Reading Time: 20 min read

Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs from 2020 [๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, Unsplash]Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs from 2020 ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ ๐ŸŽง features music by Greyson Chance, Myylo, Omar Apollo, Rina Sawayama, and Sam Smith.

As 2020 comes to an end, the time has come to reflect on a totally hellacious year. Perhaps not everybodyโ€™s year was bad, but a lot of people suffered from coronavirus in some form or fashion (the virus, death, loss of job, virtual learning), questionable leadership, and racism among other things.  While music touring was impacted by COVID-19, there was a lot of awesome, brand-new music by a variety of artists.  Even though many of us found ourselves stuck at home, at least we had some lit tunes to pass the time.

Yes, some of our favorite musicians made quarantine more bearable.  That said, there were also some great songs from musicians who donโ€™t get nearly as much attention.  Today, we examine songs from the LGBTQ+ community, which has continually been building a truly compelling body of work.  Some of the โ€˜bigger namesโ€™ on this list of ๐ŸŽง AWESOME LGBTQ+ SONGS FROM 2020 ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ get more attention (contextually), but do they compare to mainstream music, which is more heterosexual dominated? Of course not!

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Obviously, AWESOME LGBTQ+ SONGS FROM 2020 ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ is not a definitive list.  There have been many, many more awesome LGBTQ+ songs released in 2020, many of which I havenโ€™t listen to myself.  Regardless, here is a captivating collection of songs totally worth checking out.  AWESOME LGBTQ+ SONGS FROM 2020 ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ features music by ๐ŸŽ™ Greyson Chance, ๐ŸŽ™ Myylo, ๐ŸŽ™ Omar Apollo, ๐ŸŽ™ Rina Sawayama, and ๐ŸŽ™ Sam Smith among others.  Without further ado, check out these awesome LGBTQ+ songs from 2020!

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1. Rina Sawayama, โ€œChosen Familyโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ SAWAYAMA โ€ข ๐Ÿท Dirty Hit โ€ข ๐Ÿ“… 2020

Rina Sawayama, SAWAYAMA [๐Ÿ“ท: Dirty Hit]โ€œWe donโ€™t need to be related to relate / We donโ€™t need to share genes or a surname / You are, you are / My chosen, chosen family.โ€ Gorgeous, meaningful lyrics, ๐ŸŽ™ Rina Sawayama! The awesome ๐ŸŽต โ€œChosen Familyโ€ hails from her 2020 full-length debut, ๐Ÿ’ฟ SAWAYAMA. Rina, a member of the LGBTQ+ community ๐ŸŒˆ, is thankful for her community โ€“ her โ€˜chosen Familyโ€™ โ€“ 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 donโ€™t have to be queer to relate to โ€œChosen Familyโ€; the messaging is applicable to any number of situations.

โ€œ...So, what if we donโ€™t look the same?
We been going through the same thing, yeah
You are, you are
My chosen, chosen family.โ€

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

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2. Myylo, โ€œKissing on Your Dadโ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œKissing on Your Dadโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท Myylo โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Myylo, "Kiss on Your Dad" [๐Ÿ“ท : Myylo]So, hereโ€™s the conundrum with ๐ŸŽ™ Myylo โ€“ yeah, โ€œHouston, weโ€™ve got a problem!โ€  The problem is โ€“ drum roll please โ€“ 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, itโ€™s hella tough to pick just one.  Sigh, as tough as it is to pick between ๐ŸŽต โ€œKissing on Your Dadโ€, โ€œBored to Tearsโ€, or the most recent, โ€œCut Him Offโ€ (โ€œLook babe, I know youโ€™re sad / Heโ€™s the best damn dick that you ever had / But I donโ€™t think you were such a match, okayโ€), itโ€™s tough to ignore his โ€˜daddy fantasiesโ€™ on โ€œKissing on Your Dad.โ€

โ€œCame over to play Xbox / I didnโ€™t think Iโ€™d meet a sexpotโ€ฆโ€ Oh snap! โ€œKissing on Your Dadโ€ is the absolutely laugh out loud hilarious record that we all need given the hellacious 2020 that has befallen us. โ€œโ€ฆHe came upstairs from his man cave / I had to tell myself to behave.โ€ 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 โ€“ โ€œAnd heโ€™s so damn tall call him Megatron / Votes democrat with the mail-in.โ€ Wow!  That said, can you blame him for being turned on? โ€œI want to be the one heโ€™s nailingโ€ โ€“ Ha ha!  Quarantine horniness much?

