Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 1 | Playlist

Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 1 features songs by beabadoobee, Charli XCX, John Conlin, The Dare, The Kid LAROI, and The O’Jays. 

We ️ our boys on The Musical Hype – that is an understatement! But, girl(s), we also you too! We wouldn’t dare leave you out! So, girls, guess what? The 13 songs on this playlist are about you! The criteria: all songs must feature the word girl or a similar noun or reference (lady comes to mind). Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 1 features songs by beabadoobee, Charli XCX, John Conlin, The Dare, The Kid LAROI, and The O’Jays. So, without further ado, let’s get behind the girls on his girl-centric musical compendium!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Charli XCX, “Girl, so confusing” (Ft. Lorde)	2. The Kid LAROI, “GIRLS”	3. The O’Jays, “Use Ta Be My Girl”	4. SZA, “Gone Girl”
5. John Conlin, “Kissing Other Girls”	6. beabadoobee, “Girl Song”	7. Kungs & Cookin’ On 3 Burners, “This Girl”	8. The Dare, Girls”
9. The Stylistics, “You’re A Big Girl Now”	10. Sabrina Carpenter, “Lie To Girls”	11. Sugarloaf, “Green-Eyed Lady”	12. The Intruders, “Cowboys to Girls”
13. Harry Roy, “My Girl’s Pussy”

 

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1. Charli XCX, “Girl, so confusing” (Ft. Lorde)

Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat // Atlantic // 2024

Charli XCX produced nothing but bops – surefire bangers – from Brat and Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat.  One of the best-remixed songs was “Girl, so confusing” featuring Grammy-winning alternative pop singer/songwriter Lorde.  “Girl, so confusing” commences with ear-catching vocals and sound effects. Produced by A. G. Cook, the sounds are sublime, with a heavy synth bass and thudding dance beat. The vocals during the first verse by Charli XCX are more ‘talked’ and less pitched. “Yeah, I don’t know if you like me / Sometimes I think you might hate me,” she sings, continuing, “Sometimes I think I might hate you / Maybe you just wanna be me.” Is she referencing Lorde?  Following the memorable chorus, Lorde addresses Charli, asserting, “Let’s work it out on the remix.” Lorde delivers a remarkable confessional verse, admitting, “‘Cause for the last couple years / I’ve been at war with my body / I tried to starve myself thinner / And then I gained all the weight back.” A stellar pre-chorus follows this epic verse, where the comparisons between both artists are brought to light: “People say we’re alike / They say we’ve got the same hair / It’s you and me on the coin / The industry loves to spend.” Charli XCX and Lorde make a formidable pair on “Girl, so confusing”, a rare remix that deserves recognition as one of the best songs of 2024.  

Appears in :

• 60 Best Songs of 2024

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2. The Kid LAROI, “GIRLS”

THE FIRST TIME (DELUXE VERSION) // Columbia // 2024

“Fuck your ex-man, I’m the man now / Think I feel bad, he was fanned out.” Hmm, those are loaded lyrics, The Kid LAROI. They are also part of the charm of his brief, summery single, “GIRLS”, which appears on THE FIRST TIME (DELUXE VERSION). It features a radiant, dramatic string and piano intro.  The percussive groove is infectious – to die for. Rhythm plays a sizable role in the sound “GIRLS” produced by Rogét Chahayed, Tenroc, Pete Nappi, and Jon Bellion.  The sound is crucial to the vibe, but the star of the show is the handsome, rizz-filled Charlton Howard. The theme isn’t rocket science. “Girls just wanna dance, uh, ayy / Girls just wanna have fun,” The Kid LAROI sings, continuing, “I don’t know your plans, ayy / I just wanna, uh, get some.” Get some, huh? Slid that in there didn’t you Charlton?  However, that “fuck your ex-man” suggests there’s more to the story. The Kid LAROI may be dissing his girlfriend’s (Tate McRae) alleged cheating ex-boyfriend, Cole Sillinger … supposedly… LAROI won’t cheat on his girl or wrong her: “‘Cause, baby, you a ten and the one for real / You ran into some lames, but I’m for real.” Poetic… well, that’s an overstatement.  “GIRLS” is fun regardless of whether it’s a diss or not.  Howard continues to grow as an artist. He’s improved vocally, shining in the most melodic parts of this record. Ultimately, there’s no way you won’t rock your body to “GIRLS”.

