Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs from 2020 🏳️‍🌈 | Playlist 🎧

1. Rina Sawayama, “Chosen Family”

💿 SAWAYAMA • 🏷 Dirty Hit • 📅 2020

“We don’t need to be related to relate / We don’t need to share genes or a surname / You are, you are / My chosen, chosen family.” Gorgeous, meaningful lyrics, 🎙 Rina Sawayama! The awesome 🎵 “Chosen Family” hails from her 2020 full-length debut, 💿 SAWAYAMA. Rina, a member of the LGBTQ+ community 🌈, is thankful for her community – her ‘chosen Family’ – on this standout.  Sawayama serves up lovely, expressive, and nuanced vocals; you sense her authenticity and sincerity.  Furthermore, the production is gorgeous. The sound is balanced yet quite colorful and ear catching.  The best moment is undoubtedly the catchy chorus, the centerpiece of this standout record. You don’t have to be queer to relate to “Chosen Family”; the messaging is applicable to any number of situations.

“...So, what if we don’t look the same?
We been going through the same thing, yeah
You are, you are
My chosen, chosen family.”

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2. Myylo, “Kissing on Your Dad”

🎵 “Kissing on Your Dad” • 🏷 Myylo • 🗓 2020

So, here’s the conundrum with 🎙 Myylo – yeah, “Houston, we’ve got a problem!”  The problem is – drum roll please – which bop released by this exceptional pop artist in 2020 do we select for this playlist? I mean, the man slays when it comes to writing about boys, so, it’s hella tough to pick just one.  Sigh, as tough as it is to pick between 🎵 “Kissing on Your Dad”, “Bored to Tears”, or the most recent, “Cut Him Off” (“Look babe, I know you’re sad / He’s the best damn dick that you ever had / But I don’t think you were such a match, okay”), it’s tough to ignore his ‘daddy fantasies’ on “Kissing on Your Dad.”

“Came over to play Xbox / I didn’t think I’d meet a sexpot…” Oh snap! “Kissing on Your Dad” is the absolutely laugh out loud hilarious record that we all need given the hellacious 2020 that has befallen us. “…He came upstairs from his man cave / I had to tell myself to behave.” Myylo takes us on a flirtatious trip as he develops a crush for a totally hot daddy. Of course, we get a description of the hot dad making young Michael Myylo Lewis feel some type of way – “And he’s so damn tall call him Megatron / Votes democrat with the mail-in.” Wow!  That said, can you blame him for being turned on? “I want to be the one he’s nailing” – Ha ha!  Quarantine horniness much?

Also appears on 🔽:

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3. Gia Woods, “HUNGRY”

 🎵 “HUNGRY • 🏷 Disruptor / Sony • 🗓 2020 

Rising queer pop artist 🎙 Gia Woods shines on her short, sweet, and sassy bop, 🎵 “HUNGRY”, where it’s safe to say, she’s “not hungry, bitch.” Despite being modest in duration, “HUNGRY” is quite enjoyable and incredibly energetic.  “HUNGRY” was co-written by 🎙 Eric Leva, 🎙 Gigi Grombacher, 🎙 Kellen Pomeranz, and 🎙 Natali Nassiri.  Pomeranz (🎙 Pom Pom) handles the production, giving Woods a compelling backdrop with cutting synths and rhythmic groove.  That backdrop fuels both the playfulness and unapologetic attitude Woods exhibits throughout the course of the record.

On the chorus, Woods asserts:

“If you got bad taste, don’t go shoving it down my throat
I’m not hungry, bitch, leave me alone
I get a stomachache when I see your name on my phone
I’m not hungry, bitch, leave me alone.”

Awesome chorus! The verses, as well as the pre-chorus are pretty sweet too.  “I’m in the driver seat, seat / Out here doing what I please, please,” she asserts on the pre-chorus.  On the second verse, she drops a bullet, singing, “Catch 22 / They tell you, ‘Be yourself,’ and then they change the rules / Yeah, all my exes did that and some white men too…” Worth noting, Woods identifies as a lesbian.

