Arts Playlist: Songs to Crank if You’re Nervous About Handling the Aux Cord

Some people are natural car DJs. They identify the mood and skillfully ignore complaints from the backseats. Others, myself included, know the feeling of calling shotgun and immediately regretting it when the aux cord is handed to them. They are the nervous aux cord holders. With this playlist, there’s no more need to turn around and ask, “What is everyone feeling?” anymore.

“Walking On A Dream” by Empire of the Sun

This song is appropriate for any occasion. Riding in an Uber on your way to make bad decisions? Windows down, sunny day, appreciating life? This song is your hype man, your sunshine, or anything you want it to be.

“Kids” by MGMT

This is a classic car tune to prove your DJ skills. Everyone knows the build up to this song. The recognizable melody and banging drums will get everyone in the car to sing along to the only part they know “buh duh duh duh dadadadahdahhhhh dah.”

“Higher Love” by Kygo, Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston is the woman to cure your aux cord anxiety. Everyone loves Whitney, and Kygo is a true artist. A slow muted beginning that crescendos into full vocals and a strong beat is a sure way to inspire flailing dance moves and stretched vocals trying to reach Whitney’s range.

“Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men

This song is great fun with other people, even if it’s just you and your Uber driver, because it has two singing parts. It’s inclusive and interactive — your friends can’t complain if they’re singing along!

“Liquid Spirit - Claptone Remix” by Gregory Porter, Claptone

I would have never thought that Gregory Porter’s voice could do anything other than lull me to sleep, but in this remix, his sweet honey vocals are paired with a delicious beat that makes you want to stay up all night rolling to this song.

“Quarter Past Midnight” by Bastille

A fairly new song from Bastille’s latest album “Doom Days,” this tune is perfect for an uber full of anxious night owls with lyrics like “It’s a quarter past midnight / And the speakers are blowing” and “we keep on running / Running through a red light / Like we’re trying to burn the night away.” Not everyone will be able to sing along, but who cares!

“Shotgun (The Wild Remix)” by George Ezra, The Wild

George Ezra’s “Shotgun” is a banger by itself, but this remix will guarantee some nods of approval and claustrophobic car dance moves when the beat drops.

“Alright” by Supergrass

This is a classic feel good, eyes closed, hand outside the window, sun on face, youthful song. No one really knows the words that our British friends Supergrass are saying, but all you need to know is “we are young” and “feel alright”.

“Riptide - FlicFlac Edit” by Vance Joy

There is a sure way to get groans from the passengers in a car: play overplayed songs. Riptide is definitely one of those songs, so I suggest you spice it up with a remix. This FlicFlac edit transforms this classic ukulele song into a work of art filled with drops, Vance Joy’s isolated vocals, and thumping beats.

—Staff writer Mariam A. Sousou can be reached at mariam.sousou@thecrimson.com.