Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025

Reading Time: 33 min read

Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025 features songs by Behemoth, Doechii, Ghost, GIVĒON, JENNIE, Lady Gaga, and Lil Nas X.

It’s that time! ‘What time it is?’ Why, quarterly round-up time – time to acknowledge those Bops That Pop, like boom ! Bops That Pop represents the best songs of a given quarter of the year on The Musical Hype! Bops That Pop is published at the end of March, June (as the best songs of the year so far), September, and December (as the best songs of the year). All the songs on Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2024 were released as singles or as an album track from January 2025 to March 2025. Musicians that served up the bops featured in Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025 include Behemoth, Doechii (twice), Ghost, GIVĒON, JENNIE (twice), Lady Gaga, and Lil Nas X. So, without further ado, here are those Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Lady Gaga, “Abracadabra”	2. Perfume Genius, “It’s A Mirror”	3. JENNIE & Dominic Fike, “Love Hangover”	4. Lil Nas X, “HOTBOX”
5. Sexyy Red & Bruno Mars, “Fat Juicy & Wet”	6. Chappell Roan, “The Giver”	7. Teddy Swims, “Are You Even Real” (Ft. GIVĒON)	8. Tate McRae, “Sports Car”
9. Ghost, “Satanized”	10. Hailey Whitters, “Casseroles”	11. Lizzo, “Love in Real Life”	12. Coco Jones, “Taste”
13. Whitechapel, “Hymns in Dissonance”	14. LISA, “Born Again” (Ft. Doja Cat & RAYE)	15. GIVĒON, “TWENTIES”	16. HAIM, “Relationships”
17. Bentley Robles & ZEE MACHINE, “LOCK ME UP!”	18. JENNIE, “ExtraL” (Ft. Doechii)	19. Addison Rae, “High Fashion”	20. Mad Tsai, “One Of The Boys”
21. Doechii, “Nosebleeds”	22. ETHAN, “One More Song”	23. Muni Long, “Slow Grind”	24. Behemoth, “The Shit Ov God”
25. T-Pain, Yaeji & Girl Talk, “Believe in Ya”	26. Omar Rudberg, “I’m Not a Boy”	27. Lucy Dacus, “Ankles”	28. GRANT KNOCHE, “AUTOPILOT”
29. Doechii, “Anxiety”	30. RYANN, “Housewife”	31. Matt Maltese, “Anytime, Anyplace, Anyhow”

1. Lady Gaga, “Abracadabra”

MAYHEM // Interscope // 2025

“Like a poem said by a lady in red / You hear the last few words of your life /With a haunting dance, now you’re both in a trance / It’s time to cast your spell on the night.” Well, that’s fascinating, Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta)! The award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress put her dancing shoes on in “Abracadabra”, the ‘magical’ third single from her seventh studio album, MAYHEM. Lady Gaga, watt (Andrew Watt), Cirkut (Henry Walter), John McGeoch, Pete Edward Clarke, Steven Severin, and Siouxsie (Susan Janet Ballion) penned “Abracadabra.” “Abracadabra” interpolates “Spellbound” by Siouxsie and the Banshees. Gaga, watt, and Cirkut produced it.

“Abracadabra” features some sickening dance music cues. An electrifying groove helps “Abracadabra” cook. Also, the darker tilt of the song, alongside the minor key, makes it compelling. As always, Lady Gaga brings her ‘A game,’ delivering a personality-laden performance, showing off her powerful pipes. The songwriting is intriguing. “Pay the toll to the angels / Drawin’ circles in the clouds,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Keep your mind on the distance / When the devil turns around.” Word. In the refrain, she asks to “Save me from this empty flight / In the game of life.” Life is a key component of “Abracadabra.” Melodically, the song is colorful, particularly with accidentals that give it a Dorian flavor. The section to be is the Infectious, tuneful chorus with some nonsensical syllables in the mix:

“Abracadabra, amor-oo-na-na

Abracadabra, morta-oo-ga-ga

Abracadabra, abra-oo-na-na”

In her tongue she said, ‘Death or love tonight’.”

In “Abracadabra”, Lady Gaga remains true to herself and the artist we’ve come to know and love. It is another welcome addition to her catalog.

Appears in :

21 Randomly Curated, Amazing A Songs (2025)

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2. Perfume Genius, “It’s A Mirror”

Glory // Perfume Genius / Matador // 2025

Does Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) ever miss? No. “It’s a Mirror” is another epic song from the musician. Hadreas penned it while Blake Mills produced it, playing multiple instruments and providing background vocals. One reason why the single from Glory is sensational is the hip, indie vibe. An alternative/art rock cut, “It’s a Mirror” stands out the first time you hear it. It features ear-catching musical accompaniment with multiple guitars, an overt drum groove, and piano. The harmonic progression contributes to the high level of musicality. Supported by a sweet instrumental, the ‘star of the show,’ Hadreas, delivers a strong vocal performance bringing the tuneful melodies to life.

The songwriting is the sugar honey iced tea – it’s given crème de la crème, baby! The lyricism is authentic, poetic, and thoughtful. Listening to Perfume Genius sing, you feel he bears his soul. “What do you get from the stretching horizon / That you’d leave me spiraling with no one to hold?” he sings in the first verse. In the second, he sings vulnerably, “I still run and hide when a man’s at the door.” I felt that. A short refrain highlighting the titular lyric appears after the first two verses. The chorus arrives after the second refrain, highlighting the keyword, mirror:

“It’s a mirror, holy terror

Taking focus off the horizon

It’s a chorus reaching for us

Swarming locusts wherever you go.”

A post-chorus follows. An instrumental break precedes the third and final verse which is also emotional (“Can I move on without knowing specifics / While memories hum like a hive shaken out”). A final chorus caps off “It’s a Mirror”, another stellar song from the ever-consistent Perfume Genius.

Appears in :

13 Songs That Explore It, Vol. 3 (2025)

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3. JENNIE & Dominic Fike, “Love Hangover”

Ruby // Columbia // 2025

“We say it’s over (uh) / But I keep fucking with you (Yeah) / And every time I do, I wake up with this love hangover.” Wow, JENNIE. They say, ‘honesty is the best policy,’ and the pop singer is honest AF throughout “Love Hangover”, a highlight from her debut album, Ruby. She collaborates with the talented Dominic Fike, where ending a relationship for good doesn’t happen. When she says, “I keep fucking with you,” she’s not lying! Fike, Blaise Railey, Cary Gibert, Devin Workman, Ido Zmishlany, and Megan Bülow penned “Love Hangover.” JENNIE and Ido Zmishlany produced it.

