Who, What, When, Where, Why, How Songs

Reading Time: 29 min read

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How Songs features songs by Bee Gees, Billie Eilish, Reneé Rapp, Sabrina Carpenter, Sean Dempsey, and Whitney Houston.

Questions?! I have lots of questions! And those questions begin with who, what, when, where, why, or how? Notably, there have been many songs that feature one of those six inquiring words. So, what better than compiling a playlist – a musical compendium – of who, what, when, where, why, and how songs? Admittedly, Who, What, When, Where, Why, How Songs ended up running a wee bit long… 25 songs… But keep in mind, there could have been more!

The criteria is simple: one of those six words must be featured in the song title and ask a question! Who, What, When, Where, Why, How Songs features songs by Bee Gees, Billie Eilish, Reneé Rapp, Sabrina Carpenter, Sean Dempsey, and Whitney Houston. So, without further ado, let’s embrace our inquisitiveness and dive into these Who, What, When, Where, Why, How Songs!

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1. Aretha Franklin, “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?”	2. Lorde, “What Was That”	3. Sean Dempsey, “What You Gonna Do With That?”	4. Sabrina Carpenter, “When Did You Get Hot?”
5. 54 Ultra, “Where Are You”	6. Reneé Rapp, “Why Is She Still Here?”	7. The Weeknd, “How Do I Make You Love Me?”	8. Al Green, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”
9. Royel Otis, “who’s your boyfriend”	10. Marvin Gaye, “What’s Going On”	11. Snow Wife, “What Do Girls Do?”	12. The Three Degrees, “When Will I See You Again”
13. The Supremes, “Where Did Our Love Go”	14. RYANN, “Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?”	15. Sam Smith, “How Do You Sleep?”	16. D’Angelo, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
17. Baha Men, “Who Let The Dogs Out?”	18. Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?”	19. Haddaway, “What Is Love?”	20. Pouya, “When Will I See You?”
21. Rev. James Cleveland, “Where is Your Faith in God”	22. Kevin Atwater, “why did you invite me to your wedding”	23. Timmy Thomas, “Why Can’t We Live Together”	24. Whitney Houston, “How Will I Know”
25. Bee Gees, “How Deep Is Your Love”

1. Aretha Franklin, “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?”

Who’s Zoomin Who? » Arista » 1985

“Take another look and tell me, baby / (Who’s zoomin’ who?).”

Great musicians can adapt to the times and changing face of the music business, and Aretha Franklin found herself with some well-rounded pop hits in the 1980s, including “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” from her 1985 album, Who’s Zoomin Who?.  “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 – one of her 17 top 10 hits.

“Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” was written by Franklin, Narada Michael Walden (who also produces), and Preston Glass. It’s idiomatic of the changing face of R&B in the 1980s with the drum programming, in its boxy, rhythm glory. The sound palette is also colorful thanks to the warm synths that help fuel the fire.  Of course, Aretha doesn’t need much fueling if any – she was a powerhouse who always seemed to be locked in and on autopilot.  Her vocals sound remarkable, retaining their soulful sensibilities.  Of course, Franklin, who commandingly handles the lead, gets a marvelous assist from backing vocals, allowing her to riff and do her T-H-A-N-G. She offers up plenty of personality on the verses, fueled by its flirtation, led not by him, but rather, her. “Guess you believed the world / Played by your rules,” Franklin sings in the second verse, adding, “Here stands an experienced girl / I ain’t nobody’s fool, bump you.” Woo! She goes on to state in the pre-chorus, “You thought you had me covered now, boy /… But you’re bound to be my lover, oh.” Da-yum! We concentrate on the earlier part of Aretha’s career for good reason, but there are later gems like the infectious “Who’s Zoomin’ Who?” that deserve even more love.

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2. Lorde, “What Was That”

Virgin » Universal Music New Zealand Limited » 2025

“I cover up all the mirrors / Can’t see myself yet / I wear smoke like a wedding veil.”

Grammy-winning alternative pop singer/songwriter Lorde (Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor) is in the aftermath of a breakup. There is no wedding veil, which might have been her expectation with her ex before they went their separate ways. The Kiwi musician shares her grief, introspection, and reflection beautifully on her comeback single, “What Was That”. Lorde co-wrote the second track from her fourth studio album, Virgin, with Jim-E Stack. Yelich-O’Connor, Jim-E Stack, and Dan Nigro produced it.

Initially, “What Was That” is minimalist in sound. The keys and synths catch the ear. Lorde wows with those signature, raspy vocals. She thrives in her middle and lower registers. In the first pre-chorus, she shares her feelings regarding their end: “Oh, I’m missing you.” In the chorus, she recollects their relationship, which includes drug use (“MDMA in the back garden, blow our pupils up / We kissed for hours straight, well, baby, what was that?”). During the chorus, “What Was That” begins to pick up more steam instrumentally. Likewise, Lorde brings it more by exploring a range of emotions regarding their now defunct relationship (“Since I was seventeen, I gave you everything / Now we wake from a dream, well, baby, what was that”). The second verse is more developed, featuring more instrumentation. Even so, it never sounds overdone. It is well-produced. Like the first, Yelich-O’Connor tries to process everything, informing him, “Don’t you know you’re still with me / When I’m out with my friends?” She acknowledges, “You weren’t feeling my heat.” Oh, snap! It’s giving unrequited love! One of the best lyrics from the fabulous “What Was That” is “When I’m in the blue light, I can make it alright.” Lorde shines on this one.

