White is the Color of These 13 Songs | Playlist 🎧

White is the Color of These 13 Songs features songs by Chris Stapleton, Laufey, Michael Jackson, Mighty Bay, Sam Fender, Teddy Swims & Muni Long, and Toby Keith.

W-H-I-T-E, White. That is the keyword, folks! And White is the Color of These 13 Songs is the musical compendium at hand.  This one is simple. It’s given beyaz, blanc, blanco, trắng, vit, valkoinen, etc. Every song title must feature the color white.  No ifs, ands, or buts. And if there are buts, they must be white buts 😜. Whiteness is king on this playlist, but NOT in a racially charged way! The Musical Hype thrives on its inclusivity and progressiveness 🌈 ✊🏾!

White is the Color of These 13 Songs features songs by Laufey, Michael Jackson, Mighty Bay, TisaKorean & three!, Sam Fender, Teddy Swims & Muni Long, and Toby Keith.  White is the color, but the artists come from different backgrounds – they’re not all white, themselves! So, without further ado, let’s get our whiteness on with White is the Color of These 13 Songs!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Teddy Swims & Muni Long, “Black & White”	2. Laufey, “Snow White”	3. Ryan Beatty, “White Teeth”	4. Mighty Bay, TisaKorean & three!, “WhiteBoy Wasted”
5. Zach Benson, “White Lies”	6. Lil Peep, “White Girl”	7. Vampire Weekend, “Unbearably White”	8. Sam Fender, “White Privilege”
9. Mansionz, “White Girls”	10. Toby Keith, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)”	11. Michael Jackson, “Black or White”	12. Sly & The Family Stone, “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey”	13. The Drifters, “White Christmas”

 

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1. Teddy Swims & Muni Long, “Black & White”

I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Complete Edition) » SWIMS Int. / Warner Records Inc. » 2025

Those lyrics from the pre-chorus of “Black & White” make more sense in context. Once more, Teddy Swims (Jaten Dimsdale) brings it on the 12^th track from the Complete Edition of his album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy. The Grammy-nominated pop-soul standout doesn’t bring it alone, however. He teams up with Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Muni Long (Priscilla Renea). They make a dynamic, formidable duo.  Two powerful voices? Yes, please! Swims and Long penned “Black & White” with Charlie Coffeen, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, and Mikky Ekko. Gitelman and Long produced it. The sound is marvelous! Set in a compound duple meter, the accompaniment thrives on its soulful, old-school vibes from the musical accompaniment. What gives “Black & White” that old-school aesthetic? It’s the rhythm section with the big bass line, rhythm guitar, as well as the orchestral cues – lush, warmer strings and exuberant brass.

Teddy Swims sets the tone, singing the first verse: “You’re the first one I told the truth to / Something’s changin’ inside of me when I look at you.” Oh, snap! He delivers gritty, nuanced vocals.  Simply put, that man can sing! The melodies are tuneful, with the chorus being the section to beat. Muni Long complements Teddy Swims superbly when they sing together during the dynamic chorus.

“Baby, baby, it’s black and white

We know when it feels right

And it feels like the right time to love you…”

Indeed! Long is also dynamic in her own right, singing the second verse. “Yeah, your tattoos look like bad news, kinda taboo,” she sings, and adds, “I wanna wake up with you by my side / Let you get me high, keep my body levitatin’.” Damn! Her vocal runs are celestial – simply beautiful! Ultimately, the vocal chemistry between Teddy Swims and Muni Long is exceptional on “Black & White”. They shine brightest at the end of the song, showing off immense vocal skill singing separately and simultaneously. This marks another dynamic, unforgettable moment from I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy. Bravo!

Appears in:

Teddy Swims & Muni Long, Black & White: Dazzling Duets No. 12 (2025) 13 Exciting Pitch BLACK Songs (2025)

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2. Laufey, “Snow White”

A Matter Of Time » Vingolf Recordings / AWAL Recordings America, Inc. » 2025

That is depressing, downtrodden, and negative, Laufey (Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir). She continues singing in the first verse of “Snow White”, “I don’t think I’m pretty, it’s not up for debate / A woman’s best currency’s her body, not her brain.” Again, depressing, but darkly poetic, and undoubtedly, relatable. I’m a man, and I find myself co-signing these self-deprecating, don’t feel good enough lyrics. The good news is that “Snow White,” the fourth single from the Grammy-winning, Icelandic-Chinese singer/songwriter’s third studio album, A Matter Of Time, is utterly sublime. Laufey penned “Snow White” and produced it with Spencer Stewart.

