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Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 2 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Airam Dato-on, Andy Coffie, Caio Mantovani, Eric Moura, Justyn Abacajan, Lucas Pezeta, Renthel Cueto, Shalom Ejiofor, Zulfugar Karimov from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 2  features songs by Alicia Keys, Aqua, Ari Lennox, Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney, Nine Days, and Stan Getz.

W❤️ boys a lot on The Musical Hype. We show our appreciation of them o’er and o’er. Probably too much, but boys are something! But, girls listen –  we ❤️ you too, and we wouldn’t dare leave you out! After celebrating you once with Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 1 (2025), we’re ready to celebrate you again with Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 2!!! The criterion is simple: all songs must feature the word girl or a similar noun or reference (lady comes to mind). Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 2  features songs by Alicia Keys, Aqua, Ari Lennox, Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney, Nine Days, and Stan Getz. So, without further ado, let’s get behind the girls on this girl-centric sequel, shall we?!


~ Table of Contents ~

1. Ari Lennox, “Soft Girl Era” 2. Alicia Keys, “Girl On Fire” 3. Nine Days, “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” 4. JADE, “IT girl”
5. Aqua,“Barbie Girl” 6. Boots, “Gay Guys Drink Vodka Sodas, But Girls Do Poppers” 7. R. Kelly & Usher, “Same Girl” 8. Snow Wife, “What Do Girls Do?”
9. Brooke Valentine, “Girlfight” (Ft. Lil Jon & Big Boi) 10. Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney, “The Girl is Mine” 11. Jill Sobule, “I Kissed a Girl” 12. The Chi-Lites, “Oh Girl”
13. Stan Getz, “The Girl From Ipanema”      

 


1. Ari Lennox, “Soft Girl Era”

“Soft Girl Era” » Interscope » 2025 

Ari Lennox, Soft Girl Era [📷: Interscope]“Baby, that’s a million dollars in the mirror (Yeah) / Step back, get back, can’t get near her.” Oh, snap, Ari Lennox (Courtney Salter)! The Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter is in her “Soft Girl Era”! “Ain’t tryna do nothing but look pretty in here,” she continues singing in the centerpiece, the chorus, adding, “Hurry up and put me in my soft girl era.” Lennox penned “Soft Girl Era” alongside Ant Clemons, Gabrielle Rodgers, and producers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox. The sound of the “Soft Girl Era” is terrific.  It thrives off an awesome percussive groove and is anchored by a big, soulful bass line.  There is nothing ‘soft’ about Lennox’s vocal performance.  She ‘brings the heat’ as she touts her new era: “I can be your passenger princess / Move quick for a bitch, add interest / Don’t you tell nobody what you witnessed / ‘Cause what we doin’ ain’t no one’s business but you.” Yeah, Lennox is not too soft, particularly later when she asserts, “I can’t let you fuck me out the bonnet.” Woo! Throughout, “Soft Girl Era” features ear-catching, rhythmic, tuneful melodies. Lennox also gets a lift from lovely background vocals that deliver sickening harmonies.  All in all, Lennox’s “Soft Girl Era” is not ‘soft’ in quality.  Once more, Ari ‘brings it.’

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2. Alicia Keys, “Girl On Fire”

Girl on Fire » RCA » 2012

Alicia Keys, Girl On Fire [📷: RCA]“She’s just a girl and she’s on fire 🔥,” Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Alicia Keys asserts on “Girl On Fire”. “Girl On Fire” marks the crowning achievement from her platinum-certified 2012 LP, Girl on Fire. Even though the girl whom Keys sings about has the adversity of a crazy world against her, “She knows she can fly away.” Why? Well, because “She’s not backin’ down” and, of course, “This girl is on fire!” “Girl On Fire” just missed the top 10, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.  In the Inferno version, Nicki Minaj assists, performing the first and fourth verses (“Dear God, if you’re here God / Make the fire disappear when they stare God”). Regardless of the mix, Keys is the star of the show.  She sings well, painting a beautiful portrait of a strong, determined woman 💪.  The bridge marks a truly fabulous moment, where Keys makes it clear that this girl doesn’t show her flaws or insecurities in the least.

