11 More Riveting Songs About People

11 More Riveting Songs About People features songs by Conan Gray, Peso Pluma, Sam Fender, The Black Keys, and The Spinners. 

Cutting straight to the chase, 11 More Riveting Songs About People is about P-E-O-P-L-E, people! The musical compendium follows up 15 Riveting Songs About People (2021).  For this skinnier sequel, the reins have been loosened. People are the main attraction in the song titles, but we’ll allow a person to slide into the mix – looking at you, Drake! In addition to Drizzy, 11 More Riveting Songs About People features songs by Conan Gray, Peso Pluma, Sam Fender, The Black Keys, and The Spinners. So, without further ado, let’s get into these ‘people’ songs, shall we?!

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1. Sam Fender,  “People Watching”

“I people-watch on the way back home / Envious of the glimmer of hope / Gives me a break from feeling alone / Gives me a moment out of the ego.” Word, Sam Fender.  The talented English singer/songwriter released “People Watching” ahead of his third studio album, People Watching. “People Watching” runs north of five minutes.  Fender wrote the track, producing alongside Adam Granduciel, Joe Atkinson, and Dean Thompson.

The excerpted lyrics from the first verse speak to the quality of the songwriting. Sam remembers his ‘surrogate mother,’ a person who passed away, that meant a lot to him.  The second verse, with its descriptive, poetic lyrics, speaks to the experience of the end of her life.  “The poor nurse was around the clock / And the beauty of youth had left my breaking heart,” he sings, continuing, “But it wasn’t hard when you love someone / Oh, I stayed all night till you left this life ‘cause that’s just love.” Sam’s honesty and heart-on-sleeve approach to songwriting is admirable. Unsurprisingly, the chorus shines, even if it is the lyrics in the verses and bridge (“Kittywakes etched your initials in the sky”) that are most ear-catching.  The chorus is high-energy. Fender sings authentically and beautifully.  The driving pop/rock production perfectly suits this sincere remembrance track.  The backdrop reminds me of Bruce Springsteen, one of his influences. The saxophone playing by Johnny “Blue Hat” Davis is fire! “People Watching” is a marvelous opening track from People Watching.

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2. The Spinners, “Games People Play”

“Games people play / Night or day they’re just not matchin’ / What they should do / Keeps me feelin’ blue.” The Spinners were one of the best and successful soul groups of the 1970s.  Interestingly, the iconic collective had seven top 10 hits. “Games People Play” was one of them, peaking at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Helping to craft the sophisticated Philly soul sound is the late, great producer, Thom Bell.  “Games People Play” commences with a distinct, unmistakable groove.  There is a superb string and horn arrangement, which falls in line with 1970s soul. In addition to the core rhythm section, percussion provides a marvelous musical touch. Shout out to Bruce Hawes, Charles Simmons, and Joseph B. Jefferson, who penned this masterpiece.  The harmonic scheme is incredibly notable, going beyond basic, tried and true chord changes.

Sound and songwriting play a pivotal role.  So do the incredibly sophisticated, soulful vocals. Bobby Smith, Pervis Jackson, and Evette Benton deliver effortless vocals. All three contrast yet complement each other.  Smith serves up a sweet tenor, while Jackson delivers a robust bass. As for Benton, she adds a glorious, feminine touch.  The vocal arrangement is nothing short of stupendous.  As far as the most memorable part of this gargantuan soul joint, it’s the chorus, one of the most memorable by The Spinners (“Been down too long / Right, wrong, they just can’t stop it / Spendin’ all day / Thinking just of you”).  “Games People Play” is indeed the ‘pick of the litter’ from the collective’s 1975 album, Pick of the Litter. 

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3. Rose Gray, “Party People”

“Party people love, and party people love / Party people always bring the best of us.” East London singer Rose Gray ‘brings the heat’ with her electrifying “Party People”.  She penned the fifth single and sixth track from her debut album,  Louder, Please with Sur Back, and producer Sega Bodega. It commences with warm, rich, gooey pads that provide enticing ear candy – sugary sweet! During the intro, effects during the intro; they are pitch-shifted, setting the tone. Sega Bodega ‘puts in work’ behind the boards, crafting a sleek backdrop for Gray to sing upon.

