Naked… | 5ive Songs

1. Jonas Blue & MAX, “Naked”

“Naked” • A Positiva / Virgin • 2020

Jonas Blue and MAX assemble a superb pop song in “Naked”, which is sensually charged and suggestive, yet never crosses the line.  The most offensive thing said is one ‘goddamn’ by MAX, who never even utters the word sex!  Besides delivering perfect sexual innuendo, “Naked” shines thanks to great production (Blue), awesome vocals (MAX), and catchy, relatable songwriting.

2. Teyana Taylor, “Morning”

Ft. Kehlani

The Album • Def Jam • 2020

Teyana Taylor is totally sexed-up on “Morning”, a highlight from her third studio album, The Album, featuring Kehlani. Both artists ‘keep it 100’ on this steamy joint.  Teyana makes it clear that it’s ‘going down’ on the first verse, while Kehlani certainly keeps things ‘rated R’ and beyond on the second verse.  The ‘things’ being sung about more often than not occur sans clothing, and of course, the nakedness is confirmed.

3. Kesha, “Birthday Suit”

High Road • Kemosabe • 2020

Kesha goes all out ‘nude’ on “Birthday Suit,” the Stuart Crichton-produced standout from her fourth studio album, High Road.  On “Birthday Suit,” she raps in tongue-in-cheek fashion, dropping sexual innuendo like no other.  “I know we’re both thinking /I wanna get you in your birthday suit / Who’s gonna be the first to make the move?” she sings on the absolutely infectious chorus, continuing, “You got any secret tattoos? / Ooh, goddamn, baby / Ooh, goddamn.”

4. Davis Mallory, “Shirtless”

“Shirtless” • Lionboy • 2019

On the sleek “Shirtless,” Davis Mallory appreciates legitimate, decadent eye candy that’s being served up. He appreciates the confidence of the hotties, definitely the view, and how that view makes him feel…  Whether or not you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ like Davis is, “Shirtless” should be relatable on some level. Think about how you feel when you see someone who’s fine as hell… That’s what “Shirtless” encapsulates.

“So, like a tall glass of water
Got me thirsty
Can’t take my eyes off of ya
When you’re shirtless, when you’re shirtless...”

5. Ella Mai, “Naked”

Ella Mai • 10 Summers / Interscope • 2018

“Naked” appears as the closing track on Ella Mai, the debut studio album by Ella Mai.  Unlike some of the others on this list, Mai isn’t really referencing physical nudity but rather love beyond imperfections – revealing her flaws and her man loving her beyond them.  She asks him, “Are you ready to fight just to see what’s lost behind my flaws? / Can you love me naked?” And you thought I’d conclude NAKED: 5IVE SONGS with filth!