4. Aaron Avis, “Bad Bitch Walk”

🎵 “Bad Bitch Walk” • 🏷 Arctic Spell • 🗓 2020

“Some days I wish / I didn’t turn out like this / One month’s Pride doesn’t heal this slit / So you stonewall strong when you feel this shit.” Those clever, compelling, emotional, and thought-provoking lyrics appear on 🎵 “Bad Bitch Walk”. “Bad Bitch Walk” arrives at the hands of 🎙Aaron Avis, an artist whom we interviewed on The Musical Hype. During that interview, Avis provided ample insight into his life, discussing trauma, mental health, and sexuality. He characterizes the record as “a very personal and vulnerable account of the feelings surrounding coming out as bisexual. It expresses the pain, anger, and spiteful confidence that grew as I started accepting myself.”  It’s clear, listening to “Bad Bitch Walk,” that there are real, legit emotions being conveyed.

“Well, I guess the F word was wet in my drip
Fuck off, I’m beyond being pissed
I just laugh when I see straight cis
In the face straight sick, since the queer came in.”

The lyrics and theme represent the biggest selling points. Sexuality never tends to be a boring topic. Lyrically, Avis masterfully incorporates aspects of the queer world along with awesome wordplay. He doesn’t stop there, delivering a number of ‘bullets’ including certain perceptions you might say:

“Not a pussy or a fag while the chest stays closed
I keep my legs dead straight
I hid my femme shake
I can def speak straight
That’s how we relate.”

Amazingly, that’s merely the first verse in a record with so much to unpack. Moving ahead, on the chorus is where we get the ‘bitching’ titular line, but not before he asserts, “Lord, don’t make me clean,” sigh.  The second verse is where we get overtness about coming out: “And dudes that you would hang out before you came out / Hardly can look at you the same now.”  Lyrically, “Bad Bitch Walk” is a surefire work of art.  Musically, it’s also pretty sick.  Avis is spot on when he asserts “‘Bad Bitch Walk’ is heavily influenced by emo trap, pop, and gothic rock.” It’s in a minor key, features a rhythmic melodic line, and some badass guitars. It’s definitely a vibe.

Also appears on 🔽:

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5. Omar Apollo, “Bi Fren”

💿 Apolonio • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 2020

🎵 “Bi Fren” marks one of the most captivating moments on 💿 Apolonio, the 2020 mini album by the gifted and handsome Mexican American musician, 🎙 Omar Apollo. Apollo’s style is quite eclectic (R&B, pop, rock, Latin), best characterized under the alternative umbrella. Like the song “I’m Amazing” that commences Apolonio, “Bi Fren” drips in swagger.  Also, obviously, it raises speculation regarding the musician’s sexuality, which he doesn’t really address (nor does he have to). That said, there’s clearly some connection that Omar had with this guy, mumble approach to performing or not.

On the second verse, Omar asserts:

“I still like him, I still like him
I used to drive around your block without no license
Separate you and your bitch, I’m not no hypen
I hate your bitch, so I dipped out and jumped the high fence
He talking ‘bout hi friend, I’m talkin’ bout bi friend.”

It’s definitely intriguing – incredibly entertaining. That groove is 🔥.

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6. Ryan Beatty, “Flowers at the Door”

💿 Dreaming of David • 🏷 Boy in Jeans / Mad Love / Interscope • 🗓 2020

“Draw on the pages, I won’t erase it / I want your mark on me, eternal.” Speaking of horniness, clearly 🎙 Ryan Beatty is totally feeling ‘some type of way’ about him! Cutting straight to the chase, while the aforementioned lyrical excerpt also suggests a deep connection with a partner, 🎵 “Flowers at the Door” (💿 Dreaming of David) seems to be most thankful about a hot, freaky sexual experience. The sexual experience is artfully executed sans profanity. That said, lyrically, it’s clear that Beatty isn’t the least bit ‘innocent.’

Key lyrics from the first verse include the brilliant “Our heads connected, I got the message / You had your hands around my skull,” and “I look up to you when I’m below.”  Ponder it, and you realize it’s poetically portraying oral ‘pleasure.’ The chorus extends upon the ‘happening,’ as Beatty sensually asks, “Why don’t you turn me around?” (aka hit it from the back to quote the rappers).  The bridge also sheds some light: “What’s so wrong with wanting more? / Rollin’ on the hardwood floor.” Clearly, Ryan is thankful for the ‘bouquet of flowers received at the door,’ and can’t wait for more…

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7. Pat Reilly, “Let’s Fight”

