Marlon Williams, My Boy | Bangerz N Bopz

In the ninth edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2026), we highlight “My Boy” performed by New Zealand singer-songwriter Marlon Williams. 

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and/or stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the ninth edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2026), we break down “My Boy” performed by Marlon Williams.

Woo, or should I say, do! New Zealand singer-songwriter Marlon Williams kicks off his 2022 album, My Boy, with – wait for it – “My Boy”! “He’s all to me and more / Nothing can touch my boy.” Word, Marlon! Williams penned “My Boy” and produced it with Tom Healy. From the jump, it is a calm, cool, and chill vibe.  It begins with rhythmic guitar, which is assertive but never overdoes it from a strumming perspective.  Speaking of strumming, via Under The Radar, Williams describes the record as a ‘pop song with a Māori folk strum.’ Williams and Healy both contribute their guitar skills on the track.

Beyond the strings, including Cass Basil holding it down on bass, I love the blend of drums (Lucky Paul aka Paul Taylor) and percussion (Elroy Finn) on “My Boy.” The accompaniment is bright but non troppo, the perfect backdrop for Williams. Williams delivers an easygoing, light, and tender vocal performance. He never forces things; he never gets too high nor too low.  He brings the tuneful melodies and the breezy, fun lyrics to life without a hitch.  Of his boy, Marlon adds in the second verse, “He’s why I am what I am / Nothing can touch my boy / He leads me with a ready hand / Nothing can touch my boy.” Noted.  There are also a pair of lovely choruses, each of which is different from the other.  But, there is a common thread: “Nothing can touch my boy.” You knew that was coming, right? All told, Marlon Williams impresses on “My Boy”.  It’s not an overly complicated record, but it is charming and quite memorable.

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Marlon Williams » My Boy » Dead Oceans » 2022

Marlon Williams, My Boy: Bangerz N Bopz No. 9 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Dead Oceans; Art Laurence Luzon, cottonbro studio, Osmar Vasques, Sebastian Ervi, Wallyson Nascimento from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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