Don West, Rather Be Lonely | Bangerz N Bopz

In the 35^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2026), we highlight “Rather Be Lonely” performed by  Australian soul musician and model Don West.

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz serves up background info and insights into songs across various styles, especially those that raise eyebrows and/or stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 35^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2026), we break down “Rather Be Lonely” performed by Don West.

To be next to you, Don West (Bartholomew Rollins) – there’s so much many of us would do! I mean, as he sings about wanting to “Be the sunshine in your bedroom / Makin’ love in the afternoon,” it gives you some NSFW thoughts 😈. Mr. West is a beautiful man. That’s not a far-fetched observation – he is a model, after all.  Beyond making us swoon, the Australian hunk is also a talented soul musician.  Make no mistake about it, he proves he has the chops as a soul musician on his delightful 2024 single, “Rather Be Lonely”. It appears as the first track from his 2025 self-titled EP, which features a beautiful painting of a shirtless Mr. West 😍.  Of course, the single cover art features a shirtless West swimming.  Also, beautiful 😍! Focusing on the music and not his tea body, Rollins and Tasker wrote and produced a terrific song that fits him to a T. 

“Rather Be Lonely” commences with a dramatic, Motown-inspired instrumental introduction. The instrumentation includes saxophone, keyboards, vibraphone, bass, and drums.  The sounds recall vintage soul, firmly planted in the 1960s.  Once Don West enters the mix, he keeps the same energy. His vocals ooze with soul. He never forces things.  Honestly, it sounds as if that chiseled body never breaks a sweat, despite the work put in 🤭.  “What I would do to be by your side / Try to give you all the love that you could never find.” Word, Don. Adding to the captivating sounds are background vocals, which sound primarily female.  As calm, cool, and collected as Don is, he brings a bit more during the second verse.  Still, he allows his rich, warm tone to do the work rather than gospel histrionics or vocal acrobatics. The chorus is incredibly simple but fabulous:

“I’d rather be lonely (Lonely, lonely)

Than find someone new (Find someone new)

I’d rather be lonely

If I don’t have you.”

“Rather Be Lonely” is the sugar, honey, iced tea, particularly if you are an old-school soul music enthusiast.  Excellent singing, songwriting, and a thoughtful musical arrangement and production makes this contemporary soul record special.

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Don West » Don West (EP) » Don West / Mandatory Music » 2024

Don West, Rather Be Lonely: Bangerz N Bopz No. 35 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Don West / Mandatory Music; Art Laurence Luzon, cottonbro studio, Osmar Vasques, Sebastian Ervi, Wallyson Nascimento from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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