BOY, These Songs Are About You, Part 2 features songs by Ariana Grande, Conan Gray, Isabel LaRosa, Purple Disco Machine x Benjamin Ingrosso, Tems, and Tinashe.
According to Ariana Grande, “The BOY is mine / I can’t wait to try him / Le-let’s get intertwined / The stars, they aligned.” As for the handsome and talented Benjamin Ingrosso (the honey boy), “Honey boy, you’re too young, but let me give you a night you won’t forget.” And how about the gift that is Tinashe? She gives a big FU to lame B-O-Y-S: “No broke boys, no new friends / I’m that pressure, give me my tens / Ain’t no lie, ain’t no shade / Fuck on me, then you know he paid.” If you couldn’t tell, this list is about a beloved, important topic: boys!
BOY, These Songs Are About You, Part 2 is the BOY-driven follow-up to BOY, These Songs Are About You (2023). It is one of many playlists about those beloved, yet frustrating beings known as boys. BOY, These Songs Are About You, Part 2 features songs from Ariana Grande, Conan Gray, Isabel LaRosa, Purple Disco Machine x Benjamin Ingrosso, Tems, and Tinashe. So, without further ado, let’s embrace the good and, unfortunately, the bad, about boys through song!
~ Table of Contents ~
1. Ariana Grande, “the boy is mine”
2. Purple Disco Machine & Benjamin Ingrosso, “Honey Boy”
5. Isabel LaRosa, “Pretty Boy”
8. Parsa Sleighter, “A Playboy’s Blues”
12. The Waitresses, “I Know What Boys Like”
13. Bentley Robles, “GOD IS A FUCKBOY”
14. Dan Jarman, “boys hurting boys”
1. Ariana Grande, “the boy is mine”
eternal sunshine // Republic // 2024
“How can it be? You and me / Might be meant to be, can’t unsee it / But I don’t wanna cause no scene.” Ariana Grande is fierce AF on the 90s-inspired “the boy is mine”, the eighth track on her critically acclaimed, 2024 LP, eternal sunshine. In this song, written and produced by Grande alongside Max Martin, Shintaro Yasuda, and DaviDior (ILYA also produces), Grande accepts the controversy she receives being in a relationship with this man. In the first verse, she adds, “I’m usually so unproblematic,” but of course, the power of the boy has driven her to the dark side (“And God knows I’m tryin’, but there’s just no use in denying”). Despite being devilish, she sounds angelic from a vocal perspective. In the second verse, she makes it clear the way this relationship has gone down wasn’t as intended. Still, she’s confident that “My girls, they always come through in a sticky situation / Say, ‘it’s fine.’” In the bridge, she takes accountability for the mess, but also states, “I can’t ignore my heart, boy.” In the chorus, Grande embraces her lustful side: “The boy is mine / I can’t wait to try him / Le-let’s get intertwined / The stars, they aligned.” Messy love or nah, the Grammy winner brings the heat on this one.
Appears in 🔻:
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2. Purple Disco Machine & Benjamin Ingrosso, “Honey Boy” (Ft. Nile Rodgers & Shenseea)
Paradise // Columbia // 2024
“My my oh my my / Won’t you come and let me dive / My my oh my my / Won’t you come and play me all night, night.” Play, Benjamin Ingrosso, you Swedish hottie, you 😈. The singer shows off his sickening pipes on “Honey Boy”, a single from Paradise, the 2024 studio album by German DJ and producer, Purple Dance Machine. Attributed to Purple Dance Machine and Ingrosso, “Honey Boy” also features iconic guitarist, songwriter, and, producer, Nile Rodgers, and gorgeous Jamaican singer, Shenseea. Purple Dance Machine, Rodgers, and Hampus Lindvall produced this infectious bop.
