Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 2

Reading Time: 17 min read

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 2 features music courtesy of Al Green, Asher Roth, Beyoncé, Luke Combs, Nicki Minaj, and Selena Gomez.

LOVE ❤️ is the perfect fuel for most fire 🔥. No, love won’t fuel your car. But, love can affect just about everything else, adversely or positively. FACTS! A broad topic, there are tons of love songs. Many love songs don’t feature the universal four-letter word in their song title. Then again, many love songs DO use the word in their title. On the multi-volume musical compendium, Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, love, the word, appears in EVERY song. Following up Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 1 (2024) is Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 2 (2024) which features music courtesy of Al Green, Asher Roth, Beyoncé, Luke Combs, Nicki Minaj, and Selena Gomez. So, without further ado, let’s embrace the L-O-V-E, shall we?!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Al Green, “L-O-V-E- (Love)”

2. Nicki Minaj, “Love Me Enough” (Ft. Monica & Keyshia Cole)

3. Luke Combs, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma”

4. Selena Gomez, “Love On”

5. John Conlin, “Love Me Just A Little”

6. Beyoncé, “Crazy in Love” (Ft. Jay-Z)

7. Joe Simon, “Glad to Be Your Lover”

8. Angie Stone, “Love Language”

9. Asher Roth, “I Love College”

10. Sophie B. Hawkins, “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover”

11. Perfume Genius, “Can’t Help Falling In Love”

12. The Supremes, “Stop! In The Name of Love”

13. The Manhattans, “It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad”

1. Al Green, “L-O-V-E- (Love)”

Al Green is Love // Hi / Fat Possum // 1975

“I started to write this song about you / And then I decided that I would write it all about love.” Al Green kicks off his 1975 album, Al Green is Love, with “L-O-V-E (Love)”. Fitting! “L-O-V-E” was written by Green, the late Mabon “Teenie” Hodges, and the late producer, Willie Mitchell. The backdrop is immaculate. The strings are gorgeous, adding warmth. At times, some of the string riffs are playful too. The horns are punchy, giving the backdrop bite. Meanwhile, the organ amplifies the soul, bringing in the sounds of the church. Can I get an amen? The bass is big and fat, while the drums anchor. The instrumental alone made “L-O-V-E” impact the pop charts. It reached no. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The instrumental is awesome, period. Even more awesome is Al! Green is one of the greatest singers of all time, something he shows on “L-O-V-E (Love).” His tone is “Simply Beautiful”. Early on, he sings with ease, never breaking a sweat, particularly as he ascends the octave melodically. “I can’t explain this feeling / Can’t you see that salvation is freeing,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “It’s all in the heavens, can’t you see?” In the chorus (varies each iteration), he is grittier, yet still never forces things. He is supported by harmonized background vocals – always a V-I-B-E!

“To give you love (love)

Love is a flower in my soul (Oh love)

Love is a story that just can’t be told (Love)

Can’t you feel it burning more and more? (Love)

Stop and look at the big wheel roll.”

Thematically and lyrically, “L-O-V-E (Love)” is on-point too. Matters of the heart never grow old. Also, the spiritual perspective of love, touched upon by Green, is compelling. “L-O-V-E (Love)” remains memorable and potent.

Appears in 🔻:

Al Green, L-O-V-E (Love): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 88 (2024)

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2. Nicki Minaj, “Love Me Enough” (Ft. Monica & Keyshia Cole)

Pink Friday 2 // Republic // 2023

“I thought that everyone who loved me would leave me / But, fuck that, I love this new chick named Me-me.” Throughout her career, Grammy-nominated rapper Nicki Minaj has proven herself to be versatile. She can hang with the boys, dropping some of the naughtiest and nastiest bars ever, or, she can embrace pop and serve up melodic vibes. On “Love Me Enough”, the 23^rd and final cut from her 2023 album, Pink Friday 2, Minaj gives us pop-oriented R&B vibes (Murda Beatz, Charlie Handsome, and Joseph L’Étranger produce). Even though she sings some, on most of this song, she spits bars. She leaves the singing up to Grammy-winning R&B artist, Monica, and Grammy-nominated R&B artist, Keyshia Cole. Monica is the first voice heard on “Love Me Enough,” singing the pre-chorus (“Got off on the toxic words / I used to think love had to hurt”). Cole follows, performing the chorus (“No one needs to save me / ‘Cause I love me enough for all of y’all”).