Appears in:

15 Captivating Songs That Ask a Question (2025)

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3. Sean Dempsey, “What You Gonna Do With That?”

“What You Gonna Do With That?” » Sean Dempsey » 2025

“I smashed my car into a wall / Like the kingdom watch it fall.”

Oh my, Sean Dempsey 👀. We listen and we DO judge (don’t believe that trend)! The Dublin, Ireland 🇮🇪 musician continues singing, “I bought the store, and cash ran dry / Need a fix or another high.” Oh, snap🫰! “What You Gonna Do With That?” is a brief electro-pop song, but captivating and potent from the get-go. Our handsome Irishmen penned it himself, and he didn’t hold back!

“I lost control and we gon’ crash / Drop the beat and snatch some ass.”

Damn, Sean! “What You Gonna Do With That?” is fierce… as fuck, honestly. Set in a minor key, the production is epic. From the beginning, the sound of the record hits you right in the chest. The club vibes are pronounced thanks to aggressive, boisterous, and nasty synths and a badass stomping beat. Sure, the title asks a question, but given the aggressiveness of the sound, it seems like it’s more rhetorical. Dempsey keeps the same energy as the instrumental with his own energetic, personality-laden vocals. Pitch is unimportant. Sean goes for chanted, quasi-rapped, and talked vocals. He eats, too! “Call me the writer man / I’m writing fire man / I see a higher man / And it feels so good.” Preach… well, this isn’t a religious cut… We do get questions asked, lyrically. “What you wanna do / What you wanna be / These are the questions you answer to me,” he sings, and continues, “What you wanna see / What you wanna breathe / What you gon’ / What you gon’ / What you gonna do with that.” Ooh-wee, it’s getting sooo hawt in hurrr! Maybe it’s the beauty of the man on the track… 🥵 😍 🤩. Released in the summer of 2025, “What You Gonna Do With That?” is the sexy, striking summery hit that endures well beyond the summer.

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4. Sabrina Carpenter, “When Did You Get Hot?”

Man’s Best Friend » Island » 2025

“So long, untouched / Bone-dry, not a plant can grow.”

If you didn’t catch on, Sabrina Carpenter is not wet. The Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter continues in the first verse of “When Did You Get Hot?”, “‘Bout time I get / Back on the horse to the rodeo.” Damn right, girl! “When Did You Get Hot?” is the eighth track from her 2025 album, Man’s Best Friend. She penned this piping hot song with Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff, and John Ryan. She produced it with Antonoff and Ryan.

Before revisiting the lyrics and the subject of hotness, the sound of “When Did You Get Hot?” is pleasant. It features an infectious, rhythmic groove and recalls late 90s-00s pop and R&B. The keys and synths are tasteful. Carpenter’s melodies are rhythmic. She delivers them with playful, breathy, and easygoing vocals. In the pre-chorus, a friend asks her if she knows Devin, who has become quite the snack! In the unforgettable chorus, she has questions for him:

“When did you get hot?

All of a sudden, I could look you up and down all day (Hey)

When did you get hot?

I think I would remember if you had the face

I did a double take, triple take

Take me to naked Twister back at your place

Baby, baby, mm, it’s thickening the plot

When did you get hot?”

Of course, naked Twister isn’t the naughtiest line. Before characterizing him as “an ugly kid, but you’re a sexy man,” she sings, “I bet your light rod’s, like bigger than Zeus’s.” Only Sabrina Carpenter would pen such lyrics. I love her big, dramatic ascending vocal moment that occurs before the second iteration of the chorus. Also, worth noting is the lovely vocal arrangement, specifically those background vocals! Fittingly, “When Did You Get Hot?” fades out, with Carpenter continuing to be in awe of his hotness. Dude must be hella jacked!

Appears in:

Sabrina Carpenter, When Did You Get Hot?: Midnight Heat No. 83 (2025)

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5. 54 Ultra, “Where Are You”

**54 Ultra » First Works » 54 Ultra » 2025**

“I want you to know / Even though you chose / I love you / And this love will never end, no.”

Oh, it won’t end, 54 Ultra (JohnAnthony Rodriguez)? Matters of the heart play a sizable role in “Where Are You”, the sixth and final track from Rodriguez’s 2025 EP, First Works. Although this soulful gem is brief, clocking in under two-and-a-half minutes, it is utterly divine. The vibe is sweet to the nth degree on “Where Are You.” A gorgeous percussive groove anchors. The detuned keys and synths provide a distinct color and timbre. The accompaniment is lush-sounding, reminiscent of the R&B/soul of old. These retro music cues work superbly in 54 Ultra’s favor as his voice floats above the backdrop angelically. One of his biggest selling points as a vocalist is his falsetto that appears towards the end of the cut, in all its loveliness. Beyond Rodriguez’s production and refined vocals, his pen deserves credit, too. The section to beat should come as no surprise: the chorus!

