My Life In Music: Soundtrack to Me 2022

2022 was the year that felt as if it passed by quickly and also felt as if it lasted longer than necessary. But music being music, music-ed(?) and got me through it; as you can tell from the list below, I enjoyed some music this year.  

Below is the list of musical gems that were my go-to's and stick-with-me's through the year; like always, they don't have to be newly released during the covered year as some older songs can touch you years later for the first time or in a totally different way. Enjoy...and feel free to share your soundtrack with me! xoxo 

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2022

• Ebony Jenae - Little Brown Girl
• Gregory Abbott - Shake You Down
• Brett Eldredge - Holy Water
• Whitney Houston - Just The Lonely Talking Again
• Whitney Houston - Lover For Life
• Etta James - Stormy Weather
• Tweet - Boogie 2Nite
• Diplo + Sidepiece - On My Mind
• Ari Lennox - Pressure 
• Akon + Snoop Dogg - I Wanna Love You
• Aiyana Lee - Make You Love Me
• Aiyana Lee - Gangster of Love
• King George - Keep On Rollin
• King George - Don't Let Me Be Blind
• Ms. Jody - Cowboy Style
• King George - Too Long
• Brett Eldredge - Can't Keep Up 
• J'Cenae - I Ain't No Side Piece Lover
• Xscape - Work Me Slow
• Wendi Mancaku - Over
• Karen Wolfe - B.O.B
• Jennifer Holliday - So In Love
• Ledisi - All The Way
• Phyllis Hyman - You Know How to Love Me
• India.Arie - Steady Love
• Whitney Houston - I'm Knockin'
• Whitney Houston - Far Enough

NOTE: If a video is missing from the playlist, blame YouTube; not me. :-)

My Life In Music: Soundtrack to Me 2021

2021 was far too identical to 2020 in ways most don't want to recall. But, you know there's one way that I absolutely must...the same way that I have for years preceeding 2020 -- with music! My love for music and the memories music provides and the times music pulls you through, stays with you, or marks as a reminder for cherished times. Below is the list of musical gems that were my go-to's and stick-with-me's through the year; like always, they don't have to be newly released during the covered year as some older songs can touch you years later for the first time or in a totally different way. Enjoy...and feel free to share your soundtrack with me! xoxo 

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2021

• Jacob Lutrell - Sweet Woman
• The Temptations - Bare Back
  
• Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) - Leave The Door Open
• Kool & The Gang - Sexy (Where'd You Get Yours)
  
• R. Kelly - Not Supposed To Be
  
• Whitney Houston - In My Business
• Jazmine Sullivan f/ Ari Lennox - On It
  
• K. Michelle - Can't Raise A Man
• Meghan Trainor & John Legend - Like I'm Gonna Lose You
• Jeremiah Cole - Crushing On Ya
• Aretha Franklin - Hello Sunshine
• Stevie Wonder - Gotta Have You
• Leela James - Rise N Shine
• Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey
• KeKe Wyatt - Tennessee Whiskey
• Whitney Houston - Hold On, Help Is On The Way
  

 

 NOTE: If it's listed above and not included in the video playlist or an alternate version is included...blame YouTube! As that would mean I couldn't find something somewhere for some reason.

My Life In Music: Soundtrack to Me 2020

 2020 has been a year in many ways unimaginable. Music is one of my saviors, so continuing my annual tradition, here are the songs that rode with me during this rollercoaster of a year.

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2020

• Beyonce - Listen
• Aretha Franklin - You Keep Me Hangin' On (This Girl's In Love With You / Spirit In The Dark Outtake)
• Mary J Blige - Real Love
• Ariana Grande & Nathan Sykes - Almost Is Never Enough
• Gerald Levert & Eddie Levert - Baby Hold On To Me
• Brett Eldredge - Crowd My Mind
• Matt Bomer - Untitled (How Does It Feel )
• Arlissa - Every Time I Breathe
• Jacob Lutrell - Something Better
• Ariel Pink - Baby
• Toni Braxton - Nothin'
• Ledisi - Anything For You
• Ranky Tanky - Let Me Be
  
• Jacob Lutrell - Rise On Up
• Paolo Nutini - One Day [acoustic]
• Christina Aguilera - Telepathy 
• Jeremiah Cole - Story Ends
• Jill Scott - Shame
• Nicky Francis - Dead Leaf In The Breeze
• Whitney Houston - Where You Are 

 

My Life In Music: Soundtrack to Me 2019

 A year later; just realized I didn't post last year's soundtrack. Here goes:

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to me 2019

• Reba McEntire f/t Linda Davis - Does He Love You
• Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus - Old Town Road
• Nina Simone - I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl
• Tweet - Boogie 2Nite
• Whitney Houston & Deborah Cox - Same Script Different Cast
• Jessie Ware - Say You Love Me
• P!nk - Let Me Let You Know
• Brainstorm - Loving You Is Really My Game
• Lizzo - Juice

Music: my therapy; my relaxation; my inspiration. My voice when I can't express something myself.  

