WAVV (Naples Park, FL)
- Always And Forever-Heatwave (Although I don't often seek this song out, I'll usually let at least one verse play when it comes on the radio. With soulful vocals this smooth, I have to respect the song's deserved staying power. I feel similarly about Peaches & Herb's "Reunited.")
- It's Too Late-Carole King (Some of the most realistic lyrics about a relationship's end, played and sung with King's customary sincerity. This is one of King's more melancholy hits, but it, along with all of her other "Tapestry" album standouts, never wears out its welcome. As varied and obscure as much of my musical taste is, it's sometimes a breath of fresh air to listen to a '70s-rooted soft adult contemporary station; sometimes, it's a pleasure to listen to a long stretch of well-crafted oldies, knowing that you have--and like--almost every song. Soft rock stations were plentiful in St. Louis in the '80s and early '90s; that's not the case now, however.)
- The Bluest Eyes In Texas-Restless Heart (This 1988 track holds up, with its relatable lyrics and country crossover appeal...)
- Suspicions-Eddie Rabbitt (...Ditto for this underplayed 1979 hit. It's one of Rabbitt's subtler, sleepier--in a positive sense--tunes. I've almost never heard it on the radio, outside of "American Top 40.")
- Everybody's Changing-Keane (Some of the stronger lyrics I've heard about how difficult it is to grapple with life's slings and arrows. Also recommended: Lily Allen's cover version.)
