Don't stop believing

Desperate for some reinforcement at work I have started listening to uplifting tunes to give me some sense of security (possibly a false sense but whatever). With my new life as an adult I have felt it necessary to listen to NPR while driving to school, read CNN daily, and pretty much become an old fart. But secretly... in my own little corner in my own little room I bust out some embarrassing delights that I have decided to share with you. Although my pride as a "serious" musician may suffer greatly, my goal is that you also find comfort and joy in these "classics". Here goes.

Embarrassing hits you should listen to... especially at work.

Beyonce Knowles: You must know bout me. Not really sure why this song is so good. When I first heard it I thought, this song is awful, but slowly it grew on me and now I totally jam to it.. secretly of course. I think its the lyrics about being independent that does it for me. Whatever the case, you will feel somewhat cool because it is "hip hop" (for white folks) and even if it is only for a fleeting second you have a feeling of complete control and confidence. You don't need that man.. girl he must not know bout me and my awesomeness. Get it Beyonce.

Madonna: Like A Prayer. I feel badly putting the words embarrassing and Madonna in the same category but this old school hit is not the song that screams professionalism. The hand-clapping hit is a total rock out by yourself in your car kind of song. Don't even try to deny you wishing you were a member of that insanely lucky gospel choir that sang back up. I love to sing this song and think yeah, Madonna can take me there. Not really sure where we're going, but I'd go with her.

Whitney Houston: I wanna dance with somebody. Oh Lord, old school Whitney. Pre-Bobby, pre- crack is wack, pre-religious "enlightenment" good ol' looks like she eats Whitney Houston. Who couldn't love that song? It really does so many good things in one. The beat is simple enough that even the most uncoordinated of dancers can manage to fake a side to side on this one. Plus there are tons of opportunities in the "ooh and ahh" section to work your dramatic faces as you jam out. Most of all it is totally fun and really who doesn't wanna dance?

Next, Soft Cell: Tainted Love. This one really is bad, but so so bad that it's embarrassingly good. I'm almost too ashamed to share this one but you know you like it too. It is one of those songs that if you were stuck in a room with only this one song you would realize that your soul was given up on and you are in the far underworld but once a year or so it can be a really fun time. I especially love the sound effects in the back grounds, what an opportunity for awful dancing to accompany the awful music.

And while I could go on all day but I must return to work I shall leave you with the most amazing work song ever. A song that give you hope that one can do all. That amazing song is by Journey: Midnight train or as many people know it... don't stop believing. Who cannot appreciate the wonderful lyrics about that small town girl and that seedy boy from south Detroit? Those power chords, the electric guitar solo and then finally, yes Lord finally the power chorus at the end...you know we are all shouting it alone. This is one of the very few songs where fist pump is not only acceptable, it is pretty much required and playing your air guitar is smiled upon...only alone of course. It is so amazing. While listening I realize that we must never stop believing and we should all hold on to that feeling. Thank you Journey, thank you.

Please feel free to add your own suggestions for loveable bad music in the comment section. As Americans we should all cheer each other on in the never ending search for small victories during the day. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their hump-day. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.