These past couple of years have been a rush of queer artists and queer pop songs. It excites me and makes me feel excited that I exist at a time when I have witnessed Lady Gaga taking over the music scene to now Chappell Roan living, breathing and thriving as a musician. Here’s a list of my favs:
Angel Of My Dreams- Jade Thirlwall
This is Thirlwall’s debut single, expanding from her Little Mix days. The phenomenal queerness that Jade incorporates in her music and storytelling have me HOOKED! We rarely get to see such good debut amongst western artists. And tell me it doesn’t look like Jade borrowed Trixie Mattel’s wig in the music video.
Good Luck Babe – Chappell Roan
Chappell had to be on the list. I have been listening to her music tirelessly since my coworker introduced me to HOT TO GO! You bet I will keep listening to this as long as I can!
Rush- Troye Sivan
I’ve been feeling the rush since 13th july 2023, and yes it’s been a year since this song came out!! I imagined myself attending a queer party and enjoying it with folx, and guess what? I DID.
Red Wine Supernova- Chappell Roan
Do I also want a magician girlfriend now? Yes.
Did I impulsively buy makeup to do drag like roan? Also yes
I don’t have the rizz to get a girlfriend or the skills to do makeup but I do have access to the song, so we bop.
Me And My Husband- Mitski
All it took was Mitski sighing for me to add it to my ‘liked’ songs and every playlist. But it’s what I like to think is a situational song too. I will vibe to it while cleaning my room, but you know I will sit down the second I think too much about it. I think it makes a good storyline when thought of as a reply to Goodluck Babe by Chappell.
Can’t Be Tamed – Miley Cyrus
This song came out when I was 10, I turned 24 this year and it’s still existing safe and sound in my playlist. It was iconic for it’s time, and it’s still iconic, waiting for it to enter the mainstream space within the queer community, because imagine if this played at a club?
10 Minutes- Lee Hyori
Not a queer artist, and the lyrics are admittedly quite problematic, but something shifts when this plays. It’s probably because of Hyori’s resurgence to fame and my kpop crushes covering this song, members of group Twice; Nayeon, Jihyo and Momo dancing to 10 minutes saved 2023 for me.
Somebody Told Me – Maneskin (Cover)
I like the original version by The Killers just as much as any other emo kid, but I love Damiano’s sass and raspy voice. And the lyrics
“Well somebody told me you had a boyfriend who looked like a girlfriend that I had” It can’t get more queer than this!?
Not My Fault- Renee Rapp Ft. Megan Thee Stallion
Renne Rapp the star that you are, oof. I was introduced to this through that one circulating video of Renee Rapp performing at SNL in a black bralette. It was one of those rare times to witness a young, openly queer celebrity also represent my body type so freely? You add Megan Thee Stallion to the mix and I’m sold.
Bad Romance- Lady Gaga
She’s a classic, she’s an icon, I’m never getting tired of her. From school to workspace, she has been in my playlist and will continue to do so.
Nightmare- Halsey
Halsey serves music like mainstream pop is supposed to be, it’s rebellious, it’s going to take you back to your emo teen and it’s the perfect angry song. We all need one song that we need to scream to, and this is that for me. I don’t care if it’s not “real rock” I don’t want it to be.
360- Charli xcx
Listening to this as I write this list. It’s going to be a while before I grow tired of Brat. Not because of its popularity at the moment or “context it exists in”. I see myself blasting this everywhere. The music video will forever be my reminder to be that fashion theylie.
Colors By Solar
Last but not least, my newest addition to fav queer songs. Now this isn’t my usual style, nor is it Solar’s usual style as an artist. But yeah her fans do know she loves supporting the invisible queerness in K-pop, so for her to bring openly queer performers to national broadcasting was a bold move for her. But also nothing new since her band Mamamoo is known to be vocal allies to the community and amusingly neither of the girl-group members have ever denied being queer… do what you want with that information but what a bop.
