Jake Marra Shares His "‘Top 5 Pop Songs From His Childhood That Feed His Queer Soul’
Jake Marra released his second single of 2020 “Medicine” this week and he told us the top 5 songs from his childhood that feed his queer soul. There a are some real bangers in this list that we looove. Check out his list…
As a loud and proud 20-something-year-old queer man, I love pop music. Shocking, I know. Sitting in front of my TEAC Compact Stereo asa child and blasting my Britney Spears albums basically shaped me into the person I am today. Which is why I wanted to give you a peek into my childhood and share 5 Pop songs that gave me everything I needed as a little queer boy growing up, and still give me to this day!
1. ‘Stronger’ by Britney Spears
Do I even need to explain it? First of all, the production is FIERCE (Max Martin and Rami truly snapped). If that isn’t enough to sell this post-breakup banger to you, let me point you in the direction of the music video where the legendary Miss Britney Spears dances on/with/around a silver chair in one of the most iconic moments in HISTORY!
2. ‘Candy’ by Mandy Moore
Before taking on the role of Rapunzel in Disney’s “Tangled”, Mandy Moore was a teen pop sensation and her debut single is still one of my favourites. A sickly-sweet, bubblegum pop song comparing a love interest to candy, iconic 90s fashion moments, and a dance break in a skate bowl? SIGN. ME. UP
3. ‘Believe’ by Cher
Cher is a timeless queen and has an extensive back catalogue that deserves your attention, but my first introduction to Cher was this in the 90s with this song. I wasn’t sure why this robot-voiced lady was singing to me with translucent straws coming out of her head, but I couldn’t get enough. As far as I’m concerned, Cher walked so T-Pain could run. I said what I said.
4. ‘Spinning Around’ Kylie Minogue
If Australia had a queen, it would probably be Kylie Minogue. This woman has continually blessed us with bops and this one is one of her best. A disco-infused dance-pop banger is an easy way to my heart, but Kylie took it one step further and SERVED it to us in those legendary golden booty shorts. Well done, Kylie. Well done!
5. ‘Beautiful’ by Christina Aguilera
This song is probably one of the most important ones on this list. Growing up and realising how different I was from most boys wasn’t easy. I felt alone. I felt like this world wasn’t one that I was going to be able to exist in. It’s an awful feeling that, sadly, so many people feel. Especially members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Whenever those feelings became too overwhelming for me, I went to this song as a reminder that “I am beautiful in every single way”. Linda Perry, thank you for giving this gift to us. Christina Aguilera, thank you for singing the hell out of it.
