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Musicians contributing to the girlishness of “Songs About Girls, Vol. 1” include Charlie Puth, Keith Urban, Kesha, Kip Moore and Rita Ora among many others.

“Who run the world? Girls!”  Yep, Beyoncé knows exactly what she’s talking about on her hit single from 2011. Interestingly, the song isn’t featured on Songs About Girls, Vol 1.  Epic fail? Nah, because there is an abundance of songs about females, girls, ladies, women, rightfully so. Notably, many of the songs on this girl-centric list come at the hands of guys… yup. Look at the bright side (1) there’s wasn’t only going to be a playlist of Songs About Boys, Vol .1 and (2) Kesha and Rita Ora help to balance out contributions from Charlie Puth, Keith Urban, and Kip Moore among dudes.  Speaking of Ora, how about we star things off with that interesting, star-studded collaboration…

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1. Rita Ora, “Girls”

Ft. Cardi B, Bebe Rexha & Charli XCX

Girls – Single • Atlantic UK • 2018

“I ain’t one-sided, I’m open-minded / I’m fifty-fifty and I’m never gonna hide it.” Perhaps, her heart was in the right place, but Rita Ora falls far short on her star-studded bisexually-driven anthem, “Girls”, which features Cardi B, Charli XCX, and Bebe Rexha. Typically, socially-charged songs, particularly those with a LGBTQ tilt, are applauded.  That has NOT been the case with  “Girls,” which has received widespread criticism.

On the aforementioned Rita Ora excerpt from the first verse, she seems to be admitting that she’s bisexual, or at least not merely heterosexual.  Charli XCX follows up with the pre-chorus encompassing a lesbian relationship, ménage trois, and kush. On the chorus, both admit, “I just wanna kiss girls.” Rexha joins on the second verse, focusing on same-sex attraction with Cardi B capping things off: “I steal your bitch, have her down with the scissor / Tonight, I don’t want a dog, I want a kitten.” Ora and company oversimplify bisexuality, same-sex attraction, and sexuality in general.  This is a misguided pop record through and through, that had it been executed properly, could’ve packed a punch.

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2. Maroon 5, “Girls Like You (Remix)”

Ft. Cardi B

Girls Like You (Remix) – Single • Interscope • 2018

“Girls Like You” originally appeared as the ninth track on Red Pill Blues, the sixth studio album by Maroon 5.  Originally described as a decent song – “slick, well-sung, and feel-good” – all of those characterizations remain true on the remix, featuring Cardi B.  This record exemplifies the trendy, ultra-slick, modern pop sound that’s dominating the airwaves.  Hearing it post- Red Pills Blues, it’s more appealing compared to back then. Frontman Adam Levine continues to shine vocally. While the stylistic shifts are highly debatable, his voice isn’t.  As for Cardi B, she delivers a short verse – merely a taste – that keeps things interesting but doesn’t bring profundity you might say.  The cut isn’t ‘next level’ per se, but worthwhile.

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3. Charlie Puth, “LA Girls”

Voicenotes • Atlantic • 2018

Voicenotes marked a big step forward for Charlie Puth, period.  It’s not ‘the second coming,’ but all in all, it’s an enjoyable album that easily surpasses Nine Track Mind.  Puth’s personality works much more effectively on this set, and even though his awkwardness gets the best of him at times, more often than not, it bodes in his favor.  Among the album’s highlights is the song “LA Girls,” which has a nasty groove, while keeping the production on the simpler side of things.  The groove fits the narrative, where Charlie Puth “Misses my baby” (his ex) and perhaps, the East Coast as well. “How the hell did I get caught up / Messin’ with these LA girls?” he asks himself on the chorus.

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4. Keith Urban, “Female”

Graffiti U • Capitol Nashville • 2018

“Female” is among the crème de la crème of Graffiti U  thanks to a pitch-perfect, timely social message.  “Female” possesses light country production that’s anchored by a pop beat.  Keith Urban delivers solid, emotional vocals, which capture the feminine sensibilities of the lyrics.  Asking a number of questions on the verses, the questions are related to the female experience, particularly being treated with the respect that women should.

The chorus sums up the theme perfectly:

“Sister, shoulder
Daughter, lover
Healer, broken halo
Mother nature
Fire, suit of armor
Soul survivor, Holy water
Secret keeper, fortune teller
Virgin Mary, scarlet letter
Technicolor river wild
Baby girl, woman, child
Female.”

