Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 6

Reading Time: 21 min read

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 6 features songs by Joji, Lionel Richie & Diana Ross, Malcolm Todd, Megan Thee Stallion, Soft Cell, and The B-52’s.

Love ❤️ is the perfect fuel for most fire 🔥. No, love won’t fuel your car. However, love can impact nearly everything else, either positively or negatively. 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. 5 (2025) is Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 6 (2026), which features songs by Joji, Lionel Richie & Diana Ross, Malcolm Todd, Megan Thee Stallion, Soft Cell, and The B-52’s. So, without further ado, let’s embrace the L-O-V-E, shall we?!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Megan Thee Stallion, “LOVER GIRL”	2. Joji, “Love You Less”	3. Romy, “Love Who You Love”
4. Rufus & Chaka Khan, “Do You Love What You Feel”	5. JJ, “Wasted Love”	6. Kali Uchis, “Sugar! Honey! Love!”
7. Ruben, “Love That Hurts”	8. Soft Cell, “Tainted Love”	9. Malcolm Todd, “Chest Pain (I Love)”
10. Cub Sport, “This Boy’s In Love” – The Presets cover	11. Ryan Cassata, “Queer Love Outlaw”	12. Haddaway, “What Is Love”
13. The B-52’s, Love Shack”	14. Lionel Richie & Diana Ross, “Endless Love”	15. Donny Hathaway, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”
Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, series

1. Megan Thee Stallion, “LOVER GIRL”

“LOVER GIRL” » Hot Girl Productions » 2025

“My man, my man, my man, my baby, my baby / Dickin’ me down, spoilin’ me, drivin’ me crazy.”

Ooh wee, Megan Thee Stallion! The Grammy-winning rapper never shies away from S-E-X. She penned the intriguing single at hand, “LOVER GIRL”, with Raphael Saadiq, Julian Jackson, Brian James, and Janice Marie Johnson. JacobDior produced it. Notably, it samples “Kissin’ You” by Total. Early on, it’s clear that “LOVER GIRL” has some R&B vibes. Those include the lush background vocals, courtesy of the sample. Other sounds that give the song a lift are a big bass line, keyboards, and guitar. Beyond the instrumental, the straw that stirs the drink is none other than Megan. She delivers a compelling cadence and flow, as always. Her rhymes are bold and unapologetic. “Some niggas call me extra (Okay), my nigga call me precious (Yeah),” she raps in the first verse, and adds, “This shit be easy when you find somebody on your level.” She concludes the second verse with a bang: “I’m from Splash Town (Okay), you know I keep it wet (Okay) / Might’ve gave him that good, but I gave him the best (Mwah, mwah, brrt).” In the refrain, she is filthy. She asserts, “Pop that pussy for your man,” and adds, “Why you fuckin’ people nigga? Need to find your own man, bitch.” If two verses weren’t enough, why not go for three! “Ayy, he get so deep in that pussy, it’s like he lookin’ for somethin’,” she spits, and concludes, “He be runnin’ to that phone, fuck ‘round, trip when I call it, ah.” Damn! “LOVER GIRL” is a trip. All in all, it is an engaging one that shines more with each listen, successfully bringing an impressive blend of hip-hop, southern rap, dirty south, and a dash of bounce music.

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2. Joji, “Love You Less”

Piss In The Wind » Palace Creek / Virgin » 2026

“I’m obsessed, you’re not sure / If I love you less, will you love me more?”

Word. Talented Japanese-Australian singer-songwriter Joji (George Miller) unveiled “Love You Less”, the fourth single from his fourth studio album, Piss In the Wind, at the beginning of 2026. Joji penned “Love” with Eric Fredric, Fallon King, Nate Mercereau, Alex Vickery, and Ricky Reed. Reed and Mercereau produced it.

“Love You Less” continues to showcase Joji’s versatility as an artist. It has an indie-rock, shoegaze vibe. There is a great driving feel about the track with marvelous rhythm. I love the sound of the guitars, as well as the prominence of the bass. I also adore the accompanying “oohs” during the introduction, which are eventually part of the post-chorus. Joji delivers well-rounded vocals. He is always a vibe, particularly when he sings in his lower register in an undertone. “Can’t get enough of you, no, no,” he sings in the first verse, and adds, “But you won’t set me free…” He also sounds beautiful when he ascends into his upper register, particularly his falsetto. The pre-chorus marvelously prefaces the crème de la crème, the chorus:

“I’m obsessed, you’re not sure

If I love you less, will you love me more?

