Writing Sessions of America’s latest listening session had us listening closer, making tough choices, and looking forward to November.
Some songs grab you with the first note. Others make you want to stop what you’re doing and run them back because you know you missed something. Last night’s Writing Sessions of America listening session gave us plenty of both.
We listened to 50 songs again and had to narrow our picks to 25, and these creatives did not make it easy. With so much good music on the playlist, we had to get precise. It came down to the delivery, the wordplay, the harmonies, and those moments that made us feel something beyond “I like this song.”
At Ford Ent Magazine, our notes were full. Here’s who stood out to us and why.
Three Tracks That Rose to the Top for Us
CanDa’ce’s “WHO DAT” earned our number-one spot. Conscious music with a message, this song sounds like art. CanDa’ce is a wordsmith, and the way the message comes together gives you a reason to pay attention to every line.
Our number-two pick, Jaelle Pitts’ “Hold On (Wait a Minute),” was a different experience. The language switches over that fun beat felt like we took a tour around the world. It kept us engaged and wondering what was coming next.
Coming in at number three was Dymond Pynk featuring Twista’s “You Like.” A hit! As expected, the Twista feature woke us up, but Dymond held her own with her sultry voice and hypnotic verses. She gave the song plenty of reasons to stay in rotation.
Voices That Made Us Stop and Listen
Davianah’s “How Could You” had one of those vocal moments that stays with you. That drawn-out “yoooouuuu” just hits different. Such a powerful voice, with a delivery that makes you feel what she’s singing.
Blacc Licorish of Queen Pens’ “3 Shots” brought soul music and a real vibe. Another selection, “Close Your Eyes,” took us somewhere more reflective. It felt like a musical vocal affirmation, a song you could meditate to while looking a little deeper inside yourself.
Sammie Spice of Queen Pens’ “Thinking About You” was one of the crowd favorites. People loved the harmonies, and the vibe had the emojis flying during the session. “Wine Pon Me” also made our picks. That one is just simply a vibe.
Then there was Country Boy Sang It’s “Youaholic.” Play this at every wedding! That old-school crooning is a sound we’ve been craving, and this song delivered that feeling.
Songs That Got People Moving
The drums in Indirah Ambrose’s “Walking Dead” make your hips want to move hypnotically. The song has layers, with a multidimensional feel you could enjoy anywhere.
Myra Jower’s “NIGHT LIFE” remained a favorite of ours and a crowd favorite, too. You could actually see people dancing on screen during the listening session. They were enjoying the track, and that kind of reaction speaks for itself.
Mack Major’s “Safe” gave us flashbacks of sweaty bodies in a nightclub, lights pulsing, and that feeling of being beautiful for the night. It’s a song that puts you in a mood and a setting.
Wordplay, Confidence, and Music With a Message
Jaelle Pitts caught our attention again with “Nanaboo.” The wordplay and the way Jaelle rides the beat make this a track worth playing back a couple of times, just in case you missed a message.
JAZZY J’s “Said What I Said” is the standing-on-business anthem. Every bar comes with confidence, and that conviction is part of what makes the song work.
Josh Banton Jazzy J’s “Stand On It” brought a religious message with a vibe we felt people could enjoy regardless of their faith. The song is just that good. There’s something special about music that can connect with listeners beyond its immediate audience.
Love, Vulnerability, and Songs You Sing From Your Stomach
Mia Hunt’s “Get It Right” is one of those relatable songs you sing from the pit of your stomach when you’re going through something. It connects with that part of you that needs the music to say what you’re feeling.
Candance Harris’ “Make Room for Me” is a sultry invitation wrapped in Afrosoul. This is a woman shooting her shot in a way that would be hard to turn down, especially when it sounds so good.
Anglique Moore’s “Give Me Grace” offered a vulnerable, sexy apology. There’s something about that combination that makes holding a grudge feel a little harder.
Ford Entertainment Magazine’s Final 25 Picks
After listening closely and making some difficult choices, these are our final selections:
- “Who Dat” – CanDa’ce
- “Hold On (Wait a Minute)” – Jaelle Pitts
- “You Like” – Dymond Pynk Feat Twista
- “How Could You” – Davianah
- “3 Shots” – Blacc Licorish (Queen Pens)
- “Walking Dead” – Indirah Ambrose
- “Thinking About You” – Sammie Spice (Queen Pens)
- “Wine Pon Me” – Sammie Spice Queen Pens
- “Pop That!” – StarzWitBarz
- “Safe” – Mack Major
- “Night Life” – Myra Jower
- “Nanaboo” – Jaelle Pitts
- “Stand on It” – Josh Banton Jazzy J
- “Hood Chic” – Heather Elaine
- “Want You All To Myself” – Ben One
- “Give Me Grace” – Angelique Moore
- “Make Room for Me” – Candace Harris
- “I Said What I Said!!” – Jazzy J
- “Get it Right” – Mia Hunt
- “Safe & Comfortable” – RHYTHMelodic
- “Ex (Favorite Drug)” – Meetch & Essence
- “Close Your Eyes” – Blacc Licorish
- “Only You” – Sharese Janay n Country boy Sangit
- “Single Mama” – Sharesa Janay
- “Soul Ties” – Nene B
A Community That Shows Up for Creatives
By the end of the playlist, participants were sharing their appreciation for the event and Kevin Shine’s passion for creatives. The feedback reflected how much it meant to have a space where people listened closely, celebrated the music, and encouraged the talent behind it.
Tonya Byrd, who was honored as an icon last year, offered powerful encouragement. She championed the creatives, urged them to keep going, and assured them that she would always leave a spot for creatives from WSA.
That support was part of what made the evening memorable. Behind every track was someone who put time, thought, and a piece of themselves into the music. Throughout the session, those efforts were met with real reactions and appreciation.
Excitement for the November conference was clear. If this listening session was any indication, there will be plenty of talent, and plenty of people ready to support it, in the room.
