WHAT is up with These 15 Songs, Vol. 2

WHAT is up with These 15 Songs, Vol. 2 features songs by Aretha Franklin, Bobby Caldwell, Haddaway, Nick Rich, William DeVaughn, and Ylvis. 

Folks, guess WHAT? WHAT it all comes down to is the word… WHAT! WHAT is up with These 15 Songs, Vol. 2 is comprised of songs that feature the word WHAT in the title.  WHAT is up with These 15 Songs, Vol. 2 is a sequel to WHAT is up with These 15 Songs? (2025), which followed two previous what-centric lists: 13 Totally Ear Catching WHAT Songs (2022) and A Playlist Comprised of 13 ‘What’ Songs (2020).

WHAT is up with These 15 Songs, Vol. 2 features songs by Aretha Franklin, Bobby Caldwell, Haddaway, Nick Rich, William DeVaughn, and Ylvis.  The list encompasses older and newer songs, as well as various genres of music. So, without further ado, let’s dive into ‘what is’ WHAT is up with These 15 Songs, Vol. 2!

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1. Nick Rich, “I Know You Are (But What Am I)”

Who is Nick Rich – that is the question! The answer is that he is an American artist who patterns himself after British soul musicians.  And let me tell you, folks, he patterns himself after them like a boss!  “I Know You Are (But What Am I)” marked his first single of 2024. The guitar is the first sound heard in the intro, establishing a minor key (D minor to be precise). Rich offers up playful vocals during the intro, which draws the listener in and prefaces impending excellence. Soon enough, “I Know You Are” adds keys, and a light, soulful groove in the British soul/ pop-soul style. Beyond his fabulous vocals during the intro, Rich gives us gorgeous and refined vocals.  He never over sings yet is potent with his emotional delivery.  He has tuneful melodies to work with, particularly the chorus. I love how background vocals are used throughout, upping the ante, notably during that epic chorus. The bridge also deserves a shoutout, providing terrific contrast to the verses/chorus. Post-bridge, the instrumentation gets a slight tweak – subtle, mind you – bridging the retro-sound and the present.  The talented Nick Rich nails it on “I Know You Are (But What Am I)”. Bravo – bravissimo!

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2. Aretha Franklin, “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)”

Let Me In Your Life // Atlantic // 1974 

“Though you don’t call anymore / I sit and wait in vain,” Aretha Franklin sings in the first verse of her soul classic, “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)”. She continues, persistently, “I guess I’ll rap on your door (Your door) / Tap on your window pane (Tap on your window pane).” In other words, man, she’s going to make you come back to her, PERIOD! This love song is the fifth track on her 1974 LP, Let Me In Your Life. The songwriting is sublime, thanks to the pen of Clarence Paul, Morris Broadnax, and – wait for it – the one-and-only Stevie Wonder! “Until You Come Back to Me” IS a Stevie Wonder cover.  It reached no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 after debuting on the charts in 1973. Franklin, Arif Mardin, and Jerry Wexler produced this 1970s pop-soul gem.

All aspects of “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” make it a showstopper.  The relatable songwriting goes a long way.  The relationship has expired, yet, the love hasn’t – at least from one person’s perspective.  “I’m going to swallow my pride (My pride) / I’m going to beg you to please, baby please see me (Baby won’t you see me?)” Franklin and her awesome background vocalists proclaim in the second verse.  Her dynamic lead vocals are the biggest draw of “Until You Come Back to Me” – no surprise.  She’s commanding, expressive, nuanced, and playful with her vocal performance. Call it what it is, a masterclass.  But, also, the instrumental – the musical accompaniment – is the cat’s meow too! The palette is smooth and soulful, idiomatic of the 70s.  The bass line is robust and the groove cooks. One of the finest features is the flute soloing by Joe Farrell.  All told, “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” is EVERYTHING.  This is one of the best songs in the Aretha Franklin catalog.