#Challenge: Put your life to music. Which songs capture you and your year?

 

 

 

 

My Life In Music: Soundtrack to Me 2018

2018. 2018. 20....18. Hun-naaaaay! 2018 has been a year. (Exhale; shoop, shoop) These are the songs that kept me going and helped get through it. Don't worry, the songs are far better than the year -- itself.
This is me...and this is the soundtrack to my 2018 life.

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2018

• Bruno Mars - 24k Magic 
• Ledisi - Blues In The Night 
• Whitney Houston - So Emotional
• The Greatest Showman sdtk - This Is Me 
• Brett Eldridge - Cycles 
• John Mayer - Waiting On The World To Change 
• John Mayer - Still Feel Like Your Man
• Bruno Mars - That's What I Like 
• Dustin Lynch - Love Me Or Leave Me Alone 
• Whitney Houston - Who Do You Love 
• John Legend - I Know Better 
• Aretha Franklin - Today I Sing The Blues 
• Cissy Houston - Morning Much Better
• Dustin Lynch - State Lines 
• Brett Eldredge - No Stopping You 
• Toni Braxton - Coping 
• Toni Braxton - FOH
• BONUS:
• Whitney Houston - So Emotional (live, in concert) 
• Whitney Houston - Who Do You Love (live)
• Brett Eldredge - No Stopping You (Airwaves Sessions)
• Toni Braxton - Coping (Paris & Simo Remix)

Music: my therapy; my relaxation; my inspiration. My voice when I can't express something myself.  

#Challenge: Put your life to music. Which songs capture you and your year?

My Life In Music: Soundtrack To Me 2016

You know how this works. Another year comes to an end (Bye, 2015!) and another list of "this is my life in music" is shared.  I can't sing a lick, but music is truly who I am, for the most part. Music calms my soul and feeds my spirit. 

For 2016, these are the songs that helped me reflect on life and will help me remember where I was as an individual in 2016.  It helps you to truly understand who I am and where I am with certain issues and emotions. 

This is me...and this is the soundtrack to my life for the year 2016.

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2016

• Alicia Keys + Maxwell - Fire We Make
• Jazmine Sullivan - Good Enough
• Melanie Fiona - Wrong Side of a Love Song
• Rihanna - Kiss It Better
• Christina Aguilera - Change
• Whitney Houston - You Were Loved
• Beyonce + Kendrick Lamar - Freedom*
• Deborah Cox - Kinda Miss You
• Gregory Porter + Kem - Holding On
• Adele - I Miss You
• Rihanna - Love On The Brain
• Jennifer Hudson - Dangerous

2017, let's see what you're made of!

As I always say, to me music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me, it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words. Put your life to music. Which songs capture you?

You'll never stand alone,

Xx

*Not included in video playlist

My Life In Music: Soundtrack To Me 2015

Another year; another this is me, this is who I am. I love these posts; I love this mini project. It helps me reflect on the year, it's fun, it features music (a major love in my life), and it allows me to share myself with others...in a way that many likely don't understand from the outset. 

This is the soundtrack to my life for the year 2015.

I confess, I'm not sure what was up with 2015; was it a year of reflection, a year of living in the past, or a year of what's old is new or relevant, again? Many of the songs on the playlist this year are recordings that were released in earlier years, but they spoke volumes to me this past year. The only missing audio/video is a song from Adele's "25," but with over 3 million sales the album reached in it's first week of release...I'm sure everyone has the CD by now. If not, find the and listen to it; the title is in the track listing below!

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2015

• Tamia - Chaise Lounge 
• TLC - Waterfalls 
• Whitney Houston - Exhale (Shoop, Shoop) 
• Deborah Cox - Where Do We Go From Here 
• Ariana Grande & Nathan Sykes - Almost Is Never Enough 
• Iggy Azalea + Jennifer Hudson - Trouble 
• Miranda Lambert + Carrie Underwood - Somethin' Bad 
• Mariah Carey & Ne-Yo - Angel's Cry 
• Whitney Houston - My Heart Is Calling 
• Paolo Nutini - Let Me Down Easy
• R Kelly - Spend That 
• R Kelly - Cookie
• Adele - I Miss You

Hello, 2016...it's me. Let's see what you hold.

