Greetings my lovelies,

Today’s Prompt: What’s on the Soundtrack of Your Life?

If someone asks what kind of music I listen to, I suggest they grab a cup of coffee, find a comfortable chair, and clear their schedule. We’re going to be here a while.

My musical tastes are about as predictable as a squirrel after three espresso shots. One minute, I’m enjoying Frank Sinatra, and the next, Def Leppard is blasting through the speakers. Prince might follow Alan Jackson, Billy Idol could show up after Lisa Lisa, and somewhere between Metallica and the Backstreet Boys, The Muppets will probably make an appearance.

Yes, The Muppets.

I make absolutely no apologies.

When I came across October’s journaling prompt, What’s on the Soundtrack of Your Life?, I figured I’d choose a few favorite songs, share some memories, and call it a day.

Well, wasn’t that an adorable little fantasy?

The more I thought about it, the more names came rushing back. Artists I’d loved, music my family listened to, songs connected to Ronnie, and melodies that can still change my mood before the first chorus.

It turns out that fifty-six years of living produces one hell of a playlist.

And mine doesn’t believe in staying in its lane.

Growing Up in Jersey: The Original Playlist

Growing up in Sussex County, New Jersey, I was exposed to an interesting assortment of music long before I began developing my own tastes.

My parents listened to The Doors, Steve Miller Band, The Beach Boys, Jim Croce, and doo-wop groups like The Shirelles. Disco found its way into the mix, too.

Imagine those sounds sharing the same musical world. Jim Morrison’s dark, haunting vocals, the bright harmonies of The Beach Boys, Steve Miller’s catchy guitar riffs, and Jim Croce telling stories through songs that seemed to have entire lives tucked inside them.

Then came those sweet doo-wop harmonies, followed by disco rhythms that practically demanded a little movement.

It was a musical buffet, and apparently, I developed quite an appetite.

Mom also enjoyed Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, and Kenny Rogers.

Now, before anybody gets carried away imagining little Rae sitting around swooning over Conway Twitty, let’s establish something.

That was Mom’s country music.

Not mine.

I would eventually fall in love with country music, but it would be a different generation of artists who won me over.

Still, those childhood sounds became part of my story. We don’t have to love every song we hear growing up for it to become connected to a person, a place, or a particular time in our lives.

Sometimes the music we remember most clearly wasn’t even ours to begin with.

Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and 102.3 WSUS

My grandparents contributed their own sounds to my childhood.

Grandma Herrmann enjoyed Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, whose smooth voices and elegant orchestral arrangements belonged to an era of music that sounded nothing like the electric guitars and synthesizers I would eventually adore.

Those sweeping strings, warm brass instruments, and unhurried melodies had a character all their own.

Then there were my Todd grandparents, who listened to WSUS.

For those unfamiliar with northwestern New Jersey, 102.3 WSUS is a radio station licensed to Franklin, serving Sussex County. Today, it plays feel-good music from the 1980s through the present, and you can still listen to WSUS online.

I love that it’s still around.

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about remembering a local radio station from childhood. Before we had thousands of songs waiting inside our phones, radio meant turning a dial, finding a station, and listening to whatever came across the airwaves.

Sometimes you knew every word. Sometimes you discovered something new. And sometimes you heard a song so often that it became permanently lodged in your brain whether you wanted it there or not.

Decades later, here I am in Arizona, still remembering WSUS and my grandparents back in Sussex County.

Funny what stays with us.

The ’80s: Big Hair, Big Attitude, and My Kind of Music

Oh, the 1980s.

The hair was enormous, the clothes were colorful, the shoulder pads were practically architectural, and the music was glorious.

This was when my own musical personality started making itself known.

Sheena Easton, Prince, Lisa Lisa, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Madonna, freestyle music, and Def Leppard all found their way into my world.

Billy Idol was one of my favorites. With his platinum-blond hair, leather, unmistakable sneer, and rebellious swagger, he looked like somebody who had absolutely no intention of following the rules.

And the music matched.

Prince was another favorite, blending rock, pop, funk, and soul with a style entirely his own. Duran Duran brought sleek new-wave sounds and music videos that practically defined the decade.

Lisa Lisa and freestyle music added irresistible dance rhythms, while Sheena Easton had her own place in the mix.

And yes, I loved earlier Madonna. Her newer music and public persona don’t particularly appeal to me, but that doesn’t erase the songs I enjoyed back then. I feel similarly about Jennifer Lopez: I liked her earlier work, but the newer material isn’t for me.

That’s the thing about music. You can love what an artist created during one chapter without signing up for everything that follows.

A good song doesn’t require a lifetime loyalty contract.

And those ’80s songs? Many of them still sound just as good to me today.

My Cousins Introduced Me to the Louder Side of Life

As if my musical collection weren’t already varied enough, my cousins introduced me to KISS, Mötley Crüe, and Alice Cooper.

Well, hello there, rock and roll!

