Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 5

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Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 5 features songs by Ayham, Brandon Lake, Mitty Collier, Phil Collins, Tyler, The Creator, and Wax-A-Million.

The keyword is the pronoun, I, hence, Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 5. Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 5 follows Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 4 (2025). 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. 5 features songs by Ayham, Brandon Lake & CeCe Winans, Mitty Collier, Phil Collins, Tyler, The Creator, and Wax-A-Million. So, without further ado, embrace the power of I!

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs Lists 🔻

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Ayham, “I AM A STAR, BITCH”	2. Morgan Wallen, “What I Want” (Ft. Tate McRae)	3. Tyler, The Creator, “I’ll Take Care of You” (Ft. Yebba)	4. Wax-A-Million, “I Ain’t Got No Panties on on the Dance Flooo”
5. David Archuleta, “Can I Call You”	6. Brandon Lake & CeCe Winans, “I Know A Name”	7. Biscuit Beats, “I Ain’t Gay”	8. The Irrepressibles, “What I Am! Queer”
9. Jonathan Richman, “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar”	10. Phil Collins, “I Wish It Would Rain Down”	11. Mitty Collier, “I Had A Talk With My Man”	12. The Beach Boys, “I Get Around”	13. Mississippi Mass Choir, “When I Rose This Morning”

1. Ayham, “I AM A STAR, BITCH”

I AM A STAR, BITCH (EP) » Ayham » 2025

Listen up, bitches! Ayham (Ayham Fayad) makes it clear, with ample repetition, “I’m a star, bitch, I’m a, I’m a star, bitch.” The hot 🥵, sassy 💅 German-based singer-songwriter asserts in a TikTok video, My name is Ayham, and I create music for the f*gs, dolls, and cvnts 🏳️‍🌈. “I AM A STAR, BITCH” fiercely and fittingly opens his 2025 EP, I AM A STAR, BITCH (EP). Beyond the simple but unforgettable chorus, Ayham eats! He leaves no crumbs…bih! He co-produced it with Noah Grewing.

“I AM A STAR, BITCH” opens fiercely with dramatic strings. After some intriguing classical music cues, the backdrop transforms into a mean-sounding, hip-hop cut. Here, Ayham brings a shit-ton of attitude, confidence, and personality. He delivers a fast-paced, kick-ass cadence and flow. “When I pass by, you better make a wish, bitch / Bling-bling, diamonds on me, I’m so vicious,” he spits in the first verse, continuing, “Hustling, I’m making these riches / I’m it, bitch.” That’s only the beginning, though! After all, Ayham informs us, “These motherfuckers wanna copy my aesthetics / I lead, they follow, magnetic.” Ooh-wee! I ❤️ the clapping percussion that appears after his daring, fierce first verse. The second verse gives I’m the shit, energy. Ayham characterizes himself as the shit:

“Heat coming out of the studio

Call the firefighters, call the radio

Making hits, flow’s a blitz, turning heads

Confess I’m the shit

By now, you should know

We got the power, we own the dancefloor

Beat so catchy, got me in a chokehold.”

The third verse keeps things interesting and unapologetic: “I give zero fucks, yeah I ain’t got time / Got bars for years, ain’t talking jail time.” Also, I cosign his bold assertion that “I wanna dance in my underwear 🩲 / I wanna make them stop and stare.” At the end of the cut, with striking instrumental contrast, Ayham confidently spits, “Fuck it up now / Now.” Ayham brings it on the fun “I AM A STAR, BITCH”.

@iamayham_

♬ BREAK THE SILENCE – Ayham

Appears in:

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2. Morgan Wallen, “What I Want” (Ft. Tate McRae)