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

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3. Gia Woods, โ€œHUNGRYโ€

 ๐ŸŽต โ€œHUNGRY โ€ข ๐Ÿท Disruptor / Sony โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020 

Gia Woods, "HUNGRY" [๐Ÿ“ท : Disruptor / Sony]Rising queer pop artist ๐ŸŽ™ Gia Woods shines on her short, sweet, and sassy bop, ๐ŸŽต โ€œHUNGRYโ€, where itโ€™s safe to say, sheโ€™s โ€œnot hungry, bitch.โ€ Despite being modest in duration, โ€œHUNGRYโ€ is quite enjoyable and incredibly energetic.  โ€œHUNGRYโ€ was co-written by ๐ŸŽ™ Eric Leva, ๐ŸŽ™ Gigi Grombacher, ๐ŸŽ™ Kellen Pomeranz, and ๐ŸŽ™ Natali Nassiri.  Pomeranz (๐ŸŽ™ 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:

โ€œIf you got bad taste, donโ€™t go shoving it down my throat
Iโ€™m not hungry, bitch, leave me alone
I get a stomachache when I see your name on my phone
Iโ€™m not hungry, bitch, leave me alone.โ€

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


4. Aaron Avis, โ€œBad Bitch Walkโ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œBad Bitch Walkโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท Arctic Spell โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Aaron Avis, "Bad Bitch Walk" [๐Ÿ“ท: Arctic Spell]โ€œSome days I wish / I didnโ€™t turn out like this / One monthโ€™s Pride doesnโ€™t heal this slit / So you stonewall strong when you feel this shit.โ€ Those clever, compelling, emotional, and thought-provoking lyrics appear on ๐ŸŽต โ€œBad Bitch Walkโ€. โ€œBad Bitch Walkโ€ arrives at the hands of ๐ŸŽ™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 โ€œa 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.โ€  Itโ€™s clear, listening to โ€œBad Bitch Walk,โ€ that there are real, legit emotions being conveyed.

โ€œWell, I guess the F word was wet in my drip
Fuck off, Iโ€™m beyond being pissed
I just laugh when I see straight cis
In the face straight sick, since the queer came in.โ€

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 doesnโ€™t stop there, delivering a number of โ€˜bulletsโ€™ including certain perceptions you might say:

โ€œNot 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
Thatโ€™s how we relate.โ€

Amazingly, thatโ€™s merely the first verse in a record with so much to unpack. Moving ahead, on the chorus is where we get the โ€˜bitchingโ€™ titular line, but not before he asserts, โ€œLord, donโ€™t make me clean,โ€ sigh.  The second verse is where we get overtness about coming out: โ€œAnd dudes that you would hang out before you came out / Hardly can look at you the same now.โ€  Lyrically, โ€œBad Bitch Walkโ€ is a surefire work of art.  Musically, itโ€™s also pretty sick.  Avis is spot on when he asserts โ€œโ€˜Bad Bitch Walkโ€™ is heavily influenced by emo trap, pop, and gothic rock.โ€ Itโ€™s in a minor key, features a rhythmic melodic line, and some badass guitars. Itโ€™s definitely a vibe.

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

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5. Omar Apollo, โ€œBi Frenโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Apolonio โ€ข ๐Ÿท Warner โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Omar Apollo, Apolonio [๐Ÿ“ท: Warner]๐ŸŽต โ€œBi Frenโ€ marks one of the most captivating moments on ๐Ÿ’ฟ Apolonio, the 2020 mini album by the gifted and handsome Mexican American musician, ๐ŸŽ™ Omar Apollo. Apolloโ€™s style is quite eclectic (R&B, pop, rock, Latin), best characterized under the alternative umbrella. Like the song โ€œIโ€™m Amazingโ€ that commences Apolonio, โ€œBi Frenโ€ drips in swagger.  Also, obviously, it raises speculation regarding the musicianโ€™s sexuality, which he doesnโ€™t really address (nor does he have to). That said, thereโ€™s clearly some connection that Omar had with this guy, mumble approach to performing or not.