Now we had roaring guitars, theatrical performances, outrageous costumes, and enough stage attitude to make a respectable neighbor nervous.

I also enjoyed Metallica and some Iron Maiden.

But let me clarify something. I love hard rock, powerful guitar riffs, and music with some bite. What I don’t particularly enjoy is the relentless screaming and growling style of metal where the singer sounds like he’s attempting to summon a demon through a malfunctioning garbage disposal.

No, thank you.

Grunge never really appealed to me, either.

Most rap isn’t my thing, although some Pitbull songs have managed to sneak past the gates.

Apparently, even my musical boundaries have exceptions.

And I don’t mind that one bit.

From New Kids on the Block to the Backstreet Boys

Now, just when you think you’ve figured out my taste in music, along come the boy bands.

New Kids on the Block!

Oh yes, NKOTB was part of my musical world, too. Jordan, Joey, Donnie, Jonathan, and Danny brought catchy pop songs, synchronized dance moves, and an entirely different kind of energy.

You Got It (The Right Stuff), Hangin’ Tough, and Step by Step were among the songs that defined their era.

Later came the Backstreet Boys, with songs like Everybody (Backstreet’s Back), I Want It That Way, and As Long as You Love Me.

So there I was, enjoying Billy Idol, Def Leppard, Metallica, Prince, and boy bands.

Somebody somewhere is probably horrified by that combination.

Good thing they’re not in charge of my playlist.

Country Music Finally Won Me Over

Remember how Mom’s country music wasn’t particularly my thing?

Well, eventually I discovered country music on my own terms.

The Judds, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Shania Twain, Diamond Rio, Little Texas, BlackHawk, Restless Heart, and Shenandoah became part of my collection.

I loved the harmonies, the storytelling, and the way those songs could capture everything from romance and laughter to everyday frustrations.

There was something especially appealing about the country groups of that era. Rich vocal harmonies, memorable melodies, and songs that made you want to turn up the radio during a long drive.

And Shania Twain? She certainly knew how to bring a little attitude to country music.

Country didn’t replace rock, pop, or freestyle. It simply joined the collection.

By that point, my musical tastes had enough variety to qualify as their own radio station.

Def Leppard: My Instant Happiness Button

Now we need to talk about Def Leppard.

Oh, how I love Def Leppard!

There are artists whose music I enjoy, artists who bring back memories, and artists I can listen to occasionally.

Then there’s Def Leppard.

Their music makes me instantly happy.

It’s the guitars, the melodies, the vocals, the energy, and that unmistakable sound. The moment a familiar song starts playing, something in me lights up.

It doesn’t matter how many years have passed or how many times I’ve heard them.

They still have that effect.

Some people need an expensive spa treatment, a shopping spree, or a tropical vacation to improve their mood.

Apparently, I just need Def Leppard and a volume control.

Preferably one that goes higher than Ronnie might appreciate.

And no, I don’t think it’s too loud.

Thank you for asking.

Three Love Songs, One Ronnie, and a Musical Mystery

Of course, no soundtrack of my life would be complete without Ronnie.

The song I’ve chosen for him is Save the Best for Last by Vanessa Williams. There’s something about that melody and its romantic message that makes it meaningful to me.

Naturally, I wanted to know which song reminded him of me.

His answer?

Butterfly by Crazy Town.

Well, all right then!

I certainly wasn’t expecting that one.

And when I asked him why he chose it, he didn’t explain.

So apparently, my husband has decided that after all this time together, a little musical mystery is still necessary.

But he had another song for me.

Beautiful Crazy by Luke Combs.

Now, that one made me smile.

If you know the song, you know it’s about loving someone for all the things that make them unique, including their quirks and unpredictable moments.

Beautiful?

Why, thank you, sweetheart.

Crazy?

Excuse me, sir!

Although, in fairness, I probably shouldn’t argue too loudly.

What I love about our three songs is that they couldn’t be more different. Vanessa Williams, Crazy Town, and Luke Combs aren’t exactly what you’d expect to find together on a romantic playlist.

But they’re ours.

And that’s what matters.

My Everyday Life Has Its Own Music

My soundtrack isn’t only about the past. Music is still woven into my everyday routines.

Before work, I enjoy soft jazz. Gentle piano notes, smooth saxophone melodies, and easygoing rhythms create a peaceful atmosphere before the day begins.

Considering I work in technical customer support, a little calm before somebody’s computer decides to stage a rebellion is always appreciated.

Other mornings call for something much more energetic.

My October wake-up playlist includes Best Day of My Life by American Authors, Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder, All Star by Smash Mouth, and We Are the Champions by Queen.

And yes, there are Disney songs and music from The Muppets in there, too.

Because apparently, a woman who loves Metallica and Def Leppard can also appreciate singing puppets.

Imagine that.

At bedtime, I prefer relaxation music. Gentle melodies and peaceful sounds help me wind down after the day.

Even the rock stars need to clock out eventually.

