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: Bring It Back Now, Y’all

Posted on January 31, 2025 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Jillian (class of 2027) and features some songs for when you need to dance.

Bring It Back Now, Y’all

A fun throwback playlist for when you need a little dance 🙂

Diana Ross – “I’m Coming Out”

Natalie Cole – “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”

Big Mountain – “Baby I Love Your Way”

Thurston Harris and the Sharps – “Little Bitty Pretty One”

Bee Gees – “You Should Be Dancing”

Earth Wind & Fire – “Boogie Wonderland”

James Brown – “I Got You (I Feel Good)”

The Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back”

Stevie Wonder – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)”

Cass Elliot – “Make Your Own Kind Of Music”

James Brown – “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag”

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZewBj17QP-3Ll_Enhf0Ee-Ki&si=eUe_wtzUV83dYSIK

Fall 2024 Playlists Roundup

Posted on December 10, 2024 by marmstr3

As the fall semester draws to a close and you are working on papers, exams, etc., it can be fun to look back on what one has accomplished.

Our student employees have worked hard curating Parsons Playlists all semester, so here’s a roundup of all their posts for your enjoyment.
Clicking on the links will take you to each playlist.

* End of Summer (Christine ’25)

* Indie Rock (Torsten ’25)

* Music Censorship (Amy ’25)

* Happy Fall, Y’all (Jillian ’27)

* Bridgerton: A Regency Romance Playlist (Rocio ’27)

* Autumn Equinox (Amy ’25)

* Seasonal Joy (Marissa ’25)

* Interlude (Esther ’25)

* K-Pop (Sophia ’28)

* Happy Birthday Grandma! (Lay’la ’25)

* Wasia Project (Eliana ’26)

* Indian/Pakistani Classics (Ibrahim ’28)

* Kali Uchis and Omar Apollo (Luis ’25)

* Chinese Pop (Tim ’24)

* Sampled Gems! (Laeticia ’26)

* The Charm of Classical Saxophone (Tim ’24)

* Back to the Future (Griffin ’27)

* Barndance (Torsten ’25)

* Filtered Lens (Esther ’25)

You can also see student worker recommendations of items in the Parsons Music Library collection here: ARACHNOPHONIA

Parsons Playlists: Filtered Lens

Posted on December 6, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Esther (class of 2025). It features music that makes her think of cell phone camera filters.

Filtered Lens

Here’s songs that would have some kind of filter over them if we could see them!

Far Caspian – “Let’s Go Outside”

Numcha – “afterglow”

Raye – “Worth It”

Kali Uchis – “Never Be Yours”

Wildson ft. Astyn Turr – “One on One”

rhyu – “It’s Fine”

grentperez – “When the Day is Done”

CHSKA – “i know you know”

shae, WIMY – “Anybody”

J3R0 – “Call u Mine?”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zew8txTu0WV-ITn3nxyRnZBB&si=-UJtbHwv0XgfQf3p

Parsons Playlists: Barndance

Posted on November 25, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Torsten (class of 2025) and features some country dance music.

Barndance

Now that November is in full swing and barn dance has come and gone, I thought I’d put together a playlist to reminisce. I hope you enjoy this collection of country dance songs!

Luke Bryan – “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”

Darius Rucker – “Wagon Wheel”

Jason Aldean – “She’s Country”

Florida Georgia Line – “Cruise”

Corey Kent – “Wild as Her”

Morgan Wallen – “Whiskey Glasses”

Lee Brice – “One of Them Girls”

Eli Young Band – “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”

Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats”

Zac Brown Band – “Chicken Fried”

Luke Combs – “When It Rains It Pours”

Jon Pardi – “Dirt On My Boots”

Luke Combs – “Beer Never Broke My Heart”

Luke Combs – “She Got the Best of Me”

Morgan Wallen ft. Florida Georgia Line – “Up Down”

Morgan Wallen – “Spin You Around”

Luke Combs – “The Kind of Love We Make”

Morgan Wallen – “Thought You Should Know”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZewAU50kWwqAIs5vEfFmbo5g&si=0XRPxxur3iMnRHhm

Parsons Playlists: Back to the Future

Posted on November 22, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Griffin (class of 2027). It features a mix of new and older songs.

Back to the Future

Recently, I’ve been listening to mostly old music as well as whatever new releases were coming out, so I thought, why not combine the time differences into one playlist? Listening to them all, it’s interesting to listen to the common themes from each period and how the sound has evolved into what we enjoy today. Listening from old to new, new to old, or shuffling the list gives light to new experiences as well.

Sampha – “Dancing Circles 2.0”

JPEGMAFIA – “either on or off the drugs”

Mustafa feat. Daniel Caesar – “Leaving Toronto”

KAYTRANADA feat. Childish Gambino – “Witchy”

The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – “Timeless”

Clairo – “Juna”

MAXO KREAM X TYLER, THE CREATOR – “CRACC ERA”

FKA twigs – “Eusexua”

Denzel Curry ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Juicy J – “COLE PIMP”

The Temptations – “The Way You Do The Things You Do”

Ben E. King – “Stand By Me”

Sly & The Family Stone – “Family Affair”

The Flamingos – “I Only Have Eyes for You”

Bobby Hebb – “Sunny”

Paul Simon – “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”

Stevie Wonder – “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”

Ray Charles – “What’d I Say”

Bob Dylan – “The Times They Are A-Changin'”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezTVskBwAUxuXEeauYQTMFG&si=2Sv6jGo_Mymlm_Ki

Parsons Playlists: Chinese Pop

Posted on November 8, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Tim (class of 2024) which features some Chinese pop songs.

Chinese Pop

G.E.M. – “Light Years Away”

G.E.M. – “Long After”

G.E.M. – “Selfless”

G.E.M.– “The Sky”

Wang Xinghe – “Listen Not”

Jay Chou – “Maple Leaf”

Jay Chou – “All the Way North”

Jay Chou – “Step Aside”

Eason Chan – “Ten Years”

Li Zongsheng – “Newly Written Old Songs”

Li Zongsheng – “The Hills”

AGA – “Jiang Haijia”

Jay Chou – “Ming Ming Jiu”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlWvgju4iTC38OnG3qJg6bfr74QR8B2cE&si=MCu9_9zEmF83bwFW

Parsons Playlists: Kali Uchis and Omar Apollo

Posted on November 4, 2024 by marmstr3

Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Luis (class of 2025) and features music by R&B/Latin artists Kali Uchis and Omar Apollo.

Kali Uchis and Omar Apollo

This year I have really gotten into listening to both of these artists. Omar Apollo is a Mexican-American singer-songwriter known for his genre-blending sound, combining elements of R&B, funk, soul, and Latin influences with heartfelt, bilingual lyrics. Kali Uchis is a Colombian-American artist celebrated for her sultry, versatile voice, blending R&B, soul, reggaeton, and pop in her music, often with themes of love, self-empowerment, and cultural identity. I wanted to share some of my favorite songs from both artists, as well as some of the collaborations they have done in the past.

Kali Uchis – “Moonlight”

Omar Apollo – “Evergreen”

Kali Uchis – “Telepatía”

Omar Apollo – “Archetype”

Kali Uchis – “Quiero Sentirme Bien”

Omar Apollo – “Frio”

Kali Uchis – “Fue Mejor”

Kali Uchis and Omar Apollo – “Worth the Wait”

Omar Apollo and Kali Uchis – “Bad Life”

Omar Apollo – “Kamikaze”

Kali Uchis – “Igual Que Un Ángel”

Omar Apollo – “Spite”