Best LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 Songs of 2023 (so far) | Playlist 🎧

6. Kesha, “Eat The Acid” 

💿 Gag Order • 🏷 Kemosabe • 🗓 2023 

“You don’t wanna be changed like it changed me.” Remember that lyric, folks – it is a crucial, recurring line from 🎵 “Eat The Acid”, the first of two promo singles from 💿 Gag Order, the fifth studio album by 🏆 Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter, 🎙 Kesha. Take one listen to “Eat The Acid” and it is clear that Kesha opts for a different direction – one that is incredibly refreshing. The production is a key part of the change of direction. This dark pop record thrives off its minimalism. Drums are absent 🤯! “Eat The Acid” is hypnotic and intense. Kesha produces alongside 🎛 Rick Rubin, Stuart Crichton, and Jason Lader. The keys and synth work is utterly stupendous, carrying the rhythm and propelling the intensity.  Vocally, she sounds elite, never over singing, exhibiting poise.  She is never forced to over sing given the tunefulness of the melody – utterly infectious.  Thematically, she experiences a spiritual awakening, recollecting her mom’s advice not to “eat the acid” (aka LSD), and connecting with God.  The third verse truly stands out: “I searched for answers all my life / Dead in the dark, I saw a light / I am the one that I’ve been fighting the whole time / Hate has no place in the divine.”  The Kesha who graces 🎵 “Eat The Acid” is starkly different than the Kesha of the past and that shows evolution.  

Appears in 🔻:  

• Awesome Songs: May 2023 

7. Jxckson, “RADIO SILENCE” 

💿THE DEEP END (EP) • 🏷 Jxckson Music • 🗓 2023 

🎙 Jxckson is a prime example of a musician who grows better with time and exhibits innovative spirit – willing to try new things.  His experimental spirit pays major dividends on 🎵 “RADIO SILENCE”, an EPIC single from his EP, 💿THE DEEP END.  Jxckson characterizes “RADIO SILENCE” as being “experimental in the sense of effects used to highlight the song and I’m not necessarily known for slow songs.” What makes “RADIO SILENCE” so great are the vocals, vocals effects, production (🎛 Boy Sim) and the production effects, and how the theme and backdrop work in tandem with one another.  Once again, Jxckson has done the day-um thang!  What is neat about “RADIO SILENCE” is the equal importance of voices and music.  Yes, the voice – the singing – is the centerpiece, but the music has an elevated role too.  “RADIO SILENCE” commences with a warm yet slightly unsetting intro, prefacing the musical and thematic experience to come.  Early on, the bouncy bass line is among many ear-catching happenings.  Of course, the tune that Jxckson sings, with a unique vocal effect, mind you, is simple but absolutely beautiful. He sings with ease, barely breaking a sweat, while retaining his playful brand of vocals. Even so, we also hear this riskiness from Jxckson given the slower tempo and embracing even more emotional vocals.  The chorus is by far the crowning achievement, with its robust sounds, and a brilliant, intentional ‘distancing’ contrast between lead and backing vocals. Notably, during the second verse, the music is more developed with additional cues and rhythm adding to the epic musical excellence that is 🎵 “RADIO SILENCE” 💪.      

Appears in 🔻: 

• Awesome Songs: April 2023  

8. Ryan Beatty, “Ribbons”  

💿 Calico • 🏷 Warner Music UK • 🗓 2023 

Reflective piano is one of many glorious production touches on 🎵 “Ribbons”, the first 🎙 Ryan Beatty single of 2023, appearing on his third studio LP, 💿 Calico.  Focusing on the production (Beatty and 🎛 Ethan Gruska), in addition to reflective piano, “Ribbons” features more ear catching keys, as well as strings.  In fact, nearly the final minute-and-a-half of the song is instrumental.  Ultimately, the backdrop is one of the big selling points of “Ribbons.” Of course, the best touch regarding “Ribbons” are the vocals by Beatty.  He has a gorgeous tone and excels at balladry. Another pro for is the vocal production, which has consistently amplified his solo music.  A tuneful melody bodes well as Beatty sings about the plight of love/ fleeting love (“It took all of California / To remind you while you came / … Ribbons running down your face / ‘Cause you’ve never known love like that”).  Things grow more depressing in the second verse, where Beatty asserts, “And suddenly you’re older / Spinning the turnstile over and over / Who’s gonna hold you while you sleep? Well, / It’s brave to be nothing to no one at all.” Thought-provoking for sure… and sad 😢. Ultimately, 🎵 “Ribbons” is well written, authentically performed, and thoughtfully produced. Ryan Beatty is a vibe and “Ribbons” is a vibe, too.  

