Parsons Playlists: Through the Decades

Posted on February 21, 2025 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Rocio (class of 2027). It features a multi-decade selection of songs.

Through the Decades: A Journey Through Time

This playlist spans across many different styles, from rock to soul, from grunge to pop, each representing the distinct culture of its time (1960s – 2020s).

1960s

The Beatles – “Here Comes the Sun”
Genre: Rock/Pop
A perfect track to represent the cultural shift of the ’60s, full of optimism and innovation.

Aretha Franklin – “Respect”
Genre: Soul/R&B
An iconic anthem for empowerment and the civil rights movement.

1970s

David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
Genre: Glam Rock
This track encapsulates the futuristic and experimental vibes of the ’70s.

Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide”
Genre: Folk Rock
A soft, introspective classic that showcases the band’s emotional depth.

1980s

Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
Genre: Pop/Funk
One of the defining tracks of the ’80s, with its infectious groove and pioneering production.

The Smiths – “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”
Genre: Indie Rock
A melancholic yet beautiful anthem from the ’80s alternative scene.

1990s

Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Genre: Grunge/Rock
A cultural shift to grunge, encapsulating the rebellious spirit of the ’90s.

Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)”
Genre: R&B/Hip-Hop
A blend of soulful R&B and sharp rap lyrics that defined ’90s hip-hop culture.

2000s

OutKast – “Hey Ya!”
Genre: Funk/Pop
A genre-defying hit that blends funk, pop, and dance.

Amy Winehouse – “Rehab”
Genre: Soul/Pop
A modern classic, blending jazz, soul, and pop with sharp lyrics.

2010s

Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
Genre: Hip-Hop
An anthem for social change, it captures the political and cultural landscape of the 2010s.

Lorde – “Royals”
Genre: Indie Pop
This minimalist anthem became a defining song of the ’10s indie scene.

2020s

Taylor Swift – “All Too Well”
Genre: Pop/country
A track that redefined mainstream pop with its unique production and style.

Olivia Rodrigo – “drivers license”
Genre: Pop
One of the biggest songs of the 2020s, full of emotional vulnerability and teenage angst.

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezxvxmvyKbScOGaCAawroKq&si=6FIbD3s07_Bu9S3M

Parsons Playlists: Kendrick Lamar

Posted on February 14, 2025 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Luis (class of 2025) who shares some of his favorite Kendrick Lamar songs in the wake of Lamar‘s appearance in the Super Bowl Halftime show on February 9th.

Kendrick Lamar

As many of you might already know, Kendrick Lamar graced this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show with an unforgettable performance. For those who may not be familiar with him, Kendrick Lamar is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer, renowned for blending hip-hop with elements of jazz, funk, soul, and spoken word. His music often delves into themes such as race, social justice, and personal introspection. Lamar’s work is celebrated for its thought-provoking storytelling and intricate, layered lyricism.

Beyond his music, he is a powerful voice for activism, using his platform to address important issues impacting the African-American community. Following his recent Super Bowl performance, which many have described as a powerful statement filled with symbolism, discussions about his message regarding the current political climate in the U.S. have been buzzing across social media. With that in mind, I wanted to share some of my favorite songs by Kendrick Lamar.

Kendrick Lamar – “Humble”

Kendrick Lamar – “Swimming Pools (Drank)”

Kendrick Lamar (ft. Zacari) – “LOVE”

Kendrick Lamar (ft. Jay Rock) – “Money Trees”

Kendrick Lamar – “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”

Kendrick Lamar and SZA – “luther”

Kendrick Lamar – “Squabble Up”

Kendrick Lamar – “tv off”

Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”

Kendrick Lamar and SZA – “All The Stars”

SZA (ft. Kendrick Lamar) – “30 For 30”

Kendrick Lamar, Metro Boomin, and Future – “Like That”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zezy-7tY2ZXWT7JESsEvc5V4&si=7ePWGFOcX6CYkhD6

Parsons Playlists: Afrofuturism

Posted on February 7, 2025 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library Associate Melanie and features some music with an Afrofuturism aesthetic.

Afrofuturism

Afrofuturism is a genre that centers Black history and culture and incorporates science-fiction, technology, and futuristic elements into literature, music, and the visual arts. Often using current social movements or popular culture as a backdrop, Afrofuturism focuses on works that examine the past, question the present, or imagine an (often) optimistic future, and are meant to inspire a sense of pride in their audience.

From Sun Ra‘s cosmic jazz to Beyoncé‘s homage to her roots in “Black Parade” to Janelle Monáe‘s sci fi themes of identity and liberation and beyond, afrofuturistic music highlights Black imagination, storytelling, and resilience. So enjoy some out of this world grooves by Black artists!

Parliament – “Mothership Connection (Star Child)”

Sun Ra – “Plutonian Nights”

Alice Coltrane – “The Sun”

Pharoah Sanders – “Astral Traveling”

Labelle – “Space Children”

Herbie Hancock – “Rockit”

Public Enemy – “Welcome to the Terrordome”

Janelle Monáe (feat. Erykah Badu) – “Q.U.E.E.N.”

Stevie Wonder – “Higher Ground”

Earth Wind and Fire – “Getaway”

Janelle Monáe (feat. Big Boi) – “Tightrope”

Kendrick Lamar – “Black Panther”

Beyoncé – “Black Parade”

Betty Davis – “They Say I’m Different”

Afrika Bambaataa and The Sonic Force – “Planet Rock”

Erykah Badu – “The Healer”

Funkadelic – “Cosmic Slop”

Grace Jones – “Slave to the Rhythm”

A Tribe Called Quest – “Electric Relaxation”

Sun Ra – “Space is the Place”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZexgVaxF7DIz4bnYkKqf04go&si=PBZ_AkQFoPRYipiy

And here it is on Spotify:

Parsons Playlists: Sampled Gems!!!