I pull back, you come forward

If I love you less, will you love me more?”

The second verse is compelling, like the first: “Wastin’ my breath / ‘Cause you like it better when there’s none left.” The second pre-chorus contrasts the first, keeping “Love” engaging. There is also a compelling outro. All in all, Joji continues to impress as a singer and songwriter on “Love You Less”. The vibes are real, NO CAP!

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3. Romy, “Love Who You Love”

“Love Who You Love” » Young » 2025

“Love who you love / I couldn’t hide it if I tried to.”

Romy (Romy Madley Croft, b. 1989) delivers an open-minded, nonjudgmental, surefire electronic pop bop with “Love Who You Love”. Madley Croft penned and produced the moving “Love” with BloodPop®. Her The xx bandmate, Jamie xx, also contributes to the production.

The form of “Love Who You Love” stands out: intro, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, verse, pre-chorus, bridge, and chorus. While there is plenty of repetition, particularly with only one verse, the “Love” never grows boring or the least bit stale. Instead, it’s powerful and feels right. Romy is open about her love (presumably for her wife, Vic Lentaigne). “Oh, I’m in ecstasy / When she’s next to me,” she sings in the verse, and continues, “Finally, found peace / And I won’t feel guilty.” Amen, sister! With no need to hide her true self, she asserts, “Don’t care if the world can see / That shame don’t belong to me.” Her love is sufficient. In the centerpiece, the chorus, she confirms that love is love, and that is nothing short of powerful.

“Love who you love (Need your love)

I couldn’t give up if I tried to

Your love is enough.”

Accompanied by a sleek musical backdrop with a sickening beat, picturesque synths and pads, Romy has ample fuel for her love-driven fire. On autopilot, she brings the heat and a heaping dose of Pride to “Love Who You Love”.

Appears in:

13 Songs Where YOU Are the Focus, Vol. 5 (2026)

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4. Rufus & Chaka Khan, “Do You Love What You Feel”

Masterjam » MCA » 1979

“Do you love what you feel? / ‘Cause I love what you do to me / Do you love what you feel? / ‘Cause I love what you do to me.”

Ooh-wee! Grammy-winning funk collective Rufus and Grammy-winning R&B diva Chaka Khan delivered a surefire funk bop with “Do You Love What You Feel”. “Do You Love What You Feel” is the opening track from their 1979 collaborative album, Masterjam. Rufus and Khan earned another top 40 pop hit with “Do,” which peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. It spent three weeks at number one on the R&B songs charts. David “Hawk” Wolinski (b. 1948) wrote “Do,” while the late, great Quincy Jones (1933 – 2024) produced it.

Musically, “Do You Love What You Feel” is epic. The electrifying groove from the drums and percussion instantly gets the body moving. There are hella funky riffs from the keys, guitar, and bass. Upping the ante are the orchestral music cues: articulated, crisp-sounding horns and soaring strings. Beyond the instrumental, the vocals are F-I-R-E. Chaka Khan is on autopilot, wowing with her high-energy vocals. “Baby, when you’re holdin’ me / Somehow, you seem to set me free,” she sings in the first verse, continuing joyfully, “And when I dance with you / Romance with you is all I see.” Beyond Khan’s impressive pipes, the Rufus vocalists match her exuberance (“I’ve spent so many nights / Just picking fights within myself / Until you came to me / And held me like nobody else”). The melodies are tuneful from the get-go, led by the infectious, unforgettable chorus (excerpted earlier). As the record progresses, we get outstanding riffing by the R&B chanteuse. All told, “Do You Love What You Feel” is one of the funkiest joints from the 1970s, PERIOD. The vocals, songwriting, and production are flawless. It is impressive how tight this funk cut sounds, considering the number of rhythmic lines and instruments. I’m stunned this distinct cut hasn’t been sampled more. SWV sampled it on “Do Ya” from their 2012 comeback album. Great taste!

