Yesterday, Merriam-Webster chose authentic to be Word of the Year for 2023. This means that the word was one of the most-looked-up within the dictionary’s 500,000 entries. Some of the runners-up this year were deepfake, implode, and kibbutz.

Merriam-Webster defines authentic in a couple of different ways. When put in the context of music, the one that resonates most is — “True to one’s personality, spirit or character.”

Today’s tie-in is to play music that encourages being yourself. Bonus points if the song reflects the bands/artist’s unique style as well.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, which songs about being authentic do you want to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine
Mama Cass Elliot - Make Your Own Kind of Music
New Order - Be A Rebel
Sly and the Family Stone - Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin
George Michael - Freedom
The Who - The Real Me