Nicki delivers agile rhymes in the first and second verse, supporting the sentiment of her sistas. “I used to think my happiness dependent on a man,” she raps in the first verse, adding, “The worst drug of all, the addiction to a man.” Facts. Notably, at the end of the second verse, Minaj gives some thoughtful, melodic, pitched moments:

“First things first, all my girls, know your worth

Self-love is the greatest love on Earth

Cry your eyes out, get it out, it’s the worst

But love don’t hurt, no.”

Later, we get a post-chorus, performed by Monica and Keyshia Cole, empowering themselves (“Love me enough”). There’s also a bridge, sung mostly by Nicki Minaj, with some contributions from Monica, highlighted by the lyric, “Celebrate, celebrate / Celebrate you walked away.” Monica closes out the empowering “Love Me Enough”, which tells the ladies, don’t let these men and the illusion of love bring you down and destroy you. Walk away, power up, and love yourself!

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3. Luke Combs, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma”

Twisters: The Album // Universal Studios / Atlantic // 2024

“I keep chasing that same old devil / Down the same old dead-end highway.” Noted, Luke Combs. The Grammy-nominated country musician is awesome at recording In-your-face country music. “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” exemplifies in-your-face country music. The single is the first track on Twisters: The Album, the soundtrack to the 2024 film, Twisters (it’s not a reboot of the 1996 film). Focusing on the song, it was written by Combs, Jessi Alexander, and Jonathan Singleton. Combs, Singleton, and Chip Matthew produced it with positive results. “Riding that storm running through my veins / Like a shot down tail spun airplane.” Woo! Combs brings the heat when it comes to lead vocals. He is assertive from the beginning. He ‘rocks’ – in a country sort of way. Besides strong vocals, he has memorable, ear-catching melodies that favor him. The lyrics are memorable and tied to the theme. “I got saved in the same Red River / The same Red River tryna drown me.” Oh, Oklahoma – she’s rough, y’all! The section to beat is the chorus:

“Ain’t no love in Oklahoma

Just the whistle of a lone black train

You’ll know when it’s coming for ya

Riding in on the wind and rain.”

“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” is a soundtrack cut, but it doubles as an enjoyable, well-rounded country song that Combs could’ve easily included on his studio albums.

Appears in 🔻:

~ Table of Contents ~

4. Selena Gomez, “Love On”

“Love On” // Interscope // 2024

“Wait ‘til I turn my love on / I’m no cheap thrill / I’m a rollercoaster ride, baby, jump on.” Ooh-wee, Selena Gomez. The pop artist dropped a lighthearted, love-filled single with “Love On”. “Love On” was written by Gomez alongside five other writers including Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, Julia Michaels. From a production standpoint, The Monsters & Strangerz and Isaiah Tejada are behind the boards. All in all, “Love On” is a pleasant listen. Following the amorous intro performed in French, Gomez unveils one of the big selling points of “Love On,” the chorus (excerpted above). Throughout, she’s accompanied by a warm instrumental that’s pleasing to the ears. The groove is solid, giving off 80s vibes. Vocally, it’s no secret that Gomez is modest. Her pipes are gentle, with her barely breaking a sweat on this track. Even so, the lightness of her instrument works, and she showcases the personality to sell “Love On” despite not being a powerhouse. Also, boding well in her favor are the rhythmic melodic lines in the verses. “This doesn’t have to be some sort of mathematical equation,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “Slip off your jeans, slide in the sheets.” Ooh-la-la! She keeps things sexy in the second as well, suggesting an intimate experience (“Why we conversin’ over this steak tartare when we could be /… Makin’ out in the back of a car / Or in the back of a bar?”). “Love On” is not pop’s second coming, but, to reiterate, it’s a pleasant listen.

~ Table of Contents ~

5. John Conlin, “Love Me Just A Little”

“Love Me Just a Little” // John Conlin // 2024

“Only asking you for one thing / I just want it to mean something, oh.” Honestly, that doesn’t seem like too much to ask, John Conlin. Unfortunately, love is often NOT that simple. The Toronto musician delivers a relatable, well-rounded pop song with “Love Me Just a Little” penned with Suzie Buist. The talented Canadian produced it alongside Olle Romo. The sound is a huge selling point. The groove sho’ nuff grooves early on, while those picturesque keys are everything. Conlin has a fantastic backdrop to sing over and sing he does! His vocals are strong and characterized by an authentic and expressive performance. “Love Me Just a Little” is relatable, thanks to not only Conlin’s vocal performance but also, the love-driven lyrics. “Always telling me how I’m so fine, say anything to get that invite / Know you’re gonna waste my time,” he sings in the first verse, adding in the second, “Lonely nights, I wanna give in / Someone touching my skin / But I been there, and it doesn’t make sense, link up just to have it all end / Never hear from them again.” Nobody likes a ghost 👻! The melodies are tuneful throughout, especially in the chorus:

“Oh my god, I’m bleeding every single feeling out

Love me just a little

No one wants to slow dance, what happened to romance?