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5. JJ,“Wasted Love”

“Wasted Love” » Warner Music Group Germany Holding GmbH / Manifester Music » 2025

“I’m an ocean of love / And you’re scared of water / You don’t want to go under / So you let me go under.”

Poetic matters of the heart – you’ve got to love it! Well, only one side loves… it’s unrequited central, sigh. Something to love, however, is the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 winner, JJ (Johannes Pietsch). The queer Austrian singer/songwriter gags us with his debut single, “Wasted Love”. JJ co-wrote “Wasted Love” with Teodora Špirić and Thomas Thurner. With his distinct, refined ‘high tenor’ vocals, JJ is a countertenor with an operatic background. He shows off his opera skills throughout “Wasted Love,” sung exclusively in English. Beyond his soaring countertenor, JJ brilliantly gives life to the melodies. “When you let me go / I barely stayed afloat,” he sings emotionally in the second verse, adding, “I’m floatin’ all alone / Still, I’m holdin’ on to hope.” The melodies are consistently tuneful, particularly the impressive chorus. “Now that you’re gone / All I have / Is wasted love / This wasted love,” he sings, continuing, “Now that you’re gone / Can’t fill my heart / With wasted love / This wasted love.” Word. Beyond the vocal performance and lyrics, the orchestration and production are sickening. “Wasted Love” features classical and orchestral music cues alongside modern pop and electronic cues. This fusion seems to capture Pietsch’s love of various musical genres, as well as the plight of love. After the first verse sets the tone instrumentally, the second picks up steam with more instrumentation. The ending is adventurous with a tempo increase and digging into dance/electronica. JJ put in serious work on “Wasted Love,” capturing unrequited, ‘wasted love’ like a champ.

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6. Kali Uchis, “Sugar! Honey! Love!”

Sincerely, » Kali Uchis, LLC / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 2025

“Swear at this point, I’ve seen it all,”

Grammy-winning R&B/Latin singer/songwriter Kali Uchis sings in the first verse of “Sugar! Honey! Love!”. She continues singing, honestly and sincerely, “So, nothing shocks me anymore / Sick and tired of betrayal, tell me, who can I trust?” Oh, snap! In the second track from her 2025 album, Sincerely, she recollects and reflects on life, love, and trauma. In the second verse, she acknowledges the past but also turns the page: “Every day was gray, you put color back to my world / Sugar honey, you gave me so much more to live for.”

Uchis penned “Sugar! Honey! Love!” and produced it with The Outfit. This is a song that floats along – it hypnotizes you. It begins with a silky smooth intro. The musical backdrop is calm, chill, cool, and collected. The sound is incredibly sophisticated, featuring gorgeous guitars, keys, and strings, as well as prominent bass and a solid groove from the drums. Uchis delivers lovely vocals. She sounds as cool as a cucumber for most of the song. Does she break a sweat? Barely, if at all! The chorus, the centerpiece, soars as Uchis acknowledges her come-up, which is authentic, meaningful, and thoughtful.

“And I did all my time for a crime that wasn’t mine

Made it out alive, now I’m letting the sun

Shine on me and my sweet sugar honey love

Shine all your light to this world, sugar, honey, love.”

Ultimately, “Sugar! Honey! Love!” is a fabulous gem from Kali Uchis. Her expressive vocal performance, honest delivery, and vulnerable lyricism shine.

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7. Ruben, “Love That Hurts”

So Long, Ruben (EP) » Markussen Music / Warner Music Norway AS » 2025

“Want my feelings thrown around type of lovin’ / Like whiskey’s flowing through my veins.”

Oh my, Ruben (Ruben Markussen)! In the first verse of “Love That Hurts”, the Norwegian singer/songwriter adds, “Burning virtues to the ground gets me going.” Wow! Truly, our handsome and talented musician wants a painful brand of love! “Love That Hurts” is the third track from his 2025 EP, So Long, Ruben. Markussen, Kasper Daugaard, and Mcdc (Mads Christian Damgaard Christiansen) wrote “Love That Hurts.” Mcdc produced it.

