Shopping is a universal activity that everyone can relate to in some way. Whether it’s grabbing essentials from the grocery store, splurging on a new outfit, or browsing online for the latest gadgets, shopping is a part of our daily lives. It’s no surprise that the experience has been the inspiration for many musicians over the years, resulting in a diverse range of songs about shopping. From upbeat tracks that celebrate the thrill of finding the perfect purchase, to reflective pieces that delve into the darker side of consumerism, the genre has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll be exploring the top 20 songs about shopping, spanning different eras and musical styles. From classic rock and pop anthems, to contemporary hip hop and R&B jams, we’ll be taking a musical journey through the world of retail therapy. So grab your shopping list, and get ready to hit the stores, as we delve into the top 20 songs about shopping.
1. “I Don’t Go Shopping” by Patti LaBelle
“I Don’t Go Shopping” by Patti LaBelle is a soulful and empowering ballad from the legendary R&B singer. The song is a declaration of independence and self-sufficiency, with LaBelle singing about how she doesn’t need to rely on material possessions or outside validation to feel fulfilled and content. The song’s soaring vocal performance and emotional lyrics make it a standout track, showcasing LaBelle’s incredible vocal range and powerful stage presence. Despite its relatively understated popularity, “I Don’t Go Shopping” remains a memorable and inspiring song, and a testament to Patti LaBelle’s ability to craft powerful and soulful R&B music.
2. “Thrift Store” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis (feat. Wang)
“Thrift Shop” is a popular song by American rapper Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis, featuring singer Wanz. The song, released in 2012, celebrates the joys of shopping at thrift stores for second-hand clothing, and challenges the societal norms of consumerism and brand-consciousness. The catchy and upbeat track was a commercial success, reaching the top of charts in several countries and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance.
3. “Baby’s Gone Shopping” by Jimmy Buffett
“Baby’s Gone Shopping” is a song by American singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. It is a lighthearted, up-tempo tune about a man whose significant other has gone shopping, leaving him with nothing to do but wait for her return. The song is typically seen as a playful commentary on the differences between the sexes, with the man resigned to waiting while the woman takes her time shopping. It is not one of Jimmy Buffett’s most well-known songs, but is enjoyed by his fans for its fun-loving nature and catchy melody.
4. “Too High for the Supermarket” by The Uninvited
“Too High for the Supermarket” by The Uninvited is a psychedelic rock song that showcases the band’s unique blend of trippy music and thought-provoking lyrics. The song is a commentary on the disconnection between modern society and the natural world, and the sense of alienation that many people feel as they try to navigate the complexities of contemporary life. The song’s dreamy and atmospheric melody perfectly captures the trippy and ethereal quality of the lyrics, making it a memorable and evocative piece of music. Despite its relatively low profile, “Too High for the Supermarket” remains a powerful and haunting song, and a testament to The Uninvited’s ability to craft trippy and thought-provoking psychedelic rock.
5. “Lost in the Supermarket” by The Clash
“Lost in the Supermarket” is a song by the British punk rock band The Clash, featured on their 1979 album “London Calling.” The song is a commentary on modern society and consumerism, with lyrics that describe the feeling of being overwhelmed and lost in the aisles of a busy supermarket. The song is known for its melancholic tone and for its use of grocery store imagery to symbolize the alienation and loneliness that can come with living in a modern, urban environment. “Lost in the Supermarket” has become one of The Clash’s most iconic and well-loved songs, and is regarded as a classic of punk rock and of the band’s discography.
6. “Shopping for Girls” by David Bowie
“Shopping for Girls” by David Bowie is a rare and obscure demo recording from the 1970s. The song’s lighthearted and playful tone is evident in its upbeat melody and cheerful lyrics. Although it was never officially released as a single or included in any of Bowie’s major albums, it has still managed to attract a small following among Bowie fans. The song is a testament to Bowie’s versatility as an artist, showcasing his ability to craft charming, upbeat tunes as well as more serious and introspective pieces. Despite its relatively low profile, “Shopping for Girls” remains an enjoyable and memorable tune, and a testament to Bowie’s enduring talent and creativity.
