In the English alphabet, “X” is one of those rare letters we don’t see every day. You’ll find fewer words starting with “X” in the dictionary than any other letter.
But musicians are creative people, and they’ve found ways to incorporate this uncommon letter into their song titles in a variety of ways.
Here are our favorite songs that start with “X”.
Contents
1. “X” – System Of A Down
Song year: 2001
System Of A Down is an Armenian-American rock band that favors jarring and dissenting lyrics. This song came out in 2001 and focuses on the issues of overpopulation, immigration, and the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
2. “XNXX” by Joji
Song year: 2018
Joji is the king of sad songs, and “XNXX” fits his bill perfectly. He released this song on his debut album “BALLADS 1,” and it premiered during his Head In The Clouds Tour in October of 2018. It perfectly expresses the painful feelings of nostalgia and sadness that happen after a relationship ends.
3. “Xoxosos” by Keshi
Song year: 2019
This song is about a dysfunctional relationship that goes around in circles. A relationship loses its spark when it’s continuously on and off, and this song captures that roller coaster of emotions powerfully.
4. “Xanadu” by Rush
Song year: 1977
Although the title of this song by Rush might sound strange, it comes from the poem “Kubla Khan” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Xanadu, in this case, refers to the mysterious kingdom where Khan lives. Rush, a progressive rock band, imagines this land as a sacred paradise.
5. “X (EQUIS)” by Nicky Jam
Song year: 2018
This Spanish track is a work of romantic surrealism. It’s about a woman who enchants people through her dancing. She endures jealousy and painful words, but in the end, her dancing carries away the negativity.
6. “XO” by Eden
Song year: 2015
In this track, the Irish singer-songwriter EDEN gets revenge on a girl who broke his heart. It’s an anti-serenade where EDEN lets her know that he never loved her. This acoustic track is a witty farewell to the girl he doesn’t want to see again, something we can all relate to.
7. “X” by Trivium
Song year: 2021
Trivium is a heavy metal band with roots in Orlando, Florida. This epic instrumental is from their 2021 album, “In the Court of the Dragon.” It’s the perfect backdrop for a casual game of Dungeons and Dragons with your metalhead friends.
8. “X-Ray Visions” by Clutch
Song year: 2015
This song is the lead single from Clutch’s 2015 album “Psychic Warfare.” It’s about a hero hiding from psychic forces and paranoid thoughts. He hides from his demons in a motel, where he has to confront himself and choose to either fight or give up.
9. “XO” by Beyoncé
Song year: 2013
Where were you when iconic singer-songwriter Beyoncé surprise released her self-titled album? This sweet track is a love song dedicated to her husband Jay-Z.
It has the most pop-influenced sound of all the songs from the album, making it a timeless radio classic. This song has spurred several covers by famous artists, including John Mayer and Haim.
10. “XXX 88” by Mø Ft. Diplo
Song year: 2013
This ode to changing feelings is track number nine on Mø’s 2013 album “Follow.” It encapsulates the sorrow of having to watch someone leave when you still have feelings for them. The song is a lyrical goldmine that perfectly matches the dramatic and pulsing electronic beat.
11. “X” by 21 Savage and Metro Boomin
Song year: 2016
21 Savage lives up to his name on this track dedicated to his ex-girlfriends. In it, he reflects on his past relationships and the ways he’s changed for the better while they have stayed the same. It’s a strangely empowering song to listen to while you get over the one who broke your heart.
12. “XO Tour Llif3” by Lil Uzi Vert
Song year: 2017
Lil Uzi Vert is a complicated character, and that complexity shines through his music. This song is a raw look at his relationship issues with Brittany Byrd, his ex-girlfriend. It also touches on issues like suicide, substance abuse, and betrayal.
13. “Xscape” by Michael Jackson
Song year: 2014
This song was released in 2014 as part of Michael Jackson’s second posthumous album. Although he recorded it in 1999, he never released it on the “Invincible” album as he planned. It’s a song that touches on themes of freedom and individuality.
14. “XXX.” by Kendrick Lamar Ft. U2
Song year: 2017
Who thought Kendrick Lamar and U2 would make music together? This surprising collaboration was part of Lamar’s album “DAMN.” It contains deeper commentary on religion and politics, themes that appear throughout the album.
15. “X” by Monsta X
Song year: 2017
K-pop has gone mainstream thanks to bands like Monsta X. This South Korean boy band came together in 2015, and since then, they’ve released several hits that have become popular on American charts. In this heavy pop song, they sing to a young woman they’re trying to woo.
16. “XOXO” by Jeon Somi
Song year: 2021
This track is another in the K-pop category. It’s a tune of empowerment after going through a breakup. In saying goodbye, they find the confidence to pick themselves back up and keep going when things are hard.
17. “Xanadu” by Olivia Newton-John
Song year: 1980
This is another popular song named after the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem. But here, rather than exploring Xanadu as a mysterious place, Olivia Newton-John presents it as a paradise to share with her lover. This could be a contender for one of the best ‘80s songs.
18. “XIX” by Slipknot
Song year: 2014
Slipknot is a metal group known for its masked performers. This song touches on themes of depression, suicide, and death, which are typical themes for this provocative group.
19. “XXXO” by M.I.A.
