Jam Out To This Jampacked List of J Songs

Reading Time: 28 min read

Jam Out To This Jampacked List of J Songs features songs by BLACKPINK, Christina Perri, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Morgan Wallen, and Tyler, The Creator.

Ah, ‘J,’ the tenth letter of the alphabet! Following the amazing A, bitchin’ B, captivating C, dazzling D, epic E, fuckin’ fantastic F, gripping G, and a heaping dose of H songs [Note: we have highlighted the power of I many times, so we’re skipping her in this alphabet-driven series], J gets its time to shine! Following those thrilling compendiums for songs A through H, we unveil Jam Out To This Jampacked List of J Songs, where we celebrate the power of J via J songs. Each of the 20 songs that appear on Jam Out To This Jampacked List of J Songs begins with a j-word. The only exception is THE preceding the j-word, etc. Jam Out To This Jampacked List of J Songs features songs by BLACKPINK, Christina Perri, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Morgan Wallen, and Tyler, The Creator. So, without further ado, let us all embrace the power of J on Jam Out To This Jampacked List of J Songs!

The Alphabet Playlist Series 2025

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1. Morgan Wallen, “Just In Case”	2. Jack Harlow, “Just Us” (Ft. Doja Cat)	3. Michael Jackson, “Jam”	4.Sabrina Carpenter, “Juno”
5. Tyler, The Creator, “Judge Judy”	6. BLACKPINK, “JUMP”	7. Geordie Kieffer, “Jesus Van”	8.Clairo, “Juna”
9. Mtume, “Juicy Fruit”	10. Lady Gaga, “Judas”	11. Zay Hilfigerrr & Zayion McCall, “Juju on That Beat (TZ Anthem)”	12. Josie Cotton, “Johnny, Are You Queer?”
13. Drake, “Jimmy Cooks” (Ft. 21 Savage)	14.Christina Perri, “Jar of Hearts”	15. Prince, “Jack U Off”	16. Jake Wesley Rogers, “Jacob from the Bible”
17. Funkadelic, “Jimmy’s Got a Little Bit of Bitch in Him”	18. Teddy Pendergrass, “Joy”	19. Mary J. Blige, “Just Fine”	20. Jerry Butler, “Just Because I Really Love You”

1. Morgan Wallen, “Just In Case”

I’m The Problem » Big Loud / Mercury » 2025

“I always take it to the edge, then I back it up / They don’t know I got a reason for actin’ up.” Morgan Wallen is nothing short of polarizing for many reasons. Yet, the Grammy-nominated country musician is extremely successful. Mr. East Tennessee is making bank, period. “Just In Case” appears as the fifth track on his fourth studio album, I’m The Problem. “I ain’t felt a damn thing, baby, after us,” he continues singing in the second verse, “Yeah, I’m just hopin’ you’ll come back to us.” “Just In Case” is NOT your grandfather’s (or father’s, if he is of a certain age) country music. Eight songwriters are credited, including Wallen. Another songwriter, Charlie Handsome (Ryan Vojtesak), and Joey Moi produced this smooth, soulful country-pop cut.

One constant regarding Morgan Wallen is the voice. He delivers smooth vocals with his signature, East Tennessee twang. As the excerpted lyrics suggest, matters of the heart are firmly in play. Backtracking to the first verse, Wallen states, after leaving with someone who he doesn’t know, hypothetically, “I could forget you, girl, for good / Even though I should.” But does he? Of course not. The chorus says it all, and beautifully, I might add:

“I never let my heart go all the way

Every time I try, I just hit the brakes

And there’s always a couple tryna take your place

But I never fall in love, baby, just in case.”

In the bridge, he also backs up his reservations: “Yeah, I could have three words on my tongue, But I won’t ever say ‘em.” Perhaps Morgan Wallen is the problem, but there is nothing problematic about the enjoyable and relatable “Just In Case”. No, it’s not the country of old but many will still enjoy it, nonetheless.

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2. Jack Harlow, “Just Us” (Ft. Doja Cat)

“Just Us” » Generation Now / Atlantic Recording Corporation » 2025

“I wish it was just us in this bitch / but they can’t trust us in this bitch / ‘Cause I’m tryna bust nuts in this, huh.” It does not take long for Grammy-nominated rapper Jack Harlow to ‘reveal his cards’ on “Just Us”. He gets ‘nasty’ early on in the chorus. Sometimes, his sexually charged lines feel, um, clumsy – would not be the first time. He collaborates with Grammy-winning rapper/singer Doja Cat. Hollywood Cole, Tay Keith, Angel Lopez, Ojivolta, and Dylan Graham produced “Just Us.” The musical backdrop is warm on this sexy, hip-hop song. Notably, it samples the 2021 song “NOTE TO THE CITY. (INTERLUDE)” by Boslen featuring Rascals.

