These twenty-six songs make up my attempt to best capture my taste and highlight a few of my favorite songs of all time. I hope your ears find something new and exciting within this list.
“A Love Supreme, Pt. II – Resolution” by John Coltrane: An incredibly technical yet vibrant and soulful track from one of the best jazz records of all time. • “Baby, This Love I Have” by Minnie Riperton: A warm, enveloping love song capturing the beautiful, sweet majesty of Ripperton’s voice. • “Concorde” by Black Country, New Road: This fresh, innovative British band’s tender ballad, draped in melancholy. • “Didn’t Cha Know” by Erykah Badu: An unbeatable neo-soul classic–it’s Erykah Badu! • “Empty” by Janet Jackson: Jackson’s honeyed lyrics combined with the eclectically layered production pushes the sound of R&B into the new millenia. • “Five Years” by David Bowie: An apocolyptic tale told by Bowie’s pleading voice accompanied by a richly orchestrated instrumental. • “Get Innocuous!” by LCD Soundsystem: A building dance track meant to put you into a groovy trance. • “Häagen Dazs” by Ghetto Sage: Three artists existing on the forefront of alternative rap come together on this one track to deliver absolute heat. • “It’s Gonna Be Lonely” by Prince: Sweet synths and soulful percussion assist Prince’s longing lyrics that unfailingly charm the listener. • “John L” by black midi: Many genres of rock fuse on this one track to create an undeniably odd and menacing sonic landscape. • “Kool Thing” by Sonic Youth: An electrifying and hard-hitting noisy alternative rock classic. • “Leash Called Love” by The Sugarcubes: This genreless song oozes joy and playfulness with its kooky back and forth vocals between Björk and Einar.
• “Me Recordaras” by Rubén Blades and Willie Colón: Two titans of salsa come together to create a track which captures the solemn beauty of a lost romance. • “Nosferatu Man” by Slint: Sinister guitars soundtrack a grim story disquietingly narrated by Brian McMahan. • “O’Sailor” by Fiona Apple: This song exemplifies the assertive, commanding femininity of Fiona Apple present throughout her discography. • “Prada” by Arca: One of many perfect party anthems from Arca. • “QUOI” by POiSON GiRL FRiEND: A 90s futurism staple that calms and enchants. • “Reasons” by Earth, Wind & Fire: A fully orchestrated love song from an essential soul band to slow dance to and revel in. • “Shooting Stars” by Kelis: From arguably one of the best R&B albums of the 2000s, this song holds the promise and tenderness of summer love. • “Tudo Que Você Podia Ser” by Lô Borges: Borges’s cover of the Quarteto Em Cy’s classic that builds on the warm Brazilian magic of the original and furthers the danceability of the song. •
“Unlock It” by ABRA featuring Playboi Carti: A song that you can’t take off repeat. • “Venus as a Boy” by Björk: A weird but wondrous staple Björk song. • “Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush: A song bursting with irreplicable fairy-tale wonder. • “Xtal” by Aphex Twin: Essential IDM. • “Young Girl / I Really Like You” by Pharrell Williams: A nearly ten minute track that showcases Pharrell’s unfailing ability to produce songs that will make you groove. • “Zatar” by MF Doom: A fun beat with undertones of luxury perfect for any occaision.
