Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 3

Reading Time: 15 min read

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 3 features songs by Anita Baker, Camila Cabello, Central Cee, Queen, Shai, and ZEE MACHINE.

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) and Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 2 (2024) is Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 3 (2024) which features songs by Anita Baker, Camila Cabello, Central Cee, Queen, Shai, and ZEE MACHINE. So, without further ado, let’s embrace the L-O-V-E, shall we?!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Camila Cabello, “I LUV IT” (Ft. Playboi Carti)

2. Central Cee, “gen z luv”

3. ZEE MACHINE, “I’m In Love (With Everyone)”

4. Shai, “If I Ever Fall in Love”

5. Lizzo, “I Love You Bitch”

6. Al Coffey, “Lovesick”

7. Anita Baker, “Sweet Love”

8. clipping., “Hot Fuck No Love”

9. Queen, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”

10. Sam Smith, “Who We Love” (Ft. Ed Sheeran)

11. Shalamar, “This Is for the Lover in You”

12. L.T.D., “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back In Love Again”

13. Stevie Wonder, “I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)”

1. Camila Cabello, “I LUV IT” (Ft. Playboi Carti)

C,XOXO // Camila Cabello / Geffen / Interscope // 2024

“Supersonic / In your orbit / And I’m bad / Diabolic…” Word, Camila Cabello. The Grammy-nominated pop singer enlists Playboi Carti for “I LUV IT”, the promo single from her fourth album, C,XOXO. “I LUV IT” was produced by El Guincho and Jasper Harris. One of the best sounds from the instrumental backdrop is the gooey synths. It samples the Gucci Mane gem, “Lemonade”. The rapper’s ad-libs appear at various moments of the record, while the interpolation/sample is most prominent during the post-chorus (“Lemons on the chain with the V-cuts… / Lemons on their face, watch ‘em freeze up”). “I LUV IT” is an energetic and engaging listening experience from start to finish. Cabello never over-sings, nor underwhelms. Her vocals are S-E-X-Y. Furthermore, she has tuneful melodies to bring to life in the verses. The memorable “I go soprano, baby, go down low” lyric appears in the first verse. The chorus is repetitive – not deep – but catchy as albeit: “I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it / I love it, I love it, I love it.” Yup, it’s clear that Camila, LOVES IT! Playboi Carti delivers the third verse. Without the lyrics in front of you, it’s hard to decipher what he’s mumbling rapping. Even peeping the lyrics, he doesn’t say much. He does reference Novocain, drugs (weed, lean), foreigns (Lamborghini Aventador SVJ), and women (Clermont twins). The star of the show is Camila Cabello on “I LUV IT”.

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2. Central Cee, “gen z luv”

“gen z luv” // Columbia // 2024

“When our children ask us how did we meet, I’m tellin’ them, ‘Gen-Z love FYP love, IG love’.” If you say so, Central Cee. Later in the single, “gen z luv”, Cench is true to himself: “Slid up and replied to your story, you ain’t responded, I wanna unsend it.” Word. He and his girlfriend are Zoomers through and through. “Gen z luv” is brief but features two verses and two choruses. Ambezza and Peter Iskander produced it. “Career consists of lots of women / How can I convince you I’m not the villain?” Legit question Central Cee asks his girlfriend. He asserts, “Out of these girls, you’re top division / Can’t downgrade and lower my standard.” Keeping it zoomy, in the second verse, he spits, “If it weren’t for the algorithm, I wouldn’t have found my woman,” adding, “She liked my post, I liked her post / Love at first sight, love at first scroll.” Oh, brother! Cench’s cadence and flow are sweet. Adding to the sweetness is his British accent. The production is a selling point, sounding amorous and anchored by a rhythmic beat. The ‘kids’ should easily relate to “gen z luv”.

