WHAT is up with These 15 Songs?

WHAT is up with These 15 Songs?  features songs by Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Janet Jackson, New Radicals, Nick Lachey, and Walter Hawkins.

Folks, guess WHAT? WHAT it all comes down to is the word… WHAT! WHAT is up with These 15 Songs? is comprised of songs that feature the word WHAT in the title.  WHAT is up with These 15 Songs? is a sequel to 13 Totally Ear Catching WHAT Songs (2022), which itself was a sequel to another ‘what’ playlist, A Playlist Comprised of 13 ‘What’ Songs (2020). WHAT is up with These 15 Songs? features a compelling cast of musicians. It includes songs by Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Janet Jackson, New Radicals, Nick Lachey, and Walter Hawkins.  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?!

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1. Billie Eilish, “What Was I Made For?”

“I used to float, now I just fall down / I used to know, but I’m not sure now / What I was made for / What was I made for?” When Academy/Grammy-winning musicians Billie Eilish and FINNEAS release music, it ‘hits different.’ Most of the songs from Barbie The Album are brief, energetic, groovy, and upbeat.  In the case of Eilish’s 🤩 “What Was I Made For?” tempo slackens, the duration increases and the tone is much more reflective.  As always, Eilish and FINNEAS concoct magic in the studio, penning this ballad. Producing alongside FINNEAS is Andrew Wyatt and Mark Ronson. “What Was I Made For?” is beautiful.  It commences as a piano ballad. As the record progresses, there’s additional instrumentation that fills things out (the beauty of the synthesizer).  The melody is stunning, amplified more by radiant vocals by Billie Eilish.  Eilish sounds particularly strong in her upper register showcasing her versatility.  Besides her superb vocal performance, the vocal production is also a selling point. From a songwriting perspective, “What Was I Made For?” is well-penned. It’s sad, mind you, but highly successful (“When did it end? All the enjoyment/ I’m sad again, don’t tell my boyfriend / It’s not what he’s made for / What was I made for?”).    

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2. Barrett Strong, “Money (That’s What I Want)”

The Collection // Spectrum Music // 2004  

“The best things in life are free / But you can give them to the birds, and bees / I need money.” Woo! What a memorable line from the Barrett Strong (1941 – 2023) classic, “Money (That’s What I Want)”. While the Motown legend is most renowned for his pen, he scored a hit on the pop charts with “Money,” which peaked at no. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 1960. The chorus is the most famous part of this early soul classic, with Strong singing lead supported by marvelous background vocals: “I need money (That’s what I want) / That’s what I want (That’s what I want).” Still, the verses are infectious, including the second where Strong, showing ample personality, asserts, “Your love gave me such a thrill / But your love don’t pay my bills.” Hence, that’s why Strong needs M-O-N-E-Y! “Money” was penned by another icon, Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford.  Gordy also produced this super catchy joint.  A record that is well into its 60s, “Money (That’s What I Want)” never grows old or sounds the least bit anachronistic.    

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3. Cloudy June, “If Jesus saw what we did last night”

“If Jesus saw what we did last night” // Cloudy June // 2025

“If Jesus saw what we did last night…” Uh-oh… this sounds sketchy, Cloudy June.  The feminist and queer musician (she identifies as bisexual) continues singing in the chorus of “If Jesus saw what we did last night”, “He’d be comin’ back to life.” Holy shit! She is referencing the resurrection of Jesus, of course. The other miracle cited? “He’d turn water into wine.” Spirituality is prevalent throughout “If Jesus saw what we did last night”, though the most devout and pious may cry foul.  I doubt Cloudy June cares.  The Berlin singer wrote “Jesus” alongside Cy and Maarten Paul. Philip Strand and Paul produced it. 

Sex is the modus operandi of “If Jesus saw what we did last night.” No shit, Sherlock! “When you touch me there, it’s a miracle / Biblical affair,” Cloudy June sings in the first verse. Damn! In the second verse, she asserts, “[I] Can’t escape the feelin’ it’s physical / You’re my prophecy, baby.” Yep, that is a big, heaping dose of blasphemy! In the chorus, she describes their body as holy, claiming, “I’m floatin’ like an angel / You brought me down to my knees.” Amen… I mean, SACRILEDGE!  Ultimately, “If Jesus saw what we did last night” is fun and stirs the pot. Cloudy June sings beautifully, expressing her sufficiently and unapologetically expressing her desires. Sex-positive, she speaks to being unashamed to be with who you choose and ‘do’ what you choose.  Backed by a dark, minor key, sleekly produced backdrop, “Jesus” sounds celestial… in a dark, twisted way.