The groove and instrumental riffs on “Love Hangover” are incredibly funky. The bass line is the sugar honey iced tea. An uncertain JENNIE excels with her breathy, upper register, and sexy vocals. “Fight me, fight me, fight me / You made me so unlike me,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “I don’t really mind when you play me / Wanna switch it up, go crazy / I ain’t gonna leave ‘til you hate me.” Wow. Interestingly, the melody has some bluesy moments, which are C-O-O-L.

Dominic raps instead of singing, spitting ‘real talk’:

“I had woke up in a daze, my sweat was cold, my lip was cracked

I can’t leave this bitch, I had to single, double triple back

She gon’ leave me, but she wants to keep me on, what’s up with that?”

The chorus, excerpted at the top, is quite catchy, speaking to them continuing to be tethered. Even though it is somewhat quirky, “Love Hangover” is an enjoyable, fun song by JENNIE and Dominic Fike.

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4. Lil Nas X, “HOTBOX”

“HOTBOX” // Columbia // 2025

“Bitch!” Woo! Following the profane, tone-setting ‘female dog’ utterance, Lil Nas X (Montero Lamar Hill) drops an infectious, irresistible chorus on his fun, unapologetic single, “HOTBOX”. “Hit me with your lovin’ / Boy, I know you wanna / Pick me up and love me / I’ll be waitin’ on you.” Oh, snap! The Grammy-winning, out-and-proud rapper/singer is ‘on 10’ early on “HOTBOX.” He’s supported by unique, kick-ass production courtesy of Take A Daytrip, Omer Fedi, and Ojivolta. Beyond a sickening beat and synths, the listener is treated to guitar – that’s all Omer!

Beyond his singing in the chorus, Lil Nas X raps assertively in the verses. His bars are infused with personality and the universal, three-letter-word, sex. “I got my bitches in the back, and my bros in the front leadin’ / He keep lookin’ at me, I’ma make that boy a whole eater,” Nas X raps in the first verse, continuing, “I’ma fuck his friend too, baby, I’m a whole cheater / We can go to France, Eiffel Tower.” Holy shit! Nas X is equally aggressive rapping in the second verse:

“He said, ‘Let’s hit the back, hit the back, hit the backroom

You be the carpet, I be the vacuum

We can get it in, we can get it on’.”

Hoover, huh? Anyways, the bridge is a blast, too: “All that ass on your body, put some bounce on it.” Ooh-wee! Ultimately, Lil Nas X brings the fuckin’ heat (literally) on “HOTBOX”.

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5. Sexyy Red & Bruno Mars, “Fat Juicy & Wet”

“Fat Juicy & Wet” // Rebel / gamma. / The Smeezingtons / Atlantic // 2025

“Fat, juicy, and wet (Ah-ah) / I don’t even gangbang, pussy so good / Make me throw up a set (Ah-ah), uh / That good kitty-kitty, good kitty-kitty.” Well, meow! Raise your hand if you ever envisioned a Sexyy Red (Janae Wherry) and Bruno Mars collaboration. “Fat Juicy & Wet” finds the raunchy, Gen-Z St. Louis rapper and the Grammy-winning millennial pop/R&B artist working together. Mars, Wherry, Jeremy Reeves, Jonathan Yip, Kameron Glasper, and Ray Romulus penned “Fat Juicy & Wet.” Mars and The Stereotypes produced it. Early on, Bruno shocks us with his overt, sexed-up chorus. We expect no less of Sexyy Red, who gets down and dirty in the first verse, but to hear Mars talk about pussy so freely and often… it ‘hits’ different. “You better arch your back, put your ass into it.” Ooh-wee! Sexyy Red’s sexcapades aren’t shocking:

“Ayy, slob on my clit, suck on my toes

Twenty-four-karat, pussy drip like gold (Ooh)

Throw my legs back, eat my booty from the front (Mm)

Milk mustache on your face when I cum (Yeah).”

It’s filthy, mind you, but on brand for her. She drops a second verse that remains NSFW including “Titties on your forehead,” “Arch your back, put your ass into it,” and “Squirt in your mouth.” Nasty, nasty, nasty. The sound is giving West Coast, hyphy vibes, which is perfect for a sex song. “Fat Juicy & Wet” is something else!

Appears in :

11 More Sexsational Sex Songs (2025)

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6. Chappell Roan, “The Giver”

“The Giver” // Amusement / KRA International Inc. / Island // 2025

“And other boys may need a map / But I can close my eyes / And have you wrapped around my fingers like that.” Oh, snap, Chappell Roan (Kayleigh Rose Amstutz)! The Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter has been open about her queerness early in her career. “The Giver” is no exception, where she expresses her sexual expertise to the same sex, unlike boys who “may need a map.” It is a clever lyric from the first verse. Amstutz penned “The Giver” alongside Daniel Nigro and Paul Cartwright. Nigro produced the track.

“‘Cause you ain’t got to tell me / It’s just in my nature,” Chappell Roan asserts in the chorus, the centerpiece of “The Giver.” She continues, “So, take it like a taker / ‘Cause, baby, I’m a giver /… Ain’t no country boy quitter / I get the job done.” Damn! The sexual innuendo is ripe throughout “The Giver.” In the second verse, she sings, “Good luck finding a man who has the means / To rhinestone cowgirl all night long.” Roan is referencing the famous Glen Campbell classic, “Rhinestone Cowboy”, and the sexual position, cowgirl. Wow! Amstutz delivers a strong vocal performance throughout “The Giver”. Fittingly, the record has country music cues (fiddle, banjo), which match the various country/ country music references. Also, like many country male musicians, Chappell is confident about her ability to woo the ladies. “The Giver” marks another entertaining, high-flying joint from Chappell Roan.

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7. Teddy Swims, “Are You Even Real” (Ft. GIVĒON)

I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) // SWIMS Int. / Warner // 2025

“Are you even real / Or did I make you up?” Teddy Swims (Jaten Dimsdale) asks in the first verse of “Are You Even Real”, a single from I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2). “How could someone like you / Wanna give me love?” Word. Dimsdale taps Grammy-nominated R&B artist GIVĒON (Giveon Evans) for the assist on this soulful ballad. Set in a lilting, compound duple meter, the aesthetic is old-school. The drum groove and big bass line are big boosts on this Peter Thomas and Julian Bunetta-produced gem. Swims delivers marvelous, smooth vocals. He ‘draws first blood,’ showing off the magnificence of his instrument. This includes ripe falsetto and top-notch ad-libs. GIVĒON is a force too, contrasting Sims with his deeper voice in the second verse: “I can feel the rush / Even when you slow-dance for me / Lookin’ at you layin’ right there / Are you from this world? I swear.” There is more punch instrumentally during Giveon’s verse, upping the energy level. Like Swims, his vocal ad-libs are glorious. The section to beat is the chorus:

“Tell me

Are you? Are you?

