Mystery Mix 2026

Back by popular demand, it’s the 6th installment of my annual mystery mix. But two things first. I realize this once-a-year game I play doesn’t draw as much attention as some of my other, more on-brand My Back Pages pieces, but it has proven to be popular with a loyal subset of my readers. In fact, since I traditionally publish a new mystery mix each December, a few have asked why I didn’t get one out a couple of months ago. And that’s the second point. I’ve chosen to shift this annual game to February, so as to avoid the holiday season, and in hopes of giving some would-be players an opportunity to participate who otherwise wouldn’t be able to squeeze it in with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

Long-time readers know the drill, but here’s a quick rundown for newcomers. What follows is a playlist of 10 songs that appear to be randomly thrown together, however, each conforms to a specific commonality. After listening to the music and studying the lyrics, the titles, and artists, you are invited to guess the playlist’s mystery theme, then submit your answer. Believe me, it’s not as hard as you might think. But, even if you don’t solve it or choose not to enter the contest, I hope you will enjoy the eclectic mix of songs.

Before you begin, here are my usual instructions and caveats: Your answer must be submitted via the form below. The first person sending the correct answer will be declared the winner. That declaration, however, will not be made until Saturday, March 14. If you make a submission and have second thoughts about your answer, simply enter another answer. There is no limit to how many times you may submit. The accuracy of any submission will not be divulged prior to the end of the game. If no correct entries are received by the end date, a hint will be emailed to all who have submitted a guess and the game will continue until a correct answer is received or until it dies a natural death due to lack of participation. Finally, your thoughts in the comments section below are welcome, though I would ask that you not spoil things for other participants by revealing your guesses or giving hints here or in other public forums.

MYSTmix 2026 (#6) PLAYLIST

For your convenience, here’s the playlist on Spotify.

Submission Form

A WORD TO PONDER

Hustle and bustle (noun phrase): This rhyming doublet originated in the early 19th century (circa 1830s) to describe the frantic, noisy activity of rapidly industrializing cities. It combines “hustle” (from Dutch hutselen, “to shake”) and “bustle” (from Old English bersten, “to act vigorously”), representing a combination of rapid movement and noisy, energetic commotion.

etymonline.com and oed.com