K. Michelle’s transition to a country sound is fairly recent, but her love for the genre has always been strong.

The Memphis native, 43, exclusively told Us Weekly in September that country music was “always my first genre that I did,” but it took her a while to record a country album because of pushback from her record label, who wanted her to focus on an R&B sound.

Michelle’s first official country single, titled “Jack Daniel’s,” is named after her favorite drink and “the only man I trust,” she jokes in the song’s lyrics. The song, which came out in August, was cowritten with the help of Ernest, Jordan Dozzi and Rocky Block. Michelle told Us that “Jack Daniel’s” is only the beginning, and a full-length country album is forthcoming.

In the meantime, Us asked Michelle to build Us a playlist of some songs that have been pivotal in soundtracking her life for our Make Us a Mixtape column. Keep reading for some of the songs that have stayed with her from childhood to now.

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Song She Wishes She’d Written

Morgan Wallen‘s “Had It.” I went through that in a breakup. It’s clever and straight to the point.

Song That Reminds Her of Childhood

The Judds’ “Love Can Build a Bridge.” It was the first country tape l ever received.

Song That Makes Her Laugh

“Chickenhead” by Project Pat. I think this one is obvious.

Song That Makes Her Cry

“Seasons” by Madison Ryann Ward. It talks about life being a natural progression everyone can relate to.

Song That Sets the Mood

Janet Jackson‘s “Let’s Wait Awhile” makes me want to light my candles, take a bubble bath and just vibe out with a nice drink.

Song That Brings to Mind Her Favorite Place

Mariah Carey‘s album The Emancipation of Mimi. Me and my sister would ride around Memphis listening to this when she was heartbroken.