…Made up in my head, or are you in my bedroom

Questions that I ask ever since I met you

…Questions that I ask every time that I wake up.”

“Are You Even Real” is a bop.

Appears in :

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8. Tate McRae, “Sports Car”

So Close To What // RCA // 2025

“Where’d you put those keys? / We can share one seat.” Hmm, wonder what Tate McRae is getting at on “Sports Car”? No deep analysis is necessary – she’s being naughty! “Sports Car” is the third single and seventh track from her third studio album, So Close To What. McRae, Julia Michaels, and producers Ryan Tedder and Grant penned “Sports Car.” It features mammoth drums and some whacky synths. The sound is clubby with its hip-hop-infused pop vibes. McRae does a little bit of everything vocally – breathy vocals, ‘falsetto,’ and sexy whispers. The keyword is ‘sexy’ as the big takeaway from “Sports Car” is naughtiness – sexual endeavors. “In the alley, in the back / In the center of this room / With the windows rolled down / Boy, don’t make me choose,” she sings in the pre-chorus regarding ‘where’ it ‘goes down.’

The crowning achievement is the chorus:

“I think you know what this is

I think you wanna uh

No, you ain’t got no Mrs.

Oh, but you got a sports car

We can uh-uh in it

While you drive it real far

Yeah, you know what this is

Yeah, you know what this is.”

Oh, the innuendo! “Sports Car” is a ‘thrill.’ McRae is having fun with him on this fun and titillating pop banger.

Appears in :

Tate McRae vs. ETHAN: Head 2 Head No. 5 (2025)

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9. Ghost, “Satanized”

Skeletá // Loma Vista Recordings // 2025

“There is something inside me / And they don’t know if there is a cure.” Oh, snap! “A demonic possession / Unlike any before.” Damn. More like, damned! Regarding Ghost, the Grammy-winning Swedish band excels at blasphemy, heresy, and Satanism. “Satanized”, the promo single from Skeletá, is no exception. Tobias Forge brings the heat – hellish heat! Forge, Salem Al Fakir, and Vincent Pontare composed an infernal, religiously skeptical listening experience. Gene Walker produced it.

Despite the darkness of the minor key, “Satanized” features an exuberant music backdrop. The guitars roar in sinfulness! Forge delivers clear and expressive vocals. He brings the melodies to life and catches our ears with those sharp, damning lyrics. “I’ve invested my prayers / Into making me whole,” he adds in the first verse. In the second and third verses, Forge’s character, Papa V Perpetua, is skeptical of the church, God, and religion. “Through a life of devotion / I’ve been quelling my urges to burst,” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “I’ve been fighting the notion / To, by love, be coerced.” Damn, again! In the third, he asserts, “I have begged God for the remedy / But I’m no longer sure.” The centerpiece is the chorus, where Papa V Perpetua has switched to the left-hand path, full throttle:

“Blasphemy, heresy

Save me from the monster that is eating me

I’m laicized

Blasphemy, heresy

Save me from the bottom of my heart I know

I’m satanized.”

Holy shit! Feels like an appropriate response. Even if you are a God-fearing Christian, you cannot deny how much ass Ghost kicks on this blasphemous, heretical, and satanic gem. “Satanized” rocks!

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10. Hailey Whitters, “Casseroles”

“Casseroles” // Pigasus / Big Loud / Songs & Daughters // 2025

“Joe lost his wife, he’s lost in the blue,” Grammy-nominated country singer/songwriter Hailey Whitters sings, continuing, “He wonders what he’s gonna do / When the casseroles stop coming.” “Casseroles” piqued my interest initially because of the song title. The song is better than its distinct title. This is country music storytelling at its finest. Hillary Lindsey, James Slater, and Tom Douglas penned “Casseroles.” Jake Gear produced it. The musical accompaniment is superb – it is classy and incredibly refined. It features traditional country instrumentation, including guitars and pedal steel. Whitters paints this backdrop gorgeously with her dynamic voice. She sings authentically and expressively, making you believe every note and every lyric she sings. Beyond her solo moments, the harmonized vocals add to the excellence. The melody is radiant in the verses and chorus. Whitters is introspective in the second verse, pondering, “What kind of friend have I been / Am I tinfoil and Pyrex, I show up, that’s it.” She determines, “I could do so much better / Wrap you in my arms and a handwritten letter / I’ll hold your umbrella when the rain pours.” I wish I had composed those lyrics – perfect! The chorus is the crowning achievement:

“And those old six strings keep strumming

And those wild-winged hummingbirds keep humming

I don’t know how, but this world keeps on turning

And love keeps on loving

After casseroles stop coming.”

No deep analysis is necessary. “Casseroles” speaks for itself. Whitters ‘put her foot’ into this stunning, ‘must-hear’ dish!

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11. Lizzo, “Love in Real Life”

“Love in Real Life” // Nice Life Recording Company / Atlantic Recording Corporation // 2025

Following a quiet year in 2024, Grammy-winner Lizzo (Melissa Jefferson) returned in 2025 with “Love in Real Life”. The singer/songwriter explores a different sound. She penned “Love” alongside Blake Slatkin, Eric Frederic, and Theron Thomas. Slatkin and Ricky Reed produced the pop cut. “Love in Real Life” commences with rhythmic guitar. Once the groove kicks in, the song has a rock vibe. I love the tone of the drums, which have a hard-hitting sound. As for the different sound and vibe for Lizzo, “Love” is giving off Prince vibes, with a dash of alternative rock thrown in. As always, Lizzo brings the heat vocally. She sounds expressive and nuanced. The melodies are tuneful. The songwriting is also intriguing, with the artist getting personal and searching for real love. In the first verse, she shares fright: “Wipe my eyes, comb my hair / There’s a lot of shit out there, and I feel safer in my bathroom.” By the second verse, however, she has become comfortable, asserting, “Flashing lights, I’m so hot / This is better than I thought, am I dancing like a thot.” The section to beat is the funky chorus, where Lizzo memorably sings:

“Hey, ho, hey, ho

Give me something with a little tempo

Hey, ho, hey, ho

Give me something I can throw it back for

By the end of the world, by the end of the night

Baby, come over here, I need love in real life.”

