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The Morning Show - With Jill Riley

Coffee Break: Getting autobiographical

Killer Mike performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis on July 24, 2023.
Killer Mike performs at First Avenue in Minneapolis on July 24, 2023.Nikhil Kumaran | MPR

by Jill Riley

August 16, 2023

Some of the best albums come from the artist putting their life directly into their music. When an artist bares their soul in their work, they can really stand out, resonate, and relate with listeners on more of an emotional level. However, aspects of the artist’s personal life are bound to come out when doing so.

Since we’re highlighting Jill Riley’s conversation with Killer Mike today, which features a good bit of confessional songwriting and storytelling, let’s find some other music inspired by life.

What songs give us a deeper look into who the artist is/was and their life? What are some songs notorious for airing out some drama?

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, which songs about confessions do you want to hear?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Bronski Beat - Smalltown Boy
Chance the Rapper - Do You Remember
Aimee Mann - 31 Today
Lauryn Hill - To Zion
Loretta Lynn - Coal Miner's Daughter
Frank Turner - Recovery
Supergrass - Caught by the Fuzz
Amy Winehouse - Rehab (bonus)