3 minute read
CD Player
"What's your favourite song?" , "Who's your favourite artist" ,
"Do you like rap or pop music?": these are all questions we ask or have asked each other in an attempt to understand a person better. But I know that I definitely struggle to answer questions like this when it's difficult to narrow down my preferences to a single response. Music is entirely subjective and one's playlists can be tailored to the individual's experience and taste. The genres, moods and even languages of a playlist can be a reflection of the person's psyche and by extension their overall wellbeing. I, for one, have an extremely broad range of playlists, each a small reflection of the rollercoaster of emotional states I experienced, especially during the 2021 lockdown. From peaceful days to ones where I couldn't stop crying, curating and listening to music as my form of 'mindfulness' to manage my mental health in tough times. So, I would recommend the following types of playlists of every mood, for everyone.
Cry Session
Artist: Sad, lonely, depressed Genre: Indie, Pop Lyrics: Playlists like this one are curated to be sad songs which you can cry to. Whether this is over a heartbreak or you are generally having a hard time and need to let it all out, this would be your go to playlist. Expert tip: if you have an iphone, try out the “Speaker>Background Sounds” setting with “Rain” while listening to this playlist- main character vibes.
Song Recommendations: - People Watching Conan Gray - Memories Conan Pray - Yours Conan Gray - All I Ask Adele - Pluto Projector Rex Orange County - Blind (acoustic) PRETTYMUCH
Tranquility
Artist: Chill, peaceful Genre: Indie, Soul, RnB, Classical music Lyrics: This is a playlist that should allow you to wind down and simply exist. It should be calming, slow and mainly instrumental to help you relax to a slower beat and be more in tune with yourself and your surroundings
Song Recommendations: - Left Side Eloise - Good Days SZA - La La Lost You Niki - Honey Kehlani
Artist: Happy, Motivated, Excited Genre: Upbeat- Pop, Rap, Rock, Hyperpop etc Lyrics: This first type of playlist is, I think, an essential. It's a mood booster for that dopamine rush. Listening to playlists like this in the morning can really set the tone for the day. Or if you're simply feeling low energy, shuffle this playlist for some motivation.
Song Recommendations: - Every Summertime Niki - Wingman Boysworld - Girlfriends Boysworld - Adios Hoody, GRAY - As Long As You Care Ruel - Me Necesita CNCO, PRETTYMUCH - Diganle Tainy Remix Leslie Grace, Becky G, CNCO
Nostalgia
Artist: Happy, Energetic, Warmth Genre: 2000s/10s Pop Lyrics: This playlist, I highly recommend. It’s one that will make you feel hyped up really quickly and take you back to your childhood, a time of warmth, energy and comfort. Generally popular songs from around late 2000s and early 2010s are the go to to take you back in time.
Song Recommendations: - Girlfriend Avril Lavigne - Still Into You Paramore - One Less Lonely Girl Justin Bieber - Unwritten Natasha Bedingfield - Torn Natalie Imbruglia - No Scrubs TLC - Best Song Ever One Direction
The "You" Factor
Artist: Any Genre: Any Lyrics: This is YOUR playlist and arguably your favourite one. The one that is special and different to anyone else’s- capturing a little bit of you. It could have songs from any genre or language to showcase your interests and passions. For instance, a “you” factor playlist could be one filled with South Asian music if you are South Asian to encapsulate your ethnic identity, or it could be filled with Spanish music to show your love for Latin and Hispanic culture.