💿 Prince of the Night (EP) • 🏷 Pat Reilly • 🗓 2020 

“I can’t deal with all the shit that I’m feelin’ / Why don’t you face me, let’s talk / I wanna know what you’re thinking / Let’s Fight.” Queer pop artist 🎙 Pat Reilly is definitely ‘in his feelings’ on 🎵 “Let’s Fight,” which appears as the third track from his debut EP, 💿 Prince of the Night.  For some additional context, throughout Prince of the Night, Reilly is ‘true to self.’ Artistically, he understands exactly who he is and exactly where he is trying to get to.  Prince is a personal project, finding Reilly working through issues that have bogged him down and ultimately, coming out on top of the internal battle.

On the song at hand, you could say that Pat Reilly has grown – he’s definitely resilient. While the tempo may be slower, the energy is high.  Furthermore, while those pesky matters of the heart have Pat feeling some type of way, he’s NOT going to let this guy walk all over him. No, his heart won’t be torn to pieces, and he won’t let this guy get the best of him this time around.  That’s where that growth and resilience piece comes into play! The premise of this standout record should be totally relatable to any and everybody regardless of sexual preference.

8. Isaac Dunbar, “Makeup Drawer”

💿 Isaac’s Insects (EP) • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2020

“And I know where you’ll be / You locked the door to my makeup drawer / And you know where I’ll be / Rummage galore through my makeup drawer.” 🎵 “Makeup Drawer” (💿 Isaac’s Insects (EP)) finds young 🎙 Isaac Dunbar being more honest and more revealing.  No only does the teen open up to his audience, he also opens up to himself. “I shattered mirrors to cope / You made me hate what I saw,” he sings on the second verse, continuing, “Ooh la la la / Oh / It’s such a pity.”

Per his Instagram, Dunbar asserts:

“This song is about the struggle I had my whole life with internalized homophobia.  My sexuality was outed by someone I thought I could trust most. I hated myself because I was not surrounded by the right support system at the time.”

Wow! The bridge seems to really focus on both Dunbar’s internalized homophobia and the person who outed him:

“I just don’t know
And just don’t care
You chew my skull
I watch and star
Make sure you’re fine
Expose my life
I hope you have a real fun time.” 

Dunbar may be young, but he’s both extremely talented and totally ‘woke.’ He’s on-point in every aspect of “Makeup Drawer” from the songwriting (particularly the theme), production, and the vocals.

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9. Clinton John, “Fresh”

🎵 “Fresh” • 🏷 Bless This Mess • 🗓 2020

Phew, Nashville pop artist, 🎙 Clinton John brought some total freshness with his single, 🎵 “Fresh”.  There’s plenty to rave about “Fresh,” period. Although brief, two-and-a-half-minutes provides ample time for Clinton John to ‘get it done’ and deliver a surefire bop.

Of ‘Fresh,” John asserts:

“After my first break-up it was hard for me to imagine having feelings for someone else again. I found myself comparing any new love interest to my previous experience and how everything after that just fell short. The next time I was interested in someone, it took me by surprise and definitely caught me off guard. It was almost like a light bulb went off in my head, letting me know I was capable of developing feelings again. That realization happened almost instantly, they were exciting and felt so fresh.”

How personal and relatable is that? Love it! Clinton drops his compelling vocals over a sleek, synth-pop production. He never forces things or overindulges, serving up a balanced yet compelling all in all.  He uses the verses to narrativize the ‘fresh’ love and build up to the energetic centerpiece, the catchy chorus! The chorus, like the record itself, is short, but “DAMN, [does] it feels so fresh!” The boxes are totally checked off: strong vocals, sleek production, and alluring songwriting. #SLAY 

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10. Greyson Chance, “Dancing Next to Me”

🎵 “Dancing Next to Me” • 🏷 GCM / Arista • 🗓 2020

“Hold tight, says he wants to come over / And I’ll try, I’ll try to keep my composure…” Post- 💿 Portraits (2019), 🎙 Greyson Chance returned in 2020, tackling matters of the heart, from a gay perspective, on 🎵 “Dancing Next to Me”. Chance has a superb team of songwriters on “Dancing Next to Me,” including 🎙 Teddy Geiger, who also produces. The result? A fun, lustful, danceable pop record. On the verses, he sings in commanding fashion, robustly in his lower-mid register.  He contrasts on the pre-chorus and into the chorus section, showcasing potent, ripe falsetto.

