Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 3

Reading Time: 17 min read

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 3 features songs by Benson Boone, Chaka Khan, Jobriath, NVDES, Omar Rudberg, and The Black Eyed Peas.

“I’m sorry, I’m here for someone else,” Benson Boone asserts on “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else”. As for Chaka Khan, she excels in the sing-along chorus of “I Feel for You” where she sings, “I feel for you, I think I love you.” And what about the dashing Omar Rudberg 😍? The hot Venezuelan Swedish actor and musician informs us, “I’m not a boy/ I’m not a girl /…[I’m] an alien out of this world / I’m no thing you can put into words.” The keyword is the pronoun, I, hence, Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 3.

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 3 follows up Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs (2021) and Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 2 (2024). 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. 3 features songs by Benson Boone, Chaka Khan, Jobriath, NVDES, Omar Rudberg, and The Black Eyed Peas. So, without further ado, embrace the power of I!

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1. Benson Boone, “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else”	2. Chaka Khan, “I Feel for You”	3. Omar Rudberg, “I’m Not a Boy”	4. Obscurest Vinyl, “I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine”
5. Malcolm Todd, “Chest Pain (I Love)”	6. NVDES, “I Want to Make Out at the Gay Club”	7. The Black Eyed Peas, “I Gotta Feeling”	8. Jennifer Holliday, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”
9. Jobriath, “Take Me I’m Yours”	10. The Staple Singers, “I’ll Take You There”	11. Rare Earth, “(I Know) I’m Losing You” – The Temptations cover	12. James Brown, “I Got You (I Feel Good)”
13. The Flamingos, “I Only Have Eyes for You”

1. Benson Boone, “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else”

“Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else” // Night Street / Warner // 2025

“I’m sorry, I’m here for someone else / But it’s good to see your face / And I really hope you’re doing well.” Benson Boone and her have ‘history’ on “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else”. But he’s not there for her! You see, on this single, penned by Boone, Jack LaFrantz, and producer, Jason Evigan, Benson, waiting on his new girlfriend for dinner, goes to the diner where his ex-girlfriend is a waitress. Awkward! In the chorus, excerpted above, he continues, “I’m sorry, I’m here for someone else I wish that I could stay / And talk at the bar all by ourselves / But I’m here for someone else.”

“Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else” is enjoyable and characteristic of Boone’s music to date. The pop/rock cues remain but the synth texture is a welcome sound as well. The melodies are quick and rhythmic. As always, Boone ‘brings it’ when he sings. The section to beat is the chorus, which is excerpted in the intro and later appears fully. In the outro, Boone brings contrast which keeps things interesting. So, how does this resolve? In the bridge, Benson admits he is still in love – shocker. In the outro, “running for the kitchen doors,” he confesses, “I can’t lose you again, not again, not again, not again.” Wow.

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2. Chaka Khan, “I Feel for You”

I Feel for You // Warner // 1984

“Chaka, Chaka, Chaka, Chaka Khan / Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan, Chaka Khan.” Word, Melle Mel! 10-time Grammy-winning R&B artist Chaka Khan scored a huge hit with “I Feel for You”, the sixth track from her 1984, platinum-certified album, I Feel for You. A cover, the original was composed and performed by Prince. Arif Mardin produced it. The biggest solo hit of her career, matching the chart success of “Tell Me Something Good” with Rufus, “I Feel for You” peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was certified platinum by the RIAA. Adding to the accolades, “I Feel For You” won the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female.

In “I Feel for You, ” Khan sings her face off, showing the dynamic, expressive, and powerful nature of her instrument. She infuses ample personality. Before she ever sings a note, she is prefaced by rapper Melle Mel, the rare rap feature at the time. After the stuttering intro where Melle Mel ‘gasses her up,’ he drops a brief, relatively clean verse. “I’ll make you more than just a physical dream / I wanna rock you, Chaka,” the spits, continuing, “Baby, ‘cause you make me wanna scream / Let me rock you, rock you.” From there, Chaka is on autopilot, making the Prince original hers. “There’s something about the things you do / That keeps me satisfied,” she asserts in the first verse, adding in the pre-chorus, “It’s mainly a physical thing.” Ooh-la-la. It leads to the satisfying sing-along chorus, “I feel for you, I think I love you.” Beyond her continual desire for this man, Khan is supported by a marvelous backdrop. The music is funky, amplified by exuberant, high-energy synths, an inescapable groove, and a lit harmonica solo by the one-and-only Stevie Wonder. No deep analysis is necessary for “I Feel for You”, one of the most epic R&B joints of the 1980s. Chaka Khan did that!

