A Fvckin’ Fantastic Bunch of F Songs | Playlist 🎧

A F*ckin’ Fantastic Bunch of F Songs features songs by Beyoncé, George Michael, Green Day, Sexyy Redd & Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and Teddy Swims.

Ah, ‘F,’ the sixth letter of the alphabet! Following the amazement of A, the bitchin’ buffet of B, a captivating collection of C, a drove of dazzling D songs, and an epic compendium of E Songs, F makes it do what it do – keep things fuckin’ fantastic! Within A Fuckin’ Fantastic Bunch of F Songs, we celebrate the power of F via F songs. Following compendiums for songs A through E, we unveil A Fuckin’ Fantastic Bunch of F Songs! Yes, that f-bomb is strong as, well, you know, but doesn’t a letter the caliber of F deserve a title that gives some effs? 😝

Each of the 20 songs that appear on A Fuckin’ Fantastic Bunch of F Songs begins with an f-word.  And no, not only those obscene f-words either, though that is a viable option! The only exception is THE preceding the f-word, etc.. A Fuckin’ Fantastic Bunch of F Songs features songs by Beyoncé, George Michael, Green Day, Sexyy Redd & Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and Teddy Swims.  So, without further ado, let us all embrace the power of F on A Fuckin’ Fantastic Bunch of F Songs!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Green Day, “Fuck Off”	2. Sexyy Red & Bruno Mars, “Fat Juicy & Wet”	3. Joshua James, Leigh Bowery, Minty & Peaches, “Fist – Peaches Remix”	4. Rihanna, “Friend of Mine” – from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack
5. George Michael, “Freedom! ‘90”	6. Taylor Swift, “Fortnight” (Ft. Post Malone)	7. Luh Tyler, “Florida Boy”	8. Beyoncé, “FLAMENCO”
9. Artemas, “fancy”	10. Фрози, Jason Derulo & Tomo, “From The Islands (kompa pasión)”	11. John Duff, “Forgotten How to F*ck”	12. Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”
13. Teddy Swims, “Funeral”	14. Metallica, “For Whom the Bell Tolls”	15. Lamont Dozier, “Fish Ain’t Bitin’”	16. Mariah the Scientist, “From a Woman”
17. George Michael, “Father Figure”	18. Leona Lewis, “Footprints in the Sand”	19. The Floaters, “Float On”	20. Gladys Knight & The Pips, “Friendship Train”

 

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1. Green Day, “Fuck Off”

Saviors (edition de luxe) » Green Day / Reprise » 2025

“Fuck off / Fuck off / Just F-U-C-K O-F-F, fuck off.” Fuck yeah, Green Day 🖕🖕! “Fuck Off” is the 18^th track from the legendary, punk rock band’s 2005 album, Saviors (edition de luxe). Band members Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool wrote “Fuck Off” while Armstrong and Rob Cavallo produced it. The title is in your face, as is the chorus, excerpted above in all its fuckin’ glory! It’s not all f-bombs for Billie Joe Armstrong and company, though they seem to give few of ‘em – fucks that is.  Yes, the chorus is ‘fucked up,’ but the verses and bridge avoid the fucks (I’m doing too much, I know 😝).

“Sucker, you’re a sucker / You’ve been suckered by hustlers and liars,” Armstrong asserts in the first verse. In the second, he characterizes them as stupid: “Undisputed, the madness and your babble /… Stick your Bible and shove it up – ” Hmm, it’s not difficult to finish the line.  So, who is Armstrong addressing? MAGA supporters.  Unapologetic to the nth degree, Billie Joe, who has never been shy regarding politics, tells them all to “fuck off,” colorfully offering a variation at the end: “Fuck off / Fuck off / Just F-U-C-K Y-O-U, fuck off.” Woo! Although brief (just over two minutes long), Armstrong and Green Day make their point loud and fuckin’ clear on “Fuck Off”.  Billie Joe is aggressive vocally, his guitar roars, Dirnt’s bass drives, and Cool’s drums pummel in the spirit of protest.  ‘Merica 🇺🇸! What better way to kick off A Fuckin’ Fantastic Bunch of F Songs than with the f-bomb-laden “Fuck Off”?