Ultimately, “Love in Real Life” is another enjoyable record from the talented singer/songwriter. The contrast is appreciated.

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12. Coco Jones, “Taste”

“Taste” // High Standardz / Def Jam Recordings // 2025

“A taste gets me in places / I’m chasin’ I can’t erase it,” Coco Jones sings in the pre-chorus of “Taste”. She continues, tastefully, “Taste me, boy, and I’ll taste you / That’s the way I feel when I’m slippin’ under.” Oh, snap! Even though she is tasteful, the Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter gives us sexy vibes from the beginning of “Taste”. Notably, she is taken with this man. Is her obsession toxic? Perhaps. It is toxic to some degree as “Taste” samples the Britney Spears classic, “Toxic”. See the chorus for the full breadth of the genius toxicity!

“(With a taste of your lips I’m on a ride) Oh-ooh

(You’re toxic I’m slippin’ under) Oh, oh, oh

(Taste of poison paradise) Oh, ooh, yeah

(I’m addicted to you, don’t you know that you’re toxic?) Yeah.”

Ooh-wee! Beyond the marvelous choice of sampling, the production (Stargate, Jasper Harris, and Aaron Shadrow) is sleek. Jones ‘eats.’ Her vocals are husky, rich, and buttery smooth. Additionally, she throws a mean falsetto. “All up in my conscious / I don’t want another touch without you there,” Jones sings in the first verse, adding, “If I’m being honest, I’m falling in love.” Word. Beyond her first-class, top-notch lead vocals, Jones gets excellent support from the background vocals. Even if “It’s too good, I’m too attached,” the “Taste” Coco gives listeners is delicious!

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13. Whitechapel, “Hymns in Dissonance”

Hymns in Dissonance // Metal Blade // 2025

“Rehtaf fo seil / Rehtaf fo eht ssyba / Ew emoc morf woleb / Nepo ruoy seye gnik Reficul / Redrum meht lla.” Say what, now?! What the hell does that mean? The lyrics from the intro of “Hymns in Dissonance” are reversed… Dissonance indeed! What Phil Bozeman, the Whitechapel frontman sings is “Father of lies / Father of the abyss / We come from below / Open your eyes king Lucifer / Murder them all.” Hellish to the nth degree! “Hymns in Dissonance” is the second track from the Tennessee death metal band’s ninth studio album, Hymns in Dissonance, released in 2025.

“Hymns in Dissonance” is chaotic, noisy, and infernal from the onset. The pummeling drums and jagged guitars hit you right in the chest. Throughout, there are different musical changes, particularly tempo changes during various sections. Bozeman’s boisterous, unclean vocals catch the ears from the beginning. With reversed lyrics setting the tone, the songwriting draws ample attention. The lyrics are intense and intriguing. “I stand before this withered sepulcher / Saturating my flesh in sulfur,” Phil sings in the first verse, adding, “The fruitful now rotten / Restrained by roots of feces and mold.” Damn – more liked damned! It gets worse: “Feel the worms crawl in your evеry orifice/ Your eyes start to jaundice as they make their way through / Converted to our ways, you can’t ignore this / Saved from the faith that’ll fuck you.” Faith that’ll fuck you, huh? “Hymns in Dissonance,” indeed. In line with sinfulness, in the third verse, Bozeman asserts, “As you lay impaled on this inverted cross / I masticate the throats of your lambs / As I masturbate to the sound of them choking.” Yes, it’s giving unholy shit! The chorus can’t be denied either, referencing previous Whitechapel songs, and memorably stating, “To all that are dead, stay dead / We are the means to a messiahbolical end.” Dark, damning, anti-Christian (“The trinity denied”) and Satanic AF, “Hymns in Dissonance” is something else, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Appears in :

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14. LISA, “Born Again” (Ft. Doja Cat & RAYE)

Alter Ego // RCA // 2025

“If you tried just a little more times / I would’ve made you a believer.” Amen… I think! Thai singer and rapper LISA (Lisa Manobal) has salvation on her mind on “Born Again”, a single from her debut album, ALTER EGO. This spiritual experience doesn’t come without friends – Grammy-winner Doja Cat (Amala Dlamini) and Grammy nominee RAYE (Rachel Keen). Doja Cat, RAYE, Anthony Rossomando, and Andrew Wells penned “Born Again.” RAYE and Wells produced it.

“Born Again” commences enigmatically in a minor key. It features warm, colorful, sleek production: keys, pads, synths, bass line, and sickening groove. Following a slower tempo initially, “Born Again” grooves something fierce. After the intro, LISA brings mad attitude in the first verse: “I’m about to make it heard as I vroom-vroom / Ice-cold how I leave you ‘lone, but please / Tell your mother I’ma miss her so.” Damn! Doja Cat is true to self, rapping in the second verse: “Non-believer / You’ve bitten from the fruit but can’t give back / Nice to leave ya / But I would be a fool not to ask / Do your words seem gospel to ya now?” Those spiritual references eat, even if true salvation is not the modus operandi. The tuneful chorus is the section to beat, performed by RAYE and LISA. It is excerpted in the intro, that sets the tone.

“If you tried just a little more times

I would’ve made you a believer

Would’ve showed you what it’s like (Like)

Every single night (Night)

To be born again, baby, to be born again

If you stayed just another few nights

I could’ve made you pray to Jesus

Would’ve showed you to the light (To the light)

Every single night (Every night)

To be born again, baby, to be born again.”

Ooh-wee! The rhythmic bridge by RAYE is electrifying, particularly her soulful runs. Ultimately, “Born Again” has bop written all over it. LISA, Doja Cat, and RAYE eat this one up!

Appears in :

13 Songs That Capture a Liberal Church Experience (2025)

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15. GIVĒON, “TWENTIES”

“TWENTIES” // Epic / Not So Fast LLC // 2025

“Thought that if I put you first enough / We would last for sure.” But, as Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter GIVĒON (Giveon Evans) discovers, “But I was just young and dumb.” Bummer! “TWENTIES” marks Evans’ first single of 2025. He penned the refined track alongside producers Sevn Thomas and Maneesh. Essentially, GIVĒON sings about wasting his young, ‘fun’ years on her:

“Spending my twenties on you (Oh)

I poured my heart in it

Don’t get me started

Spend my time wondering why

I spent my twenties on you.”