Busting nuts isn’t the only ear-catching, slightly WTF moment from Harlow. He censors their rendezvous in the chorus, where “clutchin’” and “adjusting” happen, comments on her huskiness, and admits, “I know it sounds like Zack and Cody / This life’s sweet, I mean high key.” That is all before the first verse, where Jack admits, “I’m all on you, falling out my seat.” I enjoy Doja Cat’s aggressive tone, whether or not all of the rhymes land. She delivers some memorable, eyebrow-raising lyrics, regarding sex, of course. “Two hands on my ‘fro, starin’ into my soul / Leg up on the chair, hand on that arm, tongue in that throat,” she spits early in the second verse, adding, the likes of “Insatiable, I’m like Pac-Man / We go back further than Backgammon,” and “You mad cute, I wan’ fuck / Don’t ice box me, let’s touch.” In the outro, Harlow makes numerous music/song references to Musiq Soulchild (“Just Friends”), Bobby V. (“Slow Down”), and The Temptations. While “Just Us” is enjoyable enough, it is not game-changing, groundbreaking, or innovative. It is what it is.

Appears in:

11 Incredible JUST Songs, Vol. 3 (2025)

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3. Michael Jackson, “Jam”

Dangerous » MJJ Productions, Inc. » 1991

“One, two, three, jam / Jam, jam, jam / Jam, if you wanna get up, then jam / Jam, jam, you wanna get up, then jam.” Ooh-wee! Without a doubt, Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009), the King of Pop, had a surefire “Jam” on his hands! “Jam” is the opener from his octuple platinum, 1991 album, Dangerous. The jam at hand runs for north of five-and-a-half minutes in duration. Jackson co-wrote and co-produced it with Bruce Swedien, Teddy Riley (who performs that jam-tastic intro), and René Moore. “Jam,” sadly, was NOT one of the King of Pop’s biggest hits. It earned him another top 40 hit, nonetheless, peaking at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. Even though the fourth single from Dangerous didn’t reverberate like it should’ve, it remains an energetic, fun-filled Michael Jackson cut.

“Jam,” which features a moderate tempo, never gets in a rush. The intro is extended, setting the tone of the record. Notably, part of the tone set is the New Jack Swing era sound, popular in the 1990s. The sound effects are idiomatic of the style. While the sound is dated, or at least vastly different than 21^st-century sounds, it remains an impressive and striking listen, particularly the drum programming. Once Jackson enters the mix, he remains a force vocally. Notably, the melodies he sings are quick and rhythmic, perhaps his quickest to date. “Nation to nation, all the world must come together / Face the problems that we see, then maybe somehow we can work it out.” Preach, Michael! MJ brings attitude, personality, and ample swagger, which was the expectation from the prodigiously gifted superstar. “I told my brother there’ll be problems, times and tears and fears,” he continues in the first verse, adding, “But we must live each day like it’s the last / Go with it, go with it.” Of course, the chorus is infectious to the nth degree:

“Jam, it ain’t (Jam it)

It ain’t too much stuff

(Jam) It ain’t too much (Jam it)

It ain’t too much for me to

Jam, dad gone it (Jam it)

It ain’t too much stuff

(Jam) It ain’t, don’t stop (Jam It)

It ain’t too much for me to…”

In the second verse, equally intriguing lyrically, I love how the slight production tweaks help to keep this sick opener engaging. It’s those fine details! Another selling point of the sound is the horn riffs that provide an awesome colorful touch post-second chorus. Adding to the fun is the rap verse by another deceased musician, Heavy D (1967 – 2011), following the horn break (“Jam, jam, here comes the man / Hot damn, the big boy stands with an upper hand”). It didn’t earn the commercial success it deserved, but “Jam” is another fine, jam-packed song from the stacked Michael Jackson collection. Will we never not jam out to this one?

Appears in:

Michael Jackson, Jam: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 120 (2025)

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4. Sabrina Carpenter, “Juno”

Short n’ Sweet » Island » 2024

“Whole package, babe, I like the way you fit / God bless your dad’s genetics, mm, uh.” 😮! Okay, I’m just gonna leave that there. After years in the game, Sabrina Carpenter experienced her big, breakthrough moment with Short n’ Sweet. While “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” received the most buzz on her Grammy-winning pop album, Short n’ Sweet possesses its fair share of intriguing songs, including the tenth track, “Juno.” Carpenter co-wrote it with Amy Allen and John Ryan, who also produced it. The sound is cool and groovy, possessing a chill energy. Speaking of chill, Sabrina’s vocals are also chill, easygoing, and playful. Beyond the sexual innuendo showcased in the first verse, she delivers plenty of memorable lyrics. In the pre-chorus, she tells him, “You make me wanna make you fall in love / Oh, late at night, I’m thinking ‘bout you, ah-ah.” She also sneaks some freakiness in too with fuzzy pink handcuffs and freaky positions… WE LISTEN, AND WE DON’T JUDGE! The chorus is sweet… and steamy!

“I know you want my touch for life

If you love me right, then who knows?

