Reading Time: 18 min read

Eyeย ๐Ÿ‘ย This List of Must-Hear โ€œIโ€ Songs, Vol. 4 (2025) [๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; AcatXIo, ะะณะทะฐะผ ะ“ะฐะนัะธะฝ, Nika Akin fromย Pixabay]Eyeย ๐Ÿ‘ย This List of Must-Hear โ€œIโ€ Songs, Vol. 4ย  features songs by Chaka Khan, Joe Tex, Jordan Firstman, Juno Lev, Morgan Wallen, and Peder Elias.

The keyword is the pronoun, I, hence, Eyeย ๐Ÿ‘ย This List of Must-Hear โ€œIโ€ Songs, Vol. 4.ย Eyeย ๐Ÿ‘ย This List of Must-Hear โ€œIโ€ Songs, Vol. 4ย follows upโ€ฏEye ๐Ÿ‘ This List of Must-Hear โ€œIโ€ Songs (2021), Eyeโ€ฏ๐Ÿ‘โ€ฏThis List of Must-Hear โ€œIโ€ Songs, Vol. 2 (2024), and Eyeโ€ฏ๐Ÿ‘โ€ฏThis List of Must-Hear โ€œIโ€ Songs, Vol. 3 (2025). The criterion is simple: every song must feature some form of the pronoun,โ€ฏI, in the title. โ€ฏThere are lots of โ€œIโ€ songs.โ€ฏ This list is limited to 13.โ€ฏ Eyeย ๐Ÿ‘ย This List of Must-Hear โ€œIโ€ Songs, Vol. 4ย  features songs by Chaka Khan, Joe Tex, Jordan Firstman, Juno Lev, Morgan Wallen (twice), and Peder Elias. So, without further ado, embrace the power ofโ€ฏI!ย 


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1. Joe Tex, โ€œI Gotchaโ€ 2. Jordan Firstman, โ€œI wanna see my friends dicksโ€ 3. Chaka Khan, โ€œIโ€™m Every Womanโ€ 4. Juno Lev, โ€œI had gay sex with god (it couldโ€™ve gone better)โ€
5. Morgan Wallen, โ€œIโ€™m The Problemโ€ 6. Peder Elias, โ€œIf I Got a Dollarโ€ 7. Luther Vandross,ย  โ€œIf I Didnโ€™t Know Betterโ€ 8. Heather Headley, โ€œAll The Man That I Needโ€ โ€“ Whitney Houston cover
9. LUKAS OSCAR, โ€œSo Romantic U + Iโ€ 10. Morgan Wallen, โ€œI Ainโ€™t Cominโ€™ Backโ€ (Ft. Post Malone) 11. The Clash, โ€œShould I Stay or Should I Goโ€ 12. The Oโ€™Jays, โ€œI Swear, I Love No One but Youโ€
13. Carl Bean, โ€œI Was Born This Wayโ€ ย  ย  ย 

 


1. Joe Tex, โ€œI Gotchaโ€

Greatest Hits // Curbย // 1991

Joe Tex, Greatest Hits [๐Ÿ“ท: Curb]โ€œI gotcha / Uh-huh, uh / You thought I didnโ€™t see you now, didnโ€™t ya, uh.โ€ Gifted but short-lived southern soul singer/songwriter Joe Tex (1935 โ€“ 1982) delivered an R&B bop for the ages with โ€œI Gotchaโ€. Fun and energetic to the nth degree, Tex โ€˜gives his all.โ€ โ€œUh-huh, uh / You tried to sneak by me now, didnโ€™t ya?โ€ he continues in the epic chorus, concluding, โ€œNow give me what you promised me, give it here / Come on.โ€ Tex penned the two-and-a-half-minute gem, which was originally intended for another southern soul legend, King Floyd (1945 โ€“ 2006). Buddy Killen produced it. โ€œI Gotchaโ€ peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the RIAA.

