Parsons Playlists: Through the Decades

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: “Best Live Performances”

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Eliana (class of 2024) and features a selection of songs recorded live.

Best Live Performances

There’s an endless number of incredible live performances, but these are some of the ones that top my list. I suppose being able to see the real thing would be better but a YouTube video is a close second, right?!?

Audience enjoying live music at a concert

Kelly Clarkson – “A Moment Like This” (American Idol winning performance from 2002) – A true cultural reset

Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” (Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever at Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California on March 25, 1983) – An even bigger cultural reset

Rihanna – “Love on the Brain” (Live at Global Citizen Festival 2016) – Performance I would have traded my left kidney for to see live

Miley Cyrus – “Heart of Glass” (Live from the iHeart Festival 2020) – The rockification of Hannah Montana

Soshana Bean – “She Used To Be Mine” from Waitress (From Club Broadway.com 2019) – The storytelling makes this a 15/10

Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Live Aid 1985) – No description necessary

Beyoncé – “At Last” (For Barack and Michelle Obama – Inaugural Ball January 20, 2009) – A defining historical moment that never fails to bring tears to my eyes

Keala Settle – “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman (2017) – BTS you need to see

Ben Platt & Broadway Cast – “You Will Be Found” from Dear Evan Hansen – (From The Today Show April 2017) – Best of Broadway off of Broadway

Ariana Grande – “One Last Time” (From One Love Manchester June 2017) – Bravery and resilience highlighted in a single performance

Olivia Rodrigo & Joshua Bassett – “Just For A Moment” (Live Performance Vevo 2020) – Didn’t age well but the irony only adds to the heartbreak of the performance

Bruno Mars covers Adele’s “All I Ask” (The Live Lounge BBC Radio 1 November 2016) – Fun fact, Bruno wrote this song. And he kills it.

Here is a version of the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZexFIivdsXLUDb4weJss_Niy

Parsons Playlists: 25 Under 25

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today we’re featuring a selection of 25 songs by artists under the age of 25 as curated by Music Library student assistant Eliana (class of 2024).

25 under 25

A playlist featuring the next generation of artists: 25 songs from 25 artists all 25-years-old or younger.

1. Olivia Rodrigo – “favorite crime”

2. Billie Eilish – “Happier Than Ever”

3. Lil Nas X – “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”

4. Noah Cyrus – “July”

5. Aurora – “Runaway”

6. Jaden – “Icon”

7. Willow – “Meet Me At Our Spot”

8. Shawn Mendes – “Wonder”

9. Khalid – “8TEEN”

10. Lorde – “Liability”

11. Madison Beer – “Selfish”

12. H.E.R – “Best Part”

13. Tate McRae – “friends don’t look at friends that way”

14. Clairo – “Bags”

15. Jeremy Zucker – “all the kids are depressed”

16. Bazzi – “Young & Alive”

17. Brockhampton – “No Halo”

18. Doja Cat – “Get Into It (Yuh)”

19. Clinton Kane – “CHICKEN TENDIES”

20. Dominic Fike – “Açaí Bowl”

21. Conan Grey – “People Watching”

22. Wallows – “Are You Bored Yet?”

23. Lil Pump – “Gucci Gang”

24. Lev – “When I Hurt You”

25. Ruel – “Painkiller”

YouTube playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkMUbgZb8jJeg-0CMSakdmDpDyDncVqGs

Spotify playlist: