Mandaris"Tumba" by Angélique Kidjo
What’s a hidden gem or underrated song you love?
I heard this song ages ago and still love it. The whole album is really good and worth multiple listening sessions.
Crucial Track
Crucial Track for February 23, 2026
"Jort Storm (Radio Edit)" by Slimecicle
What’s a song that grew on you over time?
My daughter introduced me to this song. At first, I was just listening to it to have something in common, but I can see myself adding it to a playlist or two.
Crucial Track for February 22, 2026
"Beautiful (You Are)" by IMx
What’s your favorite deep cut from an album?
It's hard to beat the influence of the music that you listened to in high school and in your 20s. I thought this group was going to be the NEXT BIG THING.
This one goes out to all the love birds out there!
Crucial Track for February 21, 2026
"What's Up?" by 4 Non Blondes
What song makes you feel like you're in a different country?
Seriously.
I was briefly thinking about using something from Rage Against the Machine, but this is the song that called to me.
Crucial Track for February 20, 2026
"More Bounce to the Ounce" by Zapp & Roger
Share a song you feel was ahead of its time.
This song predates all the autotune that you hear nowadays. But honestly, I didn't know what was being said at the time until someone told me what the title of the song was.
Crucial Track for February 19, 2026
"Move Your Feet" by Junior Senior
What’s the last song you discovered and loved instantly?
I've already mentioned a couple during other prompts, but this one needs a moment to shine. This song was originally on the groups demo track and was strong enough that they got a record deal. I know they have at least two albums but I only remember this song.
There's a really good remake of it in the first Trolls movie that I prefer a little more because they add other songs in the mix.
Crucial Track for February 18, 2026
"Candy Rain" by Soul for Real
What’s a lyric that resonates deeply with you and why?
The song starts off incredibly strong and I find myself singing it every once in a while.
My love, do you ever dream of Candy-coated raindrops? You're the same, my candy rain
My family tends to tease me about the fact that it's a love song that heavily features a 15 year old boy. Hey! We should be so lucky as to find love!
Crucial Track for February 17, 2026
"It's the Hard-Knock Life" by Andrea McArdle & The Orphans from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of "Annie"
If your life were a movie, what would its theme song be?
Based on current events.
Part of me knows I should be grateful that it's not worse. It's just hard to have so many obstacles in life.
Crucial Track for February 16, 2026
"My Little Pony Theme Song (Extended Version)" by Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack & My Little Pony
A song from a genre you didn’t think you’d like—what changed?
I didn't think that I would like the music that my children listened to when they were small. Now, I like to sprinkle the soundtrack in a playlist when I know that the girls are going to be listening.
Crucial Track for February 15, 2026
"Bounce" by Emotional Oranges
How do you discover new music, and what’s the latest gem you’ve found?
I usually find music from tv and movies. Sometimes, I even find it on the radio. The best recommendations are from family and I found this one to be very soothing.
Crucial Track for December 31, 2025
"Human Nature" by Michael Jackson
What song makes you feel connected to nature?
If they say why? (Why?) Why? (Why?) Tell 'em that it's human nature
There's something about the way that Michael just does the various runs during the song. I feel that it just lulls me into a peaceful mood.
Crucial Track for December 19, 2025
"Waiting for a Girl Like You" by Foreigner
Share a song that perfectly captures anticipation.
Right now, I'm waiting for my family to get ready so that I can take them somewhere. We were supposed to leave an hour ago.
Crucial Track for December 18, 2025
"Bitch" by Meredith Brooks
What's a song you associate with your favorite person?
There are so many aspects of a person that goes into being a whole human being. Sometimes you have to assert yourself and others might not like that.
Classic song and I think it really shows the positives of the b word.
Crucial Track for February 14, 2026
"Midnight Train to Georgia (Single Version)" by Gladys Knight & The Pips
What is a song that feels like home to you?
I think of this song when I'm going to my parents. They would have a lot of music playing and this was one of them that I remember. Although it wasn't in regular rotation, it was notable in the way that there was a sort of call and response and the way that Gladys' voice just commanded attention.
Crucial Track for January 1, 2026
"Let It Be" by The Beatles
What's your favorite song about letting go?
I thought of this song tonight because I was a little frustrated. Angry with the state of the world. A sort of victimhood sort of crept into my being and I didn't know what to do with that feeling.
I'm going to disconnect and just listen to the message of this song.
Crucial Track for January 2, 2026
"Dancing With Myself (EP Version)" by Billy Idol & Generation X
What song makes you want to dance alone in your room?
This and White Wedding are the only songs that I know from Billy Idol.
Honestly, I should just dance more often and as the saying goes dance like no one is watching.
Crucial Track for January 3, 2026
"Lucky" by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
Share a song that captures the feeling of being understood.
I feel that a lot of songs about understanding are about being _mis_understood. I like this one because it talks about the joy of having someone who understands you.
Crucial Track for February 13, 2026
"Get the Party Started" by P!nk
What’s the first song you’d play at a party?
My first instinct is the play Let's get this party started by the black eyed peas, but I feel that it's probably a song that you want to save for later in the party. This one has the same message and is big hit.
Crucial Track for January 4, 2026
"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.
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!
