Assignment 23 Ben Schaeffer

When I'm with my friends or exercising, I often will listen to rap: Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, and Kodak are some of my favorite artists. I enjoy rap and find it stimulating. The beats make your heart pound and the lyrics are clever, but I seldom blast such music when sitting alone in my room reading a book or reflecting on my life. For such though provoking endeavors, I need music that is more soothing. I'll give a sample playlist for what I find soothing because my definition might be vastly different from the viewpoint of an adult. The first song on my playlist would be "Whiskey Lullaby" by Allison Krauss ft. Brad Paisley. This song, which I interpret as lost lovers drinking themselves to death is both deep and relaxing. Krauss and Paisley compliment each other perfectly, making for a great song that tells a story of lost love. Next, I would have "Down to the River to Pray," a song also sung by Allison Krauss. Her sugary, milk-honey voice puts a smile on my face in any song she sings, especially this one. Speaking of sugary voices, the next song would be "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette. This song is a little bit more upbeat, but is equally good nonetheless. Next, I'd add some Johnny Cash. His music compliments the songs in the playlist because not only is it relaxing, but also it usually tells a story of his love life. First, I'd put "Hurt." I, like the rest of America find this song somewhat depressing, but his old-timey voice really rings through in the song. I'd also put "Folsom Prison Views" for similar reasons. Finally, I'd wrap up the playlist with another old-timey voice and put "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan. This would bring the playlist full circle and above all, it'd make me one happy camper.