Appears in 🔻:   

• Ribbon 🎗️: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 25 (2023)  
• Awesome Songs: March 2023  

9. Just Shy, “Silhouette”  

🎵 “Silhouette” • 🏷 John Rowley • 🗓 2023 

“I’m gonna take my top off on the dancefloor / No I’m not gonna drop off at the front door.” WOO! Question: Do you need a pop-house banger in your life? If the answer is YES – and it should totally be a HELL YES – then look no further than 🎵 “Silhouette”, the latest bop by the handsome, talented Australian pop artist, 🎙 Just Shy (John Rowley). Rowley brings the electricity once more on “Silhouette” characterizing the record as an emboldening, alluring and sexy aid to a big queer night out. Woo-hoo, it is TOTALLY giving that energy 💪 🌈 (“That particular joy I feel when boy meets a boy”)! “Silhouette” is engaging from the onset, commencing with a slick, rhythmic bass synth and, of course, Just Shy.  Rowley serves up a playful brand of vocals that are colorful and expressive.  He has plenty of confidence and personality – #SASSY – not to mention a beautiful tone. I love the fact that he embraces queer vibes.  He calls the single “a manifesto for how confident and free I want to feel when I’m out.” #BIG MOOD! Melodically, it is tuneful from the onset.  Of course, the most tuneful moment comes by way of the chorus, which absolutely slays.  Accentuating those memorable, utterly fierce lyrics are decadent horn lines. Just Shy penned this bop, while 🎛 Dion Shaw produced it, superbly I might add. “I hope this track can embolden people to embrace their full selves when they’re on a dancefloor.” 🎵 “Silhouette” exudes confidence; there is NO way you can listen to it and not dance.   

Appears in 🔻:  

• Awesome Songs: April 2023  

10. Mathew V, “My Boy” 

💿 Anything Goes • 🏷 604 Records • 🗓 2023    

🎙 Mathew V (Mathew Van Vooght) confirms that jazz is NOT boring on his playful, sassy, tongue in cheek jazzy single, 🎵 “My Boy”.  “My Boy” graces his 2023 jazz LP, 💿 Anything Goes. While this original penned and produced by Van Vooght and 🎼 ✍ 🎛 Ben Dunnill channels the past – a Marilyn Monroe-inspired record – it sounds quite refreshing in 2023. First and foremost, Mathew V sounds utterly sublime.  He possesses a versatile instrument and has proven his ability to sing any and everything.  Beyond that, being backed by a jazz combo is absolutely sick!  The string bass! The piano! The light, traditional swinging groove on the drums! EPIC! However, let’s address what separates Van Vooght’s single from the jazz of the past – he’s unapologetically GAY 🌈! Clearly, Van Vooght characterizes about what his boy embodies and who he is NOT! It’s cute, honest, and incredibly authentic. 

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Appears in 🔻:   

• BOY, These Songs Are About You (2023) 
• Awesome Songs: April 2023  

11. Kisos, “Bite Your Tongue”  

🎵 “Bite Your Tongue” • 🏷 Miller Place • 🗓 2023

“In my world everything’s fine / Don’t understand why you are terrified.” 🤬 “And those kids at the border line / Ship ‘em back they’ll be alright / Follow the rules that justify,” pop singer/songwriter 🎙 Kisos continues singing on his single, 🎵 “Bite Your Tongue”. You should be mad as hell listening and reading the lyrics – that is the intent of the songwriting. Sadly, there are people in the world who have strong, incredibly insensitive opinions about those who are marginalized.  Describing his marvelous single, Kisos states it is “a heavy, eerie track dragging everyone who is passive and unfeeling in the face of genocide of marginalized peoples.” WOO! 

“Now you leave us bleeding ‘cause you bite your tongue.” The theme is arguably the crowning achievement of “Bite Your Tongue.” Saying nothing, aka being passive, is not acceptable, and honestly, plays in the role continued marginalization.  Deep stuff that not enough artists tackle in all honesty. Of course, beyond the awesome songwriting, the voice, music, and production are all selling points. From the start, “Bite Your Tongue” is locked-in with the rhythmic guitar accompaniment, a driving force throughout the track.  Furthermore, additional music cues and production touches (synths and such) make this socially conscious anthem even better.  Vocally, Kisos has a fabulous instrument on his hands. His performance feels authentic with beautiful, expressive vocals that cry foul to these passive folks.  Also, the harmonized vocals are worth shouting out.  ALSO, what about the tune? There are some great melodic moments, executed by Kisos’ pipes stupendously.  All told, he skwirted out a gem – a call to action bop –  with 🎵 “Bite Your Tongue”. 

