15 Compelling Songs That are Turned ON

Power On! That is right, the songs that grace 15 Compelling Songs That are Turned ON all feature one keyword in their respective titles: on! Naturally, there are a shit-ton of songs that feature this preposition. So, this particular 15-song musical compendium is random. Well, random with a curator’s nuance, that is! 15 Compelling Songs That are Turned ON features songs by Adele, Alicia Keys, Jack Harlow, Kanye West, Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald, and Victoria Monét. So, without further prolonging this rather silly introductory blurb, let’s get into these 15 Compelling Songs That are Turned ON! I know you’ve been waiting for this with bated breath 😜!

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1. Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande, “Rain On Me”

“I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive / Rain on me, rain, rain…” Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande on the same track? Yaaaasssss! The production (BloodPop®, BURNS, and Tchami) is potent from the start on “Rain on Me”, the crowning achievement from Chromatica, where Lady Gaga fully embraces her dance, electro-infused pop roots. Both she and Grande deliver strong, compelling vocals. Gaga asserts herself early on. There are ‘water works’ you might say (“I never asked for the rainfall / At least I showed up, you showed me nothing at all”). Grande unleashes high-flying, contrasting vocals on the second verse, extending the ‘water works’ and most importantly, being honest from an emotional standpoint. “I can feel it on my skin,” she sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “Teardrops on my face / Let it wash away my sins.”  Both collaborate throughout the remainder of the record.  One of the best moments is the bridge, where the positivity and uplifting vibes are a huge selling point. “Rain on Me” is a total bop – among the best songs of 2020 – with two awesome artists at the tip-top of their game. 

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2. Jack Harlow, “Lovin On Me”

“Loving on Me” // Generation Now / Atlantic // 2023

Grammy-nominated rapper Jack Harlow keeps “Lovin on Me” brief but entertaining. The record is produced by OZ, Nik D, and Sean Momberger. Notably, it features a sample of “Whatever (Bass Solique) by Cadillac Dale (1995).  This sample appears at the onset, looped throughout the pre-chorus and chorus. Harlow uses it to fuel his lyrical fire, even performing along with the sample in the chorus.  “I’m vanilla baby (I don’t like no whips and chains, and you can’t tie me down),” he raps, adding, “I’ll choke you, but I ain’t no killer baby.” Ooh-wee! The lyrics are sexual but also show that Jack has his limits. Don’t get it twisted, though.  There’s still some fuckboy ways entrenched in this track.  In the first verse, he confidently asserts, “Young J-A-C-K, aka Rico like Suave, Young Enrique,” and, in the closing lyric, states, “She wearin’ cheetah print, that’s how bad she wanna be spotted ‘round your boy.” Well, damn! In the second verse, he confirms the vanilla-ness, sexually speaking: “Young M-I-S-S-I-O-N-A-R-Y.” Beyond his preferred sexual position, give him credit for the Shrek reference: “I keep it short with a bitch, Lord Farquaad.” “Lovin on Me” isn’t the second coming of rap by any means. Still, it’s fun. Notably, the multiplatinum single topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks.

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3. Lana Del Rey, “Henry, come on”

“Henry, come on” // Lana Del Rey / Universal Music Operations Limited // 2025 

“And it’s not because of you / That I turned out so dangerous / Yesterday, I heard God say, ‘It’s in your blood.’” Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey remains ‘true to herself’ (alt-pop) while simultaneously entering into her country music era. “Henry, come on” sounds familiar and ‘different.’ She co-writes with Grammy winner Luke Laird who is known for country music.  Laird and Drew Erickson produced it. Positively, “Henry, come on” is another gorgeous song Del Rey. The music backdrop begins spare, led by guitar accompaniment, but grows more lush as the song expands.  The sound palette includes piano, organ, bass, drums, and strings.  The vibe is alt-pop, country, and folk. Del Rey shines vocally, delivering her signature indulgent, moody performance.  Her tone is sublime.  Even as ‘moody’ as she might sound at times, Lana blesses our ears with her upper register, which is always a treat. Another pro regarding “Henry, come on” is the songwriting.  As always, Lana has a story to tell, and she adds some country sensibilities (“It’s last call, ‘Hey, y’all’ / Hang his hat up on the wall / Tell him that his cowgirl is gone”). Tried and true, “Henry, come on” is beautiful, though not the most exciting song.  While peasant and respectable, this five-minute-plus record does not necessarily move the needle.