As I always say, to me music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me, it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words. Put your life to music. Which songs capture you?

Nothin' But Love,

Xx

*Not included in video playlist

My Life In Music: Soundtrack to Me 2014

It's that time of the year! The time when the end and the beginning are oh-so near. The time for great food, great friends, resolutions, and reflections. I do it all through music which speaks to me. As is my annual tradition; I, generally, review the year through the songs that have spoken to me, touched me, hugged and squeezed and held me close at some point during 2014.

Indulge and enjoy!

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2014

• Beyonce - Blow
• Jamie Holden - Hard To Let Go
• Reba McEntire - So Far Away
• Melanie Fiona - Wrong Side of a Love Song
• Antonique Smith - Hold Up, Wait A Minute (Woo, Woo)
• Sam Smith - Restart
• Alice Smith - Fool For You
• Paulo Nutini - Let Me Down Easy
• Angie Fisher - IRS
• Whitney Houston - So Emotional
• Jennifer Hudson - Dangerous
• Nicole Renee - Ain't Nothin' Changed
• CeCe Winans - Come On Back Home

As I always say, to me music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me, it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words. Put your life to music. Which songs capture you?

With love,

Xx



 
 
*Not included in video playlist

My Life In Music: Soundtrack to Me 2012/2013

It's that time of the year --- the end of it -- where I reflect on my favorites and things that have touched my life. Yes, music continues to be a significant part of my life and who I am as a person, so I have returned with what I consider my personal soundtrack.  

With all that happened in 2012 [primarily, the loss of Whitney Houston --- and a few other things], I didn't supply a set for last year, but don't worry -- the music continued and I have included songs to cover 2012 and 2013. I have listened to the "soundtrack" and enjoyed reflecting on the songs and the moments in my life that made them significant to me over the past two years.

I present to you the latest edition of My Life in Music.  These are songs that have shaken my world, played with my emotions, and reflect aspects of my personality; contain lyrics that touched my soul; or just made me shout "That is my song!" (over and over, again) during the span of 2012 and 2013.

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2012 + 2013

• Emeli Sandé - Read All About It (Part III)
• Robin Thicke - The Good Life
• Fantasia - Get It Right
• Bruno Mars - When I Was Your Man
• Beyoncé - Love On Top
• John Legend - Shelter
• Lina - I'm Not The Enemy
• Tamar Braxton - Love & War
• Whitney Houston - All The Man That I Need
• Christina Aguilera - Here To Stay
• Mary J. Blige - I Feel Good
• Whitney Houston - Oh Yes
• Bruno Mars - If I Knew
• Katy Perry - Walking On Air
• Whitney Houston - Don't Cry For Me (live)
• James Blunt - Miss America
• Tamia - It's Not Fair
• Jill Scott - Shame
• Patti LaBelle - Not Right But Real
• John Legend - Tonight (Best You Ever Had)
• Katy Perry - Roar
• Robin Thicke - Get In My Way
• Jonas Brothers - Pom Poms
• Adele - Set Fire To The Rain
• India.Arie - Just Do You
• Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan - Missing You
• Tamia - Smile
• Ledisi - I Blame You
• Beyoncé - Schoolin' Life
  

As I always say, to me music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me, it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words. Put your life to music. Which songs capture you?

I Will Always Love You: A Love Letter

Everyone knows how much I love me some Whitney Houston and pretty much everyone love's her rendition of "I Will Always Love You." Dolly Parton did a wonderful job with the lyrics -- they are simple, to the point, and honest. It's an amazing song, but it's like the ultimate love letter.

Picture it:

Dear [insert name here]

"If I should stay, I would only be in your way. So, I'll go, but I know I'll think of you every step of the way.... I will always love you."

[your name here]

Ok, a break-up letter; but, still...talk about powerful, great impact, and effective.

#speechless

To Whitney, With Love

To exhale.

To bow out.

To end a note.

That feeling of emptiness you get when something wonderful comes to an end. 

I never imagined I would be writing this post, but we've lost a national treasure...an icon...a legend; and I've lost a special part of me, a special part of my life. Whitney "Nippy" Elizabeth Houston -- the unprecedented, the incomparable, and one of (if not) THE greatest (female) vocalists of all time. There will never be another.

Style, talent, beauty, and grace; the gold, platinum, and diamond standard for all she represented. A voice so magical; we all wanted to be her. She made her performances seem effortless and fooled many into thinking they could do justice to a "Whitney song." 

