Celebrating America Through Song, Vol. 2 | Playlist

Celebrating America Through Song, Vol. 2 features songs by Ella Langley, Feng, Harry Styles, Jill Scott, Marlena Shaw, and Mountain.

The late, great Marlena Shaw said what she said about Cali. Feng also had something to say about the Golden State:  “Every day’s a holiday / I might lose my own face goin’ crazy in L.A.” Noted.  Moving to the south and southwest, according to Ella Langley, “Just when I thought I got him to fall in love with Tennessee,” that fella ends up “Choosin’ Texas”! It is what it is!  For the second time, we are celebrating the United States of America through song. In 2024, we celebrated for the first time. That list featured 15 songs highlighting a select number of cities, states, or places/things representative of cities and states. Once more, on Celebrating America Through Song, Vol. 2, we limit the songs to 15. Celebrating America Through Song, Vol. 2 features songs by Ella Langley, Feng, Harry Styles, Jill Scott, Marlena Shaw, and Mountain. So, without further ado, it’s time to celebrate ‘Merica! 250 years, baby!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Wynonna, “Kentucky Queen”	2. John Summit & Feid, “CHICA 305”	3. SBTRKT, “NEW DORP. NEW YORK.” (Ft. Ezra Koenig)
4. MFSB, “T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)”	5. Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas”	6. Jill Scott & Tierra Whack, “Norf Side”
7. Jermaine Dupri, “Welcome to Atlanta” (Ft. Ludacris)	8. Harry Styles, “American Girls”	9. Marlena Shaw, “California Soul”
10. Feng, “Cali Crazy”	11. Megan Thee Stallion, “Bigger In Texas”	12. Childish Gambino, “Lithonia”
13. John Prine, “Angel From Montgomery”	14. Mountain, “Mississippi Queen”	15. Fats Domino, “Walking To New Orleans”

 

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1. Wynonna, “Kentucky Queen”

The Hard Truth » Anti » 2026

Oh, really? Please, continue. “Leave me right where I was planted / Don’t miss the forest for the trees.” Ooh-wee! Do you need some real country music in your life? Look no further than “Kentucky Queen”, the marvelous single from country music royalty, Wynonna (Wynonna Judd). “Kentucky Queen” is the lead single from The Hard Truth, her first album in a decade. The high-flying song was written by Judd, Sara Siskind, Justin Weaver, and producer CACTUS MOSER.

“Kentucky Queen” is ON from the get-go.  The vintage, countrified sound suits Wynonna perfectly.  The guitar riffs are superb.  The strumming (acoustic guitar, banjo, etc.) packs a mean punch.  And what about that old-school, upright bass (Dow Tomlin) holding down the low end? Fantastic.  Of course, the star of the show is Wynonna, who delivers commanding, expressive, and ultra-powerful vocals.  62 years young and she’s not shy in the least.  “Kentucky Queen” is incredibly melodious. The songwriting is infectious and memorable to the nth degree: “Well, I took advice from my Aunt Ramona / Watch where the devil hides / Count your blessings against your sin / And pray the blessings win.” Judd gets great support from background vocalists (The Isaacs) in both lyrical and nonlyrical capacities. The section to beat is the chorus, which is the sugar, honey, iced tea:

“‘Cause the dirt made me

The dirt made me

Like a Mama with no shame made me

The dirt made me

It gave me a name

Kentucky Queen.”

By the way, dirt, wind, and road are interchangeable in the chorus. All told, “Kentucky Queen” slaps. This is what country music should sound like, PERIOD. Get it, Wynonna!

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from June 2026

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2. John Summit & Feid, “CHICA 305”

CTRL ESCAPE » Experts Only / Darkroom Records » 2026

¡Oh, mierda! Sooo, what does that mean, exactly? Translated to English, it reads something like this: “The sun only shines here if you want it to / I touch her all over, I feel her in 3D / I’m totally drunk, where do you see me? / She’s got me seeing colors in HD.” And then, I added the slightly vulgar reaction, Oh shit! Oops! Anyway, American DJ/producer John Summit (John Walter Schuster) and Colombian singer-songwriter Feid (Salomón Villada Hoyos) join forces for the energetic electronic-infused, Latin-pop song, “CHICA 305” (“Girl 305”, reference Miami, FL). “CHICA 305” is the eighth track from Summit’s 2026 album, CTRL ESCAPE. There were lots of cooks in the kitchen preparing the delicious “CHICA 305.” Summit and Feid composed the song alongside Wain, Thom Bridges, Beau Nox, Grimaldo Del Solar, Ramon Perez Prieto, and Rafael Morales. Summit ultimately produced it.