In the verse, we hear Rose’s natural voice… technically,  there are still effects in play but no pitch shift. Gray expresses her desire for this person: “In the city of strangers, you’re the only one that I want, I want.” In the second verse, she outlines her yearning: “Take me back, take the love, take me tonight /… Trace my body like a work of art, let go and breathe.” Beyond her desire, the music mesmerizes and moves her, per the first verse: “I hear the 808 drums inside my mind as they hum.” The melody is tuneful during the verse –a sweet melodic contour at work.  The chorus is the section to beat.  Like the verses, it’s tuneful, with catching lyrics including a naughty but charming f-bomb:

“Party people live and party people love

Party people give and party people fuck

Party people always bring the best of us

Met you on a dance floor, what a metaphor.”

“Party People” is three-and-a-quarter minutes of fun.  Rose Gray ‘brings the heat.’ Better yet, she brings the party!

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4. The Black Keys, Beautiful People (Stay High)

Grammy-winning, Midwestern duo extraordinaire, The Black Keys (Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney) wow on the hella funky “Beautiful People (Stay High)”. Prepare to tap your feet something fierce! The Grammy-nominated rock song appeared on the duo’s 12^th studio album, Ohio Players.  The title was inspired by the legendary Ohio funk band. “Beautiful People (Stay High)” keeps things relatively brief, clocking in under three minutes in duration. That’s plenty of time for The Black Keys to make our ears perk up.  The groove is nothing short of electrifying – the rhythm section is firmly ‘in the pocket.’ Gotta love the use of distorted guitars, old-school piano, and horns. The duo constructs an awesome blend of retro rock, bluesy, and funky vibes. The riffs, well, they kick ass and take names. Beyond the instrumental skill – Carney’s drumming and Auerbach’s guitaring – Auerbach serves up strong, commanding vocals. “Hard as it’s been, to begin once again,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “Just a friend on the wind seekin’ shelter.” Oh my! Furthermore, he gives us no shortage of playful moments: “Nah, nah-nah-nah-nah / Never coming back down.” Woo! The musical high is legit on “Beautiful People (Stay High)”, a must-hear by the beloved Akron duo.

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5. Mumford & Sons + Pharrell Williams, “Good People”

“The sun is rising / It’s coming, it’s on its way / So nothing, tonight is / Getting in the way.” Did anyone think that Grammy-winning folk band Mumford & Sons and Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Pharrell Williams would collaborate? NO! Anyways, the unexpected collaboration comes to fruition on “Good People”,  composed and produced by the band and Williams. The results are a bit quirky. Does Williams get his signature four count in? Yes, following some rhythmic acoustic guitar work, that beat drops.  Even with a Pharrell beat/groove, the producer extraordinaire keeps it within the context of alternative folk… for the most part. No spacey drums, not to mention progressive synths.  The foot stomping, percussive beat provides oomph – packs a punch, particularly when it’s the primary accompaniment in the verses. The background vocals supporting Marcus Mumford’s lead have Pharrell written all over them, with ear-catching results – a dash of urban flavor. Williams’ backing vocals provide a nice response to Marcus’ call (“Welcome to the revelation”).  As for Marcus, he’s true to self, delivering alluring, powerful lead vocals that embrace folk.  The chorus is catchy.  Expectedly, that’s where these ‘good people’ come into the mix:

“Good people been down for so long

And now it’s like the sun is rising

Good people been downing for so long

And now I see the sun is rising.”

While unexpected, and a departure from Mumford & Sons of the past, dare I say, “Good People” has a charm about it.  It’s interesting. It ‘hits different!’

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6. Conan Gray, “People Watching”

The gorgeous and talented Conan Gray sings beautifully on “People Watching”, a highlight from his underrated, 2022 sophomore album, Superache. Gray has a tuneful, memorable melody to work with on the verses.  Furthermore, the songwriting is superb (Gray, Julia Michaels, and producer, Dan Nigro), finding Gray doing what he does best – telling stories:  “He’s making fun of how she acted around the holidays / She wears a ring, but they tell people that they’re not engaged.” In the chorus, he elevates his game, singing with more conviction.  It makes sense that his passion is heightened, as he wants to be the one experiencing love, not merely people-watching:

“But I wanna feel all that love and emotion

Be that attached to the person I’m holdin’

Someday I’ll be falling, without caution

But for now, I’m only people watchin’.”

