Next up on our Specific Alphabet Series is Songs That Start With W. Music has an unparalleled ability to connect with our emotions and transport us to different moments in our lives. What we listen to would depend on our mood at the time and what we might be going through.
Each song ever written and released has its unique charm, and today, we'll be exploring 26 delightful songs that start with the letter "W." These songs cut across genres and as an indelible mark on the hearts of music enthusiasts across the globe.
These are the 26 most played songs that start with W that we have played at clubs and house parties over the years. So, let's dive into the magic of these melodious creations by various artists and rediscover the stories they tell.
Wait – Ying Yang Twins
Released: 2005
Album: U.S.A.
Have you ever heard a song where the artist whispered all through the song? Well, The Ying Yang Twins have it, and what a club banger it is. This hip-hop song called "Wait" is the 10th track on their 2005 album U.S.A. - United State of Atlanta. The song is seductive and sexual in nature and its lyrics are explicit about sexual desires. Produced by Mr. Collipark, “Wait” is the group’s first billboard Hot 20 song. There is a musical video to the song and also a clean radio-edited version.
Waiting For Tonight – Jennifer Lopez
Released: 1999
Album: On the 6
The second song on our list of most played songs that starts with W is this dance-pop song by Jennifer Lopez. "Waiting for Tonight" is a song about living in the moment and embracing the excitement of spending a special evening with someone close to your heart.
This song topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs in 1999 and J-Lo has an incredible 18 songs that have achieved this feat. Did you know that “Waiting For Tonight” is a cover song? Yes indeed it is, it is a cover song of 3rd Party’s 1997 same-title song.
Waka Waka – Sharika
Released: 2010
Album: Sale el Sol
"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" by Shakira is a popular song starting with W and it was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Shakira was chosen to sing this song due to her global popularity and she is also an artist who is comfortable singing in multiple languages. I am not sure how Shakira feels about football or whether she is a fan of any football club. On this song though, Shakira’s lyrics celebrate unity, perseverance, and the spirit of Africa. This was a big moment for Africa hosting the World Cup for the first time in its history.
Wake Me Up – Avicii Featuring Aloe Blacc
Released: 2013
Album: True
This is the first EDM track on our list of songs that starts with W. This upbeat EDM song by Avicii featuring Aloe Blacc would make you be jumping up and down in the club. This is a crowd-pleaser and would get them to sing along too.
Avicii and Aloe Blacc's lyrics are about self-discovery, breaking free from societal expectations, and finding one's identity and purpose. The song became a global hit for the duo. It spent 3 weeks at the top of the UK Charts and peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
Walk It Talk It – Migos ft Drake
Released: 2018
Album: Culture II
What a title for a song that starts with W, it is a phrase used to encourage people to do as they say. "Walk It Talk It" is a hip-hop song by Migos featuring Drake. It was released as a single from their 2018 album Culture II which also contains the hit song “Stir Fry.”
On this track, Migos celebrates their success, fame, and lavish lifestyle while they take jabs at people who try to imitate them. Migo’s lyrics boast about their achievements, wealth, and ability to back up their words with actions. When they say they are going to buy something, they do just that. This song earned Migos a number 10 spot on Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It is a great song to keep the party going.
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ – Michael Jackson
Released: 1982
Album: Thriller
If you are having an 80s-themed pop party, then this W song should be on your playlist. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" by Michael Jackson is an energetic pop song that you just can’t help but dance to.
MJ’s lyrics on this song are to tongue-lash people who start unnecessary drama by gossiping and spreading false information about other people. The song encourages positivity and unity to overcome the negativity of people talking badly about others. This song is from the Thriller album which has many hit songs including Thriller, Beat It, and Billie Jean
Wannabe – Spice Girls
Released: 1996
Album: Spice
This song is truly a popular song starting with W. The Spice Girls is a UK group that was put together to form a UK girl pop group. "Wannabe" became the group’s breakthrough single. This song held the number one spot in the UK charts for 7 consecutive weeks and also spent 4 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Wannabe” is a catchy pop song about girl power and relationships. The girls openly discuss what they want from a suitor. This is an amazing pop song by a girl group where each one of them got to express themselves lyrically. “Wannabe” is the first song from their 1996 album “Spice” which also featured another song that starts with W called “Who Do You Think You Are."