“Everybody stands, as she goes by

‘Cause they can see the flame that’s in her eyes

Watch her when she’s lighting up the night

Nobody knows that she’s a lonely girl

And it’s a lonely world

But she gon’ let it burn, baby, burn, baby.”

The multiplatinum single speaks to women – empowerment, baby – but it should also be admired by men, too.  A strong woman deserves the admiration and respect of all 💪!

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3. Nine Days, “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)”

The Madding Crowd » Sony Music Entertainment Inc. » 2000 

Nine Days, The Madding Crowd [📷: Sony Music Entertainment Inc.]“This is the story of a girl / Who cried a river and drowned the whole world,” frontman John Hampson sings in the beloved, memorable chorus of “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)”. He continues, “And while she looks so sad in photographs / I absolutely love her / When she smiles.” Nine Days earned a once-in-a-lifetime hit with “Absolutely (Story of a Girl),” the second track from Nine Days’ gold-certified album, The Madding Crowd. “Story of a Girl” peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band’s only top 40 hit. It was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in June 2025. Hampson wrote “Story of a Girl.” Nick DiDia produced it.  

“Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” exemplifies the 2000s pop/rock sound. John Hampson sings expressively, imparting an intriguing, autobiographical tale.  In the first verse, he sings, “She woke up with hope, but she only found tears / And I can be so insincere / Making her promises never for real.” Hampson is clear about his shortcomings, having made unfulfilled promises to this girl, who ultimately became his wife.  He offers further insight. “How many lovers would stay,” he asks in the second verse, continuing, “Just to put up with this shit day after day.” No explanation necessary.  Who wants to put up with shit, particularly when shit, in this context, is NOT positive.  That’s some foul poo 💩! Some of the best, cleverest, and most poetic lyrics from the song occur at the end of the second verse.  “As long as we stand here waiting / Wearing the clothes or the soles [souls] that we choose,” he sings, “How do we get there today / When we’re walking too far for the price of our shoes?” Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant writing!  It is completely understandable why “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” became a surefire hit. Great singing, tuneful melodies, quintessential pop/rock sound, and clever songwriting. “Absolutely” may be a one-hit wonder, but it is an unforgettable, particularly accomplished one!

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4. JADE, “IT girl”

“IT girl” » Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited » 2025

JADE, IT girl [📷: Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited]“Throw me them roses / Well, that’s just showbiz, baby / Won’t sugarcoat it / You make me feel si-si-si-sick.” English pop singer JADE (Jade Thirlwall), a member of Little Mix, lets the world know she is “IT girl”, PERIOD.  The two-and-a-half-minute-long single is filled with attitude, confidence, and sass.  Sleekly produced, Cirkut and LOSTBOY ‘put in work’ behind the boards. Thirlwall delivers gorgeous, commanding lead vocals from the beginning. The intro, and eventual pre-chorus, is dramatic and lush. Following the intro, “IT girl” transforms into a sleek dance cut.  She brings it in the refrain: “I am the it girl /… I am the shit girl.” She doesn’t play in the verses, either. “Put me on the pedestal, watch me dance / Dance to the beat till I can’t stand,” she sings in the first verse.  In the second, she sings, “My darling, you could never / You’ll never own me.” She’s a badass, independent woman! The chorus is fierce, too:

“I’m not your thing

I’m not your baby doll

No puppet on a string

This bitch can’t be controlled.”

Damn! “IT girl” is a surefire B-O-P from JADE.  Interestingly, the song earned attention for some shade thrown at Simon Cowell.

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5. Aqua,“Barbie Girl”

Aquarium » Universal Music (Denmark) A/S » 1997

Aqua, Aquarium [📷: Universal Music (Denmark) A/S]“I’m a Barbie girl in the Barbie world / Life in plastic, it’s fantastic.” Woo! Aqua earned a big-time, triple platinum hit with “Barbie Girl” in 1997. The Barbie-driven bop appeared on the Danish-Norwegian pop collective’s multiplatinum album, Aquarium. In the U.S., “Barbie Girl” peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, their most successful showing on the pop charts. Claus Norreen, Johnny Jam, Karsten Dalhgaard (Delgado), Lene Nystrøm, René Dif, and Søren Rasted wrote the exuberant track.  Johnny Jam, Delgado, Rasted, and Norreen produced it.

