Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 2

Reading Time: 17 min read

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 2 features songs by Afroman, Benedict Cork, Gracie Abrams, Jerry Butler, Katy Perry, and Tate McRae.

“Ilove music / Any kind of music / I love music / Just as long as it’s grooving.” Agreed, The O’Jays! Music is wonderful! “Trust me, I know it’s always about me,” Gracie Abrams sings, concluding, “I love you, I’m sorry.” Apology accepted! And one more I for good measure: I know I fuck you like I love you babe / That’s only when I’m drunk.” Holy shit, D’african! The lust is real!

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 2 is the sequel to Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs (2021). The criterion is simple: every song must feature some form of the pronoun, I, in the title. There are lots of “I” songs. This list is limited to 13. Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 2 features songs by Afroman, Benedict Cork, Gracie Abrams, Jerry Butler, Katy Perry, and Tate McRae. So, without further ado, embrace the power of I!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Tate McRae, “It’s ok I’m ok”

2. The O’Jays, “I Love Music”

3. Gracie Abrams, “I Love You, I’m Sorry”

4. Benedict Cork, “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”

5. Katy Perry, “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” (Ft. Doechii)

6. ETHAN, “he’s all I wanna be” – Tate McRae Cover

7. D’african, “I Fucking Lust You”

8. Kem, “I Can’t Stop Loving You”

9. Natalie Cole, “I’ve Got Love On My Mind”

10. Afroman, “Because I Got High”

11. Donny Hathaway, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”

12. Jerry Butler, “Just Because I Really Love You”

13. Four Tops, “Reach Out I’ll Be There”

1. Tate McRae, “It’s ok I’m ok”

“It’s ok I’m ok” // RCA // 2024

“He ain’t just a pretty-faced talker /… You’re seein’ one-sided / You got him right now.” Oh, snap, Tate McRae! The Gen-Z musician warns her ex’s new girlfriend to beware in “It’s ok I’m ok”. In the pre-chorus, she makes it clear she doesn’t miss him because he’s no good! Her exact words: “Take him, he’s yours.” McRae, Ilya, Ryan Tedder, and Savan Kotecha penned the single. Ilya produced it. “It’s ok I’m ok” is relatively brief. With its quick pace and simple message, that’s enough time for Tate McRae to convey her points. In the second verse, she drops an f-bomb (“Was such a romantic (Romantic) / You got me like, ‘Fuck that’”). In the chorus, which is uncomplicated save for its rhythm, she asserts, “It’s okay, I’m okay, had him in the first place / it’s okay, I’m okay…” The songwriting isn’t game-changing but works sufficiently. Beyond the lyrics, the accompaniment thrives off a sweet percussive groove – the beat bangs. Also, the minimalist vibes are successful, specifically tasty keyboard and synths. The melodies are rhythmic, with the pre-chorus featuring an interesting jump between octaves. McRae is feisty and playful with her vocal performance, which suits the theme of this enjoyable, mostly inoffensive song (looking at you, f-bomb 😉).

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2. The O’Jays, “I Love Music”

Family Reunion // Sony Music Entertainment // 1975

“I love music / Any kind of music / I love music / Just as long as it’s grooving.” Those lyrics by the iconic soul collective, The O’Jays, speak volumes. Renowned for the popular Philly soul sound of the 1970s, The O’Jays was formed in Canton, Ohio by Eddie Levert and Walter Williams. “I Love Music” appears on their 1975 album, Family Reunion. “I Love Music (Part 1)” earned The O’Jays one of six top-10 hits, peaking at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. On the R&B charts, “I Love Music (Part 1)” reached no. 1. Iconic duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff penned and produced this big-time soul hit.

“Ah, ah, ah, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.” Ooh-wee! Lyrical and thematic depth is not important in “I Love Music.” This is a carefree, danceable, fun, and funky joint! The disco is alive and well! The message is simple: music is ‘the cat’s meow!’ “Makes me laugh, makes me smile all the while / Whenever I’m with you, girl,” Levert sings joyfully in the first verse. Williams adds, “While we dance, make romance / I’m enchanted by the things that you do.” Later, the O’Jays sing, “Nothing can be better than a sweet love song.” Levert adds, “Music is the healing force in the world / It’s understood by every man, woman, boy, and girl.” Facts! Beyond the enjoyable lyrics and superb singing by Levert, Williams, and William Powell (1942 – 1977), the instrumental accompaniment fuels The O’Jays. Marvelously arranged, the backdrop comprises a sickening, percussive groove (the bongos are sick), a tight rhythm section, horns, glorious strings, and vibraphone. Whether it’s the shortened “I Love Music (Part 1)” or the full-fledged “I Love Music”, it’s one of The O’Jays and soul’s premier cuts.