The party vibes are turned all the way up on “CHICA 305.” Feid brings the heat with his smooth, exuberant, and energetic vocal performance.  His melodies are tuneful.  While the lyrics are exclusively in Spanish, even if you don’t understand a lick, they are still engrossing to the nth degree.  See the refrain:

“Quiero quedarme contigo esta noche

[I want to stay with you tonight] Tómate un chorro y no importa si no me conoces

[Have a drink—it doesn’t matter if you don’t know me] Tú y yo bien encendío’ nos vamo’ pa’l bote

[You and I are really fired up—let’s head to the club] En Miami hay bebés y sos un bebesote

[There are babes in Miami, and you’re a total hottie].”

Initiate party mode! Summit’s high-flying musical backdrop and production match Feid’s energy.  The palette is vibrant, featuring an array of sounds.  The grooves groove hard, while the synths sizzle, particularly the darker, edgier ones.  The brass ups the ante, characteristic of Latin music through and through.  Ultimately, John Summit, you handsome, talented fella, you dropped another banger with “CHICA 305”. The clubs are singing your praises… even more so if you keep taking off your shirt! Ooh-wee 😍!

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from April 2026 Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 3 (2026)

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3. SBTRKT, “NEW DORP. NEW YORK.” (Ft. Ezra Koenig)

Wonder Where We Land » Young Turks » 2014 

Intriguing to the nth degree!  Only good and weird things can happen when you bring SBTRKT (Aaron Jerome Foulds) and Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend together on the same track.  The result? “NEW DORP. NEW YORK,” the ninth track on SBTRKT’s 2014 album, Wonder Where We Land. As the excerpted chorus suggests, SBTRKT highlights characteristics of the city (a specific neighborhood, gargoyles, the Empire State Building, etc.).  Koenig contributes with his cool, easygoing verses. “Never seen the color yellow, never seen the sun,” he asserts in the first verse, adding, “And he thinks I’m the negative one.”  Even better is his second verse, which he commences with the slick, “My girl’s got a little schtick / Keep you cooped up in the kitchen while you feed the kid.” It doesn’t stop there, as we get lines about “Late nights and black Israelites,” “The baseball bats never hit home runs,” and the fact that “My girl’s got a city to run.” If you’ve never partaken of this quirky gem, well, this is your opportunity to go back to 2014 and indulge. “NEW DORP. NEW YORK!”

Appears in 🔻:

15 Compelling New York Songs (2021)

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4. MFSB, “T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)”

Love Is The Message » Sony Music Entertainment » 1973

“T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)” appears as the fifth track from Love Is The Message, the 1973 debut album by MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother). Notably, MFSB, who are notable as the backing band for many Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff classics (this one included 😉), tapped The Three Degrees for the assist on this primarily instrumental cut. The Three Degrees yield surefire excellence, providing marvelous background vocals, harmonized with a jazzy vibe, and repeating the sole lyrics at the end of the song: “Let’s get it on / It’s time to get down.”  Other than a few vocals and lyrics, “T.S.O.P.” is truly about the sound of Philadelphia in all it’s glory!

“T.S.O.P.” is incredibly groovy – the first thing that stands out about this highlight from Love Is the Message.  Furthermore, it features a lush, picturesque backdrop that sounds Philly through and through.  This backdrop includes exuberant horns, sophisticated strings, soulful organ, and of course, a tight rhythm section. The riffs that appear throughout are electrifying, while the arrangement is stellar. “T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia)” is best experienced via listening rather than writing about it.  Notably, it was a big-time pop hit, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 💪.

Appears in 🔻:

MFSB, T.S.O.P. (The Sound of Philadelphia): Throwback Vibez No. 152 (2023)

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5. Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas”

Dandelion » SAWGOD Records / Columbia » 2026

Hmm, is that going to be a problem, Ella Langley? Yep. “And judgin’ by the smile that’s written on his face / There’s nothin’ I can do,” she continues, and ultimately, concludes, “He’s choosin’ Texas, I can tell.” The 27-year-old Alabama-born-and-bred country singer-songwriter has had a big year. That might be a vast understatement! The song at hand, “Choosin’ Texas”, is a dominant hit single from her number-one-debuting sophomore album, Dandelion.  How dominant? It’s spent seven nonconsecutive weeks and counting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  That is not kind of a big deal; it IS a big deal. “Choosin’ Texas” was written by Langley, Luke Dick, Joybeth Taylor, and Grammy-winning country music singer-songwriter Miranda Lambert. Ben West, Langley, and Lambert produced it.