I might let you make me Juno

You know I just might…”

So, Juno, the Academy Award-winning film? Pregnancy? Being with child? Adding to the allure are fabulous, harmonized vocals. Beyond the verses, pre-choruses, and chorus, there is contrast during the bridge, which is welcome. Still, the likes of “Adore me,” “Mark your territory,” and “I’m so fuckin’ horny” tell us what we need to know! Sabrina wants to smash… and make a baby (“One of me is cute, but two though? / Give it to me, baby”).

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5. Tyler, The Creator, “Judge Judy”

CHROMOKOPIA » Columbia » 2024

“I met this girl named Judy at the cafe ‘round my way / Her breasts were near her chest, and she had curls that hid her face.” And thus begins “Judge Judy” by Tyler, The Creator. If you couldn’t tell, the song is sexually charged to the nth degree. He continues singing (rapping melodically) in the first verse, “Her legs were Eiffel Tower, I could tell her daddy Black (Ah) / Peanut butter jelly toasted in her lap.” “Judge Judy” is the seventh track in his 2024 album, CHROMOKOPIA. Tyler, The Creator penned and produced this joint about his relationship with Judy.

If the first verse of “Judge Judy” was tame, Tyler is more sexual in the second verse. He goes into detail about what he and Judy do. “We started swapping spit, and then she got on top of me (She got on top of me),” he spits before listing the sexual happenings on the table. “Body rubs, bondage, and creampies, we could play / Around in public, any cum is now a fetish,” he raps, continuing, “Giving oral is my passion / You could ride my face…” D-d-d-damn! In an interlude before the final verse, Tyler further confirms his freak: “And she was great with women, exhibitionist /… I lean voyeur, so it worked out.” By the third verse, the sexual nature of “Judge Judy” falls by the wayside. After she stops communicating with Tyler, he receives a letter from her written before she died from cancer (“If you’re reading, it’s too late / I’m on the other side…”). Beyond the lyrics and narrative, “Judge Judy” stands tall as another stellar song from TTC. The sound palette is radiant, and Tyler’s vocals are well-rounded.

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6. BLACKPINK, “JUMP”

“JUMP” » YG Entertainment » 2025

“BLACKPINK in your area.” K-pop girl group extraordinaire BLACKPINK reunited in 2025! They’ve got things jumpin’ on “JUMP”! There are lots of cooks in the kitchen behind the scenes. Ape Drums, Zecca, Diplo, Boaz van de Beatz, and 24 produced it. The resulting musical accompaniment is S-L-E-E-K and likely expensive. Fittingly, the quick pace and driving sound of the instrumental makes you wanna… wait for it… JUMP! Most of the song is in English, but there are Korean moments within the pre-chorus and chorus. With a colorful instrumental backing them, the girls lock in! Rosé and Jisoo perform the first verse. Rosé asserts, “I’m not that easy to tame / You should see me under these lights.” Ooh-wee! Later, Lisa and Jennie perform the second verse, where Lisa asks, “Are you not entertained? (No) / I ain’t gotta explain / I’m with all of my sisters (Ah) / Got ‘em going insane, yeah (Yeah).” Both confidently perform the first pre-chorus (after the first verse), leading into the centerpiece, the chorus, performed by Jennie and Rosé. Following a dash of Korean, the ladies sing, “So come up with me, I’ll take you high / That Prima donna, spice up your life / You know I got that shit that you like / So come up with me, run up, uh, jump.” Lisa and Jisoo put a cap on things in the post-chorus, where Lisa asserts, “Wanna see you bumpin’, baby, bouncin’ to the bass.” Ultimately, “JUMP” is an engaging, enjoyable, and entertaining summery K-pop joint.

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7. Geordie Kieffer, “Jesus Van”

“Jesus Van” » +1 » 2024

“I got Jesus in the back of my van.” Amen, Geordie Kieffer… I think… I mean, Jesus is everywhere – all-powerful and omniscient – but the bisexual musician thinks more with his pants than about his soul in his single, “Jesus Van”. The most devout Christians would not only consider “Jesus Van” to be sexually charged, but also blasphemous. There are ample spiritual references, but, how sincere is the ‘Agro pop’ star? Even if it is a sinful listen, the instrumental backdrop is sweet with its electronic sounds and rock elements. As the excerpted lyrics suggest, Geordie has a big personality. He sings marvelous, infusing the lyrics with no shortage of eyebrow-raising, innuendo-laden moments. At the top, Kieffer sings, “Hey pretty babe wanna dance the line / With them cowboy dudes and them southern dimes / I got shagged on the floor of my pony express / Gun on the dash and a cross on my chest.” He may have a cross ✝️, but it also seems he enjoyed some S-E-X. He doesn’t lie when he says, “There’s a wild congregation in this holy mobile / So get your ass in the wagon that my friend take the wheel.” Holy, huh? It’s giving more like ‘holy fuck’ than anything else. Sex is the modus operandi. It’s Kieffer’s gospel: “Can a man move his body like he’s blessed and possessed / I’m just preaching the gospel of foreplay and sex.” Continuing to be ‘religious,’ he asserts he’s a priest and the prophet, with his apostles near… So, he’s Jesus? Near the end, he informs us, “I got the power of the spirit in the palm of my hand / But I hate to tell ya baby you ain’t coming with me.” Why? “I got Jesus in the back of my van.” It won’t save your soul, but “Jesus Van” is terrific.