I’m The Problem » Big Loud » 2025

“She said, ‘You don’t want this heart, boy, it’s already broke’ / Told me everything she touch just goes up in smoke.” Ooh-wee, Morgan Wallen. The Grammy-nominated country singer/songwriter continues in the chorus of “What I Want”, “Only stay a couple nights, then she gon’ be gone / I said, ‘Baby, you should know that’s what I want.” “What I Want” is the fourth track on I’m The Problem, Wallen’s 2025, nearly two-hour-long fourth studio album. The good news is this collaboration with pop star, Tate McRae, only lasts three minutes and ¢hange. Wallen and McRae co-wrote “What I Want” alongside John Byron, Jacob Kasher, Charlie Handsome, and Joe Reeves. Handsome and Joey Moi produced. Notably, this duet ‘ate’ on the pop charts. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Musically, “What I Want” has some country music cues, but it doesn’t commit to a traditionalist’s brand of country. There is a modern aesthetic and vibe. As excerpted earlier, Morgan Wallen commences by singing with the chorus as well as the post-chorus (“That’s what I want, that’s what I want…”). He follows up with a twang-heavy first verse and pre-chorus, even though “Want” has ample pop cues. Matters of the heart drive the narrative: “Nah, you ain’t gotta worry ‘bout no exes that’s crazy / I got ‘em too, you know I do.” The most overt pop cues show up during the second chorus, where we first hear Tate McRae. McRae gets her own verse (verse two), where she sings in her lower-mid register. “There are no hard feelings if you only wanna act like lovers do / For a night or two,” she sings, adding, “And sometimes in the mornin’, go back to bein’ someone you never knew.” Right before the third chorus, McRae brings more energy, ascending to her high register. Once more, in the third chorus, Wallen and McRae sing together with greater energy than before. After reaching a fever pitch of ‘want’ in the final post-chorus, “What I Want” winds down. An entertaining country-pop duet, this is not your grandfather’s country duet. This is 2025 country music through and through.

Appears in:

Morgan Wallen & Tate McRae, What I Want: Dazzling Duets No. 2 (2025)

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3. Tyler, The Creator, “I’ll Take Care of You” (Ft. Yebba)

DON’T TAP THE GLASS » Columbia » 2025

“Knuck if you buck, boy (I’ll take care of you).” Woo! “I’ll Take Care of You” is the ninth and penultimate song from DON’T TAP THE GLASS, the surprise, 2025 album from Grammy-winning rapper, singer, and producer Tyler, The Creator. Among the striking sounds is a dream-like keyboard loop. Furthermore, there are jazzy harmonies that are characteristic of Tyler’s production style. Beyond the jazzy harmonies, Tyler’s production features some stellar musical ideas and cues. Notably, “I’ll Take Care of You” samples the Crime Mob classic, “Knuck If You Buck” (the remix) and also samples Tyler, himself (“Cherry Bomb” from 2015). The heavy-hitting, hyper-rhythmic dance beat provides a mean anchor.

Grammy winner Yebba excels with her smooth, radiant vocals. She sounds as soulful as ever singing the chorus, specifically the titular lyric, “I’ll take care of you.” Regarding rapping, there are limited vocals from Tyler, The Creator. The refrain(s) borrows is lifted from “Knuck If You Buck” specifically “Never been no pussy, niggas scared to throw them things, mane,” and of course, “Knuck if you buck, boy / ‘Nough is enough, boy.” Also, Yebba is weaved into the mix, creatively, providing more refinement than Crime Mob. Tyler delivers one brief verse:

“All your love, my heart and soul

I ride until my body cold

I don’t know why things are gone (Hey)

…Wait a minute, I’m goin’ through some shit

I can tell it’s not beginning to work

Stay, hey

I’ll take care of you.”

Like most of Tyler, The Creator’s songs, “I’ll Take Care of You” catches the ears and proves to be intriguing.

Appears in:

Tyler, The Creator, I’ll Take Care of You: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 70 (2025)

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4. Wax-A-Million, “I Ain’t Got No Panties on on the Dance Flooo”

“I Ain’t Got No Panties on on the Dance Flooo” » Altra Moda Music » 1998

“Pull them panties 🩲 off / Pull them panties 🩲 off / Pull them panties 🩲 off / On the dance floor 🕺.” Woo! Say what, Wax-A-Million?! On the colorful 1998 song, “I Ain’t Got No Panties on on the Dance Flooo”, no panties are allowed! In the infectious and unforgettable chorus, a nameless female rapper affirms being panty-less: “I ain’t got no panties on / Ain’t got no panties on / I ain’t got no panties on / On the dance floor.” Da-yum, gurl! In 2025, the song went viral thanks to a dance trend on TikTok. Per Complex, “Panties” topped Spotify’s viral charts 24 years after release. There were plenty of TikTok videos where “Panties,” rather, “No Panties” served as the soundtrack.

