The Younique Book Playlist

Thank you for buying Younique and checking out some of the songs that have inspired me over a lifetime. I am an unapologetic lover of 70s and 80s music. I know that may seem a bit strange that these aren’t explicitly spiritual or gospel-centered songs. I do enjoy connecting to God’s general revelation that runs through so many musical themes like a Mack truck. Whether humans are seeking, celebrating, finding redemption, pursuing romance, breaking down or breaking up, the image of God is evident.

Furthermore, ever since I was a kid I would creatively interpret the lyrics of songs in more spiritual ways. Sometimes I even imagine the Lord singing the words of a romantic love song as the ultimate lover of my soul. What a precious thought for any believer!

Below are the songs associated with a chapter title or section break in the book. There is roughly one song per chapter.

Here's the Spotify playlist I built with all of these songs.

And if you prefer Apple Music, here's the playlist there.

Difference
Brass in Pocket | The Pretenders

This song by the Pretenders was always confidence-inspiring for me. When approaching the task of writing an “intentional life” book I wanted to have the confidence that it would be a unique contribution. The lyrics and vibe of this song convey a sassy-yet-charming style, with lines like, “Gonna make you notice.” It’s been suggested that the context may have been getting ready for their first live concert.

JOURNEY
On the Road to Find Out | Yusuf / Cat Stevens

As my faith grew in college, I also grew in my appreciation for genuine songs of searching, especially with acoustic super-skills in harness. I always admired the mastery of Cat Stevens in this way. The fact that he converted to Islam and stopped playing music for a generation was always a bit haunting. One time at a Cru party everyone shared a famous person they wish they could share the gospel with. Cat Stevens immediately came to mind. On the Road to Find Out is a passionate song of serious seeking. It’s perfect to kick off the any epic Journey, especially one that is a lifelong pursuit of special calling.

Backstory Heart of Gold | Neil Young

It was a big decision to talk about my divorce at the beginning of the book. Before I ever dated seriously at age 19, I fell in love with this song. Neil’s lyrics that he is growing old looking for a heart of gold trumpets the challenge of finding true love, to put it mildly. Yet this song always reminded me that Jesus is the only one whose heart is pure gold.

You Heaven/Where True Love Goes | Yusuf / Cat Stevens

Right up front I have a second Cat Stevens song. This song is special for several reasons. First, he came back to producing music with his album An Other Cup after a really long time. My kids found out about the new album before me and bought it for me which was fun. But this is by far my favorite song on the album.

Climb

-Courage to Know Sweet Home Alabama | Lynyrd Skynyrd

-Experience to Grow Juke Box Hero | Foreigner

-Value to Show Just a Song Before You Go | Crosby, Stills & Nash

-Risk to Go Counting Stars | One Republic

Breakthru Whatever is Written in Your Heart | Gerry Raferty

YOUR OWN THING Find Your Way Back | Jefferson Starship

Passion Born to Be Alive | Patrick Hernandez

Ability We are the Champions | Queen

Context Groove Line | Heatwave

Bullseye Horse with No Name | America, George Martin
Sir Duke | Stevie Wonder

YOUR IDENTITY

Clarity Give Me Love | George Harrison

Mission Call Me | Blondie

Values The Things We Do for Love | 10cc

Measures Winning | Santana

Strategy Dancing in the Moonlight | Toploader
Walking in Rhythm | The Blackbyrds

YOUR DIRECTION I Can See Clearly Now | Johnny Nash

Dream Listen to the Music | The Doobie Brothers

3-Years from Now Walking on a Dream | Empire of the Sun

1 Year from Now Don’t Stop | Fleetwood Mac

90-days from Now Take it to the Limit | Eagles

Now Staying Alive | Bee Gees

Snapshot Miracles | Jefferson Starship Ventura Highway | America, George Martin

YOUR RENEWAL Taking Care of Business | Bachman-Turner Overdrive

Calendar Lovely Day | Bill Withers

Energy Fly Like an Eagle | Steve Miller Band

Sabbath Cool Change | Little River Band

Priority I Love You | Climax Blues Band

Perspective Summer Breeze | Seals and Crofts

YOUR DESTINY

Bucket-list Southern Cross | Crosby, Stills & Nash

Destiny Changes IV | Yusuf / Cat Stevens

Death Now We are Free (Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerard (Gladiator movie soundtrack)