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8. Clairo, “Juna”

Charm » Clairo » 2024

“Most of these days / I don’t get too intimate / Why would I let you in? / But I think again.” “Sexy To Someone” wasn’t the only Clairo (Claire Cottrill) gem from 2024. Cottrill gave her ‘sexy’ song a run for its money with “Juna,” the seventh track from her third album, Charm. On “Juna,” Clairo delivers smooth, sensual, refined, and beautiful vocals. The production is gorgeous with its jazzy, soulful, and old-school vibes. The harmonic progression adds to many selling points. Thematically, Cottrill has found the real deal – a deeper connection with that special somebody. “(You make me wanna) Go buy a new dress / (You make me wanna) Slip off a new dress,” she sings in the second verse, asserting in the pre-chorus, “I don’t even try / I don’t have to think / With you, there’s no pretending.” She sums up her feelings in the centerpiece, the chorus: “You know me, you know me / And I just might know you too, oh you / Come to me ready.” “Juna” isn’t only one of the year’s best songs, but it’s also one of the best songs from Clairo’s catalog.

Appears in:

60 Best Songs of 2024

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9. Mtume, “Juicy Fruit”

Juicy Fruit » Sony Music Entertainment Inc. » 1983

“I need it, I need it / Oh, girl.” Oh, snap! R&B/funk band Mtume struck gold with “Juicy Fruit” in 1983. “Juicy Fruit” was the second track from the collective’s album, also titled Juicy Fruit. The late James Mtume (1946 – 2022), the leader, composed and produced “Juicy Fruit.” The band’s top-charting song failed to crack the top 40. Bummer! Despite peaking modestly at no. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100, the single and album are certified gold, the group’s sole certifications from the RIAA. Chart success isn’t everything, and “Juicy Fruit” has proven itself iconic beyond its moderate pop showing.

“But you’re the only love / That gives me good and plenty.” Ooh-la-la! The sound of “Juicy Fruit” is crucial to its success. Drum programming is a signature feature. The production is marvelous, with the groove, big bass line (with slapped bass), guitar, and keys. The riffs shine like a beacon throughout. The introduction is colorful and naughty, setting up the perfect ‘sex on the track.’ Once the song settles in, the magic and sensual vibes are simply irresistible. The playful and powerful vocals by Tawatha Agee are one of the selling points. Background vocals add to the sweetness. Of course, it is the titillating lyrics that catch the ears. “Candy rain / Comin’ down / Taste you in my mind / And spread you all around,” Agee sings lustily. She adds:

“Cherry blossom kiss

What you’re givin’

Makes my body rock

Keeps me sizzlin’

Do what you want

I don’t care

I’ll be your lollipop

(You can lick me everywhere).”

Damn… Yes, the lyrics and song are about oral sex… That juicy fruit ‘hits’ differently, doesn’t it? “Juicy Fruit,” a 1980s gem, has been sampled by The Notorious B.I.G. (“Juicy”) and Keyshia Cole (“Let It Go”), among others. Need a great sex song? Look no further than “Juicy Fruit”!

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10. Lady Gaga, “Judas”

Born This Way » Interscope » 2011

“Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa / I’m in love with Juda-as, Juda-as…” Woo! That’s #sketch, Lady Gaga! One of her most controversial songs is “Judas”, which hails from her 2011 album, Born This Way. “Judas” makes some Christians feel some type of way, referencing the fallen disciple, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. Judas is considered to be one of the most loathed individuals, right alongside Satan. Lyrically, Gaga gets Biblical on “Judas,” in a most blasphemous way… One of the first things to understand about “Judas” is that it is a dance/dance-pop record. There are religious references (“I’ll wash his feet with my hair if he needs”), but the intent is not malicious or heretical. Gaga is in love with a bad boy, whom she compares to Judas. She uses the actions that Judas used against Jesus in the context of her situation (“Forgive him when his tongue lies through his brain / Even after three times he betrays me”). She knows he ain’t shit, but she’s drawn to him, like so many women and men are to bad people.

“I’m just a holy fool, oh baby

It’s so cruel, but I’m still in love with Judas, baby.”