In verse one, Benjamin references his social awkwardness against an unawkward, groovy AF instrumental. “I never said a single word to any girl / I was afraid that I would fuck it up,” he sings, adding, “But then one day I saw her face and the old me would’ve walked away / But then I took a chance.” Aww, Benjamin, way to be brave! However, she says, “Honey boy, you’re too young, but let me give you a night you won’t forget.” Oh, snap 🫰 😈! Shenseea puts her sexy two cents in during the pre-chorus (“Bet you like, bet you like how it’s feeling, oh” 😈) and joins in during the chorus. Ingrosso serves up a second ear-catching verse, including a jealous friend (“You should have seen the jealous look on his Danny’s face”) and this nameless woman taking Ben under her wing (“All your friends will never know the things that you will learn”). Oh, snap! The melodies are tuneful, and the lyrics are F-U-N. The music is sweet, too, thanks to Rodger’s guitar playing and his production/writing skills alongside Purple Disco Machine. “Honey Boy” is an infectious, kickass, must-hear contemporary dance / dance-pop / disco cut.
Appears in 🔻:
~ Table of Contents ~
3. Chlöe, “Boy Bye”
Trouble In Paradise // Parkwood Entertainment LLC / Columbia // 2024
“Boy, bye / Bye / I won’t even cry / You stupid motherfucker.” Chlöe (Chlöe Bailey) exhibits plenty of attitude on “Boy Bye”, the third track from her sophomore album, Trouble In Paradise. She penned this ‘anthem’ alongside Carter Lang, Yeti Beats, jesse saint john, Kurtis McKenzie, Rogét Chahayed, and Soraya LaPread. Yeti Beats, Chahayed, Lang, and McKenzie produced it. One thing is clear – she’s kicking this lame-o to the curb! “Boy Bye” contrasts previous records from Bailey. While it still falls under the R&B umbrella, it’s poppier. The groove kicks ass, helping to fuel the narrative she paints about this no-good dude. Lyrically, it’s familiar territory but it never gets old. In the first verse, Chlöe states, “If we bein’ honest, it was never my fault / You just gave a little while I gave my all.” In the second, she says, “You can go back to the girl you fuckin’ on the low /… I think by now that you should know you a silly ho.” Woo! In the pre-chorus, he’s got her messed up, but in the chorus, she lets that stupid mofo walk! Chlöe has received some justified criticism as a solo artist, but on “Boy Bye” things click. She sings well, brings feistiness and sassiness, the lyrics are relatable (and profane), and the record sounds incredible.
Appears in 🔻:
~ Table of Contents ~
4. Zee Machine, “Good Boy”
CAN I BE HONEST…? // ZEE MACHINE // 2024
“I’m making your eyes roll back, so, you’ll answer my call (answer my call) / Baby, say it out loud / Being such a good boy for me now.” Talented, LA-based musician ZEE MACHINE (Joe Bissell) brings midnight and musical heat on their naughty, slickly produced “Good Boy” (CAN I BE HONEST…?). Bissell penned this sexy record and produced it alongside Moises Zulaica. The awesome sounds that grace “Good Boy” include rhythmic, scintillating synths, pummeling drums (including sweet drum runs), and electrifying guitars. This record features a fabulous blend of electronic, pop, and rock. The biggest claim to fame is the high-flying, powerful vocals by Bissell. Their upper register = everything. Given the flirty, fun, and playful writing and the ear-catching accompanying instrumental, it’s easy for ZEE MACHINE To bring the heat. Sex is inspiring, and Bissell leans into it. Per ZEE, “Your body’s a highway, I’d travel every mile / Now that I got you wearing nothing but a smile.” This boy is doing a number on Bissell’s nether: “Driving me, driving me, driving me crazy (whoa!) / Waking my neighbors up all night long / And I know you’re just a temporary thrill / But the moment I feel you around me, I’m going for the kill.” Bissell enjoys the pleasure: “I feel like sinning baby / I got something to confess / I know I’m winning ‘cause I found me the best, we’re the best.” This “Good Boy” is more like a bad boy!
