An Epic Compendium of E Songs

Reading Time: 25 min read

An Epic Compendium of E Songs features songs by Al Green, JENNIE, Madonna, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tears For Fears.

Ah, ‘E,’ the fifth letter of the alphabet! Following the amazement of A, the bitchin’ buffet of B, a captivating collection of C, and a drove of dazzling D songs, E keeps things epic to the nth degree! In music, within this musical compendium, we celebrate the power of E via E songs. After celebrating A with 21 Randomly Curated, Amazing A Songs (2025), B with A Buffet of Randomly Curated B Songs, C with A Collection of Randomly Curated C Songs, and D with A Dazzling Drove of D Songs, we unveil An Epic Compendium of E Songs!

Each of the 21 songs that appear on An Epic Compendium of E Songs begins with an e-word. The only exception is the preceding e-word. An Epic Compendium of E Songs features songs by Al Green, JENNIE, Kendrick Lamar, Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter, and Tears For Fears. So, without further ado, let us all embrace the power of E on An Epic Compendium of E Songs!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso”	2. Survivor, “Eye Of The Tiger”	3. Miley Cyrus, “End of the World”	4. Ciara, “Ecstasy”
5. Gonzy & SAIKO, “EROTICAAAAAAA”	6. Linkin Park, “The Emptiness Machine”	7. beabadoobee, “Ever Seen”	8. Kendrick Lamar, “Euphoria”
9. Darin, “Electric”	10. JENNIE, “ExtraL” (Ft. Doechii)	11. Al Green, “Everybody Hurts” – R.E.M. cover	12. FLETCHER, “Ego Talking”
13. John Summit, “EAT THE BASS”	14. Beyoncé, “Ego”	15. Flo Rida, “Elevator”	16. U2, “Exit”
17. Halsey, “The End”	18. Outkast, “Elevators (Me & You)”	19. Madonna, “Erotica”	20. “Prince, Erotic City”
21. Tears For Fears, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”

1. Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso”

Short n’ Sweet » Island » 2024

“Now he’s thinkin’ ‘bout me every night, oh / Is it sweet? I guess so.” What’s most sweet for Sabrina Carpenter is the breakout year she’s had in 2024. The breakout? “Espresso.” “Espresso,” the seventh track from Short n’ Sweet, earned Carpenter her first top-5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. It is a fun, groovy, and infectious pop song that easily gets stuck in your head. Yes, espresso is coffee but that’s not what Carpenter is getting at. This is a confident, sexy, grown-up pop record from Sabrina, who is 25 – no longer a child actress! “My give-a-fucks are on vacation,” she sings in the first verse, adding “And I got this one boy, and he won’t stop calling / When they act this way, I know I got ‘em.” Oh, snap! Another lyrical gem that Carpenter throws at the audience? “My twisted humor make him laugh so often / My honeybee, come and get this pollen.” Carpenter delivers a playful vocal performance, backed by a sleek Julian Bunetta-produced backdrop. “Espresso” is just the beginning for Sabrina Carpenter… literally!

Appears in:

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2. Survivor, “Eye Of The Tiger”

Eye of the Tiger » Volcano Entertainment, III, L.L.C. » 1982

“It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight / Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival.” YES, YES, YES 💪! More, please! “And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night / And he’s watching us all with the eye of the tiger.” Woo! Although Survivor earned five top 10 hits, “Eye Of The Tiger” was their sole no. 1 hit. It spent six weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2018, the single was certified octuple platinum. Eye of the Tiger (the LP) peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard 200. It secured a platinum plaque. “Eye of The Tiger” also appeared as the theme song from Rocky III as well as the opener from the soundtrack (1982). It was written and produced by Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan.

“Eye of the Tiger” provides motivation musically and thematically. The instrumental is epic with driving, rhythm guitar, prominent bass, sweet keys, and an infectious groove. With an excellent build-up during the intro, those heavy-handed, distorted guitar hits are crucial to the song’s success. Another reason for “Eye of the Tiger’s” success are dynamic vocals by Dave Bickler, the lead singer from 1978 – 1983. He brings the tuneful melodies and unforgettable chorus to life. “Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past,” Bickler encourages in the first verse, adding, “You must fight just to keep them alive.” The keyword is FIGHT. In the second verse, he’s “Hangin’ tough, stayin’ hungry,” adding, “They stack the odds ‘til we take to the street / For the kill with the skill to survive.” Maybe the most motivational lyric comes from the end of the third and final verse: “Went the distance, now I’m not gonna stop / Just a man and his will to survive.” 40+ years later, Survivor continues to lift and motivate us with “Eye of the Tiger”. It NEVER grows old.