 

Appears in:

Green Day, Fuck Off: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 50 (2025)

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2. Sexyy Red & Bruno Mars, “Fat Juicy & Wet”

“Fat Juicy & Wet” » Rebel / gamma. / The Smeezingtons / Atlantic » 2025

“Fat, juicy, and wet (Ah-ah) / I don’t even gangbang, pussy so good / Make me throw up a set (Ah-ah), uh / That good kitty-kitty, good kitty-kitty.” Well, meow! Raise your hand if you ever envisioned a Sexyy Red (Janae Wherry) and Bruno Mars collaboration. “Fat Juicy & Wet” finds the raunchy, Gen-Z St. Louis rapper and the Grammy-winning millennial pop/R&B artist working together. Mars, Wherry, Jeremy Reeves, Jonathan Yip, Kameron Glasper, and Ray Romulus penned “Fat Juicy & Wet.” Mars and The Stereotypes produced it. Early on, Bruno shocks us with his overt, sexed-up chorus.  We expect no less of Sexyy Red, who gets down and dirty in the first verse, but to hear Mars talk about pussy so freely and often… it ‘hits’ different. “You better arch your back, put your ass into it.” Ooh-wee! Sexyy Red’s sexcapades aren’t shocking:

“Ayy, slob on my clit, suck on my toes

Twenty-four-karat, pussy drip like gold (Ooh)

Throw my legs back, eat my booty from the front (Mm)

Milk mustache on your face when I cum (Yeah).”

It’s filthy, mind you, but on brand for her.  She drops a second verse that remains NSFW including “Titties on your forehead,” “Arch your back, put your ass into it,” and “Squirt in your mouth.” Nasty, nasty, nasty.  The sound is giving West Coast, hyphy vibes, which is perfect for a sex song.  “Fat Juicy & Wet” is something else!

Appears in:

11 More Sexsational Sex Songs (2025) Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025 13 Wonderful, Watery, Wet Songs (2025)

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3. Joshua James, Leigh Bowery, Minty & Peaches, “Fist – Peaches Remix”

“Fist – Peaches Remix” » Phantasy Sound » 2022

“Spunk / Motherfucking spunk.” Damn 😳! The sex is pronounced on “Fist”. That is an understatement!  Joshua James, the late Leigh Bowery (1961 – 1994), and his band, Minty, joined forces on the hypersexual queer club song.  The Bowery/Minty song, “Useless Man” from the 1997 album Open Wide, is sampled.  Note: There are multiple versions of “Useless Man.” ‘Minty’ handled all the vocals on “Fist” with Peaches joining the mix on “Fist – Peaches Remix”.  Before Peaches arrives, Bowery sets the tone, backed by enigmatic, hypnotic electronic production.

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“Boot licking, piss drinking, finger frigging, tit tweaking / Love biting, arse licking, shit stabbing, motherfucking.” Ooh-wee, it’s a lot, isn’t it? That is only half of the NSFW verse that gets, well, more not safe for work.  “Spunk loving ball busting, cock sucking, fist fucking / Lip smacking, thirst quenching, cool living, ever giving.”  The latter half of the second half is less explicit, though still sexually charged.  But the sucking and fucking takes the cake. And, fittingly, fisting is part of the script… After a refrain filled with spunk, Peaches joins this sexual party in the second verse, with contributions from Bowery coming later.  During the breakdown, the listener is privy to “Arse licking, shit / Fucking / Arse / Fucking arse licking / Shit, shit, shit.” Shit, yeah! “Fist – Peaches Remix” is filled with attitude and feistiness. It is sex-positive and unapologetic to the nth degree, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Appears in:

Joshua James, Leigh Bowery, Minty & Peaches, Fist – Peaches Remix: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 8 (2025)

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4. Rihanna, “Friend of Mine” – from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack

“Friend of  Mine” – from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack » Westbury Road Entertainment / Roc Nation Distribution » 2025 

Rihanna has dropped a few singles along the way since her extended hiatus (since 2016). “Friend of Mine” hails from the Smurfs Movie soundtrack. It features seven writers, including Rihanna.  Among the producers are Jon Bellion, f a l l e n, and Pete Nappi. “Friend of Mine” is polarizing from the start. It commences enigmatically.  The sound effects catch the ears, as does the hard-hitting groove once it kicks in. The first time we hear Rihanna is nearly a minute in.  Once she enters the mix, “Friend Of Mine” gains some stability and makes more sense tonally. Rihanna sounds ok…  given the oddity and wacky nature of this children’s soundtrack cut.  Does she say much? Nope!

“Ooh, I think the word here is déjà vu

Just met you tonight, but you feel like a friend of mine

Feel like a friend of mine, feel like a friend of mine

…How can so familiar be so brand new?”

You get the idea.  Honestly, that’s about the size of it.  She sings two choruses (that’s the only major section) where a new friend feels like an old friend over one of the weirder beats I’ve heard all 2025.  It is what it is…

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5. George Michael, “Freedom! ‘90”

Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 » G.K. Panayioutou / Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited » 1990

“But today, the way I play the game is not the same, no way / Think I’m gonna get me some happy.” The late, great George Michael informed the world he was starkly different from the person he presented himself as in the early phases of his career. “Freedom! ’90” the second track and third single from his double-platinum sophomore album, Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1, marked a new, more authentic GM. “There’s something deep inside of me / There’s someone else I’ve got to be,” he sings in the pre-chorus, concluding, “I just hope you understand / Sometimes the clothes do not make the man.” #Initiate fully mature, liberated George Michael. Michael penned and produced  “Freedom.” “Freedom! ‘90” was certified gold and reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1990.