“I Ain’t Got No Panties on on the Dance Flooo” thrives on an irresistible beat. The minute you hear it, it makes you want to dance… sans panties… or men, sans the boxers, briefs, or your undies 🩲 of choice! The minimalist vibes are everything (drum programming, bass, keys). Wax-A-Million delivers his fair share of memorable one-liners (“Give me a scotch on the rocks / It’s gon’ have me outta my socks”). I assume if she drinks scotch, that’s a catalyst for panty removal? Anyways, his rhymes are confident and quick-paced during the verses. In the first verse, he asserts, “We got this rap game on lock / I spit hot shit off the top.” Ooh-wee! The second verse is far more sexual: “Now I spread it down on her holes like Windex / They was only in it for a minute of cheap sex.” And, this nameless girl tells the rapper, “‘Come on, Wax let me show what’s up under the dress’.” Later, Wax responds, hornily, “I’m protected so get naked up in the Benz to chill / Gimme that ass and I’m take it, hope you feel this real / I’m shook baby girl, ‘cause you got looks to kill.” Holy sheee-ittt! Best experienced by listening and dancing your panty-less ass off, “I Ain’t Got No Panties on on the Dance Flooo” is simply irresistible!

Appears in:

Wax-A-Million, I Ain’t Got No Panties on on the Dance Flooo: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 63 (2025)

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5. David Archuleta, “Can I Call You”

Earthly Delights (EP) » Archie Music » 2025

“Saw you standing there in a crowded room / I didn’t see anyone but you,” the handsome and talented David Archuleta asserts on “Can I Call You”, the third track from his 2025 EP, Earthly Delights. Archie is ‘taking action’: “I can see my shot and I’m gonna take it,” he asserts in the first verse. He is optimistic that “it’s more than a crush, maybe it’s love.” Our favorite American Idol runner-up makes our ears perk up with “Can I Call You,” which he co-wrote with Michael Blum and Noah Davis. Blum produced it.

“Can I call you? We don’t even need to talk

Don’t need no volume, you can listen to my heart

Boy, you’re the sweetest like peaches

Even if it’s just you breathing that’ll do, oh

Can I, can I, can I call you?

Can I call you?”

The first verse sets the tone. The chorus, the centerpiece, lays it out there. It’s giving a dedicated relationship and monogamy. Even as Archie notes, “‘Cause I’m missing your body” in the second verse, it’s in the context that they are exclusive and separated by distance (“Now you’re back in Atlanta, and I’m home in LA”). If that’s not enough, you should hear Archie in the post-chorus: “In the morning, in the evening, in the middle of the night / ‘Cause I want you, no I need you (I need you, baby).” Ooh-wee, child! The longing! “Can I Call You” continues the liberation and maturation of Archuleta. He sings authentically and beautifully – you buy what he’s selling on this sleekly-produced, groovy pop ballad. It’s sexy without being explicit.

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6. Brandon Lake & CeCe Winans, “I Know A Name”

King Of Hearts **(Full Deck Deluxe) » Brandon Lake / Provident Label Group » 2025**

“I know a name that can silence the roaring waves.” Hmm, I wonder who that name is, Brandon Lake. “I have a King with dominion over death.” Hmm, I wonder who that King is, CeCe Winans. The Grammy-winning Christian musicians, who duet on “I Know A Name”, are both referencing J-E-S-U-S, Jesus! “I Know A Name” was originally recorded by Elevation Worship. The Lake/Winans duet is the fifth track from Lake’s 2025 album, King Of Hearts. “Name” was written by Lake, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, and Steve Furtick, while Sooter and Bentley produced it.