7. “Shopping Bag Lady” by The Guess Who
“Shopping Bag Lady” by The Guess Who is a classic rock song from the 1970s. The song is a commentary on the materialism and consumerism of modern society, and the struggles that people face as they try to keep up with the latest trends and fashions. The titular shopping bag lady is a symbol of the overwhelming and often exhausting demands of contemporary life. The song’s catchy and upbeat melody belies the serious and thought-provoking lyrics, making it a memorable and enduring piece of music. Despite its relatively understated popularity, “Shopping Bag Lady” remains a powerful and relevant song, and a testament to The Guess Who’s ability to craft memorable and impactful rock and roll music.
8. “Store Bought Bones” by The Raconteurs
“Store Bought Bones” by The Raconteurs is a high-energy rock song that showcases the band’s distinctive blend of punk-inspired energy and bluesy guitar riffs. The song is driven by a powerful and relentless beat, with the band’s dual guitarists trading licks and solos over a driving bassline and pounding drums. The lyrics are cryptic and open to interpretation, but they seem to be a commentary on the superficiality and emptiness of modern life, and the search for meaning in a world full of distractions. Despite its relatively understated popularity, “Store Bought Bones” remains a powerful and memorable rock song, and a testament to The Raconteurs’ ability to craft energetic and impactful rock and roll music.
9. “Material Girl” by Madonna
“Material Girl” by Madonna is a classic pop song from the 1980s that helped cement the singer’s reputation as a master of cutting-edge pop music. The song is a playful and tongue-in-cheek commentary on the excesses and shallowness of modern culture, with Madonna singing about her love for all things material and expensive. The song’s catchy melody and irresistible beat make it a standout track, and its memorable hook and infectious chorus have helped make it one of Madonna’s most enduring hits. Despite its somewhat controversial subject matter, “Material Girl” remains a classic pop song, and a testament to Madonna’s ability to craft catchy and impactful pop music.
10. “No Shopping feat. Drake” by French Montana
“No Shopping” by French Montana featuring Drake is a hip-hop song released in 2016. The track features French Montana and Drake exchanging boastful verses over a trap-influenced beat, showcasing the rappers’ lyrical prowess and trademark flow. The song’s title references the luxurious and extravagant lifestyles of the two rappers, with the lyrics touching on themes of wealth, success, and materialism. With its energetic production and memorable hooks, “No Shopping” is a standout track that showcases the strengths of both French Montana and Drake as hip-hop artists. The song has been well-received by fans and critics alike, and remains a popular song in the hip-hop canon.
11. “Shoplifters of the World Unite” by The Smiths
“Shoplifters of the World Unite” by The Smiths is a classic indie rock song from the 1980s that helped establish the band’s reputation as one of the preeminent bands of the era. The song is a tongue-in-cheek celebration of the outsider spirit, with frontman Morrissey singing about the joys of shoplifting and the liberating power of being an outsider. The song’s catchy and upbeat melody belies the clever and insightful lyrics, making it a standout track that has been celebrated for its unique and timeless quality. Despite its somewhat unconventional subject matter, “Shoplifters of the World Unite” remains a beloved and influential song, and a testament to The Smiths’ ability to craft memorable and impactful indie rock music.
12. “Rockin’ Shopping Centre” by Jonathan Richman
“Rockin’ Shopping Centre” by Jonathan Richman is a whimsical and upbeat rock song that showcases the singer-songwriter’s unique style and perspective. The song is a celebration of the simple joys of everyday life, with Richman singing about the excitement of visiting the local shopping center and rockin’ out to the sounds of the in-store Muzak. The song’s upbeat melody and catchy chorus make it a standout track, and its lighthearted and joyful spirit has helped make it a beloved and enduring song. Despite its relatively low profile, “Rockin’ Shopping Centre” remains a classic and timeless rock song, and a testament to Jonathan Richman’s ability to craft quirky and memorable music.
13. “Shopping” by Pet Shop Boys
“Shopping” by Pet Shop Boys is an electronic pop song released in 1986. The track features the duo’s signature blend of synthesized sounds and quirky, dance-inspired beats, with frontman Neil Tennant singing about the joys of consumerism and the thrill of shopping. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious rhythm make it a standout track, and its upbeat and lighthearted spirit have helped make it a classic of the Pet Shop Boys’ discography. Despite its somewhat controversial subject matter, “Shopping” remains a popular and enduring song, and a testament to the Pet Shop Boys’ ability to craft innovative and memorable electronic pop music.
