11 Songs Associated with Number One, Vol. 3

11 Songs Associated with Number One, Vol. 3 features songs by ETHAN, Great White, Mad Tsai, Mary J. Blige, and The 5th Dimension.

The key word, rather, the key number on 11 Songs Associated with Number One, Vol. 3, is ONE.  Vol. 3 is the follow-up to the 2024 one-centered musical compendium, 11 Songs Associated with Number One, Vol. 2 (2024). The parameters aren’t deep – it’s all about the oneness! Some form of one must be featured in the song title.  No deep analysis or overthinking went into the development of this playlist. 11 Songs Associated with Number One, Vol. 3  features songs by ETHAN, Great White, Mad Tsai, Mary J. Blige, and The 5th Dimension. Not to trivialize things, but folks, it’s ‘not that deep’! So, let’s dive into the abyss… of 11 Songs Associated with Number One, Vol. 3!

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“And I know when I go out / It could go so wrong / Red eyes, sleep-deprived  / But I just numb it all.”  Word. Regardless, ETHAN (Ethan Choryin Luo) is headed to the club, specifically the dancefloor, on “ONE MORE SONG”. He penned “ONE MORE SONG” alongside producer klipo. (Johannes Bruun). Choryin Luo makes our ears perk up with his ripe, sexy pipes, particularly his falsetto.  This man is sex on the track.  He sings over a beautiful, sleek musical accompaniment comprised of a great danceable, thudding beat, warm pads, and synths. He superbly details his ‘going out’ experience: “Barely anybody left here / Staying ‘til it’s just the two of us / I’m seeing stars, stumbling to the bar / ask for another.”

The chorus is quite memorable:

“Last a little longer

Pushin’ it, pushin’ it

‘Til I get what I want

Vision wearing thinner

Pushin’ it, pushin’ it

‘Til the lights come on.”

Ooh-la-la! Somethin’ ‘bout that “pushin’ it” ETHAN gets me hot! Speaking of hot, I’d be remiss not to mention the sensual cover art. Ooh-wee! “ONE MORE SONG” marks another enjoyable gem from the talented musician.

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2. Mary J. Blige, “You Ain’t The Only One”

Gratitude // 300 Entertainment / Mary Jane // 2024

“You ever feel so low that all you feel is doubt? / You’re so lost you can’t find your way out?” According to Mary J. Blige, “You Ain’t The Only One”! The encouraging, positive, and uplifting second single hails from her 15^th  studio album, Gratitude. Blige, Angelo Velasquez, Bryan Jones, and Patrick Kelly penned “You Ain’t The Only One.” Velasquez, Kelly, Aidan Brody, and Will Campbell produced. From the beginning, “You Ain’t The Only One” suits MJB.  It starts with the old-school, hip-hop soul beat that anchors the song.  Beyond that, there are other fabulous musical touches, including rhythm guitar, keys, organ, and horns.  Blige, a ‘young’ 53 years old, fits perfectly with this grown-folks, adult contemporary R&B/ soul backdrop that hearkens to the past. Thematically, she sings about the universal experience of pain and hardship, as evidenced by the chorus but she doesn’t stay there.  What does my girl do? She encourages us! “Why complain ‘cause the world don’t care?” she sings in the second verse, continuing, “Life is a game, just play the hand you were dealt / So the sun will shine through the rain.” She also encourages herself and affirms being proud of how far she’s come: “The things that I seen in my dreams turn into reality / I’m so proud of me.” “You Ain’t The Only One” should hold a special place in anybody’s heart who needs to be lifted up and believe in themselves and life’s possibilities.