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3. Gracie Abrams, “I Love You, I’m Sorry”

The Secret of Us // Gracie Abrams / Interscope // 2024

“Two Augusts ago / I told the truth, oh, but you didn’t like it, you went home.” Say what, Gracie Abrams? The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter made a splash with her sophomore album, The Secret of Us. In “I Love You, I’m Sorry”, the fourth track, matters of the heart rule. The first verse, excerpted, is sung in the past tense. As for the second, it’s set in the future: “Two summers from now / We’ll have been talking, but not all that often, we’re cool now.” “I Love You, I’m Sorry” was penned by Abrams, Aaron Dessner, and Audrey Hobert. Abrams and Dessner produced. The sound is alternative pop, singer/songwriter through and through, led by consistent rhythm guitar.

Gracie Abrams delivers lovely vocals. No, they’re not extraordinary but are sound and well-rounded. She never gets too high. Tuneful melodies up the ante, particularly during the choruses. The choruses vary lyrically, though Gracie’s love endures, and, she ‘apologizes’ for it:

“That’s just the way life goes

I like to slam doors closed

Trust me, I know it’s always about me

I love you, I’m sorry.”

The bridge marks another intriguing moment. Memorably, Abrams asserts, “I was a dick, it is what it is / A habit to kick, the age-old curse.” Oh, snap! In the final choruses, lyrics from the bridge are intertwined, making the record even more intriguing. Is “I Love You, I’m Sorry” a banger? No, that’s not an appropriate characterization. But it’s a highlight from The Secret of Us.

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4. Benedict Cork, “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”

Notes On A Hopeless Romance // Benedict Cork // 2024

“He comes at midnight / He promises the world and all that / But he can leave his shoes on.” Why, Benedict Cork? “‘Cause I know he’ll be gone in a little while.” Oh, snap! The English singer/songwriter shines on “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”, the 10^th and final track from his 2024 debut album, Notes On A Hopeless Romance. But, he’s pessimistic regarding the relationship. Bummer! Cork penned and produced the record alongside Hoost. The second verse is similar to the first. “He says he’ll call me / When he’s flying through my city,” Cork sings, adding “But I let the promise die.” Word. It’s not happening. In the chorus, Benedict had high hopes, but, it’s a case of ‘same shit, different day,’ or ‘another boy, same result’: “I thought things might be different / But Lord knows I’ve been through this one too many times.” The situation is relatable regardless of how you identify sexually. Love and relationships are hard. In the LGBTQ+ community, they can be far more challenging. Despite another failure for Benedict, he sings angelically, barely breaking a sweat. His falsetto is ripe, and the overall vibe of the performance is cool. The accompaniment is delightful too, despite that “I Know He’ll Be Gone in a Little While”. It is a bloody brilliant way to conclude Notes On A Hopeless Romance!

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5. Katy Perry, “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” (Ft. Doechii)

143 // Capitol // 2024

“I’m his queen, I’m his freak / I’m every woman he wants and needs / I’m his dream, I’m his drug / I’m every woman he wants, so what?” Oh, snap! Katy Perry tapped Florida rapper Doechii (Jaylah Hickmon) for the assist on “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE”, the fourth track from her ‘floptastic’ 2024 album, 143. “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” samples the 1991 Crystal Waters song, “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)”. The sample is overt, which bodes well for Perry. “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” is groovy from the onset. Doechii brings fierceness, adding some much-needed spice. That fierceness begins in the second half of the infectious chorus, where she asserts, “I’m his boss, I’m that bitch / I’m every woman he knows exists.” Doechii also performs the second verse: “Hoes so pressed when I step in the spot / I’m so possessive and up-echelon.” Perry drops the first verse (“You’re creepin’ in his DMs / I’m sleepin’ in his sweatpants”) and the irresistible post-chorus (“La-da-dee, la-da-da / I’m his, he’s mine”). “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” has lots of writers: Waters, Perry, Hickmon, Ferras Alqaisi, Gamal “Lunchmoney” Lewis, Neal Conway, Ryan Ogren, and Theron Thomas. The track’s two producers, Rocco Did It Again! (Rocco Valdes) and Dr. Luke (Łukasz Gottwald) (😏) are also credited as writers. With its fierce attitude and sweet melodic touches, “I’M HIS, HE’S MINE” is a better moment from a subpar LP.