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3. The Kid LAROI, “What Just Happened”

THE FIRST TIME // Columbia // 2023

“What Just Happened” prefaced THE FIRST TIME, the debut album by Grammy-nominated Australian rapper/singer, The Kid LAROI (Charlton Howard). Blake Slatkin, Omer Fedi, and Shellback produced the single that begins with Howard singing abruptly, accompanied by rhythmic electric guitar.  He sings the chorus, setting the tone of the record. “What Just Happened” features its fair share of fine, melodic moments.  After initially being accompanied by guitar, the addition of drums and bass ups the ante. Also, upping the ante is the attitude and swagger of The Kid, who drops a couple of f-bombs (“Yeah, we both know you don’t give a fuck / Friends with my girl, but you wanna fuck”). Howard’s second verse is even more rhythmic than the first. The contrast keeps the song engaging.  The pre-chorus marks another tuneful moment (“Stop it, but you won’t, won’t won’t / Love it, ‘cause you’re co-cold…”), while the chorus marks one of the best moments of the song:

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4. Ylvis, “What Does the Fox Say?”

“The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” // Urheim / 45^th & 3rd Music LLC / Warner Music Norway AS// 2013 

Five words: What does the fox say? Oh, snap! In 2013, Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis (brothers Bård Ylvisåker and Vegard Ylvisåker) unveiled a viral song for the ages with “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”.  Comedic, funny, and irreverent, “What Does the Fox Say?” gained steam because it is infectious to the nth degree.  Corny? Yes. Catchy? Yes.  Irresistible? 100% yes! Ylvis composed this novel, wacky dance-pop cut with producers M4sonic and Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel Storleer Eriksen). The single, which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, was certified gold by the RIAA.

So, what makes “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” so special? The musical backdrop is sweet, helping to fuel Ylvis’ fire.  The sound is characteristic of dance-pop and electro-pop with its keys, synths, and programming.  As, if not more intriguing, are the lyrics, sung by both Bård and Vegard.  In the first verse and pre-chorus, Bård teaches us about the sounds that various animals make. “Dog goes ‘woof’, cat goes ‘meow,’” he sings, adding, “Ducks say ‘quack’ and fish go ‘blub’ / And the seal goes ‘ow ow ow.’” Word.  But, this song is about only one animal, in all of its glory – the fox! In both choruses, the fox makes some unusual sounds:

“Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!

… Wa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pow!

…Jacha-chacha-chacha-chow!

Fraka-kaka-kaka-kaka-kow!

What does the fox say?”

In the second verse, Vegard describes the fox in all of its glory: “Big blue eyes, pointy noise / Chasing mice and digging holes / Tiny paws up the hill / Suddenly you’re standing still.” In the bridge, which is more legato, the bros continue to characterize this mysterious animal: “What is your sound? Will we ever know? / Will always be a mystery / What do you say?” Unusual, “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)” is a classic from the 2010s.  It is a novel song that never grows old.

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5. Shawn Mendes, “What The Hell Are We Dying For”

“What The Hell Are We Dying For?” // Island // 2023

“Smoke’s in the air, the city’s burnin’ down.” Well, yes, Shawn Mendes, there were gnarly forest fires in Canada that created bad air quality and pollution in the US, particularly in New York in early June 2023. Early in “What The Hell Are We Dying For?”, the Grammy-nominated Canadian heartthrob commits to a ‘call to action’ regarding climate change.  However, in this song, written and produced with friends while experiencing that horrid air, Shawn’s love life also creeps in. “I wanna save us, but I don’t know how,” Mendes sings vulnerably at the close of the first verse. It leads into the chorus, which might have dashes of the population’s indifference to climate change but embraces the end of a relationship. “If we don’t love like we used to / If we don’t care like we used to / What the hell are we dying for?” he asks, continuing, “If it doesn’t cut like it used to / If you’re not mine and I’m not yours / What the hell are we dying for?” Mendes is in his feelings, particularly in the bridge (“Livin’ without you / Is not livin’ at all”), as well as the expressive, ultra-nuanced ad-libs and powered vocals towards the end.  There is a raw nature, amplified not only by the brief time “What The Hell Are We Dying For?” was conceived, recorded, and released but also the pop/rock aesthetic.  The enjoyable “What The Hell Are We Dying For?”  gives some mixed messages – the climate change message goes out the door early on – but hopefully, Mendes has escaped love funk.

