For this assignment, I wanted to attempt to capture the range of emotions that come with being human from planet earth. I didn’t take the cultural approach since with just 10 tracks I felt it was bound to be unrepresentative in some capacity. Although the instrumental part of the music in these tracks speak for themselves, let’s just say in this reality aliens can understand language. My main reasoning behind this though was to focus on the overarching universal experience of human emotion regardless of place.

Track 1:Tezeta (Nostalgia) by Mulatu Astatke

I choose to start the mix off with an instrumental piece to reflect the first months of being human where you are without language. This track has a daydream-like quality which reminds me of childlike curiosity. The trumpet and piano lead your mind to wander while also being present in the moment. Overall, this track represents the feeling of peacefulness

Track 2: Fartin’ All Ova the World by MonoNeon

This song represents the feeling of silliness let’s be honest almost every person on the planet has had a laugh at a fart joke at some point in their life. Humour plus laughter is an emotion which I almost forgot to include, which is ironic because it’s so important to human survival! Mono‘s music does a fabulous job of getting you to take things less seriously with his wacky unpredictable melody and lyrics. Someone said the only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it, you either have to laugh or cry I prefer to laugh.  I couldn’t think of anyone better than Mono Neon to do the job and spice up outer space a bit!

Track 3: You Don’t know Me by Caetano Veloso

I choose this song to be third on the mix because it walks the line between disappointment and absurdity and doesn’t whiplash you into a purely happy or sad song after the goofiness of MonoNeon.  The tone in his voice and the building of the drums plus other instruments create a feeling that he’s completely at a loss to why something seemingly simple is so complex. It conveys a human craving to belong and the loneliness that can come with being misunderstood. This track also simultaneously represents feelings of impatience and frustration.

Track 4: Lilac Wine By Jeff Buckley

This is my designated sad song; it pierces me with its haunting lyrics and vulnerability. There was much debate on what to choose for the sad track, I almost went with it never entered my mind by Miles Davis, but I settled on this because I felt it does a better job at capturing loss. It feels like a tragedy just occurred which was impossible to prepare for.  The instruments convey a struggling shuffle of just continuing on when you don’t know what else to do.

Track 5:  Electric Blue by the Cranberries

This track represents transformation and creativity. I placed it in the middle of the mix because the song’s quality of rising inspiration follows the sadness of the last track in a natural overcoming way.  Electric Blue delivers feelings of independence and freedom as well as a human need to create and express your process.

Track 6: Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing by Stevie Wonder

This track is meant to make you dance and feel joy, throw your worries out the window, and feel gratitude and happiness for life. Stevie makes us feel this way with his bossa nova-like beat and positive comforting sentiments. The dynamic singing melody uplifts you with delight and ease.

Track 7: Funkier Than a mosquito’s Tweeter by Nina Simone

The anticipation that this song builds is so impressive, and it never fully blurts out when you expect it to eventually. This track although it isn’t metal or hard rock represents rage. Rage doesn’t always need to sound like yelling, in fact, the strongest anger is often quietly bubbling below the surface about to blow. Nina’s disses in her lyrics bring on feelings of strong resentment and hatred.

Track 8:  Jealous Sea by Meg Myers

I put this after Nina Simone because I thought a more explosive track was needed in this placement after Nina’s brewing quiet rage. Meg draws the suffocating seemingly uncontrollable feeling of jealousy out with her harsh voice. The electronic quality of the song also makes it feel more contained and inescapable. The drums also resemble that of a racing heartbeat caused by adrenaline. Themes of addiction and confusion are also present.

Track 9: Love is stronger than pride by Sade

I’m convinced this is one of the best love songs written. Although it is very simple in its progression and lyrics, it has a less is more mentality which makes it more impactful. The Instruments especially the flute guitar and background singing work to create an ambient tender tone. Altogether it conveys a difficult confession of love, choosing to love someone over your own pride, differences, and stubbornness is in many ways real love. Sade’s serene voice in this track was a no-brainer to represent love.

Track 10: Portrait of Tracy by Jaco Pastorius:

I still remember the first time I heard this song it brought me an immediate feeling of comfort, warmth and ultimately familiarity. like seeing an old friend’s face after many years. To me, this is comfort and safety in what’s known. the admiration that can come with knowing someone for a long time. Especially when the bass walks down it makes me think of two people growing old together. The reason I put this last on the mix is simply because it reminds me of an outro where you’d reminisce over all the times had.