Like much of Eurodance/Europop music, “Barbie Girl” sounds bright, bubbly, and sparkling in sound.  In this relentless, driving rhythmic cut, the beat pounds while the synths sizzle.  The vocals are tongue-in-cheek – playful to the nth degree. Nystrøm channels her inner Barbie with her distinct, high-pitched vocals. This is a big part of the charm of this pop classic. “I’m a blonde bimbo girl in a fantasy world,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Dress me up, make it tight, I’m your dolly.” Sexual lyrics, for sure! Beyond Nystøm, René Dif brings it, channeling his inner Ken. To Lene, aka Barbie, he asserts, “You’re my doll, rock and roll, feel the glamor in pink / Kiss me here, touch me there, hanky-panky.” Oh, snap! Aqua was sued by Mattel.  The famed toy company took issue with what they deemed copyright infringement (using Barbie) and, unsurprisingly, the sexual references. Mattel lost, ultimatelyYes, “You can brush my hair, undress me everywhere” rightfully raised eyebrows at the time, but “Barbie Girl” should be taken with a grain of salt. After all, “Imagination, life is your creation!” Well, something like that!

 

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6. Boots, “Gay Guys Drink Vodka Sodas, But Girls Do Poppers”

Boots Bitch (EP) » Boots Bitch » 2024

Boots, Boots Bitch (EP) [📷: Boots Bitch]“Boots Bitch!” Indeed. Boots is Abhijeet (she/they, self-described ‘7ft tall Bollywood Barbie’) and Kirk. “Gay Guys Drink Vodka Sodas, But Girls Do Poppers” is the second track from the duo’s 2024 EP, fittingly titled Boots Bitch. The titular lyrics are crucial.  They are repeated many, many times.  “Gay guys drink vodka sodas,” Abhijeet sings thrice, adding, “Girls, girls, do poppers.”  Vodka soda is entrenched in gay culture. Poppers as well. While Abhijeet claims girls do poppers, I question the context.  Gay men are famous/infamous for using them… Anyways, beyond vodka sodas and poppers, variation arrives. Different alcoholic drinks are referenced, including Belvedere, Grey Goose, and Cîroc. Abhijeet sings from the perspective of a gay guy and answers as a girl:

“Do you want a shot?

Do you want a sip?

Vodka sodas are for gay guys

So, I’ll just take a hit.”

Ooh-wee! Before the final choruses, she memorably asks, “Can you believe he offered me shots? / What do I look like? A man?” Backed by sickening musical accompaniment filled with colorful synths and an infectious danceable beat (get it Kirk), “Gay Guys Drink Vodka Sodas, But Girls Do Poppers” is an entertaining dance bop well beyond its 2024 release. Gays and girls can bump to this one!

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7. R. Kelly & Usher, “Same Girl”

Double Up » Zomba Recording LLC » 2007

R. Kelly, Double Up [📷: Zomba Recording LLC]“We messing with the same girl (Same girl) / The same girl / How could the love of my life / And my potential wife be the / The same girl…” That is a great question, R. Kelly.  The disgraced R&B singer/songwriter had a knack for outlandish, soap opera R&B songs before his epic downfall.  One of Kells’ best duets from the 2000s comes by way of “Same Girl”. Kelly linked up with one of the era’s biggest superstars, Usher. “Same Girl” was the ninth track on Kelly’s platinum-certified 2007 album, Double Up. The duet peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. R. Kelly co-wrote “Girl” with Lil Ronnie (Ronald Jackson) and James Smith.  Kelly and Jackson produced it.