“Freedom!

I won’t let you down (Freedom!)

I will not give you up (Freedom!)

Gotta have some faith in the sound

(You got to give what you take).”

Ooh-wee, George! “Freedom! ’90” commences with an infectious groove from the onset.  This is the catalyst for head nodding and foot tapping.  Notably, the drums are sampled from “Funky Drummer” by James Brown.  Beyond the drums, the ear is blessed with marvelous piano riffs, rhythmic guitar, and a robust, funky bass. Michael is the star serving up playful, nuanced vocals.  Listening back, clearly, he possessed a once-in-a-lifetime instrument.  The melodies are tuneful, while the lyrics are catchy, honest, and memorable.  Reflecting on his Wham! days in the second verse, he is adamant about being ‘true to self.’ In the bridge, he memorably sings, “Posing for another picture / Everybody’s got to sell / But when you shake your ass / They notice fast / And some mistakes were meant to fast.” Oh, pitfalls of fame!

Examining this gay anthem, it is hard to believe that Michael didn’t publicly come out until 1998, following his infamous sex solicitation arrest. The lyrics suggest a change that’s bigger than his artistic image and sound. Notably, Michael’s first same-sex relationship occurred when he was 27, in 1990, the same year Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 was released. Regardless of the intended meaning, the lyrics of “Freedom! ’90” lends itself to living life to the fullest, however, you choose to do so.

Appears in:

George Michael, Freedom! ‘90: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 4 (2025)

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6. Taylor Swift, “Fortnight” (Ft. Post Malone)

THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT  » Taylor Swift » 2024 

“And for a fortnight there, we were forever / Run into you sometimes, ask about the weather / Now you’re in my backyard, turned into good neighbors / Your wife waters flowers, I wanna kill her.” Oh, snap 🫰, Taylor Swift! The Grammy-winning superstar tapped Grammy-nominated superstar Post Malone (Austin Post) to collaborate with her on “Fortnight”. Before going any further, what is a fortnight? What does it mean? It is not commonly used in the United States, but it is commonly used in the UK. Merriam-Webster defines fortnight, a noun, as ‘a period of 14 days: two weeks.’ What connections has Swift had to the UK? Many believe “Fortnight” is about or references Swift’s ex, Joe Alwyn.“Fortnight” is the opening track from Swift’s 2024 Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum album, THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT. A highly successful record, “Fortnight” spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It was nominated for three Grammys at the 67^th Annual Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Music Video. Swift, Post, and Jack Antonoff wrote “Fortnight” while Swift and Antonoff produced it.

As the chorus, excerpted earlier, reveals, Swift had a brief relationship with a man that didn’t work out, and ultimately, now he is married and is her neighbor.  Not the plan! That is just one happening on “Fortnight.” Swift does the heavy lifting on this duet, but Post Malone contributes, albeit more modestly, beginning in the second verse.  His role expands on the bridge as well as the outro. Backtracking, in the first verse, Swift references hiding alcoholism and her ex-lover’s “quiet treason.” In the second verse, assisted by Post selectively, she sings, “I took the miracle move-on drug, the effects were temporary / And I love you, it’s ruining my life.” She adds, “I touched you for only a fortnight.” In the second chorus, she expands the narrative, which is ‘all over the place’:

“And for a fortnight there, we were together

Run into you sometimes, comment on my sweater

Now you’re at the mailbox, turned into good neighbors

My husband is cheating, I wanna kill him.”

Post Malone puts his two cents into “Fortnight” on the outro: “Thought of callin’ ya, but you won’t pick up / ‘Nother fortnight lost in America / Move to Florida, buy the car you want / But it won’t start up ‘til you touch, touch, touch me.” Is that shade thrown at Joe Alwyn? Hmm 🤔. Analyzing “Fortnight” post- THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT, I find myself more intrigued.  The songwriting is terrific, while Swift sings well, as does Post during the moments he appears. When they sing together, their voices mesh well, more subtle than overt. The backdrop is on the lighter side, but effective.  Ultimately, this duet is another winner for both artists.

