Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 4 | Playlist 🎧

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 4 features songs by Crystal Waters, Gracie Abrams, Kem, Landan Ash, and The Supremes. 

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), Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 2 (2024), and Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 3 (2024) is Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 4 (2024) which features songs by Crystal Waters, Gracie Abrams, Kem, Landan Ash, and The Supremes. So, without further ado, let’s embrace the L-O-V-E, shall we?!

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~ Table of Contents ~ 

1. The O’Jays, “I Love Music”

2. Gracie Abrams, “I Love You, I’m Sorry”

3. Landan Ash, “Love In Your 20s”

4. Crystal Waters, 100% Pure Love

5. Morgan Wallen, “Love Somebody”

6. The Supremes, “Where Did Our Love Go”

7. John Mayer, “Why You No Love Me”

8. Ryland James, “Love On The Brain” – Rihanna cover

9. Kem, “I Can’t Stop Loving You”

10. Teddy Pendergrass, “Love T.K.O.” – David Oliver cover

11. Natalie Cole, “I’ve Got Love On My Mind”

12. Barry White, “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe”

13. Four Tops, “Standing in the Shadows of Love”

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1. The O’Jays, “I Love Music”

Family Reunion // Sony Music Entertainment // 1975

“I love music / Any kind of music / I love music / Just as long as it’s grooving.” Those lyrics by the iconic soul collective, The O’Jays, speak volumes.  Renowned for the popular Philly soul sound of the 1970s, The O’Jays was formed in Canton, Ohio by Eddie Levert and Walter Williams. “I Love Music” appears on their 1975 album, Family Reunion. “I Love Music (Part 1)” earned The O’Jays one of six top-10 hits, peaking at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976.  On the R&B charts, “I Love Music (Part 1)” reached no. 1. Iconic duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff penned and produced this big-time soul hit.

“Ah, ah, ah, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.” Ooh-wee! Lyrical and thematic depth is not important in “I Love Music.”  This is a carefree, danceable, fun, and funky joint! The disco is alive and well! The message is simple: music is ‘the cat’s meow!’ “Makes me laugh, makes me smile all the while / Whenever I’m with you, girl,” Levert sings joyfully in the first verse. Williams adds, “While we dance, make romance / I’m enchanted by the things that you do.” Later, the O’Jays sing, “Nothing can be better than a sweet love song.” Levert adds, “Music is the healing force in the world / It’s understood by every man, woman, boy, and girl.” Facts!  Beyond the enjoyable lyrics and superb singing by Levert, Williams, and William Powell (1942 – 1977), the instrumental accompaniment fuels The O’Jays.  Marvelously arranged, the backdrop comprises a sickening, percussive groove (the bongos are sick), a tight rhythm section, horns, glorious strings, and vibraphone.  Whether it’s the shortened “I Love Music (Part 1)” or the full-fledged “I Love Music”, it’s one of The O’Jays and soul’s premier cuts.

Appears in 🔻:

• The O’Jays, I Love Music: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 150 (2024)

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2. Gracie Abrams, “I Love You, I’m Sorry”

The Secret of Us // Gracie Abrams / Interscope // 2024

“Two Augusts ago / I told the truth, oh, but you didn’t like it, you went home.” Say what, Gracie Abrams? The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter made a splash with her sophomore album, The Secret of Us. In “I Love You, I’m Sorry”, the fourth track, matters of the heart rule. The first verse, excerpted, is sung in the past tense. As for the second, it’s set in the future: “Two summers from now / We’ll have been talking, but not all that often, we’re cool now.”  “I Love You, I’m Sorry” was penned by Abrams, Aaron Dessner, and Audrey Hobert. Abrams and Dessner produced.  The sound is alternative pop, singer/songwriter through and through, led by consistent rhythm guitar.

Gracie Abrams delivers lovely vocals. No, they’re not extraordinary but are sound and well-rounded. She never gets too high.  Tuneful melodies up the ante, particularly during the choruses. The choruses vary lyrically, though Gracie’s love endures, and, she ‘apologizes’ for it:

“That’s just the way life goes

I like to slam doors closed

Trust me, I know it’s always about me

I love you, I’m sorry.”

The bridge marks another intriguing moment. Memorably, Abrams asserts, “I was a dick, it is what it is / A habit to kick, the age-old curse.” Oh, snap! In the final choruses, lyrics from the bridge are intertwined, making the record even more intriguing. Is “I Love You, I’m Sorry” a banger? No, that’s not an appropriate characterization. But it’s a highlight from The Secret of Us.