The songwriting is top-notch. The lyrics are thoughtful and sincere: “But mirrors tell lies to me, my mind just plays along / The world is a sick place, at least for a girl.” (Un-pretty boys, too, Laufey)! Laufey digs in and shows off her vulnerable side. Brilliantly, as she shares her insecurities, she references the fairy tale, Snow White: “Sometimes, I see her, she looks like Snow White / She’s everything I am, but my wrongs are turned to rights.” Her vocals are authentic and beautiful. She sounds incredibly refined every time she sings. She always seems to sing the right notes, with the appropriate dynamics, expression, and emphasis at just the right time. As “Snow White” progresses, Laufey steps up her game, singing more dynamically, giving a bigger performance. Beyond Laufey’s top-notch musicianship, the musical accompaniment is elite. Initially, she’s accompanied by rhythm guitar.  The backdrop expands, adding the lush, rich sound of the cello, one of the instruments Laufey plays.  “Snow White” is a homerun for Laufey.  The only rub: the insecurities she feels! She is beautiful, gifted, and talented!

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3. Ryan Beatty, “White Teeth”

Calico » Atlantic UK / Elektra / Ryan Beatty » 2023

On snap 🫰, Ryan Beatty! “White Teeth” appears as the seventh track on Calico, the third studio album by the underrated alt-pop singer/songwriter.  Notably, Beatty’s third album may be his most poetic and ‘alternative’ to date. Noted for his awesome songs about boys (he is gay), arguably, Beatty shows more range. Also, vocally, he gets better and better; more expressive and more nuanced. “Clear water, still water, we could both wade / Clear water, still water, what’s our code name?” he sings in the tuneful pre-chorus, continuing, “Stay close or go far, I’ll still wait.” Hmm, waiting on who, that seems to be the question. Besides superb production (guitars, keys, and lush strings) and stupendous, authentic vocals, the songwriting is arguably the biggest selling point of “White Teeth.” Some of the most memorable lyrics hail from the chorus. “Handprint on a windowpane / Like white teeth to a red wine stain,” Beatty sings, adding, “Some left, but the right ones stay / A good end to a Saturday.” “White Teeth” ranks among the crème de la crème of Calico.

Appears in:

13 Captivating Songs About Teeth 🦷 (2023)

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4. Mighty Bay, TisaKorean & three!, “WhiteBoy Wasted”

“WhiteBoy Wasted” » Last Bottles / Good Luck Have Fun » 2024

Word. “WhiteBoy Wasted” finds Mighty Bay, TisaKorean, and three! collaborating. This 2024 rap banger features a malicious, minor-key musical accompaniment.  There are dark keys/synths, and an anchoring, banging, trap beat. The theme and lyrics are silly and lack depth and transcendence.  That is the expectation with a cut like this, of course. The first vocalized section of “Wasted” begins with the excerpted pre-chorus, performed by Mighty Bay. TisaKorean then performs the chorus (“Rock with it then you lean (Ayy) / Rock with it then you, rock with it then you lean (Huh)”) and the post-chorus (“If you ain’t talkin’ cash, I ain’t even listenin’ / I ain’t tеxt this bitch back and she ain’t even trip”). Although brief with a two-and-a-half-minute runtime, “WhiteBoy Wasted” is entertaining.

Mighty Bay raps the first verse and keeps it filthy. “White boy wasted, whole body leanin’ out the car,” he spits, and continues, “Them hoes silly, send ‘em over now them hoes ours / Call me cookie monster, I’m tryna put my cookie in her jar.” TisaKorean follows up with the chorus and post-chorus before Three! Makes his sole appearance, rapping the second verse.  “Baby, I’m so lifted, got me color blind (Huh),” he spits, and concludes, “I done lost my fat-ass, where my state of mind? (Huh).” TisaKorean then raps the third verse, asserting, “They callin’ me like Dewey, I’m white boy zooted /… I’m playin’ with the white boy status, that liquor consumption was average.” Mighty Bay performs the bridge, the final new section of the song: “If I hit your line, that mean you a freak.” “WhiteBoy Wasted”, in all its whiteboy wasted glory, concludes with Bay’s pre-chorus and Korean’s chorus.