Love me just a little, just a little right now.”

The ending of the record is particularly grand, given Conlin’s ad-libs and vocal riffs, as well as the level of energy. All told, John Conlin brings the heat on “Love Me Just a Little”.

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6. Beyoncé, “Crazy in Love” (Ft. Jay-Z)

Dangerously in Love // Sony Music Entertainment, Inc. // 2003

“Uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh, oh no, no / Uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh, oh no, no.” #ICONIC! “Crazy in Love” was the single that launched Beyoncé as a superstar. Yes, she’d already attained success with Destiny’s Child, but “Crazy in Love” was the breakthrough moment for what would be an illustrious career. “Crazy in Love” was written by Beyoncé, featured guest (and hubby) Jay-Z, producer Rich Harrison, and Eugene Record. Beyoncé produced alongside Harrison, who in the 00s, brought a fresh, intriguing sound to contemporary R&B. Specifically, his beat plays a pivotal role in the success of “Crazy in Love.” Also, a soul sample doesn’t hurt the cause (Chi-Lites’ “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)”). Safe to say, Bey had ample fuel for the fire on this multiplatinum, 8-week, no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Bey gets gassed up in the intro by Jay-Z (“Yes / So crazy right now / Most incredible / It’s your girl, B / It’s your boy, Young”).

“Crazy in Love” – a vibe of all vibes. Set in a minor key, with bright exuberant sounds and those sick, Rich Harrison drums, Beyoncé is on autopilot from the jump. The verses are both tuneful and rhythmic. Bey brings the heat, with her beautiful tone and big personality. “Such a funny thing for me to try to explain / How I’m feelin’, and my pride is the one to blame,” she sings in the first verse, adding, “‘Cause I know I don’t understand / Just how your love can do what no one else can.” That is what we call ‘a mighty love.’ The sentiment is similar in the second verse, where she pays an ode to the only person she loves (“It’s the beat that my heart skips when I’m with you”). Of course, her biggest moment comes with the chorus – one of the most memorable of the aughts!

“Got me looking so crazy right now

Your love’s got me looking so crazy right now…

I’m looking so crazy, your love’s got me looking

Got me looking so crazy in love.”

Jay-Z doesn’t only gas up his wife in the intro and ad-libs throughout – he also delivers the rapped third verse. Perhaps he says it best when he brags, “Ever since I made the change over to platinum / The game’s been a wrap, one.” All told, “Crazy in Love” is a masterclass in releasing a lead single from a debut solo album. Unsurprisingly, it earned two Grammys on its own at the 46^th Annual GRAMMY Awards (Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best R&B Song). Nominated for three Grammys, the sole loss was for Record of The Year. “Crazy in Love”, again, is #ICONIC.

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7. Joe Simon, “Glad to Be Your Lover”

**Joe Simon // Drowning in the Sea of Love // Ace // 1972**

“I’m so glad / I’m so glad to be your lover.” Oh, the feels, the feels, the feels! The song to beat on the 1972, Joe Simon album, Drowning in the Sea of Love is… “Drowning in the Sea of Love”, of course. However, the second track, the non-single “Glad to Be Your Lover” is well too. “Glad to Be Your Lover” was composed by Bunny Sigler and Phil Hurtt. They give the Southern soul musician superb music and lyrics to work with. Like in “Drowning in the Sea of Love”, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff produce. So, what makes “Glad to Be Your Love” the vibe that it is? Joe Simon, first and foremost, delivers exceptional vocals. He is commanding and gritty without ever overindulging or over-singing. The balance of his performance speaks to his musicianship – a blend of poise and letting loose. The songwriting – the source material – also makes “Glad” a song any soul enthusiast will gladly put on repeat. The theme is simple: love. It is relatable and, hence, speaks volumes even though the lyrics are uncomplicated. “I spent half a lifetime / Running around from girl to girl,” Simon sings, continuing, “I never knew I was lonely / Girl, until you brightened my world.” Aww! The final piece that contributes to the excellence of “Glad”? The music! The bass line is active and fat, the horns are colorful, and the drums and percussion groove hard. The rhythm section is ‘in the pocket’ sensationally fueling Simon’s fire. Rightfully, “Drowning in the Sea of Love” gets the love – it is a killer record! But, “Glad to Be Your Lover” is marvelous too – an underappreciated soul gem.