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3. 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 🔻:

Omar Rudberg, I’m Not a Boy: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 14 (2025)

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4. Obscurest Vinyl, “I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine”

“I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine” // Hallwood Distribution // 2024

Obscurest Vinyl is responsible for releasing ‘the greatest records you’ve never heard.’ Among those records is an ‘obscure’ one from the risqué jazz crooner Vito Lovejoy. You’re not alone if you’ve never heard of him until he unleashed the ‘charming’ song, “I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine”. The title not only contains innuendo, but also fecal matter – shit! Before Lovejoy gets ‘down and dirty,’ the listeners are privy to a refined instrumental intro. Beyond the old-school, big band backdrop, “I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine” isn’t refined in the least. I mean, the title is on-the-nose to the nth degree.

Vito Lovejoy is brutally honest about his shitting problem. “I just can’t stop ruining all of these pants / I’m just shittin’ and shittin’ and shittin’.” Damn, that’s ample shit, bruh! Irritated regarding his irritable bowels, Lovejoy adds an intensifier to the shit: “Trying to get in your pants / Because I keep fuckin’ shittin’ in mine.” What more can you say but, holy fuckin’ shit! “I’d Really Like To Get In Your Pants, Because I Just Shit Mine” is all about shock value. Although it’s brief, running north of a minute, Vito Lovejoy and Obscurest Vinyl get their point across loud and clear. And that point involves lots of shit! In all seriousness, this ‘unreal’ record should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s all for the sake of entertainment and thoroughly gets the job done.

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5. Malcolm Todd, “Chest Pain (I Love)”

“Chest Pain (I Love)” // Columbia // 2024

“My chest is hurting, my feet can’t fall out of bed / I don’t know where to go, so I’ll lay here instead / With my symptoms, symptoms of sorrow and dread.” What in the world is going on with Malcolm Todd? It’s those pesky matters of the heart, folks. “They all said it would fade, but again and again / I love, I love.” In “Chest Pain (I Love)”, he’s in love, yet the object of his affection is not there with him. Major bummer. This ‘love’ thing is making the ascending alternative/indie artist sick emotionally and physically. Todd penned “Chest Pain (I Love)” alongside Charlie Ziman and Jonah Cochran.

The chorus marvelously sums up his ailments and feelings. Beyond the centerpiece is one verse where Todd expresses his longing. “I’ve been so busy / But now that I’m alone, where did you go?” He asks, adding, “Why can’t you live at home tonight and stay with me /… Please, I wanna see what we would be if you were by my side.” Straightforward lyrics, Todd sings beautifully and honestly and sounds relatable. Beyond the singing, the musical accompaniment is sweet, blending alternative, pop, and a dash of R&B. The bass line is robust, the guitars add spice, and the keys provide color. Notably, strings amplify the drama and emotion near the end. Set in compound duple meter, “Chest Pain (I Love)” gets a nice lilting feel. Ultimately, Todd’s unfortunate experiences with the loss of love are our listening pleasure.

Appears in 🔻:

Malcolm Todd, Chest Pain (I Love): Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 11 (2025)

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6. NVDES, “I Want to Make Out at the Gay Club”

Life with Lobsters (EP) // B3SCI // 2016

“Who’s your friend?” That is the question. It is also one of the repeated lyrics from the colorfully and gayly titled, “I Want to Make Out at the Gay Club”. That is a statement – one filled with, rather, beaming with Pride! “I Want to Make Out at the Gay Club” comes from the hands of NVDES (Josh Ocean Laviolette). Of his music, Ocean asserts, “NO GENRE ⚡️ JUST ENERGY™️ I follow my creativity wherever it takes me…” Right on. NVDES produced this horny little joint. Besides Laviolette, Madi Diaz, Lavid, Oliver Tree, and Sean Van Vleet penned it.