From the start, “I Know A Name” is electrifying. A warm introduction using piano and rhythmic synths sets the tone. Brandon Lake sings first, continuing to characterize Jesus as a “name that can empty out a grave,” “saves,” and “Worthy of all praise.” CeCe Winans sings the second verse, which features a fuller, more developed musical accompaniment. Her King “holds the keys in his holy nail-scarred hands!” Lake harmonizes with Winans in the second half of the verse as they laud “Our resurrected Great I Am.” They sound amazing in the high-flying, powerful, rock-oriented chorus. What do they do? Why, they name Him!

“I call you, Jesus

I call You, I call You, Healer

Risen and Reigning in power

Something comes out of the grave

Every time I call You, Jesus

I call You, I call You, Savior

Worthy of glory forever

Something comes out of the grave

Every time I call Your Name.”

The chorus is nothing short of epic. It’s not the only epic moment of “I Know A Name.” The refrain is also incredibly powerful, where Lake and Winans proclaim, “Chains break, dry bones wake / Every time I call Your name / The gates of Hell shake / Every time I call Your name.” Post-refrain, things come down about it, only to gradually build back up to a fever pitch. Don’t you know, “Dead things come alive in the name of Jesus?” Eventually, the dynamic chorus returns in all its glory, with the outro, where once again, dead things come alive, capping things off. “I Know A Name” is a must-hear, powerful, contemporary Christian song.

Appears in:

Brandon Lake & CeCe Winans, I Know A Name: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 31 (2025)

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7. Biscuit Beats, “I Ain’t Gay”

“I Ain’t Gay” » Crusty » 2025

“I ain’t gay but I do gay stuff / Like fucking dudes in the back of my truck.” Say what, now?! If you have to say that you’re not gay, or no homo, doesn’t that sound like you are denying being gay, or even an itty bitty bit gay? Also, if you are a man who has sex with other men, there is a label, right? You fit somewhere in the LGBTQ+ community, right? Call it what you want, Biscuit Beats, but asserting non-gayness and proceeding to list the gay sexual acts you partake in makes the argument seem flimsy. No judgement, though! The memorably risqué, NSFW lyrics of “I Ain’t Gay”, an AI country song, continue: “A little ass slap don’t mean I’m queer / I just suck some dick when I drink my beer.” Well, I’ll give you pass with the ass slapping – it happens in sports all the time! But oral sex with the same sex, and denying the gayness of it? Hmm… “I Ain’t Gay” seems hung up on feminine stereotypes and views on homosexuality, hence why the AI singer is anti-gay while partaking in gay acts that he shouldn’t be ashamed of. This un-gay guy is more evidence of how the gay community is not a monolith. He denies a label, yet, ultimately, he is a masculine gay (or bi, pan, etc.) man. The AI singer confirms his masculinity not only by drinking beer but also, loving stereotypical country things: “I love my guns, and I have my rights.” I think this bro is a proud republican! Still, despite loving guns and football, he seems to enjoy balls, if you catch my drift. “I fuck dudes on Friday nights,” he asserts, adding, “And stroke my buddy in the bathroom stall.” To be fair, there is an argument about a mutual masturbation experience not being gay, but still… does it matter regardless? No, it shouldn’t. What’s wrong with being gay? Own it, my guy! Other ear-catching moments include “He grabs my waste, I slap his ass / We’re just two men who like to smash,” and “I suck a dick, but just us two.” “I Ain’t Gay” is, well, very gay – in a masculine way. “I ain’t gay now hear me out / I just like men, and I say it proud!” Word.

Appears in:

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8. The Irrepressibles, “What I Am! Queer”

What I Am! Queer » Of Naked Design » 2025

“We stand with all the men who can’t express their love.” Amen! “All of the women fighting against the oppression from men.” Amen! “All of the queers who can’t express their truth.” Amen! And everyone who’s afraid of rejection for being themselves.” And again, I say, amen! There are far too many conservatives, homophobes, and myopic folks who cry foul when it comes to being queer. It is incredibly disheartening and frustrating. But, we who identify as queer want to live our lives freely, without being accosted, bullied, disrespected, or repressed. The Irrepressibles released a moving anthem, “What I Am! Queer”, that celebrates queerness and looks forward to a better, more promising tomorrow. Jamie McDermott says it best himself: “Freedom is for everyone!”