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3. Mad Tsai, “One Of The Boys”

“One Of The Boys” // Mad Tsai // 2025

“Sweat dripping on my lips / Good god, you’re so masculine,” the smoking hot and talented Mad Tsai sings in “One Of The Boys”.  He continues in the first verse, “Hate to say but I love it / You got me going when we’re wrestling.” Tsai penned this boy-centric pop joint with Maria Landi, and producer, Tele Fresco.  One of the big takeaways from this is how he highlights masculinity. The bisexual pop artist hates to admit he enjoys their more heteronormative interactions.  He’s not wrong when he adds, “We can talk about girls,” but Tsai sees more potential for them. In the tuneful, simplistic chorus, he sings:

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4. Marsha Ambrosius, “One Night Stand”

CASABLANCO // Aftermath // 2024 

Sex positivity.  That is the name of the game.  Marsha Ambrosius enjoyed their rendezvous on “One Night Stand”, the third track from her fourth studio album, CASABLANCO. “Mm, thought we’d only go a couple rounds (rounds) / Couple naps in between / And we back at it for a couple hours.” Ooh-wee! “One Night Stand” features a sole verse where Ambrosius shares the sexual experience. The song features multiple songwriters including producers Ambrosius, Dr. Dre, and Erik “Bluetooth” Griggs.  It samples two ‘80s songs: “Remind Me” by Patrice Rushen and “All Night Long” by Mary Jane Girls.  “One Night Stand” also features vast instrumentation – winds and strings. The musicianship is undeniable. This is apparent in the artsy intro.  Ambrosius remains a distinct, instantly recognizable, and soulful vocalist (the ‘yodel’ is fully intact).  She sounds expressive as she conveys the pleasure of the one-night stand. For the most part, Ambrosius keeps it classy… as classy as it can be.  “You got that touch, your taste, your kissin’ on me / I lose control (I lose control) / I want your soul,” she sings passionately.  She loses her cool in the following lyrics: “Ooh, baby, just one night (One night, yeah) / Swingin’ off the chandelier / Almost broke my fuckin’ wrist.” Wow… not so classy there 😈! With her ad-libs, which include scatting, and emphasis on “one night,”  Marsha has thoroughly enjoyed herself. One-night stands aren’t for everybody, and you shouldn’t rely on them solely, but, as Marsha conveys, it can be a cool, shameless experience.  “One Night Stand” the song = SWEET!

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5. The 5th Dimension, “One Less Bell To Answer”

Portrait // Sony Music Entertainment // 1970 

“One less bell to answer / One less egg to fry / One less man to pick up after / I should be happy / But all I do is cry.” Oh, the plight of love, Marilyn McCoo! The 5th Dimension is one of the most iconic soul collectives. They charted 29 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 including seven top-10 hits and two no. 1 hits (“Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)” and “Wedding Bell Blues”). McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Florence Rue, and company just missed the top spot of the pop charts with “One Less Bell to Answer”. “One Less Bell to Answer,” the second track from their 1970 album, Portrait, peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Two iconic songwriters composed it: Burt Bacharach (1928 – 2023) and Hal David (1921 – 2012).  With its unique harmonic progression, memorable melodies, and a timely meter shift (a two-four measure interrupts common time), “One Less Bell To Answer” is a tried-and-true Bacharach/David composition.

Heartbreak is rampant in the relatable “One Less Bell To Answer.” While being single can be a win, it can also be devastating. Also, the circumstances of the end of this relationship determine the reaction too. “I only know that since he left / My life’s so empty,” McCoo sings. How bad is this love pain – this heartache? Well, expectedly, the doorbell is a trigger, hence, one less bell to answer.  “Though I try to forget / It just can’t be done,” she sings, adding, “Each time the doorbell rings / I still run.”  Ultimately, The 5th Dimension asks the burning question that McCoo seeks to answer: “Oh why, why, did he leave?” We never find out the answer to this question, leaving it subject to the listener’s interpretation.  What we do know is Marilyn’s love-pain is our listening pleasure.  We also know that Billy Davis Jr. didn’t leave her – they’ve been married for over 50 years. The instrumental is glorious beyond the fabulous vocals and impeccable songwriting. The music is lush and beautifully orchestrated.  “One Less Bell to Answer” is one of many awesome gems from The 5^th Dimension.

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6. Kierra Sheard, “One Step at a Time”

All Yours // Karew Records & Ent, LLC // 2023

“You’re my vibe, You’re my vibe / Love it when we’re side by side / Moving up ‘cause You’re my sky / No rush / One step at a time.” So, who is the vibe that Grammy-winning gospel artist Kierra Sheard mentions on “One Step at a Time”? That vibe is GOD, PERIOD. The 11^th track from her 2023 album, All Yours is fresh to the nth degree.  It features ultra-contemporary production – think R&B and hip-hop as opposed to traditional gospel.  Even with a secular-sounding backdrop produced by Eric Dawkins and Warryn Campbell, Sheard has the Most High on her mind.