Appears in :

• Bops That Pop: July 2024

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3. The O’Jays, “Use Ta Be My Girl”

So Full of Love // Sony Music Entertainment // 1978 

“(Shoop-shoop-shoo-shoo-shoo) Shoo-doo / Shoop-shoop-shoo-shoo-shoo) Doo-doo.” From the opening tip “Use Ta Be My Girl” marks another elite soul cut from The O’Jays. In the 1970s, the Philadelphia soul collective nabbed their fair share of hits. 6 of their 29 songs that charted on the Billboard Hot 100 were top-10 hits including “Use Ta Be My Girl.” “Use Ta Be My Girl” peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, it was certified gold by the RIAA. Impressive.  It shouldn’t come as a surprise this was another gem from The O’Jays.  It was written and produced by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff (Gamble & Huff), the Philly soul gods!

With Gamble and Huff composing and producing, The O’Jays are blessed with stunning, sophisticated instrumental accompaniment. The rhythm section is locked in while the orchestra accentuates.  Besides the glorious sounds of the instruments, The O’Jays – Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, and Sammy Strain – slay on vocals. Williams sings lead in the verses, delivering gems like, “The girl’s got plenty good lovin’ / Ask me how I know / And I’ll tell you so / She used ta be my girl.”  He also isn’t shy asserting, “And if I had the chance / Lord knows I’d take her back.” Levert provides the grittier, cutting riffs, including leading the infectious “Shoop-doop(s).” The section to beat is the marvelously catchy chorus, one of the best of the best by the collective, led by the titular lyric. “Use Ta Be My Girl” speaks volumes by itself sans extensive commentary.

Appears in :

• The O’Jays, Use Ta Be My Girl: Throwback Vibez 106 (2024)

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4. SZA, “Gone Girl”

SOS // Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA // 2021

“Squeezin’ too tight, boy, you’re losing me.” Oh, snap! “Gone Girl” kicks off an incredible run of songs on SOS, the Grammy-winning, 2021 sophomore album by SZA (Solána Rowe). SZA wrote the 10^th track (25^th track on SOS Deluxe: LANA) with producers Carter Lang, ThankGod4Cody, Rob Bisel, Jeff Bhasker, and Emile Haynie. Fittingly, SZA references the film of the same title.  There is no shortage of memorable lyrics. “I decide no matter the climate / Birthin’ bitches in my third trimester.” Say what, SZA?! The best moment is the tuneful chorus where, “She’s gone, gone, girl, so gone, girl.” Ultimately, she appears to need more than what this man has to offer. That said, she also seems to have no share of emotionally charged, love-driven issues.  Shout out the key change, something that is rare in so much of the R&B music of the 2020s. 

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5. John Conlin, “Kissing Other Girls”

“Kissing Other Girls” // John Conlin // 2024

“Don’t you know you make me / Cry just a little / Die just a little / Say we’re just DL, noncommittal / So superficial, caught in your middle / It hurts / I know you’re kissing other girls.” That is a bummer, John Conlin. What isn’t a bummer is the authenticity and sheer excellence that is “Kissing Other Girls”.  It was penned by the handsome and talented Toronto pop singer/songwriter.  He produced this must-hear gem alongside Jamesfromtheinternet. The sound is ‘to die for.’ The instrumental backdrop includes warm pads and synths that concoct a surefire vibe. Conlin serves up gorgeous vocals, tuneful melodies, and reflective, questioning lyrics.  The situation is one where he and his ‘boyfriend’ are on two different pages. John seems comfortable with the relationship while the nameless boyfriend is DL and still partakes in heterosexual experiences. “I’ve been on my knees praying / That I take up space inside your  head,” Conlin sings in the first verse, continuing, “Two dimensional, you fuck across the hall, baby.”  He’s not fucking other guys, either: “Your rust on the straight blade / It cuts, badly both ways…” Conlin, singing angelically, continues to voice his sadness over the state of their ‘relationship.’ He asks, “Am I just a phase / Just a body you play.” Understanding his partner, he asserts, “And when you, can’t finish [with her, presumably] you picture me.” Ooh-wee! The bridge separates it from the verses and chorus yet continues the theme of John’s boyfriend/partner/FWB struggling with his sexuality.  The situation isn’t ideal, yet, common where homophobia – external and internal – runs rampant.  “Kissing Other Girls” is the cat’s meow – the sugar honey iced tea! Get it, John!