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4. Kid Souf, “On Your Face”

“On Your Face” // Kid Souf // 2024 

“I look like sex.” Ooh-wee, Kid Souf! That’s surefire confidence 🥵! “If I lick it, then I own it,” he sings, adding, “If I kiss it, I control it / I been kissin’ on your body all night.” Oh, snap! Kid Souf flaunts his sex appeal and sex-positivity on the bold, unapologetic single “On Your Face”.  Not only does it feature suggestive lyrics, but the cover art features Souf’s name written on his face with jizz 💦, as well as a music video with simulated sex (oral and anal) and blasphemy 😈! There’s no doubt about “On Your Face” – it’s all about pleasure, baby!

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5. Victoria Monét, “On My Mama”

JAGUAR II // Lovett Music, Inc. / RCA // 2023    

“Put that on my own mama, on my hood / I look fly, I look good / You can’t touch my bag, wish you could / I look fly, I look too good.” Victoria Monét is confident AF on “On My Mama”, the very best song from her 2023 debut album,  JAGUAR II, PERIOD! Basically, you can’t touch her – she’s the sugar honey iced tea! On this fab record, she gets a groovy, soulful backdrop from Deputy and Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman.  It’s not all neo-soul vibes though as Chalie Boy brings the hip-hop swagger in the post-chorus, gassing up Ms. Monét.  While the chorus takes the cake, EVERYTHING about “On My Mama” is the cat’s meow. Monét has opted against being humble – an understatement.  “Tell me, is you down / ‘Cause I’m tryna go up tonight,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “Hoes and hoochies left and right / I just wanna live in a fantasy / I think we deserve it, right?” WOO! Furthermore, she brags, “Sex game go stupid / Snappin’ like a toothpick /… Might be too fine to hit it from behind” Lawd Jesus! As untouchable as she is, there is no way you can deny how entertaining she sounds on “On My Mama”. Gotta love the fierceness!   

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6. Kings of Leon, “Sex on Fire”

Only by the Night // RCA // 2008 

“You! / Your sex is on fire / Consumed! / With what’s just transpired!” Ooh-wee 😅! It doesn’t take deep thought to interpret what Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill is singing about.  While it took the rock band a while, they finally managed to get wider recognition and commercial success, beginning with their 2008 double-platinum album, Only by the Night.  While “Use Somebody” is the most decorated record from the LP (the band’s biggest hits), winning two Grammys, “Sex on Fire” won a Grammy a year earlier for Best Rock Performance.  

“All the commotion

The kiddie like play 

It has people talkin’  

Talkin’.”  

Woo! “Sex on Fire” is good old, throwback, gritty traditional rock, driven by red-hot sex. Despite peaking modestly on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 56, “Sex on Fire” was certified platinum by the RIAA, which is quite an accomplishment. 

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7. Missy Elliott, “Get Ur Freak On”

Miss E… So Addictive // Elektra Entertainment Group, Inc. // 2001

“Headbanger / Hit me /… Give me some new shit!” Woo! “Get Ur Freak On” is one of the premiere songs by four-time Grammy winner Missy Elliott. Fun fact: “Get Ur Freak On” earned Elliott her first Grammy at the 44^th Annual GRAMMY Awards for Best Rap Solo Performance. Yay! Get it, girl! Oddly, it was also nominated for Best R&B Song 🥴. Go figure! It is the fifth track from her platinum-certified third studio album, Miss E… So Addictive. “Get Ur Freak On” peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified multiplatinum by the RIAA in May 2023. Elliott and the one-and-only Timbaland produced this infectious rap banger (“Me and Timbaland been hot since twenty years ago”).  Both artists were ‘forward thinkers’ when it came to their music.

The production bangs. “Get Ur Freak On” sounded futuristic when released and remains ear-catching and innovative years later. The synth and percussion are on point. It samples four songs: “Is That Your Chick (The Lost Verses)” by Memphis Bleek, “Larka 1.1” by Zero-G and Master Dilbahar, “Tomi Tablas 07” and “Classic Tumbi Loop 03” by Zero-G.  Missy Elliott brings ample attitude, energy, and personality. Her rhymes are fun and incredibly sharp. “Missy be puttin’ it down, I’m the hottest ‘round,” she brags in the first verse, continuing, “I told y’all mother— (Skrrt), y’all can’t stop me now / Listen to me now, I’m lastin’ twenty rounds.” Confident! “Who’s that bitch? People you know,” she bites in the second verse, adding, “People, here I come, now sweat me when I’m done / We got the radio shook like we got a gun.” Damn! The chorus is simple but utterly infectious: “(Go) Get your freak on (go), get your freak on.” Hell yeah! The change of pace during the third verse is cool. “(Yes) I know you feel me now (Yes), I know you hear me loud / (Yes) I scream it loud and proud (Yes), Missy gon’ blow it down.” A new synth arrives that doesn’t change the minimalist vibe but provides a welcome contrast that keeps “Get Ur Freak On” fresh. The ending is marvelous. “Get Ur Freak On” is one of the best ‘rap’ songs ever.  That “new shit” is timeless!