Holy fool, indeed! Lady Gaga goes on to sing in the second verse, “Even prophets forgave his goofy way.” That lyric may be a controversy unto itself! According to the late Billy Graham, Judas was not forgiven for his betrayal of Jesus. Of course, examined through the lens of a pop song and nothing more, this is just another lyric speaking to the charm of this sinful man, as well as arguably, a flaw within Lady Gaga herself. Of course, there are more eyebrow-raising moments, including her confession that, “I am beyond repentance,” and more notably, “Judas, kiss me, if offenced, or wear ear condom next time.” Well, we know that a condom is prophylactic, so an ear condom is essentially telling those offended not to listen! Interestingly, some Christian commentators aren’t as bothered by “Judas,” or at least find redeeming qualities. In a post for Christ Pop Culture, for example, Stephen Hale characterizes the song as “a surprise statement of faith”. Perhaps part of the reason is that Lady Gaga knows she’s making a bad choice: “Jesus is my virtue, and Judas is the demon I cling to / I cling to.” The music video is another source of controversy, where Lady Gaga is torn between two hotties: Jesus (portrayed by Arrow actor, Rick Gonzalez) and Judas (portrayed by the Walking Dead actor, Norman Reedus). There is an instance where both are in a tub… baptismal pool… The question is, after listening to and watching the music video of “Judas”, do I/you need to repent? Perhaps. But, all said and done, this is an extremely clever pop song.

Appears in:

Lady Gaga, Judas: Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 No. 18 (2022)

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11. Zay Hilfigerrr & Zayion McCall, “Juju on That Beat (TZ Anthem)”

“Juju on That Beat” » Tha Lights Global, INC / Atlantic Recording Corporation » 2016

“Juju on the beat, Juju on that beat / Juju on that, Juju on that, Juju on that beat.” Woo! Zay Hilfigerrr and Zayion McCall scored a whale of a hit with “JuJu on That Beat (TZ Anthem)” in 2016. The viral “Juju” peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA in 2017. As popular as the song was, it would be the sole pop hit for the duo. Even if the one-hit wonder label has a negative connotation for some, this song continues to slap anytime and anywhere it is played.

The chorus, excerpted above, performed by Zay Hilfigerrr, is the crowning achievement. Beyond the JuJu-ing, memorable lyrics from the centerpiece include “Running on that beat, ayy,” and, “Now do your dance… / You ugly, you your daddy’s son.” It’s not all about the chorus, though. Zay drops the first verse, rapping about girls checking him out in his skinny jeans and nappy hair. Of course, he invites everybody to do the dance, which is important, if not more so, than the song itself. Zayion McCall gets into the mix in the second verse, where he raps, “Okay, we knuckin’ and buckin’ and ready to fight / I got my cousin, he with me, and got Lil Zay on the right.” Word. Fittingly, “Knuck If You Buck” by Crime Mob featuring Lil Scrappy is sampled. So is “My Friends (We Get Turnt Up)” by Mr. Hotspot featuring Team Twin. Anyways, does Zayion say much? Nah, but like Zay, it’s fun, and that is the M.O. His confidence is through the roof: “I mean, I like your style, I’m on a whole ‘nother level / If you compare me and you, there wouldn’t be no comparings.” Over a fire beat, the Detroit rappers drop an enduring rap banger with “JuJu on That Beat (TZ Anthem)”.

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12. Josie Cotton, “Johnny, Are You Queer?”

Convertible Music » Kitten Robot » 1982

“And I saw you today, boy / Walking with them gay 🌈 boys.” Hmm, what is your point, Josie Cotton? How do you know that the boys are gay, and what is wrong with Johnny hanging out with them? It’s giving homophobia, girl, depending on who you ask. “Now you hurt me so / Now I gotta know / Johnny, are you queer?” Oh, boy! It should come as no surprise why “Johnny, Are You Queer?” is controversial. The eyebrow-raising pop/ New Wave song appears on Cotton’s 1982 debut album, Convertible Music. Larson Paine and Robert Paine penned this sus classic. It was first recorded by the Go-Go’s [hear the live recording here], but Cotton was the first to release it. To provide even more context as to why Josie asks about Johnny’s sexuality: “When the lights are low / You never hold me close.”

Songs about sexuality lend themselves to controversy. Such songs can be more controversial when there is a lack or perceived lack of nuance. That is the problem with “Johnny, Are you Queer.” Musically, this is a bop and a half! The driving instrumental ‘kicks ass and takes names.’ Cotton’s vocal performance is playful, and she brings plenty of attitude. But the lyrics are problematic. If Johnny is in a ‘committed’ relationship with Josie (or her character) and is not being open about his sexuality, he is wrong. However, the way that she judges him assumes his friends are gay and tries to force a romance that is a non-starter, that is nothing short of a hot mess. I mean, if he is gay, it is unlikely he will embrace a relationship with you… Interestingly, gays and conservatives cried foul about this song. The gays thought she was homophobic. Conservatives thought she was promoting homosexuality. Go figure! Sadly, per RETROPOP, the song was used in conversion therapy. Yikes. Ultimately, while “Johnny, Are You Queer” is problematic lyrically, it is a song that should be taken with a grain of salt. It gives a heaping dose of camp.