“(I would go so far)

Oh, I would go, I would go

(To make you mine)

(Follow all along)

Follow me, my dear

(In space and time)

In space and time.”

No deep analysis necessary. The relationship is over (in verse two, he stated, “The things I’d say to you if you were here / I know I’ve been too late”), and he’s regretful, but he still longs for them. We’ve all been there, done that, sigh. At least 54 Ultra’s pain and regret are our listening pleasure on “Where Are You”, right? Right!

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6. Reneé Rapp, “Why Is She Still Here?”

BITE ME » Interscope » 2025

“You got me lowering standards.”

Ooh-wee, Reneé Rapp! The R&B-infused, compound-duple ballad, “Why Is She Still Here?”, marked the third advance single from her sophomore album, BITE ME. Rapp, Alexander 23 (Alexander Glantz), Julian Bunetta, Omer Fedi, and Ali Tamposi penned it while Glantz, Bunetta, and Fedi produced it. Only two-and-a-half minutes long, it is an engaging, high-flying, and stunning two-and-a-half minutes of music.

Rapp eats. Her voice sounds beautiful, expressive, and nuanced to the nth degree. She brings the melodies and narrative of “Why Is She Still Here?” to life like a champ. In the first verse, she believes her partner…um… situationship… is still in love with another woman. The signs are everywhere, including “that towel wrapped up around my head / And that note that’s stuck to the mirror I shouldn’t have read.” Even though this situationship is just that, Rapp disliked being introduced as a friend (“And yes, that’s what it is, but don’t you do that shit again”). The narrative is entertaining and relatable. In the first chorus, Rapp asks why the other woman is still in the picture. In the final chorus, she adds, “Why I’m still here? /Say you w-want me like / ‘Why’s she still here.’” This is a prime example of a situationship, given that Rapp seems to be inching towards a relationship. Backed by superb musical accompaniment (Omer Fedi’s bass, guitar, and synths kick ass and take names), Rapp does the damn thing in the short but sweet “Why Is She Still Here?”.

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7. The Weeknd, “How Do I Make You Love Me?”

Dawn FM » Republic » 2022

“I’ll fix you mushroom tea / And cross the restless sea.”

Mushroom tea, huh? Sounds like The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) is serving up drugs on “How Do I Make You Love Me?”, one of many gems from the Grammy winner’s 2022 album, Dawn FM. Of course, the ultra-slickly produced (Tesfaye, Oscar Holter, Matt Cohn, Swedish House Mafia, Max Martin, and Oneohtrix Point Never) synthpop gem isn’t about psychedelic mushrooms but rather about winning her affection. According to Tesfaye, he’s willing to “teach you how to shine.” Woo! He later adds, “Light you up again / Like embers of a fire.” The Canadian R&B/pop superstar is on autopilot. One of the coolest aspects of “How Do I Make You Love Me?” is how the groove segues into one of the album’s best songs, “Take My Breath”. Of course, we should highlight that infectious chorus too!

“How do I make you love me?

How do I make you fall for me?

How do I make you want me

And make it last eternally?”

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8. Al Green, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”

Let’s Stay Together » Fat Possum » 1972

It’s a tall task to cover a brilliantly penned and performed song. The Bee Gees put in work on “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”, a surefire gem from Trafalgar (1971). However, Grammy-winning soul icon Al Green (b. 1946) transformed the pop ballad into a Memphis soul ballad. In the process, Green extended the length of the song to north of six minutes, changed the time signature to a lilting, compound meter, and gave it a more relaxed, unhurried vibe. The melody is intact mind you, but this 1972 version from his legendary Let’s Stay Together is truly his own.

What makes “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” special in Green’s hands is the same reason it’s special in Bee Gees’ hands, honestly – the voice. The Brothers Gibb lean on their remarkable tone and seamless harmonies. For Green, it’s also a distinct, ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ tone, as well as his expressive, at times, playful approach to the vocals. The ad-libs are potent, bearing a fierceness that only Green could deliver. While he has no bros to harmonize with, he does have spirited backing vocals, which remind us of the glorious sounds that dominated 70s soul. Add in that Memphis soul palette, including guitar, organ, and strings, and it’s further evidence that Green kills it – there’s no other way to characterize it!

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9. Royel Otis, “who’s your boyfriend”

hickey » Ourness / Capitol » 2025

“Why do I have a pet name / If we’re just friends?”

Otis Pavlovic, one half of the Australian pop duo, Royel Otis (Royel Maddell is the other half), has a point. Otis adds in the first verse, “Who’s your boyfriend,” “He bailed on your birthday / And you’re callin’ me up a lot.” Oh, snap! “Who’s your boyfriend” is the sixth track from their 2025 album, hickey. The track begins with striking rhythmic guitar and hard-hitting, pummeling drums. There are plenty of thoughtful, well-crafted instrumental cues.

