Sometimes you can believe, yet it doesn’t work out. But sometimes it does. This week it has, at least through hundreds of brilliant song nominations, and playlists equal that by guest Severin, spanning genres, mood and eras
Read moreAlways look on the … bright songs about dark subjects
The lyrics are about dark matters, but they are played with extremely contrasting upbeat music. This week let’s explore songs that, through stark contrast, can unlock humour, tragedy, comedy and empathy
Read moreSerene syncopation: songs influenced by reggae, ska and rocksteady
This week we're searching out the effect of these core styles of 1960s Jamaican music on other genres across the globe, from punk to pop and rock, African to dance, and how they evolved. It's a very sound system …
Read morePlaylists: songs about waiting
Prince to Nina Simone, Billy Bragg to Black Uhuru, this week's guest playlister Rachel Courtney writes a powerful topical piece about waiting for a better world, inspired by hundreds of readers' nominations
Read moreReady to rock? Or roll? Songs about all things rough and smooth
This week let's not only get sensual on surfaces, objects and textures, but also look at the rough and the smooth of people, behaviour, conditions and life experiences, all captured in lyrics and music
Read morePlaylists: positive songs for the new year
Got a ticket to ride? This week's guest writer TatankaYotanka takes us on a lyrical, journey inspired by last week's topic. The bus is filled with hope for 2017. Where does it go? Hop in and find out
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