Appears in:

Mighty Bay, TisaKorean & three!, WhiteBoy Wasted: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 95 (2025)

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5. Zach Benson, “White Lies”

music for you and your friends  » Zach Benson » 2024

Ooh, wee, Zach Benson! The pop star, who characterizes himself as power to the queer kids 🌈, brings the heat on  “white lies”.  “White lies” is a picturesque addition to the LGBTQ catalog; Benson is giving off on this brief but potent BOP, PERIOD.  The chorus is a big deal. The centerpiece of the song it is infectious, tuneful, and BIG.  Before that, the verses yield tuneful melodies as well, which Benson eats up with his jubilant lead vocals.  Upping the ante are vocal harmonies, which make these “white lies” even more sugary sweet – not saccharine though.  Of course, it’s not all vocals, melodies, and choruses that make up “white lies.” There’s also exuberant, colorful, shimmering production work.  Those synths are DAZZLING! The groove is #ON – electric, baby, NO LIE! The pros don’t stop there.  The bridge marks a fabulous contrast to the verses and chorus, providing separation.  The lyrics, beyond the chorus, are swell too – white lies and all!  The handsome (notes midriff in cover art 😝), talented, power to the queer kids Zach Benson delivered a surefire, play-on-repeat, pop joint with “white lies”.

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6. Lil Peep, “White Girl”

Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2 » Columbia » 2018

Lil Peep (Gustav Åhr, 1996 – 2017) asserts in the intro of “White Girl.” On the bridge, the late rapper/singer states, “She don’t love me, she just love how I feel / I’ma fuck her till I know that she real.” Word. “White Girl” references both a girl and, surprise, surprise, cocaine! Like much of his posthumously released, full-length debut, Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2, “White Girl” paints a troublesome portrait of the rapper/singer’s depressed, self-destructive lifestyle.  In the verse, he proves that he is extremely self-aware: “Told her: ‘Baby, I’m the type to get faded’ / And I know that she like that I’m famous /…We only came because we both getting naked.” So, their relationship was shallow; clout and physically driven.  In the chorus, the other white girl comes into the picture, in all her detriment:

“White girl on me, I got cocaine

Do it in the bathroom, I can feel my bones break

Same clique with me at the night show

I was in the back then, now I got a light show.”

Lil Peep was special. His music was hypnotic, filled with emotion and often giving off depressed vibes.  It’s a shame that he fell victim to his demons. He seemed to have so much potential and plenty to say from a musical perspective.  “White Girl” marks another memorable musical moment from an artist gone far too soon.

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7. Vampire Weekend, “Unbearably White”

Father of the Bride  » Sony » 2019

Ezra Koenig sings on the first verse of “Unbearably White,” later adding, “You walked to the bedroom / And sat down to write / The page on your notebook was unbearably white.” Sigh, after a six-year hiatus, Grammy-winning alternative music collective Vampire Weekend returned with new music in 2019. Even though Koenig and company made us wait such a long, damn time for their fourth studio album, Father of the Bride, the results are nothing short of superb.  “Unbearably White”  plays a key role in the excellence.

The soulful “Unbearably White” is a surefire bop from the onset.  What’s interesting is the contradiction of the soulful production and the song title itself, which isn’t explicitly about race or skin color, but definitely doesn’t feel like a sheer coincidence. Koenig and Vampire Weekend continue to highlight the marriage/relationship concept of the album. The guitars sound brilliant, while the robust bass line adds some serious punch on the bottom.  The vocals and the poetic, incredibly unique lyrics take precedent.

“There’s an avalanche coming

Don’t cover your eyes

It’s what you thought that you wanted

It’s still a surprise

It’s hard on the body

It’s hard on the mind

To learn what kept us together, darling

Is what kept us alive.” 

Appears in:

12 Songs That Are Either Black or White (2019)

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8. Sam Fender, “White Privilege”

Hypersonic Missiles »  Polydor » 2019

British singer/songwriter Sam Fender is pretty rad.  So is the British singer/songwriter’s entire debut album, Hypersonic Missiles.  What makes Hypersonic Missiles the ‘cat’s meow?’ Excellent musicianship from Fender regarding vocal performances and colorful, creative, and poetic songwriting.  The crown jewel from Hypersonic Missiles arrives early on – “White Privilege”. “White Privilege”, the profane third track gracing Hypersonic Missiles, is quite accomplished.  It finds Fender examining white privilege (“‘Cause I’m a white male, full of shame / My ancestry is evil, and their evil is still not gone”), including his own, and the layers of such privilege, as well as several political and social issues plaguing both England and the world. Brexit gets colorful treatment (“Don’t wanna hear about Brexit, them old cunts fucked up our exit / My generation was duped, the youth were left out of the loop”). At the same time, political correctness is brilliantly addressed as well (“Everybody’s offended, the joke that keeps on giving / I’m not entirely sure the nitpicking can count as progression”).  Ultimately, Fender does a marvelous job of providing perspective and analysis on several relevant issues.  This might be the best song of 2019 that far too few folks have heard.

