[caption id="attachment_48722" align="aligncenter" width="604" caption="Rizzle Kicks (and Their Moms) Get Down"][/caption]

Welcome to Pop Music Survival Kit: The Perfect Songs for Every Occasion

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Now that you've sobered up from Cinco de Mayo, it's time to remember that Mother's Day is this Sunday. If you're MY mom, then do not read this post! DO NOT READ IT! I'll explain later.

However, if you are not my mom, then please know that I got her an awesome collection of gifts for her backyard. The yard used to be this nondescript explosion of grass, but now, it's been refurbished into a lovely oasis of flowers and benches and stone frogs. (Don't be surprised if my mom takes it to this level soon.)

But what if I want more of a connection this year? What if I want Mother's Day to have a soundtrack? What if I want to sit with my mother among the stone frogs, listening to tunes that we'll both enjoy?

I could just play my mom's favorite hits, and there's nothing wrong with Three Dog Night. But if I want to mix it up, I can play these newer tracks and revel in how awesome she thinks they are.

Take a listen... maybe your mom will like them, too!

(1) "Mama Do The Hump" by Rizzle Kicks

Okay, so it's possible that British rappers Rizzle Kicks aren't talking about their biological mothers when they say "mama do the hump" or "slap her on the bum until it comes back around." In fact, I hope they aren't.

But in the video, the lip-synching is handled by Jordan "Rizzle" Stephens' mother and some other groovy ladies. It's a multi-generational party with lots of white wine!

And you know who appreciates the chance to share a fun evening with her kids? Your mom!

 (2) "I Forgive You" by Kelly Clarkson

It's possible your mom has rocked out to "Stronger," which became Kelly Clarkson's best-selling single just a few weeks ago. But you can blow your mom's mind with this track from the Stronger album. "I Forgive You" not only has a sweet hook and amazing power notes, but also delivers a refreshingly advanced message for a Kelly Clarkson song. This time, instead of simply scorning the dude who broke her heart, she's trying to forgive and understand him. She's not necessarily succeeding, but at least she's trying.

And you know who appreciates the effort to grow up? Your mom!

(3) "Deeper and Deeper" by Madonna

Your mom probably likes to dance. (Remember at that wedding? She surprised you, didn't she?) Madonna's early 90s classic is obviously going to fill her boogie prescription. But even better, it contains these lyrics:

"All is fair in love," she said.

"Think with your heart, not with your head."

That's what my mama told me.

In other words, this song is about how Madonna learned from her mother.

And you know who appreciates it when you listen to her good advice? Your mom!

Mark Blankenship tweets as @IAmBlankenship. He recently praised Rufus Wainwright's new album, which his mother also loved.