Appears in 🔻:
- Zee Machine, Good Boy: Beaming with Pride 🏳️🌈 10 (2024)
- 50 Bops from 2024 That Make You Beam with Pride 🏳️🌈
~ Table of Contents ~
5. Isabel LaRosa, “Pretty Boy”
“Pretty Boy” // Slumbo Labs / RCA // 2024
“I want your name forever / Behind mine.” Isabel LaRosa is thinking about marriage before she turns 20 years old! The Gen-Z, Cuban American pop musician has a “Pretty Boy” in mind. With the help of her older brother, Thomas LaRosa, they penned this boy-loving pop joint. Thomas, alongside Lucas Sim, produced it. Brief, just clocking past the two-minute mark, Isabel speaks her peace about this pretty boy. There’s trouble in relationship paradise, though… “Boy, I’m holding on for life…” The negativity is ‘negativing’ in the first verse: “Angry words… / Feel their worst… / When we try it one more time.” Hmm, can they successfully reunite? In the second verse, LaRosa remains perturbed, while singing with a breathy tone: “Watch me cry, drowning eyes / Are you running from the truth?” The chorus is the centerpiece, where Isabel implores him to be hers, again!
“Baby, be my pretty boy (Pretty boy, pretty boy)
I’m so obsessed, it’s not a choice (Not a choice, not a choice)
I’m melting when I hear your voice
I belong to you.”
Oh, snap, it’s serious! All told Isabel LaRosa drops a short but sweet pop bop with “Pretty Boy”. We buy what she’s selling. Besides her breathy, fierce, and indulgent vocals, the instrumental backdrop is sweet too. Set in a minor key, with dark, rhythmic vibes, “Pretty Boy” is the stuff.
Appears in 🔻:
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6. Conan Gray, “Boys & Girls”
Found Heaven // Republic // 2024
“You wouldn’t care if I fell over and died / Sigh, I’m not the only.” Oh, snap, Conan Gray. So, what’s the problem in “Boys & Girls”? “He wants ya, he wants ya / You don’t even see me / She wants ya, she wants ya / There’s no point competing.” In other words, in the highlight from his third studio album, Found Heaven, this person he ‘really’ likes is liked by everybody. Bummer! Gray penned “Boys & Girls” alongside juggernaut songwriter and producer Max Martin and Oscar Holter. Conan sounds terrific, wowing with a brilliant falsetto and playful vocal performance. In the second verse, the vocal effects used are incredibly cool and fit the tenor of the track (“You got a face that’s technologic / Nobody cares that you’re psychotic”). He’s supported by a rhythmic accompaniment. The production is sleekly produced. The sound of the record is giving 1980s new wave. The synths are ear-catching, and the percussion runs colorful. The melodies Gray sings are tuneful, particularly the simple but potent chorus:
“Boys and girls
Boys and girls
Boy and girls
They want ya, they want ya
Boys and girls
B-boys and girls.”
Found Heaven was slept on. It shouldn’t have been. There are no shortage of bops including “Boys & Girls.”
~ Table of Contents ~
7. Tinashe, “No Broke Boys”
Quantum Baby // Tinashe Music Inc. / Nice Life Recording Company // 2024
“Ex on the line, just as I suspected / No one really gets over me.” Oh, snap! Tinashe ‘comes out swinging’ on “No Broke Boys”, the seventh track from her 2024 album, Quantum Baby. Unbothered, rather “unaffected” by his poor decisions, she is “out here single, and I need somethin’ real” and she’s “Got standards, give a fuck how you feel.” Damn! Tinashe penned the fierce, unapologetic “No Broke Boys” alongside Phoelix and Ricky Reed. Phoelix and Reed, alongside Zack Sekoff, produced the pop bop that swears off dumbass boys! The chorus is the crowning achievement, where Tinashe embraces being a ‘badass bitch’ and is picky about who she dates or does:
“No broke boys, no new friends
I’m that pressure, give me my tens
Ain’t no lie, ain’t no shade
Fuck on me, then you know he paid.”
Team Tinashe all day! F them broke boys!
