“Speechless” is a rock power ballad by Lady Gaga, released on November 18, 2009, as part of her extended play The Fame Monster. The song was written to convey her “fear of death” and implore her father to have the open-heart surgery needed for his condition. Gaga wrote the song while on tour during a depressive period, explaining that it’s about phone calls with her father, who would call after drinking, leaving her speechless as she feared losing him and not being there. Her father, Joseph, had the heart operation on October 22, 2009, just weeks before the album’s release. The track marked a significant departure from Gaga’s typical dance-pop style, featuring piano-driven instrumentation, live guitar, bass, and drums recorded at Record Plant Studios in Los Angeles. The song is a rock power ballad with influences of 1970s rock, blues rock, glam rock and country music. Critics noted her raw, raspy vocal delivery, with some comparing her performance to Freddie Mercury and Queen’s dramatic rock ballads. The song received mixed critical reception—while many praised its emotional depth and vocal power, some viewed it as a weaker moment compared to her electro-pop hits. Despite not being released as a single, “Speechless” became a fan favorite and a staple of her live performances, including a memorable 2010 Grammy Awards performance where she sang it as a medley with Elton John.

"Doo Wop (That Thing)" is one of Lauryn Hill's most iconic songs, released as the lead single from her debut solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998. The song blends hip-hop, R&B, and soul, and became a massive commercial hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The lyrics of the song address themes of self-respect, materialism, and the pressures of societal expectations, particularly around gender and relationships. Hill's delivery mixes rapping with soulful singing, and the track's message is both empowering and cautionary.

The song's infectious beat, which incorporates a vintage doo-wop sound, was produced by Lauryn Hill herself. The song's popularity, as well as its socially conscious message, cemented Hill's place as one of the most important artists of the late '90s and beyond. "Doo Wop (That Thing)" remains a key part of Hill's legacy as both a musical innovator and a voice of empowerment.

“Goodbye My Friend” by Linda Ronstadt is a deeply emotional ballad that tenderly explores themes of loss, farewell, and acceptance. Written by Karla Bonoff, the song is featured on Ronstadt’s 1989 album Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind. With its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, it reflects on the fragility of life and the sorrow of parting, while also offering a sense of peace through cherished memories. Ronstadt’s poignant vocals capture the ache of saying goodbye, making the song a comforting tribute to those we've lost—a timeless reminder of the enduring bond between friends, even in the face of goodbye.

Lola Young’s “Messy” comes at you like a late‑night text you shouldn’t read but you do anyway—one minute she’s spilling frustration, the next she’s begging for grace, smoking like a chimney, pulling a Britney, texting back too late, hating how she “should die lucky at thirty‑three,” and you feel both ashamed and relieved she said it first. It’s soul‑pop meets 90s edge meets ADHD chaos—embracing being too messy, too clean, too perfect till she opens her mouth and a thousand versions of herself and none are enough. She’s calling out someone who told her to “get a job,” then moaned where she’d been, crying only on schedule, drinking wine at strange hours, and still feeling absurd for just being real. Every contradiction in the chorus hits like a kitchen drawer that won’t close—imperfectly authentic. TikTok exploded, Sofia Richie danced, charts fell—UK, Australia, Ireland, Germany, number 14 in the US—and it’s not that the song was made for virality, it just is viral, because imperfect truth resonates. And Lola—BRIT School grad, niece of Julia Donaldson?—spoke for every scattered, raw, unfiltered feeling you’ve ever had but couldn’t say. Now nominated for Ivor Novello, topping charts, dominating streaming—because being messy is how she won. 🌪️

"Come to My Window" is one of Melissa Etheridge's most memorable and powerful songs, released as the second single from her 1993 album Yes I Am. The song is a deeply emotional ballad that showcases Etheridge's raw, raspy voice and her ability to convey vulnerability and longing. With its poignant lyrics, "Come to My Window" expresses a sense of yearning, where the narrator invites someone to offer solace and understanding. The track became a major hit, earning Etheridge widespread recognition and commercial success. It reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1995. The accompanying music video complements the song's emotional depth, featuring Etheridge performing in a dark, intimate setting that mirrors the song’s themes of loneliness and longing. "Come to My Window" remains one of Etheridge's signature songs, reflecting her unique blend of rock and folk influences while highlighting her talent for merging personal expression with universal emotional experiences.