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Appears in 🔻:  

• Awesome Songs: May 2023 

12. GRANT KNOCHE, “INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS” 

🎵 “INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS” • 🏷 GRANT KNOCHE • 🗓 2023

Question: “Would you give into intrusive thoughts?” Hmm, that is a legitimate question! Intrusive thoughts are something else, after all! 🎵 “INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS” is really something else in the hands of Dallas, Texas-bred/LA based artist/producer/songwriter, 🎙 GRANT KNOCHE.  The bisexual musician excels vocally on this two-minutes and change pop joint.  Furthermore, his songwriting, alongside 🎼 ✍ Gavin Hudner and Jades Goudreault, impresses too. “I could be a domino / Fallin’ right into you,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “No one ain’t gotta know / Mama don’t raise no fool.” Ooh-la-la!     

It doesn’t take too long for this handsome, talented young man to get utterly sexual! Honestly, the lyrics end up living to the cover art – a toned mid-riff 😍, jeans, already unbuttoned, being unzipped 😈. “Tug on my shirt now I can’t speak / Lips on my neck so I can’t breathe / Ring the alarm, it’s a crime scene.” Indeed, indeed, Mr. Knoche.  For good measure, how about a heaping dose of “Put your hands on my body like you know me /… All night, break off in one night / You’re all mine.” Yes, more like YAASS, it’s giving naughtiness! But as Knoche, all of 20 years young says best himself, “What’s the point of living if you can’t let loose a little bit every now & then.” 

Appears in 🔻:  

• GRANT KNOCHE, “INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 14 (2023) 

13. Mad Tsai, “in my head” 

🎵 “in my head” • 🏷 Mad Tsai • 🗓 2023  

“I know it’s selfish to wish that you’re hurting / Just to prove that it was worth the / Pain and the joy that you put me through…” 🎙 Mad Tsai is the sugar honey iced tea.  The bisexual pop singer/songwriter has a knack for making satisfying bops. Love is often a theme in these bops, and single 🎵 “in my head” is no different.  What is different is that Tsai opts for balladry. He penned “In my head” alongside 🎼 ✍ Jeremy Zuckerman.  Fittingly, it features amorous production (Tsai and 🎛 Drew Polovick).  Some of the ear candy includes dramatic strings and a wall of sound during the bridge. As far as those matters of the heart, Tsai has his heart broken. Ugh, how could anyone break this handsome man’s heart? Given the love pain, he sings authentically and expressively with a gorgeous tone. “Broke my heart, said our love was like movies / I’m not the one that you’re choosing / God, why do I always love alone?” he sings in the first verse. He’s been left and he laments his luck when it comes to love. “But in this life, I’m not complete / You found someone I can’t compete,” he sings, adding, “So, guess I’m stuck with loving you inside my head / ‘Cause in another world we’d be again.” This is incredibly relatable, which is one of the reasons why 🎵 “in my head”, as well as Mad Tsai as artist, is so lovable. 

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Appears in 🔻:  

• Awesome Songs: May 2023

14. JORDY, “Story of a Boy”  

💿 Boy • 🏷 300 Entertainment • 🗓 2023 

 “This is the story of a boy / I’d adore him if I had a choice,” 🎙 JORDY asserts on 🎵 “Story of a Boy” (💿 Boy, 2023) covering the 2000s 🎙 Nine Days classic, 🎵 “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)”. According to MTV, the openly gay pop musician is the first person to be granted permission to cover the song!  With the blessing of Nine Days front man, 🎙 John Hampson,  JORDY transforms the “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” to fit who he is (“He doesn’t know my name / But I could give much more”). “Story of a Boy” is another awesome addition to the ever expanding queer music catalog.  In his hands, the record is both reflective and longing. “Moved here from a small town / Fell in with the wrong crowd,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “I don’t blame him ‘cause most people suck / And leave you crushed.”  In the second, he frets about Hollywood and says of this guy, “And I watch him on the internet / Trying to be happy / He wouldn’t have to if he knew that he could have me.” JORDY keeps it queer, and who would have it any other way (“And he looks so good / Walking through that door / Oh, I wish I could / Be the ending that he’s looking for”)? It’s incredibly cool he took a 00s hit and reintroduced it to a new generation from a gay perspective.    