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13. Drake, “Jimmy Cooks” (Ft. 21 Savage)

Honestly, Nevermind » OVO / Republic » 2022 

“Heard you with a shooting guard, just let a nigga know / I would have you courtside, not the middle row.” Woo! Depending on whom you ask, the opinions vary on Honestly, Nevermind, the 2022 album by Drake. Honestly, Nevermind is a more melodic, house-driven project for the Grammy winner, but he does drop a surefire rap banger with “Jimmy Cooks.” “Jimmy Cooks” features awesome production work (Vinylz, Tay Keith, CuBeatz, and Tizzle), including using two samples. In this concluding cut, Drizzy taps 21 Savage for the assist, who appears in the second verse backed by a mean beat switch. True to self, 21 Savage bites hard, coming off as unapologetic AF (“This Glock 45 came with a switch / If I was Will Smith, I would’ve slapped him with a stick”). Of course, Drake is on-point himself, dropping his fair share of striking lines such as, “Hoes say I’m suave, but I can’t get RICO’d.” Say what you will about Honestly, Nevermind, but it is hard to deny the enjoyability and strength of “Jimmy Cooks.”

Appears in:

50 Best Songs of 2022

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14. Christina Perri, “Jar of Hearts”

lovestrong. » Atlantic Recording Corporation » 2011

“I learned to live half-alive / And now you want me one more time.” Those emotionally charged, painful lyrics remain potent years after “Jar of Hearts” arrived. The fifth track from lovestrong., the 2011 debut album by pop singer-songwriter Christina Perri, “Jar of Hearts” is one of the best and most moving pop songs of the 2010s. Perri co-wrote “Hearts” with Drew Lawrence and producer Barrett Yeretsian. Debuting on the charts in 2010, it reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2011. In 2020, the single was certified sextuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Why is “Jar of Hearts” the sugar, honey, iced tea? It thrives because of gorgeous melodies and stellar songwriting. Perri begins singing abruptly in the first verse, sans introduction; it works out magnificently: “I know I can’t take one more step towards you / ‘Cause all that’s waiting is regret.” She sings beautifully, impressing as she sings in her lower and middle registers. Beginning as a piano ballad, the strings add richness, upping the ante. Following the first verse and pre-chorus (excerpted earlier), the listener is given one of the most radiant choruses of the 2010s:

“And who do you think you are

Runnin’ ‘round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

And tearing love apart?

You’re gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

So don’t come back for me

Who do you think you are?”

The second verse is more dynamic than the first. The vocals, including harmonies, match the strength of the lyrics: “But I have grown too strong / To ever fall back in your arms.” Fittingly, the second chorus is also more dynamic than the first; more overt and pronounced. Moving on, the bridge distinguishes itself from the verses and chorus. The melody is significantly different, while the string and piano arrangement also bring contrast. Perri sounds commanding, asserting, “I wish I had missed the first time that we kissed,” and telling that fool, “You don’t get to get me back.” The second time the glorious chorus is repeated at the end, there are melodic tweaks that keep “Jar” engaging and haunting. The outro marks another breathtaking moment as Perri asks him, “Who do you think you are?” “Jar of Hearts” is breathtaking.

Appears in:

Christina Perri, Jar of Hearts: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 65 (2025)

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15. Prince, “Jack U Off”

Controversy » NPG / Legacy Recordings » 1981

“If you’re looking for somewhere to go / Thought I’d take you to a movie show / Sitting in the back and I’ll jack you off.” Oh, snap 😳! Prince (1958 – 2016) was the exemplification of a provocative musician, particularly in the 1980s. “Jack U Off” is a prime example of him playing provocateur (emphasis on play 😈). The Purple One suggests he’s going to ‘jack off’ a woman, which is an unusual way to phrase a male-to-female masturbatory act. The only other explanation is questioning if Prince was referencing somebody other than a cis woman… “Jack U Off” is the eighth and final track from his 1981 album, Controversy.

On “Jack U Off,” there is no gray area. It is a blunt title referencing a specific sex act. While his bassist, Mark Brown, suggested that Prince didn’t understand the terminology, that seems unfathomable for an artist who excelled at sex songs. “Come on over to my neighborhood / We can jump in the sack, and I’ll jack you off,” Prince asserts in the first verse, continuing, “If you’re tired of the masturbator / Little girl, we can go on a date / And if you like, I’ll jack you off.” One of the interesting incidents involving this controversial song is when Prince opened for The Rolling Stones in 1981. As bassist Brown asserts in a Music Radar interview, The Rolling Stones’ audience was not Prince’s audience. The performance didn’t go well. Prince was infamously booed, called homophobic slurs, and ill-received. Why? Prince’s androgynous appearance and fashion, and this risqué, rockabilly-sounding number that only drew more ire from an audience that wasn’t hip to him. Admit it, a song where you assert, “I’ll jack you off” repeatedly is a tall task, particularly for what would have been an entirely different fan base. “Jack U Off” embraces controversy in an incredibly funky fashion. Prince’s voice sounds amazing, as always, while the musical accompaniment is high-energy and utterly infectious. Jacking U Off never sounded so… never mind!