"Please Forgive Me" is a deeply emotional ballad by American rock singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge, featured on her seventh studio album, Skin, which was released by Island Records on July 10, 2001. The album explores the pain, confusion, grief, and recovery Etheridge went through following her split from Julie Cypher, her companion of 12 years. Written and produced by Etheridge herself, the song runs 4 minutes and 43 seconds and showcases her raw vulnerability during one of the most challenging periods of her life.

The song portrays longing for someone's attention and affection after a long time of feeling nothing, expressing a sense of vulnerability and desire to be noticed and loved by someone The song also sheds light on the confusion that comes with attraction towards someone you barely know and struggling to find the right words to express the feelings without sounding too desperate. The central metaphor captured in the chorus line "It's an old fire, This familiar desire, But my skin is painfully new" reflects the tension between past romantic experiences and the hesitant reawakening of feelings after emotional devastation.

“Please Forgive Me" sweetly reintroduces Etheridge to the familiar desire of romance and stands as one of the more tender moments on the Skin album. During the dark days of the singer's split from Julie Cypher, Melissa Etheridge retreated to her home studio to pen songs lit from within with her searing pain and confusion, resulting in arguably Etheridge's finest work.  The song represents a crucial stage in the emotional journey of the album, capturing the tentative steps toward opening one's heart again after profound loss.

"Flowers" is a song by Miley Cyrus that was released in early 2023 as part of her album "Endless Summer Vacation." The track quickly gained popularity and became a significant hit, resonating with listeners for its empowering themes and catchy melody. Lyrically, "Flowers" explores themes of self-love and independence, with Cyrus reflecting on the importance of finding strength within oneself after a relationship. The song's anthemic chorus and upbeat production make it an uplifting track, encouraging listeners to prioritize their own happiness and well-being. The release of "Flowers" was strategically timed, coinciding with Cyrus's personal journey and growth. It is often interpreted as a personal statement, showcasing her evolution as an artist and individual. The song has been praised for its relatable message and has solidified Cyrus's place in contemporary pop music.

Pink’s song "What About Us" is from her album "Beautiful Trauma," which was released in 2017. The album features a mix of pop and rock sounds and addresses various themes, including personal struggles and broader societal issues. It is an impactful song that resonates with many listeners; highlighting themes of disillusionment and the search for connection in a time of social and political unrest. The powerful lyrics call for attention to the struggles people face and emphasize the importance of community and understanding.

"Glory Box" is one of the most iconic tracks by the British electronic band Portishead, released in 1994 as part of their debut album, "Dummy." The song showcases the band's signature blend of trip-hop, combining haunting melodies, soulful vocals from lead singer Beth Gibbons, and a moody, atmospheric instrumental backdrop.

Lyrically, "Glory Box" explores themes of desire, vulnerability, and longing. The title itself is a reference to a "glory box," which is an old term for a hope chest—traditionally used by young women to store items they would need when starting a new life, often related to marriage. In the context of the song, it signifies a yearning for love and emotional connection.

Musically, the track features a mix of hip-hop beats, jazz influences, and bold string arrangements, contributing to the overall dark and melancholic vibe that Portishead is known for. The song gained critical acclaim and has been influential in the development of the trip-hop genre, impacting many artists that followed.

"Glory Box" remains a staple in Portishead's discography and continues to resonate with listeners, embodying the band's unique sound and lyrical depth. Its artistic significance has led to it being featured in various films, television shows, and cover versions by other artists.