“Fun Lovin’ Criminal” by Fun Lovin’ Criminals — “Fun Lovin’ Criminal” from the album Come Find Yourself, released in 1996 This is one of those songs that should be more popular than it is. Hell, this is one of those bands. With an almost unquantifiable sound and look, the band could be at home watching the Rat Pack…

“Swingtown” by Steve Miller Band — “Swingtown” from the album Book of Dreams, released in 1977 It’s taken far too long for Steve Miller Band to make an appearance on this list. To make up for it, I might just include every damn song on their “Greatest Hits 1974–1978" album. Seriously, it is my favorite greatest hits album of all time. And it begins with this solid psychedelic influenced prog rock masterpiece (originally on the albumBook of Dreams) that just pulls you in and does not let you go until it wants to. You can’t escape it’s infectious drum/bass riff. You can’t fight its lyrical exploration of the magical city known as Swingtown. You can’t resist.

“Maggie’s Song” by Chris Stapleton — “Maggie’s Song” from the album Starting Over, released in 2020 Do you know what it feels like when your dog dies? Listen to this song and you will. See what else I’ve placed on Project 365 here.

“A Message to You Rudy” by The Specials — “A Message to You Rudy” from the album The Specials, released in 1979 This is one of the first songs I can remember liking. It was never as ubiquitous as I would’ve liked, but when I was a little boy it hooked me on every rare occasion that I heard it. I didn’t even know it was considered ‘rocksteady’ until today. All my cards on the table, if someone had asked me what ‘rocksteady’ was this morning, I would have said, “That rhino guy from TMNT.” Now that I know rocksteady is a type of music, his name makes a lot more sense when it is partnered with his buddy Bebop.

“That Girl” by Justin Timberlake — “That Girl” from the album The 20/20 Experience, released in 2013 On this, my 22nd wedding anniversary, I have to drop a Justin Timberlake bop. It’s a simple love song that does not need much of an explanation. With his amazing backup band The Tennessee Kids, Timberlake tells the story of a love that many people said shouldn’t be but nevertheless is. “Didn’t have to run, I knew it was love from a mile away/But I had to catch you running through my mind all day baby/They all say I’m crazy, ’cause everybody even when your father say/That I can’t be with you, I don’t hear a word they say.”

“Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS — “Never Tear Us Apart” from the album Kick, released in 1987 Maybe it is just because we are nearing my 21st anniversary, but this bluesy love song hits me in the feels. The lyrics about two worlds colliding, the waltz tempo, the synthesizers, the strings, and the sax solo work like a gumbo made of the finest ingredients. It really shouldn’t work. But it does. See what else I’ve placed on Project 365 here.

“Distraction #74” by The Avett Brothers “Distraction #74” from the album Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions, released in 2006 Has there ever been a song about cheating on your significant other that is both as fun and regretful as “Distraction #74” is? I don’t think so. But I’d be…

“Rasputin” by Majestic & Boney M. — “Rasputin,” released in 2021 Yes, this song made the list. What can I say? I may be old but TikTok gets me every once in a while too. This is another one of those songs that takes me back to my rave days. I guess this makes sense since it was originally released in 1978. This version, a little faster, a little funkier, only came out a couple of years ago. I think it combines the best of both worlds.

“IV. Sweatpants” by Childish Gambino — “IV. Sweatpants” from the album Because the Internet, released in 2013 Just so you know, my boy Childish Gambino is going to appear on this list quite a few times. He’s the full package, folks. He raps. He acts. He sings. He produces. He writes. He does it all in the sphere of entertainment anyway. “IV. Sweatpants” is one of those songs that just hits right. The message is a little bit deeper than I wanted to believe at first and the eerie video only leans into that deepness. It’s creepy and fun and it makes you think about your own demons. You know, it’s a paradox.