Appears in:

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3. Miley Cyrus, “End of the World”

Something Beautiful » MCEO Inc. / Columbia » 2025

“Show me how you’d hold me if tomorrow wasn’t comin’ for sure.” Grammy-winning pop singer/songwriter Miley Cyrus goes on to sing, “Let’s pretend it’s not the end of the world.” “End of the World” is the third track from Cyrus’ ninth studio album, Something Beautiful. The thrilling “End” features multiple songwriters and producers including Cyrus.

The song features big pop/rock vibes. These vibes suit Cyrus superbly. The driving groove from the onset catches the ears, as does a lovely palette of sounds (guitars, keys, synths/programming, strings). “End” is bright, set in a major key, despite the pessimistic song title. Expectedly, Cyrus delivers a strong vocal, with her biggest moment coming in the infectious chorus (excerpted above). There is lovely contrast during the bridge section – different harmonic progression but related lyrics. “Oh, I wanna take you to Nirvana, we can’t take it too far,” Cyrus sings, adding, “Hit the bottom of the bottle and forget who we are / Hold me close, you know tomorrow isn’t comin’ for sure.” The breakdown section also stands out, preceding the final chorus, where Cyrus asserts, “Let’s pretend it’s not the end of the world.” Miley Cyrus ‘brings it’ on “End of the World”.

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4. Ciara, “Ecstasy”

“Ecstasy” » Beauty Marks Entertainment » 2025

“‘Cause you’re like a hit of ecstasy / I can feel you all inside.” Ooh-la-la! The innuendo is ripe on “Ecstasy”. “And baby, I’m on one tonight / Ready, set, let’s go.” Damn! Grammy-winning R&B singer/songwriter Ciara entices us with a sleek, sensual contemporary R&B joint. She co-wrote “Ecstasy” alongside Courtlin Jabrae and Theron Thomas. Leather Jackettt and Tommy Brown (TBHITS) produced it. The sound is sleek. This is modern R&B.

With a sickening musical backdrop supporting her, Ciara sounds sickening, too. Her vocals are smooth and sensual. She never gets too high, bringing a cool energy to the track. As the chorus, excerpted above, expressed, Ci likens her man to “a hit of ecstasy.” Of course, when he’s ‘inside,’ he brings her to ecstasy. The melodies are tuneful throughout, with plenty of rhythmic moments. Truly “on one,” in the first verse, she asserts, “I’m a rum and lemon dealer / ‘Cause I know what gets you out them clothes.” In the second verse, she gets right to his pants: “I’m tryna see whats up with that banana / That’s why my mind keep goin’, goin’.” In the pre-chorus, she claims “I been tryna hide that I want you so badly.” Hmm, it doesn’t feel that way Ci! By the bridge, which is related to the verses but distinguishes itself, she keeps things steamy: “Dinner on my body (Yup) / Hotter than hibachi (Okay) / Baby, come and try me / Ready, set, go / I got punani, na-nani, na-nani.” “Ecstasy” is a song about female desire. Ciara keeps it steamy, sexy, and sex-positive without crossing the line… too much 😉.

Appears in:

Ciara, Ecstasy: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 31 (2025)

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5. Gonzy & SAIKO, “EROTICAAAAAAA”

THE WORLD IS YOURS » Virgin Music Latin / Visonare Recordings, LLC » 2024

“Me siento poderoso con los polvo’ que echamo’ / Tú te vienes primero y yo te sigo el paso.” In English, Cuban American singer Gonzy (Elian Gonzalez) sings, “I feel powerful with the sex we have / You come first, and I keep up with you.” Sex is the keyword 😈. He and Spanish singer SAIKO (Miguel Cantos Gómez) join forces for an erotic experience. “EROTICAAAAAAA” is the sixth track from Gonzy’s 2024 album, THE WORLD IS YOURS. I suppose the six extra As are for emphasis! Produced by Doza, the sound oozes with sensual vibes. With lyrics performed exclusively in Spanish, “EROTICAAAAAAA” is a Spanish R&B/trap cut. Set in a minor key, the boys get naughty, evidenced early by Gonzy.

Gonzy delivers beautiful, rhythmic vocals. He performs the intro (excerpted above), first chorus, and first verse. He also performs the final chorus. Even though he looks and sings beautifully, he thinks with his pants. “Ma, te pones diabólica, aunque eres Católica [Ma, you get diabolical, even though you are Catholic],” he sings, adding, “te pone’ erótica / Ese culo dando vuelta’, juro que a mí me hipnotiza,” referring to her being aroused and “That ass turning around, I swear it hypnotizes me.” Sex is the modus operandi. Need more evidence? Gonzy tells her to quiet down – they’ll kick them out of the apartment (loud sex). Also, the pipe is electric:

“Mami, en tu mente soy el mejor que te la mete

Ponte el panti con mi nombre por detrá’ que me excita.”
[“Mommy, in your mind I’m the best at putting it in you

Put on the panties with my name on the back, it turns me on.”]