The premise of “Same Girl” is simple. Both R. Kelly and Usher are dating the same girl. There is nothing complex or transcendent about the songwriting. But, admittedly, it’s entertaining. Both artists perform throughout three verses and three choruses. R. introduces this fine girl in the first verse: “She stands about 5’4”, Coca Cola, redbone /… And I call her TeTe.” His details prompt Usher to ask questions, which Kelly answers in song: “Does she got a beauty mark on the left side of her mouth (Man…) / Went to Georgia Tech? (Yup) Works for TBS (Yup) / Man, I can’t believe this shit, damn.” Eventually, we reach the chorus where reality sets in – they are messing around with the same girl.  Of course, this gets milked for all its worth, against a gorgeous, sleek contemporary R&B backdrop. “And I thought it was true confessions when she said, ‘I love you,’” Kells sings in the second verse, with Ush responding, “Look, I even got some pictures on my phone.” So, what do these men decide to do? “Man, just ask her to meet up with you / And I’m going to show up too,” Kelly sings, with Usher responding, “And she won’t know what to do.” Clearly. The vocal chemistry between the singers is superb – two dynamic voices on one track. Looking back on “Same Girl”, a fabulous R&B duet, it reminds you how talented Kelly was.  It is such a shame he turned out to be a monster as a person. 

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8. Snow Wife, “What Do Girls Do?”

“What Do Girls Do?” » SNOWGLOBE » 2025

Snow Wife, What Do Girls Do? [📷: SNOWGLOBE]“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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9. Brooke Valentine, “Girlfight” (Ft. Lil Jon & Big Boi)

Chain Letter » Virgin » 2005 

Brooke Valentine, Chain Letter [📷: Virgin]“Boy stop / It’s about to be a girl fight!” WOO! Brooke Valentine probably won’t ring a bell to a modern R&B audience.  She earned just one charting single on the pop charts, “Girlfight”, which appeared on her sole album, Chain Letter (2005), and peaked at no. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Girlfight” was no slouch, enlisting the services of then two extremely popular rappers: Lil Jon and Big Boi.  The record embraced the crunk style that was popular, with Lil Jon producing the electrifying joint.  The chorus is the main attraction: “We ‘bout to throw them bows  / We ‘bout to swang them thangs,” the Houston artist sings, concluding, “It’s ‘bout to be a (What) girl fight.” After bringing feistiness early on the intro and chorus, Brooke expresses why this fight is about to go down. She criticizes the first girl for spreading mess and also ‘takes a shot’ at her friend who might get involved.  By the second verse, Brooke and her entourage (“Me and my girls we down to ride / So when ya hear us pull up bring ya ass outside”) are ready to F-I-G-H-T (“I’m ‘bout to go real hard, ‘bout to swing them thangs / You ‘bout to feel elbows all in ya brains”).  Besides Brooke, we get various hype man moments from Lil Jon as well as a colorful, entertaining verse by Big Boi (“Oh snap, these bitches they act like cats /… Man go on let them hoes fight”). “Girlfight” is an underrated bop you forgot about, or perhaps, you never heard!

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10. Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney, “The Girl is Mine”

Thriller » MJJ Productions, Inc. » 1982

Michael Jackson, Thriller [📷: MJJ Productions]“The girl is mine / The doggone girl is mine,” Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009), the King of Pop, sings in the chorus of one of his greatest songs, “The Girl Is Mine”. He continues, singing to his legendary duet partner, Paul McCartney (1942 – ), “I know she’s mine / Because the doggone girl is mine.” “The Girl Is Mine” is the third track from Jackson’s 1982, diamond-certified, blockbuster, Grammy-winning, tour de force, Thriller. Jackson wrote the gem while the legendary Quincy Jones (1933 – 2024) produced it. “Girl” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2022. The sound of the record is nothing short of celestial. The smooth, sophisticated production work and arrangement exemplify the 1980s R&B and Pop sound. Some of the highlights of the instrumentation and ear-catching sounds include cool, rhythmic guitars, colorful keys, and soaring strings. This is the perfect blend of acoustic and electronic instruments/programming.