Ruben sounds incredible. His vocals are expressive and nuanced to the nth degree. Additionally, the vocal production is on point. And what about the production overall? Superb, with lovely keys, a groove that cooks, and a colorful sound palette. What does not hurt about “Love That Hurts” is the tuneful melodies from start to finish. Following the first verse, where Markussen establishes his brand of love, he continues to shine in the pre-chorus: “Go away / If you don’t wanna stay / If you don’t wanna wait / Just get out my way.” At least he’s honest! The chorus is the ‘cat’s meow’ – the crème de la crème!

“I want that love that hurts me, darling

I need to feel it everywhere

Shot to the heart with an endless energy

Pick me apart, how bad can it be?

I want that love that hurts me, darling.”

Here, Ruben shows off his powerful upper register. That falsetto is high-flying – to die for, keeping the pain going! “Love That Hurts” is a surefire bop.

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8. Soft Cell, “Tainted Love”

Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret » Mercury » 1981

“Sometimes I feel I’ve got to / Run away I’ve got to / Get away / From the pain you drive into the heart of me.”

English synth-pop duo Soft Cell, comprised of Marc Almond (b. 1957) and David Ball (1959 – 2025), scored a megahit with “Tainted Love”. It peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. The second track from their 1981 album, Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, is their only song that charted on the pop charts. A one-hit wonder, notably, that one hit was a cover. It was originally released by Gloria Jones in 1965 🤯. However, Soft Cell’s version is the definitive take. Ed Cobb penned this gem while Mike Thorne produced it.

So, what makes “Tainted Love” the cat’s meow? The sound of the record is a big deal. The electronic sound palette sounds like the 1980s through and through. At the same time, listening to “Tainted Love” in the 2020s, the aesthetic and vibe remain lit. The synths have their way with the riffs shining. Also, the groove ‘grooves hard.’ Yes, it is quintessential 80s but the charm is… charming! Also, charming are the smooth vocals by Marc Almond. The man eats in all of his androgynous glory! The love is tainted to the nth degree as Almond tries to run away from it. In the second verse, he sings, “And you think love is to pray / But I’m sorry, I don’t pray that way.” That is a mic-drop moment! Of course, the biggest mic-drop moment is the chorus where the love is tainted, tainted, tainted!

“Once I ran to you (I ran)

Now, I’ll run from you

This tainted love you’ve given

I give you all a boy could give you

Take my tears and that’s not nearly all

Oh, tainted love

Tainted love.”

Ooh-wee, Marc! A brief synth-pop, New Wave joint, “Tainted Love” in the hands of Soft Cell remains C-L-A-S-S-I-C. Yes, the duo was a one-hit wonder stateside, but, who wouldn’t want a hit the caliber of this one?! Notably, Rihanna sampled this classic on her 2005 pop hit, “SOS.”.

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9. Malcolm Todd, “Chest Pain (I Love)”

Malcolm Todd » Columbia » 2025

“My chest is hurting, my feet can’t fall out of bed / I don’t know where to go, so I’ll lay here instead / With my symptoms, symptoms of sorrow and dread.”

What in the world is going on with Malcolm Todd? It’s those pesky matters of the heart, folks. “They all said it would fade, but again and again / I love, I love.” In “Chest Pain (I Love)”, the fourth track from his self-titled 2025 album, he’s in love, yet the object of his affection is not there with him. Major bummer. This ‘love’ thing is making the ascending alternative/indie artist sick emotionally and physically. Todd penned “Chest Pain (I Love)” alongside Charlie Ziman and Jonah Cochran.

The chorus marvelously sums up his ailments and feelings. Beyond the centerpiece is one verse where Todd expresses his longing. “I’ve been so busy / But now that I’m alone, where did you go?” He asks, adding, “Why can’t you live at home tonight and stay with me /… Please, I wanna see what we would be if you were by my side.” Straightforward lyrics, Todd sings beautifully and honestly and sounds relatable. Beyond the singing, the musical accompaniment is sweet, blending alternative, pop, and a dash of R&B. The bass line is robust, the guitars add spice, and the keys provide color. Notably, strings amplify the drama and emotion near the end. Set in compound duple meter, “Chest Pain (I Love)” gets a nice lilting feel. Ultimately, Todd’s unfortunate experiences with the loss of love are our listening pleasure.

