How To Build A Playlist That Doesn't Suck

Somewhere between the death of the mixtape and the rise of the algorithm, we lost the fine art of crafting a truly great playlist.

We traded carefully selected vinyl grooves and iPod shuffle intimacy for a soulless stream of 'recommended' tracks, and now all we hear is a random concoction of noise blaring in the background at parties.

A playlist is so much more than just a collection of songs. It’s a narrative, a carefully constructed atmosphere, a subtle understanding of what you, as a listener, want. It’s what keeps you grooving on the dance floor—track after track. It makes you want to open up your Shazam and desperately wait to find out what the song is.

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The right song at the right time is magic. It’s what makes you scream “ooooohh, I love this song” or turns your road trips into a movie montage. But a bad song? Well, that’s an instant mood killer. Nothing ruins a party like an ill-timed ballad or a misplaced EDM drop.

The Golden Rules Of Playlist Curation

So, if you suck at making playlists, don’t worry, I got you. Here are some things that’ll help you make the perfect playlist for every occasion.

Identify The Purpose

Need to amp up the party? Or is the goal to have people hum the tunes quietly at a dinner party? Playlists should have intent—whether they’re made for a dinner party, a road trip, or a post-breakup sob session. Envision where the playlist will be listened to. If it's for a marathon run, you’ll want a gradual build-up; if it’s for winding down after work, a slow-burn groove works better. Music isn’t just background noise—it’s an experience enhancer.

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Know Your Audience, But Don’t Pander

Your playlist should feel personal, not like a generic Spotify mix designed for “chill vibes” or “good times.” If you’re curating for a dinner party, skip the Top 40 and throw in something unexpected—maybe a little Al Green, a tasteful touch of Tame Impala, or a deep-cut Marvin Gaye track that makes people nod in approval. The trick is to read the room, but don’t just play what’s obvious.

Set the Tone: Hook Listeners Immediately

There’s a scene in High Fidelity where John Cusack’s character, a music snob and all-around unlikable jerk, explains the “do’s and don’ts” of making a mixtape. The first song is crucial—it hooks the listener. The second song affirms the tone. From there, follow your instinct. Your opener should tease the vibe without peaking too soon. Think Anderson Paak’s “Come Down” or Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere.” Just smooth enough, just upbeat enough.

Flow Like a DJ, Not Like a Shuffle Button

A great playlist isn’t a chaotic mix of genres thrown together at random. It should feel effortless, like a well-paced movie with rising action and a perfect climax. Keep an eye on BPMs—suddenly shifting from Kendrick Lamar to Frank Sinatra can be jarring (unless you can somehow make it work). Tune into transitions and make sure the flow is smooth.

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Diversify but Harmonise

Blend different genres, eras, and artists, but ensure they complement each other. Your playlist should surprise but not disorient. The best curators know how to balance old-school with new-school and unexpected deep cuts with familiar anthems. A single unexpected track—say, a well-placed ABBA song in a hip-hop-heavy mix—can elevate the entire playlist.

Respect the Algorithm, But Don’t Be Its Puppet

Yes, streaming platforms are brilliant at curating music for you. But trust too much in the almighty algorithm, and you end up with a soulless mix devoid of personality. Instead, use AI-generated suggestions as a starting point—then add your own flair.

Refine and Refresh: A Playlist Is a Living Thing

Playlists should evolve over time, just like your music taste. Keep adding, subtracting, and following the beat wherever it leads. Regularly update your selections so the playlist stays fresh and relevant.

The Closer Is Everything

People will remember the last song that plays before they leave or before the party winds down. Do you end on a bang? Or do you fade out with a slow-burn classic like Frank Ocean’s “Pink + White”? Whatever you do, never let the playlist end in silence. That’s just awkward.

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Quick Tips: A Playlist for Every Occasion

Here’s a cheat sheet for different moods:

The "Date Night at Home" Playlist

You want a mix of sultry, smooth, and just the right amount of intimacy here. Think: Hozier, The Internet, Daniel Caesar, Sabrina Claudio, and a sprinkle of Sinatra for good measure. Maybe throw in some Alina Baraz if you really want to set the mood.

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The "Road Trip with the Boys" Playlist

High-energy anthems, a bit of nostalgia, and tracks you can scream-sing at 80 mph. Some classic rock, some hip-hop, some indie bangers. Think: The Strokes, Kanye West, Oasis, Springsteen, The Killers, Frank Ocean and a touch of Queen for those in-car concert moments.

The "Dinner Party for People with Taste" Playlist

Cool, effortless, and sophisticated. A blend of jazz, indie, and groove-heavy tracks that make people ask, “Who’s this?” Think: Miles Davis, Tom Misch, Leon Bridges, Bossa nova classics, and maybe a little Anderson.Paak for extra cool points. You can never go wrong with Louis Armstrong or Dean Martin.

And if all else fails? Just put on Rumours by Fleetwood Mac. There’s never been a bad moment for Fleetwood Mac.