As I’ve started cooking more and more over the years, I’ve discovered just how important it is to have a good soundtrack while you work (especially once the fun part is over and you still have to do all the dishes). In that time, I’ve developed a few theories about what makes a good playlist for cooking. First, the music should fundamentally be upbeat, because no one wants to cry when they’re cooking, excluding when cutting onions. Second, the music shouldn’t be too repetitive since, depending on the dish, you could be cooking for a while. All that said, here are some of my favorites from my cross-genre culinary playlist, and happy cooking!
“Baby No More” by Anjimile:
Let this song be your introduction to a severely underrated, very boppy queer artist of color.
“Electric Relaxation” by A Tribe Called Quest:
Very, very fun 90s hip hop.
“The Water” by Johnny Flynn, feat. Laura Marling:
This song is definitely calmer than a lot of the other ones I included, but I’m a sucker for folk harmonies. Best for kneading bread and feeling guided by your foremothers.
“Ghostride” by Crumb:
Part indie-pop, part psychedelic synth, this is really more of an atmosphere than a song.
“Desaparecido” by Manu Chao:
Latin alt-pop is the ultimate vibe for cooking, and Manu Chao is, at least in my opinion, the undisputed king.
“You Know I’m Down” by Frog:
A strange addition, but there’s something about the nasal voices and simple lyrics that unlocks some primal urge to make jumbo.
“Stronger Than Me” by Amy Winehouse:
If I’m being honest, I could have included anything by Amy Winehouse, but this song has a special place in my heart. Objectively speaking, the 2003 London live performance should be required listening for everyone older than three.
“Let’s Live For Today” by The Grass Roots:
A absolute 60s bop in a strangely threatening minor key, very fun for cooking alone and keeping all the lights on.
“Killing Me Softly With His Song” by the Fugees and Ms. Lauryn Hill:
Ms. Lauryn Hill will forever have my heart and, no shade to Roberta Flack, but this has to be the absolute best version of this song.
“Red Moon” by Big Thief:
A similar effect to “You Know I’m Down.” An enthusiastic fiddle solo, Adrienne Lenker yelling “That’s my grandma!” in the middle of the song, what more could you ask for?