Live and learn. “TWENTIES” gives Evans more of a neo-soul and adult contemporary R&B sound. It suits him perfectly. Commencing with a distinct drum riff, the groove of “TWENTIES” settles into lilting, compound duple meter. The production is gorgeous – lush, refined, and warm to the nth degree. Evans delivers fabulous, nuanced, and soulful vocals. He sings with incredible authenticity and sincerity regarding wasting his twenties on her. “Is anything black and white / When you’re barely twenty-two?” Nope. In the second verse, he continues singing, “I could tell the ship was goin’ down / I was so young and dumb.” To reiterate, live and learn (the singer turned 30 in February 2025). Ultimately, “TWENTIES” marks another terrific addition to the GIVĒON catalog. To quote Coming To America, “Goddamn, that boy can sing… He good”!

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16. HAIM, “Relationships”

“Relationships” // Haim Productions Inc. / Columbia // 2025

“Doing my thing ‘cause I can’t decide if we’re through / Well, are we? / And if we are, what we gonna do?” Word. Grammy-nominated alternative sister trio HAIM (Danielle Haim, Este Haim, and Alana Haim) is talking about “Relationships” in 2025. “Relationships” is a bop from the get-go. Beyond the spoken word intro (excerpted above), it thrives off unique production courtesy of Danielle Haim, Rostam (Rostam Batmanglij), and Buddy Ross. Among the ear-catching sounds are hip-hop scratches, a sickening groove (drum programming), a robust bass line, and warm keyboard. The sound is a key part of the success of “Relationships” without question. Beyond the superb instrumental, the singing and lyrics stand out on “Relationships.” “Relationships, oh / What’s all this talk about relationships,” Danielle asserts in the first verse.

By the memorable chorus, some salty language intensifies the sentiment:

“Baby, how can I explain

When an innocent mistake

Turns into seventeen days? Fuckin’ relationships.”

Damn… or better yet, FUCK! Speaking of ‘fuck,’ another bomb appears in the second verse: “I’ve been averse to conflict / But you really fucked with my confidence.” Oh, snap! Potty mouth aside, “Relationships” thrives off its sweet, rhythmic melodies and gorgeous upper-register vocals. Danielle’s tone is sweet. HAIM ‘put in work’ on this highly enjoyable bop, PERIOD!

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17. Bentley Robles & ZEE MACHINE, “LOCK ME UP!”

“LOCK ME UP!” // Bentley Robles Music // 2025

So, what happens when Bentley Robles (Bruno Pazzi Robles, he/him pronouns) and ZEE MACHINE (Joe Bissell, he/they pronouns) collaborate? Why, TEARS & GEARZ, of course! Also, sheer queer musical excellence! TEARS & GEARZ presents a short but sweet ditty entitled “LOCK ME UP!” that’s locked in from the beginning. Robles, Joe Bissell, and producer FLORIO (Dominic Florio) penned “LOCK ME UP!” From a sound perspective, the music backdrop is bright. The keyboards and synths are scintillating, while the groove ‘kicks ass and takes names.’ “LOCK ME UP!” ‘locks up’ the fact you’ll be moving your body and grooving hard to it. Robles kicks things off with fabulous singing, including ripe falsetto. He shows off the rhythmic, tuneful nature of the melody, which is constructed with great contour. “Gonna light a match in your apartment,” he sings, adding, “And then smile at the flames.” Whoa! During the pre-chorus, the melody remains tuneful, growing more rhythmic (“‘Cause I can’t even look up at the city / Knowing it won’t have us”). As for ZEE MACHINE, he ‘brings the heat’ in the second verse. Here, Bissell provides contrast while (1) upping the ante and (2) also impressing with some sickening falsetto (“It doesn’t feel like no coincidence / I’ve been in heaven every day that you’ve been gone”). The section to beat is the chorus:

“Someone lock me up

This heartbreak has got me drunk

Don’t know how to get unstuck

Erasing where it was, giving me some kind of rush

I won’t get enough, ‘til there’s nothing left but dust

Nothing left of us.”

Oh, snap! All said and done, ‘TEARS & GEARZ’ entices our ears with the brief but entertaining and potent “LOCK ME UP!”. Can you say #SLAY?!

~ Table of Contents ~

18. JENNIE, “ExtraL” (Ft. Doechii)

Ruby // Columbia // 2025

“Do my, do my ladies run this, ladies run this?” Hell yes, they do, JENNIE! Ahead of her debut album, Ruby, JENNIE unveiled single and sixth track, “ExtraL”. She enlisted the services of sickening, Grammy-winning rapper, Doechii. “ExtraL” was produced by Dem Jointz. The record is energetic from the onset. It sports sleek production work. JENNIE brings aggressive melodic rhymes. The attitude exhibited is lit! “All of my girls looking good and they got they own money / Pop your shit,” she raps, “This for my girls with no sponsor, they got they own funding’.” Word. Nice, harmonized background vocals support her. The chorus is tuneful:

“Ridin’ ‘round, foreign cars (Yeah)

Top down, starin’ at the stars (Yeah)

Attitude, so don’t star shit (Yeah)

Big moves, only extra-large, yeah (Yeah).”

It’s not only JENNIE who ‘kicks ass and takes names.’ Doechii ‘brings the heat’ with her electrifying rhymes, cadence, and flow during the second verse: “In the boardroom looking bored ‘cause I’m not here for pleasin’ the men,” she spits, continuing, “Not here to reason with them / Misbehaved, Miss Push-My-Pen.” All told, JENNIE impresses again with “ExtraL” which is extra good!

~ Table of Contents ~

19. Addison Rae, “High Fashion”

“High Fashion” // Columbia // 2025

“Wantin’ somethin’ more than just a hit (Ah) / Nothing else can make me feel like this.” Noted, Addison Rae. The ascending pop artist shows immense potential in “High Fashion”, which she penned alongside Tove Burman, and producers Luka Kloser and ELVIRA (Elvira Anderfjärd). The musical backdrop is unique. The sound palette is cool and sleek with modern touches. The song is groovy from the get-go. Rae’s vocals are cool, calm, collected, and breathy. Her tone is perfect for this vibe-laden number. Besides her pleasant singing, the vocal production is sick. Plenty of fun lyrics include the Rae asserting in the pre-chorus, “I know I’m drunk, but…” In the second verse, the sexual vibes are upped, though in a materialistic way: “I’d rather feel the sun kiss on my skin / With a cigarette pressed between my tits / You know I’m not an easy fuck (Ah) / But when it comes to shoes, I’ll be a slut.” High fashion, baby! Of course, the section to beat is the electrifying chorus:

“I don’t need your drugs

I’d rather get, rather get high fashion

I don’t want cheap love

I’d rather get high fashion.”

