On the weekends, I bar-tend for lunch and serve countless $3 mimosas at Hat City Kitchen on Sundays. One of the perks of tending bar is choosing the music. This is extremely important when setting the bar’s atmosphere. Some of my coworkers like Nia prefer pop songs, Kat is all about the classic oldies, while Brittany goes for some Sza and what I think is music festival vibes.

I love using my offline content playlist on Tidal, rather than Pandora, or I Heart Radio because there are no ads, the songs are clear and goes to the next song fluidly. I made a playlist on Tidal titled, Werk and it literally gives me life while at work. I can not help but sing to myself throughout the restaurant. And a plus, customers have responded well to it.

Pusher Love Girl – Justin Timberlake

This song is probably in my top 10 favorite songs of all time. I love the majority of JT’s 20/20 Experience. This is just a beautiful love song about a love from a girl that can be compared to the feeling of euphoria. He just wants to have all of her and indulge, and at the same time lets her know how beautiful she is. What is better than Justin singing that all he wants is you. Another plus, like most of the songs on the 20/20 Experience this is pretty much two dope songs in one. (Also on the playlist, Tunnel Vision, Suit & Tie, Strawberry Bubblegum, Let the Groove Get in & Don’t Hold the Wall)

Can U Believe – Robin Thicke

When I was in high school, I was literally obsessed with Robin Thicke’s album The Evolution of Robin Thicke. My mother recalls hearing me sing the songs in the shower, and always playing the songs. Can U Believe is one of the songs I liked to sing the most. It was uplifting and made you look in the mirror and truly believe in yourself. Even if no one believes in you, find strength in yourself. And of course Robin Thicke’s voice is just so smooth. These motivational lyrics are timeless.

Chasing Pavements – Adele

This song reminds me of riding my bike through South Orange park in the spring. At first I mistook this song as one about whether or not to give up your dreams. Should you leave them behind or should I just keep chasing pavements? As I got more into Adele about three years ago I read up more about the songs and learned that it was about a break up. I also finally watched the music video and it was more obvious. This made me love the song even more. The lyrics make any situation in our lives that have to do with when questioned with, “Do I need to move on?”

Right as Rain – Adele

I love how upbeat this song is and again the meaning behind the lyrics. I feel that Adele expresses a specific emotion that I think can be hard to admit. Maybe you had to let someone go, but you know it was the right thing to do. That does not mean it doesn’t suck being right about something like that. Failed expectations and having to accept the hard truth. After a time of hurt and contemplation you have come to terms with things not going as planned and feeling right in moving forward.

Another Part of Me – Michael Jackson

This is one of my favorite MJ songs. I love the beat, and the lyrics about being the same, and how we all can do for a little understanding and compassion. Last year I watched Spike Lee’s documentary about Bad, celebrating its 25th anniversary. Quincy Jones talks about how Michael and him were hesitant about putting this song on the album. But Quincy noticed how much Michael danced to the song as soon as it dropped. He would jump out of his seat and dance all around the studio until the song ended. Jones decided, if this record makes him dance like this we have to put it on the album. I have always liked this song, and getting that tidbit information makes me like it even more.

Tears Dry on their Own – Amy Winehouse

I have always loved this song too. As soon as the song comes on it makes me feel happy. You probably noticed I love listening to strong female voices. This song, Amy talks about coming to terms with a break up, and the new lifestyle that comes with it. She states the harsh realities of the the failed union. With similar theme as Adele’s Right as Rain, Amy is going to be regretful and sad but her tears will ultimately dry.

Off the Wall – Michael Jackson

I have many MJ songs on this playlist, because honestly you can not go wrong. His music is soulful, timeless and resonates with all types of people and generations. I wanted to make note of this song because it was not one of the singles, and I like to use this song to weed out any half-ass Michael Jackson fan. Do you know the songs beside the ones that have videos? This song is off MJ’s first solo album Off the Wall. I love how this song tells you to leave all your problems at the door and have fun. Appreciate the people around you and live life off the wall!

James Joint – Rihanna

I fell in love with the majority of Rihanna’s 8th album Anti. Not a big Rihanna fan, but I always to stream the album exclusively on Tidal and really enjoyed it. I dig the vibes and deep beats and certain songs like James Joint remind me of being at my older sister’s house in 1990’s. We would blast her massive cd collection. Also on the playist: Needed Me, Yeah, I Said It and Work featuring Drake

Sweetest Goodbye – Maroon 5

This is a beautiful song. The lyrics are soft, and sensitive to a loved one that you are going to be away from. Adam Levine’s voice is to die for. He talks about how much he loves her and how hard it is for him to say goodbye. However, you will never really be alone because of his love for you. Their love is a place they will always be. I am a huge fan of Maroon 5, also on the playlist: Sunday Morning, She Will Be Loved, If I Never See your Face Again featuring Rihanna

Nine in the Afternoon – Panic! at the Disco

Panic at the Disco immediately brings me back to high school. Their album A Fever you Cant Sweat Out is a favorite and the first single of their follow up album did not disappoint. I always found it funny that there was no such thing as nine in the afternoon. But the titles of PATD songs are always interesting. This song and the video is lively and the lyrical content speaks to spending time with a loved one.

Lying is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off – Panic! at the Disco

What a jab at females who cheat and lie. It is not subtle in how the guys feel about girls that treat guys that way. What I like most is the approach, asking her questions like did she think of him when he was sliding off her dress. There are a bunch more goodies and the music video is unique and delightfully visual like all their videos. Also on the playlist: But its Better if You Do, I Write Sins Not Tragedies.

What are some of your go-to’s that make the day go by a little smoothly?