There are many reasons why โ€œI Gotchaโ€ is the bop that it is. Joe Tex delivers assertive and playful lead vocals.ย  There is ample energy, personality, and spirit. In the bridge preceding the first verse, Tex has us all screaming, โ€œGood God!โ€ He is gritty when he sings, as well as the โ€˜rappedโ€™ (spoken word) vocals. โ€œYou promised me the day that you quit your boyfriend / Iโ€™d be the next one to ease on in,โ€ he sings memorably in the first verse, continuing, โ€œYou promised me it would be just us two, yeah / And Iโ€™d be the only man kissinโ€™ on you, yeah.โ€ Both verses are followed by a delightful bridge, which is followed by the potent chorus.ย  The best iteration of the chorus is the final one: โ€œGood God, I gotcha, ha-ha-ha / Oh, I gotcha / Give it up, I gotcha / Give it on here, I gotcha.โ€ย  Beyond the songwriting and electrifying singing, โ€œI Gotchaโ€ is funky as hell. It has one of the most kick-ass bass lines that youโ€™ll ever hear โ€“ itโ€™ll change your life! Also, those exuberant, articulated horns are the sugar, honey, iced tea.ย  If you have never heard this scintillating, southern soul class, you are missing out!

Appears in ๐Ÿ”ป:

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2. Jordan Firstman, โ€œI wanna see my friends dicksโ€

Secrets // Openly Gay Productions / UMG Recordings Inc. // 2025

Jordan Firstman, I wanna see my friends dicks [๐Ÿ“ท: Openly Gay Productions / UMG Recordings Inc.]โ€œI wanna see my friendsโ€™ dicks out at the bar / I wanna see my friends’ dicks, donโ€™t care if itโ€™s hard.โ€ So, even if itโ€™s flaccid, Jordan Firstman wants to see it. Noted. With a title like โ€œI wanna see my friends dicksโ€, little needs to be analyzed or explained. โ€œI wanna see my friends dicksโ€ is the second track from the actor/comedian/musicianโ€™s 2025 debut album, Secrets. The two lines excerpted from the unforgettable chorus provide context, if it was needed, that is. Firstman and producer Blake Slatkin wrote this infectious, outlandish, and risquรฉ pop joint. Beyond co-writing, Slatkin puts in work behind the boards. Is โ€œI wanna see my friends dicksโ€ gay? You bet your D it is!

Jordan Firstman, Secrets [๐Ÿ“ท: Openly Gay Productions / UMG Recordings Inc.]Yes, โ€œI wanna see my friends dicksโ€ is a gay sex song.ย  There is no denying that! But take this NSFW gay pop single with a grain of salt ๐Ÿง‚. It is meant to be fun and carefree.ย  See verse two:

โ€œSo go to the bathroom and fluff it up

Whatever you need to do (Mhm)

I just think, I donโ€™t know, it could be fun and cool

To see all seven inches ๐Ÿ“ of you ๐Ÿ† (Thatโ€™s big).โ€

Well, well, well! Depending on who you are, you are either laughing your ass off or clutching your pearls ๐Ÿ˜œ ๐Ÿ˜ณ! On the bridge, fittingly, Jordan lists, and in some cases, describes his friendsโ€™ penises.ย  โ€œDanโ€™s uncut, Blake is thick / Girthy, hooded, short or long / Come on bro, show me that schlong.โ€ Lawdy! The lyrics thrive off innuendo and, dick, duh! You wonโ€™t be able to get โ€œI wanna see my friends dicksโ€ out of your head. I sure canโ€™t!

Appears in ๐Ÿ”ป:

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3. Chaka Khan, โ€œIโ€™m Every Womanโ€

Chaka // Warner // 1978ย 

Chaka Khan, Chaka [๐Ÿ“ท: Warner]โ€œIโ€™m every woman, itโ€™s all in me / Anything you want done, baby, Iโ€™ll do it naturally.โ€ Ah, the empowerment, and you donโ€™t have to be a woman to appreciate and embrace it! โ€œIโ€™m Every Womanโ€ commences Chaka, the 1978 gold-certified debut album by the one-and-only Chaka Khan (1953 โ€“ ). Nikolas Ashford (1942 โ€“ 2011) and Valerie Simpson (1946 – ) penned a dynamic debut solo single for Khan, one of the greatest singers EVER. Arif Mardin produced it. Unsurprisingly, the song was nominated for the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female. ย A success on the pop charts, โ€œIโ€™m Every Womanโ€ peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.ย  As of October 7, 2024, โ€œWomanโ€ was certified gold.