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16. Jake Wesley Rogers, “Jacob from the Bible”

Spiritual (EP) » Jake Wesley Rogers » 2019

“Mama, help me understand / I don’t wanna be held down by a heavenly man…” “Jacob from the Bible” serves as the opener from Spiritual, a five-track EP released by Jake Wesley Rogers in 2019. The talented musician, originally from Missouri, is authentic, honest, and vulnerable on this powerful track. He delivers brilliant, distinct vocals – it’s clear he’s a trained singer (theatre kid and Belmont alum). The single commences enigmatically, with the instrumental embodying a spiritual feel, which is intentional. This conceptual record blends pop/rock with some gospel elements. The sound is elephantine on the chorus lyric, “But I’m no Jacob from the Bible.” Notably, sections in the song have similarities, but there are variations, which keep things from being predictable.

“He’s no Jacob from the bible

But damn, he made me pray

He might be my only rival

Holding me that way.”

So, what’s the premise of “Jacob from the Bible?” Wesley Rogers references the Biblical figure as he reflects on his own life. Notably, he asks for forgiveness from his mom and confesses his sins and mistakes. Wesley Rogers references his sexuality, a secret gay relationship, and thanks his mom for her support, despite his flaws (“Mama, help me carry on / They call me wrong / You call me strong”). In a Music Mecca interview, when asked about it being difficult…while growing up being gay and going to church, Wesley Rogers responds:

There were definitely aspects of it that were hard, but I was grateful to have a close-knit group of friends who were very supportive… My family was very supportive, so I always had that, but that being said most of the people in my town were not supportive in those ways …I learned to hide myself in certain ways and that takes a long time to unpack and work through.

“Jacob in the Bible” is a brilliant musical commentary on real life, particularly from a queer lens. And Jake Wesley Rogers… your voice is angelic, celestial, and heavenly! Amen!

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17. Funkadelic, “Jimmy’s Got a Little Bit of Bitch in Him”

Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On » Westbound » 1974

“Jimmy’s got a little bit of bitch in him.” Um, excuse me? Say what, now, Funkadelic 👀? “The bitch in him / Upsets the Jim.” Wow 😮. You read and heard correctly, folks! And, at least the words rhyme – him and Jim, that is! “Jimmy’s Got a Little Bit of Bitch in Him” is the sixth/penultimate track from the band’s 1974 album, Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On. George Clinton and Grace Hazel Cook wrote this bitchy song about Jim. Initially, you would think this might be a controversial, potentially homophobic, and narrow-minded portrayal of a non-heterosexual man. That is not the case. Promoting acceptance, “Jimmy’s Got a Little Bit of Bitch in Him” was progressive for the time.

From the get-go, “Jimmy’s Got a Little Bit of Bitch in Him” is playful and tongue-in-cheek. The song is infectious with sing-along vibes. The chorus, excerpted above, is EVERYTHING. Beyond the superb sung vocals, there are spoken, narrated vocals that philosophize about Jimmy:

“Reality can be a-stiff sometimes

But then again, it can be flexible

Depending on the angle of the dangle

Increased by the heat of the meat

And with the proposition that all men are not created equal

So why frown?

Yeah, even the sun go down

We’ll call it mixed emotions for now

Play on, Jimmy.”

Maybe philosophize is too generous… Sure, we get “all men are not created equal,” but there is also speak of stiffness, dangling, and meat… 👀 The second narrated section is similar, incorporating words like hard, a-swinging, and that dangle again. Funkadelic makes their point that not every man is built the same, and in the case of Jimmy, he is not into women. Musically, “Jimmy’s” is the sugar, honey, iced tea, too. There are sickening riffs, specifically from the guitar and piano. Digging into the musical underpinnings, there are some badass harmonic moments. Not only were Funkadelic progressive in thought (Note: I’m not sure if saying someone has bitch in them would fly today, mind you 😏 ), but the music slays, slays, slays! 10 out of 10! “Jimmy’s Got a Little Bit of Bitch in Him” equals totally bitchin’ 🤭 🤘!

Appears in:

Funkadelic, Jimmy’s Got a Little Bit of Bitch in Him: Wacky Wednesday No. 27 (2025)

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18. Teddy Pendergrass, “Joy”

Joy » Elektra / Asylum » 1988

“It’s a joy / Joy to be / To be near you / I want you here with me.” Woo! Teddy Pendergrass (1950 – 2010) was one of the most dynamic soul singers of all time. Following his musical setbacks due to a paralyzing accident in 1982, Pendergrass managed to make a comeback, which is incredibly impressive. His voice wasn’t quite the same, but still INCREDIBLE. “Joy”, from his 1988 album Joy, failed to make a big splash on the pop charts (it peaked at no. 77), but it topped the R&B charts for two weeks.