Much to Ella Langley’s chagrin, as the excerpted lyrics from the song’s centerpiece, the chorus, suggest, there is no competition against a Texas girl.  In the verses, Ella laments her decision.  In the first verse, upon solidifying their relationship  (“Just when I thought I got him to fall in love with Tennessee”), a trip to Abilene, Texas, derails it (“I put him right back in to her arms / I wasn’t a match for that kind of spark”). Not only does her cowboy quit her, but he also falls out of love with the state itself.   The second verse is a gem:

“Well, I guess he forgot about the Smokey Mountain rain

Them old Hank tunes, the Memphis blues we used to sing

He always loved ‘Amarillo by Morning’

I should’ve taken that as a warning.”

Amarillo, of course, is in Texas! In the chorus, Ella finds herself alone, drinking her beloved Jack all by herself.  On the bridge, on her way home, she continues to reflect on being unable to lock him in.  While Ella’s failed romance isn’t ideal, there is nothing unideal about “Choosin’ Texas”.  This is a gorgeous, well-written country song, one that appeals beyond a country music fanbase.  It is a prime example of a truly great song where the genre doesn’t matter – it screams hit, hit, hit!  Langely sings fantastically, with expressive, nuanced, and twangy vocals. Beyond pitch-perfect vocals and superb songwriting, the musical accompaniment and production are marvelous.  The smoothness of those guitars – ooh-wee, it’s delightful! No further analysis necessary – the music speaks for itself!

Appears in 🔻:

Ella Langley, Choosin’ Texas: Bangerz N Bopz No. 36 (2026)

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6. Jill Scott & Tierra Whack, “Norf Side”

To Whom This May Concern » Blues Babe Records LLC / Human Re Sources / The Orchard » 2026

Mic drop, Jill Scott! With an assist from Tierra Whack, the Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter drops the mean, Philly rap song, “Norf Side”. “Norf Side” is the fifth track from her sixth studio album, To Whom This May Concern. Scott, Whack, DJ Premier, and Bobby Martin penned “Norf Side.” DJ Premier produced it.

There is a lot to love about “Norf Side.”  It begins with the sickening, hard-hitting drum groove.  Adding to the instrumental excellence is one of the fattest bass lines you’ll ever hear.  Beyond the instrumental, great recurrent, rhythmic background vocals add color and ample personality to the track. Speaking of personality, Jill Scott brings plenty of it throughout the song.  It begins in the first verse, excerpted earlier, where she sounds hard-nosed as she raps, and her rhymes are impactful. “They stay chattin’ ‘bout my body on IG,” she spits, and adds, “Say I’m a mean bitch, I’m in the Illuminati / But ain’t nowhere near round here.” Tierra Whack keeps the bars coming hard during the second verse.  “These bars are nasty, when I’m spittin’ them out / And once I tell you my price, won’t take no different amount.” Ooh-wee! Like Scott, she brings a compelling cadence and flow. She concludes her verse with a bang: “Turn me to a maximum, white men, I’m stackin’ ‘em / Living like it’s golden, me and Sheila go platinum /…Pray and obey to the W-H-E-K, I’m here to stay / Norf Philly all day.” Scott sings (or quasi-sings), post-Tierra Whack, in the third and final verse (“I cut with the syllables, linguistically edible / Get real to intelligent freaks, I wax poetical, inevitable”). The recurrent “Norf Side” lyrics are fitting at the end, while Scott drops a fabulous outro (“Thank you, Tierra Whack / Thank you for F-O-Xing with a girl /… Philly all day / Each and every way”).  All told, “Norf Side” marks one of many high-flying moments from Scott’s comeback album, To Whom This May Concern. She puts her foot into this one! 