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4. Hush, “當我們談論愛情 (What We Talk About)”

“當我們談論愛情” (“What We Talk About”) // Bin Music International Limited // 2025

Love is complicated to the nth degree. That, my friends, might be an understatement. The complicated complex nature of love is something that gay Taiwanese singer-songwriter, Hush (Chen Pin-he) captures superbly in his single, “當我們談論愛情” (“What We Talk About”). The Mandopop musician articulates his thoughts poetically.  The English translation doesn’t perfectly capture the Chinese lyrics, but the essence is there (“We have learned to recognize the tacit understanding in our eyes”).  Hush penned this song, which he comments about via IG [translated]:

The handsome and talented 40-year-old musician ‘brings the heat’ throughout “當我們談論愛情” (When we talk about love)”.  His voice sounds stunning – simply beautiful! He sings with authenticity and incredible sincerity about the wide-ranging emotions of love. “Occasionally, I think of the time I spent with him / I’ve heard a lot about him since then,” he sings [translated] in the first verse.  He continues, “I’ve heard a lot about him, how his heart left him / We talk about the different paths that once belonged to each of us.” Later, he honestly asserts, “I’d rather he’d just lie /… At that time, he couldn’t tell the truth / When he did, he was just like everyone else.” Beyond the elite vocals and love-talk, Hush is supported by radiant music accompaniment (piano, guitars, bass, and drums). Even without understanding the Chinese, the plight of love is easily perceptible. Hush “shines bright like a diamond” on “當我們談論愛情” (“What We Talk About”).

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5. Cardi B, “Like What (Freestyle)”

Like What (Freestyle) // Atlantic // 2024

In 2024, female rap beef was at an all-time high.  Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B got into the action with “Like What (Freestyle)”.  True hip-hop heads will instantly recognize the late 1990s songs she samples: “She’s a Bitch” by Missy Elliott.  Although the iconic instrumental fuels the fire, “Like What” still features four producers: DJ SwanQo, Sean Island, OctaneThisThatGass, and Lateef. The rhymes by Cardi B are unapologetic. She appears to diss arch nemesis Nicki Minaj, primarily. “First that bitch hate me, then this bitch hate me / And somehow, they link up, and they become friends,” she spits in the first verse.  It seems that JT might also be addressed in that particular shot.  However, lines like “Everything you got, I had five years before” (verse one) and  “Her life so trash, think I put a hex on it” (verse two) are aimed at Nicki.  Beyond select intriguing bars, the chorus gives no fucks through and through: “Classy and a cunt (And a cunt) / Blocks and money gettin’ spunt (Gettin’ spunt) / Like (like), like what? (Like what?) / Like a Coach bag, baby, this ain’t what you want…” It’s worth noting that Cardi B exhibits a compelling cadence and flow with plenty of attitude.  Is “Like What (Freestyle)” an elite track, though? No. It’s okay, but not game-changing in the least.

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6. ZAYN, “What I Am”

ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS // Drop Zed Music, LLC / Mercury / Republic // 2024 

Sometimes, a departure is just what the doctor ordered. For the handsome and talented ZAYN, he takes a departure on “What I Am”, the promo single from his fourth studio album, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS.  He penned this ‘alternative’ single – a blend of pop, country/folk, and R&B – himself.  He produced it alongside an unlikely producer, Dave Cobb. While it’s a different sound and vibe, the results are stunning. “What I Am” commences with a super brief intro before he jumps in. As always, his tone is beautiful. Furthermore, I like the rawness, particularly in the second verse.  Ultimately, he sounds nuanced and soulful.  Initially, he’s accompanied by guitar, the perfect backdrop for his reflective brand of songwriting. In the first verse, he sings, “I’ve had enough of running ‘round this board game / You can know your own name, I won’t give it up.” In the second, he adds, “I’ve been readin’ old shit, and I can’t make sense of it / Ain’t no conspiracy that can save me.” Word.  The pre-chorus is gorgeous, with the initial pre-chorus ‘upping the ante’ instrumentally.  Fuller instrumentation and vocal layers arrive in the section to beat the chorus:

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7. Gus Dapperton, “What You Won’t Do For Love” – Bobby Caldwell cover

“What You Won’t Do For Love” // Gus Dapperton, LLC / Warner // 2024

“I came back to let you know / Got a thing for you and I can’t let go.” Fascinating musician Gus Dapperton covered the Bobby Caldwell classic, “What You Won’t Do For Love” in 2024. Dapperton successfully makes Caldwell’s sole top 40 hit his own. “What You Won’t Do For Love” commences with lovely background vocals during the introduction, setting the tone of this classic (“Do for love…”).  The production (Dapperton and Asa Taccone) is more contemporary than the original. Gone are the horns, replaced with guitar covering the famous, melodic riff. Even without the 70s musical cues, there are still fine musical touches in play, including the prominent bass line, played by Gus. Of course, the cover is more about the coverer than the instrumental.  Dapperton serves up strong vocals, bringing command and bite to his performance. Adding to the bite of the performance are vocal effects, specifically distortion, which proves to be effective.  Gus still brings the magic out of the tuneful melodies of this 1970s gem, particularly in the chorus. Ultimately, Gus does Bobby justice with his take on “What You Won’t Do For Love”.

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8. Snow Wife, “What Do Girls Do?”

“What Do Girls Do?” // SNOWGLOBE // 2025

“Girls / What do girls do? / I like girls who / Look like you.” Woo! Snow Wife (Emily Leann Snow) isn’t shy about her preferences for girls in “What Do Girls Do?”.  Jesse saint john, JBACH, STINT, and producers Danna Davell and Slush Puppy penned the brief cut. As always, Snow brings ample personality. Sex is the modus operandi. “I could be the appetizer, then I’m gonna make you dinner,” she sings in the first verse, “Have you ever thought about having a girlfriend for the summer?” Ooh-wee! In the second verse, she names specific girls –  Stassi, Tati, and Bobbi – who catch her eye. Well, Tati touches her waist… The centerpiece is the chorus, where, like Mötley Crue, Snow Wife is digging these girls!

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9. Bryson Tiller, “Whatever She Wants”

Bryson Tiller // RCA // 2024

“I’ma take her bougie ass to Rode and then let her pick up whatever she want.” Woo! Well, that’s so generous of you, Bryson Tiller… The key portion of the lyric excerpted from the chorus is the title of the song: “Whatever She Wants”. After a 20-second intro sets the tone, the Grammy-nominated rapper/singer gets busy delivering plenty of rhythmic, melodic lines. In “Whatever She Wants,” we get more of the Louisville, Kentucky-bred musician’s melodic rap side.  Tiller delivers a great cadence. What does he get in return for spoiling her? “She piss me off, somehow she still get whatever she want / Talking ‘bout her nails, I’m finna nail her ass at home.” “Whatever” explores this idea of her power over him. And that power, of course, is highly sexual (“I know pussy power got me buyin’ shit again”).  He adds, in the first verse, “Got a nigga feelin’ like a sucker yet again,” while in the second, he “Spoil her ass again / Take her to the dealership, the Porsche, it got a twin.” Thematically and lyrically, “Whatever She Want” is basic, but it’s entertaining too. Besides Tiller’s performance, it features some gorgeous production cues (TylianMTB).  Notably, “Whatever” samples “Intro” by Orion Sun (2022) and is a remix of the original (the demo) from 2023. “Whatever She Wants” won’t change your life but it’s a relatively brief, enjoyable record from Tiller.  

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10. Lynks, “(WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM) SEX WITH A STRANGER”

ABOMINATION // Heavenly Recordings / [PIAS] // 2024 

“I’m on the DLR, on my way to fuck a stranger / Know his age, know his height, don’t know his name,” Lynks asserts in the first verse of the colorful “(WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM) SEX WITH A STRANGER”. They acknowledge the risks in the highlight from their 2024 album, ABOMINATION: “Should be ashamed, all the danger I put myself in in the name of a shag, and a bad one at that / It’s a matter of fact, to fuck a stranger is rarely a positive act for me / But I still go back ‘cause who’s keeping track.” Lynks penned and produced the unique electro-tinged alternative joint.  It is nothing short of an exhilarating ride.