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6. The Waitresses, “I Know What Boys Like”

Wasn’t Tomorrow Wonderful? // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1982

Per The Waitresses – specifically Patty Donahue: “I know what boys like / I know what guys want / I know what boys like / I’ve what boys like.” Word.  “I Know What Boys Like” is the sole hit by the American new-wave band.  As infectious as the song is, it didn’t ignite the pop charts, peaking modestly at no. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Still, this Chris Butler-penned gem is considered a classic from the 1980s, appearing as the fifth track on their 1982 album, Wasn’t Tomorrow Wonderful?. The lyrics aren’t deep.  Donahue continues singing in the first verse, “I see them looking / I make them want me / I like to tease them / They want to touch me / I never let them.” The second verse is similar to the first, where sassy Patti mentions her “cat moves,” singing, “Fun to frustrate them / They get so angry / Like pouty children / Denied their candy / I laugh right at them.” In the bridge, she acts as if she’ll let the boys indulge, but it’s hard to believe anyone who asserts, “You can trust me / Sucker.” Besides the simple but entertaining lyrics, and Donahue’s fun, tongue-in-cheek performance, the instrumental delivers the goods too.  It’s the prickly guitar, the big bass line, the quirky groove, and the unconventional phrases. There’s also a raucous saxophone in the mix enhancing the timbre.  “I Know What Boys Like” is a classic that deserves wider recognition.

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7. Kevin Abstract, “What Should I Do?”

BLANKET // RCA // 2023 

Rapper and singer Kevin Abstract has a question: “What Should I Do?”. “What Should I Do?” appeared on his 2023, post-BROCKHAMPTON solo album, Blanket. On the Romil Hemnani and Jonah Abraham produced joint,  Abstract continues to embrace alternative music. The three-minute cut commences with a unique intro. A fine touch is the rhythmic guitar 🎸accompaniment. Besides strong work behind the boards by Hemnani and Abraham, Kevin puts in the work vocally.  Throughout, his voice sounds unique, thanks to the effects and the approach he sings with.  The vocal layering, as well as the use of call and response, are welcome features. The melodies are tuneful, specifically during the refrain: “Don’t touch me, it turns me on / Frizzy hair, naked, hit the bong.” Of course, in the chorus, he poses the titular question –  “What should I do?” Notably, there is only one verse, prime evidence that “What Should I Do?” is a more contemporary track with a less orthodox form. Beyond the verse, the bridge is unique, preceding the extended outro (“Ba-ba”). “What Should I Do?” is muy interesante! 

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8. Haddaway, “What Is Love”

The Album // BMG Rights Management GmbH // 1993 

“What is love? / Oh, baby, don’t hurt me / Don’t hurt me, no more.” Iconic. Trinidad-born, German-bred singer Haddaway (Nestor Alexander Haddaway) dropped a dance bop for the ages with “What Is Love”.  The most memorable section is excerpted above: the timeless chorus! The lyrics aren’t deep, but they are relatable to the nth degree. “What Is Love” is the opener from The Album (titled Haddaway elsewhere), released in 1993. Dee Dee Halligan (Tony Hendrik) and Junior Torello (Karin Hartmann) wrote and produced this enduring ‘90s bop, which reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by the RIAA.  But this was Haddaway’s only top 40 hit in the United States.