Appears in 🔻:

• Gracie Abrams, I Love You, I’m Sorry: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 82 (2024)
• 13 Irresistible YOU Songs (2024)

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3. Landan Ash, “Love In Your 20s”

“Love In Your 20s” // Landan Ash // 2024

“Chase had too many ways to grow / And Nick couldn’t keep it in his pants.” Oh, snap! “Oh my god / Dating’s hard.” Word! When describing his 2024 song, “Love In Your 20s”, the handsome 😍 and talented Landan Ash (Landan Ash Boyde) asserts, ‘wrote a song about dating in your 20s.’ The honest, beautifully sung pop song was penned by Ash and producer Wesley Henry. The backdrop is celestial (groove, rhythmic guitar, bass, etc.) despite the hellish dating experiences Landan shares with us.  Throw in the wrinkle that these experiences are queer – ex-boyfriends – and the song ‘slaps’ a little bit harder.

“Oh my god

Is this where it really starts?

Oh my god

All the ways I’m torn apart from dating

And I take it

And I hate it

What a shame to want love in your twenties.”

Early in “Love In Your 20s,” Landan shares Chase and Nick’s deal-breaking flaws – immature and a man hoe. But, another ex-boyfriend confirms how difficult it is to date in your 20s: “Mitch said everything was just fine / Two weeks went on he’s with a new guy.” In the second verse, he makes general comments about the gay dating pool: “Grown-ass men will act just like boys / You get what you get, and you make no noise / My god / Dating sucks.” “Love In Your 20s” is a necessary addition to the bops playlist. We wish no boy pain on Landan, but, his boy pain is our listening pleasure in this case.

Appears in 🔻:

• Landan Ash, Love In Your 20s: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 64 (2024)

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4. Crystal Waters, 100% Pure Love

Storyteller // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1994

“I’ve come to take you there / Show you how to care / Just be aware / That you’ll have to share.” Word, Crystal Waters.  The renowned dance and house singer/songwriter dropped a jewel in 1994 with “100% Pure Love”.  It peaked at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It asks how this surefire, house/dance-pop bop missed the top 10. SMH! Regardless, “100% Pure Love” and its parent album, Storyteller, were certified gold by the RIAA. “100% Pure Love” was produced by The Basement Boys. The beat is sick, PERIOD.  Also sick are the keys and synths. The organ makes everything better, as do the strings. “100% Pure Love” has both. The backdrop is nothing short of hypnotic – mesmerizing!

Do you know what the not-so-secret weapon of “100% Pure Love” is? Crystal Waters, of course! She brings the heat.  Her performance is energetic, fun, and sassy.  She infuses ample personality as she delivers memorable lyrics and melodies. “You call my name again / No, it’s not a sin / I’ll show you how to win / And where I’ve been,” she sings in the second verse.  She follows with the refrain (pre-chorus), asserting, “I’ll be your answer / I’ll be your wish / I’ll be your fantasy / Your favorite dish.” Ooh-wee! The crowning achievement, unsurprisingly, is the chorus:

“From the back to the middle

And around again

I’m gonna be there ‘til the end

100% pure love.”

And if the chorus wasn’t enough, Waters confirms the 100% pure love even more in the bridge: “You’ll never have to run away / You’ll always have a friend to play / You’ll never go out on your own / In me / You will find a home / Home.” “100% Pure Love” is the cat’s meow.  One of the great dance records of the ‘90s.

Appears in 🔻:

• Crystal Waters, 100% Pure Love: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 63 (2024)
• 11 Kick-butt Songs That Keep It 100 (2024)

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5. Morgan Wallen, “Love Somebody”

 “Love Somebody” // Big Loud // 2024 

“I just wanna love somebody who won’t leave a hole in my heart / I just wanna love somebody that don’t want me fallin’ apart.” That is a reasonable request, Morgan Wallen! The country superstar brings a different flavor to his single, “Love Somebody”. There are lots of cooks in the kitchen when it comes to songwriting, including Wallen’s pen. Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome produce “Love Somebody” which has a pleasant, easygoing sound from the onset. As always, Wallen shows he possesses a great voice.  He sounds particularly beautiful on “Love Somebody.”  Even if this is a ‘less country’ country song, Morgan still brings ample twang and expression.  The melodies are rhythmic and tuneful in the verses. “I need someone that I’d be proud / To take on back to my hometown,” he sings in the second verse, concluding, “Honest eyes that just ain’t gonna lead.” Word. In the chorus, the melody is legato and even more tuneful. Besides a strong vocal from Wallen, there’s a lovely, refined instrumental break that precedes the final chorus.  Wallen is polarizing for a variety of reasons.  But, the East Tennessean country musician is also talented.  He shows off his talent without a hitch on this enjoyable and memorable song.