Pavlovic’s vocals are smooth and easy-going during both verses, accompanied by a strong groove. His Australian accent is incredibly charming. The melody is simple but potent. Otis is trying to figure things out between him and her: “And I can’t make sense of / What’s in your head.” In the simple but memorable and tuneful chorus, he comes right out and asks about their status:

“Who’s your boyfriend now?

‘Cause you’re sleepin’ with him

But it’s me you’re thinkin’ about

You never say his name out loud

If you’re honest with yourself for just a second

Really, no question, who’s ya boyfriend now?”

Seems cut and dry to me. Hopefully, Royal Otis figures things out! Nothing to figure out regarding “Who’s your boyfriend,” which is a well-rounded pop single.

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10. Marvin Gaye, “What’s Going On”

What’s Going On » Motown » 1971

“Mother, mother / There’s too many of you crying / Brother, brother, brother / There’s far too many of you dying.”

Rolling Stone updated their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2020. Who and what album topped the list? That would be soul icon Marvin Gaye and his most important album, the timeless What’s Going On. The entire album is socially conscious, sounding pitch-perfect at the time it was released in 1971. The thing is, given the turbulence of 2020, Gaye’s album remains quite relevant and timeless, particularly the key record, “What’s Going On.”

“What’s Going On” is perfection realized – period. I dare you to find a flaw that inhibits this ‘going’ number from being among the all-time greatest classics. The production and sound of the record are gorgeous. Gaye’s vocals are a superb combination of buttery smooth and gritty – definitely ‘once in a lifetime.’ As great as the sound and the vocal performance are, the lyrics that Gaye sings, steeped in social consciousness, are what caps off the sheer brilliance of this record.

“Picket lines (Sister) and picket signs (Sister)

Don’t punish me (Sister) with brutality (Sister)

Talk to me (Sister), so you can see (Sister)

Oh, what’s going on (What’s going on)

What’s going on (What’s going on)

Yeah, what’s going on (What’s going ono)

Oh, what’s going on.”

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11. Snow Wife, “What Do Girls Do?”

“What Do Girls Do?” » SNOWGLOBE » 2025

“Girls / What do girls do? / I like girls who / Look like you.”

Woo! Snow Wife (Emily Leann Snow) isn’t shy about her preferences for girls in “What Do Girls Do?”. Jesse saint john, JBACH, STINT, and producers Danna Davell and Slush Puppy penned the brief cut. As always, Snow brings ample personality. Sex is the modus operandi. “I could be the appetizer, then I’m gonna make you dinner,” she sings in the first verse, “Have you ever thought about having a girlfriend for the summer?” Ooh-wee! In the second verse, she names specific girls – Stassi, Tati, and Bobbi – who catch her eye. Well, Tati touches her waist… The centerpiece is the chorus, where, like Mötley Crue, Snow Wife is digging these girls!

“You got the moves

Make me, ‘Ooh’

You like girls and girls like

You, smokin’ blue

Mötley Crüe

You like girls and girls like.”

Girls like girls, of course! “What Do Girls Do?” is intriguing from start to finish. Beyond an engaging performance from Snow Wife, the musical backdrop is sleekly produced – it’s on point. The songwriting is compelling and, dare I say, girl centric. Snow delivers the goods!

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12. The Three Degrees, “When Will I See You Again”

The Three Degrees » Assorted Music, Inc. d/b/a Philadelphia International » 1973

“When will I see you again? / When will we share precious moments?”

R&B trio The Three Degrees was comprised Sheila Ferguson, Fayette Pinkney, and Valerie Holiday at the time they released their beloved, 1973 classic, “When Will I See You Again”.  This no. 2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 appeared as the fourth track on their Philadelphia International debut, simply titled The Three Degrees. The record was written and produced by iconic Philadelphia soul architects Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.  With a lush backdrop (rhythm section, horns, strings), superb songwriting, and the compelling lead vocals of Ferguson, “When Will I See You Again” is epic. 

As the excerpted lyrics suggest, matters of the heart drive the narrative of “When Will I See You Again.” This is always a great theme for a soul record.  The Three Degrees have questions regarding the state of the relationship… or lack thereof, possibly.  “When will our hearts beat together?” Ferguson asks, continuing, “Are we in love or just friends? / Is this my beginning or is it the end?” The lyrics are simple but ultra-relatable.  When it comes to someone you like romantically, you want to see them frequently.  In this case, the trio isn’t sure exactly where things stand, hence why this utterly sublime joint is titled with a question, “When Will I See You Again”.  At just about three minutes in duration, this song right here is the definition of three minutes of heaven 😇.  

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13. The Supremes, “Where Did Our Love Go”

Where Did Our Love Go » Motown » 1964

“Baby, baby / Baby don’t leave me / Ooh, please don’t leave me / All by myself.”

