Songs that celebrate muscular physiques, often referred to as “beefcakes,” span various genres and eras. Here’s a curated list of ten notable tracks:
Muscles
Diana Ross’s 1982 hit, written by Michael Jackson, is a sultry ode to desiring a muscular lover.
Y.M.C.A.
Released in 1978 by the Village People, this disco classic celebrates the Young Men’s Christian Association, a place historically associated with fitness and camaraderie.
Kick Back
Kenshi Yonezu’s 2022 track, serving as the opening theme for the anime ‘Chainsaw Man,’ features a music video where Yonezu undergoes intense training, highlighting themes of strength and resilience.
So Many Men So Little Time
It is a song about “a woman sleeping with countless men and waking in the morning unaware of the name of the person sharing her bed
I’m Too Sexy
Right Said Fred’s 1991 tongue-in-cheek song humorously boasts about the singer’s attractiveness, including his muscular build.
Push It
This 1987 track by Salt-N-Pepa combines catchy beats with lyrics that playfully reference physical attraction and dancing.
Musical Beefcake
Big Energy
The song’s video was directed by Arrad. It was released alongside the song. According to Complex, the video “capitalizes on the theme of chance”, as the clip’s leading man gives it a try at the lottery, while Latto is dancing and singing against a “casino backdrop”, and the man gets struck “by what seems to be Cupid’s arrow”.
Mama Said Knock You Out
LL Cool J’s 1990 rap anthem showcases his lyrical prowess and references his physical strength, embodying the ‘beefcake’ persona.
Physical
The controversial music video that was released to promote the single featured Newton-John in a gym with well-built men in the last half. Some of the scenes have sexual subtext, such as the shower scene or when Newton-John rubs herself on the men.
These songs, whether directly or indirectly, celebrate muscularity and the allure of physical strength, each bringing its unique flair to the theme.
Here are two additional songs that celebrate muscular physiques:
Muscle Memory
KAMILLE’s 2023 track playfully explores themes of physical attraction and strength, celebrating the allure of a well-built physique.
Muscle
Years & Years’ 2018 song delves into the desire for physical closeness and the magnetic pull of a strong, attractive partner.