Ooh-wee! Ultimately, “High Fashion” is a pop bop that benefits from its cool, sleek sound, her breathy vocals, and entertaining lyrics.

~ Table of Contents ~

20. Mad Tsai, “One Of The Boys”

“One Of The Boys” // Mad Tsai // 2025

“Sweat dripping on my lips / Good god, you’re so masculine,” the smoking hot and talented Mad Tsai sings abruptly on “One Of The Boys”. He continues singing in the first verse, “Hate to say but I love it / You got me going when we’re wrestling.” Mad Tsai knows how to stimulate, that’s for sure! He penned the boy-centric pop joint with Maria Landi and producer Tele Fresco. One of the big takeaways is how he highlights masculinity. The bisexual pop artist hates to admit he enjoys their more heteronormative interactions. He’s not wrong when he adds, “We can talk about girls,” but Tsai sees more potential for them. In the tuneful, simplistic chorus, he sings:

“I’m just one of the boys

Boys, boys, boys, boys

You can make me your toy

Toy, toy, toy, toy

Baby you can just close your eyes and enjoy

I’m just one of the boys

Boys, boys, boys, boys, boys.”

Other masculine things include watching ballgames, frat house shenanigans, and working out, though to be fair, gay men love the gym, so… Notably, there is great talk-singing during the bridge. Here, Tsai showcases ample personality (“Baby slick your hair back / No shirt with my baseball bat / Boy if I pitch, can you catch?”). Beyond the entertaining lyrics, the song thrives off its modern pop sound: groove, synths, guitar, etc. Another selling point outside of the music is the sexy cover art. Mad Tsai showing off the midriff will ALWAYS be sexy! Ultimately, “One Of The Boys” is another winning pop bop from our favorite, bi pop star!

~ Table of Contents ~

21. Doechii, “Nosebleeds”

Doechii // “Nosebleeds” // Top Dawg Entertainment / Capitol // 2025

“You salty-ass bitches givin’ Lawry’s / Bad gyal Doechii, call her Michael Lowrey.” In just two lines from “Nosebleeds”, Grammy-winning rapper Doechii electrifies something fierce. The rapper earned a well-deserved Grammy for her mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal. Post-Alligator, “Nosebleeds” continues to show why she is a rising star in rap. Jonas Jeberg produced this short but potent banger. “Nosebleeds” features a menacing, minimalist sound at the onset. Doechii is aggressive. Her tone of voice is on-point. The record has a wildness about it that makes it ambitious and distinct. The synth and beat that appears during the chorus slap!

“Stepped out the swamp to the motherfuckin’ stage (Ho)

Cut my mic off ‘cause I’m ‘bout to misbehave (Hah)

‘Will she ever lose?’ Man, I guess we’ll never know

‘Will she lose hеr cool?’ I guess we’ll nevеr—

I hopped out the swamp, gave the bitch props

‘Doechii, where you been?’ ‘Doechii went pop’…”

The second verse maintains the same beat, with Doechii emphasizing ‘guess’ throughout. Notably, there are interludes between the verses with clapping snares (“Thank you to my swamp and thank you, God, I was broke…”). The chorus and third verse feature the same beat that first appears during the second verse. She confidently asserts, “I look good from the nosebleeds, bitch.” There is another beat-switch at the end of this brief but jam-packed cut (outro). Doechii showcases her versatility on “Nosebleeds”.

~ Table of Contents ~

22. ETHAN, “One More Song”

“ONE MORE SONG” // ETHAN // 2025

“And I know when I go out / It could go so wrong / Red eyes, sleep-deprived / But I just numb it all.” Word. Regardless, ETHAN (Ethan Choryin Luo) is headed to the club, specifically the dancefloor, on “ONE MORE SONG”. He penned “ONE MORE SONG” alongside producer klipo. (Johannes Bruun). Choryin Luo makes our ears perk up with his ripe, sexy pipes, particularly his falsetto. This man is sex on the track. He sings over a beautiful, sleek musical accompaniment comprised of a great danceable, thudding beat, warm pads, and synths. He superbly details his ‘going out’ experience: “Barely anybody left here / Staying ‘til it’s just the two of us / I’m seeing stars, stumbling to the bar / ask for another.”

The chorus is quite memorable:

“Last a little longer

Pushin’ it, pushin’ it

‘Til I get what I want

Vision wearing thinner

Pushin’ it, pushin’ it

‘Til the lights come on.”

Ooh-la-la! Somethin’ ‘bout that “pushin’ it” ETHAN gets me hot! Speaking of hot, I’d be remiss not to mention the sensual cover art. Ooh-wee! “ONE MORE SONG” marks another enjoyable gem from the talented musician.

Appears in :

11 Songs Associated with Number One, Vol. 3 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

23. Muni Long, “Slow Grind”

“Slow Grind” // Muni Long, Inc. / Def Jam Recordings // 2025

“I wanna hear your sounds, turn the TV down / Beat it up, beat it up, beat it up, goin’ ‘round.” Ooh-la-la! It’s getting sexual up in here! Grammy-winning R&B singer/ songwriter Muni Long (Priscilla Renea) drops a mean-sounding sex song with “Slow Grind”. She penned it herself, producing alongside Charlie Coffeen. She has a fabulous sound palette to sing atop. It features marvelous, characteristic contemporary R&B production. Beyond the backdrop, the melodies are rhythmic and, dare I say, sensual. “Follow me to my room, suite 232,” she sings naughtily in the second verse, concluding, “I’m in my birthday suit waitin’ for you.” Damn! Muni delivers a strong vocal performance – the expectation from the talented singer. Again, the sound screams S-E-X. Where the most tuneful melody hails from should come as no surprise – the chorus:

“One time, I wanna slow grind, baby

All night, I wanna slow grind, baby

That’s right, I wanna slow grind, baby

… Damn right, I wanna slow grind baby.”

“Slow Grind” may not be an innovative sex song, but it is a damn good one from Muni Long. It checks off all the boxes: memorable lyrics, sleek production, and elite vocals.