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10. Cub Sport, “This Boy’s In Love” – The Presets cover

“This Boy’s In Love” » Cub Sport » 2025

“This time, fight fire with fire / ‘Cause, baby, tonight the world belongs to you and I.”

Australian indie-pop collective Cub Sport never ceases to amaze. Over the years, Tim Nelson and company have dropped some surefire bops that more folks need to be buzzing about stateside. In 2025, Cub Sport released a cover of “This Boy’s In Love”, originally recorded by The Presets (Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes) in their 2008 album, Apocalypso. Nelson produced the Cub Sport version.

If you were naïve of The Presets’ original, you would assume this was a Cub Sport original. In the indie-pop collective’s hands, it becomes a stripped piano ballad. This is starkly different from The Presets’ original, which is quicker, groovier, with electronic instrumentation. Cub Sport maintains a chilling, cool vibe. Besides the piano, light strings enter, but subtlety remains the modus operandi. Nelson sings beautifully, delivering an authentic, nuanced, and tender performance. The chorus is nothing short of divine!

“This boy’s in love, love

This boy’s in love

Under the city

Under the city lights.”

In Nelson’s hands, as a gay married man (bandmate Sam Netterfield is his husband), “This Boy’s in Love” confirms an enduring same-sex relationship, one where, despite being judged for their love, they will remain ‘locked-in’ until the very end. The second verse (“Don’t tell the world what we’ve known”) grows more dynamic, but still never breaks a sweat. The second chorus is significantly louder than the rest of the song. The ‘come down’ is sweet, with Nelson wowing with his ripe falsetto. This radiant, stripped cover of “This Boy’s In Love” does not need to be overanalyzed – it is a stunning song!

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11. Ryan Cassata, “Queer Love Outlaw”

Greetings from Echo Park » Kill Rock Stars » 2025

“Oh, this queer love feels like home / This queer love feels like mine / Just right.”

As it should, Ryan Cassata. Of course, haters are gonna hate, namely conservatives, homophobes, and narrow-minded folks 😏. Progressives and open-minded folks have far more fun… tolerance… acceptance… inclusivity… Anyways, despite the myopic yapping by judgmental folks, characterizing Ryan and other nonbinary, queer, and/or trans musicians as ‘unholy,’ ‘Godless love,’ and ‘Something corrupt,’ he embraces being a “Queer Love Outlaw”. An acoustic version of the song was released in 2021, with the studio version released in 2023. “Queer Love Outlaw” ultimately appears on his 2025 album, Greetings from Echo Park. With his authentic and sincere singing, and a fantastic backdrop, led by those epic-sounding guitars, “Queer Love Outlaw” rocks 🤘!

In the second verse, Ryan Cassata counters the damned to hell arguments, singing, “I’ve already been.” Amazingly, so many people don’t see that hell endured by queer folks that he speaks of, particularly from the T(s) in LGBTQ+. Furthermore, Ryan speaks of the harsh critiques and words, that ultimately, “This pain has made me wiser, and I swear I’m better.” 👏 👏 👏! In the chorus, he asserts proudly, “I’d rather be a rebel for romance / Than please your beliefs.” Now that deserves a resounding AMEN! HALLELUJAH! Adding to his queer story, Ryan mentions “Scars on my chest,” and the fact that “We shave our head,” both significant parts of the trans experience. The bridge, excerpted above, perfectly captures pride in the queer experience, instead of doom, damnation, fire and brimstone, and perhaps, most egregious, ultra-conservative, myopic views. Yuck 🤢🤮! The ending is particularly grand, as Cassata beams with pride singing, “Oh, all my friends are outlaws / And all my friends are in love.” Cassata delivered a meaningful, queer-affirming gem with “Queer Love Outlaw”.

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12. Haddaway, “What Is Love”

The Album » BMG Rights Management GmbH » 1993

“What is love? / Oh, baby, don’t hurt me / Don’t hurt me, no more.”