~ Table of Contents ~
8. Parsa Sleighter, “A Playboy’s Blues”
“A Playboy’s Blues” // Parsa Sleighter // 2024
“No one talk to me in ‘cause I’m in love.” The extraordinarily fine Parsa Sleighter knows what he’s doing to us with those shirtless pics and gorgeous eyes 🔥 🥵 😮💨. But, the focus is on his musical talent that shines like a beacon on his single, “A Playboy’s Blues”. That said, this song fueled by infatuation is hot 🥵 too. It’s the music, the voice, and the vibe. Parsa wrote a bop that is distinct and sounds very Californian. “A Playboy’s Blues” is indulgent (positively), hypnotic, and mesmerizing. The first time you hear it, beginning with the stellar instrument intro, it sucks you in. The production is unique sounding amorous, bright, and warm – it’s otherworldly. The sound palette is marvelous – the groove, keys, synths, rich guitar, and robust bass line. Not only does the record give indulgent vibes, but so do the yearning vocals by Parsa. His tone is beautiful and clearly, the love he’s experiencing is impenetrable, at least from his perspective. “You raise me up, and take me closer towards heaven,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “And when your lips touch mine / It makes me feel like a kid again.” Damn 😮💨. His honesty and memorable melodies are a big selling point. The section to beat is the chorus (arguably, you can label it otherwise) where there is a change of feel compared to the verses. The guitar riffs rachet up while chilling vocal harmonies complement Sleighter’s lead.
“He’s backwoods on fire and I’m in love
Dancing on the patio
Now his shirt is off
Moving his hips and his hands are up
He whispers in my ear, and it sounds like a song
Swaying to the beat under the moon above
No one talk to me ‘cause I’m in love.”
Relatable… at least, the fantasy of it, sigh. “A Playboy’s Blues” is a song that becomes even more special with successive listens. It’s magical initially but unveils more excellence as the ears pick up on all the musical brilliance Parsa Sleighter puts in. A beautiful song from a beautiful man 🤭.
Appears in 🔻:
- Parsa Sleighter, A Playboy’s Blues: Beaming with Pride 🏳️🌈 39 (2024)
- 13 Songs Filled with the Blues (2024)
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9. Tems, “Boy O Boy”
Born in the Wild // RCA / Since 93’ // 2024
“You raise my blood pressure / My headaches, my trust aches / My heartbeat.” Boys do that, Tems! On “Boy O Boy,” the 10th track on her 2024 album, Born in the Wild, the Nigerian singer expresses her misgivings about the opposite sex. “Sometimes I want to strangle you / But I have to sit and look,” she sings in the second verse, adding, “Sometimes, I wanna choke you out / and maybe even brush you up.” At least she’s the bigger person and doesn’t resort to violence. Despite her honesty about boys, she serves up smooth vocals flaunting a gorgeous. The vocals aren’t the only smooth thing about “Boy O Boy.” The guitar accompaniment is buttery smooth, characteristic of contemporary R&B. Eventually, the backdrop becomes fuller but without drums. They’re not needed for this ballad which is relatively simple but utterly relatable.
~ Table of Contents ~
10. Nejure, “BOYFRIEND”
“BOYFRIEND” // Nejure // 2024
Italian singer Nejure is Che bell’uomo! He is a certified hottie who rocks hard without a shirt and is also alluring as a musician. He raised the temperature on his ‘damn gay song’, “BOYFRIEND”, written by Matteo Scarabicchi, and produced by Nejure and Pashabeats. The instrumental is one of many selling points regarding “BOYFRIEND.” The accompaniment is colorful, superbly embracing the American pop aesthetic. The backdrop is a fabulous mixture of cool and exuberant synths, anchored by a sick groove. Beyond the instrumental, Nejure slays vocally. He sounds as beautiful as he looks. His accent is charming and sexy. The sexiness is fitting given the romantic theme. Furthermore, warm vocal production ups the ante. The simple, repetitive lyrics of the chorus leave doubt in my mind about what Nejure desires, as well as his – wait for it – boyfriend: “I wanna be your boyfriend / You wanna be my boyfriend / I wanna be your boyfriend / You wanna be my boyfriend.” No extensive analysis is necessary here. Nejure is a handsome, talented individual who easily tickles my fancy with his sophomore single, “BOYFRIEND”. It’s well-produced, well-performed, and lyrically and thematically, it’s simple and relatable. Eccezionale!
