Happy July and Cancer Season, family! We’re back with another edition of Timeless Tuesday, and this week marks Episode 017. As always, we’re diving deep into classic slow jams, legendary records, and the brilliant minds behind the music. Every week, the Mic Drop crew hand-picks the tracks that age like fine wine—records that hit just as hard today as they did decades ago.
This time around, we’re vibing through the emotional depths of Cancer season—and as a Cancer myself, you know I had to honor it right. So, expect mood swings, romance, confidence, and just a touch of chaos. Nathan’s selections give certified lover energy, while Cheyenne keeps it classic with some rock gems that carry depth and history. Meanwhile, I close it out with a rap-heavy set that brings boldness, a little bite, and all the feelings we Cancers are known for. Complex? Maybe. But what Cancer isn’t?
Let’s get into it.
Nathan’s Selections:
“Call Me” – Aretha Franklin (1970)
Nathan starts us off on a soulful note. While tame in terms of Cancer’s emotional spectrum, Aretha Franklin’s voice is anything but. “Call Me” is a sweet, simple love ballad that captures the moment of asking your person to call you the minute they arrive.
Aretha’s vocals, rooted in gospel tradition, showcase masterful control, depth, and phrasing. Whether she’s gliding through a high note or stretching one out, she does it effortlessly. “Call Me” is just one of the many times she turns something simple into something unforgettable.
“I Saw the Light” – Todd Rundgren (1972)
Todd Rundgren’s “I Saw the Light” glides in next from Nathan. Although he reportedly wrote it in just 20 minutes, the emotion feels deeply considered. Rundgren sings about finding the courage—and clarity—to open up to love. It’s tender, full of yearning, and slightly obsessive.
Sounds like something a Cancer would do, idk.
“Never Gonna Stop” – Linda Clifford (1979)
Closing out Nathan’s picks is Linda Clifford’s groovy disco jam “Never Gonna Stop.” While it might be a hidden gem for some (me), many will recognize the intro sampled in 2Pac’s “All Eyez On Me.” Clifford’s original track is romantic, funky, and made for spinning around the roller rink—or your bedroom. Her heartfelt vocals and emotional sincerity shine throughout, making it a timeless banger.
Cheyenne’s Selections:
“You Really Got Me” – The Kinks
Cheyenne kicks things off with the iconic “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks. It radiates reckless, summertime energy with just the right amount of grunge and grit. Though it dropped decades ago, it still feels fresh—raw, rebellious, and totally in its feelings (like someone you may know celebrating a birthday this month).
“Season of the Witch” – Donovan
Next up is Donovan’s “Season of the Witch,” which is basically a Cancer roll call. If you know a Cancer, you’ve probably seen them dabble in astrology, tarot, or some type of “gifted” behavior. Cheyenne taps into the mysticism here, reminding us that witchy energy is timeless. While this track always trends in October, it fits perfectly in the heat of summer—because duh, Cancer season!
“Ticket To Ride” – The Beatles
Closing out Cheyenne’s set, “Ticket To Ride” by The Beatles adds a layer of bittersweet empowerment. A woman leaves without a care, ticket in hand, while the band grapples with heartbreak. It’s a soft rebellion, one where she reclaims her agency. Cheyenne waves us goodbye with this one—strong, self-assured, and on to the next.
My Selections:
“All Eyez On Me” – 2Pac
Of course I had to start my set with “All Eyez On Me.” After hearing the Linda Clifford sample, it was only right. Recognizing a sample is like scratching an itch—and when it hits, it hits. This track is confident, intense, and iconic. And if the stars are correct, Cancers are up this year. So let’s claim it.
“Lost Ones” – Lauryn Hill
Next, Lauryn Hill steps in with “Lost Ones”—a Cancer anthem if there ever was one. Her bars cut deep, the production layers are rich, and her voice? Untouchable. Hill brings that perfect balance of vulnerability and strength. And for those of us who’ve walked away once or twice… this one’s for you.
At the end of the track, a classroom recording adds a subtle emotional punch. A teacher asks students to spell “love” and sing about it, hinting at something bigger: even when anger or vengeance shows up, love remains the undercurrent. Everything comes back to love, somehow.
“No Scrubs” – TLC
Finally, I wrap things up with “No Scrubs” by TLC. It’s flirty, it’s fierce, and it’s an absolute classic. TLC not only dominated the charts, but also shaped the Y2K aesthetic way before it was trending again. “No Scrubs” is the perfect anthem for anyone reclaiming their standards and saying no without guilt. That’s that Cancer confidence!
Sweet Dreams, Cancer Season
And that’s a wrap for Episode 017. Sweet Dreams to you this Cancer Season. Thanks for sticking with us through this moody, magical, and emotionally rich journey. Whether you’re deep in your feels or dancing through the drama, this week’s playlist has something for every Cancer—and every sign, really.
Sometimes I wish we had a room to decorate with each record on this playlist. Vinyl sleeves on every wall, candles lit, speakers bumping. Until then, we’ve got the vibes right here.
So, to my fellow Cancers: we see you. We love you. And we made this one for you.
—Written by a Cancer 🦀