The sex is also lit for Saiko, who performs the second chorus and second verse. A prime example: “Va’ a echar chorros como el Sea-Doo” (“She’s going to squirt like the Sea-Doo”). Oh, snap! It gets even more graphic, though sans explicit words, roughly translated as, “And I speed her up like Mountain Dew (Uh-uh-uh) / So deep that I feel even my skeleton.” Ooh-wee! “EROTICAAAAAAA” is enjoyable and also, naughty as, dare I say, joder?!

Appears in:

Gonzy & SAIKO, EROTICAAAAAAA: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 97 (2024)

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6. Linkin Park, “The Emptiness Machine”

From Zero » Linkin Park, LLC » 2024

There’s lots to ‘heart’ about “The Emptiness Machine”, the comeback single for new-look Linkin Park who welcomes a new co-vocalist (Emily Armstrong), drummer (Colin Brittain), and touring guitarist (Alex Feder). The promo single from From Zero begins with the driving guitar and pummeling drums – always a recipe for success! The chemistry and contrast between Mike Shinoda and Emily Armstrong is another selling point. Shinoda sings the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus, with a cleaner, mellower approach. The melody is memorable, particularly in the chorus:

“Let you cut me open, just to watch me bleed

Gave up who I am for who you wanted me to be

Don’t know why I’m hopin’ for what I won’t receive

Fallin’ for the promise of the emptiness machine

The emptiness machine.”

After the mellower first chorus, Armstrong sings most of the second verse. She brings assertive, powerful, and impressive pipes. Shinoda joins her in the pre-chorus. Armstrong is electrifying when the second chorus comes around, showing just how dynamic she is. Once more, we get a lovely contrast between Shinoda and Armstrong during the bridge. Emily is locked in on the final chorus, including a well-placed f-bomb (“Don’t know why I’m hopin’, so fuckin’ naïve / Fallin’ for the promise of the emptiness machine”). The outro is sweet too, with mellow Mike once more contrasting assertive Emily. All in all, the return of Linkin Park, with all its changes, turns out to be a welcome one. “The Emptiness Machine” rocks!

Appears in:

Bops That Pop: September 2024

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7. beabadoobee, “Ever Seen”

This Is How Tomorrow Moves » Dirty Hit » 2024

“And when I get too high, and I can’t breathe / I can’t lie, he has the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen.” Men with pretty eyes – that’s something we can all get behind, beabadoobee (Bea Kristi) 😍. That said, on “Ever Seen”, the eighth track on the Filipino, Gen-Z musician’s 2024 album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, he first describes the beauty of her eyes (“Said I had the prettiest eyes he’d ever seen”). Oh, love, what a beautiful and glorious thing.

On “Ever Seen,” the singer/songwriter has experienced her fair share of issues. While the literal high of love is part of the equation, beabadoobee has also experienced the high of substances, asserting in the first verse, “Can’t help going through it / Swear it’s just the comedown that made me do it.” Word. She adds, “My mind’s spent and I show it.” In the second verse, the musician is transparent about mental health issues, singing, “I’ve been through this too many times not to notice / It’s been rough, but I’ve felt worse / I’ll pull myself back up.” Bea sings radiantly in the song which she penned herself. Jacob Bugden and Rick Rubin produced it. Their contributions behind the boards are sweet. The accompaniment, much like Bea’s voice, is gorgeous. The backdrop is colorful and rhythmic and sounds optimistic despite the past setbacks the singer has experienced. As “Ever Seen” progresses, the instrumental grows more robust. This song is a surefire bop.

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8. Kendrick Lamar, “Euphoria”

“euphoria” » Kendrick Lamar / Interscope » 2024

“You’re not a rap artist, you a scam artist with the hopes of being accepted.” Before “meet the grahams” and “Not Like Us”, Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar fired shots at Drake on “euphoria”. After first dissing him as a featured guest on the Future / Metro Boomin no. 1 hit, “Like That”, K-Dot responds to disses by Drizzy (“Push Ups” notably). “Euphoria” runs nearly six-and-a-half minutes long. It was produced by Cardo, Kyro, Sounwave, Johnny Juliano, and Yung Exclusive. It samples various songs including the Teddy Pendergrass classic, “You’re My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration”. With three distinct ‘parts,’ marked by different beats (beat switches), Kendrick is NOT playing around with Drake.