Appears in :

• Bops That Pop: September 2024
• Songs That Reference Coming Out, Vol. 3 (2024)

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6. beabadoobee, “Girl Song”

This Is How Tomorrow Moves // Dirty Hit // 2024 

“In a way, I’m figuring it out at my own pace, British Filipino singer/songwriter beabadoobee (Beatrice Ilejay Laus) sings in the first verse of “Girl Song”.  She continues, introspectively and vulnerably, “Just a girl who overthinks about proportions on her waist / The creases on her face.” Real talk. Laus wows on the sixth track from her third studio album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves.  She penned the marvelous piano ballad while Jacob Bugden and Rick Ruben produced it.

“Day like no other, and just another bad day.” Ugh, Laus’ no terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day is our listening pleasure.  She brings radiant, tender vocals.  The melodies are gorgeous.  The songwriting is reflective but also depressing.  “Waking up to hardly recognizing my own face,” Laus sings in the second verse. “‘Oh what a shame, didn’t think she’d look this way’,” she responds regarding her ‘less than ideal’ reflection in the mirror.  Ugh .  The chorus marks another honest and highly memorable moment:

“All I want to do is find the words to make it up to you

Making all the same mistakes

I guess there’s still a lot to prove

And there’s something I can’t say in an ordinary way.”

Adding the brilliance of “Girl” beyond fabulous vocals and poetic lyrics is the harmonic progression.  It’s not too outlandish, mind you, but extends beyond I, IV, and V. It’s sad hearing about beabadoobee’s struggles – you can empathize/sympathize/relate to her pain. Still, “Girl Song” is moving from the first time you it. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!

Appears in :

• beabadoobee, Girl Song: Bangerz N Bopz 7 (2025)

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7. Kungs & Cookin’ On 3 Burners, “This Girl”

Layers // Val Production / Island Def Jam // 2016

“Money rains from the sky above / But keep the change cause I’ve got enough / A little time and some tenderness / You’ll never buy my love.” Woo! Kungs cemented his spot in pop music history thanks to a remix.  That’s right, the handsome French DJ and producer (Valentin Brunel) earned top-40 success with “This Girl” which peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. “This Girl” was certified platinum by the RIAA. It earned even more success in other countries, reaching number one in France, Belgium, and Germany. Still, a dance remix of a 2009 song, “This Girl” by ‘Australia’s hardest-hitting Hammond Organ Trio,’ Cookin’ On 3 Burners (Lance Ferguson, Jake Mason, and Ivan Khatchoyan), impacting the U.S. pop charts is impressive. What makes “This Girl” the sugar honey iced tea? The soulful vibes of the original record transformed into an exuberant dance cut. The 2009 version features a slower tempo – it’s more laidback, steeped in soul. The keys, horns, and the contemporary, soulful backdrop are a vibe. In Kungs’ hands, the tempo is quicker. He adds bright keys and synths and drums that go hard.  These tweaks perfectly bring a song to a wider audience without compromising the musicianship exhibited by the original. The DROP is sick – FABULOUS! Kylie Auldist, the soulful singer on the original, remains a force in the remix, losing none of her punch. The songwriting by Cookin’ On 3 Burners remains awesome even if the aesthetic and sound of the record carry the most weight. The excellence of “This Girl” speaks for itself.

Appears in :

• Kungs & Cookin’ On 3 Burners, This Girl: 1 Hit WONDERful 20 (2024)

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8. The Dare, Girls”

What’s Wrong With New York? // A Dare Is A Business / Republic // 2024 

“I like the girls that do drugs (Drugs) / Girls with cigarettes in the back of the club (Club) / Girls that cops and buy guns (Guns).” Word. The Dare (Harrison Patrick Smith) brings the naughtiness on “Girls” – that’s an understatement. If you couldn’t already guess, The Dare like girls, woo! In the infectious chorus, The Dare continues: “Girls with no buns, girls that’s meant for fun / I like girls who make love, but I love girls who like to fuck / That’s what’s up (Ow).” Ow, indeed! “Girls” originally appeared on The Sex EP from 2023.  It reappears as the fourth track from What’s Wrong With New York?, released in 2024. Smith penned and produced “Girls.”