“(WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM) SEX WITH A STRANGER” features intense, noisy-sounding musical accompaniment.  This establishes a high-energy, intense vibe. Lynks’ vocals are unapologetic, often rapped and talked, using a distortion effect at times. He narrativizes an imminent hookup bringing ample personality to the table.“Oh, the wonders of technology when you’re horny / Ordering a man like you’d order a curry,” they sing in the second verse, continuing, “Call me up, babe, I’ll be there in a hurry / I’m free delivery and all I really need is you to fuck my brains out.” Holy cannoli! Lynks, being young and horny, isn’t picky regarding his sexual rendezvous.  Grindr overdrive! Even though Lynks is receiving pleasure, the satisfaction or deeper connection is missing, which they highlight in the talk-sung chorus:

“Romance isn’t dead, it’s in a coma

Me? I’m just a dog out, tryna get a boner

I don’t wanna spend my night alone (No)

So, I don’t think about how I’ll feel when it’s over

‘Cause honestly, I’ll probably feel the same

No miracle, no epiphanies

And disappointment always is the danger

But what did you expect from sex with a stranger?”

“(WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM) SEX WITH A STRANGER” is a sex-positive song but simultaneously acknowledges the unfulfillment of empty sex.

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11. Janet Jackson, “What Have You Done for Me Lately”

Control // A&M // 1986 

“I know he used to do nice stuff for you / But what has he done for you lately?” It all comes down to one simple but important question in “What Have You Done for Me Lately”, WOO! That is what the R&B/pop superstar Janet Jackson asked on the infectious, no. 4 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from her 1986 album, Control.  Both “What Have You Done for Me Lately” and Control were nominated for Grammys, though Jackson would ultimately win five Grammys for other musical endeavors.  Still, revisiting a dance-pop gem, it deserved a Grammy, dammit! “What Have You Done For Me Lately” has the 1980s written all over it – those groovy, boxy drums and increased palette of electronic sounds via synthesizers. Iconic producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis give Jackson a marvelous backdrop that fit the lyrics without a hitch. This guy, who was once a catch, is neglecting Janet something fierce. “Used to be a time when you would pamper me,” she sings in the first verse, later adding, “But my friends say neglect is on your mind / Who’s right?” Well, they are given the fact he has done sugar honey iced tea for her lately! Another prime example comes in the second verse, where she asserts, “Used to go to dinner almost every night /… Good thing I cook or else we’d starve to death / Ain’t that a shame?” Janet Jackson, and any woman being taken for granted deserve better! “What Have You Done for Me Lately” is a certified classic, PERIOD! #GIRL POWER!!!

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12. Nick Lachey, “What’s Left of Me”

What’s Left of Me // Zomba Recording LLC // 2006

“‘Cause I want you, and I feel you / Crawling underneath my skin / Like a hunger, like a burning / To find a place I’ve never been.” “What’s Left of Me” by Nick Lachey was an aughts bop. “What’s Left of Me” peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, his sole top 40 hit. What’s Left of Me” was penned by Lachey, Lindy Robbins, Jess Cates, and producer Emanuel Kiriakou. “I don’t wanna waste another day / Stuck in the shadow of my mistakes.” The aftermath of divorce and heartbreak (Jessica Simpson is his ex-wife) is written all over “What’s Left of Me,” evidenced by the excerpt from the first verse. There’s more in the second: “I’ve been dying inside / Little by little.” At the end of the verse, he asserts, “Running from myself until / You gave me a reason for standing still.” Deep. Insightful. Introspective.  Besides dramatic, reflective lyrics, Lachey brings tuneful melodies to life in the verses and chorus.  His voice is beautiful and expressive.  Rather than record bubblegum pop or ‘white-boy’ R&B 🤭, Nick chooses more mature, adult contemporary pop.  The backdrop includes piano, strings, and light, tasteful synths.  Adding to the sophisticated nature of this ballad are the key changes.  The verse is F major, while the chorus is G major.  While modulating up a step isn’t far-fetched, “What’s Left of Me” doesn’t modulate traditionally, making a common key change sound less common. As a solo artist, Lachey cemented his musical legacy with “What’s Left of Me”. Even some heartthrobs only get one hit, sometimes.

