This month, we are all about memories, reflecting on old ones and making new ones. So, for the official 99 Walk December playlist, we thought it would be fun to ask the HQ team to share one or two songs that spark a memory. And wow, what a playlist we created together! You can listen to the entire playlist on Spotify HERE and learn the choices submitted by each HQ team member and the memory the song evokes below. Oh, and if you don’t know, every month, we curate a new fun playlist for you to enjoy while you walk!
Joyce:
More Than a Feeling (Boston). I was a figure skater as a teenager, and this was my favorite song to skate to. I still think of it as “my skating song.”
Bat Out of Hell (Meatloaf). I played the entire album for my dad one Thanksgiving while we were driving – and sitting in unbelievable traffic – to go to my cousins’ house in New Jersey. What should have taken two hours took four and we barely made it in time for dessert. I remember feeling so glad that my dad liked it because it was my absolute favorite album at the time (and still is a favorite);
Real Love (Mary J. Blige). A bar and a boy. And that’s all I’m gonna’ say about that!
Megan:
Dancing Queen (ABBA). This was a favorite song when I was little. I can vividly remember spinning in circles with my mom, dad, and cabbage patch doll. So many smiles and laughs and replays of that record.
Eric:
Don’t Stop Me Now (Queen). One of the first concerts I ever went to. I had no idea Freddy Mercury was gay and had a ton of gay fans. I did notice at the show, but couldn't have cared less. One of my first experiences of accepting everyone and not caring about other people's choices or identities
Jamie:
Happy (Pharrell Williams). My younger son has always been a shy kid, and when he was around 7 or 8, I convinced him to try karate, which he loved! This song often came on the radio during our karate practice drive. It brings back a wonderful memory of one of the first times I saw him coming out of his shell and doing something he really loved.
Wannabe (Spice Girls). College. My bestie. And to this day whenever one of us hears this song on the radio we text each other to let them know.
Carrie:
We are Family (Sister Sledge). A family wedding favorite! This is the song that was sure to finally get everyone out of their chairs and onto the dance floor! While I grew up with just brothers, my mom was one of many girls - so the sisterhood showed up strong when our families all came together!
Jenny:
Rhythm is a Dancer (Snap). I used to choreograph dances to this song all the time when I was about 8/9 years old. My big hope was that Paula Abdul would walk down the stairs, see my amazing dancing skills, and insist I be in her next music video
Michelle
Time (Pink Floyd). I won’t lie, I had to Google the name of the song. It was always the clock song in my house, and my dad would play it SO incredibly loud. I can’t hear it and not smile about how often we used to roll our eyes at the volume and madness of it.
Paola:
Caraluna (Bacilos). A throwback to my teenage years! This song also came with me and my friends, attending our first concert ever without parents or chaperones.
Beautiful Day (U2). It all started with a road trip in Guatemala (where I live) and some friends from all over Latin America. Now, this song is ever-present in every single road trip I have done in my life to the point of being like a personal “Let’s Travel Soundtrack”
Martine:
I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Whitney Houston). Whenever I hear this song I’m suddenly transported to my childhood NYC city apartment with my mom and brother, singing my little heart out loud. It takes me back to a time of my life when my priorities were Barbie dolls!
You will find the entire playlist HERE for your listening fun!