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5. Anderson East, “Girlfriend”

Encore • Elektra • 2018

“I think I’m in love, think I’m in love / I think I’m in love with your girlfriend.” Soulful singer-songwriter Anderson East delivers on the brief, but thrilling “Girlfriend”, the third single issued from his sophomore album, Encore. “Girlfriend” kicks off like a throwback soul record. The production certainly doesn’t sound like 2018, which is a major selling point.  Instead of trap percussion and wild synths, there are horns, piano, organ – all things 60s and 70s. East matches the vibe vocally, with his distinct, gritty, soulful pipes.  He’s authentic, invested, and incredibly playful with his performance.

“She’s putting me out there
And she got a look like she leaving
It looks like she knows what she’s wantin’
And I think I'm just what she's needin’.”

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6. Trent Harmon, “There’s a Girl”

You Got ‘Em All • Big Machine • 2018

“Why does any man do anything in the whole damn world? / ‘Cause there’s a girl.” In 2018, 27-year old Trent Harmon released his long-awaited, full-length debut album, You Got ‘Em All two years after winning the 15^th season of American Idol. A talented singer, in some respects, the Mississippian pulled off somewhat of an upset beating another talented Mississippian, LaPorsha Renae.  One of the highlights from his You Got ‘Em All is the second track, “There’s a Girl.” “There’s a Girl” maintains the strong start of You Got ‘Em All, picking up the pace and the rhythmic intensity.  This record is countrified (banjo, storytelling, etc.), but also ‘light’ enough to gain pop traction.

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7. Jake Miller, “The Girl That’s Underneath”

Ft. Jabbar Hakeem

Silver Lining • Jake Miller Music / EMPIRE • 2018

“She walks on red carpets everywhere she goes / You can find her, all designer from her head to toe.” Pop artist Jake Miller released his album, Silver Lining, in March 2018.  In advance of the project, he gave us a sample with promo single, “The Girl That’s Underneath”. Beginning with the production, “The Girl That’s Underneath” is incredibly slick – the synths, the drum programming, etc. Miller sings with loads of confidence, game, and swagger.

The chorus serves as the crowning achievement of “The Girl That’s Underneath,” where he showcases mad falsetto.

“Light up for all the cameras, pose for them magazines
But can you show me the side they never see?
I know you know you're special, but if you're feeling me
I wanna talk to the girl that's underneath.”

Jabbar Hakeem drops bars on the third verse, contrasting Miller’s sung vocals.  He doesn’t say anything particularly profound, but it fits the vibe by all means.

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8. Michael Ray, “Fan Girl”

Amos • Warner Music Nashville • 2018

Michael Ray keeps things incredibly simple and care free on “Fan Girl”, the opening song on his sophomore album, Amos. All in all, Amos is an enjoyable project without being transcendent or ‘moving the needle.’  The same can be said about “Fan Girl,” where Ray is ‘fan-girl-ing’ his bae, likening it to “watching your favorite band.” The record lacks depth, but it’s good ole, fun, respectable-enough contemporary country.  The premise of the song is illustrated on the catchy, if corny fashion on the chorus.

“Oh you give me that front field, screaming with my hands up
Walk in the room and everybody stands up
You got my heart singing whoa-oh-oh-oh
You steal my kisses and you steal the show
You know the way you work it, baby, you're a natural
They love you in LA, NYC, and Nashville
That leather jacket and blue jean, I mean damn girl
I can't help it, baby I'm a fan girl.”

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9. George Ezra, “Hold My Girl”

Staying at Tamara’s • Columbia • 2018 

George Ezra delivers another consistent and enjoyable song with “Hold My Girl”, a single from his sophomore album, Staying at Tamara’s. “Hold My Girl” initially features acoustic guitar accompaniment.  As the record progresses, the production becomes fuller, including the addition of piano and strings. Ezra continues to impress with his beautiful, husky, and robust vocals, his biggest career selling point.  There’s premium value placed on his vocal performance here, given the fact that “Hold My Girl” lacks the same entertainment value of some of his records.  Even though it’s less fun, it’s still well-rounded and ultimately, well-written.

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10. Hunter Hayes, “This Girl”

This Girl – Single • Atlantic • 2018

“How lucky am I that I get to love this girl?” Louisiana-bred country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes asks this question on 2018 single, “This Girl”. “This Girl” is a thoughtful, well-rounded song, as suggested by the aforementioned lyrics. Hayes has an easygoing, pleasant singing style, never over- or under-singing. The sound is noticeably more country-tinged than some of his material, a nice reminder that he’s firmly planted within the style. The songwriting is certainly thoughtful, but not ‘brand new.’  He begins the first verse singing, “I love this girl watching that throwback movie with a glass of wine / My real deal girl with her hair up, guard down, telling me what’s on her mind.” Appropriate and pretty clean-cut lyrics, but also, ‘been there, done that.’