The Irrepressibles released “What I Am! Queer” as an EP. There are four versions of the song, all of which showcase its meaningfulness and magic. The main attraction is the second track, the full-length version of the song in all its grandiosity. “Queer” begins minimally, with McDermott singing authentically, beautifully, and honestly. Supported by bass and finger snaps, Jamie hauntingly recollects a rough and tumble past: “As a teen, I felt alone, no one to understand aloneness that I felt /… We were led to fear all the color in the night!” Soon enough, he puts that ugly, repressed past behind him, accompanied by a grander soundscape, including chilling background vocals. Embracing his queerness, he sings out and proudly:

“Don’t expect me to apologize!

Who I am is painted in the skies

You think I’m wrong? I know I’m right

But through love, we’ll all make it.”

Jamie and the Irrepressibles are 1000% correct! They tell the truth as they preach about that “life and it’s waiting for you,” and “a time where you won’t feel shame.” Sadly, many don’t see the pain inflicted upon queer individuals. They are stuck in holier-than-thou, narrow-minded ways. But, this song is not about wallowing in pain or sorrow – it’s about living life proudly! Beyond its marvelous vocals and pitch-perfect songwriting, the musical arrangement is EPIC. There are layers of striking rhythmic strings and choral vocals that elevate the musicianship to a whole other level. Tracks three and four of the EP show the intricacy of the string and choral arrangement. When all the parts are put together, “What I Am! Queer” is breathtaking. This is an anthem that everybody needs to hear!

Appears in:

The Irrepressibles, What I Am! Queer: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 66 (2025)

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9. Jonathan Richman, “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar”

I, Jonathan » Rounder » 1992

“Well, I was dancing at a nightclub one Friday night / And that nightclub was a little uptight.” Bummer! That sucks, Jonathan Richman (b. 1951)! I mean, you go out to have fun, not be self-conscious, as he confesses in the first verse of “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar”. So, who saves him from this awkward, unfun nightclub experience? The lesbians! “‘For dancing come with us’ / And soon… / I was dancing in a lesbian bar, ah-hoo, ah-oo / I was dancing in a lesbian bar, ooh, ooh, ooh.” Ooh-wee, what a difference the venue, and the patrons in that venue make! “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar” is the fifth track from his 1992 album, I, Jonathan. Richman wrote this infectious, unforgettable gem while Brennan Totten produced it. Can I get a “ooh, ooh, ooh!”

As Richman tells us his initial experience, “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar” begins dramatically. Guitar is the sole accompaniment, with Jonathan Richman’s vocals and beautiful, warm background vocals. After feeling free, the guitar establishes a stable, chordal rhythmic groove. The bass and drums enter the mix, providing an anchor and firm foundation for Richman to deliver an entertaining performance on this novel record. He consistently delivers expressive, well-rounded vocals, bringing the tuneful melodies and striking lyrics to life. “Well, the first bar things were alright / But in this bar, things were Friday night,” he asserts in the first pre-chorus. Later, he continues to compare the differences, including “Well in the first bar things were stop and stare/ But in this bar things were laissez-faire,” and “ In the first bar folks were drinking sips / But in this bar they could shake their hips.” Woo! Beyond their initial appearance, the background vocals are one of my favorite touches, providing sweet harmonies. The verses are rad (“… I was there to check the scene / And hang around”), as are the comparative pre-choruses, but the best section of the song should come as no surprise: the chorus, which highlights the titular lyric. Ultimately, “I Was Dancing In The Lesbian Bar” is one of the most fun songs you’ll ever hear. If you haven’t heard it, you are sadly missing out. Jonathan Richman put his foot into this one. He can thank the lesbians for allowing him to have fun! Notably, They Might Be Giants covered it.