The first beat and backdrop are cool, calm, and collected – euphoric. Even so, Kendrick Lamar delivers the excerpted lyric – a bullet aimed towards Drake. Case in point: “Tommy Hilfiger stood out, but FUBU never had been your collection / I make music that electrify ‘em, you make music that pacify ‘em.” Part two follows, more aggressively. Not only does K-Dot dig in, but so does the brassy, banging instrumental. His flow is potent AF, led by moments like “It’s three GOATs left, and I seen two of them kissin’ and huggin’ on stage” (J. Cole and Drake). Furthermore, Kendrick criticizes Drake’s “sneak diss” ways and questions his blackness. “How many more black features ‘til you finally feel that you’re black enough / I like Drake with the melodies, I don’t like Drake when he act tough.” One final beat switch follows along with the final verse. Lamar proclaims, “I’m allergic to the lame shit, only you like bein’ famous.” There is plenty to unpack on “euphoria”. An essay could be penned decoding the lyrics and analyzing those Genius annotations. Kendrick Lamar slaughters Drake.

Appears in:

Bops That Pop: May 2024

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9. Darin, “Electric”

“Electric” » Dex Music AB » 2024

“Wasn’t looking for nothin’ here tonight / Then you walked in, caught me by surprise / One look and you got me hypnotized / The way you glid across the floor.” Darin (Darin Zanyar), we must assume this man was H-O-T 🥵 😮‍💨! From there, on “Electric”, Zanyar is absolved of his troubles: “When you pull me closer all my troubles disappear / Is it me or is it getting hot in here.” Darin penned “Electric” with Jordan Shaw and producers, James Hurr and Paul Harris. The resulting pop cut is – wait for it – ELECTRIFYING, of course! From the beginning, the listener is blessed with disco and dance-pop vibes. The beat is sick. The bass line is fat, providing a mighty anchor. The production is marvelous – the perfect fuel for a sex song. Darin keeps things classy. Still, ‘it’s going down’ beyond the dance floor! The tuneful chorus is one of the biggest selling points:

“I’m falling in love, got me feeling electric

Just can’t get enough, I will never forget this

‘Cause the way you got me now, my head is in the clouds

I’m never coming down

Yeah, the way I’m falling in love got me feeling electric.”

Darin brings the heat vocally – autopilot, baby! In the second verse, the ‘dancing’ becomes dirtier, with body synchronization (😮‍💨) and T-O-U-C-H (🥵). On the bridge, with slight contrast, Zanyar encourages them to “Go until the morning.” Darin makes us all hot and bothered on “Electric” which is sexy to the nth degree.

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10. JENNIE, “ExtraL” (Ft. Doechii)

Ruby » Columbia » 2025

“Do my, do my ladies run this, ladies run this?” Hell yes, they do, JENNIE! Ahead of her debut album, Ruby, JENNIE unveiled single and sixth track, “ExtraL”. She enlisted the services of sickening, Grammy-winning rapper, Doechii. “ExtraL” was produced by Dem Jointz. The record is energetic from the onset. It sports sleek production work. JENNIE brings aggressive melodic rhymes. The attitude exhibited is lit! “All of my girls looking good and they got they own money / Pop your shit,” she raps, “This for my girls with no sponsor, they got they own funding’.” Word. Nice, harmonized background vocals support her. The chorus is tuneful:

“Ridin’ ‘round, foreign cars (Yeah)

Top down, starin’ at the stars (Yeah)

Attitude, so don’t star shit (Yeah)

Big moves, only extra-large, yeah (Yeah).”

It’s not only JENNIE who ‘kicks ass and takes names.’ Doechii ‘brings the heat’ with her electrifying rhymes, cadence, and flow during the second verse: “In the boardroom looking bored ‘cause I’m not here for pleasin’ the men,” she spits, continuing, “Not here to reason with them / Misbehaved, Miss Push-My-Pen.” All told, JENNIE impresses again with “ExtraL” which is extra good!

Appears in:

Bops That Pop: Jan, Feb & March 2025

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11. Al Green, “Everybody Hurts” – R.E.M. cover

“Everybody Hurts” » Fat Possum » 2024

“‘Cause everybody hurts / Take comfort in your friends / Everybody hurts.” What do Al Green and R.E.M. have in common from a musical stylistic standpoint? Nothing honestly. Green is a musical icon renowned for soul and gospel. R.E.M., led by Michael Stipe, is famous for rock. While there doesn’t seem to be common ground, Al Green, once more, steps beyond soul and gospel to cover rock. Following a stunning rendition of the Lou Reed classic “Perfect Day”, Green tackles the R.E.M. classic, “Everybody Hurts”. Like “Perfect Day,” the Reverend transforms the rock classic into a throwback soul song.