“...But I know that you felt it
And I felt it when you were there, you were there
You were dancing next to me.”

Things are sexier on the second verse, but the listener also begins to see the ‘unhappy ending’ (“‘Slow down,’ those aren’t the words that I wanted / From our mouth / From our lips that I just kissed…”). The bridge is arguably the most important section of “Dancing Next to Me,” bringing in elements of fear, and perhaps, internalized homophobia:

“I was yours for the weekend
Come sunrise, it’s time for you to dodge your feelings
Call your girl to deny
We know is the truth
You were who you wanted to be
When you were there, you were there
You were dancing next to me.” 

“Dancing Next to Me” is pretty sweet and quite jam-packed.  Chance experiences a temporary high, only to be disappointed, ultimately.  It happens, but from the gay perspective, it’s still gaining traction as a song topic.

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11. Nick Deutsch, “Monsters”

🎵 “Monsters” • 🏷 Nick Deutsch • 🗓 2020

“No monsters, monsters / Will keep me away / Loving you / Is worth the pain.” Ah, that’s an absolutely stunning lyric, isn’t it? Those standout lines arrive courtesy of pop singer/songwriter, 🎙 Nick Deutsch from his moving, powerful record, 🎵 “Monsters”. “Monsters” suggests that even through great adversity – various ‘monsters’ in this instance – love is worth fighting for. Reading about how Deutsch characterizes the art of songwriting and the effects it’s had on his life is inspiring to the nth degree; he doesn’t take it lightly.  “The gift of songwriting is that both our messiness and our beauty can be used to relate to others through the power of music.”  He relates this to his walk as a queer kid: “This was extremely important for me as a queer kid because I rarely heard examples of my life on the radio.”

Focusing on “Monsters” specifically, Deutsch show off an absolutely gorgeous voice.  He sounds clear, pleasant, and quite refined. Complementing compelling vocals is an agile, appealing melodic line.  The verses flow with ease, latching onto the listeners ears as Nick shares his ‘monstrous’ poetry – monstrously penned that is! Even with ample finesse, Deutsch is incredibly expressive, digging in more on the aforementioned chorus.  Besides great lyricism and vocals, there are some very nice production cues, a colorful palette of sounds including keyboards (synths) and the groove (great drum programming). Ultimately, “Monsters” has everything that you want from a record.  It’s well written, capturing legit, relatable feelings, and yields thoughtful takeaways. Nick Deutsch totally nails it.

12. Sam Smith, “Diamonds”

💿 Love Goes • 🏷 Capitol • 🗓 2020

🏆 Academy Award and Grammy-winning nonbinary musician 🎙 Sam Smith returned in 2020 with their third studio album, 💿 Love Goes.  Among the best songs from Love Goes was 🎵 “Diamonds”, which appears as the second track. “Diamonds” has plenty that bodes well in its favor. Following a repetitive intro, the listener is blessed with lovely vocals by Smith.  They’re supported by sleek production work that’s not overdone or overproduced yet sounds characteristic of 2020. Smith and their writing team keep the form simple and straightforward.

Matters of the heart rule the theme. Sam’s ex- was more about material things where they were about the relationship.  Even with lost love, “Diamonds” is definitely spirited, not downtrodden. Beginning with the first chorus, we’re treated to a danceable groove.  Furthermore, the catchy chorus instantly gets stuck in your head:

“My diamonds leave with you
You’re never gonna hear my heart break
Never gonna move in dark ways
Baby, you’re cruel
My diamonds leave with you
Material love won’t fool me
When you’re not here, I can’t breathe
Think I always knew
My diamonds leave with you.”

On the second verse, we get more melodic variations, eliminating predictability. Where musicianship is concerned, I like how Smith begins singing in an undertone on the bridge, before rebuilding the intensity heading into the final chorus.  

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13. Kesha, “BFF”

Ft. Wrabel

💿 High Road • 🏷 Kemosabe • 🗓 2020

🏆 Grammy-nominated pop artist 🎙 Kesha brought ample spirit, energy (and f-bombs as well) on her colorful fourth studio album, 💿 High Road. One of my personal favorites from High Road is 🎵 “BFF” featuring 🎙 Wrabel.  Worth noting, Kesha identifies as bi, while Wrabel identifies as gay.  This dynamic plays a role in this particular song…

“BFF” may not eclipse the most elite numbers from High Road, but the concept is more of a rarity than commonplace, musically speaking.  On this 🎙 Stuart Crichton production, Kesha sings about her best friend, who happens to be gay (see the connection).