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8. Kanye West, “Blood On The Leaves”

Yeezus // Def Jam // 2013

Most critics loved Yeezus, the 2013 album by Kanye West (it scored an 84 via Metacritic). Still, it wasn’t the Grammy winner’s most successful from a commercial standpoint.  Nonetheless, there were some awesome moments including the thrilling, Nina Simone sampling “Blood On The Leaves” (“Strange fruit hangin’ from the poplar trees / Blood on the leaves”). “Blood On The Leaves” is one of the best songs of the rapper’s career.  Those biting, malicious synths within the production – WOO! Honest and emotional, West delivers superb rhymes. Such rhymes include a reference to a truism that money can’t buy everything.  Specifically, Mr. West asserts, “And all I want is what I can’t buy now.” Of course, there’s also colorful references to Jay-Z and Beyoncé that we couldn’t possibly omit:     

“I don’t give a damn if you used to talk to JAY-Z 

He ain’t with you, he with Beyoncé, you need to stop actin’ lazy.” 

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9. Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald, “On My Own”

Winner in You // MCA // 1986  

Patti LaBelle (1944 – ) experienced a resurgence of sorts in 1986.  She’d had plenty of success before this, with LaBelle (the iconic “Lady Marmalade”) and as a solo artist (“If Only You Knew”).  Even so, “Own My Own” gave the R&B veteran a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. This gorgeous, lush duet between two awesome, distinct, and powerful voices – Michael McDonald (1952 – ) is the man –  propelled her album, Winner in You, to number one on the Billboard 200, and her only platinum-certified album.  Notably, “On My Own” was certified gold.

Not only does “On My Own” feature two legendary musicians, but it’s also written and produced by a legendary team: Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager.  The form features standard sections (verses, chorus, bridge), but isn’t written ‘predictably’ either.  LaBelle sings the first verse, singing incredibly expressively while also showing tremendous control. She follows with an abbreviation of the chorus, essentially. As for McDonald, he matches her in the second verse, also singing with great expression, followed by the full-fledged chorus: “On my own / Once again, now / One more time / By myself.”  They then sing collaboratively on the bridge, followed by a Patti chorus, another McDonald verse, and the most powerful chorus yet, performed jointly.  LaBelle and McDonald let loose in that extended closing chorus, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! 

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10. Adele, “Easy On Me”  

30 // Melted Stone / Columbia // 2021 

“I know there is hope in these waters / But I can’t bring myself to swim / When I am drowning in this silence / Baby, let me in.” Woo – that hits deep! Adele returned formidably on “Easy on Me”, a personal promo single from her superb fourth studio album, 30. The Grammy winner’s voice is the biggest selling point of “Easy on Me,” which she wrote with Greg Kurstin. Kurstin, a mastermind when it comes to the boards, does work on the production end of things too.  That said, “Easy on Me” is primarily a piano ballad, though we add a robust bass line and some light drum programming (nothing too crazy). With soaring vocals, sound production, and a tuneful melody, the last box to be checked off is songwriting.  “Easy on Me” is the perfect song that allows Adele to get personal.  Divorce seems to be the primary culprit of the singer’s petition for ‘ease,’ though she also asserts, “I was still a child / I didn’t get the chance to / Feel the world around me.” That seems to open the door to a variety of things that have affected her in her life.  Adele = sheer brilliance! She won her 16^th career Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance for “Easy On Me” at the 65^th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

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11. 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 (James Mitchell Jr., Larry Cunningham, Charles Clark, Paul Mitchell, and Ralph Mitchell). “Float On” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was certified gold by the RIAA. The single version of the top R&B song of 1977 runs four and a quarter minutes long, while the album version runs nearly 12 minutes.  “Float On” commences the group’s 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 (1949 – 2021), and Larry (1951 – 2019) 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.” Larry 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. 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!’

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12. Alicia Keys, “Girl On Fire”

Girl on Fire // RCA // 2012  

“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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13. a-ha, “Take On Me”

Hunting High and Low // Warner // 1985

“Today’s another day to find you / Shying away / I’ll be comin’ for your love, okay?” OKAY! Norwegian synthpop trio, a-ha (Morten Harket, Magne Furuholmen, and Paul Waaktaar-Savoy), charted on the Billboard Hot 100 thrice.  Their most successful charting song is “Take on Me” which commences their 1985, platinum-certified album, Hunting High and Low.  “Take on Me” didn’t only chart, it reached number one.  While the song itself wasn’t nominated, a-ha received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.  You can bet the collective’s sole top 10 hit is a big reason why they received a nomination.