Should Al Green’s abilities ever be doubted? That is a resounding no. He is one of the greatest singers to ever live. At 78 years old, Green shows his voice remains dynamic, gritty, and soulful. He ‘puts his own spin’ on Stipe’s top 40 hit, which peaked at no. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. That includes his signature falsetto, which is unmatched. His ad-libs and riffs are spot-on, perfectly suited for a ‘soul-a-fied’ cover that could easily be mistaken as an Al Green original. Memphis soul is alive and well with rich musical accompaniment consisting of a rhythm section (including organ) and warm strings. Also, background vocals provide a lift in the bridge (“Don’t throw your hand…”) and the outro (“Hold on”). Like Stipe, Green confirms that hurt is universal and not exclusive:

“Don’t let yourself go

‘Cause everybody cries

Everybody hurts sometimes.”

Al Green thoroughly blesses us with “Everybody Hurts”.

Appears in:

Al Green, Everybody Hurts: Covers No. 48 (2024)

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12. FLETCHER, “Ego Talking”

In Search of the Antidote » Snapback Entertainment LLC / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 2024

“And it’s only half of a lie / When I say you’ll find someone better someday.” So, there is some truth there! “Ego Talking” is the third track on In Search of the Antidote, the 2024 studio LP by FLETCHER (Cari Fletcher). The LGBTQ pop musician penned “Ego Talking” alongside Julia Michaels, Madison Love, and producers Jennifer Decliveo and Pete Nappi. Matters of the heart are firmly in play. This post-breakup record thrives lyrically and thematically.

On one hand, FLETCHER encourages her ex to have happiness with someone else. “So, go, do it all, have the time of your life / And kiss every girl, let ‘em all stay the night.” It’s the right thing to do, right? Right. The gender of her ex isn’t specified. It doesn’t matter either, as this sentiment is relatable to anybody regardless of sexual orientation. More compelling is FLETCHER’s ego, which leads her to believe her ex will NEVER do better than she did with her.

“Oh-oh, you’ll never fuck somebody hotter, right?

Oh-oh-oh-oh

Hope my lips haunt you for life

Hearin’ my name twists the knife

Hopin’ you stay brokenhearted

But that’s just my ego talkin’”

Oh, snap! FLETCHER brilliantly captures the complexity of breaking up on “Ego Talking”. She sings authentically and expressively.

Appears in:

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13. John Summit, “EAT THE BASS”

Comfort In Chaos » Experts Only » 2024

“I wanna feel your body / Don’t want romance.” So, sex? Well, now… “I just need to eat the bass / So let me dance.” Ah, so, no sex? Not, per John Summit on “EAT THE BASS”, the fifth track from his 2024 album, Comfort In Chaos. The body feels that is desired here aren’t sexually driven – they are driven by dancing. Nothing wrong with that! The electronic music producer and DJ ‘puts in work’ on “EAT THAT BASS” producing the track. The groove is infectious, and the synths are scintillating. There are harder synths, kinder, gentler synths, and bass-heavy synths. It’s a winning formula. Summit composed “EAT THE BASS” alongside Eddie Jenkins and Elkka. The result is a stellar gem, readymade to dance your booty off – electronic style, of course! Providing the vocals is Emma Kirby. She nails it, singing those dance-yearning lyrics like a champ. Like most EDM tracks, the lyrics are limited and repetitive. That’s ideal, playing to the minimalism that Summit explores, and, is explored within dance and electronic music. No need for poetry when you’re moving those feet and other body parts, right? Right! “EAT THE BASS” = SUREFIRE VIBE.

Appears in:

13 Songs That Turn Da BASS Up (2024)

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14. Beyoncé, “Ego”

I Am… Sasha Fierce » Sony Music Entertainment » 2008

“Some women were made, but me, myself? / I like to think that I was created for a special purpose.” Word, Beyoncé. The Grammy-winning superstar is confident in “Ego”, the 14^th track from her 2008 double album, I Am… Sasha Fierce. “Ego” earned her another top-40 hit, peaking at no. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100. Even with its modest performance, the highlight from the Sasha Fierce side of the LP was certified platinum. Her ego is firmly intact 😉.