ICONIC to the nth degree – that’s that Motown exemplified! “Where Did Our Love Go” marks one of 20 top-10 hits by the iconic Motown girl group, The Supremes. Everything The Supremes touched seemed to turn into gold. Making this two-and-a-half song even more elite is the fact that it’s the first of 12 no. 1 hits by the iconic collective. Specifically, the opening song from Where Did Our Love Go spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.  Who penned this masterpiece? Why, none other than Brian Holland, Edward Holland, and Lamont Dozier aka Holland-Dozier-Holland! Brian and Lamont also produced it.

Notably, “Where Did Our Love Go” features the iconic lineup comprised of Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard.  This would remain the lineup until 1967 when Ballard exited the collective. This iteration, which earned 10 of those 12 no. 1s, struck gold with this infectious, lighthearted joint.  It’s all about those pesky matters of the heart! “You came into my heart (Baby, baby) / So tenderly (Where did our love go?),” The Supremes sing, adding “With a burning love (Baby, baby) / That stings like a bee (Baby, baby, ooh, baby, baby).” Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus: “Ooh, baby, baby (Baby, baby) / Where did our love go? / Ooh, don’t you want me? (Baby, baby) / Don’t you want me no more? (Baby, baby, ooh, baby, baby).” Besides the enjoyable lead pipes of Diana Ross, and the cute, playful backups by Wilson and Ballard, the instrumental is vintage – 60s soul, baby! Part of that vintage sound includes the saxophone solo, which provides a fabulous contrast.  More could be said of “Where Did Our Love Go”   but like so many classics, the music speaks for itself.

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14. RYANN, “Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?”

“Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?” » RYANN » 2025

“Boy, why don’t you touch me? / Tell me, are you afraid?”

Queer Netherlands pop singer/songwriter RYANN (Ryan Adriaens) has a legitimate question. Dude, what gives? What’s the problem? Feeling fiery (and horny) on “Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?”, RYANN continues singing, “Bitch, don’t be lazy / I also want to get laid.” His brutal honesty is part of the charm of a bop, released in April 2025, that has summery vibes written all over it. Well-produced, “Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?” is groovy from the get-go. Trying to resist dancing to this one is impossible.

@ryannsounds

#makingmusic #colors #artist

♬ original sound – RYANN

As sickening as the instrumental is, it is our young, horny young man, RYANN, who is the star of the show. Don’t deny the handsome fella – he needs and wants some! As always, RYANN serves up sweet vocals, longing for some good, S-E-X! The boy he desires is anonymous – “I don’t even know your name, but I don’t care.” Risky, mind you, but not far-fetched in gay hookup culture. Also, later, he reveals the guy who won’t touch him, though it’s censored. Anyways, RYANN has made up his mind that he will sleep with him, but he won’t touch him, hence why RYANN must prompt him! The chorus is the section to beat. It is super fun – one of the biggest selling points of this queer little bop. Of course, all of the lyrics are fun, though less so for RYANN, who keeps striking out with this cutie, at least him receiving pleasure: “Still, every time we get home / And the heat starts to rise / Oh, you think about yourself / I’m sorry but I’m forced to stop and ask.” RYANN even gives us a story time about this selfish sex – whatever it is. “And every time we had sex or fooled around / He just didn’t touch me.” Wow – what a dick! Sadly, our hot Dutch boy doesn’t get the quality lay he deserves, but he drops another surefire bop with “Boy, Why Don’t You Touch Me?”.

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15. Sam Smith, “How Do You Sleep?”

Love Goes » Capitol » 2020

“I’m done hatin’ myself for feelin’ / I’m done cryin’ myself awake.”

Those lyrics excerpted appear on “How Do You Sleep?” from Love Goes, the third studio album by Sam Smith. Lyrically, thematically, and vocally, the Academy and Grammy award winner is true to themself, while the production (Ilya Salmanzadeh) is sleeker and more modern compared to past releases. Smith continues to do a fine job singing about matters of the heart. The pre-chorus and chorus are where Smith’s bread is buttered. In the catchy pre-chorus, they ask, “What have I become now / Lookin’ through your phone / Oh now, love to you is just a game…” After continuing to build up the case against their lover (or whatever he is to Smith), they drop the crowning achievement, the chorus:

“Baby, how do you sleep when you lie to me?

All that shame and all that danger

I’m hopin’ that my love will keep you up tonight

Baby, how do you sleep when you lie to me?

All that fear and all that pressure

I’m hopin’ that my love will keep you up tonight.”

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16. D’Angelo, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”

Voodoo » Virgin » 2000

“I’d love to make you wet / In between your thighs ‘cause / I love when it comes inside you.”

