JORDY, COULDA NOT | Beaming with Pride

In the 99^th edition of Beaming with Pride (2025), we highlight “COULDA NOT” performed by gay pop singer-songwriter JORDY.

Prepare to beam with P-R-I-D-E! Beaming with Pride celebrates, embraces, and spotlights songs by LGBTQ musicians or allies.  Here, we provide background and insight into musicians, analyze, plus go gaga over the decadent bops served up.  When songs dictate deeper and more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is fully articulated.  All styles of music are welcome, whether the songs are classics or brand-new. So, without further ado, in the 99^th edition of Beaming with Pride (2025), we highlight “COULDA NOT” performed by JORDY.

Ooh-wee! JORDY (Jordy Shulman) comes out swinging on “COULDA NOT”.  The gay pop singer-songwriter brings the heat on his self-described rock-leaning record: Of “COULDA NOT,” he asserts:

…This one comes straight from a place of heartbreak, anger, and letting go. It leans more rock, and it pushed me to be louder and more honest than ever. “COULDA NOT” kicks off a new chapter for me, a little bolder, a little messier, and definitely more unapologetic.

Regardless of a stylistic shift (it’s still firmly planted in pop by my estimations), Shulman’s preferred theme of choice, love – in this case, heartbreak – remains fully intact. Shulman wrote “COULDA NOT” with Austin Wolfe, Katherine Donnelly, and producer Drew Polovick.

JORDY sings in the first verse, and continues, “It really turns me on when you say the things that I want you to say.” Relatable, regardless of sexuality. Likewise, in the second verse, he sings, “I let you lead me on / You let me think that you would stay.” When you really like someone, you put on blinders.

That’s what happened to our handsome and talented pop star, sigh. In the second pre-chorus, he rhythmically sings, “Let’s fuckin’ call it / I’m not what you wanted; my mistake.” D-d-damn… more like f-f-fuck! Even with the potty mouth, JORDY keeps it smooth! The chorus is the section to beat, intact with another timely f-bomb!

“But you coulda not told me you love me

When you just love me on top of your body

Makin’ out, fuckin’ me like it’s a hobby

Let me down, just to go say that you’re sorry

You coulda not.”

That chorus hits different! Once again, JORDY serves up pop excellence with “COULDA NOT”.  He rides the edgier ‘pop/rock’ backdrop like a champ. The rhythmic guitars and heavier programming mark a welcome change of pace. Even given his anger – a man scorned –  he retains his electrifying, smooth tenor, delivering an incredibly ripe falsetto.

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JORDY » “COULDA NOT” » JORDY / EMPIRE » 2025

JORDY, COULDA NOT: Beaming with Pride No. 99 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; JORDY / EMPIRE; Elias Souza, Mario Spencer, Mizuno K, from Pexels; AcatXIo, All_CC0_Public_domain, CatsWithGlasses, David, ernestflowerss, Kelly, M. Harris, Marek Studzinski, OpenClipart-Vectors, from Pixabay]

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