Here's to our modern-day Superhero Figures 🦸🏻

How’s it going folks,

We’re heading to another dedication weekend, and this one’s for the men who’ve taken on one of life’s biggest roles: being a father.

Your dad might not be the most expressive type, but even the quietest ones have their soft spots, and it often shows through the music they love. If you grew up with a dad who likes listening to Air Supply like I do, you probably know what I mean. He might be a man of few words, but he’s got a rock soul and a fire that burns deep.

I think it’s cool how music gives us a glimpse into our dads’ younger selves and reminds us that they were once dreamers, lovers, rebels, and softies too. And while fatherhood isn’t always easy or perfect, when you do find one, you’ll realise that fatherly love does exist in the world.

I know Dads can be a touchy topic for some. So whether your relationship with your dad is close, complicated, or somewhere in between, I hope this week’s playlist brings a bit of warmth, comfort, or reflection that feels like a father’s hug.

Here’s to every father figure who’s ever stepped up — you rock. 🎸🎸🎸

With love and light,

Val ♫

(P.S If you are reading this in your email, please click “Read Online” at the top-right corner next to the date for a better reading experience!)

In this week's setlist:

• 📻 Dad’s Oldies Goodies

• 💟 If Dad’s Locket Could Sing

• 🎶 New Music This Week

📻 Dad’s Oldies Goodies

In my first Substack post, I shared a bit about how I grew up listening to my dad’s hidden music gems from the olden days. Well, I’d like to take this opportunity to dedicate this section to him, for introducing me to real, good music.

Here’s a sneak peek into my dad’s MP3 player I listened to religiously 20 years ago:

• Silence Is Golden by The Tremeloes

• Red Red Wine by UB40

• Tall, Tall Trees by Alan Jackson

💟 If Dad’s Locket Could Sing

Out of all the songs about dads, no genre quite captures the tenderness and quiet strength of fatherhood like country music does. It’s raw, unfiltered, and steady like the love of a good dad.

Anyway, here are some handpicked tracks that remind us of what a father’s love should feel like — reassuring, protective, and full of heart:

• Gracie by Ben Folds

• Dads Don’t Die by Nate Smith

• There for You by Jon Wayne Hatfield

🎼 Lyric of the Week

🎶 New Music This Week

Old Home by beaux: Head back to simpler, shinier times in your childhood neighborhood with this upbeat track. It’s like reminiscing about running with the wind while pulling your childhood friends along in a wagon.

One on One by Wildson and Astyn Turr: This feel-good track will have you wooing that special someone you’ve always been dreaming of having. All you need to do is to serenade them with this song, and couple it with a little sway and a boogie in your step.

Inspired by this week’s music picks?

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