Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Top Three Male Yearners in the Music Industry

 

    

    It is a known fact that most men don't pine after women the same way they used to. Unashamed public yearning only exists within the female race, at least from my experience. However, there used to be a time when the opposite was true, and these traits have traveled to the rare modern man. Three prolific examples of these exist within the music industry, and we are allowed to reap the tenderness of their wanting.

    Leonard Cohen's "I'm Your Man" appeared in the soundtrack of one of my all-time favorite movies and has seeped its way into every playlist I make. His music is also what inspired me to make this tiny list of three. Now, Cohen is the type of singer that adds a bit of tasteful sleaze to his art -- the kind that inspires you, almost requires you to be kinky, and proudly so. In "I'm Your Man" specifically, the lyrics are proof he is willing to offer himself up as a sacrifice to be whatever his lover desires and requires. He's willing to get on all fours and beg, be a temporary asset, be a loyal partner, or even be a completely different person. It's totally appealing, and blatantly sexy. Where did this breed of man go? I'm convinced they've gone extinct until proven otherwise.


    The second culprit of my inspection is a sensitive one for me: Jeff Buckley. If you are a woman, or a person, for that matter, you have heard "Lover, You Should've Come Over." The most somber of yearning known for several generations, this song has become a poetic masterpiece of love in a heavy dosage of desperation. It could only possibly be rivaled by his other title, "Everybody Here Wants You" and his renditions of "Lilac Wine" and "I Want Someone Badly." It's an aching in his voice that causes me to want to speak to and nurture his soul from earth. Certainly, every man has something to learn about loving from Jeff Buckley, the desirer of desirers.


    I mentioned that these ever-so desirable traits of longing have found their way into few modern men, and believe it or not, I have a name for you. Hozier. "Would That I" swims in the gentle places of my mind, and Hozier's warm, inviting, loving voice calls to my heart so tenderly that I wouldn't possibly be able to resist. If there's room for even one more love song in your queue, "Like Real People Do" is unique in that Hozier doesn't require the past to be dredged up to understand his lover. Presence in a relationship is obvious in his writings, particularly this song. He offers a clean, understanding, and cradling love that teaches, whispers, and soars. It is pure beauty, in truth. I mean, look at him.



    I hope you understand that I am by no means male-centered, although it may come off that way since my first post seems to be only about men. However, it's quite the opposite. I hope to show through this post, that while not common, it is possible for men to truly yearn after women, instead of the opposite being necessary. I hope that there will soon be a resurgence of men that outwardly show affection. It would absolutely make the world a better place.

    Leave your honorable mentions, favorite songs, and thoughts in the comments, I love a good discussion!


-- VanGoob

7 comments:

  1. Bring back honest, painful yearning!

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  2. Replies
    1. so do you, fellow Clairo enthusiast! also, loved your piece on Penelope Garcia!

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  3. omg hozier is a fav of mine.. and jeff. Now I need to go get familar with Leonard!

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    1. Yes!!! I was introduced to his music while watching Secretary (2002), which is totally a weird girl's dream.

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  4. Loved this. Jeff Buckley speaks to me when it comes to yearning

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