Appears in:

Taylor Swift & Post Malone, Fortnight: Dazzling Duets No. 5 (2025)

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7. Luh Tyler, “Florida Boy”

Florida Boy » Luh Tyler / Motion Music, LLC » 2025

According to Luh Tyler, “This that real Florida music, get you in that mode.” Woo! The rapper keeps it short and sweet on his banger, “Florida Boy”. Backed banging, colorful production (Yakree, Casio5k, and Mike Wavvs), southern rap, and trap are alive and well.  The beat sounds like Gucci Mane’s “Rich Niggaz”. Tyler brings a ‘cool energy’ to his performance, rapping in an undertone.  Even if he’s not ‘dynamic,’ his rhymes are ‘rough around the music’ and unapologetic.  In the chorus, he spits, “Fuck her with my chains on while she watch ‘em swang (Ugh) / Could’ve bust that bitch down, but I kept it plain (Ice).” Wow! In the verse, he remains confident, asserting, “This that shit that make a nigga wanna beat the road (Beat the road) / This that shit that make a nigga feel like fuck these hoes (Fuck these hoes).” What more is there to say? Not much! “Florida Boy” is enjoyable without daring to move the needle.

Appears in:

BOY, These Songs Are About You, Part 4 (2025) A Hodgepodge of Place Songs (2025)

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8. Beyoncé, “FLAMENCO”

COWBOY CARTER » Parkwood Entertainment LLC / Columbia » 2024

“My mind has been tellin’ me to settle right on down / Right now,” Beyoncé sings on the brief “FLAMENCO,” the 18^th track from her Grammy-winning 2024 album, COWBOY CARTER. She continues singing in the first verse, “Day ones have been tellin’ me that they won’t be around (Ooh).”  Hmm, what is she getting at?  Where are those ‘day one’ family/friends leaving? What the problem is? The second verse is thought-provoking, too, even with simplistic lyrics: “Inhale and exhale my breath until the deed is done / Right about now.” Still a bit confusing… Maybe the chorus will shed some light. There are two different choruses, adding to the complexity of this sub-two-minute number. “I hope you know once it’s over / And take what you love, so hold me closer,” she sings, concluding, “Realize that you don’t know what you got until it’s gone / Right about now.”  Even a brief, somewhat simple track like “FLAMENCO” speaks to the complexity and creative nature of COWBOY CARTER. As always, Beyoncé serves up beautiful, expressive, and nuanced vocals. The background vocals and harmonies are exquisite. The countrified backdrop with guitar and strings complements Bey, too. Beyoncé and Mamii composed and produced a gem.

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9. Artemas, “fancy”

“fancy” » Artemas » 2024 

“Girl, you look so fancy, fuck you in the backseat.”  Oh, Artemas (Artemas Diamandis), you are so H-O-R-N-Y! The English singer, songwriter, and producer is incredibly sex-positive and brutally honest in his music.  “Fancy” is no exception.  He continues singing in the chorus, “No chance I’ma fall in love, but we could still get nasty /… You know what I want, you know who I am.” We know who you are, too, Artemas – sexually charged.  Artemas, Kevin White, and Daintree composed and produced this ‘fancy’ joint. The lyrics mark one of the most ear-catching elements of “Fancy.” Beyond the chorus, there is one verse (“I am not your lover, this could never last”), a pre-chorus (“You think you can change the way I feel / But I feel nothin’ now”), and a bridge (“Maybe I’m a bastard, tryna make you mad (my bad)”.  Artemas is brutally honest. He sings expressively, delivering respectable vocals.  He’s not a powerhouse singer, but highly effective in the alt-pop realm. His ad-libs are cool. The musical accompaniment is alluring, giving Diamandis a colorful, sickening backdrop.  The drum programming, synths, and pads (keys) shine. “Fancy” is ‘alternative,’ falling somewhere in an R&B, dance/electronic-infused musical space (under the umbrella of pop). Ultimately, it marks another enjoyable and intriguing record from the creative, talented, and horny musician.

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10. Фрози, Jason Derulo & Tomo, “From The Islands (kompa pasión)”

From The Islands (kompa pasión) (EP) » Ultra » 2024

“I thought that it was love / The way that she wine on me / I forgot one ting…” Yes, you are hearing and reading correctly – it is ‘ting’ instead of ‘thing.’ Ukrainian producer Фрози (Frozy), collaborating with singers Jason Derulo and Tomo brings a tropical vibe to the infectious 2024 single “From The Islands (kompa pasión).” Produced by Frozy, fittingly, “From The Islands (kompa pasión)” thrives off sunny, warm sounds. Derulo delivers beautiful vocals, performing half of the chorus and the first verse. “Don’t even know her name,” he sings, continuing, “She left me in December / But I still feel the pain.” Oh, snap! His upper register and falsetto are dynamic and ripe. Tomo ‘brings the heat,’ performing the second half of the chorus and the second verse. “Baby, if it’s wrong, I don’t want to be right / Your hips don’t lie, they, be givin’ me the signs,” Tomo sings,  continuing, “Never knew you’d be leavin’ me behind / Pack your bags in the middle of the night.” The chorus is the crème de la crème, performed separately by both musicians superbly:

“She said she’s from the islands

And I’m just tryna find her

Girl, you are my desire

You’re all that I require.”