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6. ETHAN, “he’s all I wanna be” – Tate McRae Cover

“he’s all I wanna be” // ETHAN // 2022

“He’ll wear his tight black singlet / With all his friends around.” Oh, snap! Hmm, funny, ETHAN, I don’t recall that lyric appearing in “She’s all I wanna be” by Tate McRae. That’s because that lyric appears in the Australia-based (New Zealand-bred) musician’s 2022 cover, “he’s all I wanna be”. ETHAN changes the pronouns to ‘he’ throughout “he’s all I wanna be” providing a refreshing, queerer perspective. The handsome and talented musician is openly gay, contributing ample bops to the queer music collection.

Changing pronouns and making male-specific lyrical adjustments is a big draw on “he’s all I wanna be.” ETHAN envies the boy with the boy who is the object of his affection, or something like that… The chorus, the most tuneful section of the original and the cover, sums up the love pain:

“Stupid boy making me so sad

Didn’t think you could change this fast

He’s got everything that I don’t have

How could I ever compete with that?

I know you’ll go and change your mind

Oen day wake up and be bored with mine

He’s got everything that I don’t have

And he’s all I wanna be, all I wanna be so bad…”

Despite his feelings for this “Stupid boy,” ETHAN doesn’t let it stop him from kicking ass and taking names. How does he do that? He serves up brilliant vocals. His runs are lovely, while his falsetto is ripe and warm. He’s at his best on the centerpiece, the pop/rock-infused chorus, crying foul about that ole boy! “He’s all I wanna be” is the sugar honey iced tea.

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7. D’african, “I Fucking Lust You”

High Love You // Regency Square Entertainment // 2016

“Sipping and smoking, I feel amazing / Will feel even better when you are with me.” Uh-oh! D’african is already feeling good, but when the opportunity for sex ‘cums’ along, he’s going to feel ‘fucking’ awesome. The puns are justified, particularly when the name of the song is “I Fucking Lust You”. D’african is transparent on this 2015 R&B gem that appeared on his 2016 album, High Love You. Even pushing a decade-old, the longing for good, fulfilling sex, particularly when drunk and high, remains fresh and potent.

The first half of the song is tame. Sure, D’african expresses his desires, but he’s more innocent than my description of what he’s ‘really’ saying. The second half of the song, however, is nasty! Things get ultra-sexy with naughtier lyrics against that lush, sensual backdrop. Sure, he begins with merely “messing with your head” but we all know that the “fucking with all your senses” that follows signals ‘S Meets E and then they X.’ D’African’s lust is uncontrollable as he caresses, “that spot that unlocks your wetness.” 🤭 Oh, snap 🫰! It gets more X-rated though:

“So, I pin you against the dresser and fuck ‘til your legs weak and numb

‘Til you’re so wet, it runs down your legs as you cum

I lick it up with my tongue

I’m a freak when I’m drunk

I know I fuck you like I love you babe

That’s only when I’m drunk.”

Gah-day-um 🥵 😮‍💨! “I Fucking Lust You” is a surefire, sexed-the-fuck-up vibe.

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8. Kem, “I Can’t Stop Loving You”

Album II // Motown // 2004

“I think about the day I met / The perfect stranger / I think about us.” Kem (Kem Owens) exemplifies the classy, refined, adult contemporary R&B singer/songwriter. He’s had a successful career encompassing a platinum album (Album II), and a pair of gold albums (Kemistry and Intimacy). However, the Grammy-nominated musician has charted only one song on the pop charts 🤯: “I Can’t Stop Loving You”. Written and produced by Owens, “I Can’t Stop Loving You” peaked at no. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005. His music achieved more success on the R&B charts where “I Can’t Stop Loving You” was one of two top 20 hits (peaked at no. 20).

“Never thought I’d love anyone else / In my weakness / I think about us…” The reminiscing is real on “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” a song of utter regret. Kem is sincere about his love and dedication despite making a terrible mistake in this tuneful ballad. He remembers the best of times before things ended. “The sun was shinin’ on you / The Lord was smilin’ on me,” he sings in the first pre-chorus, continuing, “And love was callin’ us / I had my mind made up.” The section to beat is the chorus, which is simple but impactful:

“And I can’t stop lovin’ you

I can’t help myself

And I can’t get over you

No matter what I tell myself, baby.”

Kem never forces things when he sings, maintaining a coolness and poise. He does show more grit towards the end but never over-sings. Supporting his expressive pipes is a sophisticated, tasteful accompaniment that includes electric piano, organ, guitar, bass, drums, and saxophone. For 2004, this was an old-school R&B record. But those old-school vibes were refreshing then and continue to be refreshing two decades later. Kem and “I Can’t Stop Loving You” deserved far more success on the pop charts!