The chorus is where Hayes’ “bread is buttered.”

“How lucky am I that I get to love this girl?
I get to see that side of her that no one knows but me
She's a one of a kind
It's a one and a million chance that I would find her hand in mine
It's crazy I'm the lucky guy, the guy that gets to love this girl
Oh, the guy that gets to love this girl.”

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11. Kesha, “Woman”

Rainbow • Kemosabe • 2017

“I’m a motherfucking woman, baby, alright / I don’t need a man to be holding me too tight.” Wow. On “Woman”, Kesha enlists The Dap-Kings Horns to construct a soulful backdrop for her empowering, feminist vocals.  Given the unfortunate series of events that Kesha has been part of, this song seems like the perfect complement. Vocally, she continues to do things that we didn’t think she could do. The biggest offense is the profanity, which seems counterproductive given her message. Still, “Woman” is irresistible – even for the guys.

“I’m a motherfucking woman, baby, that’s right
I’m just having fun with my ladies here tonight
I’m a motherfucker.”

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12. Kip Moore, “More Girls Like You”

Slowheart • MCA Nashville • 2017

“So, god made girls like you make guys like me / Wanna reach for the brightest star, set it on a ring.” Country artist Kip Moore keeps it short and sweet on “More Girls Like You,” a single from his third studio album, Slowheart. What is impressive about Moore in general is his voice.  There’s ample soul and nuance there, something that is a clear asset to country music.  As brief as “More Girls Like You” is, it showcases his artistry.  Vocally, he gives a strong performance.  Musically, the backdrop doesn’t assimilate to new-look country or country-pop – it’s country with a bit of a rock edge. Thematically, it’s not revolutionary – country tackles this topic of the best girl quite often – but Moore does it well.

Exhibit A: Verse two.

“Your soul is pure golden
Must’ve been true love you were grown in
Sent the sun rays to a dark place
On the same day, yeah, God made…”

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13. Tyler Glenn, “G.D.M.M.L. GRLS”

Excommunication • Island • 2016

“Gay’s not a challenge that I’ll overcome / Not a thing to be tolerated / If I kiss a boy, I’m gonna kiss, that cool? / Am I f**king up your day? Now that’s just rude…”  Okay, okay “G.D.M.M.L. GRLS” actually isn’t about girls. Rather, it’s a record that definitely sounds like something that Neon Trees frontman Tyler Glenn needed to get out of his system.  He gets personal about his sexuality and the hurdles associated with it. This heavily produced, intense record, showcases Glenn’s disillusionment with the Mormon church, who denounce homosexuality.

On the chorus, he asserts inability to change his sexual preference:

“I keep on hearing evil voices, voices
… They keep on messing with my choices, choices
… God didn’t give me alternative, no
When she put me on the earth
God didn’t make me like girls...”

Numerous churches and religions denounce homosexuality.  Many cite Biblical text as the source, with Sodom and Gomorrah leading the charge. Swap out Mormonism for various religions or communities, and homophobia occurs. His message resonates with numerous members of the LGBTQ community, and others.

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14. Panic! At the Disco, “Boys/Boys/Girls”

Too Rare to Live, Too Young to Die • Fueled by Ramen • 2013

“And never did I think that I / Would be caught in the way you got me / But girls love girls and boys / and love is not a choice.” Brendon Urie and Panic! At the Disco delivered one of his most risqué singles of its career with “Girls/Girls/Boys.” The single, not to mention Urie’s revelation of sexual experimentation, caused the media to incorrectly label him as bisexual (he came out as pansexual in 2018). “Girls/Girls/Boys” embraces  bisexuality, from a girl’s perspective.

Urie admits to interfering with his love interest’s preferences:

“I’m just a villain vying for attention from a girl
A girl who can’t decide
And here’s the reason why
Girls love girls and boys.”

While he proclaims himself as the villain in this case, he’s ultimately thinking bigger. Since “Girls/Girls/Boys” is a bisexual anthem, he suggests those interfering with people choosing who to love – judgmental or otherwise – are the villains.

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Photo Credits: Atlantic, Big Machine, Capitol Nashville, Columbia, EMPIRE, Epic, Fueled by Ramen, Jake Miller Music, Interscope, Island, Kemosabe, MCA Nashville, Warner Music Nashville

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