The chorus is the crème de la crème of “What is Love.” Undoubtedly, it is the section to beat – the part everyone remembers! But, there are plenty of reasons beyond the chorus why this song is the sugar honey iced tea.  Halligan and Torello put in work behind the boards.  The production is colorful, catching the ears from the onset with its slick, driving synths. The beat is sick, the perfect catalyst for the dance floor. Haddaway brings ample energy with his vocals.  He possesses a lovely instrument that was tailor-made for this song. Not only is the melody tuneful during the chorus, but it shines in the verses, too. “No, I don’t know why you’re not there / I give you my love, but you don’t care,” he sings in the first verse, continuing,  “So, what is right and what is wrong? / Give me a sign.” The second verse is penned simply as well, finding Haddaway hurt. Oh, the plight of love, particularly unrequited love! Haddaway is the star but shout out Lisa Noya for her stellar vocal ad-libs.  Those runs are sweet! More than three decades later, “What Is Love” by Haddaway still slaps. It is a dance bop for the ages. It has been sampled many times.

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9. William DeVaughn, “Be Thankful for What You Got”

Be Thankful for What You Got // Unidisc Music Inc. // 1980

“Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac / … You may not have a cart at all / But remember brothers and sisters / You can still stand tall.” How so, William DeVaughn? It’s simple: “Be Thankful for What You Got”! “Be Thankful for What You Got” was written by DeVaughn and produced by Frank Fioravanti and John Davis.  No, this is not a Curtis Mayfield classic – it’s all William DeVaughn! A memorable and ultra-successful soul classic, it peaked at no. 1 on the R&B charts.  It also gave William his sole hit on the pop charts, peaking at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. DeVaughn may only be renowned for this song and its remixes, but, it’s a whale of a song to be renowned for.

“Be Thankful for What You Got” is groovy to the nth degree.  It’s not only the drums and percussion, though.  The warm organ, rhythm guitar, and robust bass also contribute to the sheer excellence.  Even as dynamic as the instrumental is, the song lays back, never coming off as overwrought or too much.  DeVaughn sings gloriously, never forcing things, yet oozing with soul. The lyrics are positive and uplifting, promoting gratitude – counting your blessings.  Also, the chorus is cool and iconic: “Diamond in the back, sunroof top / Diggin’ the scene with a gangsta lean / Woo-ooh-ooh.” Indeed! DeVaughn also gets a lift from background vocals, who also maintain a sense of ‘non troppo’ (not too much). “Be Thankful for What You Got” is potent yet characterized by its cool energy.  This classic has often been sampled by others including songs by N.W.A. (“Gangsta Gangsta”), Ludacris (“Diamond in the Back”), and De La Soul (“Keepin’ the Faith”).

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10. Vickie Winans, “Oh What Love”

Vickie Winans // Live In Detroit II // Light // 1999 

“Oh, what love, He has for me / That He would give His life?” The one and only, Jesus, that’s who, Vickie Winans. Back in the day, my mother would play Winans’ Live In Detroit (1997) and Live In Detroit II (1999) nonstop.  One of the great songs from Live In Detroit II is “Oh What Love”, which speaks to God’s (Jesus’) ultimate sacrifice of his life.  As Winans sings the lyrics, she is incredibly authentic – with a cry in her voice as she sings about Christ’s crucifixion.

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11. Candy Candido & The Jud Conlon Chorus, “What Made Red Man Red”

Peter Pan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) // Disney // 1953

“Hana Mana Ganda.” Say what!? Many classic animated features arrived during Disney’s Silver Age (1950 – 67), including Peter Pan in 1953.  Peter Pan was a movie I watched many times as a child – a true classic by the studio.  That said, when you’re a child, you often miss the controversies and suspect decisions made, particularly in a film originating from a different time.  The controversies are present, notably in select songs, which has prompted Disney to issue content warnings. One of the most troublesome songs from Peter Pan is “What Made Red Man Red”, which insensitively portrays Native Americans.  Sadly, it is one of many instances where Disney has exhibited racism.