October Gets Spooky, and Christmas Gets Festive

When October arrives, my music takes a delightfully spooky turn.

Ghostbusters, Thriller, Monster Mash, and Spooky Scary Skeletons join soundtracks from The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, and The Haunted Mansion.

I love the playful, theatrical atmosphere of Halloween music.

An ordinary afternoon suddenly feels a little more magical when a spooky soundtrack is playing. Even something as mundane as cleaning the kitchen becomes more entertaining.

Of course, if an actual ghost wants to help with the dishes, I’m willing to negotiate.

Just don’t touch my coffee.

And when Christmas rolls around, I love filling the season with holiday music, too.

There’s something about familiar festive melodies that changes the atmosphere of a room. The music starts, and suddenly an ordinary day feels like part of a celebration.

Halloween gets its spooky songs. Christmas gets its festive classics. Work mornings get jazz, evenings get relaxation music, and everything in between gets whatever makes me happy.

It’s a pretty good arrangement.

What Fifty-Six Years of Music Taught Me

When I began writing this post, I thought I’d end up with a list of favorite songs.

Instead, I found myself remembering people.

My parents and their music. Grandma Herrmann’s love of Sinatra and Bing Crosby. My Todd grandparents and WSUS. My cousins introducing me to rock bands. The artists I discovered for myself, and the songs that now belong to Ronnie and me.

I thought about growing up in Sussex County and how music from those years still finds its way into my life today, even though I now live on the other side of the country.

And I realized something.

My musical tastes haven’t necessarily changed as much as they’ve expanded.

I didn’t stop loving the ’80s when I discovered country music. I didn’t abandon rock when boy bands entered the picture. And listening to soft jazz today certainly doesn’t mean Def Leppard has lost its place.

Not a chance.

Some songs bring back memories. Others remind me of people I love. Some help me relax, while others make me want to turn up the volume and sing along without a care in the world.

And some are simply there because they make an ordinary day more enjoyable.

I don’t need my music to fit neatly into one genre, decade, or category.

It just needs to make me feel something.

Sometimes that’s nostalgia. Sometimes it’s romance. Sometimes it’s peaceful contentment.

And sometimes it’s the irresistible urge to crank up an electric guitar.

My soundtrack is a little unpredictable, occasionally ridiculous, and wonderfully all over the place.

In other words, it suits me perfectly.

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Your October Journal Prompt: What’s on the Soundtrack of Your Life?

Now it’s your turn to explore the music that has accompanied you through the years.

Don’t worry about choosing the greatest songs ever recorded or creating a playlist that would impress a music critic. This is about the music that means something to you.

Grab your journal, pour yourself something delicious, and spend a little time remembering.

1. What music filled your childhood home?

Think about the artists your parents, grandparents, or other family members enjoyed. Was there a particular radio station, album, or song that seemed to be playing constantly?

What memories come back when you think about those sounds?

2. Who were the first artists you discovered for yourself?

Remember the excitement of developing your own musical tastes. Did you have favorite records, cassette tapes, CDs, posters, or music videos?

Which artists made you feel like you’d found something that belonged to you?

3. What songs remind you of people you love?

Think about your partner, family members, friends, or anyone whose presence in your life has its own musical connection.

Which song reminds you of them, and why?

4. What music takes you back to a particular place or time?

Maybe it’s your hometown, a summer vacation, a school dance, a road trip, or a concert.

Describe the memory. What did the place look and sound like? Who was there? What made that moment special?

5. How have your musical tastes changed?

Have you discovered genres you never expected to enjoy? Are there artists you once loved but rarely listen to now?

Which favorites have stayed with you through every chapter?

6. What music makes your everyday life better?

Think about the songs you play while getting ready, driving, working, cooking, cleaning, relaxing, or celebrating the holidays.

What instantly improves your mood? What helps you unwind?

7. What song belongs to the next chapter of your life?

Think about the experiences you want to have and the kind of life you’re creating.

Would your next chapter sound adventurous, peaceful, romantic, rebellious, playful, or full of possibility?

Choose a song that captures that feeling.

It doesn’t have to make sense to anybody else.

It just has to make sense to you.

Make Your Own Life Soundtrack

Once you’ve finished journaling, consider creating a playlist from your answers.

Add a few childhood favorites, songs from your teenage years, music connected to people you love, and whatever makes you happy today.

Don’t worry if the genres don’t match.

Mine certainly don’t.

That’s the fun of it. Your playlist isn’t supposed to sound like anybody else’s. It’s supposed to tell your story.

And you might be surprised how many memories come rushing back when you hear the opening notes of a song you haven’t played in years.

Now I’d love to know: What’s one song that absolutely belongs on the soundtrack of your life, and what memory does it bring back?

Share it in the comments. I’d love to hear the music behind your memories.

As for me, I’m going to put on some Def Leppard.

And if Ronnie asks me to turn it down?

Well, darling, that’s what headphones are for.