So, what makes โ€œIโ€™m Every Womanโ€ a masterpiece? It begins with Chaka Khan.ย  Her voice is high-flying โ€“ dynamic, expressive, nuanced, and sublime.ย  Those biting high notes give you chills.ย  The songwriting is fantastic, the expectation from a dynamic duo like Ashford & Simpson. Chaka lists all the great things women can do.ย  โ€œI can cast a spell / With secrets you canโ€™t tell,โ€ she sings in the first verse, continuing, โ€œMix a special brew / Put fire inside of you.โ€ Oh, snap! In the second verse, she can ย โ€œsense your needs,โ€ but sheโ€™s got plenty of good old-fashioned love. Say that, Chaka! The bridge distinguishes itself in sound but maintains the empowered sensibilities: โ€œAnd donโ€™t bother to compare / โ€˜Cause Iโ€™ve got it.โ€ Indeed!ย  Beyond the singing and songwriting, the musical accompaniment and production are terrific. The dance/disco/funk aesthetic is masterfully established from the get-go. The backdrop is colorful with a rich palette of sounds.ย  The rhythm section is locked in, anchored by a mean groove, sweet keys, a big, athletic bass line, and a sick rhythmic guitar.ย  The orchestra is lit, with elegant, rhythmic strings.ย  Beyond Khanโ€™s lead vocals, the backing vocals deserve shout-outs, amplifying her sickening lead. โ€œIโ€™m Every Womanโ€ is Chaka Khan at her best. The late, great Whitney Houston famously covered it!

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4. Juno Lev, โ€œI had gay sex with god (it couldโ€™ve gone better)โ€

when they find your body // Milkboy // 2021

Juno Lev, when they find your body (EP)[๐Ÿ“ท: Milkboy]โ€œI spent all of last night in godโ€™s bed / Mom, please donโ€™t get upset / โ€˜Cause now Iโ€™ll be immortalized / Iโ€™ll be immortalized.โ€ Ooh-wee, Juno Lev (Jack Braun, who formerly performed as Jackfruit), Iโ€™m speechless ๐Ÿ˜ถ! Anytime spirituality is woven into music, it creates a compelling, thought-provoking listen.ย  โ€œI had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)โ€ is a prime example of a song with spiritual elements that easily catches the ears. The open-minded and progressive souls will eat this up, while those who are the most god-fearing will cry foul.ย  โ€œI saw god in a Trader Joeโ€™s / Buying organic blueberries / Prettiest man Iโ€™d ever seen.โ€ Noted, Juno Lev. โ€œI had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)โ€ is the fourth track from their 2021 EP, when they find your body. Juno Lev produced this LGBTQ gem with the talented Zach Benson.ย 

After god kissed Juno Lev, with dried apricots in one hand, they assert, โ€œI think my teeth are gonna rot.โ€ The other experiences with god (Lev uses โ€˜godโ€™ lowercased throughout) are questionable too, including โ€œLips sliding open in a prayerโ€ (a blowjob), and stating that sex with him was โ€œAs close to heaven as Iโ€™ll getโ€.ย  Arguably the best line: โ€œSecond coming in a bathroom stall / But now god wonโ€™t return my calls, wrote him a love letter.โ€ Holy shit! Beyond mixing queer sex and god, the music is heavenly on โ€œI had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better).โ€ The electronic sound palette (keys and pads) shine.ย  The drum programming and snaps that arrive during the second verse are sweet.ย  The snare drumming is a superb touch. Of course, Lev is the star, singing expressively and gorgeously.ย  They are authentic to the nth degree, even as the lyrics are playfulโ€ฆ and blasphemous ๐Ÿคญ. Adding to the allure are tuneful melodies from the get-go.ย  Oh, and how about one final lyrical shout-out?ย  At the end, can I get an โ€œAmen, ah men?โ€ Perhaps the sex couldโ€™ve gone better on โ€œI had gay sex with god (it could’ve gone better)โ€, but the song remains a surefire, queer-to-the-nth-degree bop! We Stan!

