Mandaris"This Is America" by Childish Gambino
What is a song that feels like home to you?
Yessir. This one is definitely inspired by current events. The video is definitely iconic.
Crucial Track
Crucial Track for September 10, 2025
"Let's Get It Started (Radio Version)" by Black Eyed Peas
What’s the first song you’d play at a party?
You have to start off with the radio version of this song. I think I'm used to listening to other cuss words such as The B-Word, The N-Word, and The F-Word, but The R-Word just takes me out of the groove.
I remember it being used as an insult when I was one the playground in primary school, no one used the others. And then people just stopped, we knew why it was unacceptable.
Thank you "Something about Mary".
Anyway, I think Fergie yelling about how we need to get started followed by the beat coming in is a great signal that the party (or at least the party music) has started.
Crucial Track for September 9, 2025
"September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
What song do you associate with the current season?
It's that time of year again!
Crucial Track for September 8, 2025
"Nobody Wants to Be Lonely (with Christina Aguilera) [With Christina Aguilera]" by Ricky Martin
What’s your favorite love song, and why?
This is my favorite song by Ricky Martin or Christina Aguilera. There is desire and heart ache in the lyrics and I find myself singing along.
I think Christina does a great job of restraining herself from using that big beautiful voice of hers. Her voice comes in and starts building up just like the emotions of the song.
Crucial Track for September 7, 2025
"My Neck, My Back (Lick It) [Radio Version]" by Khia
What’s a guilty pleasure song?
I had to find a clean version of this song.
Oh 2004 me was into some... um... different kind of music.
I heard this version on the radio and was surprised when listening to the album/club version.
This song walked so that WAP for run. 😆
Crucial Track for September 6, 2025
"Your Idol" by Saja Boys, Andrew Choi, Neckwav, Danny Chung, Kevin Woo, samUIL Lee & KPop Demon Hunters Cast
What’s a song you’ve had on repeat recently?
The whole house is talking about the Kpop Demon Hunters movie. The family has even gone to see the singalong in theaters!
This is my favorite song as it incorporates how evil the Saja Boys are. It's the epitome of what a controlling significant other can be when they sing.
You know I'm the only one who'll love your sins
Feel the way my voice gets underneath your skin
🚩
Definitely as great example of an upbeat song with terrifying lyrics.
Crucial Track for September 5, 2025
"The Son of Flynn" by Daft Punk
What’s a song that helps you focus or concentrate?
When I'm trying to focus, I put on the Tron: Legacy soundtrack. This is usually the song that really snaps my mind into focus on what needs to be done.
Most times it works, but sometimes other tracks cause distractions if they start off with huge drumbeat.
Crucial Track for September 4, 2025
"Quickly" by John Legend
What’s your favorite collaboration between artists?
I didn't think that Brandy would be on a better duet than when she sang "The Boy Is Mine" with Monica.
What I enjoy most about this song is the amount of longing for love.
If I had twenty million dollars in a vault somewhere baby
It wouldn't matter anyway
'Cause the doctor told me that I'm dying slowly
So I guess I got to love you while I'm here baby
Did you know?
It's one of my favorite John Legend songs.
Crucial Track for September 3, 2025
"Firestarter" by The Prodigy
Which song would you use to introduce yourself to someone new?
For some reason, this song came to mind. I don't think that it's me at the moment, but it resonates with some of the periods of my life.
I like that aspect of fire; the symbolism of change and how it can make things better.
Crucial Track for September 2, 2025
"Children's Story" by Slick Rick
Share a song that tells a great story.
The old man in me jumps up and yells about how that's when rap music was about something and kids these days with their mush mouth songs.
I'm actually a little sad to hear the backing track used in other songs because the story in this song is a good warning on what not to do.
Crucial Track for September 1, 2025
"We Like To Party! (The Vengabus)" by Vengaboys
What song always makes you feel better?
This song has a great beat to it. It's simple and soothing at the same time.
Amusement parks would use the song for there commercials to get people excited and it was a whole thing.
Crucial Track for August 31, 2025
"Hopeless" by Dionne Farris
Share a song that represents your current mood.
