Than → 5 Gems

Reading Time: 11 min read

Than: 5 Gems No. 31 (2026) features songs by Boston, Donnie Hathaway, JENNIE, Mary J. Blige, and Sebastian Croft.

“It’s more THAN a feeling (More THAN a feeling) / When I hear that old song they used to play (More THAN a feeling).”

For Boston, the nostalgia is real… a reminder of Marianne… According to JENNIE, she “Need(s) a little bit less THAN a lover.” Ah, the in-between! Closing out, Donny Hathaway, covering Blood, Sweat & Tears in his own, distinct way, sang, “Said I love you / More THAN you’ll ever know.” THAN is the common thread between Boston, JENNIE, and Donny Hathaway. Than: 5 Gems No. 31 (2026) also features intriguing than songs courtesy of Mary J. Blige and Sebastian Croft. So, without further ado, it’s time to dive into these five captivating THAN songs!

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1. JENNIE, “Less than a Lover”

2. Mary J. Blige, “More Than A Lover”

3. Sebastian Croft, “Better Than Ever”

4. Boston, “More Than A Feeling”

5. Donny Hathaway, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”

5 Gems (2026)

1. JENNIE, “Less than a Lover”

“Less Than a Lover” » Columbia Records » 2026

“It’s more beautiful when we open up and get to know each other.”

Noted, JENNIE. The BLACKPINK standout dropped a love-driven pop single, “Less than a Lover”. “Don’t think too much / ‘Cause all I need this summer…” The ellipsis will be replaced later. “Less than a Lover” was written by JENNIE, Bibi Bourelly, Deb Never, Jelli Dorman, and producers Tyler Spry and Cashmere Cat.

“Less than a Lover” keeps the duration less than two-and-a-half minutes. That is sufficient time for JENNIE to do her thang. The record commences with smooth, rhythmic chords at the beginning. An appealing groove provides an anchor. Throughout, the production touches are colorful and suit JENNIE superbly. She delivers silky smooth vocals. Her tone is beautiful, as she sings the memorable melodies and lyrics. “Splashing in the water / Please don’t make this harder on me,” she sings in the second verse, and concludes, “Tan lines on your body / I’m tracing your spine in degrees.” So, what theme is JENNIE exploring? The sweet spot between friend and lover. The chorus is golden and easily gets stuck in your head. Also, it somewhat clarifies what she wants… I think:

“Is a little bit less than a lover

Need a little bit less than a lover

You get a little bit more than another

Need a little bit less, little less, little less

Need a little bit less than a lover.”

Does “Less than a Lover” make sense? No, not completely, but that’s the case with love, like, so on, and so forth. What does make sense is that this is another awesome pop bop from a talented artist. Hopefully, she figures out this less-than-love thing, but she’s got the music thing locked down.

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from August 2026

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2. Mary J. Blige, “More Than A Lover”

“More Than A Lover” » Beautiful Life Productions » 2026

“Call me crazy, but I hate to give him space,”

Mary J. Blige sings in the first verse of her love-oriented single, “More Than A Lover”. She continues, “But he trippin’ ‘cause he feelin’ the same way.” Ooh-wee! Blige penned “More Than A Lover” alongside Camper (Darhyl Camper Jr.), Joshua Green, James Burns, and Jocelyn Donald. “More Than A Lover” commences with warm, rhythmic piano, robust bass, and a potent, soulful groove. As always, Blige delivers in the vocal department. She sounds authentic, fabulous, and nuanced to the nth degree. She excels singing the rhythmic melodies during both verses. “He came in and around, started rocking with me automatic,” Blige asserts in the second verse, and continues, “Chemistry did something to me / He give satisfaction, that’s his guarantee.” The pre-chorus and chorus mark the most tuneful moments. “And right now, I’m invested in the both of us,” she sings in the pre-chorus. In the chorus, he’s her everything!

“My man, my friend, my rider, my nigga, my lover (My lover)

So tight, so real, my family, way closer than a brother (Oh)

And no matter what it is, I can come running for some comfort (Yeah, babe)

My man, my friend, my rider, my nigga

Way more way more than a lover.”

Mary J. Blige brings it on “More Than A Lover”. The love is indisputable! Post-vocals, there is an extended, ultra-classy piano solo, which gives off lounge vibes. Post-extended piano solo, there is a brief outro that further confirms the love. All told, this is a fine R&B joint.

Appears in 🔻:

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3. Sebastian Croft, “Better Than Ever”

“Better than ever” » Manifest Music » 2026

“It catches up and comes back around / But karma can’t find you.”

You know, Sebastian Croft, that seems to be the way with certain people, ugh. They do wrong, and yet, they always seem to land on their feet, and their wrongs go unchecked. That is how our queer English actor and singer-songwriter feels on “Better than ever”, where his ex is doing just that, yet he’s not-so-good. “Better than ever” was written by Croft, Liam Jessup, and producer Madelene Eliasson.

“Better than ever” shines from the jump. The song begins abruptly with Sebastian Croft singing. Croft’s vocals are expressive, gorgeous, nuanced, and at times, tender. His tone is to die for. Adding to the excellence are the authenticity and sincerity of his performance; you buy what he’s selling. “Better” benefits from being melodious to the nth degree, beginning with the intro and eventual chorus:

“You’re better than ever

Leaving me looks good on you

I’ll just drown in my sweater

Watching all of your dreams come true.”