One of the best features of “I Want to Make Out in a Gay Club” is the infectious, looped riff. The record is built around this. It easily gets stuck in your head. The vocals are multifaceted. Sometimes, the vocals are performed more subtly, yet playfully and sensually. As the song progresses, more overt vocals join the more restrained vocals, offering contrast and upping the intensity. It should come as no surprise that the lyric most often repeated is the horniest: “I want to make out at the gay club.” Spare on lyrics, other repeated gems include “Right here” and the least seldom heard, “Nothing but dancing and love” which caps things off. Beyond the singing, which is treated more like an instrument, complement ample colorful synths, tastefully layered sounds and effects, and a marvelous anchoring groove. NVDES gives us a heaping dose of fun on “I Want to Make Out at the Gay Club”. It is the perfect catalyst to hit the dance floor… and make out at the gay club, of course 🏳️‍🌈 😘!

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7. The Black Eyed Peas, “I Gotta Feeling”

The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) // Interscope // 2009

“I got a feelin’ / That tonight’s gonna be a good night / That tonight’s gonna be a good night / That tonight’s gonna be a good, good night.” WOO! Black Eyed Peas were dominant throughout the 2000s. Their 2009 multiplatinum album, The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) won will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo, and Apl.de.ap three Grammys. One of the Grammys was for the most ubiquitous single from the album, “I Gotta Feeling” (Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals). It spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, the single has been certified diamond by the RIAA. An entertaining record, it radiates fun and positivity.

The positivity is what makes “I Gotta Feeling” a premiere example of uplifting music. “I know that we’ll have a ball / If we get down and go out and just lose it all,” Fergie sings in the first verse, continuing, “I feel stressed out, I wanna let it go / Let’s go way out, spaced out, and losin’ all control.” Despite bad situations, particularly financially, BEP encourages us to relieve the stress and have a good time tonight. Adding to the fun, is the refrain, where will.i.am asserts, “Fill up my cup, mazel tov / Look at her dancin’, just take it off / Let’s paint the town, we’ll shut it down / Let’s burn the roof.” Hell yeah! Later, both will.i.am and Fergie encourage partying every day! “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (Do it) / Friday, Saturday, Saturday to Sunday (Do it).” The collective wants us to have fun, not be ‘down in the dumps.’ Ultimately, Black Eyed Peas dropped a pop banger for all time with “I Gotta Feeling”. David Guetta and Frédéric Riesterer produced an epic gem for BEP, NO CAP!

Appears in 🔻:

Black Eyed Peas, I Gotta Feeling: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 5 (2025)

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8. Jennifer Holliday, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”

Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album // Universal Music Enterprises // 1982

“And I am tellin’ you I’m not going / You’re the best man I’ll ever know / There’s no way I can ever go.” When you think of Jennifer Holliday, one song, and one song only comes to mind: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”. Holliday, playing Effie White, performed the big demanding ballad in the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls. The Henry Krieger (music) and Tom Eyen (lyrics) penned song is the crown jewel from Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album. “And I Am Telling You” is Holliday’s sole top 40 hit. It peaked at no. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Deservedly, Holliday won her first Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female at the 25^th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Take one listen to her dynamic, expressive performance on “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” and there is no way that she could’ve been denied!

If you’ve seen Holliday perform “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” you can tell she infuses every ounce of herself. Her performance is gritty and soulful and exhibits top-notch musicianship. A ‘big’ song, few vocalists can bring the punch needed to successfully deliver this Broadway classic. Holliday makes us believe every word. “Darlin’, there’s no way / No, no, no, no way / I’m livin’ without you,” she sings, spiritedly, confirming her love for “the best man I’ll ever know.” In the bridge, she remains unshakable, dramatically asserting, “Tear down the mountains / Yell, scream, and shout / You can say what you want / I’m not walking out.” Word. The chorus, of course, is the crème de la crème. Still, the outro seals the deal: “Love me / Love me / Love me / Love me / You’re gonna love me.” Besides winning a Grammy for her once-in-a-lifetime performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”, Holliday won the Tony for Actress (Musical). Holliday may be a ‘one-hit wonder,’ but who wouldn’t kill for this juggernaut to be their sole pop hit?