“From The Islands (kompa pasión)” is a surefire vibe, NO CAP!

Appears in:

15 Epic FROM Songs, Vol. 1 (2025)

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11. John Duff, “Forgotten How to F*ck”

“Forgotten How to F*ck” » Donald Duff » 2024

“It’s been so long since I got some / Soon as you call, I’ll probably come.”  Something tells me, John Duff could’ve spelled the word come differently, given the context… He continues singing in the chorus of his bold, sexed-up song, “Forgotten How to F*ck”, “Dreaming of your touch without a glove / I think I’ve forgotten how to fuck.” Honesty is the best policy.  Incorporating a big band into the mix gives the song a refreshing, retro sensibility. Because he hasn’t had sex in so long, Duff has forgotten how it works.  He uses Biblical/spiritual references throughout, believe it or not.  “Born again, baby / Born again and going crazy.” He adds, “40 days and 40 nights / Seems like they just flew right by / Am I saved? / Or just depraved?”  The lyrics play on abstinence and celibacy associated with Christianity, etc.  Still, he’s not quite Saint Peter: “Stay rock hard / Like Rock Hudson / Long for some lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’ / No hidden meaning.” Perhaps there is no hidden meaning but, Rock Hudson, one of the actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood, was gay, and died of AIDS at age 59.  Other intriguing lyrical moments include, “I’m not politically correct / But I’m literally erect / Just thinking about last season / When it was you and me.” The sexual innuendo is ripe AF on “Forgotten How to F*ck” and we wouldn’t have it any other way! The dashing John Duff and his team of producers (Koil PreAmple, Niko The Kid, and Eren Cannata) drop a hot 🥵 retro-pop bop.

Appears in:

John Duff, Forgotten How to F*ck: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 71 (2024) Bops That Pop: September 2024 13 More Sex Songs That Exhibit That Midnight Heat (2024) 13 More Eyebrow Raising, Fuck Songs (2025)

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12. Miley Cyrus, “Flowers”

Endless Summer Vacation » Smiley Miley, Inc. / Columbia » 2023

“Yeah, I can love me better than you can.” Oh snap, Miley Cyrus! The groovy, Grammy-winning single, “Flowers”, commences her eighth studio album, Endless Summer Vacation. On this pop gem, Cyrus sings about loving herself post-relationship. “We were right ‘til we weren’t,” she asserts in the first verse, continuing, “Built a home and watched it burn.” That is an accurate, poetic way to cap off an ended union.  The second verse has a similar tenor: “No remorse, no regret / I forgive every word you said.”  The centerpiece is the chorus where she is better off alone, at least, for now: “I can buy myself flowers / Write my name in the sand /… I can hold my own hand / Yeah, I can love me better than you can.” Besides entertaining, emotional, and relatable lyrics, the music is lit too, thanks to production by Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson. Despite her love troubles (Liam Hemsworth appears to be the big culprit here), Cyrus makes sweet lemonade out of sour lemons on “Flowers”.  Her voice is amazing, the songwriting memorable, and the sound – quite an ear-catching vibe.

Appears in:

Awesome Songs: January 2023 Best LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 Songs of 2023 (so far) Best Songs of 2023 (So Far) 51 Best Songs of 2023

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13. Teddy Swims, “Funeral”

I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) » SWIMS Int. / Warner » 2024

“Turn your bed into my grave / Touch me, say goodbye.” That sounds both morbid and sexual, Teddy Swims (Jaten Dimsdale).  Dimsdale ‘does the damn thing’ on “Funeral”, the second track from his 2025 album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2). In the pre-chorus, which appears at the top of the song, he continues, “‘Cause you know I’ll never be the same / After tonight.” Oh, snap! “Funeral” was written by Dimsdale, Jon Green, Julian Bunetta, Mikky Ekko, and Whitney Phillips. Green, Bunetta, and Matt Zara produced.

“Might as well be my last breath

You wore that little black dress to my funeral.”

Throughout his funeral, Teddy Swims serves up commanding, powerful, and soulful vocals. His runs are spot-on. He nails those ad-libs and riffs. Assertive, he is locked and loaded, baby! The songwriting is intriguing as well, and Jaten falls for her. “When you let me in, I swear I’ll only stay a minute / Singin’ famous last words, baby, listen,” he sings in the first verse. In the second, he adds, “Here as a man, a fool for you / Don’t make me wait at Heaven’s gate, just let me through.” Besides epic vocals, memorable songwriting, and tuneful melodies, the musical accompaniment and production are awesome. I love the distorted organ sound.  Additionally, there are sweet keys, strings, and a marvelous groove.  There is nothing morbid about “Funeral” in the hands of Teddy Swims.  The ‘homegoing’ rocks!

