The Mini Unicorn Scale: Volume 9

By Jennie Roberson

November 14, 2020

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Photo credit: Unsplash/Tony Pham

Hello and welcome back, aural lovers! (Hehehe). I hope you’re happy, healthy, and have your headphones ready to go!

Have you been hankering for some new bi jams? (When are we not, if we’re being honest?) Well, have no fear— I am here to PROVIDE. It may seem surprising to you that there are so many darn queer tunes out there that we’re already up to Volume 9 of the Mini Unicorn Scale! It turns out there are plenty of fluid artists and songs to help fill out your Spotify playlist. Sometimes life is good.

If this is your first time around these parts, feel free to read up on our rating system here. There are plenty of other volumes to peruse, as the volume number would suggest. But if you also wanna listen to what I’ve culled so far, you can do so at this free YouTube playlist here.

Bigstock/Rido81

Good to go? Faboo. Fire up those speakers and let’s get to work.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe - “Strange Things Happenin’ Every Day”

It may feel odd at first to describe the Godmother of Rock and Roll as metal, but #bicon Tharp was definitely that. A pioneer both in gospel music and many other genres, Tharp experimented with sound in ways that laid the groundwork for whole new forms of musical expression. Most of these Mini Unicorn Scales wouldn’t even exist without her influence. Her songs have even been entered as works of cultural significance by the Library of Congress. How’s that for a slice of fried gold?

Janis Joplin - “Piece of My Heart"


Joplin is considered by many to be a vital part of the Haight-Ashbury scene and, consequently, one of the faces of the counterculture “hippie” movement. Her powerful, gravelly voice made its own indelible imprint, covering songs written by (and many for) her. “Piece of My Heart” is one of Joplin’s greatest hits, and with good reason— both the lyrics and her performance display a duality of fiery spirit and vulnerable desperation. Listen to it for more than thirty seconds and you’ll find you’re a slave to the groove, too, baby.

Franz Ferdinand - “Michael"

Time to fast forward to the 2000s and a Scottish band that isn’t afraid to play around with time signatures. Dance songs are a dime a dozen. They’re also, quite often, heteronormative in nature. While that doesn’t usually pose a problem for the bi+ population (since we’re all into multiple genders) it’s still nice to have a come-hither song howled by a man to another man. Jury is still out on whether lead guitarist/singer/songwriter Alex Kapranos is queer… but this song sure is. Good to hear some enticement for the beautiful boys on the beautiful dance floor.

Lauren Jauregui - “Expectations”

Cooling off the tempo a bit is this tune from openly bi Jauregui. While this isn’t the Cuban-American’s first time appearing in a Mini Unicorn Scale, this entry marks her solo debut into our series. Slinking about a courtyard in the music video, Jauregui’s worried lyrics lament how one can feel alone even while in bed with a lover— regardless of gender.

Hayley Kiyoko - “Curious”


You know, for all my work in reviewing queer music, I can have some major blind spots. I had never even heard of Hayley Kiyoko until my interview with queer songstress Torrey Mercer and her noting Kiyoko as a major source of inspiration.

No, I don’t live under a rock.

“Curious” is one of the major hits for the fan-deemed “Lesbian Jesus”, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it slap, but who can’t relate to the jealousy-tinged vantage point of the singer, when an old flame starts up with a new beau?

Instagram/hayley kiyoko

However. I’m not a fan of the idea of displaying bisexual people as either unfaithful or playing mind games. We’ve been fighting this hurtful and untrue stereotype for generations; there’s no need for a new generation of LGBTI artists to dog-pile onto this notion.


“You say you wanted me/You’re sleeping with him” does not do the queer community any favors, Hayley. And the music video is even more damning.

Peaches - “I U She"


Veering into better representation and a genre of a different color is this addition from Canadian artist Peaches. I came across this song for the first time during this year’s Virtual Bi Pride in a discussion forum asking everyone for their favorite bi anthem. “I U She” was a new one to me. Not only does this serve as a bi anthem, but it also works as a threesome or poly song.

Come on, baby; let’s go.

Lady Gaga - “Born This Way"

I usually like to close out these playlists with inarguable bi manifestos, and I will brook no argument with this final choice. Sure, we’ve had Gaga on this playlist a few times, but that’s with good reason. Gaga is, and has been, proudly out (#OneofUs) since her breakthrough, and here she penned one of the biggest queer, intersectional anthems of the last decade. The music video even starts off with an image of a goddamn unicorn. Everything about this song makes me wanna hit the dance floor, like the good little monster I am.

And there we have it, my fellow unicorns! I hope you’ve enjoyed the selection.

In the meantime, rock on. And remember: don’t let anyone dull your sparkle.

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