So, what makes “Take on Me” such a big deal – a 1980s banger? The instrumental plays a sizable role.  It’s that scintillating groove, guitar, and those bright, iconic keyboard/synth lines.  Unsurprisingly, due to the prolific nature of those synths, “Take on Me” has been sampled numerous times. Such an inviting record! The instrumental ear candy, hence, is decadent.  Of course, catchy lyrics, tuneful melodies, and a memorable vocal performance (Harket) also give “Take on Me” the edge. His upper register is insane! “So, needless to say / I’m odds and ends / But I’ll be stumbling away,” Harket sings in second verse, continuing, “Slowly learnin’ that life is okay / Say after me / ‘It’s no better to be safe than sorry.’” Of course, the centerpiece – the main attraction – is the chorus: “Take on me (Take on me) /… I’ll be gone / In a day or two.” Even approaching four decades after its release, “Take on Me” remains utterly fresh!

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14. Erykah Badu, “On & On”

Baduizm // Universal // 1997  

“Oh my, my, my, I’m feeling high / My money’s gone, I’m all alone / Too much to see / The world keeps turning.” Ah, in 1997, the unique, one-of-a-kind Erykah Badu delivered one of neo-soul’s most important albums with her debut, Baduizm.  Furthermore, Baduizm marks of the best albums of the 1990s. Nothing shines brighter on Baduizm than the cool, calm, but energetic “On & On,” in which Badu channels her inner Billie Holiday, incorporating jazz into her brand of scintillating neo-soul.  The sound of the record was ear-catching and truly refreshing at the time.  Approaching 30 years later, it remains ear-catching and refreshing.  Beyond the backdrop and distinct, refined vocals of Badu, who deservingly won the Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal performance, the songwriting is brilliant, thought-provoking.  “On & On” thrives off its intellectualism and social consciousness. In the first verse, she sings, “If we were made in his image, then call us by our names / Most intellects do not believe in God but they fear us the same.” Who exactly do they fear on this number 12 Billboard Hot 100 hit? Us refers to black people, which fits this black-centric, Five-Percent Nation referencing gem.  The centerpiece, of course, is the chorus:  

“Oh, on and on, and on and on 

My cypher keeps moving like a rolling stone 

Oh, on and on, and on and on 

All night ‘til the break of dawn.”   

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15. Sam & Dave, “Hold On, I’m Comin’”

Hold On, I’m Comin’ // Atlantic // 1966

“Don’t you ever be sad / Lean on me when times are bad.” Amen! Many soul musicians came out of the church. Gospel, a spirited, soulful style of music, is filled with authenticity, grit, and nuance – you’re singing about God and salvation, after all.  Soul singers bring that same intensity sans singing about the goodness of the Lord. Sam & Dave – Sam Moore (1935 – 2025) and Dave Prater (1937 – 1988) – were responsible for recording “Hold On, I’m Comin’”, among the most iconic, instantly recognizable songs from the soul catalog.  Bluesy to the nth degree, it was a heavy hitter from the 1960s. “Hold On” is the opening track from Hold On, I’m Comin’, released in 1966. David Porter and Isaac Hayes penned it.  A success on the pop charts, it peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.  

“Hold On, I’m Comin’” thrives thanks to its musicianship. Beginning with the instrumental, the rhythm section is tight.  The drum groove is irresistible.  The bass line is fat.  The piano playing is bluesy.  Beyond the rhythm section, the articulated, biting horns are electrifying and hard-hitting.  Of course, the stars of the show are Sam & Dave, who serve up dynamic, gritty vocals.  The chemistry between the duo is marvelous. Moore continues singing in the first verse, “When the day comes and you are down / In a river of trouble and about to drown…” Prater, in the second verse, asserts, “Don’t have to worry, ‘cause I’m here / No need to suffer, baby, ‘cause I’m near.” What should she do? In their best moment, the crème de la crème, the chorus, they sing, “Just hold on, I’m comin’ / Hold on, I’m comin’.” Word. “Hold On, I’m Comin’” is timeless.

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15 Compelling Songs That are Turned ON (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Columbia, Def Jam, Elektra Entertainment Group, Inc., Generation Now, Interscope, Kid Souf, Lana Del Rey, Lovett Music, Inc., MCA, Melted Stone, RCA, UMG Recordings, Inc., Universal, Universal Music Operations Limited, Warner; AcatXIo, Bartek from Pixabay]