Appears in:

Bops That Pop: July 2024

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14. Metallica, “For Whom the Bell Tolls”

Ride The Lightning » Blackened Recordings » 1984 

“For whom the bell tolls / Time marches on / For whom the bell tolls.” With “For Whom The Bell Tolls”, iconic, Grammy-winning metal band Metallica released one of the best and most beloved songs of their illustrious career.  The gold-certified “Bells” is the third track from the band’s sextuple platinum album, Ride The Lightning, released in 1984. The song is inspired by the Ernest Hemingway novel of the same name.  The title dates back to a 17^th-century poem by John Donne. The theme and lyrics of the Metallica song are based on Hemingway’s book, which is set in Spain and features the protagonist, American teacher, Robert Jordan.

The intro of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” is distinct, thanks to chiming sounds and a chromatic ‘guitar-like’ riff.  The chiming sounds are Lars Ulrich playing an anvil 🤯.  The chromatic ‘guitar-like’ riff is not guitar but Cliff Burton on bass.  The lively introduction sets the tone for this epic joint. While James Hetfield guitars during the extended intro, his first vocals appear more than two minutes in. “For Whom The Bell Tolls” comprises two verses, two choruses, and instrumental sections.  The vocal performance is spirited, while the lyrics are poetic. “For a hill, men would kill – Why? They do not know / Stiffened wounds test their pride,” Hetfield sings in the first verse, concluding, “Men of five, still alive, through the raging glow / Gone insane from the pain that they surely know.” In the second, he sings, “Blackened roar, massive, roar, fills the crumbling sky / Shattered goals fills his soul with a ruthless cry.” Woo! Besides Hetfield’s high-flying vocals and engaging lyrics, the instrumental moments ‘kick ass and take names.’ Ultimately, on “For Whom The Bell Tolls”, Metallica gifts the listeners with five minutes-plus of unforgettable badass-ness 🤘.

Appears in:

Metallica, For Whom The Bell Tolls: Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 62 (2024) 11 Marvelous, Bell-Ringing BELL 🔔 Songs (2024) 15 Ear-Catching FOR Songs (2024)

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15. Lamont Dozier, “Fish Ain’t Bitin’”

Out Here On My Own » Geffen » 1973

“I’m out here fighting, hungry / The fish ain’t bitin’ / Life’s so frightenin’ / I’m out here stumblin’…” “Fish Ain’t Bitin’” is the fourth track on Out Here On My Own, the 1973, solo debut by the late, great Lamont Dozier.  Dozier is best known for his songwriting and production skills, collaborating with the Holland brothers. On “Fish Ain’t Bitin’,” he is solely the singer. The song was written by James Reddick and McKinley Jackson, who also produced. Dozier earned his second and final top 40 hit with the single, which peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music is superb, featuring a fat but active bass line, soulful groove, and celestial orchestration.  Digging into the underpinnings, the harmonic progression is sweet, too. Dozier matches the instrumental excellence with commanding, gritty lead vocals.  The authenticity and expression he brings are fabulous.  The struggle is real as he is “Trying to fight with no defense / And I can’t win with no confidence.” Dozier keeps it political and socially charged, idiomatic of the soul music of the era. Specifically, he references the POTUS (Richard Nixon): “Tricky Dick is trying to be slick / And the short end of the stick / Is all I’m going to get.” At the end of the second verse, Dozier is censored with a beep, pleading, “I’m on my knees, beggin’ please / Tricky Dick, stop your shit.” Oh, snap! Lamont Dozier and the message he articulated in “Fish Ain’t Bitin’” are timeless.

Appears in:

Lamont Dozier, Fish Ain’t Bitin’: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 103 (2024) 13 Electrifying Animal Songs (2024) 11 Vastly Entertaining Ain’t Songs (2025)

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16. Mariah the Scientist, “From a Woman”

To Be Eaten Alive  » Buckles Laboratories, LLC / Epic » 2023

Per Mariah the Scientist (Mariah Buckles), “You’ve paid the cost for true romance / And you want my love again.” Word.  In the second verse of “From a Woman,” Buckles asserts, “I roll the dice and take a chance / Won’t let no one say I can’t / Won’t call you Slime ‘cause it don’t fit / I see you as more than this.” Slime, huh? He means much more than that to her. Buckles shines on “From a Woman,” the third track from her 2023 album, To Be Eaten Alive. London on da Track, Brandosound, Remey Williams, BLUESOUNDROOM, and Arsenio Archer provide a lush, warm musical backdrop. The backdrop consists of gorgeous keys, pads, and synths, characteristic of 21^st-century R&B. Mariah the Scientists impresses with her rich, sultry vocals. She masterfully brings the tuneful melodies and love-driven lyrics to life. Buckles ascends higher during the chorus, the centerpiece, contrasting her lower and middle register in the verses.