Appears in 🔻:

Jill Scott & Tierra Whack, Norf Side: Dazzling Duets No. 10 (2026) A Hodgepodge of Place Songs, Vol. 2 (2026)

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7. Jermaine Dupri, “Welcome to Atlanta” (Ft. Ludacris)

Instructions » Sony Music Entertainment Inc. / So So Def Recordings, Inc. » 2001

Jermaine Dupri said what he said! In 2001, the rapper/producer/record executive tapped his fellow Atlanta resident, Grammy-winning rapper Ludacris, for a banger about the ATL. “Welcome to Atlanta” is the second track and first full song on Dupri’s star-studded LP, Instructions.  Dupri produced the track, which samples three songs: “Do It Baby” by The Miracles, “Five Minutes of Funk” by Whodini, and “Trans-Europe Express” by Kraftwerk.  Those samples explain the unique songwriting credits including Dupri, Luda, Bryan-Michael Cox, Whodini, Larry Smith, Freddie Perren, and Christine Yarian.  “Atlanta” reached the top 40 on the pop charts, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.

So, what makes “Welcome to Atlanta” the sugar, honey, iced tea? The production and sound goes a long way.  Both Ludacris and Jermaine Dupri have a sick backdrop to rap over.  Luda takes the reins first, performing the first verse. “JD in the Rolls, and Luda’s in the Cut Supreme / Skatin’ down Old Nat, gat tucked and leaned.” Ooh-wee, Luda’s got the slang slanging! The Cut Supreme,  by the way, is an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme.  Another memorable line from the rapper: “Oink oink, pig pig, do away with the pork / Only silverware I need’s a steak knife and a fork / Did you forget your fuckin’ manners? I’m Bruce with banners /Ludacris, Johnny Rockets, when I shoot the cannon.” Jermaine arrives for the pre-chorus, which is a “YO” fest.  Then he stays on board for the chorus, which he raps first, followed by Luda.

“Welcome to Atlanta, where the players play

And we ride on ‘em thangs like every day

Big beats, hit streets, see gangsters roamin’

And parties don’t stop ‘til eight in the mo’nin.’”

Jermaine takes the reins in the second verse. “I been puttin’ it down here since eighty-three / Since the Lakeshore/MD rivalry,” he spits, and continues, “When Frozen Paradise was the place to be / If you was ridin’, you was bumping to homie Shy-D.” Woo! Once again, he drops the pre-chorus while he and Luda both perform the chorus separately. All told, both rappers ate and left no crumbs on this early aughts banger that deserves more recognition.  Rap records don’t sound like “Welcome to Atlanta” these days, but the song remains fresh.

Appears in 🔻:

Jermaine Dupri & Ludacris, Welcome to Atlanta: Dazzling Duets No. 24 (2026)

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8. Harry Styles, “American Girls”

Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. » Erskine Records Limited / Columbia Records » 2026

Noted, Harry Styles! By the way, “Whatta man, whatta man, whatta man, whatta mighty fine, and talented man” Mr. Styles is 😍! The Grammy-winning English pop singer-songwriter wows on “American Girls,” the second track from his fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. Styles composed this ‘All-American’ pop joint with producers Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson.

“American Girls” begins with a noisy, distorted, oscillating sound effect, followed by reverb-heavy piano chords. Soon enough, a robust bass line and a drum groove provide stability. Harry Styles delivers lovely, easygoing vocals during both verses.  Interestingly, nationality is less important than marriage and relationships, and the challenges and triumphs that go with it. “‘Cause time will show / That you should try it,” he sings in the first verse, and adds, “Those American girls / You spend your life with.” He rises to the occasion during the centerpiece, the chorus (excerpted earlier), singing with full-throated vocals in his upper register.

“‘I’ve known you for ages,’ it’s all that I’ve heard

My friends are in love with American girls

I’ve seen it in stages all over the world

My friends are in love with American girls.”

The production and sound in the briefer second verse are more developed with additional synths and thoughtful tweaks to the groove.  Meanwhile, the lyrics are sparer (“Her sweet eyes / Your temptations / Don’t deny / Her frustrations”). Later, I love the brief instrumental break showcasing the vibrant synths.  Of course, the big-time chorus returns, in all its glory, to conclude “American Girls.” “American Girls” = gem.

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from March 2026 Girl, These Songs Are About You, Vol. 3 (2026) Best Songs of 2026 (So Far)

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9. Marlena Shaw, “California Soul”

The Spice of Life » The Verve Music Group / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1969

Word. R&B, soul, and jazz singer Marlena Shaw (Marlina Burgess, 1939 – 2024) dropped a surefire bop with “California Soul”.  It is the seventh track from her 1969 album, The Spice of Life.  Simply put, this is the song that she is best known for.  That said, “California Soul” is a cover 🤯… BUT Shaw’s version is considered the definitive take. First recorded and released by The Messengers, Nikolas Ashford (1941 – 2011, who also recorded it), and Valerie Simpson (b. 1946) wrote it. Richard Evans and Charles Stepney produced it.