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10. Phil Collins, “I Wish It Would Rain Down”

…But Seriously » Philip Collins Ltd. / Rhino Entertainment Company » 1989

“Now I, now I know I wish it would rain down, down on me!” Highly decorated musician extraordinaire Phil Collins (b. 1951) delivered another big-time pop hit with “I Wish It Would Rain Down”. The track hails from his Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum, 1989 album, …But Seriously. “Another Day In Paradise” earned …But Serious its sole Grammy, but it was a big one – Record of the Year! But, this isn’t about paradise but rather rain! “I Wish It Would Rain Down” was nominated for no Grammys, but it was one of 14 top 10 pop hits for Collins. It peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990.

So, what makes “I Wish It Would Rain Down” such a special Phil Collins song? Phil Collins, first and foremost. He delivers one of the best performances of his illustrious career. In the verses, he sounds sweet and nuanced, supported by fabulous vocal production. As the song progresses, from the second chorus and beyond, including the bridge, Collins shows off the sheer power and versatility of his instrument. His performance is impressive to the nth degree. Upping the ante vocally as well is the inclusion of a gospel choir, beginning during the second chorus. Instrumentally, “Rain” is beastly from the get-go. Bright and dynamic, Eric Clapton provides a serious lift with his electric guitar playing. Other instruments that stand out are the keyboards (Collins) and the bass (Pino Palladino). The sound is firmly planted in that late 1980s, early 1990s adult contemporary aesthetic. The songwriting can’t be neglected either. “You know I never meant to see you again,” Collins sings in the first verse, continuing, “But I only passed by as a friend, yeah.” In the second verse, he informs her, “Ooh, I never mean to cause you no pain / But it looks like I did it again, yeah.” Oh, snap! The melodies are tuneful in the verses, as well as that precipitation-filled chorus! Shout out the bridge, where the contrast melodically and melodically keeps “I Wish It Would Rain Down” engaging to the nth degree. “But I know in my heart of hearts / I know I’m never gonna hold you again, no, no,” he asserts. Adding to the excellence of the timeless “I Wish It Would Rain Down” is the high-flying outro, where Phil and the choir continue to implore rain.

Appears in:

Phil Collins, I Wish It Would Rain Down: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 117 (2025

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11. Mitty Collier, “I Had A Talk With My Man”

Talking With Her Man: The Chess Singles 1961 – 1968 » Geffen » 2008

“I had a talk / With my man last night / He reassured me everything / Was still alright.” Sometimes, Mitty Collier (b. 1941), we need reassurance, particularly from a significant other. The doubts of the former soul singer, who became a pastor and gospel singer, are alleviated with this reassurance on “I Had A Talk With My Man”: “My blues got bright / He made me know / I was the star of the show.” Aww, the feels! The love! The romance! “I Had A Talk With My Man” appeared on her 1965 album, Shades of Genius, most accessible via the compilation, Talking With Her Man: The Chess Singles 1961 – 1968. Billy Davis and Leonard Caston wrote it in its secular form. According to Secondhand Songs, it was adapted from “I Had a Talk with God”, written by the late, great gospel music legend, James Cleveland (1931 – 1991). Classy and refined, “Talk” exhibits some gospel sensibilities, evident in its meter, harmonic progression, and the robustness of Collier’s voice. “Talk” peaked at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest charting song of her career.

“I said I sat down, and had / A talk with my man last night,” Collier continues enthusiastically, “He filled my heart with pure delight.” Sweet! Also sweet is the gorgeous instrumental backdrop that accompanies her. There is a sublime blend of orchestral touches (French Horn, strings, etc.) and the traditional rhythm section. Beyond the orchestration, the musical underpinnings, the harmonic progression shines. There are some colorful chord choices, including an epic B-flat minor 7 flat 5 (an altered ii chord with a dramatic effect). Still, Mitty Collier is the star, bringing the tuneful melodies and her loving relationship with ‘her man’ to life. “He told me that he needed me / More than words could ever say,” she asserts. What a heart-melting moment! “I Had A Talk With My Man” also closes sensationally:

“I began to cry

He kissed my tears

From my weeping eyes

Oh, yes, he did, yes, he did

Yes, he did, oh, yes

I had a talk with my man last night.”

Simply put, they don’t make songs like this anymore. Classic, classic, classic!

