Sharing a collection of old songs/albums and new discoveries I enjoyed from the past year. There were plenty more, but these were the handful that stood out to me and what they meant to me.
Phoenix – If I Ever Feel Better
A song that got me through a lot of valleys and peaks this year. Also a song for small victories.
Sade – Bullet Proof Soul/I Will Be Your Friend
Dug into the Sade back catalog to gain wisdom and understanding on friendship and self-love.
DJ Screw – No One’s Going to Love You SOS Remix
Every music and rap fan needs to go through a DJ Screw deep dive at some point. This one reminds me of driving through a slow hot summer evening.
Mac Dre – Not My Job
Just a great underrated Bay Area Hyphy track. The George W. Bush line gets me every time.
Aventura – Obsesion
The classic Bachata track I cherished as I started to learn Bachata dancing this past year. Do admit the song came through me via Frankie J back in 05
Usher – Superstar
Came back to this due to Usher’s Tiny Desk. Reminded me of how solid the track listing is from Confessions
Bill Whiters – I Hope She’ll Be Happier
James Blake sampled this for his song Radio Silence back in 2016 but didn’t realize the sample connection until coming around to the original this past fall. Truly a track for anyone feeling blue, but knowing it’s okay to move forward.
Brain Mcknight – Anytime
The song is also sampled too. An emotional song about longing for someone who is gone and feeling the grief and being vulnerable through it. The sadness is there as a lesson to move forward. Really want to try this song in karaoke at some point
Kate Bush/Maxwell – This Women’s Work
Both versions are great. Bush’s version addresses the trials of a couple especially a woman through difficult moments of a relationship. Maxwell’s version shapes the end of something but knowing there are lessons learned through the joy and sadness of a relationship that has ended
Lil B – I Hate Myself
The song always stuck with me through the Goo Goo Dolls Iris Sample. Polarizing internet rapper, but his positive and reflective lyrics, cut through the noise.
Dijon – Absolutely
Wish I gave this album a chance back in 2021. The Dress and Big Mikes are standouts. I love the different styles Dijon puts on here.
Sunday Service Choir – Rain
The song that got me through a lot of challenging times this year to reflect, meditate/pray and move forward. Would be ok if this is the only song we can play that is Kanye-related moving forward.
Mac Miller – Objects in the Mirror/2009
If you are ever in a challenge or afraid of the unknown listen to these two.
Al Green – How Can you Mend a Broken Heart?
The song lasts for over 6 mins acts of meditation to feel the pain and begin the process of loving yourself again. For a man to do this in the 1970s, is radical to me.
Kirk Franklin – Imagine Me
Heard this song so many times before, but the last part gets me every time.
Rome – Self-Titled
R&B album was in my parent’s collection for years and only stumbled upon it this year. Underrated 90s R&B. Strictly lot tracks on intention and devotion. Honestly made me think a lot about how folk approach love, care and devotion through R&B.
Goapele – Closer
One of my most-played songs from last year. A song for quiet reflection and meditation in the midst of fear, disappointment, and uncertainty. Imagine being closer to having what you want out of life through action and manifestation. This is the anthem for that effort.
The Typecaster 