Watch Me – Silento
Released: 2015
Album: Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae)
If you want a song starting with W that is a party and dance anthem then you have found it with “Watch Me”. This song is popular with both adults and kids as it encourages you to perform your best dance moves. The lyrics and timing of it give the audience the chance to try a dance move before it moves on to the next one. The dance routines are easy to follow and fun to do. Silento is an Atlanta-based hip-hop artist but this is easily the most recognizable song in his discography.
Waterfalls – TLC
Released: 1994
Album: CrazySexyCool
TLC addresses a couple of social issues in this R&B track title starting with W. “Waterfalls” lyrics warn people against the consequences of risky behaviors such as drug use and promiscuity. It highlights the sale of drugs has a risky business that can cost one his/her life. It also advocates for safe sex because of the impact of HIV/AIDS on communities. The girl's message in the song encourages the listener to make wiser choices and emphasizes the importance of self-care and responsibility. This was a huge song in 1995 and gave the girls a number-one song for 7 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100.
We Belong Together – Mariah Carey
Released: 2005
Album: The Emancipation of Mimi
Another R&B song to feature on this list of “W” songs is "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey. “We Belong Together” is the single second from her 2005 highly anticipated album “The Emancipation Of Mimi.” It was produced by Jermaine Dupri who had also produced many of her other hit songs.
The lyrics reflect on someone missing a past relationship, expressing the desire to reunite and reignite the love they once shared. Mariah Carey is no stranger to the top of the Billboard charts and this song was no different as it spent 14 weeks at the peak of the chart. It served as a comeback to the top for MC as it had been a while since she had a number-one song.
Welcome To Jamrock – Damien Marley
Released: 2005
Album: Welcome to Jamrock
Our reggae entry on this playlist is "Welcome to Jamrock" by Damian Marley. Jamaica is known as a tourist destination however it has another side to it. This reggae and dancehall track addresses the harsh realities that the citizens of Jamaica face on a daily. Damien Marley sheds light on issues like poverty, violence, and social inequality in the country. He then calls for unity and asks the government to do right by the people. This song earned Damien Marley a Grammy award in 2006 for Best Urban/Alternative Performance.
What Goes Around…Come Around – Justin Timberlake
Released: 2006
Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds
We miss those Timberlake songs with a Timbaland beat to it. When Timbaland took Justin Timberlake under his wing to produce for him, all the songs that came out of the studio were fire. "What Goes Around... Comes Around" is an R&B track for his 2006 album “FutureSex/LoveSounds.”
The theme of the song is that of, karma and betrayal. JT tells a story of a cheating partner who got caught and has to face the consequences of their actions. The song reflects on the cyclical nature of life, suggesting that every action has its own consequences. The music video featured seasoned actress Scarlett Johansson and this song earned JT another number-one song in the US Charts.
What It’s Like – Everlast
Released: 1998
Album: Whitey Ford Sings the Blues
"What It's Like" by Everlast is an indie-rock from the former member of the hip-hop group House Of Pain. Everlast delves into the lives of regular people who face difficult circumstances and decisions to make. Some of those circumstances include homelessness, drug addiction, and unplanned pregnancies. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding towards those experiencing these hardships as it could be any one of us if we made poor decisions. “What It’s Like” is featured in the movie “Hamlet 2” as well as his 1998 album “Whitey Ford Sings the Blues.”
What Makes You Beautiful – One Direction
Released: 2011
Album: Up All Night
"What Makes You Beautiful" is the debut pop song of the UK boy band One Direction. This group was put together on a UK reality show called The X Factor. Although the 5 boys had auditioned individually, they were put together by the organizers who thought the music space needed a boy band at the time.
This pop song by the boys celebrates the beauty of individuality and self-confidence. 1D as they were later known sang about their admiration for a girl who doesn't realize how beautiful and attractive she was. Self-confidence is a thing, no matter who you are you need self-confidence to feel good about what makes you be you in your own skin.
Whatever It Takes – Imagine Dragons
Released: 2017
Album: Evolve
If you want an alternative rock song to motivate you or are determined to do something or just need a song for perseverance, then you have found it here. "Whatever It Takes" is an alternative rock song by Imagine Dragons from their 2017 album “Evolve” and produced by Joel Little.