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5. Morgan Wallen, โ€œIโ€™m The Problemโ€

Iโ€™m The Problem // Big Loud / Mercury / Republic // 2025

Morgan Wallen, Iโ€™m The Problem [๐Ÿ“ท: Big Loud / Mercury]โ€œAnd how do you explain / Ever fallinโ€™ in love with a guy like me in the first place,โ€ Grammy-nominated country musician Morgan Wallen asks her in the first verse of โ€œIโ€™m The Problemโ€, the title track from his fourth studio album. ย He adds, โ€œThen turn around, say that Iโ€™m the worst thing?โ€ My, my, my! Wallen, ERNEST, Grady Block, Jamie McLaughlin, and producer Charlie Handsome (Ryan Vojtesak) penned the problematic, three-minute song.ย  โ€œIโ€™m The Problemโ€ is set in a minor key, fitting for a problem song from a problematic man like Wallen! His talent is undeniable, regardless. Singing beautifully, showing off his rich tone, Wallen asserts in the chorus, โ€œI guess Iโ€™m the problem / And youโ€™re Ms. โ€˜Never Do No Wrongโ€™ / If Iโ€™m so awful / Then whyโ€™d you stick around this long?โ€ Ooh-wee!ย  The verses and choruses are terrific.ย  The bridge brings contrast yet still fits the overall vibe. Beyond strong vocals and simple but effective songwriting, โ€œIโ€™m the Problemโ€ benefits from tuneful melodies.ย  The country-tinged production is sweet with its fair share of thoughtful touches.ย  It doesnโ€™t throw everything instrumentally at the listener at once, growing incrementally more robust in instrumentation and sound. All in all, โ€œIโ€™m The Problemโ€ is another enjoyable, well-rounded Morgan Wallen song that plays well to his fan base.

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6. Peder Elias, โ€œIf I Got a Dollarโ€

โ€œIf I Got a Dollarโ€ // Peder Elias / Sony Music Entertainment Norway AS // 2025

Peder Elias, If I Got a Dollar [๐Ÿ“ท: Peder Elias / Sony Music Entertainment Norway AS]โ€œCrazy / How youโ€™re back and forth with me lately,โ€ Peder Elias (Peder Elias Eriksrud Kjรธrholt) sings in the first verse of โ€œIf I Got a Dollarโ€. He continues, โ€œUp, down, like a trampoline baby / One day youโ€™re so into me, next day falling out.โ€ Love and relationships can be complicated to the nth degree.ย  Even so, the Norwegian singer, songwriter, and producer approaches โ€œIf I Got a Dollarโ€ with enthusiasm. Go figure.ย  This major-key pop gem was penned by Elias, Ryan Bickley, and Freedo. Freedo also produced it. โ€œStop making a mess out of my mind / You know that youโ€™re killing me with those hazel eyes,โ€ Elias sings in the second verse, adding, โ€œI need help, help running from you.โ€ Oh, snap! Truthfully, once you are enticed by someone, even if they hurt you, it can be hard to let go, particularly when physical appearance and pleasure come into the picture. Accompanied by a stellar music backdrop, including rhythmic guitar, Peder โ€˜brings itโ€™ with his warm vocals and lovely tone. He does a marvelous job of bringing the tuneful melodies to life, particularly the centerpiece, the chorus:

โ€œIf I got a dollar every time that you broke my heart

If I got a dollar for each fight that you took too far

Iโ€™d live in a penthouse, uptown, roll out fancy cars

If I got a dollar every time that you broke my heart

Iโ€™d bะต a millionaire.โ€

Yep, that is where the money comes into the mix! During the bridge, his hypothetical richness is further explored, with clear separation from the verses and chorus, and some sweet falsetto. One other highlight from the fab โ€œIf I Got a Dollarโ€ is the post-chorus, where the instrumental slaps. Despite his heartbreak, Peder Elias perks our ears up โ€˜something fierceโ€™ in this pop bop.

