Spotify switches it up with customized playlists

Tuning In -- Melanie Orent ’16 browses through Spotify’s Afternoon Acoustic playlist and listens to Jasmine Thompson’s acoustic version of “Thinking Out Loud,” originally sung by Ed Sheeran.

Tuning In — Melanie Orent ’16 browses through Spotify’s Afternoon Acoustic playlist and listens to Jasmine Thompson’s acoustic version of “Thinking Out Loud,” originally sung by Ed Sheeran.

Staples students whip out their headphones and study up, roll down their car windows and enjoy the best Spotify playlists. This popular music app offers a whole new experience for listeners with a “Browse” section featuring customized playlists inspired by specific moods, occasions and musical tastes and recommended specifically for you.

 

1) Afternoon Acoustic

This playlists epitomizes the perfect afternoon featuring the songs “Hero” by Family of the Year, “Blue Moon” by Beck and Colbie Caillat’s acoustic version of “Bubbly.”

Colleen Brockwell ’17, a fan of Afternoon Acoustic, raves about the relaxing experience it offers. “I listen to it when I get home from school or when I’m doing my homework since it is really chill and puts me in a good mood,” she said.

 

2) Indie Feel Good

Channing Smith ’17 loves exploring Spotify and exposing herself to new music. Indie Feel Good is her all-time favorite playlist because of its “happy” vibes and awesome bands, like Cage the Elephant and Bombay Bicycle Club.

Indie Feel Good seamlessly blends the electronic, quirkiness of Capital Cities, the folksiness of The Decemberists, and the catchiness of Modest Mouse classics.

 

3) Deep Focus

This playlist offers a transformative experience for students who want wind down and focus on their homework.

When Justin Cheng ’16 wants to get in the zone he listens to this playlist to achieve a “deeper focus” rather than what he refers to as a “superficial focus.”

 

4) Hanging Out and Relaxing

This playlist features passionate acoustic songs by Vance Joy and The Lumineers, as well as Sam Smith’s heartbreak song “I’m Not The Only One,” and the psychedelic Broken Bell’s song “The High Road.”

Michael van der Merwe ’16 often browses through Spotify playlists and finds new songs and bands. His recent discovery – Hanging Out and Relaxing – which features his favorite band Sublime.

“I like listening to [the playlist] when I do my homework. It’s pretty awesome,” he said.

The playlist also incorporates Bruno Mars’ feel good songs, Coldplay’s meditative vibes, and Lorde’s edgy tunes to create the perfect relaxing environment.

 

5) Create your own

Other students opt to create their own playlists, selecting the best songs and the perfect order.

Sophia Live ’17 created her own playlist packed full of her favorite tunes.

“I like how all the songs on my playlist have a similar relaxing tone,” she said. “I enjoy winding down to [my playlist] when I’m stressed or about to fall asleep.”