The stars of “The Girl Is Mine” are Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. Jackson brings the heat with his expressive, nuanced vocals.  His tone is heaven-sent – angelic –  as he stakes his claim to this girl: “Every night, she walks right in my dreams / Since I met her from the start / I’m so proud I am the only one / Who is special in her heart.” McCartney complements Jackson perfectly. Their vocal contrast is part of the charm. Like Jackson, McCartney sings buttery smooth: “I don’t understand the way you think / Saying that she’s yours, not mine…” McCartney sings the chorus following his verse. On the bridge, they trade lines, as well as together in select moments. Jackson hits the biggest, most high-powered moment, flaunting his upper register: “But we both cannot have her / So, it’s one or the other / And one day, you’ll discover / That she’s my girl forever and ever.” Paul McCartney and Jackson then split the final verse, with Jackson singing the tuneful chorus alone. A key change arrives near the end of the song. There is a cute, unforgettable spoken word interlude/skit between Jackson and McCartney before the outro. In the outro of “The Girl Is Mine”, one of the sweetest ballads of the 1980s, both superstars continue to assert their claim to this girl.  This duet NEVER grows old, and the musicianship is top-notch.

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11. Jill Sobule, “I Kissed a Girl”

Jill Sobule » Atlantic Recording Corporation » 1995

Jill Sobule, Jill Sobule [📷: Atlantic Recording Corporation]“So, we laughed, compared notes / We had a drink, we had a smoke / She took off her overcoat…” Okay, so, what happened next, Jill Sobule? Why, “I Kissed a Girl”, of course! “I Kissed a Girl” is the seventh track from the deceased (😥) musician’s 1995 self-titled album. What did she and her friend, Jenny, compare notes about? Their questionable boyfriends include Brad, who is “dumb as a box of hammers,” and Larry, whom Jill believes, “I think I can do better.” Oh, snap! Sobule wrote the bi-curious/gay gem with Robin EatonBrad Jones and Eaton produced it.  “Kissed” impacted the pop charts modestly, peaking at number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“I Kissed a Girl” not only satisfies because of its queerness (“They can have their diamonds / And we’ll have our pearls” 🤭), but also its musicianship.  The sound is eclectic, with country, folk, pop, and rock sensibilities. The groove is particularly satisfying. There is an awesome, distorted, and mean-sounding guitar solo that appears toward the end of the song.  Sobule delivers beautiful, playful, and tongue-in-cheek vocals. As the song progresses, it sounds like her vocal performance grows even more confident and more dynamic.  Still, it is those queer lyrics that catch our ears. After Jenny tells her boyfriend she’ll be late, she feels guilty, considering, she’s kissing Jill.  “Then I looked at you, you had guilt in your eyes,” Sobule sings in the second verse, expanding on the rendezvous, continuing, “But it only lasted a little while / And then I felt your hand above my knee.” Oh, snap! While Sobule acknowledges kissing “a girl won’t change the world,” she’s glad she did and admits, after kissing a girl for the first time, “Won’t be the last time.” Word. Rest in peace, Jill Sobule.  You left an LGBTQ+ gem for the ages with “I Kissed a Girl”.

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12. The Chi-Lites, “Oh Girl”

A Lonely Man // Brunswick Record Corp. // 1972

The Chi-Lites, A Lonely Man [📷: Brunswick Record Corp.]“Oh, girl / I’d be in trouble if you left me now,” Eugene Record (1940 – 2005) sings, continuing, “‘Cause I don’t know where to look for love / I just don’t know how.” Record is the lead singer of the legendary Chicago soul collective, The Chi-Lites. “Oh Girl” is the opener from the group’s 1972 album, A Lonely Man.  Record wrote and produced “Oh Girl,” the biggest hit of their career. “Girl” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  Like many soul records, the sounds are colorful, rhythmic, and ooze with, you guessed it, soul. Notably, “Oh Girl” features a harmonica, performed by Chi-Lite Marshall Thompson (1942 –).