Appears in 🔻:   

• JORDY, “Story of a Boy”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 6 (2023)  
• Story: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 16 (2023)  
• 11 Intriguing Songs With A Story to Tell (2023) 
• BOY, These Songs Are About You (2023)  

15. Jude York, “Mr Porcelain” 

🎵 “Mr. Porcelain” • 🏷 Yoyo Music • 🗓 2023 

“Oh, he’s so attractive, could never be him / I think he might break if my hand touched his skin.” Ah, the sheer beauty of the boy, as well as songs about boys! Australian pop artist🎙 Jude York impresses with his fantastic addition to the queer music collection, 🎵 “Mr Porcelain”.  Essentially, York paints a picture of a man who is a perfect 10 – handsomeness exemplified to the nth degree.  “I’ve never been so close to such pretty things,” he continues singing in ode to this god in the pre-chorus.  Not only does York desire this hunk, but he also seems simultaneously envious and perturbed by his perfection.  The chorus on this gorgeous pop record is the crème de la crème, shedding light on this complicated god. “Mr. Porcelain doll, Mr. Instagram scroll,” he begins, adding, “Does it ever get lonely up there on the wall / To be looked at, but never to hold?” Thought provoking by all means.  Honestly, as a society, gay, straight, or otherwise, it is hard for us NOT to objectify someone beautiful.  At the same time, personally connecting with someone so beautiful beyond looking or perhaps an empty, superficial conversation, makes them unattainable.  “He’s so beautifully perfect on everyone’s phone,” York sings, adding, “To be looked at, knowing he’ll never call.” Everyone has their own version of a 🎵 “Mr Porcelain”, sigh.    

Appears in 🔻:  

• Jude York, “Mr Porcelain”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 8 (2023)  

16. Binoy, “Boyhood”  

💿 Boyhood • 🏷 Binoy Zachariah • 🗓 2023

“This is boyhood, it don’t do a boy good / Break ‘em down young, build ‘em up rough and dumb.” Sigh, not everyone experiences happiness as a child, particularly when they are perceived to be different 😢.  Being gay and not fitting societal expectations (eww, toxic masculinity) as young man sets you apart, something that 🎙 Binoy (Binoy Zachariah) captures superbly on his song, 🎵 “Boyhood”, which appears on his 2023 EP, 💿 Boyhood. The handsome, Kenyan born and bred singer/songwriter, now based in LA, provides a tale of the war fought as a boy because of being gay, perceived to be too feminine, and generally, being unaccepted.  While “Boyhood” features picturesque production and terrific vocals from Binoy, it is a troubling listen because it pisses you off this is the boyhood far too many LGBTQ+ youth experience.   

The punches 👊 are thrown from the onset: “Bloody nose / Blood on my clothes / It leaves a mark / When they hit hard.” Ugh 😡! They hit, of course because “I’m the oddest of them all / Another day in seventh grade / Of getting punched for being gay / No matter how much you act straight.” Again, ugh 😡!  In a perfect world, this boy should be able to be who he is without being bruised, bullied, and perhaps worse, psychologically damaged.  Furthermore, things don’t improve at home, with “the house burning down” from dysfunction.  Another lyric sure to piss off progressive souls who cry foul regarding homophobia: “Daddy, daddy on the phone / Saying son, be more manly / Less like mom / Be more proud of where you’re from / And the woman in me rages like a storm.” F#¢K TOXIC MASCULINITY!!! 🎵 “Boyhood” is a song that should make you angry regardless of sexuality. It has long been time for the world to move beyond stereotypes, toxic masculinity, bullying, and definitely HOMOPHOBIA.  There is space for everyone in this world, and nobody’s boyhood should be the war that Binoy sings about.  A bop indeed, but also, this should be a wake-up call for many. 

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Appears in 🔻: 

• Binoy, “Boyhood”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 21 (2023)  

17. JSJ, “Honey” 

🎵 “Honey” • 🏷 JSJ • 🗓 2023   

According to the handsome, incredibly talented Canadian musician, 🎙 JSJ (Joshua Säde James), 🎵 “Honey” is “by far the sexiest song I’ve ever written, from the vocals to the lyrics.” Ooh-wee! It’s getting hot in here! From the intro of “Honey,” where the incredibly slick production work is unveiled, it is clear that this single is fueled by the sensual.  Of the brief,  but incredibly potent, sub-two-minute record, JSJ comments, “When I wrote ‘Honey’,  I was in a long-distance relationship and missing my other half. I wanted it to feel like the song has the same message throughout; one of wanting someone else with you.” Mission accomplished, Joshua!   