Two and a half minutes is sufficient time for Conan to compel.

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7. Drake, “First Person Shooter” (Ft. J. Cole)

“First-person shooter mode, we turnin’ your song to a funeral / To them niggas that say they wan’ off us, you better be talkin’ ‘bout workin’ in cubicles.” Ooh-wee! Grammy-winning rapper/singer Drake enlists the services of fellow Grammy-winning rapper, J. Cole, on “First Person Shooter” (Cole performs the excerpted lyrics from the intro). “First Person Shooter” is the four-minute-plus, sixth track from Drizzy’s 2023 album, For All The Dogs.  It was produced by Vinylz, Boi-1da, OZ, Tay Keith, Coleman, and FNZ. “First Person Shooter” features hard-nosed production with a star-studded cast working behind the boards.  Notably, it samples “Look Me in the Eyes” by Joe Washington and Wash (soul band) and “Redemption” by Norwegian orchestral composer Snorre Tidemand.  Drake brings edgier rhymes to the table compared to most of his songs.  His confidence is through the roof:

“I love a dinner with some fine women when they start debatin’ about who the G.O.A.T.

I’m like go on ‘head, say it then, who the G.O.A.T.?

Who the G.O.A.T.? Who the G.O.A.T.? Who the G.O.A.T.?

Who you bitches really rootin’ for?”

J. Cole drops a compelling flow in the second verse, kicking off with a bang: “Niggas so thirsty to put me in beef / Dissectin’ my words and start lookin’ too deep.” Word! Interestingly, there is a change of pace, a beat switch, around the two-and-a-half-minute mark signally part two. The sound is even darker and tougher. Drake continues to ‘go hard’:

“Will they ever give me flowers? Well, of course not

They don’t wanna have that talk, ‘cause it’s a sore spot

They know The Boy, the one they gotta boycott.”

WOO! “First Person Shooter” is something else.

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8. Peso Pluma, “LA PEOPLE” (Ft. Tito Double P)

“Piernera, las botitas Dior y una SCAR / Bien fresco, así nomás / Pa’ que sepan los jefes que hay Calidad / Y talento demás / La bandera ya no la voy a cambiar / Pa’ que sеpan, nomás.” Anotado. Translated in English, the chorus of “LA PEOPLE” reads a little something like this:

“Tactical leg, Dior boots, and a SCAR

Too frеsh, just like that

So that the bosses know that there is quality

And extra talent

I won’t change the flag anymore

So y’all just know.”

¡Muy interesante! “LA PEOPLE” is the 13^th track from GÉNESIS, the third studio album by Mexican superstar Peso Pluma (Hassan Emilio Kabande Laija). Pluma won the Grammy for Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano) for GÉNESIS.  On “LA PEOPLE,” Laija collaborates with Tito Double P. Short and sweet, “LA PEOPLE” is just north of two-and-a-half minutes in duration. Like GÉNESIS overall, it embraces the regional Mexican sound to a tee.  Set in a minor key, the instruments are bright, nonetheless.  Those horn riffs are electrifying.  As for Tito and Peso, their vocals are spirited to the nth degree. “LA PEOPLE” features lyrics that seem to reference the Sinaloa Cartel, particularly the references to armed vehicles (“”). Peso Pluma has been associated with narcocorridos – drug ballads.  Laija canceled his Tijuana, Mexico show in 2023 due to death threats from the cartel. Notably, on his fourth studio album, ÉXODO, Laija, Tito Double P, and Joel De La P unveiled the follow-up, “LA PEOPLE II”.