Song year: 2010
Love is hard in the digital age, and rapper M.I.A. captures the frustration of trying to find an authentic relationship online in this futuristic track. The playful sound and real lyrics make this a timeless classic that will only become more relevant as time goes on.
20. “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” by DMX
Song year: 2003
The 2000s was a great decade for hip-hop. Rapper DMX recorded this track for “Cradle 2 the Grave,” an action movie he starred in alongside Jet Li. It’s the classic song to listen to if you want to feel invincible while walking down the street.
21. “XO” by Kelsea Ballerini
Song year: 2015
This track by the up-and-coming artist Kelsea Ballerini is about loving someone who’s still in love with their ex. The country singer crafted this catchy song with a pop feel to express her complicated emotions.
22. “X Marks the Spot” by Coldplay
Song year: 2015
Coldplay released this experimental track on their 2015 album “A Head Full of Dreams.” It uses buried treasure as a metaphor for the never-ending hunt for true love.
Chris Martin has stated that it’s his favorite song on the album, despite it being a last-minute addition. The band wrote the song in ten minutes, which shows the professional level of artistry these veterans possess.
23. “X-Kid” by Green Day
Song year: 2012
This sad track was written in honor of Billie Cavallo’s friend, who, unfortunately, committed suicide. It explores the harsh realities of life and the fact that everyone is forced to grow up whether they’re ready or not.
24. “XvX” by Vicverza
Song year: 2022
Vicverza is a fresh rapper from Texas who creates raw, heavy-hitting tracks. This song features a strong beat, and with a smooth flow, he gives life to his hopes for his career. He has great potential to make a name for himself in the music industry.
25. “X” by Jonas Brothers
Song year: 2020
In this collaboration with Colombian singer-songwriter KAROL G., the Jonas Brothers explore a more mature sound. With lyrics that touch on love and sensuality, they are working to shed their boyband image and join the pop greats.
As with most songs released during the COVID-19 pandemic, the music video was recorded using individual phones in the safety of their own homes.
26. “Xoxoxo” by The Black Eyed Peas
Song year: 2010
The Black Eyed Peas were one of the quintessential pop groups of the 2000s and 2010s. This song is typical of their music style, with a silky lyrical flow set to an electro-pop beat. It celebrates the love and commitment between him and his partner.
27. “X Offender” by Blondie
Song year: 1976
This song was originally written by bassist Gary Valentine when he was arrested for statutory rape. But despite the serious nature of the original song, it ended up being about a prostitute who fell in love with a police officer.
28. “X Última Vez” by Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny
Song year: 2022
This Spanish collaboration between Daddy Yankee and Bad Bunny is the third of its kind featuring the duo. “X Última Vez,” which roughly translates to “Last Time,” describes what they would do if they only had one day left with their lover. We’ll leave it to you to imagine the details.
29. “Xanny” by Billie Eilish
Song year: 2019
Billie Eilish’s rise to fame has been well-deserved, with the young star making several catchy hit tunes, including “Ocean Eyes” and “Bad Guy.”
In this track, Eilish discusses the pitfalls of drug addiction. The title is the slang term for Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug that is commonly misused recreationally.
While she doesn’t take the drug herself, she sees it as causing harm to those around her. According to her, the song is more of an anthem about drug safety.
30. “XS” by Rina Sawayama
Song year: 2020
Rina Sawayama is an experimental hyper-pop star from London. This song is a criticism of the excessive consumption that has become a part of capitalist culture.
The focus on excess is reflected in the exaggerated early-2000s style beat that’s interspersed with snippets of rock and roll. If it sounds a little quirky, that’s because it’s supposed to.
31. “XXXstasy” by Zae
Song year: 2020
Filipino pop never gets as much credit as it deserves. Zae is the rising Filipina rapper who’s looking to change that. The star went viral on TikTok for her song “Serve,” and since then, she’s been working hard to become a rising star in the industry.
This song, the themes of which are self-explanatory, represents a departure from the misogyny that is so prevalent in music. As her popularity grows, we hope Filipino music will get some much-needed time in the spotlight.
32. “X” by Jaisean
Song year: 2019
This moody, lo-fi track is the best song on the list to cry to after a breakup. It’s a song that perfectly expresses the frustration of losing people.
33. “X2” by Queensrÿche
Song year: 2013
Queensrÿche is a heavy metal group that rose to fame in the 1980s. This ethereal and slightly creepy instrumental track sounds like it would be at home in any fantasy movie or possibly as background music at a Halloween party.
34. “X-M@$” by Corey Taylor
Song year: 2010
This offbeat Christmas song is a humorous take on the holiday shenanigans we’ve all come to love and enjoy. He sings about his hatred for the holiday and his tendency to show up inebriated to holiday gatherings.
It’s over-the-top, irreverent, and sure to offend. If you need to get your in-laws out of the house as soon as possible after holiday festivities, this is the song to play.
35. “X” by Tinashe and Jeremih
Song year: 2021
Tinashe is one of those artists who is famous but not yet mainstream. She’s known for her buttery vocals, and she’s been featured on tracks from Chance the Rapper, Schoolboy Q, and other rap legends. In this song, a collaboration with Jeremih, she touches on themes of love and sensuality with her trademark soulful sound.
Best Songs Starting With X, Final Thoughts
Just because something is rare doesn’t mean it’s impossible to work with. Hopefully, this list of songs starting with one of the world’s rarest letters proves that.