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3. ZEE MACHINE, “I’m In Love (With Everyone)”

CAN I BE HONEST…? // ZEE MACHINE // 2024

“Can I be honest? / You’re the prettiest boy I’ve ever seen in my life / For the next five minutes.” ZEE MACHINE (Joe Bissell) crushes easily. This, fellow boys and gays, is honest and relatable. The talented, non-binary musician continues singing in the first verse of “I’m In Love (With Everyone)”, “I’m making no promise, but / I’ve been fantasizing someday of being your wife / Nevermind, I’m finished.” That wife lyric is genius! Of course, once again, ZEE highlights his short attention span for men. “I’m In Love (With Everyone)” commences his brief 2024 album, CAN I BE HONEST…?. ZEE is honest on track one, written and produced with Moises Zulaica. The backdrop is as colorful as the lyrics. Also, colorful? ZEE MACHINE’s vocals. They are authentic and expressive from the onset. The first section heard is the electrifying, memorable chorus.

“I’m in love

With everyone I meet but it’s never enough

Like, you’re, the one

Overdosing on you, don’t wake me up…”

To reiterate, the feelings Bissell shares are relatable. While he questions his wiring, boys who identify as gay or straight can sympathize with this temporary high. “Promise I mean it / When I say you taste much better than all of those guys / Baby now I’m sorry,” they assert in the second verse. Commitment issues make a relationship a struggle for ZEE MACHINE, but his issues are our listening pleasure on “I’m In Love (With Everyone)”.

Appears in 🔻:

ZEE MACHINE, I’m In Love (With Everyone): Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 42 (2024)

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4. Shai, “If I Ever Fall in Love”

If I Ever Fall in Love // Gasoline Alley // 1992

Sometimes, success comes early for a musical group. For contemporary R&B collective Shai – Carl Martin, Darnell Van Rensalier, Garfield Bright, Marc Gay – their first single, “If I Ever Fall in Love”, was gargantuan. The a cappella gem was their biggest hit, reaching no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Beyond its chart peak, “If I Ever Fall in Love” was certified platinum by the RIAA. Furthermore, their debut album, If I Ever Fall in Love, was certified double platinum. Martin wrote and produced the 90s classic. If I Fall in Love features two versions of the song. The best version is the original, a cappella version – the sixth track. The voices of Shai mesh together seamlessly. Shai are connected, expressive, and playful. Thematically, love and matters of the heart never grow old. The collective touts the importance of friendship and an emotional connection regarding love. “But I was caught up in physical attraction,” they assert in the first verse, adding, “But to my satisfaction / Baby, you were more than just a face.” Phew 😮‍💨! Lust is not equivalent to love! In the second verse, “The very next time she’ll be my friend.” They add, “I just wanna be the one to serve you / Sometimes, I feel as if I don’t deserve you / I cherish every moment with you.” Oh, the dedication! Of course, the centerpiece – the section to beat – is the chorus:

“And if I ever (ever fall)

In love again (again)

I will be sure that the lady is a friend

And if I ever (ever fall)

In love so true (so true)

I will be sure that the lady’s just like you.”

Prudent words. More than 30 years later, “If I Ever Fall in Love” remains the sugar honey iced tea.

Appears in 🔻:

Shai, If I Ever Fall in Love: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 86 (2024)

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5. Lizzo, “I Love You Bitch”

Special // Nice Life / Atlantic // 2022

“I love you, bitch (I love you) / I love you, bitch (Yeah, I love you).” It’s never shocking to hear Grammy-winning pop singer Lizzo swear, particularly when that swear word is bitch. No one should be surprised Special has a record featuring the five-letter word in its title. No, “I Love You Bitch” isn’t a classy, refined pop cut, but, Lizzo makes her point loud and clear. “I realized that I wanted to write a universal love song – one you could sing to the person you’re fucking and your best friend, to your family, or to someone you just met at a bar.” Hey, at least Lizzo is transparent when describing “I Love You Bitch,” right? I mean, the lyrics support her assertion: “Uh, yeah, you are the most special-est / Not just that bitch, but you my bitch.” Woo! “I Love You Bitch” musters up a catchy chorus (featured at the beginning of this blurb) and great production work courtesy of Omer Fedi and Blake Slatkin. Yeah, it’s “Pretty Bitchin’”, Miranda Lambert!

