10 Music Playlists To Have Ready for Action

Post by David Pierce. Find me on Twitter.

Music. It’s like the soundtrack to our lives or something. But, like any good soundtrack, different types of music fit different situations. I’m constantly surprised by how often I’m in need of a particular kind of music, and trying to put it together on the fly is tough.

Most people’s solution to “let’s listen to some music” is what I like to call Super Shuffle: you plug in your iPod or computer, and just let it play. Whatever comes on, comes on. That usually works great for about six songs, and then you either hit a track from an audiobook, a crappy version of “Time of My Life” you sang for your ex, or something equally mood- and party-ruining.

With a little planning, and a few clever playlists, you can be ready for any occasion:

1. The “Dance Party Mix” – This playlist is full of one of two things: anything with thumping bass, or pop songs that everyone knows. For improptu dance parties, drinking games, and other loud fun. Try artists like Kanye West, Journey, Lady GaGa, Taylor Swift (but only Love Story), and Lil’ Wayne.

2. The “I Know All the Words Mix” – If you’re in the middle of a long drive, and you’re tired, there’s no better way to stay awake and entertained than to sing. Pick a list of songs you know all the words too, embarrassing or otherwise, and just jam.

3. The “Focus Mix” – I’m incredibly easily distracted when I’m working, and constantly find myself typing the lyrics to songs I know that are playing in the background. Pull me up a chair and keep your money, there’s no guarantees! Oops, sorry. Point is, when you’re trying to focus, come up with a playlist of songs that either have no words, are in a different language, or are so hard to understand that you couldn’t sing if you wanted to. Think Bjork and Sigur Ros.

4. The “Group Car Ride Mix” – This is radically different from the “I’m alone in the car” music. This is socially acceptable music that’s great in the background, with the occasional group sing-along song thrown in. Pop rock, anything from the 90’s, and singer-songwriter music are all great for this one.

5. The “Unrequited Love Mix” – Maybe you’ve got a crush who doesn’t know you exist, or maybe things just suck at the moment. What could be better than some depressed, sad music? Nothing, that’s what. Throw on some James Blunt, a little “Everybody Hurts” by REM, anything by the Smiths or Sarah Mclachlan, and just sob. Let it out. Hurt right along with the music. Then, end it with “Semi Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind, and you’ll pick right back up.

6. The “Morning Mix” – Waking up in the morning really isn’t that fun. But if you’ve got some great music to put on while you’re still on autopilot, it’s made a lot better. Start with some chill sounds, and then crank up the beat, until you’re dancing like a fool in your pajamas. In a good way.

7. The “Get Psyched Mix” – When you need to get pumped for something, whether it’s a business meeting, exam, or big presentation, music’s the way to go. And big, anthemic rock is the way to go. Any great mix of psychitude begins with “I Wanna Rock” by Twisted Sister and “You Give Love a Bad Name” by Bon Jovi, and continues as such. Why? Because How I Met Your Mother says so.

8. The “Sleepytime Mix” – As awesome as waking up to music is, going to sleep to it is even better. Except when, right as you’re about to fall asleep, “Enter Sandman” comes on and ruins your night, and the next seventeen. So make a winding-down playlist that will slowly lull you to sleep, and then stop once you’ve been thoroughly lullabied. Awesome song to fall asleep to? “Wonderful,” by Gary Go.

9. The “Candles and Bath Salts Mix” – You’re home, maybe getting in the mood. Suddenly, on comes the Barney theme song you’ve still got a spot for, or maybe a Dr. Dre song that doesn’t say such nice things about women. Boom—ruined. Get some soft, smooth music –John Mayer can’t miss, neither can Jason Mraz—and let the mood happen.

10. The “Be Impressed With My Music Taste Mix” – I might be alone here, but I’m constantly around music snobs. They get in my car, and immediately judge me on my music tastes. Now, though, I’m ready for them with my “don’t I have such awesomely intellectual music taste?” playlist. Staples of these playlists are MGMT, MIA (both popular now, and both well-respected as indie still. Go figure), Stevie Ray Vaughn, Pink Floyd, the Notorious B.I.G, and any number of big artists who did side solo projects—like Thom Yorke of Radiohead. You’ll come off like quite the connoisseur. Which I couldn’t even spell right just now without spell check’s help.

So hop in, hunker down, and make some playlists! If you’re not into buying the music, there are a bunch of great ways to make playlists that you can save and play at your leisure: YouTube (using videos), Vevo (all official music videos), Last.fm, Grooveshark, Mixtape.me, and others. You’ll be DJ-ing it up like a legend in no time.

What’s your must-have playlist, and what’s on it?

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