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~ Table of Contents ~
11. M the Myth, “Pin-up Boy”
“Pin-up Boy” // Blonde // 2024
“I got thighs thicker than a woman / All eyes looking me up and down.” Oh, snap, M the Myth. The fearless non-binary musician (they/them pronouns) comes out swinging on “Pin-up Boy”, a queer-pop sex song everybody needs to hear. The thrilling, clubby joint benefits from its naughty, risqué-sounding backdrop. The production is lit. The accompaniment is the perfect soundtrack for an unapologetic, lustful, and pleasing experience M the Myth alludes to. They deliver a playful vocal performance. The innuendo is lit throughout “Pin-up Boy,” which makes it more titillating. M the Myth sings, “You and me / On the bathroom floor / Look into my eyes / Every lie, every lie.” The only truth that seems to be important is what’s going down on that bathroom floor 😈. The chorus is the section to beat, filled with masterful double entendre:
“I’m your pin-up boy
Keep stroking my ego
I’m the centerfold
With my whole heart open
Stick it in me, stick it in me…”
Stroking, huh 😈? Whole versus hole… 😈? “Stick it in me”… 😈 We see what you’re doing M the Myth! “Pin-up Boy” is a marvelous, spicy, queer pop sex bop!
Appears in 🔻:
~ Table of Contents ~
12. The Waitresses, “I Know What Boys Like”
Wasn’t Tomorrow Wonderful? // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1982
Per The Waitresses – specifically Patty Donahue: “I know what boys like / I know what guys want / I know what boys like / I’ve what boys like.” Word. “I Know What Boys Like” is the sole hit by the American new-wave band. As infectious as the song is, it didn’t ignite the pop charts, peaking modestly at no. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. Still, this Chris Butler-penned gem is considered a classic from the 1980s, appearing as the fifth track on their 1982 album, Wasn’t Tomorrow Wonderful?. The lyrics aren’t deep. Donahue continues singing in the first verse, “I see them looking / I make them want me / I like to tease them / They want to touch me / I never let them.” The second verse is similar to the first, where sassy Patti mentions her “cat moves,” singing, “Fun to frustrate them / They get so angry / Like pouty children / Denied their candy / I laugh right at them.” In the bridge, she acts as if she’ll let the boys indulge, but it’s hard to believe anyone who asserts, “You can trust me / Sucker.” Besides the simple but entertaining lyrics, and Donahue’s fun, tongue-in-cheek performance, the instrumental delivers the goods too. It’s the prickly guitar, the big bass line, the quirky groove, and the unconventional phrases. There’s also a raucous saxophone in the mix enhancing the timbre. “I Know What Boys Like” is a classic that deserves wider recognition.
Appears in 🔻:
- The Waitresses, I Know What Boys Like: 1 Hit WONDERful 14 (2024)
- 13 Marvelous Songs in the KNOW (2024)
~ Table of Contents ~
13. Bentley Robles, “God is a Fuckboy”
UGLY CRIER (DELUXE) // Bentley Robles Music // 2024
Matters of the heart can fuck you up, badly, particularly at the hands of a fuckboy. The term, albeit vulgar, elicits a worthwhile conversation regarding dating, however. In the case of fearless pop artist Bentley Robles (Bruno Pazzi Robles), an UGLY CRIER, love, or the illusion of love, has done a number on him, courtesy of fuckboys. “My friends always say that I ruin new things cause of you,” he sings in the first verse of “GOD IS A FUCKBOY”, adding, “Spend all my time blaming myself / But I don’t really think it’s my fault / It’s just that I’m built like this / I’m clinically a romantic guy.” Fair enough. So, who’s to blame for you “cry-ing about boys that don’t deserve it?” The ultimate fuckboy – God, apparently 🫢. In the second track of UGLY CRIER (Deluxe), Robles has an epiphany – one considered blasphemous by some!
“I never thought much about him before this
But in this moment on one thing, I’m focused
If God led me straight to you
Then God must be a fuckboy too.”
Robles is boldly honest, which makes him captivating as a musical artist. It doesn’t stop there. He adds, “I wish that someone could see / That the big guy is picking on me / Wish I could just send him a text like / ‘Daddy, just give it a rest’.” There’s also, “And they say, I can do all things in God but / He’s doing a really bad job, yeah / I don’t know why / He spends his time / Sending me so many bad guys.” Over the exuberant, synth-driven production (FLORIO), Robles states that He (aka God) “is a fuckboy” repeating it numerous times. Associating God with fuckery take some stones. Robles, all told, delivers an ear-catching, PRIDE beaming, pop song.