~ Table of Contents ~

24. Behemoth, “The Shit Ov God”

The Shit Ov God // Nuclear Blast // 2025

“Eat my flesh, drink my blood / I am the shit ov God.” ‘Holy shit’ is an appropriate reaction to the intro of “The Shit Ov God”. The Polish metal band Behemoth is fascinating. They have consistently embraced anti-Christian, blasphemous, and satanic elements in their music. That is part of their allure. Behemoth remains ‘infernal as hell’ on the promo single and third track from their 13^th studio album, The Shit Ov God. “The Shit of God” is dark, heavy, and hellish. Who would have it any other way or expect something different? This shit that Nergal (Adam Darski) sings about, as well as the rest of the band plays, hits you right in the chest. Nergal’s vocals are coarse and unrefined, while the lyrics are damning. “You brighten the north, I rage down south,” Nergal sings in the first verse, continuing, “This heretic’s homily I offer thee now.” And, holy shit, the homily, which appears in the chorus, is heretical to the nth degree. Behemoth scrambles the letters of Jesus and In His Service, transforming them into pessimistic, unholy things:

“I for ingrate

E to eradicate

S for scorn

U for useless

S for the shame

J for the joyless

H to humiliate

S for thy son unloved

We are the shit ov God

We are the shit ov God.”

Wow… In the second verse, Nergal continues embracing the left-hand path: “They say you’re almighty, an illusion I quell / You serve up in Eden, I reign in hell.” Behemoth remains firmly committed to its renowned atheistic, satanic vibes on “The Shit Ov God”.

Appears in :

13 Songs That Capture a Liberal Church Experience (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

25. T-Pain, Yaeji & Girl Talk, “Believe in Ya”

“Believe In Ya” // C&G / Stem // 2025

“You can do it, you can do it!” What happens when three millennial musicians collaborate? Musical excellence, of course! T-Pain (Faheem Najm), Yaeji (Kathy Yaeji Lee), and Girl Talk (Gregg Gillis) join forces on the infectious, sunny-sounding pop single “Believe In Ya”. Najm and Lee penned it, while Gillis produced it with excellent results. The groove ‘grooves hard.’ The sound has old-school vibes yet sounds refreshing. T-Pain kicks things off with an infectious, tuneful chorus everyone can believe in:

“Oh

I got faith in ya (Oh)

You can do it, you can do it

I believe in ya, baby, put your all into it

Get your back up off the wall.”

He follows up with the first verse (“I want you in my crib, wakin’ me up / Redbone, redbone, I’m makin’ ya blush,” and the ‘encouraging’ pre-chorus (“You’re so close, baby, don’t you stop, I’m watching”). Ooh-wee! Autotune and all, T-Pain’s vocals are exuberant and dynamic. Yaeji contrasts in the second verse, showing off her distinct pipes. “Surrounding energy for you / And me and the ones we love,” she sings, adding, “I got faith in you and us.” There are also some collaborative moments with T-Pain before the return of the chorus and the outro where both assert, “Get your back up off the wall.” Clocking in at a respectable three minutes, T-Pain, Yaeji, and Girl Talk deliver a highly believable bop in “Believe In Ya”!

Appears in :

13 Songs Where YOU Are the Focus (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

26. Omar Rudberg, “I’m Not a Boy”

“I’m Not A Boy” // Atlantic // 2025

According to the hunky Omar Rudberg, “I’m not a boy / I’m not a girl.” Per the chorus of “I’m Not a Boy”, the hunky Venezuelan Swedish actor and musician is “an alien out of this world / I’m no thing you can put into words.” So, summing things up, gender doesn’t accurately characterize him. Rudberg adds, “I’m just an idiot looking for love / I am nothing (6xs), oh.”

Anyways, Rudberg penned “I’m Not a Boy” alongside Sophia Somajo and producer Elias Kapari. Omar is dramatic during the centerpiece, highlighting who he is, that we don’t know who he is… something like that. During the verses and the pre-chorus, he addresses how others view him. “What do you know about my life?” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Lover, now don’t be a hater.” In the second verse, he asserts, “My mama didn’t make me basic / Sorry to tell you, but I am a freak.” Well, he does state later that he is an alien, so… In the pre-chorus, following the first verse, he characterizes his freakiness more colorfully: “Hid your husband, hide your wife / Kiss and tell them, ‘See you later’ / Sorry to tell you, but I am a freak.” Ultimately, Rudberg is who he is and who he is meant to be on “I’m Not a Boy”. Labels don’t accurately describe him.

Appears in :

~ Table of Contents ~

27. Lucy Dacus, “Ankles”

Forever Is A Feeling // Lucy Dacus / Geffen // 2025

“What if we don’t touch? / What if we only talk / About what we want and cannot have?” Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Lucy Dacus establishes a high bar on “Ankles” early on. “And I’ll throw a fit / If it’s all I can do,” she continues singing in the love-oriented first verse. “Ankles” is a promo single and the third track from Dacus’ fourth studio album, Forever Is A Feeling. Dacus penned it, producing alongside Blake Mills.

“Ankles” features an ear-catching, driving, rhythmic strings from the onset. Besides the strings, plenty of excellent rhythmic lines contribute to the colorful vibes of the musical accompaniment. “Ankles” is anchored by a solid groove. The backdrop is perfect for Dacus, who delivers a cool, calm, and collected vocal performance. She never gets too high or too low. She never sounds like she never even thinks of breaking a sweat. Expectedly, the songwriting is top-notch. “Agent of chaos, angel of death / One of three ancient fates,” she sings the poetic lyrics in the second verse, adding, “Playing with your scissors again.” Beyond radiant vocals and elite songwriting, the melodies are tuneful, particularly during the chorus:

“Pull me by the ankles to the edge of the bed

And take me like you do in your dreams

I’m not gonna stop you

I’m not gonna stop you this time, baby.”

The excellence of “Ankles” speaks for itself. Dacus continues to be one of the best songwriters of the 21^st century.

Appears in :

21 Randomly Curated, Amazing A Songs (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

28. GRANT KNOCHE, “AUTOPILOT”

“AUTOPILOT” // Grant Knoche Music // 2025

“You keep on pulling me close to the passenger side / Don’t think we’ll make it / Let’s put it on / autopilot.” Gen-Z, Dallas-born, LA-based pop singer, songwriter, and producer GRANT KNOCHE is incredibly talented. Knoche (pronounced ka-no-key if this is your “FIRST HELLO” with him) dropped “AUTOPILOT”, which he wrote with Bendik Møller and Jades Goudreault. He produced it.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GRANT KNOCHE (@grantknoche)

“Autopilot / Come and touch on my body / I don’t care who’s watching us.” Ooh-wee! That’s hot! Grant brings the ear candy to “AUTOPILOT,” PERIOD!!! The musical backdrop is fire, with a banging beat, colorful synths, and electrifying keys. This is how modern pop should sound. Vocally, KNOCHE sings calmly, coolly, and collectedly. He never breaks a sweat, even though listening to him sing, makes you sweat. Why? The vocal performance is sensual – titillating to the nth degree. KNOCHE never ‘crosses the line’ from a profanity perspective, but sex is sexing in this fun, three-minute bop: “Pulling up to the [gas] station / Hope there’s nobody home / Cause I’m filling up this tank naked / Let’s get this back on the road.” KNOCHE brings a lot to the table, which is fully displayed on “AUTOPILOT”. Also, that shirtless cover art is hot !