“I’m callin’ up my best friend, can we just hang out tonight?
Neither of our boyfriends are even invited
When I’m with my best friend, I feel like myself again
Always make me laugh until I’m cryin’.”

Both artists reminisce about their many times together as friends, exhibiting their support and dedication for one another.  That dedication includes one of the most memorable lyrics, courtesy of Wrabel:

“I knew you were nervous, and I thought it’d make you laugh
So, I sent you a bag of candy dicks.”

Now that’s #Friendship + a pretty sweet LGBTQ+ bop.

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14. Pentatonix, “Thank You”

💿 We Need a Little Christmas • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 2020

“My love, I need some hope / A little faith, a hand to hold / It’s awfully cold, Christmas day.” Aww, prepare to get those feels! 🎵 “Thank You” appears as the sixth track on 💿 We Need a Little Christmas, the 2020 Christmas album by 🏆 Grammy-winning vocal quintet, 🎙 Pentatonix.  Here, led by the vocals of 🎙 Scott Hoying, Pentatonix gives us a heartwarming, love-centric ballad. In addition to vocals, PTX is accompanied by cello and piano, which add to the incredibly warm nature of this thankful gem.

Hoying wrote “Thank You” alongside his boyfriend, 🎙 Mark Manio. Clearly, it’s an incredibly special, thoughtful record – one intended to make you feel some type of way.  True love is definitely something to be thankful for, evidenced by lyrics on the verses, and summed up perfectly on the centerpiece, the chorus:

“Thank you for your smile
It’s warmer than the fire
Your gentle laughter
Is sweeter than a choir
I’ll never know
The right words to choose
So, all I can say
Is thank you.”

scotty and I wrote a song called “thank you” to look back on this past year… and now this song that means so much to us is finally out in the world! a BIG congratulations to @ptxofficial on their AMAZING new christmas album! it’s truly the happiness we need in the world! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YJnEWC7JXu

— Mark Manio (@markmanio) November 13, 2020

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15. Shamir, “On My Own”

💿 Shamir • 🏷 Shamir • 🗓 2020

“I used to think that love was fleeting / You’ll just end up hurt / But it’s a cosmic game of meetings / That may never work…” A prime example of a gem arriving in the turbulence that is 2020 is 🎵 “On My Own” (💿 Shamir) an intriguing, expressive rock record by Shamir Bailey, better known as 🎙 Shamir.  The nonbinary musician is definitely ‘one of a kind,’ with a truly distinct, powerful set of pipes.

Perhaps Shamir is markedly different from anyone that you know personally or have ever met, but the theme and lyrics of “On My Own” are quite relatable.  The theme is, the plight of love/ being alone.  Yep, that’s a theme that always works, and the expressive singer nails it.  Worth noting, when discussing the song, Shamir tells Rolling Stone about a new angle it takes, given the pandemic: “…Considering the pandemic, [“On My Own”] … morphed into an accidental quarantine anthem, especially for the people who live alone like me.”

The aforementioned lyrics kick off “On My Own,” following an energetic intro that sets the tone of the song.  From there, Bailey embraces being alone:

“I don’t mind to live all on my own
And I never did
And I don’t care to feel like I belong
But you always did.”

Independent, following a breakup, Shamir does reflect on the possibilities for love in the future, but he also understands he doesn’t need it, particularly if it isn’t worth it, ultimately.  Of course, he does so with a kick ass, rhythmic, guitar-heavy backdrop (🎙 Kyle Pulley does a superb with the production btw), and top-notch, upper-register pipes. 

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16. Troye Sivan, “STUD”

💿 In a Dream (EP) • 🏷 Capitol • 🗓 2020 

🎵 “STUD” is definitely one of the standouts from 💿 In a Dream, the 2020 EP by 🎙 Troye Sivan.  I appreciate the honesty and openness of Sivan on this particular track, particularly regarding sexuality and self-esteem. He yearns for this ‘stud’ who exemplifies perfection – big, buff, and strong – while he’s none of those things.