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6. The Supremes, “Where Did Our Love Go”

Where Did Our Love Go // Motown // 1964 

“Baby, baby / Baby don’t leave me / Ooh, please don’t leave me / All by myself.” ICONIC to the nth degree – that’s Motown exemplified! “Where Did Our Love Go” marks one of 20 top-10 hits by the iconic girl group, The Supremes. Everything The Supremes touched seemed to turn into gold. Making this two-and-a-half-minute song even more elite is the fact that it’s the first of 12 no. 1 hits by the iconic collective. Specifically, the opening song from Where Did Our Love Go spent two weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.  Who penned this masterpiece? Why, none other than Brian Holland, Edward Holland, and Lamont Dozier aka Holland-Dozier-Holland! Brian and Lamont also produced.

Notably, “Where Did Our Love Go” features the iconic lineup comprised of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard.  This would remain the lineup until 1967 when Ballard exited the collective. This iteration, which earned 10 of those 12 no. 1s, struck gold with this infectious, lighthearted joint.  It’s all about those pesky matters of the heart! “You came into my heart (Baby, baby) / So tenderly (Where did our love go?),” The Supremes sing, adding “With a burning love (Baby, baby) / That stings like a bee (Baby, baby, ooh, baby, baby).” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus: “Ooh, baby, baby (Baby, baby) / Where did our love go? / Ooh, don’t you want me? (Baby, baby) / Don’t you want me no more? (Baby, baby, ooh, baby, baby).” Besides the enjoyable lead pipes of Diana Ross and the cute, playful backups by Wilson and Ballard, the instrumental is vintage – 60s soul, baby! Part of that vintage sound includes the saxophone solo, which provides a fabulous contrast.  The music speaks for itself on  “Where Did Our Love Go”.

Appears in 🔻:

• The Supremes, Where Did Our Love Go: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 24 (2024)

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7. John Mayer, “Why You No Love Me”

Sob Rock // Columbia // 2021 

“Help me understand it / Woke up empty-handed / Never heard you say goodbye…” “Why You No Love Me.” That’s a song title right there.  Admittedly, it’s a silly song title.  The schmaltz is pronounced on the fourth track from Sob Rock, the 2021 album by Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, John Mayer. Regardless of the schmaltz, before hearing a note, you sense the direction that John is going. Like the three tracks that precede it on Sob Rock ( “Last Train Home”, “Shouldn’t Matter but It Does”, and “New Light”), he delivers the goods (grammar aside).  I love the harmonic progression.  The guitar is gorgeous, as are those passionate vocals by Mayer.  Lyrically simple, it’s relatable, nonetheless. See the chorus:  

“Why you no love me?

Why you no love me?

Why you no even care?

Why you no love me?

Why you no love me?

Why you no will be there?” 

“Why You No Love Me” was written by Mayer. Don Was produced.  Notably, Grammy-winning country singer/songwriter Maren Morris provides background vocals.

Appears in 🔻:  

• 15 Intriguing Songs Filled with WHY (2024) 

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8. Ryland James, “Love On The Brain” – Rihanna cover

“Love On The Brain” // 21 Entertainment Group // 2022

It is always intriguing to hear male cover songs originally performed by females and vice versa.  Canadian singer Ryland James tips his hat in covering a popular song, “Love On The Brain”, originally performed by Rihanna (Anti, 2016). In James’ hand, the soulful pop cut feels incredibly natural, as if he could have easily been the original performer.  His tone is incredible, filled with expression and superb nuance in his late 2022 rendition.  Furthermore, his falsetto is lit.  He doesn’t only serve up the falsetto, as the first part of the chorus finds Ryland impressing with his mid register.  Regardless, Ryland is most impressive when the head voice comes into play on “Love On The Brain.” Also impressive are his diction and phrasing.  James even sounds incredibly refined when he drops the colorful f-bombs, including in the chorus (“It beats me black and blue, but it fucks me so good”).  Furthermore, the way he breaks that mf-bomb down syllabically – genius (“What do I gotta do to get in your motherfuckin’ heart?”)! Further making “Love On The Brain” a surefire vibe is production, which is a sound reproduction of the original. James recaptures the sentiment of this top 5 pop hit sensationally.