One of the biggest attractions of “Honey” are the vocals.  JSJ is a beast – in the best way possible.  His tone is to die for.  His pipes are sexy, soulful, and sultry to the nth degree. He sings with incredible authenticity, easily convincing all who listen to buy what he is selling. Adding more fuel to his vocal fire are the top-notch ad-libs – the runs and the flawless, ripe falsetto. According to him, “The vocals build the story of this song, which drips with sexual frustration.” The praise for this pop record goes beyond that sexually frustrated voice.  The melody is incredibly tuneful and rhythmic; it sounds fresh. Also, the centerpiece of this short but sweet bop is none other than the chorus, where we all fall in love with Joshua Säde James 😍. 🎵 “Honey” is an epic addition to the LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 catalog.  That said, if you are a music fan, specifically a pop enthusiast who loves to hear elite singing, “Honey” is a must-hear.  Also, how about leaving you with more commentary from the artist himself: “This song is a love letter to my exes and everything they’ve missed out on. It’s time to show them what they’re missing.” Absolutely, JSJ 💪!  

Appears in 🔻:   

• JSJ, “Honey”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 9 (2023)  
• 11 Songs That Are Sweet Like Honey 🍯 (2023)    

18. Joesef, “Borderline” 

💿 Permanent Damage • 🏷 Bold Cut / AWAL Recordings Ltd • 🗓 2023 

“The edge of an argument stings on the tip of my tongue (You have something to say?) / Don’t you want me like you used to?” 🎵 “Borderline”, a standout from 💿 Permanent Damage, the 2023 debut LP by queer, Scottish, soul-pop musician, 🎙 Joesef, speaks to how complicated relationships are. “Borderline” highlights perception, reality, and, per Joesef (via Dork), ‘knowing you’ll never be able to be the version of yourself that someone who otherwise would have been perfect deserves, a right person, wrong time kind of song.’ “‘Cause you were so hard to find,” he sings, adding, “I want you all the time.” Joe is struggling with this relationship which appears to be running its course. Even though the issues seem plenteous, there is desire for success, despite imperfections, mistakes, and shortcomings. The centerpiece is the absolutely beautiful chorus. “Remember what you love me for / Even when I’m on the floor,” he sings, continuing, “Hope is hard to find / In between the things I’ve said / A version of me in your head / But I could never toe the borderline.” Besides brilliant songwriting and expressive vocals, the production keeps things simple and intimate – perfect for this incredibly reflective, conversational joint.    

Appears in 🔻:  

• Joesef, “Borderline”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 2 (2023) 

19. Harry Strange, “god damn shame” 

💿 What a God Damn Shame (EP) • 🏷 Harry Strange • 📅 2023

“What a god damn shame.” Wow! What a bold (and profane) statement, 🎙 Harry Strange.  According to Strange, he makes music for “gays guys girls & all in between.” Cool! Focusing on the gay POV, he drops a surefire bop with 🎵 “god damn shame”.  The two-and-a-half minute cut fittingly appears as the second track (and title track) on his four-song, 2023 EP, 💿 What a God Damn Shame.  If nothing else, Strange serves up plenty of relatable emotion, whether your straight as an arrow, or, queer AF.

“Cut me down just a little bit / Come back round, say you’re missing it,” Strange sings following the first verse, adding, “Break my heart / Yeah, you break my heart.” Ah, those pesky matters of the heart are what fuel this god damn shame he proceeds to sing about.  More evidence arrives in the second verse, where Strange masterfully illustrates his partner (or former partner’s) weaknesses:  

“All of the times I picked up the phone 

To call you but you’re never home 

You say that you see the best part of me 

But you’re speechless when I ask you to speak.”  

Damn! More like, god damn, of course.  Strong language from Harry Strange but clearly, love, or the lack of love, will make you cuss something fierce.  Beyond the lyrics, Strange sings well, while the production (🎛 Jamie Clarke) and sound are #Winning.  Also, shout out the EP cover art, which is, well, giving those gay vibes, too.  All told, Strange might be singing about a god damn shame, but there is nothing shameful about 🎵 “god damn shame” as a song.   