“And look at the trust closin’ in

Here’s to someone I can depend on, yes

Sent from above, I am convinced

If it isn’t luck, I guess love exists.” 

Word. Mariah the Scientist ‘does the damn thing’ on “From a Woman.”

Appears in:

15 Epic FROM Songs, Vol. 1 (2025)

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17. George Michael, “Father Figure”

Faith » Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited » 1987

“Sometimes I think that you’ll never / Understand me (Understand me) / But somethin’ tells me together / We’d be happy.” Noted, George Michael! The late, great pop singer, songwriter, and producer concocted a gem for the ages with “Father Figure”. “Father Figure” is the second track from his 1987 diamond-certified, Grammy-winning pop masterpiece, Faith. Michael wrote and produced it. Unsurprisingly, “Father Figure” spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was the only song from Faith nominated for a Grammy at the 31^st Annual Grammy Awards.  

 

“Father Figure” shines in every facet.  Instrumentally, it dons gorgeous keyboards, pads, and synths. The riffs are distinct and utterly sweet. The groove is a 10 out of 10, easily.  Of course, it’s the handsome and talented George Michael that everybody came for. He doesn’t disappoint, delivering terrific vocals.  His breathy tone, particularly in the first verse, is to die for. “That’s all I wanted, something special / Something sacred in your eyes,” he sings, continuing, “For just one moment to be bold and naked / At your side.” Oh, snap, George!  The melodies are tuneful throughout, with the centerpiece, the chorus, taking the cake. Following the first and second verses, there is a refrain that is varied, not to be confused with the chorus (excepted earlier). With the arrival of the chorus, George, the background vocalists (Chris Cameron and Shirley Lewis), and the musical backdrop, ‘kick things up a notch.’ Cameron and Lewis carry the melody, while Michael ad-libs and riffs.

“I will be your father figure
Put your tiny hand in mine (My baby)
I will be your preacher, teacher
Anything you have in mind (Hee)
I will be your father figure
I have had enough of crime
I will be the one who loves you
‘Til the end of time.” 

The third verse is a vibe, like the first and second. Love (and sex) continues to be the modus operandi. Following the third refrain and second chorus, we get an extended bridge.  Bridges aren’t typically this long, but it works out well for GM. “Greet me with the eyes of a child / My love is always tellin’ me so,” he sings, continuing, “Heaven is a kiss and a smile /Just hold on, hold on, and I won’t let you go, my baby.” Although he was short-lived, dying at 53 years young, George Michael left an iconic musical catalog. “Father Figure” easily ranks near the top.

Appears in:

George Michael, Father Figure : Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 98 (2025)

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18. Leona Lewis, “Footprints in the Sand”

Spirit » Simco Limited / Sony Music Entertainment UK » 2007

“You walked with me when I was all alone / With so much unknown along the way.” To have someone to walk with you – a confidante and a protector – is special.  That is what Grammy-nominated British singer Leona Lewis sings about on “Footprints in the Sand”, the 12^th track from her multiplatinum 2007 debut album, Spirit. This ballad is tailor-made for Lewis.  It was written by Simon Cowell, David Kreuger, Per Magnusson, and Richard Page. Steve Mac produced it.

Part of the reason the ballad is tailor-made for Lewis is the production.  The sound palette includes warm piano and lush strings. Initially, instrumentally, “Footprints in the Sand” is sparer. By the second verse, the production fills out with more robust dynamics. Leona delivers gorgeous, high-flying, nuanced vocals.  She masterfully brings the tuneful melodies to life.  Additionally, the songwriting is authentic, thoughtful, and vulnerable. “I see my life flash across the sky / So many times have I been so afraid,” Lewis sings in the second verse, continuing, “And just when I… I thought I’d lost my way / You gave me strength to carry on.”  The chorus is the section to beat:

“‘I promise you, I’m always there

When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair

I’ll carry you when you need a friend

You’ll find my footprints in the sand’.”

Following the initial chorus, Lewis delivers bigger vocals with successive choruses.  Also, during the second verse, some harmonized vocals up the ante, amplifying the inspirational vibes.  There is a welcome change of pace during the bridge harmonically, while the lyrics maintain the tenor of the song (“When I’m weary / Well, I know you’ll be there / And I can feel you when you say”). A key change adds to the emotion in the final chorus, as do the voices of a gospel choir.  I love how Leona Lewis brings things down at the end.  “Footprints in the Sand” is magnificent.

