Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Susanne (class of 2026) featuring some songs for studying.
Study Songs!
This playlist features some of my recent favorite songs for studying or doing homework. I find them super soothing so I hope you all find something you enjoy and want to add to your own playlists!
Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners – “Lake Missoula”
Lord Huron – “La Belle Fleur Sauvage”
Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Rocio (class of 2027) and features some fall vibes, Gilmore Girls style!
The Perfect Fall (Gilmore Girls Vibe) Playlist
The La’s – “There She Goes”
○ Genre: Jangle Pop, Britpop
○ Why: This is the ultimate Stars Hollow anthem. It’s upbeat, nostalgic, and perfectly captures that feeling of magical, small-town charm.
Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide”
○ Genre: Folk Rock, Soft Rock
○ Why: A classic for a reason. It’s pure, heartfelt emotion—perfect for a Rory-and-Lorelai moment or a reflective walk through falling leaves. Or it might even be a vibe you might catch on as you walk to class during our fall Richmond weather.
Carole King – “Where You Lead (I Will Follow)”
○ Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Pop
○ Why: Well, it’s the theme song! No Gilmore playlist is complete without it.
Simon & Garfunkel – “The Only Living Boy In New York”
○ Genre: Folk Rock
○ Why: That melancholic, autumnal harmony is pure East Coast fall. It sounds like a rainy day in Hartford or a thoughtful moment on the Richmond campus.
The Bangles – “Eternal Flame”
○ Genre: Pop Rock, Power Ballad
○ Why: For the Lane Kim vibe. This is a perfect 80s power ballad that would have her and her bandmates air-drumming in Mrs. Kim’s garage.
Patti Smith – “Because the Night”
○ Genre: Punk Rock, Rock
○ Why: A little edge for Lorelai’s rebellious side. It’s passionate, powerful, and perfect for a late-night drive in her Jeep with the top down.
Sam Phillips – “Reflecting Light”
○ Genre: Baroque pop, Folk
○ Why: This is the song that played during Liz and TJ’s wedding and the iconic Luke-and-Lorelai dance. It’s soft, magical, and utterly Stars Hollow.
The Pogues (ft. Kirsty MacColl) – “Fairytale of New York”
○ Genre: Celtic Punk, Folk Punk
○ Why: While a Christmas song, its folk-punk energy and bittersweet feel are so Gilmore. It makes you think of a festive fall festival in the town square.
Joni Mitchell – “River”
○ Genre: Folk, Singer-Songwriter
○ Why: Melancholy and beautiful, this song is for those introspective fall day It’s the soundtrack to Rory studying at her window with a cup of coffee.
The Beatles – “Here Comes The Sun”
○ Genre: Folk Rock, Pop
○ Why: A hopeful, cozy tune for a sunny autumn morning. It’s the musical equivalent of the first cup of coffee at Luke’s.
Norah Jones – “Come Away With Me”
○ Genre: Jazz Pop, Soft Jazz
○ Why: Smooth, cozy, and intimate. This song feels like a warm blanket and perfectly fits the show’s softer, more romantic moments.
The Shins – “New Slang”
○ Genre: Indie Pop, Indie Folk
○ Why: An early-2000s indie gem that would definitely be on Rory’s college playlist. It’s a little quirky, poetic, and perfect for a new season.
Billy Joel – “Vienna”
○ Genre: Piano Rock, Soft Rock
○ Why: A wise, piano-driven ballad that feels like advice from a wiser character (maybe even Richard Gilmore). It’s about slowing down, which is a perfect fall message.
Alexi Murdoch – “Orange Sky”
○ Genre: Indie Folk, Acoustic
○ Why: This song is the sound of peaceful contentment. It’s acoustic, warm and feels like the credits rolling on a perfect autumn day in Stars Hollow.
Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Amy (class of 2025) and features songs to play this Spring.
Spring Equinox
Spring cannot come soon enough, and I’m so excited to celebrate the warmer days, blooming flowers, and sunny afternoons. Here are a few songs I think are the best to play to welcome in Spring.
John Denver – “Season Suite: Spring”
Simon & Garfunkel – “Keep the Customer Satisfied”
Paul Simon – “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”
Rising Appalachia – “The Bones”
Gerry Rafferty – “Right Down the Line”
Talking Heads – “This Must Be the Place”
Simon & Garfunkel – “April Come She Will”
Nick Drake – “One of These Things First”
Fleetwood Mac – “Never Going Back Again”
The Crystals – “Then He Kissed Me”
Lake Street Drive – “Rich Girl”
Jalen Ngonda – “If You Don’t Want My Love”
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – “Our House”
Joni Mitchell – “Both Sides Now”
Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSwAwMtTLDwjC-sBH-eLuCC8sebunuhBM&si=-4ZvDYCUdBRZlDac
And here it is on Spotify:
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Rocio (class of 2027). It features a multi-decade selection of songs.
Through the Decades: A Journey Through Time
This playlist spans across many different styles, from rock to soul, from grunge to pop, each representing the distinct culture of its time (1960s – 2020s).
1960s
The Beatles – “Here Comes the Sun”
Genre: Rock/Pop
A perfect track to represent the cultural shift of the ’60s, full of optimism and innovation.
Aretha Franklin – “Respect”
Genre: Soul/R&B
An iconic anthem for empowerment and the civil rights movement.
1970s
David Bowie – “Space Oddity”
Genre: Glam Rock
This track encapsulates the futuristic and experimental vibes of the ’70s.
Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide”
Genre: Folk Rock
A soft, introspective classic that showcases the band’s emotional depth.
1980s
Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
Genre: Pop/Funk
One of the defining tracks of the ’80s, with its infectious groove and pioneering production.