Throughout, Sheard sings beautifully, never forcing things.  Her riffs are compelling throughout.  By the end, she ‘lets loose,’ ascending into that dynamic, powerful upper register.  Ultimately, “One Step at a Time”, the Grammy-nominated musician is building and strengthening her relationship with God 🙌.

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7. Tommy Richman, “THOUGHT YOU WERE THE ONE”

COYOTE // ISO Supremacy / PULSE / Concord // 2024

According to Tommy Richman, “I thought you were the one, ah / I thought you were the one that got away.” Word. “THOUGHT YOU WERE THE ONE” continues a prolific 2024 for the Virginia-bred musician. Richman wrote the highlight. He produced it with Elliot, Limo, and Jonah Roy. “Oh, I know you love me / Oh, you push, and you shove me out.” Hmm… There is lots to like about the promo single from his debut album, COYOTE. The sound and instrumental accompaniment is a big selling point. It has a nice old-school vibe.  The groove is fabulous, while the rhythmic, detuned synths, keys, and big, infectious synth bass line catch the ears. Furthermore, there is a degree of nostalgia about this cut. The vocals by Richman mark another selling point. The melody is rhythmic and tuneful. The theme is simple yet complicated – matters of the heart.  At the end of the verse, he asserts, “I still know we’re a good fit, baby, good fit / I don’t know what to say, but fuck it anyway / I know we’ll have some good kids, baby, good kids.” Word. All in all, Richman delivered another winner with “THOUGHT YOU WERE THE ONE”.  

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8. Jordin Sparks, “One Step at a Time”

Jordin Sparks // 19 Recordings Ltd. // 2007 

“Everything / That you’ve always dreamed of / Close enough for you to taste, but you just can’t.” Ah, it’s all about patience, something Jordin Sparks marvelously emphasizes on “One Step At a Time”.  “One Step At a Time” appeared as the second track and third single from the American Idol winner’s 2007, self-titled debut.  The thoughtful, uplifting pop track was penned by Lauren Evans and producers Jonas Jeberg, Cutfather, and Robbie Nevil. From start to finish, Sparks is locked-in and sounds authentic, energetic, and refined.

“Da-da-da-da-da-da,” preach, Jordin! “It’s your faith that makes you stronger!” Nearing two decades in age, “One Step At a Time”, a top-20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100,  remains an inspiring and uplifting pop record. No rush – take it one step at a time!

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9. Great White, “Once Bitten Twice Shy”

Twice Shy // Capitol // 1989  

“Well, the times are getting hard for you, little girl / I’m a-humming and a-strumming all over God’s world.” Word.  “You didn’t know that rock and roll burned / So, you bought a candle, and you lived, and you learned.” Also, word. “Once Bitten Twice Shy” is the ninth and final track from the multiplatinum Twice Shy, the 1989 album by American rock band, Great White. The song was written and originally recorded by Ian Hunter in 1975.  Yes, that means the successful Great White version is indeed a cover 🤯! The gold-certified single marked the biggest hit of the band’s career.  Their sole top 10 hit peaked at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sometimes a marvelous cover is a song to beat, particularly if it earns more attention and notoriety than the original (Hunter charted one song on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was not “Once Bitten Twice Shy”).

“My, my, my, I’m once bitten, twice shy, baby.” “Once Bitten Twice Shy” dons a sick groove from the onset. The tone of the drums is awesome.  Also awesome is the rhythmic guitar accompaniment. Later, things get bluesier with piano riffs giving Great White the ‘glam.’  Well, piano doesn’t determine the glam-ness but it is a killer touch.  Also, ‘killer’ is the electrifying guitar soloing that occurs later in this high-energy gem.  Flowers must be given to Jack Russell, who sadly passed away in August 2024. He delivers assertive, dynamic lead vocals.  He brings ample punch and oomph to the lyrics.  “Woman, you’re a mess, going to die in your sleep / There’s blood on my amp and my Les Paul’s beat,” he sings in the third verse, continuing, “Can’t keep you home, you’re messing around / My best friend told me you’re the best lick in town.” Ooh-wee, oh, snap! Not only is “Once Bitten Twice Shy” one of the gems from the Great White catalog, but it is also one of the most memorable rock songs from the 1980s 🤘. “You told me I was the only one / But look at you now, it’s dark as it’s dumb.” WOO!