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7. Luther Vandross, ย โ€œIf I Didnโ€™t Know Betterโ€

Dance with My Father // Sony Music Entertainment // 2003

Luther Vandross, Dance With My Father [๐Ÿ“ท: Sony Music Entertainment]Dance with My Father is a significant album in the Luther Vandross discography.ย  It was the late Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriterโ€™s 13th and final studio album.ย  Before the album was released in 2003, Vandross suffered a severe stroke. In 2005, he passed away, at age 54 from complications of a stroke.ย  Dance with My Father begins with a super-smooth, adult contemporary R&B bop, โ€œIf I Didnโ€™t Know Betterโ€ penned by Vandross, Reed Vertelney, and Ezekiel Lewis.ย  Vandross produced it.ย  โ€œIf I Didnโ€™t Know Betterโ€ finds Luther Vandross at his best.ย  His vocals are silky smooth โ€“ simply angelic.ย  As he sings, it never sounds like Vandross breaks a sweat. The production is firmly planted in a grown folksโ€™ brand of R&B but doesnโ€™t sound out of touch with the contemporary R&B of the aughts either. In โ€œIf I Didnโ€™t Know Better,โ€ the girl, Lutherโ€™s friend, has a man. However, Vandross believes their friendship is more. ย โ€œI see the things that your man canโ€™t see,โ€ he sings in the first verse, adding, โ€œAnd who is there for you and love you like no otherย  / Then you kiss and tell me that you love me like a brother.โ€ย  In the second verse, he admits his โ€˜readโ€™ on the situation could be incorrect, but โ€œI donโ€™t rub up on my friends that way.โ€ Ooh-wee! Besides his brilliant vocals, Luther is supported by sweet background vocals. The chorus is the centerpiece with Vandross expanding on their โ€˜relationshipโ€™:

โ€œIf I didnโ€™t know better

Iโ€™d think that you were mine, youโ€™re with me all the time

If I didnโ€™t know better

Iโ€™d swear weโ€™re more than friends, youโ€™re touching me again

If I didnโ€™t know better

Iโ€™d think we were in love

Girl, do you wanna tell me something?

Oh, oh, oh.โ€ย 

โ€œIf I Didnโ€™t Know Betterโ€ is a fine non-single from Dance with My Father that deserves its flowers.

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8. Heather Headley, โ€œAll The Man That I Needโ€ โ€“ Whitney Houston cover

Broadway My Way // in:ciite // 2018

Heather Headley, Broadway My Way [๐Ÿ“ท: in:ciite]โ€œHe fills me up, he gives me love / More love than Iโ€™ve ever seen.โ€ โ€œAll The Man That I Needโ€ is a timeless R&B classic popularized by Whitney Houston. Many other artists have covered this song, originally released by Linda Clifford.ย  In 2018, R&B/gospel singer and actress Heather Headley recorded her superb rendition of โ€œAll The Man That I Needโ€. It is the sixth track from her 2018 covers album, Broadway My Way.

Headley is supported by warm, adult contemporary production. Among the instrumentation are the rhythm section and strings. The tempo is slow and relaxed. As Headley sings, she is never in a hurry, keeping things cool, calm, and collected throughout.ย  She never forces things and sings with a gorgeous tone.ย  A key difference compared to the definitive version (Houstonโ€™s) is no background vocals.ย  The biggest moments lack the added depth of a choir, but Headley compensates with her pitch-perfect vocal riffs and runs.ย  One of her most impressive runs finds her ascending into her ripe upper register, signaling a mean-sounding electric guitar solo.ย  There is an awesome key change where Headley โ€˜goes to townโ€™ with jazzy nuances. Covering Whitney Houston is an elephantine task, but Heather Headley makes โ€œAll The Man That I Needโ€ hers and does a โ€˜bang upโ€™ job.