The concept of ego in Bey’s hands is fascinating. In the first verse, she considers herself lucky because he’s “got the key to my heart.” Aww 🥰. However, she adds, “But you ain’t gonna need it, I’d rather you open up my body…” He’s the egotistical one, here, something that she expands on in the chorus:

“It’s too big (big), it’s too wide (wide)

It’s too strong (strong), it won’t fit

…He talk like this ‘cause he can back it up

He got a big ego

Such a big ego…”

Hmm, the ego doesn’t seem like the only thing big 😈. The sexual innuendo is ripe. In the second verse, it is Beyoncé with a big ego. Not only does she give him an ultimatum (“You can leave with me, or you could have the blues”), but she also touts her banging body and looks (“Damn, I know, I’m killing you with them legs / Better yet, them thighs, matter of fact, it’s my smile”). Accordingly, in the second chorus, the pronouns shift to ‘I’ since she’s got a big ego now! Beyond the lyrics, as always, Beyoncé ‘slays’ in the vocal department. Furthermore, the production (Bey, Blac Elvis, and Harold Lilly) is some of the finest on I Am… Sasha Fierce. “Ego” blends contemporary R&B with neo-soul, thanks to those exuberant horns, organ, and keys, The remixed version, featuring Kanye West, was nominated for the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 52^nd Annual Grammy Awards. That same ceremony saw Bey win six Grammys, five tied to I Am… Sasha Fierce. “I got every reason to feel like I’m that bitch.” Truer words were never spoken, Beyoncé!

Appears in:

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15. Flo Rida, “Elevator”

Mail on Sunday » Atlantic » 2008

“Got you stuck (Yeah) on my elevator (Uh-huh) / Get it up (Yeah) on my elevator – check it out!” Woo! Being stuck in an elevator is band in most contexts but being stuck on a personal elevator that’s rising up… Sounds pleasing 😈. “Elevator” was one of the gems from Mail on Sunday, the 2008 album by Grammy-nominated rapper, Flo Rida. The third track from Mail on Sunday peaked at no. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, eventually earning platinum certification from the RIAA. It was produced by the one-and-only Timbaland, and Hannon Lane. The sound of “Elevator” is idiomatic of Timbaland given the sick beat and those creative percussive sounds.

In addition to his work behind the boards, Tim brings ample personality with his vocals in the hella catchy chorus (excerpted above) where the sexual innuendo is through the roof. He continues melodically rapping, “My first flo’ stuck on the gold digger / Second flo’, stuck on the dime piece /… She’s stuck on my ele-eh-el-eh-vator.” My, my, my! These women! Of course, Flo Rida brings his own personality and swagger to the table, making this elevator joint a surefire vibe. Case in point, verse one:

“Used to date Kanye, now she want me

Flo Rida got the juice, wanna take my OJ

It ain’t her birthday but her name on the cake

If I ever pay for nookie grade A.”

Take my OJ, huh? Now that’s just freaky! Flo Rida thinks with his elevator a couple more times throughout “Elevator” (“Plenty ghetto booty, plenty ghetto booty on her” and “She don’t fake, she’ll put it in your face”), but it’s a tamer brand of midnight heat compared to more contemporary rap, pop, and R&B.

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16. U2, “Exit”

The Joshua Tree » Island » 1987

“The pistol weighed heavy / And his heart, he could feel was beating / Beating, beating, beating / Oh, my love, oh my love.” Those chilling lyrics from “Exit” influenced celebrity stalker and murderer Robert John Bardo. Bardo infamously murdered actress Rebecca Schaeffer in 1989. At Schaeffer’s murder trial, when the dark U2 gem was played, Bardo lip-synced alongside the recording. The legendary, Grammy-winning Irish rock band rarely performed the 10^th track from Joshua Tree (1987) live. After hearing the song’s negative influence on a murderer, it makes sense that “Exit,” a dark, distinct record by Bono and company, was scrapped from live performances until 30 years later.

How controversial is “Exit?” “Exit” isn’t explicit, gruesome, or obscene. But, it does mark a shift to darkness. A religious man has gone astray: “He wanted to believe / In the hands of love.” In the second verse, Bono poetically expands upon this mind shift: “His head, it felt heavy /… A dog started cryin’ / Like a broken-hearted man / At the howling wind.” The most descriptive section is the chorus, where Bono expressively sings, “He went deeper into black / Deeper into white / He could see the stars shine / Like nails in the night.” Of course, the biggest moment from the chorus begins with the pistol, suggesting this nameless man has committed a heinous, murderous act. What influenced U2 to write “Exit”? The 1980 Norman Mailer novel, The Executioner’s Song. Like the lyrics, the music is chilling and unsettling. There’s a sense of minimalism early on, with “Exit” percolating – more instruments and sounds, louder dynamics, more pronounced rhythm, and greater intensity. Even after a significant build-up, U2 can bring things back down only to ramp them up again. Murderous and serial killer songs always cause controversy. In this case, the negative influence of “Exit”, a great song, earned U2 the controversial song stamp.