Iconic. Trinidad-born, German-bred singer Haddaway (Nestor Alexander Haddaway) dropped a dance bop for the ages with “What Is Love”. The most memorable section is excerpted above: the timeless chorus! The lyrics aren’t deep, but they are relatable to the nth degree. “What Is Love” is the opener from The Album (titled Haddaway elsewhere), released in 1993. Dee Dee Halligan (Tony Hendrik) and Junior Torello (Karin Hartmann) wrote and produced this enduring ‘90s bop, which reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by the RIAA. But this was Haddaway’s only top 40 hit in the United States.

The chorus is the crème de la crème of “What is Love.” Undoubtedly, it is the section to beat – the part everyone remembers! But, there are plenty of reasons beyond the chorus why this song is the sugar honey iced tea. Halligan and Torello put in work behind the boards. The production is colorful, catching the ears from the onset with its slick, driving synths. The beat is sick, the perfect catalyst for the dance floor. Haddaway brings ample energy with his vocals. He possesses a lovely instrument that was tailor-made for this song. Not only is the melody tuneful during the chorus, but it shines in the verses, too. “No, I don’t know why you’re not there / I give you my love, but you don’t care,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “So, what is right and what is wrong? / Give me a sign.” The second verse is penned simply as well, finding Haddaway hurt. Oh, the plight of love, particularly unrequited love! Haddaway is the star but shout out Lisa Noya for her stellar vocal ad-libs. Those runs are sweet! More than three decades later, “What Is Love” by Haddaway still slaps. It is a dance bop for the ages. It has been sampled many times.

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13. The B-52’s, Love Shack”

Cosmic Thing » Reprise » 1989

“The Love Shack is a little old place where we can get together.”

Get together, huh? 😈 Is there ever a dull moment with The B-52’s? Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Keith Strickland, and, formerly, Ricky Wilson (1953 – 1985) comprised an innovative, spirited dance-rock, new wave band. One of the biggest hits of their career is “Love Shack”, the fourth track from their 1989 album, Cosmic Thing. The B-52’s wrote “Love Shack” while Don Was produced it. A huge hit, it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2024, the Recording Industry Association of America certified it as triple platinum. Notably, Fred, Kate, and Cindy sing throughout “Love Shack.”

In the unforgettable “Love Shack,” it sounds like the band is having an absolute ball. It is anchored by a fabulous, percussive groove. There is a strong presence of guitar (Strickland) and bass. Besides the rhythm section, the ears are blessed with bright, articulated horns (Uptown Horns). Playful, tongue-in-cheek vocals from the beginning set the tone: “If you see a faded sign at the side of the road that says / ‘15 miles to the / Love Shack’ /… Looking for a love getaway.” Some of the lyrics are silly but always entertaining. The gist of the situation is a place where they can dance, have fun, and, unsurprisingly, get it on. In the Love Shack, “Everybody’s moving, everybody’s grooving, baby” because it is a “Funky little shack.” Woo! The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the cat’s meow – the crème de la crème. Another sensational part of “Love Shack” is the epic “bang, bang” section:

“Bang, bang, bang on the door, baby

Knock a little louder, baby

Bang, bang, bang on the door, baby

I can’t hear you.”

One of the best lyrics from the song, other than the repeated love shack, or the bang, bang section, is, “Your what? / Tin roof, rusted.” What does it mean? It is subject to interpretation. Fun fact: the real ‘Love Shack’ was Pierson’s cabin in Athens, Georgia, which sadly, burned down in 2004. Ultimately, “Love Shack” is a surefire classic from the late 1980s. It is an enduring oldie that never gets old 🤘!

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14. Lionel Richie & Diana Ross, “Endless Love”

Endless Love (Soundtrack) » PolyGram Pictures Ltd. / The Island Def Jam Music Group » 1981

“Oh, yes, you will always be / My endless love.”

Never underestimate the power and beauty of an authentic and pure love song. The dedication is incredible on “Endless Love”, one of the greatest duets of all time 🥰. Part of the reason for the greatness is the two legendary vocalists who bring it to life: Lionel Richie (b. 1949) and Diana Ross (b. 1944). Soul royalty! “Endless Love” is the opener from the Endless Love (Soundtrack), released in 1981. Richie penned and produced the pop hit, which spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, quite a big deal back then. Unsurprisingly, “Endless Love” was nominated for three Grammys: Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. Unfortunately, this pop juggernaut lost all three awards. Equally prestigious, Richie was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, which he also lost.