“Girls” is short – two minutes in duration – but utterly sweet.  The Dare delivers tongue-in-cheek vibes to the nth degree.  The lyrics are playful and unapologetic.  There is no shortage of no shortage of f-bombs. “I like the girls who like to lie that they came,” he asserts in the second verse, adding, “Girls who fuck on the train / Girls who got so much hair on they ass, it clogs the drain.” Damn… rather, fuck! Not only does The Dare like girls, but he likes to say fuck, a lot, or should I say a fuck-ton .  Give Harrison credit for inclusivity: “I like tall girls, small girls / Girls with dicks, call girls.” Still, the lust is O.O.C. – out of control: “They say I’m too fuckin’ horny /… I’d probably fuck the hole in the wall / The guy before made.” The vocals and lyrics draw plenty of attention, but the sound and production are worth mentioning too.  The accompaniment matches the energy of the wild-ass, girl-driven lyrics. “Girls” is fucking awesome.

 

Appears in :

• The Dare, Girls: Bangerz N Bopz 9 (2025)

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9. The Stylistics, “You’re A Big Girl Now”

The Stylistics // Amherst // 1971

“You’re a big girl now / No more daddy’s little girl.” “You’re A Big Girl Now” is the first single and fifth track off The Stylistics’ marvelous, self-titled 1971 debut album.  On the R&B charts, it peaked in the top 10.  Despite its modest performance on the pop charts (it peaked at number 73), this Robert Douglas and Marty Bryant gem is no slouch! Bryant and Bill Perry produced.  The musical accompaniment is sickening.  The backdrop is soulful, led by rhythm guitar, keys, a robust bass line, and a vintage drum groove.  The melodies are tuneful throughout “You’re A Big Girl Now,” particularly the chorus. The falsetto by the lead vocalist Russell Thompkins, Jr. is stellar.  He highlights the maturity of the ‘big girl’ soundly in the verses.  “No more pigtails in your hair / No more silly looks with a childish glare,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “No more doll for you to play / No more dumbness in the things you say.” When you grow up, you put aside childish things.  In the second verse, he highlights what she can do now: love, kiss, and ‘realness.’ In an interlude, the nameless, ‘big girl’ is characterized as “my dream come true.” Word.  “You’re A Big Girl Now” marked a key moment in The Stylistics’ illustrious career.

Appears in :

• The Stylistics, You’re A Big Girl Now: Throwback Vibez 174 (2024)

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10. Sabrina Carpenter, “Lie To Girls”

Short n’ Sweet // Island // 2024

“Girls will cry, and girls will lie, and / Girls will do it ‘til they die for you.” Oh, snap! Sabrina Carpenter had a big year in 2024. Short n’ Sweet gave the pop singer/songwriter a breakout album. “Lie To Girls” is the penultimate record from Short n’ Sweet. Carpenter, Amy Allen, and producer Jack Antonoff wrote it.  The song has singer/songwriter vibes lyrically and sound-wise (initially). Carpenter sings pleasantly, selling the lyrics convincingly.  She delivers her fair share of colorful moments like “Yeah, I can make a shitshow look a whole lot like forever and ever” (verse one) and “We love to mistake butterflies for cardiac arrest” (verse two).  The second verse features more ‘production’ compared to the first.  It adds an anchoring, syncopated ‘pop’ beat.  Ah, the modern pop sound! The chorus is a crucial part of “Lie To Girls”: “You don’t have to lie to girls / If they like you, they’ll just lie to themselves /…Don’t I know it better than anyone else?” “Lie To Girls” doesn’t supplant “Espresso” or “Please Please Please”, but marks another enjoyable moment from Short n’ Sweet.

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11. Sugarloaf, “Green-Eyed Lady”

Sugarloaf // Capitol // 1970

“Green-eyed lady, lovely lady / Strolling slowly towards the sun,” Jerry Corbetta  (1947 – 2016) sings, continuing, “Green-eyed lady, ocean lady / Soothing every raging wave that comes.” Fittingly, the song is named “Green-Eyed Lady”. Corbetta was the lead singer and keyboardist for the Colorado progressive rock, psychedelic, and jazz-rock band, Sugarloaf.  “Green-Eyed Lady,” the opening track from their 1970 album, Sugarloaf, earned the rock band their biggest hit – number three on the Billboard Hot 100. Corbetta penned the record alongside David Riordan and J.C. Phillips. 

