Rob Gilligan - Assignment 23 - Playlist of emotion

Music is so diverse in its applications. Going to the gym? Loud, fast music. Sad? Melodic, slow thoughtful songs. Going through a breakup? There’s plenty of tracks for that! But what do you listen to when you aren’t really feeling anything at all?  You know that midafternoon feeling where you just want to relax, but know you have things to do. Or a lazy weekend morning when it’s time to get started with the day, but you have nothing forcing you to get to work. It’s not being lazy, but it’s not boredom either. I guess it’s somewhere in between. So I’ve created a playlist to get those emotions flowing, and get you going.

First: Jocelyn Flores - XXXTENTACION 

This track has a pretty short runtime coming in at under two minutes. But it’s packed full of emotion. The soothing beat juxtaposed with quite depressing lyrics about a woman whom the artist loved that has taken her own life creates a stew of emotions in your stomach. This track simultaneously makes you calm, yet sad. No one could listen to this song and claim it didn’t impact their emotions. If you’re looking to feel something, this is a great place to start. 

Second: Good News - Mac Miller

This song, with context, is one of the most emotional I’ve ever heard. Few songs have created a physically emotional reaction within me, but this one managed to make my eyes water. Mac, usually known for his rapping, took an entirely different route with this album. This track in particular is a tour of his psyche as he deals with addiction and struggles to get help. With lines like “It ain’t that bad, it could always be worse,” and “I heard they don’t talk about me, that’s the problem with a closed door,” it makes it even harder to learn that he wrote this song in the depths of his addiction, likely only weeks or days before he passed from an overdose. Listening to someone struggle, and cry for help only when it’s too late is a hard thing to hear. The song is long, but once again forces you to feel.

Third: Long Time - Intro - Playboi Carti 

I know I’ve probably made you quite sad at this point, and I am sorry. However, that was the goal. Create strong emotions. This next song deals with those feelings of intense emotion. The titular line “ I ain’t felt like this in a long time” Carti may be saying that he has reached his peak, feeling great about himself, but I think it can just as easily be applied to sadness. The production on the track creates an emotional limbo, it’s not upbeat or downbeat. The song presents the listener with options: embrace the ambiance of the song, or ignore it. Once you embrace it you can accept those downtrodden emotions the previous songs have created, and prepare you for the rise to inspiration that hopefully follows. 

Fourth: The World Is Yours - Nas

One of the best songs from one of the greatest albums of all time, Nas takes the time to reassure listeners. As opposed to the previous songs, this one has a faster tempo. Nas makes it hard to not want to start moving as the infectious rhythm overtakes you. The lyrics speak about his daily life and don’t really follow a narrative or story. The words are laced with a message of action on the part of the listener. It’s time for them, and for you, to get started with what they need to do. 

Fifth: Alright - Kendrick Lamar

The standout track on the critically lauded To Pimp A Butterfly. We continue our journey into faster and more upbeat songs. Described by some as the song of the decade, Alright is a comforting, righteous track that promises “we gonna be alright.” Kendrick talks about cutting off those who take advantage of him. He’s taking advantage of his time to live, shaping his life in his own image. The purpose of this track is to display to the audience that nothing happens unless you take action. 

Sixth: DEVASTATED - Joey Bada$$

Contrary to the title, this is not a sad song. In a similar vein to the previous song, Joey urges the listener to take action. He claims he “used to be so devastated” thinking he would never make it. But now he’s “on [his] way to greatness.” He instructs you to remain patient and do what is asked of you. This track is another upbeat one as we climb that metaphorical ladder to happiness and energy.

Seventh: Motiv8 - J Cole

The reason this song is here is to… well, motivate you. In the case of the song Cole flexes his wealth and esteem, asking the listener to take this motivation to feel alive and reach for their goals. Many times throughout the song the beat fades out and back in in a crescendo that, true to the title, is motivational. Hopefully by now, you’re a bit more energized and ready to move.

Eighth: Icon - Jaden

I really like this song because of the production and Jaden’s flow. He’s clearly taken after his dad, Will Smith, and his ability to craft earworm songs. You don’t have to think during this song. It just provides energy for you. 

Ninth: Proud of U (feat. Young Thug) - EARTHGANG

We’ve reached our peak. Not as fast paced or energetic as the past few songs, this song is here to let you be proud of yourself. We’ve reached the apex of our journey, and hopefully you’ve taken the initiative to start on whatever you had to do.