Appears in 🔻:
- Bentley Robles, GOD IS A FUCKBOY: Beaming with Pride 🏳️🌈 12 (2024)
- 50 Bops from 2024 That Make You Beam with Pride 🏳️🌈
~ Table of Contents ~
14. Dan Jarman, “boys hurting boys”
“boys hurting boys” // Dan Jarman // 2024
“Boys hurting boys / It’s the vibe of summer.” The vibe is questionable Dan Jarman but you speak the truth. The pop singer/songwriter wrote his sunny-sounding debut song, “Boys hurting boys”. Olli Daffarn and SoundSetters produced. Even with the ‘hurt’ happening between boys, specifically him and his ex-bf, Jarman seems at peace with the breakup. “Up late-night drinking / Midnight and falling / In the dark in your flat,” he sings nostalgically, continuing, “Now you’re back in Chicago / I’ve got your heart though / Bet you miss dancing like that.” Notably, these recurrent lyrics find Jarman ascending into his powerful upper register. He’s more dynamic as he recollects the past. “Time to leave the past / In the past.” Truer words have never been spoken. Dan sings more cool, calm, and collected in the verses. He sounds breezy – ‘cool like summer’ – never breaking a sweat. He sings tuneful melodies with ease, confessing the end of their romance. “My obsession with you / Is slowly dying,” he admits. Oh, snap! Later, he provides perfect evidence of their incompatibility beyond the past:
“It’s meant to be, meant to be
What, like Jekyll and Hyde?
You and me, you and me
Can’t you see, can’t you see
It’s time for new storylines.”
“Boys hurting boys” is delightful, benefitting from warm production, strong songwriting, and a sublime vocal performance.
Appears in 🔻:
~ Table of Contents ~
15. Rose Royce, “Ooh Boy”
In Full Bloom // Warner // 1977
“Ooh boy, I love you so / Never, ever, ever gonna let you go / Once I get my hands on you.” Rose Norwalt (Gwen Dickey), the lead vocalist of Rose Royce, serves up elegant vocals on “Ooh Boy”. “Ooh Boy” is the third track on the R&B/soul/funk collective’s 1977 LP, In Full Bloom. Dickey continues singing in the unforgettable chorus, “Ooh boy, I love you so / Never, ever, ever gonna let you go / I hope you feel the same way too.” The fabulous song was written and produced by the one-and-only Norman Whitfield. Whitfield put his foot into this hit that modestly impacted the pop charts (no. 72 on the Billboard Hot 100). It fared better on the R&B charts, reaching no. 3. The theme of “Ooh Boy” is simple: a girl is infatuated with a boy and doesn’t even know his name! Despite this, as Dickey asserts, “Infatuation, love at first sight / I don’t know, I just know that the feeling is right.” In the second verse, Gwen sings, “But I want you to know that deep down in my soul / I’m experiencing something wonderful and new.” Aww! “Ooh Baby” is groovy from the beginning. It thrives off stellar, tuneful melodies and infectious, memorable, and relatable lyrics. The instrumental accompaniment is the cat’s meow. The horn riffs are funky. It’s also alluring and sweet when the riff is carried in the strings. Additionally, the rhythm section is locked-in – on-point, baby!
Appears in 🔻:
~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~
BOY, These Songs Are About You, Part 2 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Bentley Robles Music, Blonde, Columbia, Dan Jarman, Nejure, Nice Life Recording Company, Parkwood Entertainment LLC, Parsa Sleighter, RCA, Republic, Since 93’, Slumbo Labs, Tinashe Music Inc., UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner, ZEE MACHINE; andresilva5, Angelo Esslinger, anonymous afro portrait, Dasha Kartavtseva, ernestflowerss, Km Nazrul Islam, Masoud Mostafaei, Matty Rogers, Raman Spirydonau, Robiul Islam Pailot, sai peaky, Trung Tín, William Adams from Pixabay]
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