On the second verse, Omar asserts:

โ€œI still like him, I still like him
I used to drive around your block without no license
Separate you and your bitch, Iโ€™m not no hypen
I hate your bitch, so I dipped out and jumped the high fence
He talking โ€˜bout hi friend, Iโ€™m talkinโ€™ bout bi friend.โ€

Itโ€™s definitely intriguing โ€“ incredibly entertaining. That groove is ๐Ÿ”ฅ.

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: October 2020


6. Ryan Beatty, โ€œFlowers at the Doorโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Dreaming of David โ€ข ๐Ÿท Boy in Jeans / Mad Love / Interscope โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Ryan Beatty, Dreaming of David [๐Ÿ“ท : Boy in Jeans / Mad Love / Interscope]โ€œDraw on the pages, I wonโ€™t erase it / I want your mark on me, eternal.โ€ Speaking of horniness, clearly ๐ŸŽ™ Ryan Beatty is totally feeling โ€˜some type of wayโ€™ about him! Cutting straight to the chase, while the aforementioned lyrical excerpt also suggests a deep connection with a partner, ๐ŸŽต โ€œFlowers at the Doorโ€ (๐Ÿ’ฟ 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, itโ€™s clear that Beatty isnโ€™t the least bit โ€˜innocent.โ€™

Key lyrics from the first verse include the brilliant โ€œOur heads connected, I got the message / You had your hands around my skull,โ€ and โ€œI look up to you when Iโ€™m below.โ€  Ponder it, and you realize itโ€™s poetically portraying oral โ€˜pleasure.โ€™ The chorus extends upon the โ€˜happening,โ€™ as Beatty sensually asks, โ€œWhy donโ€™t you turn me around?โ€ (aka hit it from the back to quote the rappers).  The bridge also sheds some light: โ€œWhatโ€™s so wrong with wanting more? / Rollinโ€™ on the hardwood floor.โ€ Clearly, Ryan is thankful for the โ€˜bouquet of flowers received at the door,โ€™ and canโ€™t wait for moreโ€ฆ

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

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7. Pat Reilly, โ€œLetโ€™s Fightโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Prince of the Night (EP) โ€ข ๐Ÿท Pat Reilly โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020 

Pat Reilly, Prince of the Night (EP) [๐Ÿ“ท : Pat Reilly]โ€œI canโ€™t deal with all the shit that Iโ€™m feelinโ€™ / Why donโ€™t you face me, letโ€™s talk / I wanna know what youโ€™re thinking / Letโ€™s Fight.โ€ Queer pop artist ๐ŸŽ™ Pat Reilly is definitely โ€˜in his feelingsโ€™ on ๐ŸŽต โ€œLetโ€™s Fight,โ€ which appears as the third track from his debut EP, ๐Ÿ’ฟ Prince of the Night.  For some additional context, throughout Prince of the Night, Reilly is โ€˜true to self.โ€™ 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 โ€“ heโ€™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, heโ€™s NOT going to let this guy walk all over him. No, his heart wonโ€™t be torn to pieces, and he wonโ€™t let this guy get the best of him this time around.  Thatโ€™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, โ€œMakeup Drawerโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Isaacโ€™s Insects (EP) โ€ข ๐Ÿท RCA โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Isaac Dunbar, Isaac's Insects [๐Ÿ“ท: RCA]โ€œAnd I know where youโ€™ll be / You locked the door to my makeup drawer / And you know where Iโ€™ll be / Rummage galore through my makeup drawer.โ€ ๐ŸŽต โ€œMakeup Drawerโ€ (๐Ÿ’ฟ Isaacโ€™s Insects (EP)) finds young ๐ŸŽ™ Isaac Dunbar being more honest and more revealing.  No only does the teen open up to his audience, he also opens up to himself. โ€œI shattered mirrors to cope / You made me hate what I saw,โ€ he sings on the second verse, continuing, โ€œOoh la la la / Oh / Itโ€™s such a pity.โ€

Per his Instagram, Dunbar asserts:

โ€œThis 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.โ€

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

โ€œI just donโ€™t know
And just donโ€™t care
You chew my skull
I watch and star
Make sure youโ€™re fine
Expose my life
I hope you have a real fun time.โ€ 

Dunbar may be young, but heโ€™s both extremely talented and totally โ€˜woke.โ€™ Heโ€™s on-point in every aspect of โ€œMakeup Drawerโ€ from the songwriting (particularly the theme), production, and the vocals.