Appears in:

Leona Lewis, Footprints in the Sand: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 10 (2025)

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19. The Floaters, “Float On”

The Floaters » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1977

“Float, float on.” Word. Those are the key lyrics from the simple but memorable chorus of “Float On”. “Float On” was the sole pop hit by the Detroit R&B group, The Floaters, comprising James Mitchell Jr., Larry Cunningham (1951 – 2019), Charles Clark, Paul Mitchell (1949 – 2021), and Ralph Mitchell. “Float On” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.The single version of the top R&B song of 1977 runs four and a quarter minutes long. The album version runs nearly 12 minutes.  “Float On” commences their 1977 platinum-certified album, The Floaters.  Arnold Ingram, James Mitchell Jr., and Marvin Willis wrote “Float On.” Woody Wilson produced it.

“Aquarius, Libra, Leo, Cancer / Ralph, Charles, Paul, Larry.”  Those are the astrological signs of The Floaters in the order they perform on “Float On.” “Float On” stands out for many reasons.  Backed by a lush, soulful music backdrop (rhythm section, strings), the music floats along fittingly. Spoken word performances by Ralph, Charles, Paul, and Larry ride the glistening musical backdrop like a champ. Each member introduces their sign, themselves, and their preference in a woman.  “Aquarius and my name is Ralph,” Ralph Mitchell speaks, adding, “Now I like a woman who loves her freedom / And I like a woman who can hold her own.” The late Larry Cunningham is the final voice heard in the fourth verse:

“Cancer and my name is Larry, huh

And I like a woman that loves everything and everybody

Because I love everybody and everything

And you know what, ladies, if you feel that this is you

Then this is what I want you to do.”

The sung vocals – the pre-chorus and chorus – are marvelous, too (“Take my hand / Come with me, baby, to Love Land / Let me show you how sweet it could be / Sharing love with me, I want you to / Float, float on…”). Charles Clark shines in his pre-chorus, spoiling listeners with a ripe falsetto.  “Float On” was the only hit by The Floaters, but it’s a good one – one for ‘all time!’

Appears in:

The Floaters, Float On: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 16 (2025)

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20. Gladys Knight & The Pips, “Friendship Train”

Nitty Gritty » Motown » 1969

“This train stands for justice / This train stands for freedom / This train stands for harmony and peace /This train stands for love, love, love.” Iconic soul group Gladys Knight & The Pips originally recorded “Friendship Train”, which appeared as the 14^th and final track from their 1969 album, Nitty Gritty. Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield penned this friendship-driven Motown bop. Whitfield is also credited as the producer. A top 20 hit on the pop charts, “Friendship Train” peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It reached number two on the R&B charts.

“Friendship Train” commences with an awesome bass line, followed by a sickening groove and raucous electric guitar riff.  Beyond a stirring rhythm section, the musical backdrop includes fierce, articulated horns. Gladys Knight excels with her brilliant, expressive, and soulful lead vocals.  The message of the song is to promote friendship, love, and unity, not hate.  After highlighting the ills plaguing the world (“Stealing, burning, fighting, killing, nothing but corruption”), Knight asserts in the opening verse, “We got to learn to live with each other / No, no matter what race, creed, or color /… What the world needs now / … Is love and understanding.” Knight gets some assistance in the second verse from one of The Pips briefly, once more touting love, not hatred.  The chorus is where the group’s bread is buttered:

“Come on, get on the friendship train

Everybody shake a hand, shake a hand

I’m talking ‘bout the friendship train

Get on board and shake a hand, make a friend now.”

During the second chorus, Gladys is even grittier and more powerful. She shows off the sheer excellence of her instrument – one of the best voices of all time.  Songs in the 21^st century do not sound like “Friendship Train”. However, the message endures, particularly with a resurgence of hate promoted by arguably the most polarizing president ever.

Appears in:

Gladys Knight & The Pips, Friendship Train: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 59 (2025)

 

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A Fuckin’ Fantastic Bunch of F Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Artemas, Atlantic, Columbia, Blackened Recordings, Buckles Laboratories, LLC, Donald Duff, Epic,  G.K. Panayioutou, gamma., Geffen,  Green Day, Luh Tyler, Motion Music, LLC, Motown, Parkwood Entertainment LLC, Phantasy Sound, Rebel, Reprise, Roc Nation Distribution, Simco Limited, Smiley Miley, Inc., Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited, SWIMS Int., Taylor Swift, The Smeezingtons, Ultra, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner, Westbury Road Entertainment; AcatXIo from Pixabay]

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