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9. Jobriath, “Take Me I’m Yours”

Jobriath // Elektra Entertainment Group Inc. // 1973

“Any day you could buy me or tie me up / A slave to your perversity.” Say what, now?! “Refuse me diffuse me / To the corners of the galaxy.” Oh, snap! Sadly, barrier-breaking, overlooked glam rock musician Jobriath (Bruce Wayne Campbell, 1946 – 1983) died far too soon. Only 36 when he passed, the first openly gay rock musician to be signed to a major label and was also one of the first famous musicians to die from AIDS. Despite his short life, Campbell’s gifts as a musician are indisputable. “Take Me I’m Yours” is the opening track from his self-titled 1973 debut album.

The first verse of “Take Me I’m Yours” is ear-catching, namely the excerpted lyrics. The second verse doesn’t disappoint, either. “Baby, you just amaze me and daze me / You’re the blind spot in my consciousness,” Jobriath sings, continuing, “C’mon and forsake me and break me / And drink the blood of my obsessiveness.” Ooh-wee! Most accessible is the chorus, which highlights the titular lyrics: “Take me I’m yours.” Still, Jobriath compels with the outro, where, “Take your torch and burn me and turn me over / And over in your dreams of Godliness.” Wow 😮! “Take Me I’m Yours” is incredibly alluring. It’s not only the songwriting, though it’s ‘DEFINITELY’ a big deal. Jobriath possessed a distinct, expressive singing voice. He commands the track from start to finish. The musical arrangement and production are epic, with sweet-wailing guitars, robust bass, groovy drums, colorful keys, and marvelous backing vocals supporting Campbell. Honestly, Jobriath deserves far more recognition. This song rocks 🤘!

Appears in 🔻:

Jobriath, Take Me I’m Yours: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 17 (2025)

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10. The Staple Singers, “I’ll Take You There”

Be Altitude: Respect Yourself // Concord Music Group // 1972

“I know a place / Ain’t nobody cryin’, ain’t nobody worried / Ain’t no smilin’ faces / Lyin’ to the races.” Word. You always remember your first! The Staple Singers’ first number-one hit, “I’ll Take You There”, is a special one. Not only was it a no. 1 hit on the R&B charts, but “I’ll Take You There” gave the legendary Chicago R&B/soul/funk/gospel collective their first no. 1 hit on the pop charts. When you think of Mavis Staples and company, “I’ll Take You There” is among the first songs that comes to mind. The soul juggernaut graces the 1972 album, Be Altitude: Respect Yourself. Al Bell penned and produced this historic and important song.

Mavis Staples is in top-notch, soulful form singing on “I’ll Take You There.” The background vocals are equally compelling, adding punch. This is a record where the gospel roots of the group shine through, elevating the funk. Speaking of funk, the musical accompaniment is super funky with an electrifying groove, a famous, robust bass line, and, overall, a locked-in, turned-up rhythm section. Shout to the guitarist and keyboardist, too – “Play your, play your piano now!” Also, instrumentally, don’t forget about those biting horns! The riffs are fire! Notably, “I’ll Take You There” is spare lyrically. However, the message sent by The Staple Singers is a big, meaningful one – spreading love and not hate. Why can’t people of different races love one another without hatred and racism? The Staple Singers want to take us to that authentic, idyllic, and loving place. After all, we should all strive to “Touch a Hand (Make A Friend)”!

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11. Rare Earth, “(I Know) I’m Losing You” – The Temptations cover

Ecology // Motown // 1970

“Your love is fading.” Rare Earth was a rarity – an all-white rock band signed to Motown. Like many Motown artists, covering rostered artists’ songs was a common occurrence. For Rare Earth, two of their biggest hits were covers. “(I Know) I’m Losing You”, the song at hand, is a cover of the 1966 Temptations classic. It is the third track on the band’s 1970 gold-certified album, Ecology. “(I Know) I’m Losing You” earned Rare Earth a second consecutive top 10 hit. It peaked at no. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Ah, woman, woman, your touch! Your touch has gone cold / As if someone else controls your very soul.” Oh, snap! The music is electrifying on “(I Know) I’m Losing You.” Rare Earth successfully transforms the beloved soul cut into a funky, psychedelic rock cut. “I’m Losing You” thrives off sick guitars (Rod Richards), a robust bass line (John Persh), powerful, pummeling drums (Pete Rivera), and awesome percussion – congas (Eddie Guzman) while Kenny James provides color on keys. There are plenty of cool instrumental moments (solos). But bigger than Rivera’s pummeling drums are his spirited, soulful lead vocals. He continues singing in the first verse, “I’ve fooled myself long as I can / Can feel the presence of another man.” In the second verse, Rivera asserts, “I’m hurt, downhearted and worried, girl / ‘Cause that face doesn’t belong to me.” The chorus sums it up perfectly: “Ooh, babe – I’m losing you!” “(I Know) I’m Losing You” in the hands of Rare Earth – sweet, sweet, sweet! Kanye West sampled the classic on his song, “Fade” (The Life of Pablo).

