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
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!
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".
Crucial Track for February 7, 2026
"Smooth (feat. Rob Thomas)" by Santana
What’s your favorite collaboration between artists?
I find myself singing this song everyone once in a while.
It's just like the ocean
Under the moon
I want to grab my wife and spin her around.
Crucial Track for February 6, 2026
"Here I Go Again (1987 Version / 2017 Remaster)" by Whitesnake
Which song would you use to introduce yourself to someone new?
At first, I was going to use Return of the Mack but I don't imagine myself to have that kind of swagger. I feel that sometimes it's hard to walk a path that you set out for. It's light and definitely makes me feel like moving.
Crucial Track for January 8, 2026
"The Girl Is Mine" by Michael Jackson
What's a song you associate with your biggest mistake?
The thing is that you don't own anyone. Unless you have an understanding with the person, you can't make an assumption that you are in a relationship.
Crucial Track for January 9, 2026
"Too Long" by Daft Punk
Share a song that perfectly captures longing.
This is the first song that came to my mind about longing.
I love it when it sings out Can you feel it!
and then later on you hear the bass drop.
Crucial Track for January 10, 2026
"Rise Up" by Andra Day
What's your favorite song about hope?
For a while, I would hear this song everywhere they had a character fighting adversity. I really enjoy how Andra's voice builds up and it makes me feel that I can overcome anything with this song.
Crucial Track for February 5, 2026
"The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers
Share a song that tells a great story.
I'm still learning when to hold them and when to fold them.
I think this song has some pretty good lessons in it.
Crucial Track for February 4, 2026
"Beat It" by Michael Jackson
What song always makes you feel better?
I love Michael Jackson!
I had an action figure of Michael Jackson with this outfit on.
Crucial Track for February 3, 2026
"In the Waiting Line" by Zero 7 & Sophie Barker
Share a song that represents your current mood.
A beautiful song that really captured the moment today. Work had an issue with the VPN and I really felt that I was waiting for life to happen again.
Nine to five Living lies Ever day Stealing time
Hopefully tomorrow is better. I have to do my prep for the Superb Owl.
Crucial Track for February 2, 2026
"I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston
Share a song that makes you want to dance every time.
My dad would say that Whitney Houston couldn't dance. I don't care because she was moving too and the music is all you really need.
I hope that you find your dancing partner!
Crucial Track for January 11, 2026
"Walking On Broken Glass" by Annie Lennox
What song makes you want to forgive someone?
I remember someone saying that you forgive someone for yourself. You allow yourself to let go of the hurt and pain that person has caused you.
This is the song that came to mind.
Crucial Track for February 1, 2026
"Pony" by Ginuwine
What was the first album you ever bought? Pick your favorite song off that album.
I remember this album distinctly! This was the first album I ever bought AND the first album that was ever stolen from me!
I let someone borrow it and they NEVER RETURNED IT!!
The song is still a major hit. I didn't know what it was about when I first heard it and part of me will never admit what it is about until this day.
Crucial Track for January 31, 2026
"Gotta Get Thru This (D'n'D Radio Edit)" by Daniel Bedingfield
Share a song that got you through a difficult time.
I think a lot of my favorite or most memorable songs are upbeat.
Thank you for prompting me to think about this song.
Crucial Track for January 30, 2026
"Spring Love" by Stevie B
What song reminds you of your first love?
I feel thatches song echo the loss of any love. I was listening to it on a loop a lot in the beginning of December. Not because of someone in particular but because of the thought of losing love in general.
Crucial Track for January 29, 2026
"Witchoo" by Durand Jones & The Indications & Aaron Frazer
What is your favorite song from last year?
I heard this song in a Tiki bar and seemed to just pop up more and more. What I like about it is that it's got a playful groove and a certain swagger that doesn't come off as bragging. I listened to the rest of the album but it seems like this is a singular hit.
Crucial Track for January 12, 2026
"Satellite" by Dave Matthews Band
What's a song you'd want to hear while stargazing?
This is also a great song to waltz to. It's been a while since I listen to this but I remember it as being very soothing.
Crucial Track for January 13, 2026
"This Is Me" by Keala Settle & The Greatest Showman Ensemble
Share a song that captures the feeling of being proud.
I generally liked all the songs from the movie. I feel that this one really stood out and I hear it being used in different shows. It was in regular rotation at home.