Unfortified Castle

Okay, how has it taken me this long to talk about Santana on here? That's borderline criminal — and I'm remedying that ASAP.

That's a question I've had recently as I've gotten to thinking about just one of Janelle Monáe's show-stopping numbers.

Gladys Knight & the Pips' classic combines outstanding vocals with a compelling lyrical narrative that has a surprising twist in its chorus.

A J.S. Bach-inspired structure yields a unique and iconic recording.

A "darksynth" retooling of a 1980s movie soundtrack classic gives the lyrics and title a much more fitting treatment.

Steve Winwood struck a balance between older R&B and soul and his own era's pop rock on one of his biggest songs.

The nostalgia the Smashing Pumpkins evoke isn't rose-colored, but that's fine, if not good; it means their song helps me honestly reflect.

Its sound as as mid-60s as you can get, but its perspective might lend itself to being a forerunner of more contemporary movements.

Just as much as music has the ability to transport oneself to another place and time, it can also further ground you in your present surroun

Motown meets wall of sound meets breakup angst meets— wait, this song has an actual ending? Sick!

...ehh, who cares? Enough people have already misheard it that it doesn't even matter.

On the day most associated with the group, I just had to write about them — but I had to do it my way.

News flash, singers: Breakups can be calm.