Appears in 🔻:

Joe Simon, Glad to Be Your Lover: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 71 (2024)

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8. Angie Stone, “Love Language”

Love Language // Conjunction Entertainment / SoNo Recording Group // 2023

Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Angie Stone is an amazing musician, PERIOD. However, she is one of those truly underrated artists. Her 10^th studio album, Love Language didn’t ‘move the needle,’ it exhibited her elite talent. Furthermore, it just feels good to be in love, right? The title track, “Love Language” maintains consistency in delivering the goods too. “You kiss and hold me / Your love’s a testimony,” she sings in the first verse on the groovy joint, continuing, “That dreams really come true / And I’m so in love with you.” The happiness is infectious and gives ample hope to those of us seeking love. The chorus is a major selling point, as Stone asserts, “Charge it to my head / Don’t charge it to my heart / Teach me how to speak your love language.”

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9. Asher Roth, “I Love College”

Asleep in the Bread Aisle // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2009

“That party last night was awfully crazy, I wish we taped it / I danced my ass off and had this one girl completely naked.” What happens in college, stays in college! The novel, unapologetic single “I Love College” earned rapper Asher Roth his sole ‘hit’ on the pop charts. “College” narrowly missed the top 10, peaking at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, the highlight from Asleep in the Bread Aisle was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA. The song lacks substance but is relatable. Perhaps white frat boys embrace Roth’s experiences the most, but anybody who’s experienced college on campus knows the social aspect ‘hits different.’ In the chorus, Roth continues, “Drink my beer and smoke my weed / But my good friends is all I need / Pass out at three, wake up at ten…” You get the picture. In the verses, Asher expands, referencing beer, cheap pizza, beer pong, and sex. Some of his most memorable lines include, “So fill up my cup, let’s get fucked up” (verse one) and “And don’t have sex, if she’s too gone / When it comes to condoms, put two on” (verse two). Consent is key, and someone to’ up to the flo’ up can’t consent – they’re far too inebriated! However, the two condoms advice – sketch, man! Where things are particularly fratty is the interlude section, with the chants of “Chug!” and “Keg-stand!” A song where the white boys get lit and go crazy, we’ll never forget the charm of “I Love College”.

Appears in 🔻:

Asher Roth, I Love College: 1 Hit WONDERful 3 (2024)

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10. Sophie B. Hawkins, “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover”

Tongues and Tails // Sony Music Entertainment // 1992 

Seven words: “DAMN, I wish I was your lover.” Woo! Say that Sophie B. Hawkins! In 1992, Hawkins saw “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” do something surprising – reach no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  You might be asking yourself, why is it surprising when a marvelous record tops the chart? Well, when that marvelous song is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 catalog – the ‘L,’ lesbian to be precise – it is surprising for the early 1990s. 

Keep in mind, that America was still in this conservative, religious era – Daddy Bush was in his final year as president 😏.  Televangelists 🤮 were big. Gay songs, well, not so much 👎! Hawkins changed that quickly with this lesbian love song which is considered one of the key entries into the LGBTQ+ catalog. She’s got what this woman deserves and needs, unlike “That old dog [that] has chained you up all right.” Yeah! “This monkey can’t stand to see you black and blue,” she sings in the second verse, continuing, “I give you something sweet each time you / Come inside my jungle book.” Woo, chillddd! The centerpiece and the big claim to fame besides the ‘jungle book’ line is the chorus in all its DAMN glory! 

“Damn I wish I was your lover 

I’ll rock you till the daylight comes 

Make sure you are smiling and warm 

I am everything 

Tonight, I’ll be your mother 

I’ll do such things to ease your pain 

Free your mind and you won’t feel ashamed.”  

