Do you ever miss the days of mix tapes and CDs?
If I’m being honest, I do. Making mix tapes and CDs for friends and loved ones was a favorite pastime for me for decades. I love music and also love to share it.
It took me a while to realize that just because we’re living in a digital age, that doesn’t mean we have to stop sharing music.
On the contrary – it’s easier to share than ever. I can make a playlist on my phone or computer and send it to friends far away in mere minutes.
So why am I keeping all this good music to myself? Let’s dive into some of my favorite Spotify playlists – some I’ve created, some I’ve found or discovered.
- Ladysongs is my own personal collection of songs with “lady” in the title or lyrics. Here’s my blog post all about this lifelong affinity I’ve had for ladysongs. Before you make fun of me for being corny or cringe, listen to this playlist. There are some straight bangers here.
- 2023 Trevor Volunteer Family Reunion is a playlist made by and for Trevor Project volunteers. It’s got such a great mix of newer artists and I knew it was cool when my 13-year-old said “Mom, you listen to Cavetown?!” If you want props with the cool kid in your life – or just to check out some awesome, queer-friendly music – check this one out.
- Cali Love is my playlist for when I’m missing California. It’s odd that I can be homesick for a place I’ve never actually lived, but LA is that for me. My entire family lives there! I love this playlist for driving. Especially driving to or in Cali…
- Salon playlist is continually curated by the super cool receptionist at a swanky little spa off Bethel Road, next to Kung Fu Tea. Z walked in cold one day and got a facial. I loved hanging out, waiting for her and listening to this killer playlist. When I complimented the upbeat and chill vibes, Elena was kind enough to share the link.
- Christmas Bops is exactly what it sounds like. I used to make an annual Christmas pop music CD and it was always a fun holiday gift to share with friends. The last one we made was especially good and people have told me years later that they still love it. Many of those songs are on this playlist, and a few more.
- Spider-Verse: The Official Playlist has all the epic songs you heard in the latest Spidey movie. If you loved Across the Spider-Verse as much as I did (the degree of creativity involved in all that art! music! I was just blown away) then you will love this mix of current and upcoming hip-hop stars.
- Never Have I Ever Official Playlist is all the great songs you heard during seasons 1-4 of Netflix’s awesome, multicultural teen drama. I didn’t want to like this show as much as I do – I’m obsessed! There are plenty of teen drinking, drug and sex references but it’s no Euphoria – it’s tastefully handled and also weaves in themes of grief, losing a beloved parent, academics and so much more. There are some great upbeat songs here.
- Queen of this Sh*t is my personal playlist for when I need to channel maximum Girl Power! Think Ariana, Missy Elliott, Rihanna, Christina, Britney, Beyonce, etc. Every teenage girl should have a fun women’s empowerment playlist.
- Corny but Elite is curated by a guy named Hanif. I think I found it through my friend Wesleigh’s newsletter (which is also awesome). As someone whose favorite artists include ABBA, John Denver, Prince, George Michael and Carly Rae Jepsen, I fell for this playlist at first sight. There are some great songs here.
- My NYC playlist is entirely comprised of songs about the Big Apple. Hey, I do get homesick for that place too sometimes, although I seem to get back at least every couple of years. There’s just nothing like Manhattan, or “the City” as we called it as kids.
That’s more than enough music to get you through some long drives or plane trips if you have any planned this summer. We happen to love road trips – and the right playlist can be such a cool way to enjoy the journey.
Happy listening! If you have any great playlists of your own, please drop me a link below in the comments or over on Facebook or Instagram.
