol, Def Jam, Gracie Abrams, G.O.O.D., Hollywood Records, Inc., Interscope, Landan Ash, Miller Place, Motown, NEON16 LLC, Republic, Rimas Entertainment LLC, SMB Music LLC, UMG Recordings, Inc., Virgin, Warner; Ketut Subiyanto, Moni Rathnak, Nehoray yemini, SHVETS production, TMA Management from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, Open Clipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

An Unbelievable Compendium of U Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on January 23, 2026January 23, 2026