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Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

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9. Clinton John, โ€œFreshโ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œFreshโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท Bless This Mess โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Clinton John, "Fresh" [๐Ÿ“ท: Bless This Mess]Phew, Nashville pop artist, ๐ŸŽ™ Clinton John brought some total freshness with his single, ๐ŸŽต โ€œFreshโ€.  Thereโ€™s plenty to rave about โ€œFresh,โ€ period. Although brief, two-and-a-half-minutes provides ample time for Clinton John to โ€˜get it doneโ€™ and deliver a surefire bop.

Of โ€˜Fresh,โ€ John asserts:

โ€œAfter 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.โ€

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 โ€˜freshโ€™ love and build up to the energetic centerpiece, the catchy chorus! The chorus, like the record itself, is short, but โ€œDAMN, [does] it feels so fresh!โ€ The boxes are totally checked off: strong vocals, sleek production, and alluring songwriting. #SLAY 

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: October 2020


10. Greyson Chance, โ€œDancing Next to Meโ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œDancing Next to Meโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท GCM / Arista โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Greyson Chance, "Dancing Next to Me" [๐Ÿ“ท : GCM / Arista]โ€œHold tight, says he wants to come over / And Iโ€™ll try, Iโ€™ll try to keep my composureโ€ฆโ€ Post- ๐Ÿ’ฟ Portraits (2019), ๐ŸŽ™ Greyson Chance returned in 2020, tackling matters of the heart, from a gay perspective, on ๐ŸŽต โ€œDancing Next to Meโ€. Chance has a superb team of songwriters on โ€œDancing Next to Me,โ€ including ๐ŸŽ™ 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.

โ€œ...But I know that you felt it
And I felt it when you were there, you were there
You were dancing next to me.โ€

Things are sexier on the second verse, but the listener also begins to see the โ€˜unhappy endingโ€™ (โ€œโ€˜Slow down,โ€™ those arenโ€™t the words that I wanted / From our mouth / From our lips that I just kissedโ€ฆโ€). The bridge is arguably the most important section of โ€œDancing Next to Me,โ€ bringing in elements of fear, and perhaps, internalized homophobia:

โ€œI was yours for the weekend
Come sunrise, itโ€™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.โ€ 

โ€œDancing Next to Meโ€ is pretty sweet and quite jam-packed.  Chance experiences a temporary high, only to be disappointed, ultimately.  It happens, but from the gay perspective, itโ€™s still gaining traction as a song topic.

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

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11. Nick Deutsch, โ€œMonstersโ€

๐ŸŽต โ€œMonstersโ€ โ€ข ๐Ÿท Nick Deutsch โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Nick Deutsch, "Monsters" [๐Ÿ“ท: Nick Deutsch]โ€œNo monsters, monsters / Will keep me away / Loving you / Is worth the pain.โ€ Ah, thatโ€™s an absolutely stunning lyric, isnโ€™t it? Those standout lines arrive courtesy of pop singer/songwriter, ๐ŸŽ™ Nick Deutsch from his moving, powerful record, ๐ŸŽต โ€œMonstersโ€. โ€œMonstersโ€ suggests that even through great adversity โ€“ various โ€˜monstersโ€™ in this instance โ€“ love is worth fighting for. Reading about how Deutsch characterizes the art of songwriting and the effects itโ€™s had on his life is inspiring to the nth degree; he doesnโ€™t take it lightly.  โ€œThe gift of songwriting is that both our messiness and our beauty can be used to relate to others through the power of music.โ€  He relates this to his walk as a queer kid: โ€œThis was extremely important for me as a queer kid because I rarely heard examples of my life on the radio.โ€

Focusing on โ€œMonstersโ€ 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 โ€˜monstrousโ€™ poetry โ€“ 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, โ€œMonstersโ€ has everything that you want from a record.  Itโ€™s well written, capturing legit, relatable feelings, and yields thoughtful takeaways. Nick Deutsch totally nails it.


