Entertaining, if Medically Sus Doctor Songs, Vol. 1

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Entertaining, if Medically Sus Doctor Songs, Vol. 1 features music courtesy of Ciara, Jack Harris, Khamari, Miami Sound Machine, and Pharrell Williams.

Patient: DOCTOR, DOCTOR, musical medical attention is needed, PRONTO! What’s the cure, doc?

THE MUSICAL HYPE: It’s simple – a playlist! A musical compendium takes the doctor away… sort of… maybe not. Anyways, the specific playlist that’ll attempt to heal those musical medical pains? Why, Entertaining, if Medically Sus Doctor Songs, Vol. 1! The first of at least two volumes of doctor-related songs, Entertaining, if Medically Sus Doctor Songs, Vol. 1 features music courtesy of Ciara, Jack Harris, Khamari, Miami Sound Machine, and Pharrell Williams among others. So, say goodbye to the musical pains because this list right here has 10 engaging songs sure to make you feel all better!

1. Pharrell Williams & Miley Cyrus, “Doctor (Work It Out)”

“Doctor (Work It Out)” // Columbia // 2024

When Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus join forces, plenty of magic is unleashed. These Grammy-winning standouts bring the heat on “Doctor (Work It Out)”. This three-minute and change joint was penned by Williams, Cyrus, and Michael Pollack. Pharrell hands the work behind the boards, kicking things off with his signature, four count. From there, over a minimal but potent instrumental, following the tone-setting, introductory bar, Miley gets to work! “I could be your doctor / And I could be your nurse / I think I see the problem / It’s only gon’ get worse,” Cyrus sings, in all her ‘medical’ glory in the tuneful chorus. She continues, “A midnight medication / Just show me where it hurts / I need to rock you, baby / Before your body bursts.” Ooh-wee! In the post-chorus, for good measure, she asserts, “Let lil mama work you out.” Gah-day-um! The record only features a sole verse, but Miley makes it worthwhile whenever and whatever she sings. Her lead vocals are expressive and playful, while the background vocals add to the fun and allure with their tongue-in-cheek vibes. The songwriting isn’t deep, nor is it intended to be – “Are you on the fence? / Still playing on the side / Are you on the fence? / Don’t waste my damn time” – but ultimately, “Doctor (Work It Out)” is entertaining… also, groovy.

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: March 2024

2. Miami Sound Machine, “Dr. Beat”

Eyes of Innocence // Sony Music Entertainment // 1984

“Emergency! Paging Dr. Beat! Emergency!” And thus, begins “Dr. Beat” with its corny but irresistible, tongue-in-cheek intro. “Dr. Beat” appears on Eyes of Innocence, the 1984, English language debut album by Latin-pop band, Miami Sound Machine. The electrifying, utterly infectious record kicks off Eyes of Innocence with a bang. Of course, with Gloria Estefan on vocals, the expectation is sheer excellence! Enrique Elias Garcia composed “Dr. Beat” while Emilio Estefan, Jr. (Gloria’s talented hubby) produced it.

“Deep inside of me / I just can’t control my feet / When I hear the beat.” Woo! Better yet, OW! Just like in the playful intro, Estefan brings the heat vocally. She exhibits plenty of personality, which sells “Dr. Beat.” What does she need help doing? Why, dancing, of course! “I just don’t know, don’t know / How I’m gonna deal with you,” Estefan sings, adding, “Won’t you help me, Dr. Beat?” Even with the ‘fever’ experienced, Gloria dances it out! She gets a lift from the sensational instrumental. Here, the percussion hits hard from the onset. The synths are picturesque – characteristic of the 80s. Furthermore, Miami Sound Machine catches the ear with its marvelous rhythm guitar and exuberant, articulated horns. “Dr. Beat” is just what the doctor ordered back in 1984. And guess what, his prescription has yet to expire 40 years later!

Appears in 🔻:

Miami Sound Machine, Dr. Beat: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 59 (2024)

3. Jack Harris, “Careful What You Wish For (the doctor said to)

“Careful What You Wish For (the doctor said to)” // Columbia // 2024

“I’m going through the motions / I’d sell my soul to make me sad.” Hmm, really, Jack Harris? Harris appears to have some mental health issues in his minor-key, 2024 single, “Careful What You Wish For (the doctor said to).” In the second verse, he asserts, “Something is missing, there’s predisposition / I feel like I’m living inside of my head.” Yikes! Before that, in the pre-chorus, he makes it known he needs something, clarified in the centerpiece, the chorus by the doctor:

“Take this pill, you’ll feel much better

When you wake up numb and your brain’s been severed

And your heartbeat won’t be based on the weather

When you sell yourself to me

Took your peace, your pain, your pleasure

And I left you with one face forever

You won’t hurt anymore, be careful what you wish for.”

Ooh-wee, Jack! He penned this emotional, honest alternative-pop record while Nate Saggio produced it. Harris sings beautifully (even with the dark vibes), while the colorful instrumental is sublime. “Careful What You Wish For (the doctor said to)” is dynamic by the end, with roaring guitars and some sickening electronic cues.