“California Soul” starts with a bang, featuring divine string riffs, exuberant horns, and a mean, syncopated drum groove. Woo! The orchestration and production slaps. Of course, Marlena Shaw more than holds her end of the deal.  She delivers expressive and nuanced lead vocals.  She’s commanding, infusing plenty of personality into her performance. The lyrics are memorable, and the melodies, well, they’re melodious! “No matter what you do / It’s gonna grab a hold on you,” she sings, and concludes, “California soul / California soul.” Any time the titular lyrics appear, they mark the crème de la crème of the song, essentially serving as the chorus. Notably, shout out to Ashford & Simpson, Cali gets a positive connotation, given descriptions of the sunrise, wind, and surfing lyrically. Besides her own high-flying vocals, Shaw is supported by background vocalists who bring the heat, too. Another reason why “California Soul” the sugar, honey, iced tea is the musical underpinnings –  the harmonic progression.  All told, Marlena Shaw dealt music enthusiasts an unforgettable classic with this joint! This song has been sampled a lot, per WhoSampled, rightfully so.

Appears in 🔻:

Marlena Shaw, California Soul: Throwback Vibez No. 70 (2026)

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10. Feng, “Cali Crazy”

Weekend Rockstar » Regularisperfect » 2026

Per Gen-Z British rapper, singer, and songwriter Feng (Travas Alan Feneley), “Every day’s a holiday I might lose my own face goin’ crazy in L.A.” Woo! Feng creates a surefire vibe on the brief but potent “Cali Crazy”, the opening track and promo single from his 2026 debut album, Weekend Rockstar. Feng wrote “Cali Crazy” with producer Bilal Hamdi.

“Cali Crazy” slaps from the jump. It features a potent drum groove, while the keys and programming are colorful and striking.  The musical accompaniment is cool, calm, and collected,  yet also rhythmic. The memorable chorus, excerpted earlier, is the first section heard.

“Every day, every day

Go insane, go insane

Throw some glitter, make it rain

‘Get high like some airplanes,’ that’s all they ever say

Every day’s a holiday

I might lose my own face goin’ crazy in L.A.”

Word. Beyond the chorus, there is only one verse.  Feng paints the stereotypical view of California, mentioning palm trees, limousines, the beach, and the fact that “Pretty girls all want me ‘cause my life a movie scene.” He adds, “Girls in my bedroom and they’re all nude, I can’t get no rest.” Ooh-wee! While he’s legally an adult, he admits, “I’m not twenty-one, but I’m still inside of the club / I’m only nineteen, fake ID, I hope I don’t get caught.” Oops! All told, “Cali Crazy” is a perfect, mellow summery bop for any season!

Appears in 🔻:

A Hodgepodge of Place Songs, Vol. 2 (2026)

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11. Megan Thee Stallion, “Bigger In Texas”

MEGAN: ACT II » Hot Girl Productions LLC » 2024

Gah damn, Megan Thee Stallion! According to the Grammy-winning rapper, things are “Bigger In Texas”.  There are even moments in the song where she explicitly states this: “Everything bigger in Texas, no injections, we at the pole, no elections.” The use of “pole” is genius! “Bigger In Texas” is the opening track from her 2024 album, MEGAN: ACT II.  Megan penned “Bigger In Texas” with Taylor Banks, Joel Banks, Shawn “Source” Jarrett, Trevin Clay, and Han Yang Kingsley Wang. Bankroll Got It, Jarrett, Truckee Street, and Wang produced it.

“Bigger In Texas” features smooth, rhythmic hip-hop production.  This is the perfect fuel for Megan Thee Stallion’s fire.  Does she keep the same energy with the smooth backdrop? Well, she’s blunt and unapologetic, and we wouldn’t have Meg any other way! There is a brief instrumental introduction before Thee Stallion dives in with the chorus:

“Ayy, I’m at the top of my game, I’m who they hate

This shit come with the fame, that’s how I knew that I made it

I woke up lookin’ this good, I’m in my prime, these niggas gotta get played

If these bitches ain’t mad, I need to go harder, I can’t let ’em think we the same.”