Whitney Houston did more than hold a note; she gave it life, filled it with emotion, and told a beautiful story. Oprah Winfrey coined Whitney "The Voice"; as her voice was like magic; fluid, crisp, and multifaceted.  No one could deliver a song like Whitney...she could bend a note like an actress can bend a line. When Whitney sang; you listened...you didn't want to move, you didn't want to breathe. Her audiences respected her vocals and gave most of their thunderous applause only when she paused during a song; often looking out over the audience and smiling. Actress Jenifer Lewis summed it up so perfectly, so beautifully: "When Whitney Houston opens her mouth to sing, she is The 8th Wonder of the World."

In one of her hit songs, she sang 'it would take an eternity to break us; and the chains of Amistad couldn't hold us.' This perfectly describes my adoration and love for Ms. Whitney. Sadly, I never had the honor to meet her, but we're bonded indefinitely through her music and her voice; her talent a permanent pillar of strength and encouragement in life.

Whitney Houston, My Diva: I look to you...I run to you...and I will always love you.

You were loved. You are loved.

Forever and always.  May you rest in peace.

xoxo

Why Does The National Anthem Put People On The Attack?

Never before have I seen something (ok, maybe the topics of abortion and homosexuality) put people on the attack as quickly as a performance of The Star Spangled Banner that isn't sung in the "traditional" manner. Side note: as many times as the anthem has been sung and how often we hear it, I'm sure many now consider the traditional arrangement 'boring as hell' and considerably 'overdone.'

Furthermore, it's 2012; practically everyone is trying to stand out from the crowd and make their own mark (or make it bigger and bolder, if they've already made their mark), so why would someone do something that everyone has already been done? That's nothing special and it damn sure isn't hot.

Steven Tyler delivered a rendition at today's AFC Championship (The Hollywood Reporter post); and of course, people were bitching and complaining before he even finished...and you know the song isn't but so long. He goofed on one word, but it easily played into his performance and pretty much went unnoticed. No complaints. The pitchforks came out in droves for his vocal arrangement; it seems as if many (including this person, who only posted because Tyler's performance "wasn't awesome (in a good way)". You know I'm seriously rolling my eyes. Do we honestly have nothing to complain about besides someone not adhering to a vocal arrangement that may or may not fit their vocal style? Steven Tyler is a Rock star; his rendition was as close to traditional as it's going to get...and it wasn't that far off. Anything closer would have been like asking a mime to sing a Mariah Carey arrangement. Yep, that wouldn't have been right, either.

We have other issues to be more concerned and vocal about: declining morals and values in our society, how I'm going to turn my regular-size closet into a walk-in closet, and declining grammar skills ... point in case, this one Steven Tyler critic: "What a disgrace! Why doesn't the NFL get someone who can actually sing it correct, like Reba!" Yes, on that sour note, I am going to begin "shaking my damn head" now, as I prepare to walk away from this piece.

I swear, each majorly televised performance of The Star Spangled Banner brings out the critics and sparks conversations about the "best" performances to date and the "most failed." Seriously, people? Do better!

By now, we should all know good and well that you can't please everyone and people are never satisfied. I definitely know this, but still want people to do better and improve.

Over 20 years later, this is still my favorite performance of The Star Spangled Banner; I think it's the best, too.

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2011

Nope, I'm still not singing, but I am grooving, relating, living my life, and loving music as much as ever. Another year behind me, more experiences under my belt, and another edition of My Life in Music --the soundtrack to my life over the past year. Songs that shook my world, played with my emotions, reflected aspects of my personality, contain lyrics that touched my soul, or just made me shout "That is my song!" (over and over, again).

As I always say, to me music is a therapy: it relaxes me, it inspires me, it becomes my voice to express myself when I cannot find the words.

I present to you ....

MY LIFE IN MUSIC: Soundtrack to Me 2011

• Toni Braxton - Why Won't You Love Me
• Fantasia - I'm Doin' Me
• Patti LaBelle - I Can't Make You Love Me
• Toni Braxton - Hands Tied
• Jennifer Hudson - All Dressed in Love
• Adele - Rolling in the Deep
• Usher - Making Love (Into the Night)
• Usher - Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)
• Michael Jackson - Behind The Mask
• Kem - Why Would You Stay
• Cee Lo Green - Forget You
• Leona Lewis - I Know Who I Am
• Adele - He Won't Go
• Quiana Parler - Save Your Love For Me
• Terisa Griffin - Wonderful

Put your life to music. What are your tunes?