Music is a strange thing for me, I don’t seek it out and don’t stay updated as most people do. Occasionally, I hear something from a friend and I like the band/performer and look them up. So a lot of songs I listen to are pretty dated, but this playlist is still full of songs from all across my life that put me in the right mood. Find this playlist on Apple Music.

Sincerity is Scary – The 1975

This is the most current song on here and I have always liked the tone of their music. This song just fits my current mood on a lot of things. I can relate to the done-with-it-all attitude this song has. I had the chance to see them when they came to UC Berkeley a few years ago and have been a big fan of their music since.

Yesterday – Atmosphere

I’m in a big Atmosphere mood seeing as they’re coming to Chico Friday at the Senator Theater. The beat is simple and this song tells one of my favorite stories in rap, with an ending I didn’t see coming on my first listen. If you’re looking for simple, good rap music, look no further than Atmosphere.

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap – AC/DC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiqorGv5Qs0

Last year I got on a really big classic rock binge and AC/DC became one of my staples from then on. The opening is so killer, like most AC/DC openings, and keeps that level of intensity the whole way. This song can get me through days when I just don’t want to work out.

None Shall Pass – Aesop Rock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEBGCOCxLgA

No, not A$AP Rocky. I really like how Aesop Rock fuses complicated lyrics with dark beats. This song makes me feel like I’m in some sort of alternate dimension and I’m all for that at times when I want to escape.

Love Train – The O’Jays

The positive message in this song really gets me. I wish everyone around the world could get along, and this song shares that message. It’s catchy and some old school rhythm and blues is never a bad thing.

Keep Ya Head Up- Tupac Shakur

When I first discovered what my music tastes were, I instantly gravitated to the legendary Tupac Shakur. The combination of his lyrics dealing with intercity struggles and passionate voice were real eye-openers for me as a kid. He shaped my young mind on how to deal with struggles, respect women and keep my head up no matter how hard things can get.

Weightless – All Time Low

I was exclusively a hip-hop head until this song was forced into my ears by my life-long best friend. We were on a train heading to Wing Stop and we didn’t have money for tickets, but we rode the train anyways. Last year they came to Chico and when they played this song, teenage me freaked out. Here’s to the simplicity of life that high school provided.

N.Y. State of Mind – Nas

I feel that Nas doesn’t get the same recognition and respect that most of the hip-hop greats do. Illmatic could compete with any hip-hop album that has ever existed, maybe not win, but it would place higher than a lot of people give it credit for. Lyrically, this is one of the best rap songs ever assembled.

I Miss You – Blink-182

They are a staple of pop-punk and one of my favorite bands of all time. This is one of their most famous songs and for good reason. If you couldn’t tell by now, I have a thing for sad music. It’s just really soothing for me and helps me deal with hard times in my life.

Buller Proof Love – Pierce the Veil

I was in a pretty big skater phase at one point in my life. It probably won’t be everyone’s cup of tea… This is a song that encapsulates how I felt about love and loss at the time. I was pretty overdramatic, to say the least. This song still kicks ass though and I will probably listen to this for years to come.

Ricardo Tovar can be found @rtovargo on Apple Music and @rtovarg13 on Twitter.