Their lyrics serve as a strong message to overcoming challenges and obstacles in pursuit of our dreams. As humans, we need the willingness to go the extra mile to achieve our goals. It is a good motivational song and it’s on my personal playlist of workout songs which I might share with you at some point.
Wheel Of Fortune – Ace Of Base
Released: 1992
Album: Happy Nation
"Wheel of Fortune" is a dance-pop song from the Swedish group’s 1992 album “Happy Nation”. When we meet someone that we are physically attracted to, we can never tell if love is going to last a lifetime. Ace of Base likened love to a game of chance just like a spinning wheel of fortune. You never know what you would land on. “Wheel Of Fortune” set the stage for the group’s international success in the early to mid-90s.
When A Man Loves A Woman – Michael Bolton
Released: 1991
Album: Time, Love & Tenderness
Next up on this playlist of songs that start with W is a soulful ballad by Michael Bolton called "When a Man Loves a Woman." Michael Bolton’s lyrics on this song portray a man deeply in love and who is willing to do anything for the woman he loves.
If you want to express your emotions through a song to someone you truly love, then this is a good song to do that. This soul song from his 1991 album “Time, Love & Tenderness” gave Michael Bolton a US Billboard Hot 100 number-one song.
When I See This Bar – Kenny Chesney
Released: 2013
Album: Life on a Rock
"When I See This Bar" by Kenny Chesney is a country song that reminisces about the memories and experiences that associate him with a particular bar. He recalls how he used to visit the bar and meet up with friends but now it's all changed. He doesn’t recognize anybody at the bar anymore.
“When I See This Bar” is a song from his 2013 album “Life on a Rock.” Kenny has an incredible 93 songs to have featured on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This is a country song that starts with W that should feature on your country songs playlist.
When I Was Your Man – Bruno Mars
Released: 2012
Album: Unorthodox Jukebox
Here is a piano ballad of a man who now regrets his actions or inactions that had led to him losing a loved one to another man. "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars is from his 2012 album Unorthodox Jukebox.
Bruno’s lyrics express remorse for not cherishing and appreciating the person he was dating when he had the chance. He realized his mistakes but at that time it was too late, the ship had sailed, and she was with another man. This is one of the 8 songs that hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for Bruno Mars. This song’s lyrics are of heartbreak, but it makes for a good listen.
Where Is The Love – Black Eye Peas
Released: 2003
Album: Elephunk
Your socially conscious entry for songs that start with W is "Where Is The Love" by The Black Eyed Peas. The song addresses issues like violence, hatred, police brutality, and social injustice in the world as it was. Black Eye Peas propagated for love, unity, and compassion among the people. They called for positive changes in the communities and encourages them to spread love to create a better world.
Whistle – Flo Rida
Released: 2012
Album: Wild Ones
Flo Rida used the word whistle as a metaphor for a sexual act performed on a man by a woman. Flo Rida combines pop and rap exquisitely in this song to earn himself a number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has a catchy melody and playful word use that gave this song huge commercial success. “Whistle” is a song from Flo Rida’s 2012 album “Wild Ones.” Add this song that starts with W to your music playlist and get lost in the melody of the song.
White Flag – Dido
Released: 2003
Album: Life for Rent
We are not yet waving the white flag on this blog post of songs that start with W. However, this song is one we can’t afford not to talk about and ask that you add to your playlist. "White Flag" by Dido is an Adult Contemporary track about the pain and vulnerability of a failing relationship.
Dido sang about being determined to keep fighting for one’s love by surrendering one’s pride and ego, even when it seems hopeless and gone. In relationships, holding onto a glimmer of hope for reconciliation is something common even when emotional turmoil is evident.
It is the first song from her 2003 album “Life for Rent.” It earned her a number 2 spot on the UK Charts but was stopped from reaching the top by “Where Is The Love” by Black Eye Peas which is also featured on this playlist.
