Welcome to the first POI of 2023! This issue, we’re excited to share some of our faculty’s favorite tunes!

Ms. Simpson: “I Need Some Fine Wine, and You, You Need to Be Nicer” – The Cardigans

• “The Cardigans had a reputation as a pop band pumping out sugary pop songs (like the ubiquitous—in the 90s—“Lovefool”), but their sweet sound stood in stark contrast to some of their dark lyrics. This song is a single from their final full-length album, and it is at once world-weary and danceable. It’s so mod, so 60s, and absolutely irresistible.”

Mr. Braxton: “The Better Benediction” – PJ Morton

• “I love this song! Music is wellness, and this song is wellness! It’s my go-to when I need a little strength for the journey. It begins with the line: “Don’t worry ’bout it, leave it alone ’cause it will get Better, better.” And it ends with the line: “I hope you believe it (yes, I believe it) Just watch the sun.” I can’t help feeling joy when I listen to this song. The music, lyrics, and melody are simply divine!” 

Ms. Krier: “Chaise Longue” – Wet Leg

• “I’m not the best at discovering new music, so it’s surprising to me that I have something recent to recommend. It’s got an uptempo beat that might pair well with cleaning, drafting an outline, or driving with the windows down on a nice spring day.”

Mr. BH: “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake and “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5

• “The song that’s running through my head right now is “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake. One of my all-time favorite songs is the 1969 “I Want You Back” by a 10-year-old Michael Jackson as part of The Jackson 5. It’s a fun and catchy song that makes you want to dance. I’m really impressed with how much joy and confidence he had at such a young age.” 

Ms. Parsley: “We are Family” by Sister Sledge

• “I have a big, close family, and we have danced together to this song at many events. The song also has a line that says, “I have all my sisters with me,” and I have 4 sisters that I adore.” 

Ms. Lieberman: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and “Feelin Good” by Nina Simone

• “I have two songs for you, very different but both are such pick me ups, and put a smile on my face immediately. Major mood Shifters.”

Ms. Holland: “Annie’s Song” – John Denver

• “This was such a challenging question. I decided to go with my first favorite song. My mother sang this to me when I was little (my father called me Annie). For my high school graduation, I secretly learned to play it on the piano to surprise my mother. It has also held a special place in my heart.” 

Ms. Labin: “Brimful of Asha” by Cornershop

• “These days my wake-up-in-the-morning song has been an oldie from ’97 called “Brimful of Asha” by a band called Cornershop. I love the easygoing beat and the tone quality of the lead singer’s (Tjinder Singh) voice. Every time I hear it, it makes me happy. The song is a tribute to a well-known Indian playback singer named Asha Boshle.”