I woke up with a headache. Just feeling a little downtrodden. I don't feel that I met my personal goals this month.
Maybe I can turn it around later on and make next month just a little better.
Well, I'm going to get dressed and go for a walk.
I hope you have a good day.
Crucial Track for August 3, 2025
"Brave" by Sara Bareilles
Share a song that captures the feeling of being brave.
My family was listening to this repeatedly for months. So this is the first song that comes to mind.
Crucial Track for July 29, 2025
"Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai
What song makes you want to dance alone in your room?
You know this boogie is for real!
Jamiroquai has so many great songs. I don't know why I haven't been keeping up with what they have been doing.
Maybe it's because I'm too busy dancing to what they already made.
Crucial Track for July 23, 2025
"All Night Long" by Mary Jane Girls
What song makes you want to stay up all night?
I'm actually not a fan of staying up late. Maybe because I'm an early riser or just getting old(er).
This song is a classic song written by Rick James. The bass riff is amazing and rocks you into slow groove.
Crucial Track for July 22, 2025
"Arco Arena (Instrumental)" by CAKE
What's a song you associate with your hometown?
Cake is a band from where I'm from -- don't be creepy -- and this song is about a building that no longer exists. But, it really gets me hyped and ready to do something. I thought about having it as my morning alarm, but I don't want to wind up hating it.
Crucial Track for July 15, 2025
"So Anxious" by Ginuwine
Share a song that perfectly captures anticipation.
Yes, Ginuwine has more than just Pony in his list of songs! Funny enough, I didn't know what exactly this song was about when it came out.
Crucial Track for July 16, 2025
"Change the World" by Babyface & Eric Clapton
What's your favorite song about change?
This song has beautiful instrumentation and wonderful energy.
Depending on the version, you can get the extra kick at the end!
Crucial Track for July 11, 2025
"4 Page Letter" by Aaliyah
What song makes you want to write a letter?
I miss Aaliyah. I think she had wonderful talent as a singer and phenomenal stage presence. She had a way of soothing and entrancing at the same time. After this post, I'm going to write a letter to my wife. Sometimes, it's better to express yourself that way.
Crucial Track for July 10, 2025
"Can You Stand the Rain" by New Edition
What's your favorite song to listen to in the rain?
I’m not a fan of being outside in the rain. I know that it’s good for the area that I live in to have it on a regular basis. I just don’t like being cold and the rain we see is usually associated with the colder months.
For some, rain is rejuvenating. For me, it’s sadness that I have to go through.
Crucial Track for July 9, 2025
"The Freshmen" by The Verve Pipe
Share a song that captures the feeling of being seventeen.
Seventeen wasn't a good year for me.
I don't even remember what this song was about but it's the first thing that comes to mind.
Crucial Track for July 8, 2025
"Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5
Share a song that sounds like your ideal Sunday morning.
My friends like to joke that this was made when Maroon 5 was good. And I have to admit it’s still my favorite album and I listen to it semi frequently.
Crucial Track for July 7, 2025
"Alive" by Sia
What song makes you feel grateful?
What I like about this song is the passion. Sia’s voice has this way of almost cracking as she screams out how she’s still alive and still fighting.
There have been too many times when I’ve been close to death. A wrong step here, a slight change in circumstances and I would not be here writing this post.
For me, this also stirs up that feeling of questions about why am I alive. Life is for the living and we have an opportunity to do something with it. Do not sit there waiting for death because it’s going to get you anyway.
Live.
And be alive.
Crucial Track for July 5, 2025
"Back to Life" by Soul II Soul
Share a song that feels like it has healing powers.
This actually isn't the first song that came to mind, but it definitely fits.
For me it gets me into a groove and I can somewhat drift into the zone.
Crucial Track for June 12, 2025
"WAP (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)" by Cardi B
What's a song you only listen to when you're completely alone?
That's a weird prompt. The fact that you would online listen to alone but you'd put it on your blog.
Sure, I'll bite.
I listen to it because it has a great beat and different from the musical misogamy that I enjoyed in my youth.