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9. Natalie Cole, “I’ve Got Love On My Mind”

Unpredictable // Capitol // 1977

“I’ve got love on my mind.” Say no more, Natalie Cole! Cole won nine Grammys during her career. Notably “I’ve Got Love On My Mind” was nominated for a Grammy. “Love” is the fourth track from her 1977 album, Unpredictable. Charles Jackson and Marvin Yancy, Cole’s husband at the time, composed and produced the song. It was one of Cole’s biggest hits, peaking at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The theme of the song is simple: L-O-V-E. You can never go wrong when love is fueling the fire. Furthermore, you can’t go wrong when Natalie Cole sings expressively about the universal topic. With tuneful melodies and a sophisticated accompaniment supporting her (the jazzy piano and strings are key sounds), Cole is on autopilot. Regarding love, she sings in the first verse, “And there’s nothing particularly wrong / It’s a feeling I feel inside / When I woke up early this morning / It was staring me straight in my eyes.” Word! In the second verse, she expands, singing of his irresistible touch, his kisses, and waiting for him to return home… Ooh-la-la! Cole does a sublime job of conveying how good and passionate love feels.

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10. Afroman, “Because I Got High”

The Good Times // Republic // 2001

“‘Cause I got high / Because I got high / Because I got high / (La-da-da da da da-da-da-da).” Afroman (Joseph Foreman) earned brief success. His main claim to fame was his song, “Because I Got High”, which appeared on his 2001 gold-certified album, The Good Times. “Because I Got High” cemented its place in 2000s hip-hop/rap history. It peaked at no. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, was certified platinum, and earned a Grammy nomination (Best Rap Solo Performance).

“Because I Got High” is self-explanatory – no deep analysis is necessary. Because Afroman spends far too much time getting high (on weed), frankly, he does lots of dumb shit. It’s not so bad early on though: “I was gonna clean my room until I got high /… I was gonna get up and find the broom, but then I got high.” Not cleaning a room? Forgivable. His academics are affected by his weed intake, which is less than stellar, hence why he’s “Taking it [the class] next semester” because he flunked. Where things get hairier on this infectious, melodic rap cut is Afroman shirking bigger responsibilities. Not going to court and paying his child support – DEAD BEAT DAD! Running from the cops instead of pulling over like he should, and because he was high, he ends up paraplegic… Process that one. Among the funniest and lewdest happenings in “Because I Got High” occur in the seventh verse:

“I was gonna make love to you (Oh!) but then I got high

… I was gonna eat yo pussy too, but then I got high

Now I’m jacking off and I know why

‘Cause I got high

Because I got high

Because I got high.”

Damn, Afroman! At least he’s transparent when he asserts, “I messed up my entire life because I got high.” His mistakes are troubling but sweet music to our ears on the unforgettable “Because I Got High”, a stoner anthem for the ages!

Appears in 🔻:

Afroman, Because I Got High: 1 Hit WONDERful 39 (2024)

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11. Donny Hathaway, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”

Extension of a Man // Atlantic // 1973

“If I ever leave you, baby, you can say I told you so / And if I ever hurt you, you know I hurt myself as well.” Grammy-winning, highly influential musician Donny Hathaway possessed one of the most expressive and soulful voices, which he shows off in “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”. Shockingly not a Hathaway original, it was written by Al Kooper. Blood, Sweat & Tears originally recorded it. Hathaway covered it on his 1973 album, Extension of a Man. “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” modestly impacted the pop charts, peaking at no. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hathaway is a selfless, trustworthy man in the song. In the second verse, he reminds her, “You know I brought it home [my paycheck] to you baby / And I never spent a red cent.” In the third, he’s willing to be whatever she wants him to be: “I can be king of everything / Or just a tiny grain of sand.” The centerpiece is the chorus:

“Is that any way for a man to carry on?

Do you think I want my loved one gone?

Said I love you

More than you’ll ever know.”

The bridge, which differentiates itself from the rest of the song, has a strong argument as the section to beat (“I’m not trying to be / Just any kind of man…”). Part of the reason is the music. Beyond his dramatic, expressive, and soulful vocals, the instrumental accompaniment is divine. It is marvelously orchestrated, embracing the symphonic nature of soul music in the 1970s (winds and strings in addition to the rhythm section). Hathaway was a skilled arranger. During the bridge, the instrumental is at its best with orchestral touches. Notably, David “Fathead” Newman plays a mean tenor saxophone. Hathaway also plays (piano and organ) alongside his arranging and singing chops. Hathaway scored two top 10 hits, neither of which is “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”. Regardless, this is one of his best songs, showcasing top-notch musicianship.