Wild Thoughts – DJ Khaled
Released: 2017
Album: Grateful
Next up on our list of songs starting with W is a song by a legendary DJ. Ask yourself this question, “What are your wildest thought?” "Wild Thoughts" is an R&B track by DJ Khaled featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller. The featured artist's lyrics express intense sexual attraction and fantasies with the use of suggestive words. This song has that sensual vibe and catchy beat that is a sample of “Maria Maria” by Santana featuring The Product G&B from the 1999 album Supernatural.
Without Me – Eminem
Released: 2002
Album: The Eminem Show
Eminem released “The Slim Shady LP” in 1999 and “The Marshall Mathers LP” in 2000 but no album in 2001. So, his next album was long-awaited, and when it dropped, it didn’t disappoint. "Without Me" was the first single of Eminem's 2002 album “The Eminem Show.” Here the rapper playfully boasts about his influence and importance in the music industry. The lyrics showcase his usual comedic and confrontational style, declaring his return to the spotlight and reminding listeners of his impact and relevance in the entertainment world. In the music Em dressed as the superhero Robin while Dr. Dre who was his mentor dressed as Batman.
This song has an incredible bassline with Em’s insane energy in the lyrics you just can’t help but crank up the volume of your living room speakers, your car speakers, or that portable Bluetooth speaker you have been trying to max out.
Without You – David Guetta ft Usher
Released: 2011
Album: Nothing but the Beat
We have reviewed “Without Me” in the previous song, and now we have “Without You.” Without you reading this blog, there would be no Music Jug.
Now, let’s get into the song. "Without You" by David Guetta ft. Usher is a song that reminds me of a love that remains unbreakable despite the distance between the pair in love.
Usher’s lyrics resonate with the idea that no matter what obstacle or distance comes between a relationship, their bond reminds strong and will conquer all hurdles. On this song, David Guetta mesmerizingly blends electronic and R&B elements to produce this party jam that evokes a whirlwind of emotions.
Wrecking Ball – Miley Cyrus
Released: 2013
Album: Bangerz
This song epitomizes the feeling of someone who gave her all to a relationship only to be fed crumbs of it by her partner and eventually got pushed away by him. Miley Cyrus’s lyrics are full of emotions, pain, and regret about a failed relationship.
“Wrecking Ball” is a power ballad that is compared to two great tunes. Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” and “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Sinead O'Connor who we sadly lost on 26th July 2023. This song earned Miley Cyrus another number-one song across many countries in the world.
What’s Love Got To Do With It – Tina Turner
Released: 1984
Album: Private Dancer
We come to our 26th and final song on this list of songs that start with W. It is our W song title with the highest number of Grammy wins. "What's Love Got to Do with It" bagged 3 Grammys in 1985 for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
It is shocking that when this song was written, it was shopping around for who to sing it. It received many rejections from various artists including Cliff Richard until Tina Turner agreed to do it. Thank God she did because she nailed the verses, and it became a global hit song for her.
The lyrics of the song question the necessity of love in relationships. Sometimes when you give your heart in a relationship the other party takes advantage of it. You could be left heartbroken and left alone to pick up the pieces of your broken heart.
Conclusion on Songs That Start With W playlist
And there you have it, 26 songs that start with the letter W. Music is a universal language that connects us all, and the songs starting with "W" capture a diverse range of emotions and experiences. These songs cut across genres and various topics, all of which you should add to your playlist if you are a collector of music or just want to spice up your playlist.
As always, if you are feeling these songs on the list, We would love to hear from you! Tag us @musicjug on Instagram or Pinterest if you want to hear a mixtape on these songs. Thank you for reading, let's embrace these tracks and let them resonate within our hearts.
FAQs on these Songs That Start With W
Are these songs available on popular music platforms?
Yes, all of these songs are available on all popular music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
What makes "W" songs stand out from other letters?
Each letter brings its own uniqueness, and "W" songs offer a diverse mix of genres and emotions, making them a standout category. We are running a series of songs that start with a particular letter so we can have a playlist that is of various genres put together.
Can I use this playlist for a themed party or event?
Of course! People come up with various themed party ideas. You might want to have a party where you request the DJ to only play songs that start with “W”. Maybe because your name starts with a “W” or maybe just because.
How can I discover more songs from the artists mentioned here?
You can explore the discography of each artist to discover more of their incredible work beyond the "W" songs mentioned in this article. Also, you can read some of our other post which features some of these artists.
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