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10. Love Unlimited, “Walkin’ in the Rain with the One I Love”

Love Unlimited // Geffen / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1972

“Oh, I’m just / Walking in the rain with the one I love / Feels so fine.” Did you know that Barry White penned and produced “Walkin’ in the Rain With the One I Love”? White didn’t record it.  Those honors belong to Love Unlimited (Glodean James, Linda James, and Diane Taylor). The trio earned their sole top-20 hit (it peaked at no. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100). Upping the ante, it was certified gold by the RIAA. “Walkin’” is the ninth and final track on the collective’s self-titled album.

“Walkin’ in the Rain With the One I Love” begins with an intro before any singing.  “Everyone’s trying to get out in the rain / Oh, it feels so good / The rain and thinking of you…” After setting the tone with the rain-filled, spoken word intro, the glorious chorus rocks out – in the most soulful way possible! Besides the high-flying vocals by the lead singer Glodean James and the trio collectively, the music is gorgeous.  The sound is idiomatic of the 1970s.  The rhythm section is lit, led by glorious keys, a robust bass line, and a sickening groove.  Also sweetening the accompaniment are the symphonic instruments – soaring strings, horns, etc.  Remember how I said that Barry White didn’t record this? Well, towards the end, he makes an appearance in the sexy interlude:  

“Baby, I’m home 

I’ve got something to tell you 

What?  

I love you 

Ha, I love you too 

Did you get caught in the rain? 

Oh, yes 

It was so beautiful…” 

Fun fact, in 1974, Barry and Glodean married. Although they separated, they never divorced. The love and the music are lit on “Walkin’ in the Rain With the One I Love”.  

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11. Doris Troy, “Just One Look”

Sings Just One Look And Other Memorable Selections // Atlantic // 1963

“Just one look, and I feel so hard / In love with you, oh-oh, oh-oh.” ‘Oh-oh’ indeed, Doris Troy (1937 – 2004).  The late soul musician had one claim to fame: “Just One Look”, the third track from her 1963 debut album, Sings Just One Look And Other Memorable Selections. She and Gregory Carroll penned it.  Artie Ripp produced.  Notably, “Just One Look” marked her sole entry on the pop charts. It peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The good news is this sole hit by Troy is the bomb! She sings with incredible passion and soul.  The melodies are memorable from an initial listen and pleasing to the ears. The lyrics are simple and uncomplicated, yet relatable and unforgettable. Matters of the heart drive the narrative: “Say you will, will be mine / Forever and always, oh-oh-oh-oh.” The bridge keeps “Just One Look” engaging, providing contrast to the verses. She sings, “I thought I was dreamin’ / but I was wrong, yeah, yeah, yeah / Oh, but I’m gonna keep on schemin’ / ‘Til I can make you, make you my own.” Oh, snap! Besides superb vocals and ear-catching lyrics from Taylor, the accompaniment is awesome, too.  Groovy and oozing with the vintage soul aesthetic, Doris has ample fuel for her fire.  Ultimately, “Just One Look” speaks for itself.  Yes, it sucks that Troy never earned another hit, but, when your sole hit is the caliber of this one, you count your blessings.  She says it best herself in the chorus/outro: “Just one look, that’s all it took.”

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11 Songs Associated with Number One, Vol. 3 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 19 Recordings Ltd., 300 Entertainment, Aftermath, Atlantic, Capitol, Concord, ETHAN, Geffen, ISO Supremacy, Karew Records & Ent, LLC, Mad Tsai, Mary Jane, PULSE, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc.; VICO ORTIZO from Pexels; AcatXlo, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gerd Altmann from Pixabay]