The cringe of “What Made Red Man Red” begins with the chanting by the Native Americans in the film.  It does not feel like an authentic representation, promoting stereotypes. Constantly referring to Native Americans as injuns is a total miss (“Once the Injun didn’t know all the / Things that we know now / But the Injun sure learned a lot”). Mercy! The Indian chorus translates the lyrics, which sound like utter nonsense – at least in the hands of Disney.  Worse than the chanting (with drum) and use of Injun (dated and offensive) is the titular lyric – “What made the red man red?” The explanation, you ask? “Let’s go back a million years / To the very first Injun prince / He kissed a maid and start to blush / And we all’ve been blushing since.” That is another controversy in itself: redskin.  Ultimately, “What Made Red Man Red” is not one of Disney’s finer musical moments.

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12. Bobby Caldwell, “What You Won’t Do For Love”

What You Won’t Do for Love // Big Deal // 1978 

“I guess you wonder where I’ve been / I searched to find a love within.” The late, great Bobby Caldwell does a fabulous job singing about L-O-V-E on his beloved song, “What You Won’t Do For Love”. HE continues singing, “I came back to let you know / Got a thing for you and I can’t let go.” The feeling is SOOO relatable. “What You Won’t Do For Love” is Caldwell’s most successful single, reaching no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. He penned this beloved record from his 1978 album, What You Won’t Do For Love, alongside Alfons Fernando Kettner.   

First and foremost, the biggest selling point of “What You Won’t Do For Love” is Caldwell. He sounds utterly amazing delivering commanding, nuanced lead vocals. The centerpiece is the chorus, featuring the titular lyric:     

“What you won’t do, do for love   

You’ve tried everything, but you don’t give up  

In my world, only you  

Make me do for love what I would not do.” 

Beyond awesome vocals, relatable songwriting, and a tuneful melody, the sound of “What You Won’t Do For Love” is a big deal.  The horns sound utterly fantastic, while the strings add warmth and lushness.  The rhythm section cooks with the prominent bass line, chill electric piano, rhythm guitar, and drum groove.  The sound is idiomatic of blue-eyed soul and pop-soul.  Adding to the allure of “What You Won’t Do For Love” is the fact that the record is in no rush, allowing the celestial instrumental to ride out well beyond the final note Caldwell sings. 

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13. Buffalo Springfield, “For What It’s Worth”

Buffalo Springfield // Atco / Atlantic // 1966 

“There’s something happening here / But what it is ain’t exactly clear / There’s a man with a gun over there / A-telling me I got to beware.” Word. When Buffalo Springfield is mentioned, one song comes to mind: “For What It’s Worth”. For what it’s worth, “For What It’s Worth” was the sole top 40 hit for Buffalo Springfield, a short-lived collective comprising Neil Young 🇨🇦, Bruce Palmer 🇨🇦, Dewey Martin 🇨🇦, Stephen Stills 🇺🇸, and Richie Furay 🇺🇸.  The opening track from the Los Angeles-formed band’s reissued, self-titled album peaked at no. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. A song that defines the 1960s, it is considered among the best songs ever written and recorded.  Stills penned and performed this epic song.

“For What It’s Worth” is revered as one of the greatest protest songs. Is it the anti-war anthem that it’s often portrayed to be? No, believe it or not – that wasn’t Still’s intent.  Nonetheless, it fits the bill! “There’s battle lines being drawn / And nobody’s right if everybody’s wrong,” Still sings, continuing, “Young people speaking their minds / Are gettin’ so much resistance from behind.” The verses are impeccably penned.  Even so, the crowning achievement – the crème de la crème – is the chorus:

“It’s time we stop

Hey, what’s that sound?

Everybody look what’s going down.” 

