11 Iconic Songs with a NAME in the Title You’ll Instantly Recognize

There is something about hearing your name in a song that makes it unforgettable. Songs with names in the title feel personal. They tell stories about love, heartbreak, obsession, longing, and sometimes a little bit of drama.

This week’s themed playlist proves just how powerful a name can be. From 80s classics to 2000s pop anthems, these are the songs listeners requested that put someone front and centre right in the title.

Here are 11 unforgettable hits that prove sometimes all you need is a name.

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1. “Jack and Diane” – John Mellencamp (1982)

A heartland rock classic about two American teens trying to figure out life and love. John Mellencamp captured small-town nostalgia in this singalong anthem that still feels timeless decades later.

2. “Grace Kelly” – Mika (2007)

This theatrical pop hit is bold, dramatic, and impossible to ignore. Inspired by old Hollywood glamour, Mika uses the name Grace Kelly as a metaphor for reinvention and trying to fit in while standing out.

3. “Jessie’s Girl” – Rick Springfield (1981)

Few songs capture jealousy quite like this one. Rick Springfield’s power pop classic tells the story of unrequited love and wanting your best friend’s girl. It became one of the defining hits of the early 80s.

4. “Mickey” – Toni Basil (1981)

Hey Mickey, you’re so fine. This cheerleader-inspired pop smash became an instant earworm and a dance floor staple. Toni Basil turned a simple name into one of the most recognizable hooks in pop history.

5. “Hey There Delilah” – Plain White T’s (2006)

A stripped-down acoustic love song that took over mid-2000s radio. Written as a real-life long-distance dedication, it became the band’s breakout hit and a wedding favourite for years to follow.

6. “Sara” – Starship (1985)

A soaring 80s power ballad filled with big vocals and emotional intensity. “Sara” helped solidify Starship’s chart dominance during the decade and remains one of their signature songs.

7. “Stacy’s Mom” – Fountains of Wayne (2003)

A playful pop-rock hit that became a cultural moment in the early 2000s. With its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and unforgettable chorus, this song turned suburban teenage awkwardness into chart success.

8. “Carolina” – Shaggy (2000)

This reggae-infused track showcases Shaggy’s signature laid-back style. Built around catchy rhythms and a smooth vibe, “Carolina” became a fan favourite from the early 2000s.

9. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson (1982)

One of the most iconic songs in pop history. With its instantly recognizable bassline and groundbreaking music video, “Billie Jean” helped define the Thriller era and showcased Michael Jackson at the height of his powers.

10. “Iris” – Goo Goo Dolls (1998)

An emotional rock ballad that became one of the most played songs of the late 90s. Written for the film City of Angels, “Iris” blends vulnerability and soaring melody into an unforgettable love song.

11. “Alejandro” – Lady Gaga (2010)

A dramatic, synth-driven pop anthem inspired by European dance music. Lady Gaga delivers heartbreak and intensity, using the name Alejandro as the centre of a complicated goodbye.

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Want More Themed Playlists?

Every Wednesday we feature a new theme during the All Request Listener Lunch on 107.5 Kool FM. Listeners pick the songs, and the results are always a fun mix of nostalgia and current favourites.

You can tune in every weekday from noon to 1 to hear what everyone is requesting and maybe even get your own song on the air.