Posted on November 15, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Laeticia (class of 2026) and features some songs that have used samples of other songs in interesting ways.

Sampled Gems!!!

Nothing ignites my passion for music quite like a masterpiece, but there’s something truly exhilarating about a great song that breathes new life into another. This playlist is a celebration of the art of sampling, showcasing some of the most innovative and impactful uses of sampled songs in music history. Each track is infused with nostalgia and authenticity as artists transform tunes we all love into fresh and exciting experiences. Here are some songs that best use sampled music to elevate the original tunes to new heights!

Tayc – “Anogo”
* Samples Brandy and Monica – “The Boy Is Mine”

Tyler the Creator – “Are We Still Friends?”
* Samples Al Green – “Dream”

Twista, ft. Kanye West & Jamie Foxx – “Slow Jamz”
* Samples Luther Vandross – “A House Is Not A Home”

Bvfy – “Basta”
* Samples Jovi ft. Reniss – “B.A.S.T.A.R.D.”

Drake – “Cameras”
* Samples Jon B. – “Calling On You”

Tems – “Wickedest”
* Samples Magic System – “Premier Gaou”

Kendrick Lamar – “Money Trees”
* Samples House Beach – “Silver Soul”

Mariah Carey – “Fantasy”
* Samples Tom Tom Club – “Genius of Love”

Victony – “Everything”
* Samples Post Malone ft. Swae Lee – “Sunflower”

Kiana Lede – “Mad At Me”
* Samples Outkast – “So Fresh, So Clean”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeweaY0kva_JMe7Tl8P9pMdL&si=z-t92gObGRDD82aL

Parsons Playlists: Monopoly Game

Posted on April 25, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features songs to accompany a game of Monopoly.

Monopoly Game

Playlist for our Monopoly Game

Men At Work – “Down Under”

Kanye West – “Devil in a New Dress”

Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”

Kanye West – “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1”

Fun (ft. Janelle Monáe) – “We Are Young”

Kid Cudi – “Mr. Rager”

Kanye West – “I Wonder”

Migos – “Stir Fry”

Gorillaz – “Clint Eastwood”

Kanye West (ft. Syleena Johnson) – “All Falls Down”

21 Savage (ft. J. Cole) – “a lot”

A$AP Rocky (ft. Skepta) – “Praise The Lord (Da Shine)”

Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Californication”

Bill Withers – “Ain’t No Sunshine”

Kanye West – “Flashing Lights”

Coldplay – “Paradise”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeyZv_LVQdr2Lv64e56GD-Mk&si=dWAlUKYSjUWtBtOJ

Parsons Playlists: Songs About Stars

Posted on March 29, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Eliana (class of 2024) featuring some songs about stars.

Songs About Stars

Here’s a few songs about stars to play the next time you’re taking a nighttime stroll. Don’t forget to appreciate the beauty in nature!

Coldplay – “Yellow”

Ed Sheeran – “All of the Stars”

Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “All the Stars”

Coldplay- “A Sky Full of Stars”

One Republic – “Counting Stars”

La La Land – “City of Stars”

The Greatest Showman – “Rewrite the Stars”

Sara Bareilles – “When You Wish Upon a Star”

Madonna – “Lucky Star”

Bazzi – “Star”

Frank Sinatra – “Fly Me to the Moon”

Kygo (feat. Justin Jesso) – “Stargazing”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezT5IY_8j6TJ2asve0v8K26&si=qSyA0lWmhR_-8USX

Parsons Playlists: Black History Month Celebration

Posted on February 19, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Susanne (class of 2026) and features a playlist in honor of Black History Month.

Black History Month Celebration

In honor of Black History Month, this playlist features songs by some amazing, influential Black artists. There’s a variety of genres and styles on this playlist and no shortage of hits – so enjoy and continue to support Black musicians this February and every month!

Whitney Houston – “How Will I Know”

Rihanna – “Love on the Brain”

Childish Gambino – “Redbone”

Ms. Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)”

Aretha Franklin – “Respect”

Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”

Beyoncé feat. Kendrick Lamar – “Freedom”

Leon Bridges – “River”

Janelle Monáe – “Make Me Feel”

Jon Batiste – “I Need You”

SZA – “Good Days”

Victoria Monét & JAGUAR II – “On My Mama”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezF78M_SQxgWVnVqrfP6uvF&si=pSPJzGUHFEQs3E5Q

Parsons Playlists: Street Chronicles

Posted on January 26, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features some hip hop selections.

Street Chronicles

N.W.A. – “Straight Outta Compton”

Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg – “Still D.R.E.”

Jay-Z – “99 Problems”

Schoolboy Q – “Man of the Year”

Migos – “Stir Fry”

Drake – “Started From the Bottom”

Kendrick Lamar – “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”

A$AP Rocky – “Goldie”

Big Sean ft. E-40 – “I Don’t Fk With You”

Post Malone ft. Quavo – “Congratulations”

Migos ft. Drake – “Walk It Talk It”

J. Cole – “No Role Modelz”

Kanye West – “Power”

Wiz Khalifa & 2 Chainz – “We Own It”

50 Cent & The Game – “Hate It or Love It”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeyhERppY4Jo5kabS8KqpBAU&si=jYDfyVZSYdLA9Hzj

Parsons Playlists: Bollywood on the Block

Posted on March 28, 2023 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Kiran (class of 2024) and features songs presented by UR’s Bollywood Jhatkas and Block Crew in a recent performance on campus.

Bollywood on the Block: The Sequel

Bollywood Jhatkas and Block Crew recently performed their second joint showcase, on March 25th. Here are some of the crowd’s favorite songs/remixes!

Bollywood on the Block dflyer