Appears in:

U2, Exit: Controversial Songs No. 13 (2024)

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17. Halsey, “The End”

The Great Impersonator » Columbia » 2024

“If you knew it was the end of the world / Could you love me like a child?” Halsey (she/they) asks in the chorus of “The End”, the sixth track from their 2024 album, The Great Impersonator. “Could you hold me in the dark? / If you knew it was the end of the world,” she continues singing, showcasing authenticity and vulnerability. “The End” comes after trials and tribulations for the singer/songwriter, who has experienced a host of health-related issues, including endometriosis, Lupus, and T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. They share their journey on the self-penned, emotional single. Halsey produced “The End” alongside Alex G and Michael Uzowuru. Vocally, they sing marvelously. Their tone and the personality they bring to the table are compelling. Lived experiences ‘up the ante’ on “The End.” The accompaniment, guitar (Alex G), and keys (Sir Dylan) are perfectly suited for Halsey’s voice. The songwriting is the crème de la creme. Halsey addresses their medical issues. “Every couple of years now, a doctor says I’m sick,” they sing in the first verse, adding, “Pulls out a brand-new bag of tricks, and then they lay it on me / And at first, it was my brain, then a skeleton in pain.” Heavy. In the second, it is clear they have an arduous relationship with medicine: “So I ran into the clinic, and I asked to see the man / With his white coat and his stethoscope like a snake around his hand.” Biblical allusions appear throughout, with references to the snake and the Great Flood. In the outro, they address their treatment for Lupus and the rare T-cell disorder. “The End” is stunning – a song that leaves you speechless. Halsey put their heart and soul into this one.

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18. Outkast, “Elevators (Me & You)”

ATLiens » Arista » 1996

“One for the money, yes sir, two for the show / A couple of years ago on Headland and Delowe / Was the start of something good.” Indeed, indeed! “Elevators (Me & You)” marks one of the biggest hits by Grammy-winning, Atlanta rap duo, OutKast (André 3000 and Big Boi). It appears on their 1996 sophomore album, ATLiens. ATLiens marks one of several OutKast albums certified multiplatinum by the RIAA. Focusing on “Elevators (Me & You),” it reached no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, good enough for their fifth biggest hit in terms of placement on the pop charts. The single would ultimately be certified gold the same year it was released – a big deal at the time. OutKast produced the single themselves, sampling a trio of songs: “Blue Suede Shoes” by Carl Perkins, “Black Country Woman” by Led Zeppelin, and “Please Let Me Stay” by The Joneses.

Simply put, André and Big Boi were on autopilot on “Elevators (Me & You).” 3000 kicks things off with a bang (hence those Perkins sampled lyrics), telling us about the beginnings of OutKast (“Writing rhymes, tryna find our spot off in that light / Light off in that spot, knowing that we could rock”). Big Boi follows up with an equally sick second verse, spitting, “Putting the South up on the map was like Little Rock to banging,” adding, “‘OutKast, yeah, them niggas, they making big noise’ / Over a million sold to this day; niggas, they take it lightly.” Of course, OutKast has far surpassed a million since then! Big Boi delivers a second verse (verse three), where he famously spits, “We moving on up in the world like elevators / Me and the crew, we pimps like ’82.” Likewise, André 3000 drops a second verse – the fourth and final one to be precise. “I live by the beat like you live check-to-check / If it don’t move your feet, then, I don’t eat, so we like neck-to-neck,” he colorfully raps, adding, “Yes, we done come along way like them slim-ass cigarettes / From Virginia, this ain’t gon’ stop, se we just gon’ continue.” Beyond the honest bars, the centerpiece of this banger is the tuneful chorus, which shines against the distinct instrumental:

“Me and you

Your mama and your cousin, too

Rolling down the strip on Vogues

Coming up, slamming Cadillac doors.”

“Elevators (Me & You)” is nothing short of a hip-hop classic.

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19. Madonna, “Erotica”

Erotica » Sire » 1992

“Erotica, romance / My name is Dita, I’ll be your mistress tonight / I’d like to put you in a trance.” Madonna and controversy are nearly synonymous. The pop icon courted a couple of controversies with “Erotica”, the opening track from her fifth studio album, Erotica, released in 1992. The title informs even the most naïve listeners that S-E-X is the modus operandi. Indeed, Madge ventures into the world of S&M 😈. “Erotica” samples “Jungle Boogie” by Kool & the Gang (1973) and “El Yom ‘Ulliqa ‘Ala Khashaba” by Lebanese musician Fairuz. The latter sample is controversial. It is an Easter chant, so Fairuz is singing about the crucifixion of Jesus. Madonna gives the lyrics a sexual perspective with Fairuz’s voice 😳. The sacrilege cost Madge some money – Fairuz sued Madonna in 1993.