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Appears in 🔻:  

• Harry Strange, “god damn shame”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 10 (2023) 
• 13 Dayum Good Damn Songs (2023)  

20. Cub Sport, “Keep Me Safe”  

💿 Jesus At The Gay Bar • 🏷 Cub Sport • 📅 2023 

“I could lose it all, whatever / I just wanna die in our heaven,” 🎙 Tim Nelson delivers with heavy pitch shifted vocals in the chorus of 🎵 “Keep Me Safe.” “Keep Me Safe” is one of many highlights from 💿 Jesus At The Gay Bar, the unapologetically titled, fifth album by 🎙 Cub Sport. Notably, Nelson opens up more on this single than previous tracks from Jesus At The Gay Bar.  In the first verse, he confesses, “Went and got a girlfriend / Just to throw them off track” (he’s openly gay).  Eventually, he stops pretending (“Broke up with my girlfriend”) and even though there are losses for being true to self, “I don’t really feel that sad.” “I wrote ‘Keep Me Safe’ about a euphoric but complicated time,” Nelson tells Variance Magazine regarding the single, adding, “Shedding some light on it now feels like I’m validating my younger self and celebrating something I was so ashamed of at the time.” Being true to self, particularly embracing one’s sexuality is hard, but hey, it’s worked out for Nelson and his husband, bandmate 🎙 Sam Netterfield!  

21. Joaicon, “boyfriend”  

🎵 “boyfriend” • 🏷 IconzRecordz • 🗓 2023

“Can you hold me? / Because I’m fucking sick and tired of being lonely.” Yeah, I totally concur with you 🎙 Joaicon, sigh 😔.  The Dominican Republic-bred musician continues, “Tonight (yeah tonight) (tonight is the night) / You can press all my buttons.” Again, I concur, Joaicon. Clearly, like so many of us single, lonely souls in the world, Joaicon wants a 🎵 “boyfriend”.  And guess what? It’s not just any boyfriend, this guy he desires is already taken… #SCANDALOUS! But guess what? “I don’t care if you have a boyfriend / Hold me (hold me tight) (so fucking tight) / Let me be your only one.” So, to be fair, Joaicon isn’t pushing for a polyamorous connect – he wants monogamy.  Basically, he’s asking the hottie to leave his boyfriend and become his!     

Joaicon sounds chill yet potent throughout the course of “boyfriend.” He’s silky smooth, exhibiting ample swagger, particularly when he drops that Spanish in there! “Hola bebé, quiero tocar tu piel / Vente conmigo ahora y volvemo’ al amanecer er”.  Woo – it’s getting hot in here 🥵! Is Joaicon desperate? Maybe, but love (and lust) makes you do crazy things.  Don’t knock the man because, he constructs a lit fantasy we all envy: “We can lose ourselves in this bed / My lips kissing your skin / My hands grabbing your hips / Oh, baby, you’ll be mine.” To the nameless guy Joaicon addresses on 🎵 “boyfriend”, you should totally take him up on his offer!   

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Appears in 🔻:   

• Joaicon, “boyfriend”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 13 (2023) 
• BOY, These Songs Are About You (2023)  

22. Adam Lambert, “Holding Out for a Hero”   

💿 High Drama • 🏷 More is More, LLC / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC • 🗓 2023

“Where have all the good men gone and where are all the gods?” That is a legitimate question 🎙 Adam Lambert asks on 🎵 “Holding Out for a Hero”. Sigh, I wish I had the answer! He goes on to sing in the first verse, “Where’s the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds?” The  🏆 Grammy-nominated pop artist was NOT the first to asks these burning questions, however, His cover of the 1984 🎙 Bonnie Tyler gem appears on his album of covers, 💿 High Drama.

“Holding Out for a Hero” suits Lambert perfectly. Big-voiced and theatrical to the nth degree, Adam makes this hit sound like an original. Given his prodigious vocal skills, it is unsurprising that he can transform a song originally sung by the opposite sex and make it work perfectly for him.  Of course, given the fact that he is openly gay 🌈, it also works seamlessly that his love interest is male (“It’s gonna take a Superman to sweep me off my feet”). As intriguing as the verses are, it is the anthemic chorus where Adam shines his brightest. Besides the singing, the production (🎛 Andrew Wells and Charley Bagnall) successfully reintroduces “Holding Out for a Hero” for the 21st century.  The synths sizzles, while the beat hits hard. 🎵 “Holding Out for a Hero” does not sound like an anachronism in 2023.    

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Appears in 🔻:   

• Adam Lambert, “Holding Out for a Hero”: Covers No. 6 (2023)  
• 15 Songs That Require You to HOLD On (2023)  
• 13 Totally Heroic Hero Songs (2023)   
• Bonnie Tyler vs. Adam Lambert: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 11 (2023)