Appears in 🔻:

• Ryland James, Love On The Brain: Covers No. 8 (2023)

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9. Kem, “I Can’t Stop Loving You”

Album II // Motown // 2004

“I think about the day I met / The perfect stranger / I think about us.” Kem (Kem Owens) exemplifies the classy, refined, adult contemporary R&B singer/songwriter.  He’s had a successful career encompassing a platinum album (Album II), and a pair of gold albums (Kemistry and Intimacy).  However, the Grammy-nominated musician has charted only one song on the pop charts 🤯: “I Can’t Stop Loving You”.  Written and produced by Owens, “I Can’t Stop Loving You” peaked at no. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005.  His music achieved more success on the R&B charts where “I Can’t Stop Loving You” was one of two top 20 hits (peaked at no. 20).

“Never thought I’d love anyone else / In my weakness / I think about us…” The reminiscing is real on “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” a song of utter regret.  Kem is sincere about his love and dedication despite making a terrible mistake in this tuneful ballad. He remembers the best of times before things ended. “The sun was shinin’ on you / The Lord was smilin’ on me,” he sings in the first pre-chorus, continuing, “And love was callin’ us / I had my mind made up.” The section to beat is the chorus, which is simple but impactful:

“And I can’t stop lovin’ you

I can’t help myself

And I can’t get over you

No matter what I tell myself, baby.”

Kem never forces things when he sings, maintaining a coolness and poise.  He does show more grit towards the end but never over-sings.  Supporting his expressive pipes is a sophisticated, tasteful accompaniment that includes electric piano, organ, guitar, bass, drums, and saxophone.  For 2004, this was an old-school R&B record.  But those old-school vibes were refreshing then and continue to be refreshing two decades later. Kem and “I Can’t Stop Loving You” deserved far more success on the pop charts!

Appears in 🔻:

• Kem, I Can’t Stop Loving You: 1 Hit WONDERful 38 (2024)

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10. Teddy Pendergrass, “Love T.K.O.” – David Oliver cover

TP  // Sony Music Entertainment // 1980

“Think I’d better let it go / Looks like another love T.K.O.” Woo! The definitive version of “Love T.K.O.”, penned by Cecil Womack and Eddie “Gip” Noble, belongs to the late, great soul singer Teddy Pendergrass.  Teddy Pendergrass was the man – he had some serious pipes! Even after a devastating automobile accident, Pendergrass managed to reclaim his voice. That said, “Love T.K.O.,” a no. 44 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from his 1980 album, TP, was originally recorded by David Oliver. The TP version is the most well-known.

“Love T.K.O.” bears the lush, smooth, symphonic elements that dominated the 1970s.  With the plight of love as the central theme, Pendergrass has the perfect inspiration – prime fuel for the fire.  In the first verse, he lays out how agonizing love is, yet, despite many Ls, “Told myself time and time again / This time I’m gonna win.” Honestly, that’s how many of us, particularly hopeless romantics, view the chase that is love.  Sadly, in the second verse, TP is “Tryin’ to hold on, faith is gone / It’s just another sad song.” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, which is simplistic but telling. Pendergrass knows he must move on from this romance which is going nowhere. Sure, he’s on the struggle bus with love, but there is no struggle when it comes to the sheer magnificence of “Love T.K.O.”.

Appears in 🔻:

• Teddy Pendergrass, Love T.K.O.: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 28 (2023)

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11. Natalie Cole, “I’ve Got Love On My Mind”

Unpredictable // Capitol // 1977 

“I’ve got love on my mind.” Say no more, Natalie Cole! Cole won nine Grammys during her career. Notably “I’ve Got Love On My Mind” was nominated for a Grammy. “Love” is the fourth track from her 1977 album, Unpredictable.  Charles Jackson and Marvin Yancy, Cole’s husband at the time, composed and produced the song. It was one of Cole’s biggest hits, peaking at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The theme of the song is simple: L-O-V-E. You can never go wrong when love is fueling the fire.  Furthermore, you can’t go wrong when Natalie Cole sings expressively about the universal topic.  With tuneful melodies and a sophisticated accompaniment supporting her (the jazzy piano and strings are key sounds), Cole is on autopilot. Regarding love, she sings in the first verse, “And there’s nothing particularly wrong / It’s a feeling I feel inside / When I woke up early this morning / It was staring me straight in my eyes.” Word! In the second verse, she expands, singing of his irresistible touch, his kisses, and waiting for him to return home… Ooh-la-la! Cole does a sublime job of conveying how good and passionate love feels.