“Life is too damn short to let you get away

I’m here to say I need your love, oh baby

There’s no greater pleasure than you give to me

Hear me, baby, I want you to know.”

“Joy” sounds different from the Philly soul tunes Teddy recorded in the 1970s and early 80s. This track is more contemporary and idiomatic of the mid-, late-80s R&B sound. It’s also poppier. The groove is electrifying, anchored by that beloved boxy drum programming. Beyond the drums, rhythm is a defining feature of this Reggie Calloway and Vincent Calloway production. The synth bass line is lit. The rhythmic guitar is also lit, with the tone standing out as much as the riffs. Also, the keyboards and programming keep “Joy” picturesque. Not a total deviation from the soul of old, there are sweet, articulated horns and strings in the mix, too. This backdrop is perfect for Pendergrass, who shines vocally, if in a more modest sense, compared to the past. Still, that tone is once-in-a-lifetime. Furthermore, what isn’t the least bit diminished is his personality, not to mention that TP sex appeal 🤩! Case in point: “You’re my fantasy, no other love can set me free / I’m glad to know that you’re all mine, mine.” “Joy” = such a joy to listen to!

Appears in:

Teddy Pendergrass, Joy: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 179 (2023)

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19. Mary J. Blige, “Just Fine”

Growing Pains » Geffen » 2007

“Let it go / Can’t let this thing called love get away from you,” Mary J. Blige sings radiantly, continuing, “Feel free right now, go do what you wanna do / Can’t let nobody take it away, from you, from me, from we.” Word! For the nine-time, Grammy-winning R&B superstar, it’s all positive vibes. There are no negatives to “Just Fine”, among the best and most uplifting songs from her 2007, Grammy-winning, platinum-certified album, Growing Pains. “Just Fine” gave MJB another top 40 hit, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2008.

Matching the positive vibes of the record is bright, ‘feel-good’ musical accompaniment produced by Christopher “Tricky” Stewart and Jazze Pha. The percussive groove, the bass line, the keys, and the synths are EVERYTHING! The backdrop gives Mary J. Blige ample fuel for her fire. Blige is on autopilot when it comes to vocals. It inspires hearing her happy, eschewing drama and heartache, and embracing living her best life. The chorus is the centerpiece, in all its glory:

“So, I like what I see when I’m looking at me

When I’m walking past the mirror (Mirror)

Don’t stress through the night, at a time in my life

Ain’t worried about if you feel it (Feel it)

Got my head on straight, I got my vibe right

I ain’t gonna let you kill it

You see I wouldn’t change my life, my life’s just…

Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooh…”

“Just Fine” is self-explanatory. Life is good, baby!

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20. Jerry Butler, “Just Because I Really Love You”

The Ice Man Cometh » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1968

“Just because I really love you / I let you treat me bad, let you make me sad.” Love will make you do crazy things or allow yourself to be mistreated.  That’s what Jerry Butler (1939 – 2025) asserts in his classic, “Just Because I Really Love You”. “Just Because I Really Love You” is the fifth track from his 1968 album, The Ice Man Cometh.  Butler penned “Just Because…” alongside Kenneth Gamble, Mikki Farrow, and Thomas Randolph Bell.  Notably, it was produced by the iconic duo Gamble & Huff (Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff).  The instrumental arrangement and production are superb: articulated, biting horns, robust bass, sweet rhythm guitar, and glorious keys. As epic as the musical accompaniment is, the ‘star of the show’ is Jerry!

“Oh, little girl, I don’t think you mean / To hurt me the way you do,” Butler sings, adding, “So, I let you take a whole lot of liberties / A man in love should never do.” Word.  He questions his decision to give her free reign, singing, “Tell me, isn’t a beautiful illusion / Holding a man in the palm of your little hand?” Food for thought.  The lyrics are memorable throughout, brought to life masterfully by Butler.  He gives his all from a vocal perspective. There is no shortage of authenticity and personality from the legendary musician. His ad-libs towards the end of the song are among his best, showing just how much he loves this woman.  A non-single from The Ice Man Cometh, that doesn’t hold “Just Because I Really Love You” back from being the crème de la crème of the Jerry Butler catalog.

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The Alphabet Playlist Series 2025

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Jam Out To This Jampacked List of J Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Asylum, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Big Loud, Clairo, Columbia, Elektra, Geffen, Generation Now, Interscope, Island, Jake Wesley Rogers, Kitten Robot, Legacy Recordings, Mercury, MJJ Productions, Inc., NPG, OVO, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., Tha Lights Global, INC, UMG Recordings, Inc., Westbound, YG Entertainment; Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels; AcatXIo, DesignByDessie, DigitalDreamArtist from Pixabay]

Jam Out To This Jampacked List of J Songs | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on September 5, 2025September 5, 2025