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9. LUKAS OSCAR, โ€œSo Romantic U + Iโ€

โ€œSo Romantic U + Iโ€ // LUKAS OSCAR // 2025

LUKAS OSCAR, So Romantic U + I [๐Ÿ“ท: LUKAS OSCAR]โ€œYou show up unannounced at night / That creepy hour between 3 and 5.โ€ So, LUKAS OSCAR (Lukas Oscar Janisch), this nameless person arrives at an unholy hour? Hmm, I have so many questions.ย  There seems to be an โ€˜intimate encounterโ€™ in โ€œSo Romantic U + Iโ€. Oscar continues singing in the brief, sub-two-minute song, โ€œThen you blind the room in sequins / Plastic pupils in your plastic eyes.โ€ Intriguing, thought-provoking lyrics. Sequins are obnoxiously bright and eye-catching.ย  Are they so bright that they have created googly eyes (plastic pupils and plastic eyes)? The Gen-Z Filipino Austrian musician penned and produced this romantic indie pop joint.

โ€œAnd itโ€™s so romantic you and I

And that one guy thatโ€™s watching from outside

Weโ€™re one big family

One homeโ€ฆโ€

Again, the lyrics are thought-provoking. Later, OSCAR requests, โ€œCut the lights,โ€ adding some odd, open-to-interpretation lyrics: โ€œMh mh cut the l1ghts c0ldled fe1n r1gh / G0t the l1ghts fu0 me c1t1 r1ght.โ€ Say what, now?! It sounds sexualโ€ฆ Supporting this intimate experience with this nameless person is a great production. It features an awesome groove โ€“ a dusty, soulful hip-hop beat. Besides the beat, superb music cues include low-key synths and pads.ย  Also, โ€˜low-keyโ€™ is Oscarโ€™s vocals.ย  They sound chill and laid-back.ย  He is expressive yet manages to sound both indulgent and nonchalant simultaneously.ย  The melodies are tuneful even when Lukas drops the less decipherable lyrics. โ€œSo Romantic U + Iโ€ feels sexy without being explicit or overt.

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10. Morgan Wallen, โ€œI Ainโ€™t Cominโ€™ Backโ€ (Ft. Post Malone)

Iโ€™m The Problem // Big Loud / Mercury / Republic // 2025

Morgan Wallen, Iโ€™m The Problem [๐Ÿ“ท: Big Loud / Mercury]โ€œIโ€™m a redneck / โ€˜Cause I drink beer, and I dip Skoal / Guess Iโ€™m a rambler / โ€˜Cause I canโ€™t not be on the road.โ€ Grammy-nominated country musician, Morgan Wallen collaborates with a familiar face on โ€œI Ainโ€™t Cominโ€™ Backโ€: Post Malone (Austin Post). โ€œI Ainโ€™t Cominโ€™ Backโ€ is the 27th track (!) from Wallenโ€™s 37-track (!) fourth studio album, Iโ€™m The Problem. The writers are familiar: Wallen, Malone, Louis Bell, HARDY, ERNEST, and Charlie Handsome.ย  Joey Moi produced it. Wallen establishes who he is in the first verse, excerpted above. He concludes the verse with a bang: โ€œAnd Iโ€™m the gambler / Iโ€™ll take the over on the underdog, huh.โ€ He goes on to sing the pre-chorus (โ€œGirl, half of this town has got a name for meโ€ฆโ€), as well as the chorus.ย  It is in the chorus where Morgan asserts, โ€œThereโ€™s a lot of reasons I ainโ€™t Jesus, but the main one is that I ainโ€™t cominโ€™ back.โ€ His vocals are robust and filled with southern twang. Post Malone contrasts in the second verse with his signature vibrato.ย  Playing into the unwanted theme, Post sings, โ€œGo throw your pebbles / Iโ€™ll be somewhere gettinโ€™ stoned.โ€ Gettinโ€™ stoned has a double meaning, of course! Post sings most of the chorus that follows, with Wallen handling the bridge (like the pre-chorus), and both musicians performing the final chorus. Ultimately, โ€œI Ainโ€™t Cominโ€™ Backโ€ is an enjoyable and respectable song, though not as catchy as their previous collaboration, โ€œI Had Some Helpโ€.