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13. New Radicals, “You Get What You Give”

Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1998

“One dance left, this world is gonna pull through.” Perhaps those lyrics meant something different in 1998. However, those words Gregg Alexander sings remain relevant well into the 2020s.  Another lyric that remains potent and thoughtful: “Don’t give up, you’ve got a reason to live.” Yes! New Radicals was comprised of Alexander and Danielle Brisebois primarily. Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too was their sole LP, released in 1998.  The song to beat is the second track and single, “You Get What You Give”. It gave the band a top 40 hit, peaking at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Give” was written by Alexander and Rick Nowels. Alexander produced it.

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14. The Dramatics, “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”

Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get // Concord Music Group, Inc. // 1971 

Did you know, “Some people are made of plastic / And you know, some people are made of wood”? According to Detroit-based R&B collective The Dramatics, that is the case! Furthermore, on “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”, the fourth track from their 1972 album, Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get, “Some people have hearts of stone / Some people (Some people) / Are up to no good.” Valid points made on this gem, which peaked at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. Even though “some people” are suspect, The Dramatics ensure you – her – are aware “I’m for real!” “Whatcha” marked the first of two top ten hits by The Dramatics. It features an epic, soulful groove. Beyond the groove, the production is electrifying with its blend of the rhythm section firing on all cylinders, winds (horns, flutes, oboe), and picturesque strings.  The vocals are marvelous vocals, with the collective doing a fabulous job splitting lead vocal duties and providing contrast.  The centerpiece is the incredibly catchy chorus which ranks among the crème de la crème of the 1970s:  

“Whatcha see (Whatcha see) 

Is whatcha get (Is whatcha get) 

Whatcha see (Whatcha see) 

Is whatcha get (Is what you get) 

I said, what you see (Whatcha see) 

Is whatcha get now, baby (Is what you get) 

And the real thing (The real thing) 

Is the best thing yet (The best thing yet).” 

The Dramatics gives us sheer authenticity on “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”.

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15. Walter Hawkins, “What Is This?”

The Hawkins Family // Yell // 1980 

“What is this / That I feel deep inside / That keeps setting my soul afire?” Well, Walter Hawkins, many refer to it as The Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit, of course, is tied with The Most High aka God aka Jesus – The holy trinity… Of course, throughout “What Is This?” which appears on Hawkins’ 1980 album, 💿 The Hawkins Family, Hawkins doesn’t make things complicated – he keeps it simple yet encouraging, spiritual refreshing, and uplifting: “Whatever it is / It won’t let me / Hold my peace.”  Essentially, Hawkins, and anyone who experiences this feeling, can’t just sit still – they must speak of this joy deep down inside and share it with the world!   

“What Is This?” is a soulful, R&B-gospel joint.  It’s smooth and easy-going, yet potent and powerful.  There are awesome vocals from all parties involved, namely Walter Hawkins himself.  The backing vocals are electrifying too, particularly the female leads that testify to the Holy Spirit.  The tuneful chorus is among the biggest selling points.  Still, moments like, “It makes me love all my enemies / And it makes me love my friends / And it won’t let me be ashamed / To tell the world that I’ve been born again,” truly speak to belief, faith, and a deep connection with God.  As this wonderful record progresses, it only grows more spirited, making the soul feel that much happier and #LIFTED 🙌.  There is an awesome cover by Korean Soul 👏!   

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WHAT is up with These 15 Songs? (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M, Atlantic, Bin Music International Limited, Concord Music Group, Inc., Cloudy June, Drop Zed Music, LLC, Gus Dapperton, LLC, Heavenly Recordings, Mercury, [PIAS], RCA, Republic, SNOWGLOBE, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., Yell, Zomba Recording LLC; ADEYEMI HARDECKX, Andrea Piacquadio, Dima Valkov, Ekaterina Belinskaya, Ila Bappa Ibrahim, Leo Chainz, Pavel Danilyuk, from Pexels; AcatXIo, Pete Linforth from Pixabay]