Appears in 🔻:

Ladies Sing Bitch: 5ive Songs No. 39 (2022)

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6. Al Coffey, “Lovesick”

“Lovesick” // Al Coffey Music // 2024

“Doing all I can to catch your eye / Try to make you jealous, but I fail every time.” Al Coffey wants him back; he’s “Lovesick”. While we don’t wish love pain on the handsome, talented queer UK pop singer/songwriter, his pain is our listening pleasure on “Lovesick.” It was written by Coffey and producer, Michelangelo.mp3 (Michelangelo Dousis). “Dancing with a stranger, am I still on your mind?” Coffey asks his ex, though he doesn’t appear to get an answer. Later, he sings, “The world is burning down, and yet, you’re still on my mind.” The lyrics are self-explanatory, and Al’s emotions are easily perceptible. He ties things all together in the chorus:

“Oh, I’ve been lovesick ever since you’ve been gone

Oh, holding on cause I thought you were the one

And I’m never satisfied on the borderline

But I know

I’ve been lovesick ever since you’ve been gone.”

Coffey sings fabulously. Generally, he takes a smooth, easygoing approach, especially during the verses. He ups the ante during the chorus but still never forces things. He’s supported by sleek production. The musical accompaniment is driving and rhythmic. Al concludes on “Lovesick”, “I’ll never get you back.” Seems true. The good news is, there’s nothing to be sick about this song because it’s a surefire vibe and relatable.

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: July 2024

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7. Anita Baker, “Sweet Love”

Rapture // Elektra // 1986

Although infamous for being a diva, Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Anita Baker is an incredible musician. Her voice is distinct – truly, one of a kind. Throughout her career, Baker had a successful run including her 1986, multiplatinum masterpiece, Rapture. The song to beat on Rapture is the opening gem, “Sweet Love” which was composed by Baker, Gary Bias, and Louis Johnson. “Sweet Love” marks one of two top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at no. 8 on the pop charts, which is impressive for an adult contemporary R&B song. “Sweet Love” kicks off with a bang thanks to a lush introduction: lovely keys and animated ‘live’ drums, which set up a refined, classy R&B experience. In addition to being idiomatic of R&B, the harmonic scheme and approach have some jazz sensibilities. Of course, the biggest draw is the diva herself, Baker. Baker blesses our ears with ultra-sophisticated vocals, serenading us about L-O-V-E (“Your heart has called me closer to you / I will be all that you need”). She masterfully brings the melodies to life. Additionally, her ad-libs are celestial as well. The chorus, in all its tuneful glory, serves as the centerpiece:

“I’m in love, sweet love (sweet love)

Hear me calling out your name, I feel no shame

I’m in love, sweet love (Sweet love)

Don’t you ever go away, it’ll always be this way.”

It’s not just the chorus that stands out. Those verses are tuneful too, not to mention the sheer elegance. Furthermore, what about the bridge? It brings a welcome contrast, separating itself from the verses and chorus. “Sweet Love” is nothing short of sweet.

Appears in 🔻:

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8. clipping., “Hot Fuck No Love”

Wriggle // Sub Pop // 2016

“Let that wet get / On him, rim licking likely, like lollipop / Like you naughty, bitch, don’t act like you forgot.” Woo! clipping. gets filthy – straight-up nasty – on their 2016 song, “Hot Fuck No Love”. The title speaks for itself, honestly.  And even if the f-bomb wasn’t enough to solidify the role of sex on this highlight from Wriggle, the lyrics more than suffice. Daveed Diggs’ flow simultaneously kicks ass and takes names and stimulates/titillates.  Diggs’ has ass on the brain, and most of the time, the brain he thinks with is more phallic: “Damn, oh, damage to the dental dam / Dentata fine, he like a lot of bite when he grind.” Woo!  Diggs also performs the third verse, which is arguably, his most impressive showing.  It’s the speed rapping, not to mention more filthy sex talk (“The scent is intoxicating, and all the waiting and masturbating / The dick is chafing, where’s the lotion”).   

