songs to put on a show to in the car + other solo performance venues

(not from my usual suspects version)

Hi hi.

I swear I meant to get this out to you on Tuesday as I’ve had it in process for, like, weeks. Yet, life had other plans. But it’s here now in all its randomness.

I’m hoping it’s a fun holiday time distraction and that you all give me some new additions to the list I get into below…

Let’s set it up, shall we?

So, if you know me IRL or have been around here for even, like, a second you understand that sharing music is one of my love languages. Is it also a symptom of my Scorpio narcissism, passion, and desire to bend others to my will and make them like the things I like? Sure. But most of the intentions are pure. I swear.

While, yes, I’m a writer and self-expression is obviously a huge part of my life, there’s also this Scorpio tendency to run away from vulnerability (I’m working on it + getting better…maybe?!?) which can, in my case, sometimes translate to showing sides of myself through songs and lyrics and not actually having to express ALL of my own feelings. It’s a whole “you think you know me, but do you really?” energy that serves as a protective shield.

Not that others don’t express themselves through their music (or other art) choices…but you get my drift. I hope.

Also, I just really, deeply, truly love music and while I am the worst singer and can no longer read a single note or play an instrument¹, I hold it and those who can reach into my brain and heart and soul with theirs quite sacred. (We’ll be getting into Taylor’s new Time interview + shoot on Friday, not to worry!)

Of course, you can also learn so much about another person by the music they love and there’s nothing I enjoy more than getting deep around anything, but especially music and all the memories and stories that come with it.

I also hold that we are our most true selves while driving around in a car, rocking out + performing like we’re on a stage. And if you’re not giving shows from your car or alone in your apartment, are you even fully living? I’d say, perhaps not. BE FREE! Unbind yourself from any whiff of self-consciousness! Let it all loose!!!!! I sure do.

My car is my stage. So is my apartment.

I am not even a little bit embarrassed to say that I dance and perform alone in here ALL the time. It’s the best. Honestly, I’ll pull shapes in a Whole Foods or in the middle of the sidewalk while on a walk or just heading to my parking garage, too. Complete with full-on Mariah doing her scales hands. I cannot even begin to care what somebody who doesn’t like to see a lady enjoying herself and hurting nobody thinks at this point in my life.

The freedom of one’s 40s is really quite delicious.

There is definitely a theater kid energy inside of me that, as a youth, I think I tried to pretend didn’t exist. That’s on me. Now, that also may have been best for everyone because, as mentioned, I am NOT good at singing—and nobody ever tried to recruit me into a dance program. Like, learning mini-routines in a cardio dance workout is extremely stressful to me. I need to just do my own thing. Whatever that may be². I do love some great hand choreo and face drama whilst driving or getting down in front of my mirror (yeah I said it, in front a mirror!) after a long day.

To that end, I decided to pull together a list of songs that really get Abby the Performer going. But much like Blondie and her Eras surprise songs, I made some rules for myself. I couldn’t include anybody on my top artists of the year or anyone that I feel like is automatically associated with me and my obsessions. Because I think we know that I’m gonna give it my all for Taylor, Harry, Stevie + Fleetwood, the Haims, #1 Olivia, Matty, Bey, the Dead, etc.

Also, where there may be crossover with other categories like general faves, musical Prozac, go-to karaoke songs, dance it out classics, and the like, a performance song is a niche all its own. Much like former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart and porn, I know it when I see it.

This list today is a snapshot, a sampling as it were, of where this addled brain o’ mine is currently. Plus, I had to stop somewhere and we know moderation is not something I do well.

I feel like some of these are obvious and common, while others are like, “Huh? Okay, go for it sis!” But I also want to know yours, so you better share in the comments. It should also be noted that I sing loudly (and terribly) in the car, but at home it’s often a lip synch + AirPods situation. Apartment living, yo.

Perhaps this will be handy to have on hand during the hols when you may need a break from your surroundings. Or if you hate all of these, get your own setlist ready to go!

Now, let us begin with the song that gave me this idea in the first place…

“I Think I’m in Love With You” - Jessica Simpson

A live performance of this one came up in my IG algo a few weeks ago and this post was born. I fucking love this song so much. I know that, as someone who grew up in Indiana during the prime John Mellencamp years and also loves the pop girlies, it was basically created for me in a lab. Thank you, millions of producers behind J. Simps’ pop career.

You gotta go full aughts pop princess when you “perform” this one. Hand to the ear-in and all.