If you’re a regular reader of this section, you might have noticed my passion for music. Whether it’s reviewing albums or immersing myself in different genres (currently enjoying Minecraft Volume Beta as I write), music is ingrained in my daily routine. You’ll often catch me with my AirPods in, grooving to whatever track resonates with me that day. But along with my diverse taste comes a dilemma: should I consolidate all my favorite songs into one playlist or curate multiple playlists for different moods? My playlist is a rollercoaster ride, spanning from Kendrick Lamar to Frank Ocean, Coldplay to Glass Animals, Madilyn to Kid Cudi and beyond. It’s a whirlwind that can leave listeners experiencing musical whiplash. So, which approach is better? Should I stick to a single playlist accommodating all these genres, or opt for multiple playlists tailored to specific moods?
My playlist journey has been a series of resets, each marked by a new beginning: RYAN’S MUSIC, RYAN’S MUSIC 2.0 and the latest iteration, RYAN_MUSIC_ver2.4 (let’s not dwell on the name choice). While I rarely revisit the old playlists, as any worthwhile song has usually made its way to the newest version, these three are my sole musical companions. I don’t have specialized playlists for different moods or activities. Instead, I rely on my trusty RYAN_MUSIC_ver2.4 for everything from hype-ups to study sessions. It’s where you’ll find the diverse mix of artists mentioned earlier, reflecting the ever-changing soundtrack of my life.
Minecraft songs–don’t get me wrong, they are great, but it just doesn’t make sense in the middle of the day when I’m not completing work. As for specific moods, my playlist offers such a diverse range of songs that I can easily tap into various emotions whenever I need to. Whether it’s a Jack Johnson tune, a track by Tyler, the Creator, or a song from The Backseat Lovers, each one effectively captures and conveys the same mood. While I may have to skip some songs in between to get this run, it’s not a painful process to do.
It might seem like a hassle to cram all your favorite songs into one playlist, maybe unintentionally creating a blend of conflicting vibes. But to me, dividing songs into mood-specific playlists feels even more complex. Some songs fit multiple moods, leading to confusion when shuffling through playlists. Plus, there’s the frustration of having to sift through different playlists just to find one specific song. With a single playlist, I can easily navigate from one song to the next without interruption. Sure, there might be some mood whiplash along the way, but it’s a small price to pay for the convenience of having all my favorite tunes in one place. In short, my approach is to keep it simple: one playlist for all occasions. But if you’re a strong advocate for the multiple playlists philosophy, I’d love to hear more about it.