4. Khamari, “Doctor, My Eyes”

A Brief Nirvana // RCA // 2023

“Knew I should’ve kept my ass inside.” Now that’s a statement, Khamari! Furthermore, it’s one that many of us can get behind, at least at some point. Unfortunately, “My friends wouldn’t let me, they know / Most of the time I feel too much / So I try not to feel at all…” The reflectiveness, the transparency, and the vulnerability! In “Doctor, My Eyes,” originally released in 2021, but also appearing as the second track from his 2023 LP, A Brief Nirvana, the ‘20-something’ artist is on the emotional struggle bus. Even so, he’s accompanied by an exquisite backdrop, produced alongside Trackside and johan lenox. Early on, the instrumental is primarily a rhythmic groove carried by guitars. Isaiah Gage contrasts the timbre with the radiant addition of the cello – such a vibrant instrument! The second verse ups the ante with the addition of a drum groove and strings. The main attraction, Khamari, sings with a beautiful, expressive, and nuanced tone. The melodies are tuneful, particularly the chorus where he pleads “Doctor, would you give me something /… I’m way too young to feel this numb…” “Doctor, My Eyes” concludes with a thoughtful outro courtesy of David Worrell, his grandfather (“To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did / You have to take time to live / Tomorrow’s not promised to anybody”).

5. Robert Palmer, “Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)”

Secrets // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1979

“Whoa!” Indeed! “Bad Case of Lovking You (Doctor, Doctor)” commences Secrets, the 1979 album by the late, great English rock musician, Robert Palmer. “Bad Case of Loving You” was written by John Moon Martin while Palmer produced it. A commercial success, it reached no. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, he was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance, ultimately losing to Bob Dylan (“Gotta Serve Somebody”). Palmer eventually won two Grammys, both in the same category in the late 80s.

The title reveals the cards, or at least, the theme of the song. Palmer is in L-O-V-E. “I need you to soothe my head / Turn my blue heart red,” he sings at the end of the first verse. In the second, he asserts, “You think I’m cute, a little bit shy / Mama, I ain’t that kind of guy.” Of course, the centerpiece of this late 70s classic is the chorus:

“Doctor, doctor, gimme the news

I’ve got a bad case of loving you

No pills gonna cure my ill

I got a bad case of lovin’ you.”

Robert asks the doctor for help, but he knows what the circumstances are, PERIOD. Palmer sounds fantastic, wowing with his commanding, nuanced pipes. The music is lit too, matching the energy the singer brings to the table. What more needs to be said? This “Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)” forever remains our listening pleasure.

Appears in 🔻:

Robert Palmer, Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 60 (2024)

6. Ciara, “Like A Surgeon”

Fantasy Ride // RCA / JIVE Label Group // 2009

“I’m highly recommended / Don’t need a second opinion / You’ll be all better (Baby once I’m finished) / So be a good patient…” Not only is Ciara a beautiful, sexy woman, but she also gives off a sexy persona as an artist. One of the Grammy-winner’s sexiest songs from the aughts is “Like A Surgeon”. She says it best: “I know you never had a girl quite like Ci…/ Take a hot boy, oy, and give him cold feet.” Damn! The gimmicky, infectious “Like A Surgeon” was written and produced by the dynamic, hit-making duo of Tricky Stewart (Christopher Stewart) and The-Dream (Terius Nash). The midnight heat is lit on the fifth track from Fantasy Ride (2009).

“When it comes to love I’m like a surgeon / I’m a true tactician / I’m a make your body better when we get in the right position.” Hmm, the right position, Ciara? I see what you’re doing there 😈. While her medical credentials are sus, her sexual credentials are turnt up! She continues in the chorus, “I’m a make your body jump / Every time my body pumps…” In the second verse, Ci continues to titillate, informing her ‘patient,’ “You’ll need a physical.” Besides sultry vocals and innuendo-laden lyrics, the backdrop sounds like sex, period. It’s the slow tempo, slick synths, and fittingly, a minor key. Need a great sex song? Go back to 2009 and let “Like A Surgeon” be the inspiration – the fuel for the fire – for getting it in 👇 👅 🍆!

Appears in 🔻:

Ciara, Like A Surgeon: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 32 (2024)

7. DNCE, “Doctor You”

DNCE // Republic // 2016

“Lady, do you feel okay? / Is it hard to breathe? Hard to sleep? Gettin’ weaker every day?” Ah, DNCE – that Joe Jonas-led pop collective that had us partaking of “Cake By The Ocean”! In the same, self-titled, 2016 LP, DNCE kept the pace going on “Doctor You.” “Doctor You” was penned by Jonas, James Ghaleb, Oscar Holter, and producer, OZGO (Oscar Görres). Furthermore, it’s naughty – the libido is going strong, baby! Joe asserts himself as a doctor. His medical credentials are questionable. However, as a doctor of love and sex – he’s a genius! Per Joe, “You’re gonna need, need a real good doctor /…Doctor Me.” Before the catchy refrain, he states, “You can count on me for a fee, I’ll happily take it away.” Oh, the titillation! Later, he adds, “I’m a double the dosage / Twice a day, every day, what I say.” Ooh-wee, Joe!