As tuneful a refrain as it is, the lyrics are unfortunate for Sebastian… he’s not okay. In the verses, he elaborates on his state of mind after their breakup. Upset with their lack of concern for his feelings, he sings in the first verse, “You smile only if it’s worth your while / Guess I’m not part of that crowd anymore.” The second verse features more of the same: “You take the car, and I’ll walk the high road / You work the room, and I’ll work on myself / It’s like I’m stuck in this hell waiting until…” Beyond the verses, the bridge/breakdown section keeps the same energy. Alongside memorable lyrics and superb vocals, the vibrant production work stands out. Set in a pop/rock style, besides guitar, bass, and drums, delightful keys and synths accentuate the sound. For most of “Better than ever”, Sebastian Croft is on the struggle bus. But there’s hope on the outro that his happy, better-than-ever times are imminent, including “I barely remember you.” Croft does his thing on this fabulous, honest song.

Appears in:

Sebastian Croft, Better than ever: Beaming with Pride No. 55 (2026)

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4. Boston, “More Than a Feeling”

Boston » Epic Records » 1976

“I looked out this morning, and the sun was gone / Turned on some music to start my day.”

Music is incredibly therapeutic, particularly in adverse situations. “I lost myself in a familiar song / I closed my eyes, and I slipped away.” That song, that rock band Boston references in the second half of the first verse of “More Than a Feeling”, is incredibly nostalgic. Remember this name: MARIANNE. “More Than a Feeling” is one of those epic, once-and-a-lifetime songs. It serves as the opener from Boston’s self-titled, diamond-certified 1976 album. The song features Tom Scholz (b. 1947) playing guitars and bass, Brad Delp (1951 – 2007) singing lead and background vocals, and Sib Hashian (1949 – 2017) holding it down on the drums. “More Than a Feeling” reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2005, the single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Tom Scholz composed this masterpiece. He produced it with John Boylan.

“More Than a Feeling” fades in with its signature lush, rhythmic acoustic guitar lines (Tom Scholz). As it progresses, the rest of the instrumental builds up. I love the robustness of the bass line, also played by Scholz. Scholz also delivers some sickening electric guitar playing throughout, including a fab solo. There are plenty of sophisticated, thoughtful instrumental moments. Scholz brings it from his pen to his playing. But there’s also another key piece when it comes to the greatness of “More Than A Feeling.” Simply put, the late, great Brad Delp kicks ass and takes names on vocals. His lead vocals are fantastic, ranging from smooth to commanding; powerful and soaring. His high notes are wicked, in the most celestial way possible. Beyond the lead vocals, Delp also handles the background vocals, which only up the ante. The chorus is the crowning achievement – the crème de la crème/ This is where Marianne is front and center:

“It’s more than a feeling (More than a feeling)

When I hear that old song they used to play (More than a feeling)

And I begin dreaming (More than a feeling)

‘Til I see Marianne walk away.”

Ooh-wee! Marianne had quite the effect on Tom Scholz, conveyed via Delp, of course. In the second verse, Brad asserts, “Yet I still recall as I wander on / As clear as the sun in the summer sky.” In the third, he admits, “I hide in my music, forget the day / And dream of a girl I used to know.” Those matters of the heart are something else! So much could be analyzed regarding “More Than a Feeling”. There is a lot of greatness, lyrically and musically. But, as I say about some of the best songs ever written and performed, the excellence and magnificence speak for themselves without my commentary, or anybody else’s for that matter. This song right here is the definition of a musical tour de force.

Appears in:

Boston, More Than a Feeling: Throwback Vibez No. 83 (2026)

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5. Donny Hathaway, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”

Extension of a Man » Atlantic » 1973

“If I ever leave you, baby, you can say I told you so / And if I ever hurt you, you know I hurt myself as well.”

Grammy-winning, highly influential musician Donny Hathaway possessed one of the most expressive and soulful voices, which he shows off in “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”. Shockingly not a Hathaway original, it was written by Al Kooper. Blood, Sweat & Tears originally recorded it. Hathaway covered it on his 1973 album, Extension of a Man. “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” modestly impacted the pop charts, peaking at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. Hathaway is a selfless, trustworthy man in the song. In the second verse, he reminds her, “You know I brought it home [my paycheck] to you baby / And I never spent a red cent.” In the third, he’s willing to be whatever she wants him to be: “I can be king of everything / Or just a tiny grain of sand.” The centerpiece is the chorus:

“Is that any way for a man to carry on?

Do you think I want my loved one gone?

Said I love you

More than you’ll ever know.”

The bridge, which differentiates itself from the rest of the song, has a strong argument as the section to beat (“I’m not trying to be / Just any kind of man…”). Part of the reason is the music. Beyond his dramatic, expressive, and soulful vocals, the instrumental accompaniment is divine. It is marvelously orchestrated, embracing the symphonic nature of soul music in the 1970s (winds and strings in addition to the rhythm section). Hathaway was a skilled arranger. During the bridge, the instrumental is at its best with orchestral touches. Notably, David “Fathead” Newman plays a mean tenor saxophone. Hathaway also plays (piano and organ) alongside his arranging and singing chops. Hathaway scored two top 10 hits, neither of which is “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”. Regardless, this is one of his best songs, showcasing top-notch musicianship.