Appears in 🔻:

• Natalie Cole, I’ve Got Love On My Mind: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 157 (2024)

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12. Barry White, Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe

Can’t Get Enough // UMG Recordings Inc. // 1974

“My darling, I / Can’t get enough of your love, babe.” Word! Throughout his illustrious career, the late, great, Grammy-winning soul artist Barry White (1944 – 2023) landed six top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.  Only one of those top 10s reached no. 1: “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe”.  “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe” appeared as the fourth track from White’s 1974 LP, Can’t Get Enough. This is one of White’s most beloved songs. 

 

With love featured in its title, and the fact that Barry White is renowned for his magnificent baritone, delivering love songs, “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe” is sexy as… you know! It begins with a spoken word intro, where White sets the tone over lush, picturesque production work. “As many times as we’ve loved and / We’ve shared love and made love /… It doesn’t seem to me like it’s enough…” Noted, Barry! Of course, that leads into the unforgettable chorus, excerpted at the top, where White adds, “Girl, I don’t know, I don’t know why / Can’t get enough of your love, babe.”  White goes onto drop two verses, dedicating his love to her. “What am I gonna do? / How should I feel when everything is you?” he sings in the first verse, adding in the second, “Girl, what am I gonna do / Because you’re blowin’ my mind.” Ooh-wee! Superbly penned by and produced by White, marvelously arranged by him and Gene Page, and backed by the epic The Love Unlimited Orchestra, “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe” will forever be one of the truly great disco/soul songs of the 1970s.

Appears in 🔻:  

• Barry White, Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 21 (2024)
• Songs Where Musicians Just Can’t, Vol. 2 (2024)
• 13 Captivating Songs You Can’t Get Enough Of (2024)

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13. Four Tops, “Standing in the Shadows of Love”

Reach Out // Motown // 1967

The Four Tops are one of the most legendary music groups ever.  Decorated to the nth degree, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, and Lawrence Payton are in the Grammy Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.  Shockingly, they never won a Grammy, receiving one nomination for the entirety of their career.  Many songs by Four Tops are noteworthy including “Standing in the Shadows of Love”, the eighth track from Reach Out, released in 1967.  “Standing in the Shadows of Love” was penned by the iconic songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland (Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland). Brian Holland and Dozier produced. It peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1967, one of seven top ten pop hits by the quartet.

“Standing in the Shadows of Love” is brief, running just north of two-and-a-half minutes.  Despite its brevity, it is marvelous. Groovy from the onset, the drums and percussion cook.  Adding to the ear-catching vibes, it is set in a minor key. Like the crown jewel of Reach Out (“Reach Out I’ll Be There”), Levi Stubbs delivers assertive lead vocals. One of the neat features of his vocals is the un-pitched moments (talk-singing). The pitched moments are awesome too. “All alone, I’m destined to be / With misery my only company,” Stubbs sings in the second verse, continuing, “It may come today, and it might come tomorrow / But it’s for sure, I ain’t got nothing but sorrow.” Oh, snap! The melodies are tuneful, led by the catchy, irresistible chorus:

“Standing in the shadows of love
I’m getting ready for the heartaches to come
Can’t you see me standing in the shadows of love?
I’m getting ready for the heartaches to come.”

There are some musical similarities to the innovative, ace-in-the-hole, “Reach Out I’ll Be There”. “Standing in the Shadows of Love” shows why Four Tops was immensely popular and considered the crème de la crème of male vocal groups. This record thrives because of elite vocals, songwriting, and production.

Appears in 🔻:

• Four Tops, Standing in the Shadows of Love: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 154 (2024)
• Four Tops vs. Barry White: Head 2 Head No. 40 (2024)

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Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 4 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 21 Entertainment Group, Big Loud, Columbia, Gracie Abrams, Interscope, Landan Ash, Motown, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc.; Anh Nguyen, Anna Shvets, Aykut Bingül, Ayumi Photo, César O’neill, Cody Portraits, Daniel Duarte, Dubai Drone photography, King Shooter, Leeloo The First, Mikhail Nilov, Polina Tankilevitch, Théo Cold, Uriel Mont from Pexels; Amatush Shafi Tripti, Magdalena Bednárová from Pixabay]

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