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11. The Clash, โ€œShould I Stay or Should I Goโ€

Combat Rock // Sony Music Entertainment UK Limitedย // 1982

The Clash, Combat Rock [๐Ÿ“ท: Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited]โ€œShould I stay, or should I go now?โ€ย  That is a key question for The Clash, an English rock band comprised of the late Joe Strummer (1952 โ€“ 2002), Mick Jones (1955 โ€“ ), Paul Simonon (1955 โ€“ ), and Topper Headon (1955 โ€“ ). Among the bandโ€™s most beloved songs is โ€œShould I Stay or Should I Goโ€, ย the third track on their 1982 multiplatinum, fifth studio album, Combat Rock. ย In the chorus, Jones, who sings lead on this particular track, continues, โ€œIf I go, there will be trouble / And if I stay, it will be double / So come on and let me know.โ€ ย โ€œShould I Stay or Should I Goโ€ was written by Jones and Strummer. Notably, it peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100.

So, what makes โ€œShould I Stay or Should I Goโ€ kick ass and take names? It begins with heavy, hard-rocking guitar and bass riffs. The spirit of rock and roll is written all over it ๐Ÿค˜! It is anchored by a superb groove carried by Topperโ€™s mean drumming. Headon provides a signature groove contrast with the double time feel during the chorus. The songwriting is infectious, with Jones bringing the memorable lyrics and tuneful melodies to life.ย  Matters of the heart drive the narrative.ย  โ€œDarling, you got to let me know / Should I stay, or should I go?โ€ Jones asks, continuing in the first verse, โ€œIf you say that you are mine / Iโ€™ll be here till the end of time.โ€ In the second verse, he asserts, โ€œItโ€™s always tease, tease, tease / Youโ€™re happy when Iโ€™m on my knees.โ€ The third includes Spanish! โ€œThis indecisionโ€™s bugging me (Esta indecisiรณn me molesta) / If you don’t want me, set me free (Si no me quieres, librarme).โ€ A rock classic, the brilliance and timelessness of โ€œShould I Stay or Should I Goโ€ speaks for itself.

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12. The Oโ€™Jays, โ€œI Swear, I Love No One but Youโ€

Message In The Music // Sony Music Entertainmentย // 1976

The Oโ€™Jays, Message In The Music [๐Ÿ“ท: Sony Music Entertainment]โ€œWood thatโ€™s wet will never burnโ€ฆ / Until you dry it / Baby, then you try it.โ€ Hmm, thought-provoking, The Oโ€™Jays. So, what is the point? โ€œLove is like that too / One wonโ€™t do, itโ€™s gotta be me and you.โ€ The Philly soul collective has matters of the heart on their mind.ย  That is something that Eddie Levert and Walter Williams Sr. have excelled at throughout The Oโ€™Jaysโ€™ illustrious career.ย  The love-oriented song at hand, โ€œI Swear, I Love No One but Youโ€, is the seventh track from their 1976 album, Message In The Music. This non-single was written by the late great Bunny Sigler (1941 โ€“ 2017).

ย โ€œI Swear, I Love No One but Youโ€ thrives off its slow, relaxed tempo, lush, soulful backdrop (the orchestra and rhythm section), and dynamic vocals.ย  The lead vocals (Levert) are top-notch, commanding, and oozing with soul. โ€œLet me love you tenderly, tenderly, tenderly, tenderly,โ€ he sings in the second verse, continuing, โ€œWe need each other / Baby, Iโ€™m your lover.โ€ ย The background vocals are no slouch either, filling things out with decadent harmonies. The chorus is sublime:ย 

