Song Spotlights

Mood: Sentimental, Nostalgic, Reflective  Themes: Friendship, Country, Companionship Tempo: Moderate   Genre/Style: Country, Country Ballad  “You Can’t Make Old Friends” is a touching duet by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton released as part of Kenny Rogers’s 2013 album of the same name. Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton are two country musicians who shared a lasting friendship…

Mood: Comforting, Supportive Themes: Friends, Friendships, Emotions  Tempo: Slow & Relaxed Genre/Style: Folk-rock, Soft Rock “You’ve Got A Friend” is a song written by Carole King for her 1971 album Tapestry.  The song’s comforting melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it an enduring anthem of friendship and support. In a world filled with uncertainties and…

Mood: Lively, Lighthearted  Themes: South African folk, Song about bugs and insects Tempo: Upbeat  Genre/Style: Folk, South African folk-pop  “Qongqothwane” is a South African folk song, specifically a song of the Xhosa people. This song is often known as “The Click Song” in the western world as its Xhosa title with click consonants is difficult…

Mood: Optimistic, Lighthearted  Themes: Jamaican folk  Tempo: Upbeat  Genre/Style: Folk, Calypso In 1956, Jamaican-American singer Harry Belafonte released his single “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” that became one of his signature songs.  The Banana Boat Song is a Jamaican folk song that likely originated around the beginning of the 20th century. The song was sung…

Mood: Inspirational, Optimistic Themes: Country songs, Reminiscing, Life Experience  Tempo: Moderate  Genre/Style: Country March is Women’s History Month in the United States, a month dedicated to honoring incredible women and their contributions to society. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we look up to the music icon Dolly Parton, who has dedicated her life to…

Mood: Positive, Restless Themes: Travel, Family Bands, The California Sound Tempo: Allegro, Upbeat Genre/Style: Early Surf Rock In the midst of the winter months, sometimes it is nice to change up the scenery and break out of the regular day to day routine, even if it is only through music and pictures. Why not take…

Mood: Lively, Happy  Themes: Lunar New Year, Spring, Chinese Pop Tempo: Moderate, Danceable Genre/Style: Chinese music, Lunar New Year music The Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays celebrated among Asian communities. Lunar New Year is known by different names across different cultures and communities around the world. The Chinese Lunar New…

Mood: Cheerful Themes: Happiness, Famous Duos, Simon and Garfunkel Tempo: Moderate Genre/Style: Folk Rock Simon and Garfunkel were a musical duo that rose to fame in an unusual way in the 1960s.   Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel initially went to grade school together, where they learned to harmonize and write songs together. Their first…

Mood: Happy Themes: Love, 1970s, Sports Tempo: Quick, Upbeat Genre/Style: Soft Rock/Pop We’re in the midst of baseball season, and with it comes the beloved songs that are featured in baseball games, from the old standard “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” to the new classic “Sweet Caroline.” Neil Diamond wrote “Sweet Caroline” in…

Mood: Reflective Themes: Woodstock, 1960s Tempo: Quick, Upbeat Genre/Style: Rock Summer is the time of music festivals. Outdoor summer music festivals combine the bright and sunny weather with the music we love. Festivals are not complete without good music, good company, and some ice cold drinks. One music festival that was especially famous for its…