For this edition of Best Songs, we gave the LA-based artist Baby Jane some very specific prompts, and she gave us some excellent responses. For those looking to up their knowledge of Russian pop, hardstyle, or goth—three genres that are crucial to understanding the artist’s style—Baby Jane has provided an entryway. Let this curated list of ten songs tide you over before the release of her next album, Winter Forever, which is out May 8th.

Best song to listen to while surfing Tumblr? 

“Release Da Boar” by SALEM 

Is such a crazy vibe. It’s kind of a witch house essential, but also a deep cut. The whole song feels like you’re floating and also drunk and also have your head  out of the sunroof on a lost highway in midnight darkness. Definitely Tumblr vibes. 

Best song that makes you want to go out to a techno club? 

“We Go Party” by Dutch Master

It’s about 20 years old, but I play it in almost all my sets and it still feels timeless. If I heard this at a rave I’d go wild. The texture of that synth that comes in during the hook feels like it’s bending and stretching the energy in the room.

Best Russian pop song? 

“Миллион алых роз” by Alla Pugacheva

I was raised listening to this song. Every Russian speaking person knows this song. It was difficult to choose just one of her  songs because there are so many classics that I listen to all the time like “Прости,  поверь” or “Звёздное лето,” but she is such a huge inspiration.

Best song to listen to as you slowly drift into sleep? 

“Every Time We Say Goodbye" by Julie London

Her voice on this track is like smoke rising from a cigarette. It’s soft as velvet. My favorite song of hers. I used to play it on a loop and fall asleep in the bathtub. 

Best song to use as your alarm clock to get you up in the morning? 

“Honeymoon” by Lana Del Rey 

Is actually my alarm clock. That’s an underrated album in general, but this song makes me feel like I’m waking up as a leading lady in an old movie. I used to roll around in the sand as the waves washed over me listening to that song on the beach.

Best song by a goth band? 

“Пачка сигарет” by Kino 

I don’t know if many would classify Kino as a goth band, probably not, but I don’t want to miss an opportunity to rave about what an incredible songwriter Viktor Tsoi is. 

Best song to listen to really softly while you read? 

“On the Beach” by Neil Young 

This is another one of my favorite songs of all time. It puts you in a trance. I’m also such a big classic rock geek, but this song never gets old to me.

Best song you’ve heard so far this year? 

“Starry Eyed” by Baby Jane

It’s my song, but I’ve yet to hear a better one this year. I didn’t even really like it at first, but it’s really grown on me. Now I listen to it a lot. And I don’t even really listen to my own music much. 

Best song to put on when you want to try to lock into an annoying task?

 

“Jambi” by Tool

I guess the annoying task would be cardio in this case. This song gets me pumped up. 

Best song by a hardstyle producer? 

“Hardstyle Sex” by SMF

My friend recently put me on to this song, it’s a great hardstyle track.