“Hot Fuck No Love” is not only intended for heterosexual music fans. Cakes da Killa brings a queer lens to table.  “A bitch like me only fuck with freaks / Wooden paddle on bare cheeks,” he raps in the second verse, and like Diggs, later references oral sex.  Of course, he separates himself, seducing straight boys (“A little amnesia, where’s your wifey?”), and telling us about his type: “And the niggas that I fuck be the type that’s tryna bash me / Papa thugs tryna smash me / Look, I’ma make it hot, you a nut on my ass cheeks / … Straight swerve on a nigga if he really tryna gas me.” # MIC DROP! Shout out to Maxi Wild, who also contributes to the raunchiness with her British accent, on the intro, bridge, interlude, and the titular outro, where in punk fashion, she asserts, “Hot fuck (No love)” twice.  Finally, if we acknowledge Daveed Diggs, we must acknowledge the other members of clipping., William Hutson and Jonathan Snipes, who alongside Diggs drop a seedy-sounding backdrop that matches those sexually charged lyrics.  Perhaps “Hot Fuck No Love” only explores sex as opposed to love, but this gem deserves ample love.  

 Appears in 🔻:  

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9. Queen, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”

The Game // Hollywood // 1980

“This thing called love / I just can’t handle it.” Facts, Freddie Mercury, facts! Commitment can be frightening! The late, great Queen front man continues singing in “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, “This thing called love / I must get ‘round to it / I ain’t ready / Crazy little thing called love.” Mercury penned this no. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit, which appeared as the fifth track from The Game (1980). Much simpler than many of Queen’s other classics, due to being composed in the bathtub, and the limited guitar skills of Mercury, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” sounds like it hailed from a previous era of music as opposed to the late 1970s/early 80s. Stylistically, the song can be described as rockabilly, or, at a minimum, inspired and emulating the style.

The chorus marks one of many memorable moments from “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” In the first verse, Mercury informs us love “Cries (like a baby) / It swings (Woo, woo) / It jives (Woo, woo) / It shakes all over like a jellyfish.” In the second verse, Freddie states, “I gotta be cool, relax, get hip / And get on my tracks,” ultimately deciding to “Take a long ride / On my motorbike until I’m ready.” Between the two verses, in the bridge, his baby has him feeling some type of way – crazy, fever, sweaty! Of course, you can’t mention “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” without the famous lyric, “Until I’m ready (Ready Freddie)” which appears in the third verse – a repeat of the second. Mercury plays acoustic guitar on this track, but Brian May plays as well, performing the solo between the second and third verses. Deep analysis isn’t required with “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – it speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻: 

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10. Sam Smith, “Who We Love” (Ft. Ed Sheeran)

Gloria // Capitol // 2023

Academy- and Grammy-award-winning, nonbinary, and genderqueer musician Sam Smith concludes their fourth studio album, Gloria, radiantly with “Who We Love” featuring Ed Sheeran. Both Smith and Sheeran’s voices complement each other sublimely. The lyrics are poetic and thoughtful, the expectation from these two songwriters, as well as fellow writers Jimmy Napes, Fred again.., Johnny McDaid, and Steve Mac, who also produces. “Who We Love” is a heartwarming closer, characterized by touching inclusivity as opposed to exclusivity – “Yeah, we love who we love.” “Who We Love” is not explicit in its queerness, but you sense the queer beauty, so to speak. Something is refreshing about this closing cut. When Smith sings, “Colour the empty space / Kiss in a crowded place / Stand in a summer rain,” it feels like the acceptance of same-sex love and relationships – PDA and all. Notably, in the second half of the second verse, the duo sings, “Holding hands in the street / No need to be discreet / Finally feelin’ free.” The chorus certainly confirms this acceptance, and the allyship of Smith’s longtime friend, Sheeran: “It’s not wrong / To want the world for someone / It’s not a feeling you can run from / ‘Cause we love who we love.” All told, “Who We Love” is utterly sublime.

