2024 was . . . a year, wasn’t it? Still, we all had ways of getting through it: a good book, spending time with friends and loved ones, hobbies, and so on. Mix in the perfect playlist as a soundtrack for re-energizing, and you’ve got a recipe that will get you through the end-of-year blues. So, if you require some auditory invigoration, the Bookstr team has you covered.
All credits for the playlists go to the Spotify users who curated them — click through the links to give them some love!
1. “jazz bar in nyc”
I play jazz every morning from the moment I wake up. This playlist gets me moving and grooving.
Amber, Outreach
PLAYLIST BY SPOTIFY USER mishellephan
2. “Songs to feel hot”
I love to listen to the songs from this playlist when I’m reading a romance book or novel. I’m playing them in my headphones on a low volume while reading a certain novel or a love story. It makes the reading more engaging and realistic to imagine a scene in your head.
Helen, Graphic Design Intern
PLAYLIST BY SPOTIFY USER _olivvia_
3. “my life is a movie”
This playlist always has the best songs for taking a late-night drive or a walk in the park. It’s the perfect mix of sad and happy songs that everyone can relate to. While I normally know most of the songs on the playlist, it also shows me new songs that I love every once in a while. This playlist came along with me for all of my hot girl walks this year.
Ali, Social
PLAYLIST BY SPOTIFY
4. Damh the Bard
I love Damh’s music. It’s uplifting, positive, and full of energy. I played him for every power day on the Wheel of the Year EVERY year for the past five years of my becoming a folk witch. Perfect for people who are witchy or who just love a good folk tune!
Blaise, Marketing
5. “reading in bed at night with the sleep timer on”
Reading at night is one of my favorite things to do to wind down my day, and this playlist is the perfect ambiance to do so! As I try to read every night, I’ve gotten to listen to so many new artists, and really expand my music horizons while also reading!
Kayla, Graphic Design
PLAYLIST BY SPOTIFY USER delaneyph
6. “reading romance (no vocals)”
I have always had a hard time studying or reading with music in the background because it tends to distract me. However, I found this playlist, and it is the only one I have found where I can concentrate on my work or my book. I know the name is specific to romance books, but it has honestly worked for me for any type of book and any work I am trying to focus on. It definitely enhances my reading time!
Nickole, Social
PLAYLIST BY SPOTIFY USER Aemerald
7. “Monsters of Myth and Other Mothers I Have Known”
I make a playlist of female-empowerment songs for my friends every Galentine’s Day, and then just ride that energy the rest of the year when I need to. I’ve needed it a LOT in the last few months.
Cara, Outreach & Editorial
PLAYLIST BY SPOTIFY USER Cara
8. “Ms. Dreary”
I am a big fan of music and love to make playlists. I have a strange naming system, I will give a word to the mood of the playlist and add Mr. or Ms. before it. There’s no reason for it, but I have been doing it for about five years now and I don’t plan on stopping. This particular playlist, Ms. Dreary, is my master playlist with 990 songs. It’s primarily slow, sad songs. Some instrumental, some lyrics, some low-fi, some pop, some rap, some black metal, and everything else that fits the vibe. I’m not exaggerating when I say I listen to this playlist every night of my life because it is a wonderful way for me to calm down and reflect on my day.
Brandon Smith, Editorial
PLAYLIST BY SPOTIFY USER brandonthe38
These playlists got us through, and we hope they do the same for you. So put on those headphones, pop in those earbuds, or turn up the speakers, and let’s shake and shimmy it straight through and into the new year. Happy listening!
For more Bookstr Team articles, click here.
If you liked our team’s music recommendations, check out the book recs here.
