The Birthday Mixtape

The songs that made you

Throughout your life, you’ll likely listen to anywhere from 500,000 to a million songs. You’ll experience a wide range of tastes from classic hits to cheesy tunes and everything in between. Songs shape your life in ways big and small: heartbreaks, celebrations, the moments that quietly define you.

I believe that’s why we create playlists particularly mixtapes. They’re a form of self-expression, a way to untangle the constraints that hold us back or simply let loose.

Today’s my birthday, and I want to share my playlist with you. I picked 20 songs that capture who I am. Here’s the mixtape.

Otis Redding — “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” The beauty of this song is in the sound of the sea crashing waves and seagulls right at the start. Otis was inspired by The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and that opening makes you feel like you’re standing right there on the dock with him.

The Beatles — “Get Back” My go-to upbeat mood-booster. It’s the last song on Let It Be, and the last song The Beatles ever played live, at their rooftop concert. Something special about that.

Q-Tip’s “Gettin’ Up” is an underrated hip-hop gem, a classy love song. Everyone knows “Vivrant Thing” and “Breathe and Stop,” but this one deserves your ears too.

Phoenix — “1901” Was Paris better in 1901? Thomas Mars appears to believe so; the song essentially presents an alternate fantasy of the city. Trust me, once that chorus hits, you’re not getting away.

Fabiana Palladino — “Stay with Me Through the Night” Classic ‘80s pop and R&B with a modern indie twist, exploring loneliness. Fabiana is the daughter of legendary musician and producer Pino Palladino.

Bombay Bicycle Club — “Feel” Indie rock meets Bollywood meets electronic — the song samples the famous Bollywood track “Man Dole Mera Tan Dole.” Came out in 2013 and it’s still a banger.

Johnny Otis — “Willie and the Hand Jive” Some songs just get you into a groove. This 1958 rock ‘n’ roll dance hit is one of them.

Janet Jackson — “Alright” From Rhythm Nation 1814, a fun blend of R&B, new jack swing, and funk. Proof Janet could go toe-to-toe with her brother Michael’s musical genius.

Linkin Park — “Faint” Opens with Joe Hahn’s reversed sample from From Russia with Love. Then it’s two minutes and forty-two seconds of heavy guitars, fast drums, Mike Shinoda’s rapping, and Chester Bennington’s screams. Honestly, I need more.

Bob Marley — “Punky Reggae Party” A positive response to the Clash covering Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves” on their debut LP. Punk and reggae – what a party!

Haim — “If I Could Change Your Mind” This sister trio blends dance-rock and funk with a touch of disco. This song delves into heartbreak and regret, making it one of my most-played tracks of 2014.

Thin Lizzy — “The Boys Are Back in Town” Every time I hear this, I think of Toy Story. The guitar riffs and solo should come with a warning label: you’re going to have too much fun.

Genesis Owusu — “Tied Up!” From the Ghanaian-Australian rapper and singer, blending post-punk, funk, and hip-hop. Before dismissing Gen Z music, give this one a listen; it’s really good.

The Police — “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” Two things you need to know: I love this song, and I love the Ghost in the Machine album.

Coldplay — “Clocks” That piano intro alone tells you how great this song is. Chris Martin almost cancelled it thanks to Phil Harvey persuading the band to reconsider.

Blondie — “Maria” My pick for best underrated comeback song. It was Blondie’s first new release since 1982, and it helped bring them back onto the charts in 1999.

Lupe Fiasco — “Kick, Push” A hip-hop love song following two misfit skateboarders searching for a place to skate. You’ll also recognise it from the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtrack.

Salty Dogs — “See the Storm” For fans of ‘70s hard rock with a psychedelic edge, by way of the Zamrock genre.

a-ha — “Take on Me” What defined ‘80s music? Shoulder pads, MTV, synths, and this song, with its iconic live-action-meets-animation video. Honestly, this is part of what sparked my interest in art.

LCD Soundsystem — “Someone Great” Can you make a song about loss danceable? Writing about difficult subjects isn’t easy but James Murphy managed to do it and somehow we all connect with it. That’s the magic of songwriting.