Appears in 🔻:

Sam Smith, Who We Love: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 4 (2023)

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11. Shalamar, “This Is for the Lover in You”

Three For Love // Unidisc Music Inc. // 1980

“This is for the lover in you / This ring means I’ll always be true.” Ah, the beauty of monogamy, as well as matrimony, Shalamar. In the chorus of “This Is for the Lover in You”, the sixth track on the trio’s 1980 album, Three For Love, Howard Hewett (lead vocals), Jody Watley, and Jeffrey Daniel continue singing, “This is how We’ll start love anew / This time, it’s gonna last forever.” It’s that forever part that stands out! Hewett penned “This Is for the Lover in You” alongside Dana Meyers. Producing this slick, 80s R&B cut is the legendary Leon Sylvers III. Sylvers III’s production, alongside brilliant string and horn arrangements by Gene Dozier, pays off big time. A perfect backdrop for this lover-driven gem, “This Is for the Lover in You” has become a popular sample for more contemporary artists. Hewett sounds elite in both verses, the bridge, and his lead role in the choruses. Furthermore, he conveys the power of love lyrically, through gorgeous melodies. “I know I’ll never find / Another who could match the love you’ve given to me,” he sings in the first verse, adding in the second, “The meaning of love / Is always shown to me when you are wrapped in my arms.” In the bridge, he gives us a dash of bedroom spice sans crossing the line. “I could say I never met a girl, no, no / Who satisfies my mental and my physical thing.” “This Is for the Lover in You” is a stunning ballad by Shalamar. While it didn’t impact the pop charts, it charted on the R&B charts, and the parent album, Three For Love, was certified gold.

Appears in 🔻:

Shalamar, This Is for the Lover in You: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 50 (2024)

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12. L.T.D., “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back In Love Again”

Something To Love // A&M // 1977

“Every time I move, I lose / When I look I’m in / And every time I turn around / I’m back in love.” Woo – what an incredibly catchy chorus, L.T.D.! “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back In Love Again” is easily one of the funkiest soul records of all time – NO CAP! This top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100 (peaked at no. 4) appears as the third track from L.T.D.’s 1977 LP, Something To Love. Both “Back In Love Again” and Something To Love earned gold certification by the RIAA. So, what makes “Back In Love Again” so effing funky? The groove is electric, the bass line robust, while the guitar and keys are also absolutely sick 💪. Furthermore, those horns are epic to the n^th degree – the riffs are killer! Beyond the backdrop, among the biggest selling points is the assertive, nuanced lead vocals by Jeffrey Osborne. He shines in the verses. He impresses most in the chorus, the centerpiece of the song. Beyond Osborne’s excellent pipes, he’s aided by superb backing vocals which up the ante. The theme of “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back In Love Again” is simple: even though love can be hell, Jeffrey can’t help but find himself falling in love over and over again. The same could be said about any of us, right? Right!

Appears in 🔻:

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13. Stevie Wonder, “I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)”

Talking Book // Motown // 1972

“I believe when I fall in love with you / It will be forever,” musical icon Stevie Wonder sings authentically and enthusiastically in the chorus of “I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)”. He continues, “I believe when I fall in love this time / It will be forever.” One of many highlights from Wonder’s Grammy-winning masterpiece, Talking Book, chivalry and dedication are admirable. Wonder penned “I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever)” alongside Yvonne Wright. He self-produced this beloved non-single. The chorus is the section to beat, but the verses and pre-choruses are also strong. The first verse is incredibly pessimistic – it sounds defeated. However, the first pre-chorus sees a promising future: “The many sounds that meet our ears / The sights our eyes behold / Will open up our merging hearts / And feed our empty souls.” Woo! The second verse and second pre-chorus confirm the formidable love referenced in the chorus. Wonder sounds stunning vocally. It’s easy to buy what he’s selling. Musically, everything is sound, with a marvelous musical backdrop helping to fuel his fire. “I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)” highlights Wonder’s character, musicianship, and talent.

Appears in 🔻:

Stevie Wonder, I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 168 (2023)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 3 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M, Al Coffey Music, Atlantic, Camila Cabello, Capitol, Columbia, Elektra, Gasoline Alley, Geffen, Hollywood, Interscope, Motown, Nice Life, Sub Pop, Unidisc Music Inc.; Cathy B., Jesutobiloba Precious, Kampus Production, Los Muertos Crew, Luis Felipe Pérez, Marcelo Chagas, Pavel Danilyuk, Stephanie Lima from Pexels; eommina, Gordon Johnson, nugroho dwi hartawan from Pixabay]

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 3 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on September 25, 2024September 25, 2024