Spotify, the Swedish audio sharing platform which launched in India on February 27, is famous for its user-created playlists.
The platform, which analyzes its user’s listening habits in order to recommend curated music, is a hub for creatively-named playlists made by users who genuinely put thought and effort into their digital mix tapes.
There are the usual suspects of playlist genres — love, study, breakup, party, work. But, these represent just the surface of what is possible with a playlist. There are countless playlists on Spotify whose sole purpose seems to be to appeal to a very specific demographic, mood, activity, and type of person.
Some are useful, some are funny, and some make us wonder about the psyche of the person who made the playlist (as well as that of those who listen to it).
Here are ten of Spotify’s most weirdly-fascinating playlists.
1. “Songs to do CPR to” by nyphospita (NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital)
Apparently “Sorry” by Justin Bieber can help save lives! That is if you perform CPR to its beat. The NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital compiled this playlist to help listeners perform hands-only CPR. It features 40 plus songs at 100 to 120 bpm — the right frequency to time chest compressions to. "Pick one to remember in case you ever need to save a life," the Spotify description states. Lady Gaga’s ‘Just Dance’, ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’ and Michael Jackson’s ‘Man In The Mirror’ are some of the other songs included in the playlist.
2. “Halloween Party Noises” by Wildlife
Do you wish to scare the living daylights out of someone? Your younger sibling, perhaps? This playlist contains an assortment of frightening noises, screams, and soundtracks for anyone who loves the thrill of getting frightened or frightening someone else. As the name suggests, it is perfect for Halloween parties.
3. “Short Stories” by Spotify
If you want to hear Benedict Cumberbatch read you a bedtime story, check this out! Cumberbatch narrates ‘Flat of Angels’, a four-part story about the aftermath of a house party, written by Simon Cleary for a series of albums titled Late Night Tales. The playlist also features works by authors like Rudyard Kipling, Louisa May Alcott, James Joyce, Daniel Defoe, and Katherine Mansfield.
4. “Public Transit Sounds” by Digiffects Sound Effects Library
It is exactly what it sounds like. These are sounds recorded at bus stops or during bus rides from various places around the world. One finds it hard to fathom the reason behind why this exists on Spotify. However, it is interesting to note that there is someone out there who found these sounds enthralling and decided to make a playlist out of it and publish it on Spotify.
5. “The Unique Wit and Wisdom of President George W. Bush”
Who is your favourite artist? The 43rd President of the United States of America, by any chance? Then you are fortunate. This playlist features a collection of his dialogues over time. Not sure if these are meant for his fans or those that oppose him, but on the bright side, you are certain to be entertained!
6. “Orgasm Sounds” by Heidi Heyn
Nothing better to make the situation awkward than accidently playing this out loud.
7. “crack for middle-aged pilates moms” by Danyaak
This one explains itself. While equating a playlist to crack cocaine is a somewhat-aggressive marketing strategy, the playlist’s collection of pop songs from the 1960s featuring bands like the Ronettes, the Beach Boys, and the Archies, is bound to be addictive for some.
8. “hot divorced 80s mom” by Ayla Simms
The playlist seems to be aimed at a very specific audience. If you happened to be a “hot divorced 80s mom”, then this is your jam. It features the likes of Kim Carnes, Cyndi Lauper, Naked Eyes, Cher and Billie Ocean.
9. “Broke College Student” by Danielle Gover
Are you a college student? If so, are you broke? No? Don’t worry, you will be soon. This playlist contains songs that fit the vibe of being broke. It features “Where’d All the Time Go?” by Mr. Dog, “We Are Fine” by Sharon Van Etten, “when the party’s over” by Billie Eilish, “Closer to Fine” by Indigo Girls and other songs.
10. “Disappointing Exam Results” by Jordy Shore
Poor exam results getting you down? “Disappointing Exam Results” might be for you. Exams just got over for many of the students out there. May you not need this playlist, hopefully. But if you do, or ever feel down because of a failed exam, then feel free to check this out. It features “Heartbreak” by Kris Cerro, “Waiting” by HAZRD, “I Love College” by Asher Roth, “Dreamers” by Marvin Divine and many other songs that will help lighten your mood.