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9. half•alive, “People”

“They’re just in a nightmare, happy on the surface / In denial, praying at the service.” Who? Why, people! “People” is the intriguing fourth track from Persona, the 2024 album by half•alive. The song features bright, colorful production (Tommy King and half•alive). The energy and spirit are high from the onset.  Adding to the allure of the song is the rhythmic nature, expressive lead vocals by Josh Taylor, and tuneful melodies.  The songwriting is captivating, evidenced by the excerpted lyrics from the first verse.  Taylor adds in the second verse, “I’m just one in a million to you / A face you’ll never know / Picking a point of view / It’s true.” Word. Specifically, the ‘word’ is sonder, defined by Dictionary.com as ‘the feeling one has on realizing that every other individual one sees has a life as full and real as one’s own, in which they are the central character and others, including oneself, have secondary or insignificant roles.’ Refocusing on the song at hand, the chorus is the section to beat with its memorable, sing-along lyrics.

“They’re just people

Driving on the highway next to people

Living out their lives with other people

Aching for the feeling of a free fall

They’re just people.”

“People” by half•alive is a surefire alternative winner.

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10. Sly & The Family Stone, “Everyday People”

“I am everyday people, yeah, yeah.” INDEED! “Everyday People” is iconic.  It was a massive success for the legendary, interracial, funk/soul collective, Sly & The Family Stone. Notably, this brief, two-and-a-half-minute gem spent four weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. This marked the first of three no. 1 pop hits by Sly Stone (Sylvester Stewart) and company.  In addition to topping the charts, “Everyday People” was certified gold by the RIAA. Furthermore, its parent album, Stand, was eventually certified platinum (1986 to be precise).  This big-time song was written and produced by Sly Stone. Although Sly Stone and company kept things short on “Everyday People,” it sticks just like super glue!  The musical backdrop is stellar, setting the tone for funk music through and through.  What makes it so funky? It’s the guitars (Freddie Stone and Sly), the keyboards (Rose Stone and Sly), the bass line (Larry Graham), the drums (Greg Errico) – everything! Also, what about them biting horns? The late Cynthia Robinson on trumpet and Jerry Martini on sax? Awesomeness! Furthermore, the vocals are sweet, particularly the most dynamic, gritty moments by Sly.  Of course, the chorus, in all its simplicity, is huge. Still, the verse and bridge sections yield their own share of excellence, highlighting the social consciousness vibes of the music at that time.  “There is a blue one who can’t accept the green one / For living with a fat one, trying to be a skinny one,” The Family Stone sings, continuing, “And different strokes for different folks / And so on and so on and scooby dooby doo-bee.”  To reiterate, “Everyday People” is iconic – a classic that speaks for itself.

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11. The Stylistics, “People Make the World Go Round”

“But that’s what makes the world go round / The ups and downs, a carousel.” True, The Stylistics – you’ve got a legitimate point on “People Make The World Go Round”. “People Make The World Go Round” appears as the seventh track on the epic The Stylistics – The Original Debut Album.  Although The Stylistics featured bigger, more renowned hits, this gem highlighting a turbulent world – “Buses on strike want a raise in fare / So they can help pollute the air” – still managed to peak at no. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Once more, Thom Bell and Linda Creed are responsible for composing this utterly terrific gem. Musically, it is impressive from the start. First, there is an enigmatic introduction that sets the tone for the record.  Soon enough, electric keys establish a groove, with a hi-hat heavy groove delivered by the drums later.  Of course, the orchestration is breathtaking as well.  The listener is spoiled with tremendous ear candy: ripe falsetto lead vocals by Russell Thompkins, Jr., strings, horns, and a tight rhythm section.  Honestly, what isn’t there to love about this late single from The Stylistics?  

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11 More Riveting Songs About People (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amherst, Atlantic, Double P, Glassnote Entertainment Group, half•alive, Mumford & Sons, Nonesuch, Play It Again Sam, Republic, Sam Fender, The Black Keys, Universal Music Operations Limited; Antonio Friedemann, Александр Полепкин, Bherbery Andres Balanta Bocanegra, Fireworks Uche, Hoa Tran, Karen Irala, Kofi Shelby, Moni Rathnak, sahar photography, TUBARONES PHOTOGRAPHY, from Pexels; AcatXlo from Pixabay]