“Godzilla” by Blue Öyster Cult — “Godzilla” from the album Spectres, released in 1977 Did you really think the greatest kaiju’s theme song wouldn’t make it on this list? See what else I’ve placed on Project 365 here.

“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon — “Werewolves of London” from the album Excitable Boy, released in 1978 Now that we are entering spooky season, it is important to note that spooky songs can be amazing. Case in point, Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London,” a weird song that tells the story of a “wolf” preying on the vulnerable with little to no concern about their social status. Also, he looks good while he’s doing it. I know I too would like to meet his tailor.

“Gossip Folks” by Missy Elliott — “Gossip Folks” from the album Under Construction, released in 2002 A solid album, through and through, Under Constructions gives us several bangers. “Gossip Folks” is, obviously, one of them. Everything I say about “Work It” can really be applied to “Gossip Folks” too. Additionally, it has Ludacris. So, you know, we got that going for us. See what else I’ve placed on Project 365 here.

“Work It” by Missy Elliott — “Work It” from the album Under Construction, released in 2002 I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Missy Elliott is a mad genius. “Work It” is one of her most successful and popular songs because, like her first big hit (“No Rain”) it showcases not only her lyricism, but her unique spin on all things hip hop. In fact, I argue that Elliott is a pioneer of female hip hop artists and a pioneer of what I like to call weird hip hop artists. I know that term hasn’t really caught fire the way I would like it to, but I stand by it.

“Ray of Light” by Madonna — “Ray of Light” from the album Ray of Light, released in 1998 This might not be a popular opinion but “Ray of Light” is my favorite Madonna song. She has quite a few bangers. She is one of the greats. She embraces the time she’s in. This means, naturally, in the late 1990s, she played with techno sounds while being sure to include her very Madonna lyricism and voice prevelant to the overall feel of the song.

“Like a Prayer” by Madonna — “Like a Prayer” from the album Like a Prayer, released in 1989 I don’t know if everyone out there on the Internets knows this, but life is a mystery and everyone must stand alone. At least that’s what Madonna, circa 1989, says. And I am here for it forever. Even in 2023 See what else I’ve placed on Project 365 here.

“Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill — “Doo Wop (That Thing)” from the album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, released in 1998 The 90s gave us some amazing hip hop and R&B anthems. Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” is one of the best. With a beat plucked from somewhere in the 60s and beefed up with…

“Forgot About Dre” by Dr. Dre & Eminem — “Forgot About Dre” from the album 2001, released in 1999 Dr. Dre makes hits and drops beats like no other. If his time in NWA doesn’t prove it to you, if his first solo album, The Chronic, doesn’t prove it to you, this absolute banger that celebrates and presages the…

“Lil Boo Thang” by Paul Russell — “Lil Boo Thang,” released in 2023 Look, I hear all of the criticisms of Paul Russell’s devisive jam, “Lil Boo Thang” and I get them. I understand that TikTok popularity is fleeting and fickle at best. I understand that this song is not out here moving mountains with its profound meaning. I understand that the best part about it is the beat from The Emotions’ timeless classic “Best of My Love.”