Mandaris"Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder
What's a song you associate with your favorite photograph?
I think this is a perfect song for when I look at pictures of my daughters.
Crucial Track for January 5, 2026
"Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
What's a song you'd want to hear while watching the sunrise?
I think this is a nice way to start the day. Nice, calm, and joyful.
Crucial Track for January 6, 2026
"Roar" by Katy Perry
Share a song that captures the feeling of being brave.
They play this a lot at sports ball games. Katty Perry had a string of hits and now she can be fearless in the studio.
I was going to use Sara Bareilles' Brave but I had already used that.
I took a moment and just admired this tree and sky.
Crucial Track for January 7, 2026
"L-O-V-E" by Nat "King" Cole
What song makes you want to write poetry?
This song reminds me of all the acrostic poems that I would make in elementary (aka primary) school when I was younger. The teacher would all have us do Mom and Dad. I took for granted that I was lucky to have them both.
Crucial Track for February 12, 2026
"Love Don't Cost a Thing" by Jennifer Lopez
What song do you associate with the current season?
We're getting real close to Valentine's Day. I still need to go out and get a gift!
Crucial Track for February 11, 2026
"The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis & The News
What’s your favorite love song, and why?
I like this song because of the history associated with it. I think I first heard it in Back to the Future which was a big favorite of mine. I also spent some time learning how to dance the hustle with this song.
Crucial Track for February 10, 2026
"Danger! High Voltage (Soulchild Radio Mix)" by Electric Six
What’s a guilty pleasure song?
I think this is the only song that I know of that has a line about Taco Bell.
I saw the music video before I heard the song and I've been listening to it on a regular basis. The video is a little bit risqué but I think it's show how much their passion burns!
Crucial Track for February 9, 2026
"Dance Off (feat. Idris Elba & Anderson .Paak)" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
What’s a song you’ve had on repeat recently?
The song starts off great.
I challenge you to a dance off
Hands off, no trash talk, no back walk
On the black top, just me, you, that's all
No cat calls, no tag teams, no mascots
Right now, dance off
I've been challenged to dance offs in the past. I've always backed down because I do not feel confident about my dancing.
But then I hear Idris belt out the chorus and I feel that maybe - just maybe - this could be my time to shine.
Get down the floor
Get down the, get down the floor, go
Get down the floor, do it
Come on and get down the floor, go
Crucial Track for February 8, 2026
"End of Line" by Daft Punk
What’s a song that helps you focus or concentrate?
The whole sound track is pretty good for me to help focus through the tough days. It's probably the soundtrack that I listen to the most. This is even more than "The Wiz".