“Hey, tough,” he sings early on, “What’s it like to be so big and strong / And so buff / Everything I’m not / But could I still be a hunk to you?” Self-consciousness is more common with men than often reported, and quite prevalent within gay men.  Troye goes on to open up about escapism through empty, meaningless sex, and constantly questions if he’s satisfying this ‘stud’ that’s ultimately not in it for the long term.  Musically, there are some interesting dance-pop cues, which you can thank producer extraordinaire 🎙 OZGO (Oscar Görres) for.

17. The 1975, “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America”

💿 Notes on a Conditional Form • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2020

“I’m in love with Jesus Christ / He’s so nice.”  Honestly, a lot of people are 🎙 Matthew Healy, but we all know that you are an atheist/secular humanist, so… what gives?  Perhaps the front man of 🎙 The 1975 actually isn’t speaking about his religious beliefs as much as the character he portrays on 🎵 “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” (💿 Notes on a Conditional Form). Featuring uncredited vocals by 🎙 Phoebe Bridgers, “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America” tackles faith and sexuality.

So, the opening lyric from “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless American” comes off incredibly spiritual – quite Christian.  However, the issue comes into play on the second verse, with Bridgers assisting: “I’m in love with a boy I know / But that’s a feeling I can never show.”  Why can’t he show it? Well, there’s been plenty of friction between being homosexual and Christian. Often, Sodom and Gomorrah are cited in the purported sin.  Of course, the phrase “Adam and Eve, Not Adam and Steve” predates those ‘sinful’ happenings in Sodom and Gomorrah.  Back to the song though!

Bridgers has her own moment where sexuality comes to the forefront:

“I’m in love with the girl next door
Her name’s Claire
Nice when she comes ‘round to call
Then masturbate the second she’s not there.”

Wow.  Of course, because both Healy and Bridgers are Christian (in the context) of the song, ‘it’s all good’ – NOT. The chorus is clearly the centerpiece of this alternative, singer/songwriter record.

“Fortunately, I believe, lucky me
Searching for planes in the sea, and that’s irony
Soil just needs water to be, and a seed
So, if we can turn into a tree, can I be the leaves?”

Examine the song further, and there’s another Biblical allusion to Faith being like a mustard seed.  Here, you can argue that Healy desires faith that he doesn’t possess, while simultaneously, captures the plight of the gay Christian who is essentially a walking contradiction. The song has a lot to unpack, but it’s definitely a worthwhile listen that’s worth discussing.

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18. Perfume Genius, “Jason”

💿 Set My Heart Immediately on Fire • 🏷 Matador • 🗓 2020

“Jason undressed me / Lying on his sheets / He did not do the same / Even his boots were on…” “Jason,” a highlight from the superb, 2020 🎙 Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) album, 💿 Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, explores sexuality. “Jason” details a one-night stand when Hadreas was 23.

The ‘hook-up’ occurred with a straight guy (perhaps ‘questioning’) and apparently, involves some nurturing from Mike.  “He was afraid / Tears streaming down his face,” he sings on the second verse, adding on the third, “I was proud to seem / Warm and mothering / Just for a night.” Musically, the biggest triumph on “Jason” is Hadreas’ falsetto – simply amazing.  From a sexual perspective, it’s awesome to hear a scenario where a man still seems to be in the infancy stages of accepting and understanding his sexuality.

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19. Lady Gaga, “Sine from Above”

Ft. Elton John

💿 Chromatica • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2020

🎙 Lady Gaga returned in a big way in 2020, period.  💿 Chromatica easily marks her best album in years – since Born This Way to be honest.  While there’s nothing LGBTQ+ related that stands out about the album itself (other than Gaga identifying as bi), there is one particular collaboration that just CAN’T be ignored.

🎵 “Sine from Above” is easily one of the biggest surprises of Chromatica.  First and foremost, Lady Gaga collaborates with a musical icon – Elton John.  Going into “Sine from Above” seeing John’s name attached, the expectation is a deeper, more transcendent, slower piano ballad.  The record is the total opposite, continuing the electronic principles of Chromatica, even into John’s guest verse.  Never did I expect to hear the “Philadelphia Freedom” singer in this setting, but it’s one of Chromatica’s most eccentric, unexpected records ranks among its most elites.  The chorus is awesome, while the accelerated tempo and beat switch at the end is nothing short of epic.