So, who was this green-eyed lady? Corbetta’s girlfriend, Kathy. “Green-eyed lady feels life I never see,” Corbetta sings in the second verse, adding, “Setting suns and lonely lovers free.” In the final verse, he asserts she’s “Dressed in love, she lives for life to be.”  As intriguing as the lyrics and Corbetta’s vocals are, the instrumental shines on “Green-Eyed Lady.” The riff is classic.  How did it materialize?  Simple: from a scale in a book.  Beyond the riffs, the organ soloing (Corbetta) is ear-catching. With some psychedelic vibes, the organ fits the bill.  Even when soloing isn’t happening, that organ sounds mean! Also, the guitar solo deserves a shout-out. “Green-Eyed Lady” is S-I-C-K !

Appears in :

• Sugarloaf, Green-Eyed Lady: Throwback Vibez 190 (2024) 

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12. The Intruders, “Cowboys to Girls”

Cowboys to Girls // Sony Music Entertainment // 1968 

“I remember… / When I used to play shoot ‘em up… / When I chased the girls and beat ‘em up.” Admittedly on “Cowboys to Girls”, Philly soul collective The Intruders were young. But, as fully grown men, they understand the purpose of girls: “I know girls are made for kissing / Never knew what I was missing / Now my life is not the same / My whole world has been rearranged.” Perhaps those lyrics ‘oversimplify,’ but The Intruders get their point across ‘loud and clear.’

“Cowboys to Girls” appears in the collective’s 1968 album, Cowboys to Girls. It was written and produced by legends: Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.  That explains the sweet orchestration: strings, brass, tight rhythm section (including vibes).  Articulated horn riffs and lush, legato strings bring sweet contrast. “Cowboys to Girls” marked the sole top 10 hit for The Intruders.  It peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.

“I went from (Cowboys to girls)

Oh, yes, I did (Shoot ‘em up, bang-bang)

(Cowboys to girls).”

Paradigm shift? “Cowboys to Girls” benefits from a memorable chorus with its share of variations.  The point is that childish things have been put aside in favor of the opposite sex in all their glory! The second verse is a prime example: “And I remember /… When you got your first baby coach.” Oh, snap! What makes “Cowboys to Girls” the sugar honey iced tea are gritty, soulful lead vocals, and strong backing vocals/harmonies. Throughout, there are fabulous call-and-response moments.  Also, the melodies are tuneful throughout, most notably the chorus.  Listen to “Cowboys to Girls” and it should be no surprise why it earned The Intruders gold certification from the RIAA.

Appears in :

• The Intruders, Cowboys to Girls: Throwback Vibez 147 (2024) 

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13. Harry Roy, “My Girl’s Pussy”

Fox Trot Master – the British Swing Sound of Harry Roy and His Orchestra // Das Stimmt // 2022 

“There’s one pet I like to pet / And every evening we get set…” What does evening have to do with it, Harry Roy (1900 – 1971)? The British bandleader, clarinetist, composer, and vocalist continues singing, “I stroke it every chance I get / It’s my girl’s pussy.” Holy sugar honey iced tea! Things escalate on “My Girl’s Pussy” which was recorded by Harry Roy & His Orchestra back in 1931 . Surprisingly,  innuendo-heavy, highly sexual music, isn’t brand new. “My Girl’s Pussy” features cat sounds (meow) near the beginning . Roy references both kinds of cats. Gotta love a mean double entendre! Still, he takes the most pleasure from her pussy. “Seldom plays and never purrs / And I love the thoughts it stirs,” he sings, adding, “But I don’t mind because it’s hers / My girl’s pussy.” Oh my! Other eyebrow-raising lyrics include the cat’s ‘consistency’ – “It’s always nice and warm.” Also, this cat’s “the best I’ve ever seen,” hence the stroking at every given opportunity. MEOW!

Appears in :

• Harry Roy, My Girl’s Pussy: Midnight Heat 80 (2024)
• 13 Electrifying Animal Songs (2024)
• 13 More Sex Songs That Exhibit That Midnight Heat (2024)

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Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 1 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A Dare Is A Business, Atlantic, Amherst, Capitol, Columbia, Das Stimmt, Dirty Hit, Island, Island Def Jam, John Conlin, RCA, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, Top Dawg Entertainment, Val Production; Andrea Yurko, Built By King, Juliano Goncalves, King Shooter, Lazarus Ziridis, Lê Đức, Mustapha Damilola, Taina Medeiros, Yana Ihnatovich from Pexels; AcatXlo from Pixabay]

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