Today was a strange one in my freelance life: I lost a story, gained three more, lost the star of the next Critical Condition video, and then immediately found a great replacement.

To think there was a time when I couldn’t handle sudden change.

Well, to be honest, I kind of still can’t, but my bizarro professional life has been trying to pound that fear out of me for the past four years. Somehow, month after month, I’ve survived (or better), even though there were days I was convinced I’d be living in my friend Kerri’s car. (Kerri, stop driving my living room!)

These are the songs that help me slowly embrace the unexpected. If you’re trying to go with the flow, I say… Crank That Hit!

(1) “Ulysses” by Franz Ferdinand –

Have you heard this yet? It’s the first single from Franz Ferdinand’s third album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand. Released yesterday, the record’s a concept album about a drunken night and the bleary morning after, but more than that, it’s a distinct evolution for a band that won my heart with its quirk-o-matic guitar pop. Now there are dirtier dance beats, weirder vocal effects, and frankly, prettier parts. At least on this song.

The change surprised me at first, but the more I sit with it, the more I like it. In this case, change is good.

(2) “Runaway” by Janet Jackson –

Whoa! When was the last time you thought of this song?!? But it’s perfect for the theme because of what happens at 3:19: Right there in the chorus-to-fade, Miss Jackson hits the wrong note. But does she freak out? No, she just makes a little joke and moves on. Ultimately, that flub is the most distinctive part of this forgettable hit, which just proves that the things we’re not planning for can sometimes be the ones we need most.

(3) “Work It” by Missy Elliott –

Before I take another step, let me say that it’s a crime this monster jam didn’t hit number one. On the Billboard Hot 100, it was number two for ten long weeks, mostly held off by Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” And yeah, “Lose Yourself” is spectacular, but couldn’t my girl get one sweet week?

Anyway, the first time you hear it, this song is a total mindfuck: You think you grasp the beat and then, bam!, backwards rapping! You get used to that and then, ra-ta-ta!, that “pedicure” interlude where the sound drops out. And then at the end? Sh-boom! Missy yells “To the laaaa-dieeeees!,” and the entire song reinvents itself. Suddenly, there are bells and distorted voices and, like, a breakbeat from a forgotten EMF track.

The only way to enjoy this song is to embrace whatever Missy and Timbaland throw at you.

(4) Steve Winwood — “Roll With It”

Is this choice a bit on the nose? Perhaps, but I’ll take any excuse to talk about Winwood. Great singer, great musician, and one of the most underappreciated hotties in rock history. If Winwood tells us to roll with it, then we totally should.

(5) Your turn! Which songs help you accept surprises?

As you think about that, let’s enjoy another picture of Winwood. I’m telling you… in the eighties, the man was fine.