February, overall, didn’t quite bring the musical medleys I expected. Instead, I found what I liked and listened to it again and again; this includes past entries which don’t qualify for the current list. However, we still have some new additions thanks to a Valentine’s playlist from Soleil and my usual finds via various platforms. This month, perhaps, I’ve been reminded of the emotional power music can have as I’ve been uplifted and moved by songs in ways I haven’t been for a while: crying, smiling, laughing, dancing, screaming, etc. I did lean a bit more toward upbeat songs, but we still have our usual mix of genres and themes in the mix. Our new rules are still in effect: no more than 20 songs per month, no more than 1 song per artist, and no more than 3 songs per compilation album. At the end of the year, only songs from each of these monthly lists will be eligible for the Best Of list.

               So let’s press play and see what February sounds like:

1. “How to be Yours” by Chris Renzema ~ I’m not walking out on you
2. “We’re Good” by Dua Lipa ~ I think it’s pretty plain and simple, we gave it all we could
3. “American Cliché” by FINNEAS ~ I say, “Goddamn, you’re beautiful” / You blush and duck out of frame
4. “Deep End” by Fousheé ~ Contain what I’m bottling in just benefits them
5. “Lover” by G Flip ~ When we’re all alone and the lights are low
6. “Tuesdays” by Jake Scott ~ It’s not just highs and lows and champagne toasts
7. “Paparazzi” by Kim Dracula ~ Baby, don’t you break my heart I told you that it’s made of glass
8. “10:15” by Leanna Firestone ~ I guess I am just the type of girl that boys / Only love at night
9. “to Perth, before the border closes” by Julia Jacklin ~ Everything is changing
10. “broken” by lovelytheband ~ Life is not a love song we can try / To fix our broken pieces one at a time
11. “Roses” by Mae Estes ~ A ribbon tied around your mistakes in a pretty vase
12. “Milestone” by Matt Walden and Joey Kidney ~ Because we are afraid of what’s unknown
13. “All I Need to See” by Mitch Rossell ~ Cause I’ve seen you when your song’s on / And you’re singin’ words that are all wrong
14. “Didn’t See It Coming” by My Brothers and I ~ Never perfect always learnin’ how to show each other
15. “1953” by The National Parks ~ It’s alright, I will never leave your side
16. “LET’S STAY HOME TONIGHT” by NEEDTO BREATHE ~ Maybe we can dance till dawn
17. “And So It Went” by The Pretty Reckless featuring Tom Morello ~ They said the world does not belong to you
18. “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift ~ This love is difficult, but it’s real
19. “Poetry” by Wrabel ~ You’re the only reason we rhyme
20. “Psycho Killer” by The Wrecks ~ I’m tense and nervous, and I can’t relax

               By now, if you look back over the WILT months, you should be able to tell who some of my favorite artists are by how often they pop up, and it’s obvious that Taylor Swift’s reign isn’t going to end anytime soon since Fearless (Taylor’s Version) is slated for an April release. I’ve also started listening to the Self-Love Fix podcast as part of my nighttime routine. Plus there are the usual random Spotify playlists I tune into whenever the mood strikes, which can often lead to new songs—never be afraid to venture outside the comfort zone. Discovery is good!

               March, if the past is anything to go by, will involve at least a touch of Irish music, probably some moody pop if my latest listens are good indications, and maybe more country. I’m never the best at predicting my musical moods, but I do know what I like and sometimes it can be a bit of everything. Till then!