WOW! Cutting straight to the chase, D’Angelo (1974 – 2025) delivered one of the sexiest, most soulful gems of all time with “Untitled (How Does it Feel)”. Yes, the music video stole plenty of attention, and how could it not? A nude, chiseled D’Angelo was certainly a sight to behold 🤤. That said, no matter how fine D was, the song itself is the crowning achievement. Listening to “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” you can’t help feeling a bit guilty. Why? Well, D’Angelo goes all in on the neo-soul sound, meaning the influence of gospel music is crystal clear. Some of the most soulful R&B hearkens back to the sounds of the church with big bass lines, marvelous piano riffs, harmonized vocals, and the groove. “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” checks off those boxes, adding guitar to the mix. Those layered harmonized vocals are utterly sublime! As heavenly as this seven-minute aughts R&B classic sounds, there’s nothing godly about this record. Mr. Archer is all about S-E-X. Yes, there’s dedication, but “I can provide everything that you desire” certainly indicates plans to stick [his] key in [her] ignition. Also, later, he asserts, ‘Let me take off your clothes…” All told in “Untitled (How Does it Feel)”, D’Angelo sings his ass off, and understandably, women (and men too) felt ‘some type of way’ listening to this one.

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17. Baha Men, “Who Let The Dogs Out?”

Who Let The Dogs Out » Capitol » 2000

“Who let the dogs out? / (Who? Who? Who? Who?).”

“Who Let The Dogs Out?” by the Bahamian collective, the Baha Men, is an iconic, unforgettable song from the 2000s. You know what else is intriguing about “Who Let The Dogs Out?” It is a cover 🤯. Written by Anslem Douglas and Ossie Gurley, it is Douglas who originally released it in 1998 as “Dogie.” Of course, Baha Men transformed “Dogie” into “Who Let The Dogs Out?”, the opening track from their multiplatinum 2000 album, Who Let The Dogs Out. A top 40 hit on the pop charts, peaking at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Baha Men won their only Grammy for Best Dance Recording at the 43^rd Annual Grammy Awards. Dyson Knight gets the honors of performing the seminal chorus.

“Who Let The Dogs Out?” is groovy AF. There is no shortage of striking instrumental cues, including the percussive groove, tropical sounds, and smooth guitar. There are plenty of ridiculous sound effects: barking, heavy panting, and aggressive ad-libs. A novel, reggae/dance-infused-rap song, it was easy to disregard the lyrics. Revisiting the song years later, beyond acknowledging playful vocals showcasing a compelling cadence and flow, the theme and lyrics are worth analyzing further. “And everybody was having a ball,” Patrick Carey sings in the first verse, and continues, “Until the fellas started name-calling /… And the girls respond to the call, I heard a woman shout out…” Well, the dogs appear to be those men… There is some distinct slang during the bridge that precedes the second verse: “Called she mealybug and sketel /… Get back, you flea-infested mongrel.” Again, more to unpack than previously thought, though, it’s clear the men are something else. Well, dogs: “Say, a doggy is nutting if he don’t have a bone.” In the third verse, Marvin Prosper, embracing his inner dog, asserts, “And I can’t see color, any color will do / I’ll stick on you, that’s why they call me Pitbull / ‘Cause I’m a man of the land / When they see me, they say, ‘Woo.’” Woo, indeed! All in all, “Who Let The Dogs Out?” is a one-hit wonder extraordinaire. Personality-filled performances, infectious lyrics, and an unforgettable chorus make this song a surefire, timeless vibe.

Appears in:

Baha Men, Who Let The Dogs Out?: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 41 (2025)

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18. Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?”

Barbie The Album » Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. » 2023  

“I used to float, now I just fall down / I used to know, but I’m not sure now / What I was made for / What was I made for?”

When Academy/Grammy-winning musicians Billie Eilish and FINNEAS release music, it ‘hits different.’ Most of the songs from Barbie The Album are brief, energetic, groovy, and upbeat.  In the case of Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” tempo slackens, the duration increases, and the tone is much more reflective.  As always, Eilish and FINNEAS concoct magic in the studio, penning this ballad. Producing alongside FINNEAS are Andrew Wyatt and Mark Ronson. “What Was I Made For?” is beautiful.  It commences as a piano ballad. As the record progresses, there’s additional instrumentation that fills things out (the beauty of the synthesizer).  The melody is stunning, amplified more by radiant vocals by Billie Eilish.  Eilish sounds particularly strong in her upper register showcasing her versatility.  Besides her superb vocal performance, the vocal production is also a selling point. From a songwriting perspective, “What Was I Made For?” is well-penned. It’s sad, mind you, but highly successful (“When did it end? All the enjoyment/ I’m sad again, don’t tell my boyfriend / It’s not what he’s made for / What was I made for?”).    

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19. Haddaway, “What Is Love?”

The Album » BMG Rights Management GmbH » 1993

“What is love? / Oh, baby, don’t hurt me / Don’t hurt me, no more.”

Iconic. Trinidad-born, German-bred singer Haddaway (Nestor Alexander Haddaway) dropped a dance bop for the ages with “What Is Love”. The most memorable section is excerpted above: the timeless chorus! The lyrics aren’t deep, but they are relatable to the nth degree. “What Is Love” is the opener from The Album (titled Haddaway elsewhere), released in 1993. Dee Dee Halligan (Tony Hendrik) and Junior Torello (Karin Hartmann) wrote and produced this enduring ‘90s bop, which reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by the RIAA. But this was Haddaway’s only top 40 hit in the United States.