The Smiths – “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”
Genre: Indie Rock
A melancholic yet beautiful anthem from the ’80s alternative scene.
1990s
Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Genre: Grunge/Rock
A cultural shift to grunge, encapsulating the rebellious spirit of the ’90s.
Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)”
Genre: R&B/Hip-Hop
A blend of soulful R&B and sharp rap lyrics that defined ’90s hip-hop culture.
2000s
OutKast – “Hey Ya!”
Genre: Funk/Pop
A genre-defying hit that blends funk, pop, and dance.
Amy Winehouse – “Rehab”
Genre: Soul/Pop
A modern classic, blending jazz, soul, and pop with sharp lyrics.
2010s
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
Genre: Hip-Hop
An anthem for social change, it captures the political and cultural landscape of the 2010s.
Lorde – “Royals”
Genre: Indie Pop
This minimalist anthem became a defining song of the ’10s indie scene.
2020s
Taylor Swift – “All Too Well”
Genre: Pop/country
A track that redefined mainstream pop with its unique production and style.
Olivia Rodrigo – “drivers license”
Genre: Pop
One of the biggest songs of the 2020s, full of emotional vulnerability and teenage angst.
Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZezxvxmvyKbScOGaCAawroKq&si=6FIbD3s07_Bu9S3M
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Amy (class of 2025) and features some of her favorite seasonal music.
Autumn Equinox
One of my favorite ways to welcome a new season is by finding songs that capture the shift in the air. Autumn, my favorite season, always has me waiting with bated breath for the first official day of fall. Then, I can finally pull out my sweaters, enjoy hot coffee, and play songs like “‘Tis Autumn” by the Nat King Cole Trio. Here are a few others I think are perfect for when fall arrives:
Nat King Cole Trio – “‘Tis Autumn”
John Coltrane – “Autumn Serenade”
Simon & Garfunkel – “Leaves That Are Green”
Simon & Garfunkel – “Homeward Bound”
Simon & Garfunkel – “Scarborough Fair/Canticle”
Simon & Garfunkel – “The Dangling Conversation”
Fleetwood Mac – “Sisters of the Moon”
Fleet Foxes – “Blue Ridge Mountains”
Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong – “Autumn in New York”
Nat King Cole – “Autumn Leaves”
Sufjan Stevens – “A Running Start”
Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSwAwMtTLDwj_d-bgFep2V3aSKwkRcEnR&si=AgiDENEkCUUmFKm-
And here it is on Spotify:
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Eliana (class of 2024) and features some tunes for upcoming graduation festivities.
Graduation
Graduation is here, along with the bittersweet emotions that come with it. Whether you’re thrilled, inconsolable or indifferent, here’s a playlist to remind you how far you’ve come and how much there is to look forward to.
Green Day – “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)”
Keane – “Somewhere Only We Know”
The Head and the Heart – “Rivers and Roads”
Hannah Montana – “I’ll Always Remember You”
ABBA – “Slipping Through My Fingers”
Taylor Swift – “You’re On Your Own, Kid”
Phoebe Bridgers – “Scott Street”
Noah Kahan – “You’re Gonna Go Far”
Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZexfNkMoIV2Ip91qkDJqyCij&si=R3y9TrYYMFbPthZW
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Marissa (class of 2025) and features a collection of oldies.
Oldies But Goodies
Looking for some 60s/70s/80s/90s tunes to jam out to with your parents? Or, do you want to explore a different era of music on your own? I’ve gathered together my top picks for an “Oldies but Goodies” vibe.
Elton John – “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”
Billy Joel – “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)”
Fugees – “Killing Me Softly With His Song”
The Monkees – “Daydream Believer”
Edison Lighthouse – “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)”
King Harvest – “Dancing in the Moonlight”
Glen Campbell – “Southern Nights”
Maxine Nightingale – “Right Back Where We Started From”
Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEPpzeK8v3s09B3ivoIti76W67R2c2j9B&si=IjPb6SdYLo5ICFBT
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Kiran (class of 2024) featuring songs from her freshman year at UR.
Time Capsule
Here are some of my favorite songs from freshman year of college, that I look back on now as a senior! Inspired by our proclamation tradition of letter writing to our senior selves. Happy listening!
Arctic Monkeys – “Fluorescent Adolescent”
Declan McKenna – “Be An Astronaut”
Chuck Mangione – “Give It All You Got”
Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57Zex5GQDz1Ty_duNM-yTOL_Ej&si=9eaLBgg8CmZxlC__
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Danny (class of 2023) and features music that makes him feel good.
Free @ Last
The Killers – “Andy, You’re A Star”
Rex Orange County – “Keep It Up”
The Bad Suns – “Life Was Easier When I Only Cared About Me”
The Raspberries – “I Saw The Light”
Charlie Burg – “Chicago (Take It Or Leave It)”
Lauv – “All 4 Nothing (I’m So In Love)”
Tom Jones – “You Can’t Stop Love”
Harry Styles – “Late Night Talking”
Joshua Bassett – “Heaven Is You”
Ant Saunders – “Yellow Hearts”
JVKE – “This Is What Falling In Love Feels Like”
Clinton Kane – “I Guess I’m In Love”
Malia Civetz – “Champagne Clouds”
Dear Evan Hansen – “You Will Be Found”
The Script – “If You Could See Me Now”
Paul McCartney & Phoebe Bridgers – “Seize the Day”
Michael Bublé – “Feeling Good”
Ashe & FINNEAS – “Till Forever Falls Apart”
Fleetwood Mac – “Go Your Own Way”
The Partridge Family – “I Woke Up In Love This Morning”
Sleeping at Last – “Next To Me”
Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU94rco57ZeyG4_BWJ_3ZHXbBPtbBH8sG