If a person needs answers, sometimes all it takes is asking the right questions. Artists know that questions in songs are a solid way to grab a listener's attention. Although the songs don't always give the answers, they make people think. Here is a list of songs that ask a question.
When people think about Tina Turner, a.k.a. The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, they often recall her most successful single, “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” The song was a major comeback for her career and earned multiple Grammys, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
In 1982, the new wave band Culture Club released their debut album, Kissing to Be Clever. It garnered five singles, including the band’s breakthrough track “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” Lead vocalist Boy George uses the song to talk about the heartache and disappointment he experienced in his relationships.
After the success of her smooth ballads like “You Give Good Love” and “Saving All My Love For You,” Whitney Houston showcased her powerhouse vocals on the upbeat track “How Will I Know.” On the track, Whitney is enamored with a potential partner and wants to know if she can confirm if the feeling is mutual.
Soulful singer Marvin Gaye asked “What’s Going On?” over five decades ago, and the question still rings true. At the time, Gaye was questioning the constant violence, brutality, and wars occurring in the world. “What’s Going On?” reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Although Gwen Stefani saw massive success with her band No Doubt, she decided to try a solo career in 2004 with her album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. She worked with Linda Perry on the lead single “What You Waiting For?” — a track that encourages listeners to take chances in life.
In 1976, Stevie Wonder released his 18th album, Songs in the Key of Life. One of the album’s standouts is “Isn’t She Lovely,” a track he dedicated to his firstborn child, Aisha Morris. At the beginning of the track, a baby is heard crying before Stevie sings about his happiness with a new bundle of joy.
Lenny Kravitz draws listeners in immediately with heavy drums and electric guitars on his 1993 hit song “Are You Gonna Go My Way?” The song was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.
In 2003, Black Eyed Peas released their third album Elephunk and introduced their newest band member, Fergie. The album’s lead single, “Where Is the Love?” highlights world issues, including racism, violence, and terrorism, while questioning whether peace and love will be found worldwide.
In 1998, Aaliyah teamed up with frequent collaborator Timbaland on her hit single “Are You That Somebody.” On the track, Aaliyah details meeting up with a guy late at night, but she wants him to keep things discreet and between them.
In early 2020, the Jonas Brothers released their upbeat single “What A Man Gotta Do.” On the track, the theme is about someone confessing their love to a potential partner and wondering how they can prove their commitment. The song became a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 1994, Babyface released a heartfelt and emotional ballad with “When Can I See You.” The acoustic guitar-driven single finds Babyface dealing with a breakup — the emotional, mental, and physical toll. He’s not truly over how things ended and wants to see his ex-lover again.
In 2011, Rihanna released her sixth studio album Talk That Talk. It garnered six singles, including the electro-pop track "Where Have You Been." In the song, Rihanna wonders where the love of her life has been hiding all this time. She feels like she's looked everywhere but doesn't seem to have the best of luck in the love department.
On Amerie’s debut single “Why Don’t We Fall In Love,” the singer realizes she has strong feelings for a potential lover and wants to let them know before it’s too late. She recognizes that tomorrow is never guaranteed, so she’s willing to put her feelings out there. “Why Don’t We Fall In Love” reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Country singer LeAnn Rimes teamed up with legendary songwriter Diane Warren on her hit single “How Do I Live.” The heartfelt track finds LeAnn claiming she would be lost and unhappy if her lover ever left her. “How Do I Live” became a massive hit across the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts.
In 2002, Brandy released her highly anticipated third album, Full Moon. She worked with frequent collaborator Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins on the lead single “What About Us?” On the track, Brandy is questioning why her partner isn't treating her the way he should be. On the hook, she says, “What about all of the things that you said? / What about all of the promises you made?”
Beyoncé takes some disco inspiration for her 2010 track “Why Don’t You Love Me.” On the song, Queen Bey is questioning her partner’s love when she feels like she gives him everything he could want and need. The song was a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart.
On Fat Joe’s 2002 single “What’s Luv?” the rapper tries his best to lure a woman to him, even though she tells him that she’s in love with her man. Ashanti and Ja Rule take the hook as a play-on reference to Tina Turner’s hit “What’s Love Got To Do With It.”
In 2013, Miguel released his highly anticipated sophomore album, Kaleidoscope Dream. It garnered three singles, including the Salaam Remi-produced track “How Many Drinks?” On the track, Miguel details meeting a woman and is curious about how many drinks it would take to leave the club with him.
In 1977, the Bee Gees released their hit single “How Deep Is Your Love.” The breezy ballad highlights the theme of an inseparable bond between a couple and not letting anything or anyone come between them.
In 2015, pop singer Justin Bieber released his fourth album, Purpose. On the lead single, “What Do You Mean?” Bieber details how people can be indecisive and confusing with their true feelings.
In 2021, R&B singer Lucky Daye released a duets EP titled Table For Two. He teamed up with Yebba on his smooth serving of “How Much Can A Heart Take,” in which they trade verses about their feelings on love.
Although it wasn't released as a single from his 2020 album Detroit 2, Big Sean's "Why Would I Stop" easily set the tone as the first listed track. On the song, he addresses his haters and emphasizes that he has no plans to stop or slow down on his success.
Mac Miller brought a smooth and groovy essence to his hit song "What's The Use?" It's no wonder he teamed up with artists like Thundercat, Snoop Dogg, Syd, and Dam-Funk on the track.
Missy Elliott wrote and produced 702's women empowerment anthem, "Where My Girls At?" On the track, the protagonist tells the story of someone trying to steal her man but warns them that it wouldn't be a smart decision.
Although "What Do I Know?" wasn't released as a single from Ed Sheeran's third album Divide, it became a stand-out track among fans. Sheeran tells the story of his father advising him not to get involved in the world's politics, religions, and wars. Sheeran's response is based on how love can change the world if people allow it.
Mya Singleton is a freelance music journalist and social strategist based in the Bay Area, with experience covering R&B and hip-hop. Her reporting has appeared in several publications including Yardbarker, The Sports Fan Journal, AXS, and Hollywood Unlocked. With a career spanning over ten years, she’s covered concerts across the West Coast and interviewed some of the entertainment industry’s leading figures including Anderson
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