Nothing beats stepping outside with headphones on, pretending the moment you're in is an opening scene from a coming-of-age indie film. Whether you feel the confidence from the high-energy music of Doja Cat, the nostalgic dreaminess of Mac Miller, or the ultimate breakup ballads by SZA, music can turn lifelike. I mean, come on, who doesn't want to romanticize their life a little bit? This is how music makes me the main character of my story.
The Power of Nostalgic Playlists
There is something about the '90s and 2000s throwbacks that hit differently. The second “Electric Feel” by MGMT or “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake plays, I’m back into a time when low-rise jeans and side bangs ruled the world. But, I adore the classics—like Pink Floyd, The Strokes, Pixies—the kind of music that feels like rebellion and freedom all at once. Nostalgic playlists are the time machines of the heart: they make the most mundane of memories feel iconic.
Research indicates that nostalgic music can harness positive feelings and promote well-being by stimulating the brain's reward system. As the Memory & Emotion Journal shows, listening to songs tied to times from one's past can elicit strong memories and strengthen one's sense of identity. This explains why “Hey There Delilah” puts me in my childhood bedroom or why “Mr. Brightside” will always get the crowd going at a party.
Guilty Pleasure Songs? Never Heard of Them.
It was always, "Oh, that’s just a guilty pleasure" whenever I blasted ridiculously dramatized pop. And now, I ask myself, why should I feel guilty over something that makes me happy? If listening to “Kiwi” by Harry Styles on repeat gives me the serotonin I need to get through the day, then that's exactly what I'm going to be doing. From deep tracks by Tyler, the Creator or a full-on Glee cover song, life is better when embracing every bit of my music taste.
Psychologists believe the whole idea of "guilty pleasures" may have roots in the sociological discovery surrounding taste and status. But music is subjective, and research from the Journal of Positive Psychology makes it clear that enjoyable music, no matter how cheesy, decreases stress and increases dopamine. So, I'm no longer sorry if singing “Super Bass” in my car makes me incredibly happy.
Music as Therapy & Self-Care
Sad? Mac Miller. In love? Frank Ocean. Feeling like an absolute boss? Doja Cat. Music isn’t just entertainment; it's an emotional crutch. Some days, I'm sinking so deep in my existential crisis that I need to hear a Billie Eillish song just to feel validated. Other days, I'm telling myself that I just need a Drake anthem for my god complex to kick in. Just like my playlists, my mood shuffles from one side to another, and that's one reason why it's my favorite form of self-care.
Neuroscientists claim that music therapy works to regulate emotions and mitigate anxiety and depression. In a study in Frontiers in Psychology, researchers reported that any kind of physical engagement with music - whether listening, singing, or playing an instrument - can stimulate the limbic system, which is responsible for the handling of emotions and forming memories. Maybe that's why “20 Something” by SZA always feels like an emotional hug.
The Science Behind Playlists & Moods
There is a reason behind the desire for certain songs based on our moods; studies confirm musical links to dopamine, the happy chemical. As a result, some songs feel cozy and nostalgic, whereas others hype us up like they're our very own personal squad. It’s also why we look for comfort in sad songs; they can be used to process emotions rather than suppress them.
The University of Groningen put out a news article that tells us that music is not only able to reflect emotions but also to alter them. For example, one can listen to fast and up-tempo music to increase energy and motivation, which is good for workouts or productivity. On the other hand, slow and mellow music can easily lower cortisol levels, which helps relaxation and stress.
Creating My Own Life Soundtrack
I have playlists for literally every occasion: Main Character Energy, Dancing in My Room at 2 AM, Crying in the Shower—you name it. Making a personal soundtrack turns everyday life into a curated experience. Even running errands feels like a scene from an A24 film when I put on "Lover, You Should’ve Come Over" by Jeff Buckley.
Creating the perfect playlist is an art form. I mix genres, add some throwbacks, sneak in a few underrated gems, and make sure each song flows seamlessly into the next. Studies have even shown that people who personalize their playlists based on mood and intention experience greater emotional regulation. So, whether it’s a pump-up mix before an interview or a wind-down setlist for a cozy night in, the right songs can completely transform a moment.
Conclusion
Life is too short to walk around without a personal soundtrack. Music has the power to turn small moments into something cinematic, dramatic, or just straight-up fun. So, if you see me walking down the street with my XM4s on, just know I’m probably pretending I’m in a music video. And honestly? You should, too.
Now, excuse me while I go update my playlist.