Oh, shit! As usual, Thee Stallion serves up a compelling cadence and flow. Her rhymes are agile and bold to the nth degree.  There is no shortage of memorable rhymes.  “Ass sittin’ up like a horse’s, pretty like a portrait, mouth full of diamonds and porcelain / Bitch, I know I’m gorgeous, lil’ bitty waist, big titties, I don’t need no corset,” she raps in the first verse, and adds, “Bitch, I look good in my throwbacks, look good chubby, I look good slim, hmm / Ignorin’ the haters that speak on my body, this pussy ain’t for none of them.” Ooh-wee! There’s even more where that came from! “These hoes love to stick around and get they heart broke, I’ma bounce on a nigga like booty cheeks,” she spits in the second verse, and adds, “Slide down on the dick like new sheets / Talk him through it, let him know what to do to me.” Perhaps my favorite line references the bane of my existence – eczema: “Self-made, asexual, and I’m always on point like a decimal/ Irritatin’ these bitches like eczema, I can hang anywhere like a testicle.” Oh, and if her confidence wasn’t already through the roof, Meg makes it clear, “I’m the youngest bitch ownin’ her masters, bitches old as fuck, stuck in a deal, hmm.” All told, Megan Thee Stallion is confident as fuck on her surefire banger, “Bigger In Texas”. She ate and left nary a crumb!

Appears in 🔻:

Megan Thee Stallion, Bigger In Texas: Bangerz N Bopz No. 16 (2026) 13 Memorable, Big-Time BIG Songs (2026) A Hodgepodge of Place Songs, Vol. 2 (2026)

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12. Childish Gambino, “Lithonia”

Bando Stone and The New World » RCA » 2024

In many cases, that’s a true statement, Childish Gambino (Donald Glover). It’s prevalent in “Lithonia”, an ambitious and engaging single from the Grammy-winning musician. “Cody LaRae / He had a break / He’s findin’ out / That nobody gives a fuck.” Who is Cody LaRae?  A character from the film and Glover’s album/soundtrack to the film, Bando Stone & The New World… “Lithonia” was produced by Glover, Ludwig Göransson, Michael Uzowuru, and Max Martin. The songwriting is captivating on this ‘conceptual’ song: “My sweet Lithonia / What have you done? / These are your children / I am your son.”  Lithonia is a city in Georgia. Also, Glover was raised in Georgia. There is no question about the excellence of the sound.  The organ is a fabulous touch.  Also, the keys, synths, and rock cues are sweet.  “Lithonia” feels like it’s in the pop and alternative R&B realm. Childish Gambino delivers commanding, energetic, and powerful vocals.  He gets awesome support from background vocals. The melodies he sings are tuneful from start to finish.  With “Lithonia”, Childish Gambino is on fire as always.

Appears in 🔻:

Bops That Pop: July 2024

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13. John Prine, “Angel From Montgomery”

John Prine » Atlantic Recording Corporation » 1971

Those are clever, thought-provoking lyrics that Grammy-winning singer-songwriter John Prine (1946 – 2020) sings in his classic, “Angel From Montgomery”. Prine continues singing in the first verse, “If dreams were lightning, and thunder were desire / This old house would have burnt down a long time ago.” Prine’s poetic skill with his pen is one of the reasons “Angel From Montgomery,” the ninth track from his 1971 self-titled album, is so special. Another deceased legendary figure in music, Arif Mardin (1932 – 2006), produced it.

“Angel From Montgomery” clocks in under four minutes. Before John Prine sings one note, the musical accompaniment catches the ear.  What instruments make the accompaniment cook? It includes warm piano (Bobby Wood), soulful organ (Bobby Emmons), folksy acoustic guitar (Prine), electric guitar (Reggie Young and Johnny Christopher), an anchoring bass line (Mike Leech), and sound drums (Gene Chrisman). Prine is the star of the show, delivering strong but relatively easy-going vocals.  His songwriting continues to pack the most meaningful punch.  Tuneful melodies help out the cause, too.  “There’s flies in the kitchen, I can hear ‘em there buzzing,” he asserts in the third verse, and adds, “And I ain’t done nothing since I woke up today.” The chorus is the crème de la crème, where the angel comes into play.  

“Make me an angel that flies from Montgomery

Make me a poster of an old rodeo

Just give me one thing that I can hold on to

To believe in this living is just a hard way to go.”

“Angel From Montgomery” in John Prine’s hands is marvelous to the nth degree. Pitch-perfect songwriting that earns “Angel” its highest marks. Still, Prine delivers a well-rounded vocal, the melodies are tuneful, and the musical arrangement and production are top-notch, too.  You might say this song is angelic!  