Appears in:

51 Best Songs of 2019

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9. Mansionz, “Rich White Girls”

Mansionz » Interscope » 2017

Hmm, what happens when two underappreciated, incredibly talented musicians collaborate? Fire.  Mike Posner and blackbear collaborate as mansionz, an eclectic group formed in 2016 encompassing hip-hop, pop, and R&B.  Their self-titled debut arrived in 2017, though arguably, it didn’t receive its just due.  Was that because of an infectious, if utterly shallow song like “Rich White Girls?” Perhaps… yeah, probably. Blackbear nails the chill, yet blunt chorus, which ranks among the most memorable of  Mansionz. Continued from above, it plays out something like this:

“So, tell me what could I give you that your daddy can’t give you?

Baby, what could I give, to a rich white girl?

They only love me when I pay ‘em no mind.”

Appears in:

9 Songs That Thrive Off Being Rich (2018) 12 Songs That Are Either Black or White (2019)

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10. Toby Keith, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)”

Unleashed » SKG Music Nashville LLC / Dreamworks Nashville » 2002

‘Merica! The late great Toby Keith (1961 – 2024) equally unified and courted controversy with “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)”.  Why was Toby an angry American back in 2002? The horrific September 11 attacks by terrorists. After the attacks, there was a strong sense of unity among Americans.  This included strong job approval for then-President George W. Bush and ensuring retribution on the terrorists who killed nearly 3,000 people. “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” commences his 2002 album, Unleashed.

The musicality of “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American)” is impressive. Toby Keith sounds fantastic, singing authentically and patriotically, with tremendous sincerity. Tempo changes help make “Red, White, and Blue” engaging. It begins with a slow, dramatic introduction which sets the tone (“When we see Old Glory flyin’, there’s a lot of men dead / So, we can sleep in peace at night when we lay down our head”). Keith becomes assertive during the first verse, remembering his daddy’s service in the army, and his sacrifice.   In the second verse, he mentions the infamous terrorist attacks:

“Now this nation that I love has fallen under attack

A mighty sucker punch came flyin’ in from somewhere in the back

Soon as we could see it clearly through our big black eye

Man, we lit up your world like the Fourth of July.”

The chorus roars, with “The Statue of Liberty… shakin’ her fist / And the eagle will fly and it’s gonna be hell.” Hell yeah! Beyond the dynamic chorus, the bridge, excerpted earlier, earns plenty of attention, particularly that “boot in your ass.” The violence touted by Keith contributed to the controversy of the song. Keith could be described as a Bush bootlicker.  During the 00s and his lifetime, his right-wing politics drew ire. Keith criticized Natalie Maines of The Chicks for her comments regarding President Bush. “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)” speaks to the fight and resilience of the U.S.A. following adversity.  Sure, it’s the “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” mentality, but Keith’s heart was coming from the right place. Admittedly, that “Boot in your ass” lyric kicks ass!

Appears in:

Toby Keith, Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American): Controversial Songs No. 9 (2025) 11 Blue Songs That Won’t Leave You Blue (2025)

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11. Michael Jackson, “Black or White”

Dangerous » MJJ Productions Inc. » 1991

Those are facts that the Grammy-winning King of Pop, Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009), sings in “Black or White”. “Black or White” is the eighth track from his 1991 album, Dangerous. Jackson penned and produced it with Bill Bottrell. A significant pop hit, “Black or White” spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  In 2022, the Recording Industry Association of America certified the single as triple platinum. It was nominated for the Grammy at the 35^th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male.  Earl Clapton beat Jackson with his moving, sad record, “Tears in Heaven”.

