This week's lighthearted article, sadly, does not have its fair share of dogs or cats. As a whole, Americans listen to a lot of music. I am no exception. We listen to various genres with different roots. We pick and choose what we like and what we'd rather not force into our ears. Sometimes, people prefer to stick with the oldies and goodies. I decided, as a result, that I'd make a list of songs (and one album) that you should look into listening to. Note that none of the items in this list are ranked by preference. I enjoy all of the music equally. Links are included with each list item.

1. Humming The Bassline (D.S Remix)

We start off with a quality track from "Jet Set Radio Future." This is actually a remix of the original counterpart from the previous JSR game, but the bass line still remains the same. Whether you're a hip-hop junkie or you've played the game, the beat and melody is easy to understand and one of the few songs these days that even children can listen to.

2. Hamilton Soundtrack

Hopefully you already know about this award-winning musical put together by Lin-Manuel Miranda. If not, listen to the two-CD soundtrack. The majority of the tracks redefine what makes up a musical: rap battles, soulful R&B, and a comical King George III. The soundtrack is one that I've been listening to constantly since last Christmas. If I had to pick a particular track, I'd tie on "Cabinet Battle 1" and "Cabinet Battle 2."

3. Diamond Dogs

Everyone loves David Bowie, even if they deny it. Even if someone hasn't listened to his music, a person can easily pick out his style: very flashy but high quality. The track from the album of the same name stands out for being rogue. The story that he tells makes practically no sense in real life, but one can see how this inspired Hideo Kojima to develop the protagonist group in "Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain." There's a lot of talk about renegade behavior, especially poaching and espionage, within the track.

4. Babooshka

Long before Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats," European audiences had to deal with the train-wrecked relationship described in Kate Bush's ballad about a disgruntled wife. The woman, possibly in her late thirties, becomes frustrated with her husband and writes letters to him under a Russian alias as a test of his fidelity. Needless to say, the idea goes downhill when the husband paints an exotic, incorrect version of what a Russian woman is. Go figure.

5. Two Minute Warning

This song from Depeche Mode's "Construction Time Again" is one with interesting instruments. With lots of synth patterns, it's very easy to get lost in the sound. I never figured out what the song meant, and I don't care to. Sometimes you can enjoy a song without thinking too much about it.

6. Consideration

This song by Rihanna captures a lot of her higher range vocals. Whether the lyrics describe her frustration with her failed relationships or finding her strengths as an independent woman, listeners will enjoy the beats and the occasional use of auto tune. I hope this becomes a single later in the year.

7. Everything Is Awesome

The theme of "The Lego Movie" is one of my favorite songs to listen to when stressed. The tune is whimsical and the appearance of Lonely Island adds some humor to the message of the song for older listeners. Thankfully, the song is a positive influence for people of all ages. Plus it makes you want to pull out some Legos.

8. In The Ocean Blue

This song pokes fun at the Pokerap with a listing of actual sea critters. A classic from the "Charlie the Unicorn" webseries, you can tell why the starfish got its own meme status. This is my personal favorite of the random songs that occur in the middle of each episode.

9. Ciega, Sordomuda

I remember listening to this song by Shakira a lot as a small child. Having grown up, I understand the message that she conveys- falling in love makes a person become unaware of everything around them. The catchy acoustics mislead you, however, into thinking the track is a simple dance piece, especially as Shakira still had brunette hair at the time of this single's release.

10. La Negra Tiene Tumbao

This song is the most important mood booster for Black Latinas and Black girls in general. Celia Cruz was a staple of my childhood, and I loved this song because she talks about how black women are strong, successful and beautiful all at once. Maybe Beyonce took some cues from this single.

11. Mercedes Benz

Finishing out this list is some good old Janis Joplin. I hate that she died at such a young age, but her music will live on forever thanks to remaster technology. This song is my grandma's favorite, and I can't blame her. The lyrics are easy to follow and do indeed carry great social import.