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Playlist: What's Priscilla Renea listening to?

Priscilla Renea’s "Coloured" (out now) finds the common ground between country and R&B – no surprise for a singer and songwriter who has written hits for Rihanna, Pitbull, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. The playlist of favorite songwriters she has curated for USA TODAY is similarly varied, revealing a Burt Bacharach fixation, a love for '90s pop and more.

"I Knew I Loved You," Savage Garden

I fell in love with this song the very first time I heard it. I made out with my pillow to this one.

"Sex and Candy," Marcy Playground

The birth of my surrealist ideals came from watching this music video. Who doesn’t love warped checkered floors and tarantulas?

"Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)," The Offspring

If Kid Rock and Fetty Wap had a baby, it would sound like this.

"Hide and Seek," Imogen Heap

I just want Imogen to know her songs got me through high school. Especially this one.

"Together Again," Janet Jackson

Janet changed the game for the black woman in pop music. She brought alternative styles from both music and fashion to the forefront of 2000s pop culture.

"Alfie," Barbra Streisand

It is my dream to create a song that is on this level of musicianship and beauty. The chord changes are so moving – like trees swaying in the wind.

"Strange Fruit," Billie Holiday

Billie and songwriter Abel Meeropol found a way to describe such a horrific sight in a way that not only sheds a light on the plight of the black American family but cloaks the listener in a brown-skinned blanket from the very first note to the last.

"Tubthumping," Chumbawamba

This is a great song to jump on your bed to. I put this on when I’m feeling down; it really works!

"Lovin’ You," Minnie Riperton

I used to hear my mom singing this song in the kitchen all the time. She’s the reason I even attempted to learn to hit (my whistle register)​​​​​​​ in the first place.

"I Say a Little Prayer," Aretha Franklin

Favorite song of all time! Got hip to this one because of the movie "My Best Friend’s Wedding."

"God Give Me Strength," Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach

Burt Bacharach just deserves his own playlist!

"Ode to Billie Joe," Bobbie Gentry

My mom used to wear this song out! It was the very first song that showed me the power of storytelling.

"La Tortura," Shakira

My go-to karaoke song. It shocks the crap out of people that I can sing in Spanish.

"I Wonder," Kanye West

The rhyme scheme inspired me to learn how to freestyle. I rap like Kayne frequently; I’ll release some of my rap songs soon.

"Under Pressure," Queen and David Bowie

I’m ashamed to admit Vanilla Ice led me to Freddie Mercury. Thank you, "Ice Ice Baby."