Lionel Richie and Diana Ross may have lost the physical awards for a much-deserved duet, but the sheer musical excellence they gave the world is worth much more. “Endless Love” commences beautifully with a warm piano introduction. Lionel Richie draws first blood, singing tenderly in the first half of the first verse. “My love / There’s only you in my life / The only thing that’s right.” Oh, the feels! Diana Ross follows with equally tender, devoted, and thoughtful vocals in the second half: “You’re every breath that I take / You’re every step I make.” In the chorus, the centerpiece, both Richie and Ross sing harmoniously, with select solo moments for each:

“And I (I), I want to share
All my love with you
No one else will do
And your eyes (Your eyes, your eyes)
They tell me how much you care
Oh, yes, you will always be
My endless love.”

The production grows grander and lusher during the chorus, which includes the orchestra, most notably soaring strings. In the second verse, both artists duet, asserting “Two hearts / Two hearts that beat as one / Our lives have just begun.” Word. There are a few moments where Ross takes the lead first, followed by Lionel, which keeps things fresh and less predictable. The back-and-forth moments between them are stunning (“I know (I know) / (I’ve found) / I’ve found in you my endless love”). The bridge marks an especially sweet moment between the two, filled with “Boom” (literally, 13 of them). None of the luster is lost near the end of “Endless Love.” That love continues with high-flying vocal moments, namely the outro: “‘Cause no one can deny / This love I have inside / And I’ll give it all to you /… My endless love.” Lionel Richie and Diana Ross shine on “Endless Love”, a timeless, unforgettable, and incredibly sincere romantic duet. Dazzling? You bet!

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15. Donny Hathaway, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”

Extension of a Man » Atlantic » 1973

“If I ever leave you, baby, you can say I told you so / And if I ever hurt you, you know I hurt myself as well.”

Grammy-winning, highly influential musician Donny Hathaway possessed one of the most expressive and soulful voices, which he shows off in “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”. Shockingly not a Hathaway original, it was written by Al Kooper. Blood, Sweat & Tears originally recorded it. Hathaway covered it on his 1973 album, Extension of a Man. “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” modestly impacted the pop charts, peaking at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hathaway is a selfless, trustworthy man in the song. In the second verse, he reminds her, “You know I brought it home [my paycheck] to you baby / And I never spent a red cent.” In the third, he’s willing to be whatever she wants him to be: “I can be king of everything / Or just a tiny grain of sand.” The centerpiece is the chorus:

“Is that any way for a man to carry on?

Do you think I want my loved one gone?

Said I love you

More than you’ll ever know.”

The bridge, which differentiates itself from the rest of the song, has a strong argument as the section to beat (“I’m not trying to be / Just any kind of man…”). Part of the reason is the music. Beyond his dramatic, expressive, and soulful vocals, the instrumental accompaniment is divine. It is marvelously orchestrated, embracing the symphonic nature of soul music in the 1970s (winds and strings in addition to the rhythm section). Hathaway was a skilled arranger. During the bridge, the instrumental is at its best with orchestral touches. Notably, David “Fathead” Newman plays a mean tenor saxophone. Hathaway also plays (piano and organ) alongside his arranging and singing chops. Hathaway scored two top 10 hits, neither of which is “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”. Regardless, this is one of his best songs, showcasing top-notch musicianship.

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Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE series on The Musical Hype 🔻

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Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 6 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, BMG Rights Management GmbH, Columbia, Cub Sport, Hot Girl Productions, Kali Uchis, LLC, Kill Rock Stars, Manifester Music, Markussen Music, MCA, Mercury, Palace Creek, PolyGram Pictures Ltd., Reprise, The Island Def Jam Music Group, UMG Recordings, Inc., Virgin, Warner Music Group Germany Holding GmbH, Warner Music Norway AS; BYB BYB, César O’neill, David Gomes, Diana Titenko, Gustavo Henrique, Ketut Subiyanto, Laura Oliveira, My Duyen Van, Ulkar Batista from Pexels; Gordon Johnson, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 6 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on February 13, 2026February 13, 2026