โ€œโ€˜Cause I swear I love no one but you

Honey, no one will do, oh

I swear I love no one but you

Honey, no one will ever do.โ€ย 

Beyond the chorus, another โ€˜award-winningโ€™ moment is the ending.ย  The tempo increases, launching into a full-on disco.ย  It feels right! โ€œI Swear, I Love No One but Youโ€ deserved much more love, all said and done. ย Notably, it has been sampled by โ€œGet Down Like Thatโ€ by Ne-Yo, ย โ€œNo One Will Doโ€ by Mary J. Blige, and โ€œMy Name Is Leak Jonesโ€ by Lil Wayne. โ€œSwearโ€ is an underrated Philly soul classic.ย 

Appears in ๐Ÿ”ป:

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13. Carl Bean, โ€œI Was Born This Wayโ€

โ€œI Was Born This Wayโ€ // BMG Rights Management (US) LLC // 1977

Carl Bean, I Was Born This Way [๐Ÿ“ท: BMG Rights Management (US) LLC]โ€œIโ€™m walking through life / In natureโ€™s disguise, yeah / You laugh at me / And you criticize me, yeah.โ€ Sad ๐Ÿ˜ข, but damn true, unfortunately. Why the bullying? โ€œโ€˜Cause Iโ€™m happy / Carefree and gay / Yes, Iโ€™m gay / It ainโ€™t a fault itโ€™s a fact.โ€ Carl Bean (1944 โ€“ 2021) recorded a gay, disco anthem for the ages with ย โ€œI Was Born This Wayโ€, released in 1977.ย  โ€œI Was Born This Wayโ€ โ€˜turned the gay clubs upโ€™ with its liberated lyrics, infectious groove, and those marvelous 1970s symphonic cues (horns ๐ŸŽบ and strings ๐ŸŽป). โ€œI was born this way,โ€ Bean sings proudly in the first verse, adding, โ€œWeโ€™re all the way / Nature meant us to be.โ€ The LGBTQ+ classic would inspire Gaga to record her beloved, powerful anthem, โ€œBorn This Wayโ€.ย  โ€œI Was Born This Wayโ€ was written by Chris Spierer and Bunny Jones.ย  It was first recorded by Valentino in 1975. Bean famously covered it in 1977.

A black musician recording a gay song in the 1970s was a big deal. Black gay musicians existed โ€“ they have always existed โ€“ but their sexuality was, more often than not, hidden.ย  In this case, Bean sang his truth, reemphasizing his identity in the chorus: happy, carefree, gay, and born this way.ย  In the second verse, he brings in a โ€˜higher power,โ€™ God: โ€œYouโ€™re calling me strange / โ€˜Cause you donโ€™t understand / Godโ€™s role for me / In lifeโ€™s overall plan.โ€ What is interesting about this is how Bean would evolve.ย  He eventually became an archbishop.ย  Although openly gay, he founded a church for his community โ€“ the LGBTQ community. Sadly, it is not something associated with many churches, even well into the 2020s.ย  Despite the adversity, as โ€œI Was Born This Wayโ€ continues, Bean touts the fact, โ€œI really can be me,โ€ โ€œI want the world to know / Iโ€™m just ordinary folk,โ€ and asserts, โ€œIโ€™m gonna carry on / One more time / I was born this way.โ€ For Carl Bean, it took tremendous courage to โ€˜come outโ€™ with โ€œI Was Born This Wayโ€.ย  This talented LGBTQ activist, singer, and pastor โ€˜paved the wayโ€™ for many to live their truth, particularly those who are brown and identify as LGBTQ.

Appears in ๐Ÿ”ป:

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Eyeย ๐Ÿ‘ย This List of Must-Hear โ€œIโ€ Songs, Vol. 4 (2025) [๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Big Loud, BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, Curb, in:ciite, LUKAS OSCAR, Mercury, Milkboy, Openly Gay Productions, Peder Elias, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Entertainment Norway AS, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited, UMG Recordings Inc., Warner; AcatXIo, ะะณะทะฐะผ ะ“ะฐะนัะธะฝ, Nika Akin fromย Pixabay]

 

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the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.