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12. Jerry Butler, Just Because I Really Love You

The Ice Man Cometh // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1968

“Just because I really love you / I let you treat me bad, let you make me sad.” Love will make you do crazy things or allow yourself to be mistreated. That’s what Jerry Butler (1939 – ) asserts in his classic, “Just Because I Really Love You”. “Just Because I Really Love You” is the fifth track from his 1968 album, The Ice Man Cometh. Butler penned “Just Because…” alongside Kenneth Gamble, Mikki Farrow, and Thomas Randolph Bell. Notably, it was produced by the iconic duo Gamble & Huff (Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff). The instrumental arrangement and production are superb: articulated, biting horns, robust bass, sweet rhythm guitar, and glorious keys. As epic as the musical accompaniment is, the ‘star of the show’ is Jerry!

“Oh, little girl, I don’t think you mean / To hurt me the way you do,” Butler sings, adding, “So, I let you take a whole lot of liberties / A man in love should never do.” Word. He questions his decision to give her free reign, singing, “Tell me, isn’t a beautiful illusion / Holding a man in the palm of your little hand?” Food for thought. The lyrics are memorable throughout, brought to life masterfully by Butler. He gives his all from a vocal perspective. There is no shortage of authenticity and personality from the legendary musician. His ad-libs towards the end of the song are among his best, showing just how much he loves this woman. A non-single from The Ice Man Cometh, that doesn’t hold “Just Because I Really Love You” back from being the crème de la crème of the Jerry Butler catalog.

Appears in 🔻:

Jerry Butler, Just Because I Really Love You: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 172 (2024)

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13. Four Tops, “Reach Out I’ll Be There”

Reach Out // Motown // 1967

“Now if you feel that you can’t go on (Can’t go on) / Because all of your hope is gone (All your hope is gone)…” Hmm, if you’re feeling hopeless, what should you do? According to the late, great Levi Stubbs (1936 – 2008) and the rest of the Four Tops (Renaldo “Obie” Benson, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, and Lawrence Payton), you should “(Reach out) Reach out for me.” Word. “Reach Out I’ll Be There”, released as a single in 1966, is one of the best songs by the Grammy-nominated, Motown quartet. It is one of the best songs in the soul catalog. To take it a step further, it is one of the greatest songs ever. “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” which peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, appeared as the opening track from Reach Out, released in July 1967. It was penned by the iconic songwriting trio of Holland-Dozier-Holland (Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, and Lamont Dozier). Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier produced the masterpiece which was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (1998) and inducted into the Library of Congress National Registry (2022).

Perfect songs are hard to come by but “Reach Out I’ll Be There” is one of them. The arrangement, production, and overall sound are marvelous and innovative. This includes the unforgettable flute/piccolo riff and galloping percussion sounds. According to Dozier (via Genius via Wall Street Journal), “I alternated the keys – from a minor Russian feel in the verse to a major gospel feel in the chorus.” At the beginning of the first verse, an iconic “Yah” gives “Reach Out I’ll Be There” ample personality before the assertive, powerful lead of Levi Stubbs blesses the listener. His gritty performance sounds like he’s singing for his life. It’s easy to buy what he sells because of the authenticity and sheer exuberance he sings with. He continues singing in the first verse, “And your life is filled with much confusion (Much confusion) / Until happiness is just an illusion (Happiness is just an illusion) / And your world around is crumbling down, darlin’.” The second and third verses are patterned similarly to the first, with Stubbs’ infectious vocals and awesome backing vocals by Benson, Fakir, Payton, and others. Of course, the section to beat is the chorus, with its distinct change of key to major:

“I’ll be there to love and comfort you

And I’ll be there to cherish and care for you

I’ll be there to always see you through

I’ll be there to love and comfort you.”

“Reach Out I’ll Be There” is timeless. Listening to this once-in-a-lifetime gem, the composition, performance, and recording techniques used are impressive. And to think, Four Tops didn’t want to release it 🤯!

Appears in 🔻:

Four Tops, Reach Out I’ll Be There: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 151 (2024)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 2 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Benedict Cork, Capitol, ETHAN, Gracie Abrams, Interscope, Motown, RCA, Regency Square Entertainment, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc.; Daniel Hannah, David Dillon, from Pixabay]

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 2 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on November 20, 2024November 20, 2024