Erykah Badu is a musical icon who has captivated audiences worldwide with her sultry voice and mesmerizing stage presence. With over two decades in the music industry, Badu has left an indelible mark on soul, R&B, and hip-hop music. Her unique blend of jazz, funk, and neo-soul has won her numerous accolades and cemented her status as one of the greatest musicians of our time. From her debut album, “Baduizm,” to her most recent release, “But You Caint Use My Phone,” Badu has consistently delivered chart-topping hits and timeless classics. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best Erykah Badu songs of all time. These songs showcase the depth of Badu’s talent and her ability to connect with listeners on a deep, emotional level. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to Badu’s music, this list is sure to have you grooving and singing along to some of the greatest songs in soul and R&B history. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the soulful sounds of Erykah Badu’s top 10 best songs of all time.
1. Other Side Of The Game
“Other Side Of The Game” is a powerful and emotional track that addresses themes of love, loyalty, and struggle. The song’s soulful instrumentation, featuring a mix of live and programmed drums, bass, and keyboards, creates a moody and atmospheric sound that perfectly complements Badu’s haunting vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a couple trying to make a relationship work despite the challenges they face. The song’s chorus, “On the other side of the game, love remains the same,” is both heartbreaking and hopeful, capturing the universal struggle to find love and connection in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving. “Other Side Of The Game” is a standout track from Badu’s debut album and showcases her incredible talent for writing and performing music that is both emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated.
2. …& On
“…& On” is a soulful and introspective track that explores the ups and downs of life and relationships. The song’s smooth and mellow beat, featuring a mix of live instrumentation and programmed drums, creates a dreamy and atmospheric sound that perfectly complements Badu’s soulful vocals. The lyrics touch on themes of love, loss, and perseverance, with Badu singing, “I was born underwater with three dollars and six dimes, yeah, you may laugh ’cause you did not do your math.” The song’s chorus, “And on, and on, and on, and on,” is both soothing and comforting, reminding us that life is a journey and that we must keep moving forward. “…& On” is a standout track from Badu’s second album and showcases her incredible talent for writing and performing music that is both soulful and introspective.
3. Next Lifetime
“Next Lifetime” by Erykah Badu is a smooth and sultry track that explores the complexity of romantic relationships. The song’s jazzy instrumentation, featuring a mix of piano, saxophone, and percussion, creates a dreamy and atmospheric sound that perfectly complements Badu’s soulful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is involved in a relationship but can’t resist the attraction she feels towards someone else. The song’s chorus, “Maybe we’ll meet in the next lifetime,” conveys the bittersweet feeling of longing for something that may never come to be. “Next Lifetime” is a standout track from Badu’s debut album and showcases her incredible talent for writing and performing music that is both sensual and emotional.
4. Appletree
“Appletree” is a playful and upbeat track that features Badu’s signature blend of soul, jazz, and hip-hop. The song’s funky bassline, jazzy piano chords, and upbeat drum pattern give it a light and joyful feel that is infectious. Badu’s lyrics are witty and irreverent, touching on themes of self-love, spirituality, and personal growth. The song’s chorus, “I can be what you need, if you want me to be,” is both confident and empowering, reminding listeners to embrace their true selves and not compromise for anyone else. “Appletree” is a standout track from Badu’s debut album and showcases her unique voice and creative vision.
5. Didn’t Cha Know
“Didn’t Cha Know” by Erykah Badu is a soulful and introspective track that combines elements of R&B, jazz, and hip-hop. The song’s hypnotic beat and smooth bassline serve as the perfect backdrop for Badu’s introspective lyrics about love, loss, and self-discovery. The song’s chorus, “Didn’t cha know, didn’t cha know, that you could be the one,” is both haunting and hopeful, urging the listener to embrace their true self and pursue their dreams. Badu’s signature vocal style, which combines smooth melodic lines with spoken-word interludes, adds a sense of intimacy and vulnerability to the track. “Didn’t Cha Know” is a timeless classic that showcases Badu’s incredible talent as a songwriter and performer.
6. On & On
“On & On” is one of Erykah Badu’s most iconic songs and a defining track of the neo-soul genre. The song’s laid-back groove, catchy melody, and Badu’s soulful vocals make it an instant classic. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of self-love, perseverance, and spirituality, encouraging the listener to stay true to themselves and keep moving forward despite life’s challenges. Badu’s ability to blend elements of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop gives “On & On” a unique and timeless sound that continues to resonate with listeners today. The song’s chorus, “We go on and on and on and on,” is both uplifting and empowering, reminding us that life is a journey and that we must keep pushing forward. “On & On” is a true masterpiece of modern music and a testament to Badu’s incredible talent as a songwriter and performer.
7. Window Seat
“Window Seat” is a powerful and provocative track that addresses themes of freedom, individuality, and social justice. The song’s minimalist production, featuring a simple drum pattern and sparse instrumentation, allows Badu’s vocals to take center stage. The lyrics touch on the controversial topic of police brutality and racial profiling, with Badu singing, “They play it safe, are concerned with being liked, but when they get criticized, they always compromise.” The music video for “Window Seat” also caused controversy, with Badu stripping down to her underwear and walking through the streets of Dallas, Texas, symbolizing her desire to shed the constraints of society and be free. “Window Seat” is a powerful and thought-provoking track that showcases Badu’s unique voice and her willingness to use her music to address important social issues.
8. Bag Lady
“Bag Lady” is a soulful and introspective track that explores the emotional baggage we carry with us throughout our lives. The song’s mellow beat, featuring a mix of acoustic guitar, piano, and percussion, creates a contemplative and introspective sound that perfectly complements Badu’s smooth and soulful vocals. The lyrics touch on themes of love, loss, and letting go, with Badu singing, “Bag lady, you gone hurt your back, dragging all them bags like that. I guess nobody ever told you, all you must hold onto, is you.” The song’s message of self-love and self-care is both empowering and poignant, reminding us to let go of the past and focus on the present. “Bag Lady” is a timeless classic that showcases Badu’s incredible talent as a songwriter and performer.
9. Green Eyes
“Green Eyes” is a haunting and emotional track that explores the pain of heartbreak and betrayal. The song’s minimalist instrumentation, featuring a simple piano melody and sparse percussion, creates a moody and atmospheric sound that perfectly complements Badu’s vulnerable and raw vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has been betrayed by her lover, with Badu singing, “My eyes are green, ’cause I eat a lot of vegetables, it don’t have nothing to do with your new friend.” The song’s chorus, “My love, my heart, is not made of stone, it’s aching to the bone,” is both heartbreaking and powerful, capturing the intense emotions of heartbreak and betrayal. “Green Eyes” is a standout track from Badu’s fourth album and showcases her incredible talent for writing and performing music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
10. I’ll Call U Back
“I’ll Call U Back” is a funky and upbeat track that features Badu’s signature blend of soul, jazz, and hip-hop. The song’s infectious groove, featuring a mix of live instrumentation and programmed beats, creates a fun and energetic sound that is impossible not to dance to. The lyrics touch on themes of love and relationships, with Badu singing about the frustration of waiting for a phone call from a lover. The song’s chorus, “I’ll call you back, when I’m done, oh, but you won’t pick up the phone, so now I’m all alone,” is both catchy and relatable, capturing the ups and downs of modern romance. “I’ll Call U Back” is a standout track from Badu’s third album and showcases her incredible talent for writing and performing music that is both funky and soulful.
Samuel Moore 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.