Appears in 🔻:

Rare Earth, (I Know) I’m Losing You: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 199 (2024)

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12. James Brown, “I Got You (I Feel Good)”

I Got You (I Feel Good) // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1966

“Wow! I feel good, I knew that I would now / I feel good, I knew that I would now / So good, so good, I got you.” James Brown is the undisputed Godfather of Soul. One of Brown’s most revered songs is “I Got You (I Feel Good)”, which he performed with The Famous Flames. “I Feel Good” is the opener from Brown’s 1966 album, I Got You (I Feel Good). The song was released as a single in 1965. It marked Brown’s highest-charting single on the pop charts. It peaked at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. On the R&B charts, it reached no. 1. Brown composed and produced the iconic classic.

“I Got You (I Feel Good)” is an infectious, feel-good song. What makes James Brown feel good? Her, of course! After Brown sets the tone with expressive, spirited vocals, the groove reveals itself in all its glory. Those Famous Flames ‘bring the heat’ in the musical accompaniment. The horns are locked in, with a brief but delightful saxophone solo. Like most James Brown songs, the lyrics are minimal and repetitive. The funkiness and the vibe take precedence, in addition to the energy ball that was Brown. “Wow! I feel nice, like sugar and spice,” Brown asserts in the ‘second chorus,’ adding, “So nice, so nice, I got you!” In the bridge, filled with intensity, he sings, “When I hold you in my arms / I know that I can do no wrong / And when I hold you in my arms / My love won’t do you no harm.” Woo! Little needs to be written about “I Got You (I Feel Good)” – it is best experienced by listening to it! Notably, the ending is sweet, with the late, great icon giving his all: “Hey! Oh!”

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13. The Flamingos, “I Only Have Eyes for You”

Flamingo Serenade // Parlophone // 1959

“My love must be a kind of blind love; / I can’t see anyone but you.” Chicago Doo-wop group The Flamingos is best known for “I Only Have Eyes for You”, among the greatest songs ever. The song is also distinct and unusual in a positive way. “Eyes” is the opener from the legendary group’s 1959 album, Flamingo Serenade. Fun fact: it is a cover of a song from the 1934 musical Dames – not a Flamingos original 🤯. The music was originally composed by Harry Warren. Al Dubin penned the lyrics. “I Only Have Eyes for Me” peaked at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“I don’t know if we’re in a garden / Or on a crowded avenue.” Word. “I Only Have Eyes for You” commences with a signature chordal guitar riff. Beyond the guitar, the piano ostinato is a key feature. From a vocal perspective, the lead vocals are buttery smooth. Glorious harmonies from The Flamingos support, fully imploring the doo-wop style. Can you say, “Sha bop sha bop?” This is early, vintage R&B at its best. The melodies are tuneful in the verses and chorus. The harmonic progression marks a stellar and crucial element of “Eyes.” Specifically, during the titular lyric, “I only have eyes for you, dear,” the song modulates (if temporarily) from C to F. Despite the key change and wandering progression, “I Only Have Eyes for You” returns to the home key, triggered by the “Sha bop sha bop(s).” The greatness of “I Only Have Eyes For You” endures seven decades after its arrival.

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~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 3 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, B3SCI, Columbia, Concord Music Group, Elektra Entertainment Group Inc., Hallwood Distribution, Interscope, Motown, Night Street, Parlophone. UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner; AcatXlo, MUSTAQIM MUTALID from Pixabay]

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 3 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on March 19, 2025March 19, 2025