12. Sam Smith, โ€œDiamondsโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Love Goes โ€ข ๐Ÿท Capitol โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Sam Smith, Love Goes [๐Ÿ“ท : Capitol]๐Ÿ† Academy Award and Grammy-winning nonbinary musician ๐ŸŽ™ Sam Smith returned in 2020 with their third studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ Love Goes.  Among the best songs from Love Goes was ๐ŸŽต โ€œDiamondsโ€, which appears as the second track. โ€œDiamondsโ€ has plenty that bodes well in its favor. Following a repetitive intro, the listener is blessed with lovely vocals by Smith.  Theyโ€™re supported by sleek production work thatโ€™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. Samโ€™s ex- was more about material things where they were about the relationship.  Even with lost love, โ€œDiamondsโ€ is definitely spirited, not downtrodden. Beginning with the first chorus, weโ€™re treated to a danceable groove.  Furthermore, the catchy chorus instantly gets stuck in your head:

โ€œMy diamonds leave with you
Youโ€™re never gonna hear my heart break
Never gonna move in dark ways
Baby, youโ€™re cruel
My diamonds leave with you
Material love wonโ€™t fool me
When youโ€™re not here, I canโ€™t breathe
Think I always knew
My diamonds leave with you.โ€

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.  

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: September 2020


13. Kesha, โ€œBFFโ€

Ft. Wrabel

๐Ÿ’ฟ High Road โ€ข ๐Ÿท Kemosabe โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Kesha, High Road [๐Ÿ“ท: Kemosabe]๐Ÿ† Grammy-nominated pop artist ๐ŸŽ™ Kesha brought ample spirit, energy (and f-bombs as well) on her colorful fourth studio album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ High Road. One of my personal favorites from High Road is ๐ŸŽต โ€œBFFโ€ featuring ๐ŸŽ™ Wrabel.  Worth noting, Kesha identifies as bi, while Wrabel identifies as gay.  This dynamic plays a role in this particular songโ€ฆ

โ€œBFFโ€ may not eclipse the most elite numbers from High Road, but the concept is more of a rarity than commonplace, musically speaking.  On this ๐ŸŽ™ Stuart Crichton production, Kesha sings about her best friend, who happens to be gay (see the connection).

โ€œIโ€™m callinโ€™ up my best friend, can we just hang out tonight?
Neither of our boyfriends are even invited
When Iโ€™m with my best friend, I feel like myself again
Always make me laugh until Iโ€™m cryinโ€™.โ€

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:

โ€œI knew you were nervous, and I thought itโ€™d make you laugh
So, I sent you a bag of candy dicks.โ€

Now thatโ€™s #Friendship + a pretty sweet LGBTQ+ bop.

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ


14. Pentatonix, โ€œThank Youโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ We Need a Little Christmas โ€ข ๐Ÿท RCA โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Pentatonix, We Need a Little Christmas [๐Ÿ“ท : RCA]โ€œMy love, I need some hope / A little faith, a hand to hold / Itโ€™s awfully cold, Christmas day.โ€ Aww, prepare to get those feels! ๐ŸŽต โ€œThank Youโ€ appears as the sixth track on ๐Ÿ’ฟ We Need a Little Christmas, the 2020 Christmas album by ๐Ÿ† Grammy-winning vocal quintet, ๐ŸŽ™ Pentatonix.  Here, led by the vocals of ๐ŸŽ™ 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 โ€œThank Youโ€ alongside his boyfriend, ๐ŸŽ™ Mark Manio. Clearly, itโ€™s an incredibly special, thoughtful record โ€“ 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:

โ€œThank you for your smile
Itโ€™s warmer than the fire
Your gentle laughter
Is sweeter than a choir
Iโ€™ll never know
The right words to choose
So, all I can say
Is thank you.โ€