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12. The Beach Boys, “I Get Around”

All Summer Long » Capitol » 1964

“Round, round, get around / I get around, yeah.” Iconic surf-rock band The Beach Boys get around on “I Get Around”. They repeat the phrase plenty throughout the chorus of their beloved classic. It appears as the opener on their 1964 album, All Summer Long. The stereo version appears as the 13^th track. Mike Love (b. 1941) and Brian Wilson (1943 – 2025) wrote the gem, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1982. Brian also produced it. Love is also the lead vocalist, while Brian sings the choruses (Mike also sings in the first chorus).

“I Get Around” is fun from the start. The lyrics are simple (see the chorus), yet pretty clever (the verses, in particular). In the first verse, Love is sick of the same old road and places. He wants to get around where the cool kids are. Perhaps it sounds corny, but kids of all generations get restless, easily, and want to explore new, exciting things. “My buddies and me are getting real well-known,” he sings, continuing, “Yeah, the bad guys know us, and they leave us alone.” I mean, it’s good they don’t bother you, but this lyric firmly supports the idea of being bored 🥱. The second verse is even more fun. The Beach Boys can’t go steady! Being young, red-blooded American boys who like to pick up girls, it would be wrong to tie yourself down!

“We always take my car ‘cause it’s never been beat

And we’ve never missed yet with the girls we meet

None of the guys go steady ‘cause it wouldn’t be right

To leave their best girl home on a Saturday night.”

Ooh-wee! Beyond the fun, fabulous lyrics, with great singing from Love and Brian on the chorus, and the infectious oohs, the instrumental is terrific. The guitar! The bass line! The various riffs, particularly during the verses! The moments when there are oohs, while the instrumental appears to be the focal point! Perhaps, most of all, those timely claps on the beat during select parts of the verses! GENIUS! Also, the harmonic progression and key modulations add to the complexity of a seemingly simple song. As catchy and irresistible as “I Get Around” is, the musicianship awes you with each successive listen. The Beach Boys put their foot into this unforgettable classic.

Appears in:

The Beach Boys, I Get Around: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 114 (2025)

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13. Mississippi Mass Choir, “When I Rose This Morning”

I’ll See You In The Rapture » Malaco » 1996

“This morning when I rose / (I didn’t have no doubt) / I know the Lord (Will take care of me ) / I know the Lord (Will provide for me) / I know He will (Lead and guide me all the way, yes, all the way).” What a testament of faith! One song that the anointed Mississippi Mass Choir is renowned for is “When I Rose This Morning” (sometimes listed as “This Morning When I Rose”). “Morning” is the seventh track on the choir’s 1996 album, I’ll See You In The Rapture. Notably, the late, great Mosie Burks (1933 – 2025) leads this gospel classic.

The call and response is call and response-ing on “When I Rose This Morning.” Mother Mosie Burks is chock-full of the spirit, PERIOD. She delivers an authentic, dynamic, and utterly sincere vocal performance. As she sings the likes of “This morning, I woke up to a brand new day,” her faith is perceptible without a doubt. The choir is on fire, too. How could they not be with Mosie elevating the spirit, as well as celebrating and praising the goodness of God? During the vamp, the praise reaches a fever pitch with the likes of “Felt like walking,” “Felt like talking,” “Felt like praying,” “Felt like singing, “Felt like running,” and of course, “Felt like shouting.” Amen! Beyond the superb vocals by all parties, what about that band? Ooh-wee! The rhythm section is locked in, particularly that ill bass line and that ‘make you jump up and shout’ keyboard playing! Do you need a lift? Look no further than “When I Rose This Morning” by the Mississippi Mass Choir. The song never grows old!

Appears in:

Mississippi Mass Choir, When I Rose This Morning: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 28 (2025)

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs Lists 🔻

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Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 5 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Altra Moda Music, Archie Music, Ayham, Big Loud, Brandon Lake, Capitol, Columbia, Crusty, Geffen, Malaco, Of Naked Design, Philip Collins Ltd., Provident Label Group, Rhino Entertainment Company, Rounder; AcatXIo, Агзам Гайсин, Kate from Pixabay]

Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 5 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on October 1, 2025October 1, 2025