The Bridge
- I Don't Want To Know-Fleetwood Mac (Some of the most immediately accessible uptempo Lindsey Buckingham-Stevie Nicks vocal harmonies matched with equally accessible, hook-laden guitar accompaniment.)
- Jingle Bell Rock-Chet Atkins (In some ways, this version holds up as well or better than the Bobby Helms original. Brisk guitar and subtle backing vocals are a smart way to go here. Another highlight of the "East Tennessee Christmas" album: the appropriately somber solo guitar rendition of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.")
- Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town-The Mills Brothers (The Mills Brothers sing this as a straightforward, matter-of-fact, midtempo guide on how to stay in Santa's good graces. Also recommended: the best, bounciest version of "Here Comes Santa Claus" anyone has ever recorded and everything else on the ensemble's "Merry Christmas" album.)
- Gone, Gone, Gone-The Everly Brothers (One of the catchiest, most concisely arranged tunes about a relationship ending abruptly. Fairport Convention covered it impressively, with strong group vocals and equally crisp guitar accompaniment.)
- I've Been Thinking About You-Londonbeat (Over a quarter-century later, this still holds up as a pop/dance hit with easily relatable lyrics.)
- Back On The Chain Gang-The Pretenders (A well-written and well-sung '80s hit about carrying on after a loss. Decades later, it hasn't worn out its welcome, and it shouldn't.)
- One Last Cry-Brian McKnight (The universal feeling of pain after a rejection, sung with the right level of emoting. This tune came up frequently in KNJZ's rotation.)
- Until You Come Back To Me-Aretha Franklin (To my ears, this is one of Franklin's most appealing melodies. I'm surprised it doesn't get more radio airplay, given how accessible and memorable the tune is. I also recommend Basia's excellent cover of it.)
- Angels We Have Heard On High-Spur Of The Moment (A fine driving, sax-dominated smooth jazz rendition.)