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Gratitude: 20 Gracious, Thankful Songs


15. Shamir, โ€œOn My Ownโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Shamir โ€ข ๐Ÿท Shamir โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Shamir, Shamir [๐Ÿ“ท : Shamir]โ€œI used to think that love was fleeting / Youโ€™ll just end up hurt / But itโ€™s a cosmic game of meetings / That may never workโ€ฆโ€ A prime example of a gem arriving in the turbulence that is 2020 is ๐ŸŽต โ€œOn My Ownโ€ (๐Ÿ’ฟ Shamir) an intriguing, expressive rock record by Shamir Bailey, better known as ๐ŸŽ™ Shamir.  The nonbinary musician is definitely โ€˜one of a kind,โ€™ 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 โ€œOn My Ownโ€ are quite relatable.  The theme is, the plight of love/ being alone.  Yep, thatโ€™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: โ€œโ€ฆConsidering the pandemic, [โ€œOn My Ownโ€] โ€ฆ morphed into an accidental quarantine anthem, especially for the people who live alone like me.โ€

The aforementioned lyrics kick off โ€œOn My Own,โ€ following an energetic intro that sets the tone of the song.  From there, Bailey embraces being alone:

โ€œI donโ€™t mind to live all on my own
And I never did
And I donโ€™t care to feel like I belong
But you always did.โ€

Independent, following a breakup, Shamir does reflect on the possibilities for love in the future, but he also understands he doesnโ€™t need it, particularly if it isnโ€™t worth it, ultimately.  Of course, he does so with a kick ass, rhythmic, guitar-heavy backdrop (๐ŸŽ™ Kyle Pulley does a superb with the production btw), and top-notch, upper-register pipes. 

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

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16. Troye Sivan, โ€œSTUDโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ In a Dream (EP) โ€ข ๐Ÿท Capitol โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020 

Troye Sivan, In a Dream (EP) [๐Ÿ“ท: Capitol]๐ŸŽต โ€œSTUDโ€ is definitely one of the standouts from ๐Ÿ’ฟ In a Dream, the 2020 EP by ๐ŸŽ™ Troye Sivan.  I appreciate the honesty and openness of Sivan on this particular track, particularly regarding sexuality and self-esteem. He yearns for this โ€˜studโ€™ who exemplifies perfection โ€“ big, buff, and strong โ€“ while heโ€™s none of those things.

โ€œHey, tough,โ€ he sings early on, โ€œWhatโ€™s it like to be so big and strong / And so buff / Everything Iโ€™m not / But could I still be a hunk to you?โ€ 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 heโ€™s satisfying this โ€˜studโ€™ thatโ€™s ultimately not in it for the long term.  Musically, there are some interesting dance-pop cues, which you can thank producer extraordinaire ๐ŸŽ™ OZGO (Oscar Gรถrres) for.

https://media.giphy.com/media/78jJx8xeJTjcQ/giphy.gif 


17. The 1975, โ€œJesus Christ 2005 God Bless Americaโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Notes on a Conditional Form โ€ข ๐Ÿท Interscope โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

The 1975, Notes on a Conditional Form [๐Ÿ“ท: Interscope]โ€œIโ€™m in love with Jesus Christ / Heโ€™s so nice.โ€  Honestly, a lot of people are ๐ŸŽ™ Matthew Healy, but we all know that you are an atheist/secular humanist, soโ€ฆ what gives?  Perhaps the front man of ๐ŸŽ™ The 1975 actually isnโ€™t speaking about his religious beliefs as much as the character he portrays on ๐ŸŽต โ€œJesus Christ 2005 God Bless Americaโ€ (๐Ÿ’ฟ Notes on a Conditional Form). Featuring uncredited vocals by ๐ŸŽ™ Phoebe Bridgers, โ€œJesus Christ 2005 God Bless Americaโ€ tackles faith and sexuality.