Appears in :

21 Randomly Curated, Amazing A Songs (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

29. Doechii, “Anxiety”

Alligator Bites Never Heal (Extended) // Top Dawg Entertainment, LLC / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2025

“Anxiety, keep on tryin’ me / I feel it quietly / Tryin’ to silence me, yeah.” Wait, Doechii… “Anxiety” sounds familiar for a couple of reasons. Notably, it samples a prominent, Grammy-winning one-hit-wonder, “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye featuring Kimbra. “Anxiety” also sounds familiar because Sleepy Hallow released a song named, “A N X I E T Y”? Notably, Doechii was sampled in the Sleepy Hallow song. Her song dates back to 2019. This is the official, finished version. It was written by Doechii, Luiz Bonfá, and, unsurprisingly, Gotye. Gotye is also credited as the producer.

Doechii delivers a compelling performance over that familiar, indie-pop backdrop that charmed the world ‘back when.’ She sings the chorus, which is one of the best parts of the song (excerpted above). Still, Doechii’s bread is buttered with her rapping. When she begins rapping, her cadence and flow is electrifying. She kicks off the first verse with fun wordplay: “Solo, no mojo / I bounce back, no pogo / Unhappy, no homo / New brands, no logos.” Word! The end of the verse is equally intriguing: “Okay, next thing, my life is a wet dream / I call it a sex scene, the back is a nice tease.” The second verse is alluring as well, referencing Florida, water, and memorably spitting, “No limits, no borders / What’s in that new world order? Marco (Marco), Polo (Polo)…”. In the bridge, she mentions her anxiety, bringing out the anxiousness to a tee in the chorus. Doechii continues to show her range and talent in “Anxiety”.

Appears in :

21 Randomly Curated, Amazing A Songs (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

30. RYANN, “Housewife”

“Housewife” // RYANN // 2025

“We ate lasagna / Now you’re lying on top of me / You whisper: I love you / I say it back.” Aww, how sweet RYANN (Ryan Adriaens)! The 21-year-old singer/songwriter from the Netherlands has found love despite the fact he did not feel like it was possible on “Housewife”: “I had never really been in love before / I had convinced myself I was asexual.” He is not asexual, hinted at by the lyrics from the first verse, with confirmation provided in the second. The single cover art stands out with the Gen-Z singer/songwriter dressed in a housedress as a housewife. Notably, the spray bottle of cleaning solution is labeled with his name. All the while, the handsome musician sports yellow gloves, a yellow handcloth, and the pride flag painted on his face, proudly . Perhaps those “Gay Struggles” are over!

“Housewife” features warm, pop production. The warmth of the musical backdrop is matched by beautiful, cool, calm, and collected vocals by RYANN. Love is the modus operandi, with Adriaens willing to be his housewife. Naturally, he references cleaning and even goes so far as to assert he’ll give birth to his children (“And I’ll give birth to your children as many as you would like”). Adriaens is expressing his dedication to his love. As mentioned earlier, this previously convinced ace sings about great sex: “We lie naked in bed / We had our moment in the dark / You told me it was the best you’ve ever had / And I agreed.” The bridge provides contrast. RYANN sings about how it didn’t feel right with his ex (“I didn’t want to be his housewife”). The centerpiece of “Housewife” is the chorus, which acknowledges how strongly he feels about his boyfriend.

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A post shared by RYANN (@ryannsounds)

Appears in :

RYANN, Housewife: Beaming with Pride ️‍ 20 (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~

31. Matt Maltese, “Anytime, Anyplace, Anyhow”

“Anytime, Anyplace, Anyhow” // Tonight Matthew / The Orchard // 2025

“I picture you naked at the worst time / Eating with my family, playing live / I don’t care for Spain when you’re in Shanghai.” Matt Maltese is crazy about her in his marvelous song, “Anytime, Anyplace, Anyhow”. Even at the most inappropriate and inopportune time, he thinks about her particularly physically. The London singer/songwriter composed and produced “Anytime, Anyplace, Anyhow.” The song has many positive attributes. The songwriting is terrific. Maltese writes honestly and vulnerably; he’s incredibly relatable. In the centerpiece, the chorus, he sings:

“Anytime, anyplace, anyhow

You’re allowed to call me to your hotel suite

I don’t care who you’re with or where you’ve been

Anytime, anyplace, anyhow

You’re allowed to treat me like a piece of meat

I don’t care if it’s been a year or if it’s been 16.”

Man, oh, man. Beyond the clever songwriting (“I’m apoplectic looking at the stars”), with its dedicated, romantic, and sentimental vibes, Maltese delivers gorgeous, distinct vocals. He sings with incredible expression yet never gets too low or too high. The melodies he brings to life are tuneful from start to finish. The harmonic progression and the musical underpinnings add to the excellence. The production work is stunning; Maltese is backed by gorgeous musical accompaniment. There is a clarinet solo, which you rarely hear in popular music. Matt Maltese ‘put his foot into’ “Anytime, Anyplace, Anyhow” capturing longing, love, and lust. Bravo!

Appears in :

21 Randomly Curated, Amazing A Songs (2025)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amusement, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Bentley Robles Music, Big Loud, C&G, Capitol, Columbia, Def Jam Recordings, Epic, ETHAN, gamma., Geffen, Haim Productions Inc., Grant Knoche Music, High Standardz, Interscope, Island, KRA International Inc., Loma Vista Recordings, Lucy Dacus, Mad Tsai, Matador, Metal Blade, Muni Long, Inc., Nice Life Recording Company, Not So Fast LLC, Nuclear Blast, Perfume Genius, Pigasus, RCA, Rebel, Songs & Daughters, RYANN, Stem, SWIMS Int., The Orchard, The Smeezingtons, Tonight Matthew, Top Dawg Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner; Juan José Carranza from Pexels; AcatXIo, bookdragon, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Prawny, StockSnap, succo, TASFIQ UR RAHMAN NABILfrom Pixabay]

Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on March 31, 2025March 31, 2025