“Headaches” is soft, dreamy, and “unapologetically queer.” Raveena tells a story of unexpected starting out mellow, leading into an instrumental break and a more upbeat outro. As a bonus, the music video — starring Raveena and Hitomi Mochizuki as the artist’s love interest — is visually beautiful.
“Sugar in the Tank” by Julien Baker and TORRES
A heartfelt song from a country duo composed of two queer artists, Julien Baker and TORRES. Their vivid lyrics describe how people are motivated to overcome both mundane and extreme challenges when they care about someone. The two singers’ voices, along with a guitar, blend together seamlessly in the chorus.
R&B artist Syd’s “Sweet” captures the feeling of wanting to do things right in a new relationship. In a catchy chorus, the narrator promises, “don’t need jewelry, don’t need money, don’t need nothin’, babe / Nothin’ but sweet, sweet, sweet lovin’, babe.” The song moves at a leisurely pace, yet conveys a determination to take a relationship seriously.
This song perfectly illustrates the conflict between expressing genuine feelings and not wanting to come on too strong. Singer-songwriter Arlo Parks juxtaposes these desires in her lyrics, “I hope it’s not a big deal / You got me feeling hyperreal” — torn between anxiety and expressing her love. Parks’ gentle vocals make this song feel warm and comfortable despite that struggle.
“WYKYK” (that is, “when you know, you know”) is an upbeat pop song about the thrilling feeling of falling in love. Molly Grace, who is “inspired by burlesque, disco, and old Hollywood,” explores love at first sight over an exciting beat. It’s dramatic and intense, but sometimes you’re just sure you’re meant to be with someone.