So, the opening lyric from โ€œJesus Christ 2005 God Bless Americanโ€ comes off incredibly spiritual โ€“ quite Christian.  However, the issue comes into play on the second verse, with Bridgers assisting: โ€œIโ€™m in love with a boy I know / But thatโ€™s a feeling I can never show.โ€  Why canโ€™t he show it? Well, thereโ€™s been plenty of friction between being homosexual and Christian. Often, Sodom and Gomorrah are cited in the purported sin.  Of course, the phrase โ€œAdam and Eve, Not Adam and Steveโ€ predates those โ€˜sinfulโ€™ happenings in Sodom and Gomorrah.  Back to the song though!

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

โ€œIโ€™m in love with the girl next door
Her nameโ€™s Claire
Nice when she comes โ€˜round to call
Then masturbate the second sheโ€™s not there.โ€

Wow.  Of course, because both Healy and Bridgers are Christian (in the context) of the song, โ€˜itโ€™s all goodโ€™ โ€“ NOT. The chorus is clearly the centerpiece of this alternative, singer/songwriter record.

โ€œFortunately, I believe, lucky me
Searching for planes in the sea, and thatโ€™s irony
Soil just needs water to be, and a seed
So, if we can turn into a tree, can I be the leaves?โ€

Examine the song further, and thereโ€™s another Biblical allusion to Faith being like a mustard seed.  Here, you can argue that Healy desires faith that he doesnโ€™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 itโ€™s definitely a worthwhile listen thatโ€™s worth discussing.

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง 13 Songs That Are Biblical โ€“ Sort of

๐Ÿ”— ๐ŸŽง Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: April 2020


18. Perfume Genius, โ€œJasonโ€

๐Ÿ’ฟ Set My Heart Immediately on Fire โ€ข ๐Ÿท Matador โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Perfume Genius, Set My Heart on Fire Immediately [๐Ÿ“ท: Matador]โ€œJason undressed me / Lying on his sheets / He did not do the same / Even his boots were onโ€ฆโ€ โ€œJason,โ€ a highlight from the superb, 2020 ๐ŸŽ™ Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ Set My Heart on Fire Immediately, explores sexuality. โ€œJasonโ€ details a one-night stand when Hadreas was 23.

https://media.giphy.com/media/xT0Gqn5c78kKvuZs40/giphy.gif

The โ€˜hook-upโ€™ occurred with a straight guy (perhaps โ€˜questioningโ€™) and apparently, involves some nurturing from Mike.  โ€œHe was afraid / Tears streaming down his face,โ€ he sings on the second verse, adding on the third, โ€œI was proud to seem / Warm and mothering / Just for a night.โ€ Musically, the biggest triumph on โ€œJasonโ€ is Hadreasโ€™ falsetto โ€“ simply amazing.  From a sexual perspective, itโ€™s awesome to hear a scenario where a man still seems to be in the infancy stages of accepting and understanding his sexuality.

Also appears on ๐Ÿ”ฝ:

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19. Lady Gaga, โ€œSine from Aboveโ€

Ft. Elton John

๐Ÿ’ฟ Chromatica โ€ข ๐Ÿท Interscope โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 2020

Lady Gaga, Chromatica [๐Ÿ“ท : Interscope]๐ŸŽ™ Lady Gaga returned in a big way in 2020, period.  ๐Ÿ’ฟ Chromatica easily marks her best album in years โ€“ since Born This Way to be honest.  While thereโ€™s nothing LGBTQ+ related that stands out about the album itself (other than Gaga identifying as bi), there is one particular collaboration that just CANโ€™T be ignored.

๐ŸŽต โ€œSine from Aboveโ€ is easily one of the biggest surprises of Chromatica.  First and foremost, Lady Gaga collaborates with a musical icon โ€“ Elton John.  Going into โ€œSine from Aboveโ€ seeing Johnโ€™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 Johnโ€™s guest verse.  Never did I expect to hear the โ€œPhiladelphia Freedomโ€ singer in this setting, but itโ€™s one of Chromaticaโ€™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.



20 Awesome LGBTQ+ Songs from 2020 ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ ๐ŸŽง [๐Ÿ“ท: Arctic Spell, Arista, Bless This Mess, Boy in Jeans, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Dirty Hit, Disruptor, GCM, Interscope, Kemosabe, Mad Love, The Musical Hype, Myylo, Nick Deutsch, Pat Reilly, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Shamir, Sony, Unsplash, Warner]