8. YUNGBLUD, “Doctor, Doctor” 

21st Century Liability // Geffen // 2018 

“Fuck / I just want to be stupid.” Okay YUNGBLUD – okay.  Honestly, there’s nothing stupid about Dominic Harrison’s music, as the entirety of his 2018 album 21st Century Liability is quite intriguing. The standout “Doctor Doctor” addresses the medical aspects of the young man’s perceived craziness.  Ultimately, this ‘craziness’ seems driven more by youthful rebellion and progressiveness than legitimate mental illness. “Doctor, doctor, give me a lobotomy,” YUNGBLUD sings, adding, “So I don’t see / What is in front of me.”  He goes on to endearingly sing about shots and blood clots (“Give me that one shot, two shot, blood clot”), ultimately stating that he’ll continue to be stupid.  

“Fuck! I just want to be stupid 

I don’t wanna die 

I don’t wanna cry 

I just wanna be 

Out of my mind 

I don’t wanna die 

I don’t wanna cry 

I just wanna be 

I just want to be stupid.”    

All told, “Doctor, Doctor” is a colorful, hella-energetic song.

Appears in 🔻:

9. Carol Douglas, “Doctor’s Orders”

The Carol Douglas Album // Unidisc Music, Inc. // 1975

“Doctor’s orders say there’s only one thing for me / Nothing he can do, ‘cause only you can cure me.” Ooh-wee, Carol Douglas! The remedy is love from that special someone! Douglas scored a top-20 hit with “Doctor’s Orders” which appeared on her 1975 album, The Carol Douglas Album. Specifically, it reached no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Notably, Douglas’ version is a cover 🤯. This Geoff Stephens, Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway-penned record was originally recorded by Sunny in 1974. “Doctor’s Orders” was produced by Ed O’Laughlin.

Beyond the unforgettable chorus – “It says in my condition love’s the best physician / He’s prescribed a potion full of warm emotion” – “Doctor’s Orders” is chocked full of musical goodness. It commences with a driving, infectious groove and an entertaining, tongue-in-cheek skit. Disco to the core, “Doctor’s Order” benefits from that scintillating groove, rhythmic guitar, and layered instrumentation. The orchestration is decadent with lovely strings and horns accentuating the cute, playful, and soulful vocals of Carol Douglas. “Every day / A loving spoonful to be taken / It’s the only way / To stop this empty heart of mine from breaking,” she sings. Oh, those matters of the heart – the plight of love! A fabulous, extended instrumental break shows off the stunning arrangement, which is idiomatic of 70s R&B/soul. The key change that appears post-instrumental break – and following another skit by Douglas – is gargantuan. The energy is #giving, especially with the support of forte, rhythmic strings! Carol Douglas serves up a surefire disco gem with “Doctor’s Orders”.

Appears in 🔻:

Carol Douglas, Doctor’s Orders: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 66 (2024)

10. Slayer, “Angel of Death”

Reign in Blood // American Recordings // 1986  

“Auschwitz, the meaning of pain / The way that I want you to die / Slow death, immense decay / Showers that cleanse you of your life.” Slayer is both famous and infamous depending on where you stand. The themes covered in their music – serial killers, religious skepticism, and Satanism – aren’t for the ‘faint of heart.’ “Angel of Death” serves as the up-tempo opener from their renowned, controversial 1986 album, Reign in Blood. Slayer tackles Joseph Mengele, an infamous doctor at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II, known for his “inhumane medical experimentation upon the prisoners”.  “Sadistic, surgeon of demise / Sadist of the noblest blood / Destroying, without mercy / To benefit the Aryan race.” It doesn’t end there, folks! “Surgery, with no anesthesia / Feel the knife pierce you intensely / Inferior, no use to mankind / Strapped down screaming out to die.” Fans of FX anthology series American Horror Story may not have realized that character Dr. Arthur Arden (played by James Cromwell on season two, Asylum) was based on Mengele. “Angel of Death” was the nickname for the twisted doctor/murderer.  Listen to this record and read through the lyrics, and there’s no way this couldn’t be controversial. 

“Pumped with fluid, inside your brain  

Pressure in your skull begins pushing through your eyes  

Burning flesh, drips away  

Test of heat burns your skin; your mind starts to boil.” 

Appears in 🔻:  

Entertaining, if Medically Sus Doctor Songs, Vol. 1 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; American Recordings, Columbia, Geffen, JIVE Label Group, RCA, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, Unidisc Music, Inc.; cottonbro studio, Tessy Agbonome from Pexels; André Santana Design, LapinVert, OpenClipart-Vectors, Yerson Retamal from Pixabay]

Entertaining, if Medically Sus Doctor Songs, Vol. 1 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on May 22, 2024May 22, 2024