Madonna and Shep Pettibone produced “Erotica.” As another successful single for Madge, it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by the RIAA. “Erotica” features an infectious groove. Madonna is effective with her spoken word vocals and naughty lyrics. Besides merely spitting sex, she introduces us to Dita Parlo. But, how about examining a few of those naughty lyrics? “If I take you from behind, push myself into your mind,” she asserts in the first verse, continuing, “When you least expect it, will you try and reject it /… Will you let yourself go wild, let my mouth go where it wants to?” Gotta love an anal reference! In the second verse, she sings, “Once you put your hand in the flame, you can never be the same / There’s a certain satisfaction, in a little bit of pain / …I only hurt the ones I love.” Ah, there’s the S&M. She confirms pleasure and pain in the pre-chorus, singing, “I’ll give you love, I’ll hit you like a truck.” Damn! On the bridge, she informs her ‘victim’, I mean lover, “I don’t think you know what pain is /… I could bring you so much pleasure /… I’m not gonna hurt you / Just close your eyes.” With lots of sexy spoken word, Madonna sings the chorus: “Erotic, erotic, put your hands all over my body.” The album Erotica accompanies Madge’s infamous Sex book. Besides thematic and plagiaristic controversies, the music video for “Erotica” also earned controversy. It was banned on MTV for being too sexual and aimed at a mature (aka adult) audience. More than 30 years later, “Erotica” is undoubtedly a classic from Madonna.

Appears in:

Madonna, Erotica: Controversial Songs No. 3 (2025)

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20. Prince, “Erotic City”

Purple Rain (Deluxe Expanded Edition) » NPG / Warner » 1984

“If we cannot make babies / Maybe we can make some time / Fuck so pretty, you and me / Erotic City, come alive.” Once upon a time, Prince, aka The Purple One, was a master of releasing sexually explicit songs. “Erotic City”, a B-side for “Let’s Go Crazy”, is a prime example of The Purple One getting freaky. Sheila E assists him with this NSFW song. In the chorus, Prince and E continue, “We can fuck until the dawn / Makin’ love ‘til cherry’s gone / Erotic City, can’t you see / Fuck so pretty, you and me.” Hmm, cherry’s gone, huh? Would it be far-fetched that The Purple One was referencing popping the cherry? “Erotic City” appears on the compilation, The Hits / The B-Sides (1993), as well as Purple Rain (Deluxe Expanded Edition) from 2017.

The f-bombs are used in a sexual context – there is no hiding that! “We could fuck until dawn (Until dawn) / How I wish you were my dame,” he sings in the third verse. Even in moments where the language is not considered obscene, the sex is inescapable. Backtracking to the second verse, he sings, “You’re a sinner, I don’t care / I just want your creamy thighs.” Holy shit! Despite the horniness of “Erotic City”, it is funky to the nth degree. Prince sings fantastically, infusing ample personality into his performance. Sheila E is on-point, bringing the heat to this classic sex track. Ask yourself this question: Who doesn’t want to visit the “Erotic City”?

Appears in:

Prince, Erotic City: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 5 (2025)

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21. Tears For Fears, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”

Song From The Big Chair » Mercury » 1985

“Welcome to your life / There’s no turning back / Even while we sleep / We will find you.” Oh, my 👀 😬! When you earn a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, you have solidified a spot in history 💪! Tears For Fears – Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith – earned two number one hits. Both hailed from their 1985 album, Song From The Big Chair, which eventually reached number one on the Billboard 200. Specifically, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” is considered one of the truly beloved tracks of the 1980s. Smith sounds utterly fantastic on “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” The verses are short, sweet, and relatively simple. The same can be said of the chorus, which is variable, but always concludes with the powerful, titular lyric, “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” One of the reasons that this song is stellar is that the melody is incredibly tuneful, particularly the chorus. The overall sound (keys, programming, guitars) and production (Chris Hughes) – the aesthetic, overall – is M-A-R-V-E-L-O-U-S! “I can’t stand this indecision / Married with a lack of vision / Everybody wants to rule the – ” Woo! “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is a vibe that endures well beyond the 1980s!

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An Epic Compendium of E Songs (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, Atlantic, Beauty Marks Entertainment, Columbia, Dex Music AB, Dirty Hit, Fat Possum, Interscope, Island, Kendrick Lamar, Linkin Park, LLC, MCEO Inc., Mercury, NPG, Sire, Snapback Entertainment LLC, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc., Virgin Music Latin, Visonare Recordings, LLC, Volcano Entertainment, III, L.L.C., Warner; Manuel Gamboa, ROSA GATTUSO from Pexels; AcatXIo, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, David, Królestwo_Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Sabine Kroschel from Pixabay]

An Epic Compendium of E Songs | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on June 23, 2025June 23, 2025