The chorus is the crème de la crème of “What is Love.” Undoubtedly, it is the section to beat – the part everyone remembers! But, there are plenty of reasons beyond the chorus why this song is the sugar honey iced tea. Halligan and Torello put in work behind the boards. The production is colorful, catching the ears from the onset with its slick, driving synths. The beat is sick, the perfect catalyst for the dance floor. Haddaway brings ample energy with his vocals. He possesses a lovely instrument that was tailor-made for this song. Not only is the melody tuneful during the chorus, but it shines in the verses, too. “No, I don’t know why you’re not there / I give you my love, but you don’t care,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “So, what is right and what is wrong? / Give me a sign.” The second verse is penned simply as well, finding Haddaway hurt. Oh, the plight of love, particularly unrequited love! Haddaway is the star but shout out Lisa Noya for her stellar vocal ad-libs. Those runs are sweet! More than three decades later, “What Is Love” by Haddaway still slaps. It is a dance bop for the ages. It has been sampled many times.

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20. Pouya, “When Will I See You?”

The South Got Something to Say » Pouya / EMPIRE » 2019

“When will I see a new sign from you? / I know that one day you’ll see me too.”

Pouya remembers his late friends, Lil Peep (1997 – 2018) and XXXTENTACION (1998 – 2018) on “When Will I See You?”, the 15^th track from his 2019 album, The South Got Something to Say. Although it is a brief record, running for two minutes, it is impactful. “When Will I See You?” begins with enigmatic, haunting melodic vocals with plenty of sound effects. Rocci and Mikey the Magician provide sweet production work. The record is set in a minor key, featuring enthusiastic, rhythmic drum programming and warm synths. Beyond the melodic intro and later the melodic outro, Pouya delivers compelling, unpitched rhymes in the sole verse. The cadence and flow kick serious ass. “I can empathize with the loss of lives / I just pray to God they don’t multiply,” he spits, and adds, “Murder, overdose, and suicide / Am I the next one to die? / Will I fly with Peep or fry? / X is written up in the sky.” The biggest drawback regarding “When Will I See You?” is that it doesn’t last long. It’s a surefire vibe!

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21. Rev. James Cleveland, “Where is Your Faith in God”

Sings with the World’s Greatest Choirs » Savoy » 1985

Question: “Where is your faith? Where is your faith in God?” Rev. James Cleveland (1931 – 1991) touts the power of believing in God and having faith in “Where is Your Faith in God”.  This is one of many beloved gospel classics by one of gospel music’s most innovative and pivotal figures.  “Faith” can be found on an album released near the end of Cleveland’s life, Sings with the World’s Greatest Choirs, from 1985. On this slow, stirring black gospel masterwork, the role of the choir is big, singing the main melody while Cleveland ministers, ad-libs, and comes in strong on the key lyrics.  Throughout, various scenarios are presented, all of which require leaning on those everlasting arms (aka God).

“Say you’ve been sick

Tell me about it

And you think you can’t get well

Where is your faith?

Where is your faith in God?”

Whatever problem presents itself, Cleveland’s point is loud and clear: trust and believe in God.  It’s crucial to have faith.  The prescription offered, hence, is the most powerful, omniscient, merciful, and all-knowing.

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22. Kevin Atwater, “why did you invite me to your wedding”

“why did you invite me to your wedding” » Kevin Atwater » 2023

“I got your message last night around 1:00 / You’re getting married, and you want me to come.”

Kevin Atwater continues, “You miss me a lot and the wedding’s next month / I think you were drunk, you spelled ‘wedding’ wrong / I used to break wishbones and pray that you liked me.” Misspelling wedding is questionable. Still, the more telling lyric is the latter. In “why did you invite me to your wedding”, there is a bond between Kevin (or his character) and this man who is now getting married. The bond seemed to transcend friendship, at least from Kevin’s perspective. Still, a 1:00 am text from a soon-to-be groom whom we presume is marrying a woman (he paints his crush as a jock)? Sounds gay, or at least, there was something there…

The point is that this reconnection has Kevin in his feelings. He penned a relatable song that captures the plight of gay romance. Did he crush on a ‘straight’ guy, hoping there was a chance? That is the question. Atwater has feelings for someone who may or may not reciprocate those feelings in the way he’d hoped – boyfriend and boyfriend. The second verse recalls an incident that speaks to the fact that maybe, the groom-to-be wasn’t so straight…???

“…Caught in the moment

I kissed you and then you got quiet

You could’ve hurt me, it would’ve been easy

… But you took my hand and asked me to dance

To nothing and never brought it up again.”

His friend is one of the nice boys – marriage material. He also could be… you know… In the final chorus, things are confused. Kevin has questions, notes how things have changed, and knows he’d mess things up for his friend/crush and bride-to-be. As much as “I wanna call you with a hand in my pants,” rightfully, Atwater closes the chapter without closing it: “I’ll never know why / Cause I’ll never reply / So you can just stay nice / In the back of my mind.” Atwater drops an honest, thought-provoking gem with “why did you invite me to your wedding”. Atwater sounds radiant, backed by warm, dreamy-sounding production (Hazey Eyes).