“Black or White” begins with a hard-rocking intro 🤘.  It features an entertaining skit between a dad (George Wendt) and son (Macaulay Culkin). Wendt tells his son to “Turn it off” (the music). Being the little rebel he is, Culkin switches his soundtrack to … wait for it… MJ’s “Black or White!” To quote Macaulay, “Sure, eat this!”  Maintaining the rock vibes, the groove of “Black or White” also embraces pop and the popular New Jack Swing brand of R&B.  Instrumentally, the musical backdrop slaps.  The drum groove is infectious, the guitar riffs go hard, and the synth lines are sweet, too!  The star of the show is Michael Jackson, who delivers commanding, expressive, and nuanced vocals.  The melodies are tuneful throughout, and the lyrics are memorable. “I took my baby on a Saturday, bang,” Jackson sings, and continues, in the first verse, “Boy, is that girl with you? / Yes, we’re one and the same.” Ooh-wee! The chorus is the centerpiece, varied every time, but concludes with the titular lyric, “It don’t matter if you’re black or white.” Notably, the brief third verse features a rap by L.T.B. (Bill Bottrell).  Bottrell raps, “See, it’s not about races, just places, faces / Where your blood comes from, it’s where your space is.” “Black or White” is socially conscious, finding Jackson crying foul regarding racism and promoting unity. He’s also critical of those who are spreading rumors about him.  Ultimately, it is one of the best songs from his Dangerous era.

Appears in:

Michael Jackson, Black or White: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 141 (2025)  13 Exciting Pitch BLACK Songs (2025)

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12. Sly & The Family Stone, “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey”

Stand » Sony Music Entertainment » 1969 

Um… yikes 😬 😬 😬! Racial epithets naturally raise eyebrows for good reason – they are utterly insensitive and disrespectful. At first glance, “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey” by Sly & The Family Stone seems, um, ‘rough around the edges.’ Anytime the hard N-word is used, it’s sketchy, whether it’s in the hands of black musicians or otherwise.  That said, while “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey” might be shocking, it’s not aimed at being disrespectful. Instead, it seeks to combat racism, albeit using simple lyrics.

Here’s the deal. Racism and racial tension are part of the history of the United States, unfortunately.  The core lyrics, hence, promote coexistence sans name-calling and being insensitive or disrespectful.  Beyond those repeated lyrics in this six-minute gem, the only other lyrics – a singular verse – are performed by Rose Stone:  

“Well, I went down across the country 

And I heard two voices ring 

They were talkin’ funky to each other 

And neither other could change a thing.” 

Interesting – very interesting.  Again, it all comes down to pronounced racial tensions.  Moving beyond that serious theme, “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey” is one of the funkiest songs in the Sly & The Family Stone catalog. It all starts with the rhythmic intro, which recurs throughout the record.  And of course, with the innovative Larry Graham on bass 🎸, you know this sugar honey iced tea is fire! You can’t get away with playing “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey” anyway.  Regardless, this song kicks ass, and I dare anybody to tell me otherwise! 

Appears in:

Sly & The Family Stone, Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey: Throwback Vibez No. 46  15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 2 (2022)

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13. The Drifters, “White Christmas”

“White Christmas” » Atlantic » 1954

Many, many musicians have covered the Irving Berlin Christmas classic, “White Christmas.”  It ranks among the most beloved of the beloved Christmas carols.  That said, one of the very best versions comes from the early R&B group, The Drifters. The Drifters recorded “White Christmas” back in 1954 (the year my parents were born, BTW). There is so much to love about this groovy rendition of “White Christmas” by The Drifters.  It can be described as doo-wop, which is quite characteristic and idiomatic of the R&B at the time.  Even so, hearing the vintage sound in the 2020s, it’s quite refreshing in addition to being timeless.  With the sound being the crowning achievement, it’s specifically the vocals that certify it as a classic; they are nothing short of exceptional.  Two members stand out in particular:  Clyde McPhatter as the lead tenor, and Bill Pinkney as the bass, filling out the sound. The harmonies truly pop, exhibiting superb chemistry between the members.  Check out the history of this legendary group, and you’ll see there have been numerous lineup changes over the years.

Appears in:

15 Absolutely Terrific, Merry Christmas Songs (2020) 13 Merry Christmas 🎄 Gems (Newer & Older) (2021)

 

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White is the Color of These 13 Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Atlantic UK, Columbia, Dreamworks Nashville, Elektra, Good Luck Have Fun, Last Bottles, Ryan Beatty, SKG Music Nashville LLC, Sony Music Entertainment, SWIMS Int., Warner Records Inc.; cottonbro studio, Katja L, Lokman Sevim, MART PRODUCTION, mohadese, Will Oliveira from Pexels; AcatXIo, hartono subagio, MissingStripy, Nicky ❤️🌿🐞🌿❤️ from Pixabay]

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