Top 10 Songs We All Listened to In Our Villain Phase
#10: “Before He Cheats” (2005) Carrie Underwood
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Of course we have to kick off the list with one of the best examples of retribution in the country music genre. While we can’t recommend destroying your cheating significant other’s personal property, we definitely understand where this song is coming from. As Underwood belts out all the shortcomings of her partner and the woman with whom he is potentially cheating, she also sings the details of how she defaces his beloved vehicle. Funnily enough, even though this is Underwood’s biggest hit, she herself said she prefers to simply move on from cheaters instead of taking revenge. As you’ll see later on in this video, this is not the only song about tearing apart a car as an act of vengeance to make our list.
#9: “Misery Business” (2007) Paramore
This song is so villainous that the band didn’t perform it for a few years. Although “Misery Business” is considered Paramore’s breakthrough hit, the song’s lyrics conflict with lead singer Hayley Williams’ current views. The track, inspired by the ex-girlfriend of former Paramore member Josh Farro, criticizes the singer’s partner’s ex. The lyrics flaunt the singer’s success, thinly veiling their feelings of insecurity and jealousy over their partner’s former flame. We all know now that the “not like other girls” mindset is toxic and problematic, but if you’ve ever had that view, you probably screamed along to this track while straightening your bangs.
#8: “Bad Girls” (2012) M.I.A.
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The title and chorus really say it all, don’t they? M.I.A.’s stylistic songs are endlessly empowering, but this track’s catchy tempo and memorable lyrics just make us think of Saturday nights full of good times and bad choices. We’ve all definitely muttered the lyric, “Live fast, die young. Bad girls do it well,” while perfecting the sharpest eyeliner wing in existence. Although the song is apparently an ode to physical relations in a car, its lyrics have a few nuggets of emotional vulnerability, which are sure to resonate with any good villain.
#7: “Don’t Start Now” (2019) Dua Lipa
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As a lyrical sequel to her hit “New Rules,” this track continues the theme of moving on from a former partner. “Don’t Start Now” is an empowering anthem which tells its subject that it is far too late to care about the singer’s whereabouts. The song’s blatantly honest lyrics point out that Dua Lipa’s old flame did not treat her well, and she will not entertain their attempts to care now that they are broken up. If you’ve ever gone through a bad breakup followed by a barrage of late-night texts, this is the perfect song to send immediately before blocking their number.
#6: “Sorry Not Sorry” (2017) Demi Lovato
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We’ve all referenced this song at one point or another. An already powerful song lyrically, the track is further elevated by Lovato’s strong vocals. The song’s lyrics are an ode to the singer’s haters, basking in Lovato’s success and confidence while pointing out that their targets are unhappy with their own lives. This track is a perfect anthem for anyone who has overcome a difficult personal relationship and thrived while the other party struggled. Lovato fully leans into their villainous side here, forgoing all semblance of humility while pouring salt into the wound of the subject of their disdain. We get you, Demi.
#5: “Bust Your Windows” (2008) Jazmine Sullivan
In a similar vein to the first entry on this list, Sullivan’s song about taking revenge focuses on destroying a former partner’s vehicle after he broke her heart. While Sullivan points out that the act of vandalism doesn’t heal her heart, it is therapeutic to think of how her former partner will react to finding his beloved car damaged. Considering she found him in the act of cheating on her, we really can’t blame her for taking a crowbar to the vehicle. No, it’s not the healthiest way to react to the situation, but, to be fair, she could have done something much worse.
#4: “Look What you Made Me Do” (2017) Taylor Swift
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Of course we had to include a song from Swift’s own personal villain era. With tracks like this one and “I Did Something Bad,”Swift’s 2017 album “Reputation” explores the gossip about her personal life. Swift fully embraces her bad reputation and becomes the villain the gossipers paint her to be. In this particular track, Swift bluntly tells the subject of her ire that she is coming for them, even specifically underlining their name on her list of enemies. Swift’s evolution from pop princess to empowered villain was just one metamorphosis of many for the lyrical genius, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
#3: “Another One Bites the Dust” (1980) Queen
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From references to shootouts to implications of ending relationships, this song can be applied to plenty of situations. Of course, the track’s title alone refers to the end of something, either a relationship or an adversary. No matter the case, the singer is focused on not being taken advantage of in the future and refusing to fold in the face of adversity. Backed by an energetic and dance-worthy bass line, this song is all about taking control of your destiny no matter what. For anyone who has been torn down by others or who has almost lost a game, you can count on Queen for the perfect soundtrack.
#2: “Bitch Better Have My Money” (2015) Rihanna
The theme song for billing departments everywhere, lyrically, this track is a notable departure from Rihanna’s usual fare. This song ensures that its subject is aware of what they owe and why they need to pay, implying dire consequences if they don’t pay up quickly. While the song doesn’t directly name the source of its ire, the lyrics were likely inspired by some less than savory characters in Rihanna’s life. In 2012, the artist sued her former accountants after they mismanaged her taxes and royalties over several years, causing Rihanna to lose millions at the beginning of her career. We’d say Rihanna definitely wound up on top. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” (2008) by Cage the Elephant A Decadent Bluesy Song About the Trials of Being Wicked “Dark Horse” (2013) by Katy Perry feat. Juicy J A Spooky Song About the Dangers of Loving a Villain “Can't Be Tamed” (2010) by Miley Cyrus An Indulgent Ode to Self-Expression “Breakfast” (2022) by Dove Cameron All About Taking Charge in Relationships for Better or Worse “no body, no crime” (2020) by Taylor Swift ft. HAIM Sometimes You Have to Take Matters Into Your Own Hands
#1: “you should see me in a crown” (2019) Billie Eilish
Top 10 Songs We All Listened To In Our Emo Phase
With songs like 2017’s “Copycat,” (xref)* Eilish has definitely dipped her toes into wickedly delightful tunes. However, it was the lead single off her first studio album that truly captured the hearts of our inner villains. In fact, the song’s lyrics were inspired by the iconic villain Jim Moriarty from BBC’s “Sherlock.” Eilish takes a page from Moriarty’s book and plots for world dominance, complete with the sound of a sharpening knife. The industrial sound of the music paired with an eerie bass and Eilish’s signature spooky voice make for the ideal soundtrack to a night full of fun and wicked deeds.