14. “Shopping for Dresses” by Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn
“Shopping for Dresses” by Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn is a country duet that was released in 2002. The song is a lighthearted and playful take on the joys of shopping, with the two legendary country artists singing about the fun of trying on dresses and the thrill of finding just the right one. The song’s upbeat melody and catchy chorus make it a standout track, and its charming and relatable subject matter have helped make it a beloved song among country music fans. With its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and charming lyrics, “Shopping for Dresses” is a classic country duet that showcases the talents of both Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn.
15. “Window Shopper” by 50 Cent
“Window Shopper” by 50 Cent is a rap song released in 2005. The track features 50 Cent’s signature aggressive flow and boasts about his wealth, success, and material possessions, with the song’s chorus deriding “window shoppers” who can only look at but can’t afford the luxury items on display. The song’s hard-hitting beat and memorable lyrics have helped make it a standout track, and its humorous and braggadocios spirit have made it a fan favorite. Despite its somewhat controversial subject matter, “Window Shopper” remains a popular and enduring rap song, and a testament to 50 Cent’s ability to craft memorable and impactful hip-hop music.
16. “Spend Spend Spend” by The Slits
“Spend Spend Spend” by The Slits is a punk rock song released in 1979. The track is an energetic and rebellious anthem that celebrates the joys of spending money, with the band’s signature rough and raw sound and shouted vocals driving the message home. The song’s catchy and upbeat melody, combined with its humorous and provocative lyrics, make it a standout track and a classic of The Slits’ discography. Despite its somewhat unconventional subject matter, “Spend Spend Spend” remains a beloved and influential punk rock song, and a testament to The Slits’ ability to craft memorable and impactful music.
17. “Nan You’re a Window Shopper” by Lily Allen
“Nan, You’re a Window Shopper” by Lily Allen is a pop song released in 2006. The track features Allen’s signature witty and playful vocals, and is a commentary on consumerism and materialism, with the singer calling out someone she knows for being a “window shopper” who only admires luxury goods but never actually buys anything. The song’s upbeat and catchy melody, combined with its humorous and pointed lyrics, make it a standout track and a classic of Allen’s discography. Despite its somewhat controversial subject matter, “Nan, You’re a Window Shopper” remains a popular and enduring pop song, and a testament to Lily Allen’s ability to craft memorable and impactful music.
18. “Handbags and Gladrags” by Chris Farlowe
“Handbags and Gladrags” by Chris Farlowe is a rock song released in 1967. The track, which was originally written by Mike d’Abo, features Farlowe’s powerful and soulful vocals and is a commentary on materialism and the shallow values of society. The song’s driving beat and memorable melody, combined with its thought-provoking lyrics, make it a standout track and a classic of Farlowe’s discography. Despite its somewhat critical subject matter, “Handbags and Gladrags” remains a beloved and enduring rock song, and a testament to Chris Farlowe’s ability to craft powerful and impactful music. Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple of classic rock radio.
19. “Shopping Bags” by De La Soul
“Shopping Bags (She Got from You)” by De La Soul is a hip-hop song released in 1998. The track features De La Soul’s signature jazzy and quirky production style, and is a humorous commentary on materialism and consumer culture, with the rappers describing a woman who flaunts her wealth and designer goods, but is still unhappy. The song’s smooth and groovy beat, combined with its witty and playful lyrics, make it a standout track and a classic of De La Soul’s discography. Despite its somewhat cynical subject matter, “Shopping Bags (She Got from You)” remains a popular and enduring hip-hop song, and a testament to De La Soul’s ability to craft memorable and impactful music.
20. “Window Shopping” by Lisa Loeb
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“Window Shopping” by Lisa Loeb is a folk-pop song released in 1997. The track features Loeb’s delicate and introspective vocals, and is a commentary on the pressures of modern life, with the singer describing how people are often tempted to compare themselves to others and buy things to make themselves feel better. The song’s gentle and melodic acoustic guitar and Loeb’s soothing voice make it a standout track and a classic of her discography. Despite its somewhat melancholic subject matter, “Window Shopping” remains a popular and enduring folk-pop song, and a testament to Lisa Loeb’s ability to craft introspective and impactful music. The song’s themes of self-reflection and the search for inner peace have made it a timeless classic, beloved by fans of Lisa Loeb and folk-pop music alike.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
