< by Brennan >

I am a creature of lists: To-Do, Top Hits, Best of, Greatest *insert subject*, 30 Abandoned Places That Look Truly Beautiful (seriously, go look at these; the history nerd in me exploded in amazement.)

But I think one of the best style of lists that is fading into obscurity is the sentimental playlist. One you put together for your significant other, a sibling, a friend that is moving away; we need more playlists that carry emotional weight!

I was cleaning out my old bedroom at home a couple weeks ago and stumbled upon all kinds of playlists: Valentine’s Day, birthday, Christmas, wedding, you name it. CDs (remember those?) that all told a story about a specific moment of time and the person associated with them. The songs form a sort of narrative, each one chosen specifically and with intention.

Lost in revelry, I couldn’t believe my good fortune that I still had these. Then, the Holy Grail: Four Years at Warwick High School (WHS), a personalized CD my oldest brother Cullen made for me when I graduated high school. Songs that haven’t been mainstream for 10+ years (or, for some, ever). I love the story this playlist tells.

1. Let’s Get It Started – Black Eyed Peas
2. Just Because – Jane’s Addiction
3. Hemorrhage (In My Hands) – Fuel
4. Mr. Brightside – Killers
5. Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
6. The Red – Chevelle
7. Somewhere Out There – Our Lady Peace
8. Still Waiting – Sum 41
9. Numb/Encore – Jay-Z and Linkin Park
10. Dragula – Rob Zombie
11. Just Like You – Three Days Grace
12. Vertigo – U2
13. Like a Stone – Audioslave
14. No One Knows – Queens of the Stone Age
15. It’s Been Awhile – Staind
16. Aerials – System of a Down
17. Someday – Nickelback
18. Interstate Love Song – Stone Temple Pilots
19. Everlong – Foo Fighters
20. Take a Picture – Filter

Now go make your own playlist that tells your story. Just make sure Black Eyed Peas make some sort of appearance.