For the Girls: October 2023

1.

"Personal Jesus" - Depeche Mode (Violator (Deluxe), 1989)

Dark, pulsing synth-pop with a memorable hook and a bit of menace.

2.

"Dance & Shout (feat. Pee Wee) [Dance Hall Version]" - Shaggy (Hot Shot, 2000)

A dancehall-leaning pop cut built around a loose reggae groove and a playful guest turn.

3.

"Mad About You" - Hooverphonic (The Best of Hooverphonic, 2000)

Lush and moody trip-hop with a soft, hypnotic feel.

4.

"Steady, As She Goes" - The Raconteurs (Steady, As She Goes - Single, 2006)

Driven garage rock with a tight riff and a punchy, no-frills rhythm.

5.

"The Ballroom Blitz" - Sweet (Desolation Boulevard, 1974)

Big, swaggering glam rock with a crowd-pleasing singalong chorus.

6.

"Is She Really Going Out with Him?" - Joe Jackson (Look Sharp! (Bonus Track Version), 1978)

A sharp new-wave song with dry wit and a snappy bass line.

7.

"Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)" - Christopher Cross (Arthur: The Album (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture), 1981)

An easygoing soundtrack ballad that won an Academy Award and became a soft-rock standard.

8.

"Love Will Keep Us Together" - Captain & Tennille (Love Will Keep Us Together, 1975)

A bright pop duet that helped define mid-’70s radio pop.

9.

"Back On the Chain Gang" - Pretenders (Learning to Crawl (Expanded Edition), 1984)

A brisk, jangly rock song with a bittersweet edge and a strong chorus.

10.

"West End Girls" - Pet Shop Boys (Please: Further Listening 1984-1986 (Deluxe Edition) [2018 Remaster], 1986)

Stylish synth-pop with a cool, urban pulse and a classic nightclub feel.

11.

"Scooby Snacks" - Fun Lovin' Criminals (Come Find Yourself, 1996)

A hip-hop-influenced rock track that mixes sample-heavy grooves with a laid-back grin.

12.

"White Rabbit" - Jefferson Airplane (Surrealistic Pillow, 1967)

A landmark psychedelic rock song built on haunting vocals and an ominous build.

The Songs