Appears in 🔻:

John Prine, Angel From Montgomery: Throwback Vibez No. 196 (2025) A Hodgepodge of Place Songs, Vol. 2 (2026)

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14. Mountain, “Mississippi Queen”

Climbing! » Sony Music Entertainment Inc. » 1970

Noted, Leslie West (1945 – 2020). When the rock band Mountain comes to mind, the first song associated with them is “Mississippi Queen”. The opener from their 1970 album, Climbing!, is their biggest and most successful song.  “Mississippi Queen” reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving the band their sole top 40 hit. The song was written by Leslie West (guitar/vocals), Corky Laing (b. 1948, drums/percussion), Felix Pappalardi (1939 – 1983, bass/piano), and David Rea (1946 – 2011).  Pappalardi also produced it.

“Mississippi Queen” is relatively short at two-and-a-half minutes long, but packs a sizable punch, nonetheless.  Perhaps the punch is an understatement! The groove is ELECTRIFYING, keeping the queen locked in.  The guitars are boisterous, filled with attitude and spunk.  The bass line provides a firm foundation, holding down the low end.  The piano amplifies the bluesy rock vibes, providing even more color to the gritty, vibrant production.  The star of the show, Leslie West, brings the grit to his high-flying vocals.  He ate and left not a damn crumb! In the first verse, West gives us geography. Picture it, 📍Vicksburg, near 📍 Louisiana.  Of course, more important is the Mississippi Queen herself, a “Cajun lady.” In the second verse, she wants him to be her man, to which he agrees (“You know that I told her / I’d do what I can”). Well, that sounds easy as one, two, three! Beyond the verses, there are choruses, varied each time. 

“You know she was a dancer
She moved better on wine
While the rest of them dudes were getting their kicks
Boy, I beg your pardon, I was getting mine.”

There is also the post-chorus, excerpted earlier, that also served as the intro.  Between the second and third choruses, there is a mean guitar solo, performed by West 🤘.  What more needs to be said? “Mississippi Queen” is a rock classic that frankly kicks ass and takes names 🤘. Will it never not kick ass and take names? Nope 🤘🤘🤘!

Appears in 🔻:

Mountain, Mississippi Queen: Throwback Vibez No. 71 (2026)

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15. Fats Domino, “Walking To New Orleans”

A Lot of Dominos » Capitol Records » 1960

I have no doubt you will need new shoes, Fats Domino (1928 – 2017)! The R&B/rock and roll pioneer delivered an unforgettable hit with “Walking To New Orleans”, the seventh track from his 1960 album, A Lot of Dominos.  One of four top 10 hits, “Walking To New Orleans” peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was written by Domino, Bobby Charles (Robert Guidry, 1938 – 2010), and Dave Bartholomew (1918 – 2019).  Bartholomew produced and arranged this once-in-a-lifetime gem.

Although it is brief, running just under two minutes, “Walking To New Orleans” is nothing short of iconic.  It packs a mean punch, just as the famous city does with all of its history and culture.  Following an instrumental intro that features plucked and bowed, lush strings, Fats impresses us with his beautiful and incredibly sincere vocals.  Every lyric he sings, you believe it because he sells it like a champ.  “You used to be my honey / ‘Til you spent all my money / No use for you to cry,” he sings in the third verse, and continues, “I’ll see you by and by / ‘Cause I’m walkin’ to New Orleans.” Something that I love about the arrangement is the use of call and response. Domino sings a line, with the strings responding similarly.  No need to overanalyze “Walking To New Orleans”.  This old-school R&B classic speaks for itself.  It never grows old. 

Appears in 🔻:

Fats Domino, Walking To New Orleans: Throwback Vibez No. 73 (2026)

 

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Celebrating America Through Song, Vol. 2 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Anti, Atlantic Recording Corporation, Blues Babe Records LLC, Capitol Records, Columbia Records, Darkroom Records, Erskine Records Limited, Experts Only, Hot Girl Productions LLC, Human Re Sources, RCA Records, Regularisperfect, SAWGOD Records, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., So So Def Recordings, Inc., The Orchard, The Verve Music Group, UMG Recordings, Inc., Young Turks; cottonbro studio, Mikhail Nilov, Sora Shimizaki, Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels; Dominik Weber, Gordon Johnson from Pixabay]

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