Playlist: Paula Cole's songs for a 'Revolution'

Paula Cole is celebrating the release of her 10th album, "Revolution," with a fall run of U.S. tour dates and a specially curated playlist for Paste BN, featuring several songs that channel the change-making ethos of her album title.

"Woodstock" - Joni Mitchell

"We've got to get ourselves back to the garden" should be our ethos now.

"Julia" - The Beatles

Perhaps my favorite (John) Lennon song, about his mum and quoting Rumi, it is perfection. 

"Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" - Marvin Gaye

I cover this on my new album "Revolution." Marvin Gaye was ahead of his time in writing this gorgeous song for the environment. 

"Walk On The Wild Side" - Lou Reed

Produced by (David) Bowie, I love the sparseness of the track and also that it's a provocative short story, each verse a trans character at Warhol's Factory in NYC (and yet is has been played ubiquitously in shopping malls, grocery stores and elevators across this very divided country.)

"The President Sang Amazing Grace" - Joan Baez 

This is folk movement in action - writing about such a painful event (the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal massacre in Charleston in 2015), using President Obama's spontaneous, empathetic reaction as the theme of the song, creating some transcendence and healing for us all.

"Daughters" - Nas

I love the great detail of his lyrics, you can feel his determination and angst to be a good father, concerned about protecting the young woman he is raising in today's world. 

"Once In A Lifetime" - Talking Heads

The groove is so joyful, the production so swirly, it is brilliant and one cannot resist dancing.

"Hounds Of Love" - Kate Bush

I'm deeply influenced by Kate Bush and this song and this album was pivotal for me in becoming my own woman in my music.

"Family Portrait" - Peter Gabriel

If ever a child-perspective song elicited empathy for someone doing a very bad thing, it is this song. Peter has been a great teacher for me and I think for many of us.

"Route 66" - Nat King Cole

His piano playing is so swinging! We should not forget what a brilliant pianist he was!