During the chorus, the remainder of Buffalo Springfield joins Stills, singing in harmony. Besides top-notch songwriting, the musical accompaniment is top-notch, too.  Buffalo Springfield don’t overplay in the least.  There’s a subtlety that speaks volumes, particularly the signature, haunting guitar riff.  “For What It’s Worth” is an indisputable rock classic. With a song that so much can be said about it, the lyrics speak volumes.  Although they disbanded in 1968, it would not be the last we heard from these musicians.  Fittingly, the collective was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

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14. Marvin Gaye, “What’s Happening Brother”

What’s Going On // Motown // 1971

“Brother, brother, brother / There’s far too many of you dying…” What’s Going On, released in 1971, is one of the greatest soul albums of all time. Furthermore, the gold certified masterpiece by soul icon Marvin Gaye is one of the best albums of all time regardless of genre.  The opening track, “What’s Going On” – where the excerpted lyrics hail – is EPIC.  That makes the second track, “What’s Happening Brother”, have a truly hard act to follow.  The good news is “What’s Happening Brother” continues the impressive musicianship and socially conscious themes of the title track.  After one of the lushest instrumental intros, you’ll ever hear, Gaye sings in the first verse, “War is hell, when will it end? / When will people start getting together again?” Unity – togetherness – is the modus operandi for Marvin Gaye, as well as a better world. “Can’t find no work, can’t find no job, my friend / Money is tighter than it’s ever been,” he asserts in the second verse, adding, “Say man, I just don’t understand what’s going on across this land? / Ah, what’s happening brother?”  What is interesting about this song which criticizes war, the economy, and disunity is that these problems remain prevalent across the world in the 2020s.  The theme of “What’s Happening Brother” alone makes it relevant more than 50 years later.

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15. Freddie Scott, “(You) Got What I Need”

Cry To Me – The Best of Freddie Scott // Sony Music Entertainment // 1998

“Oh, baby you, you got what I need / You got everything I need / You’re like medicine to me, oh baby.” Soul singer/songwriter Freddie Scott (1933 – 2007) recorded a surefire classic with “(You) Got What I Need”.  Released as a single in 1968, it failed to chart on the pop charts (bummer) but reached the top 30 on the R&B charts. “(You)” was written and produced by the iconic duo of Songwriting and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Kenneth Gamble (1943 – ) and Leon Huff (1942 -).  As always, Gamble and Huff ‘put their foot’ into this one!  

“(You) Got What I Need” features soulful production, characteristic of the 1960s.  Even early on, Gamble and Huff were ‘sickening’ – the musicianship is top-notch. Among the sounds that stand out is an ‘old-school,’ upright piano, which features one of the most important riffs of the song. Additionally, the sound palette shines thanks to the vibraphone, bright, accented horns, big bass, rhythmic guitar, and an electrifying drum groove. Freddie Scott matches the sweet backdrop, delivering commanding lead vocals. “In a world of salty tears / So afraid and so full of fears / So glad you saved me, dear,” Scott sings in the first verse, asserting in the second, “I was drowning in the sea of love / Going down for the third time / You came and saved me dear.” Scott receives supportive background vocals.  At times, there is call and response between him and background vocals (“Don’t ever stop them, dear (Stop ‘em dear)”). The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the section to beat.  More popular than “(You) Got What I Need”, a classic that deserved far more attention, is the song that sampled it, the Biz Markie (1964 – 2021) rap hit, “Just A Friend”. Ultimately, Freddie Scott ‘brought it’ on this underrated ‘60s gem. 

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WHAT is up with These 15 Songs, Vol. 2 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 45^th & 3rd Music LLC, Atco, Atlantic, Big Deal, Big Red, BMG Rights Management GmbH, Disney, Island, Light, Motown, RCA, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc., Unidisc Music Inc., Urheim, Warner Music Norway AS; Andrea Piacquadio, Mario Amé, Photo By: Kaboompics.com, Yan Krukau from Pexels; AcatXIo, Pete Linforth from Pixabay]