Appears in 🔻:  

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11. Perfume Genius, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” // Perfume Genius / Matador // 2016

On his cover of “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) makes the beloved Elvis Presley classic his own. Released in 2016, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in Hadreas’ hands runs under two-and-a-half minutes (shorter than the original). Despite the brevity, there are plenty of selling points that make the cover special. Hadreas surprises early on. Rather than the expected, smooth, legato backdrop, the lister is given a distinct, rhythmic, minimalist synth. The minimal vibes, which are consistent throughout “Can’t Help Falling in Love” contrast with the original. Hadreas delivers enigmatic vocals which are cool, calm, and collected. His performance is incredibly sophisticated. He never perspires, yet despite being even-keel, he’s potent. Also, it’s worth noting that “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is set in G major, as opposed to D major, the original key. Something else that makes this cover unique is how it simultaneously sounds classic and contemporary. Sure, those driving synths are far removed from the piano arpeggiations of the 60s, but other elements of this subdued production still hearkens back to the past (the rich guitar), reminding us of the vintage nature of the song. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” gets a fresh interpretation in the hands of Perfume Genius, who is an incredible talent.

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12. The Supremes, “Stop! In The Name of Love”

More Hits by The Supremes // Motown // 1965

The Supremes, one of Motown’s iconic collectives, have 12 no. 1 hits to their name. That is nothing short of epic! Sadly, a Grammy has eluded Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson, among other members throughout the years. Even without that statuette, The Supremes don’t need the validation of an award as their timeless hits speak for themselves. Among those marvelous number ones is the show-stopping, “Stop! In The Name of Love”, which spent two weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. Appearing as the fourth track from More Hits by The Supremes, which was released in 1965, it was penned by Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, and Lamont Dozier. What a team! Brian and Lamont also produced this exuberant classic.

“Stop in the name of love / Before you break my heart,” The Supremes sing utterly sublimely on the centerpiece, the chorus. They urge him to, “Think it over.” Sound advice! Beyond the tuneful chorus, the verses are superb too. The girls know this man isn’t faithful. Diana Ross sings, “I watch you walk down the street / Knowing your other love you’ll meet.” Adding to potentially devastating matters of the heart, “But this time, before you run to her / Leaving me alone and hurt / (Think it over).” Besides the fun songwriting and fabulous vocals by the group, the instrumental is marvelous too, including the use of organ, amplifying the soul, and the use of vibraphone and articulated horns. Honestly, there’s not much to ‘think over’ when it comes to the quality of “Stop! In The Name of Love” – it’s the cat’s meow!

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13. The Manhattans, “It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad”

It Feels So Good // Sony Music Entertainment Inc. // 1977

“Oooh, baby, the more I love you, the more I want to love you ‘cause loving you is all that’s on my mind.” Ooh wee! “It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad” appears as the sixth track on Grammy winning, soul collective The Manhattans’ 1977 album, It Feels So Good. “It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad” was written by a trio of songwriters: Teddy Randazzo, Victoria Pike, and Roger Joyce. The amorous record dinted the pop charts, peaking at no. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100. It performed substantially better on the R&B songs chart, reaching no. 6.

“Oh baby, well / Loving you is all that’s on my mind.” That sums up “It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad” – a heaping dose of L-O-V-E 😍. The Manhattans go on to add, “You got an easy way of loving / And it’s the best that I’ve ever had /…And it feels, feels so good to be loved so bad.” The desire is lit 🔥 throughout the record, which is anchored by lush, soulful production courtesy of the band and Bobby Martin 💪. “You fill me with desire / And it’s all gonna drive me mad.” Oh, snap 🫰! It’s worth noting that award-winning musician, James Blake sampled the record in his gorgeous song, “Can’t Believe the Way We Flow”. It doesn’t take rocket science to figure out which portion of “It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad” earned Blake’s attention: “And oh girl, I can’t believe the way we flow (we flow, we flow, we flow, we flow).” Another gem courtesy of The Manhattans.

Appears in 🔻:

The Manhattans, It Feels So Good to Be Loved So Bad: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 171 (2023)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 2 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Ace, Atlantic, Conjunction Entertainment, Fat Possum, Hi, Interscope, John Conlin, Matador, Motown, Perfume Genius, Republic, SoNo Recording Group, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc., Universal Studios; Anastasia Nagibina, Fábio Carvalho, Fernanda De Freitas, Ketut Subiyanto, from Pexels; A.I., Alisa Dyson, Enes Ersahin, Gordon Johnson, Susan Cipriano from Pixabay]

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 2 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on August 2, 2024August 2, 2024