Matters of the heart dominate “Oh Girl,” as the first verse sufficiently conveys. If she leaves, what is a man to do? Eugene speaks of his dependency on her in the second verse. What is he dependent on? “To give me love when I need it,” of course.  By the fifth and final verse, he informs her, “Pain will double if you leave me now / ‘Cause I don’t know where to look for love / And I don’t, I don’t know how.” That is a sentiment many men and women can agree on! Between the second and third verses, there is a bridge that distinguishes itself from other sections of the song. “All my friends call me a fool / They say let the woman take care of you,” Record sings, continuing, “So, I try to be hip and think like the crowd / But even the crowd can’t help me now.”  The question is, what has this man done to be so afraid to lose her if he hasn’t lost her yet? Is he anticipating a breakup? Hard to tell, but what isn’t hard to tell is that “Oh Girl” is the cat’s meow. This is one of the elite songs in the soul collection for good reason.  Brilliant singing and songwriting, marvelous production and sound, that unique harmonica solo, and a big-time vibe.

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13. Stan Getz, “The Girl From Ipanema”

Getz / Gilberto // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1964 

Stan Getz & João Gilberto, Getz / Gilberto [📷: UMG Recordings, Inc.]“Tall and tan and young and lovely / The girl from Ipanema goes walking / And when she passes he smiles / But she doesn’t see.” Jazz tenor saxophonist Stan Getz (1927 – 1991) is renowned for “The Girl From Ipanema” which appears twice on his critically acclaimed, Grammy-winning 1964 album, Getz / Gilberto. Getz / Gilberto is one of the rare jazz albums to earn gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. Getz / Gilberto ultimately won the Grammy for Album of the Year, while “Girl” took home the Grammy for Record of the Year at the 7th Annual Grammy Awards.

The original version of “The Girl From Ipanema,” which runs nearly five-and-a-half minutes long, commences the album. The second version (the single version), which runs under three minutes, appears as the ninth track. Besides Getz, Girl” is credited to Brazilian guitarist, singer, and songwriter João Gilberto (1931 – 2019), his then-wife, Brazilian singer/songwriter Astrud Gilberto (1940 – 2023), and Brazilian composer, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Antônio Carlos Jobim (1927 – 1994). João sings and plays guitar, Astrud sings, taking over lead duties, while Antônio plays piano.  Jobim, Norman Gimbel (1927 – 2018), and Brazilian poet and lyricist Vinícius de Moraes (1913 – 1980) wrote “The Girl From Ipanema.” Legendary jazz producer Creed Taylor (1929 – 2022) produced it.

“The Girl From Ipanema” is a star-studded, historically important jazz/bossa nova recording.  The high level of musicianship speaks for itself.  There is a cool energy that emanates from the cut. All parties leave their mark on this landmark recording. João Gilberto is the first voice heard, singing exclusively in Portuguese, while his rhythmic guitar accompaniment is vital throughout (“Olha que coisa mais linda, mais cheia de graça / É ela a menina que vem e que passa / Num doce balanço a caminho do mar”). Antônio Carlos Jobim plays modestly and tastefully on the keys, keeping it non troppo with his comping and riffs. Astrud Gilberto wows us with her refined, chilling, and easy-going vocals when she takes over the lead, singing exclusively in English: “Tall and tan and young and lovely / The girl from Ipanema goes walking / And when she passes, each one she passes goes ‘ah!’” Last but not least, the warm, radiant tenor saxophone of Stan Getz enters the mix, providing a celestial contrast.  His tone, phrasing, and everything are perfect.  Jobim gets his moment to shine with a brief but sweet piano solo built on comping.  It precedes the return of Astrud, becoming the focal point, with some decadent, tasteful soloing from Getz.  Describing the happenings of “The Girl From Ipanema” doesn’t do it justice, no matter how poetic and rich I strive to make my words.  The music speaks for itself.   This is one of the truly great records, of any musical genre, of all time. 

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~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 2 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic Recording Corporation, Boots Bitch, Brunswick Record Corp., Interscope, MJJ Productions, Inc., RCA, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., SNOWGLOBE, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited, UMG Recordings, Inc., Universal Music (Denmark) A/S, Virgin, Zomba Recording LLC; Airam Dato-on, Andy Coffie, Caio Mantovani, Eric Moura, Justyn Abacajan, Lucas Pezeta, Renthel Cueto, Shalom Ejiofor, Zulfugar Karimov from Pexels; AcatXIo from Pixabay]

 

Categories: EvergreenLGBTQMusicPlaylistsPop Culture

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.

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