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23. Timmy Thomas, “Why Can’t We Live Together”

Why Can’t We Live Together » Rhino » 1972

“Everybody wants to live together / Why can’t we live together?”

That is a legitimate question, Timmy Thomas (1944 – 2022). If everybody wants to, why can’t we? It is a complicated thing. It was complicated on Thomas’s unique, minimalist 1972 classic, “Why Can’t We Live Together”, and it remains complicated today. If you were to judge a song by its title, you might assume this is a romantic song – a boy yearning for his girlfriend to move in. Not the case! The opener from the 1972 album, also named, Why Can’t We Live Together , is socially conscious. Thomas wrote and produced it. A hug pop hit, “Why Can’t We Live Together” peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

What makes “Why Can’t We Live Together” unique is the instrumental. Thomas plays a Lowrey organ and uses percussion presets as the drums. This is big for the 1970s, where real drummers/live drums remained king. But Thomas’s innovative spirit makes “Why” ear-catching. Also, Timmy doesn’t get in a rush to sing. He gives us an extended instrumental intro, setting the tone of organ and percussion. After the singing concludes, Thomas also takes his time, flexing the muscles of the distinctness of the organ and percussion sounds. Even with the minimalist vibes, Timmy proves himself to be a dynamic, expressive vocalist. He sells the message of unity like a champ. “No more wars, no more wars, no more war,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “Mmm, just a little peace in this world.” Amen! Race enters the mix in the third verse, where Thomas asserts, “No matter, no matter what color / Mmm, you are still my brother.” That part! “Why Can’t We Live Together” is one of the more unique soul songs you’ll ever hear. It’s minimalist yet feels much bigger. Drake sampled it in his beloved, heavily memed, number two Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Hotline Bling”.

Appears in:

Timmy Thomas, Why Can’t We Live Together: Wacky Wednesday No. 22 (2025)

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24. Whitney Houston, “How Will I Know”

Whitney Houston » Arista » 1985

“There’s a boy I know, he’s the one I dream of /… When I wake from dreaming, tell me, is it really love?”

Whitney Houston (1963 – 2012) earned a number one hit with “How Will I Know”, an awesome record Janet Jackson passed up! “How Will I Know,” written by George Merrill, Shannon Rubicam, and Narada Michael Walden (who also produced) is the quintessential 1980s record. It successfully straddles pop and R&B, a place where Houston would often find tremendous success as well as an identity crisis.

This innocent record appears as the sixth track on Houston’s 1985 debut album, Whitney Houston. It commences with an inescapable, electrifying groove. Bright and exuberant, this major key joint never grows old. The chorus is incredibly memorable, including Whitney’s own background vocals:

“How will I know if he really loves me?

I say a prayer with every heartbeat

I fall in love whenever we meet

I’m asking you what you know about these things

How will I know if he’s thinking of me?

I try to phone, but I’m too shy (Can’t speak)

Falling in love is so bittersweet

This love is strong, why do I feel weak?”

Houston sings like an angel, owning this memorable gem from the start. Also, like so many of the 80s songs, “How Will I Know” gives us a modulation – aka a key change. Also, shout out to the music video – #ICONIC!!!

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25. Bee Gees, “How Deep Is Your Love”

Timeless – The All-Time Greatest Hits » Capitol » 2017

“How deep is your love / How deep is your love / I really mean to learn …”

“How Deep is Your Love” is an iconic song – a classic. Bee Gees were an iconic pop collective, with the height of their fame occurring during the 1970s – disco was indeed king! “How Deep is Your Love” famously appeared on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, still among the best soundtracks of all time – I dare you to dispute it!

So, what makes “How Deep is Your Love” one of the best deep songs (or otherwise) ever performed and written? Stellar vocals and harmonies, first and foremost. Sadly, there will never be another Bee Gees, sigh. The song itself checks off all the boxes: memorable lyrics, a relatable theme, gorgeous, tuneful melodies, and striking, lush production work. The song has been covered effectively by numerous artists, including PJ Morton. That said, none eclipses the original. As for the rest of the chorus, well, it goes a little something like this:

“‘Cause we’re living in a world of fools

Breakin’ us down

When they all should let us be

We belong to you and me.”

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Who, What, When, Where, Why, How Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 54 Ultra, Arista, Assorted Music, Inc. d/b/a Philadelphia International, Atlantic, Inc.BMG Rights Management GmbH, Capitol, EMPIRE, Interscope, Island, Kevin Atwater, Motown, Ourness, Pouya, Republic, RYANN, Savoy, Sean Dempsey, SNOWGLOBE, Universal Music New Zealand Limited, Warner Bros. Entertainment; AcatXIo, alexxloo from Pixabay]

Who, What, When, Where, Why, How Songs | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on December 10, 2025December 10, 2025