In this mixtape, I compiled a list featuring over twenty tracks from the last seventy years, spanning the full spectrum of popular genres, with each song omitting an ominous feeling. I included a handful of well-known tunes, along with semi-obscure songs, so as to let you discover tracks which could soon become your favorites. Without further ado, enjoy!
“Smokestack Lightnin’” by Howlin’ Wolf: Fiercely sung lyrics meld together with eerie riffs to make this blues track a classic.
“For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield: Neil Young and co. combine to produce one of the top country-rock songs of all time.
“Light My Fire” by The Doors: The inclusion of The Doors, one of the premier psych-rock bands, seemed necessary for a playlist with an ominous theme.
“I Am The Walrus” by The Beatles: In one of the most underrated hits by the British band, psychedelic rock and lyrics which vaguely resemble rap work in tandem to create an out-of-this-world track.
“I Want to Take You Higher” by Sly & The Family Stone: Celebrate the recently deceased funk master, Sly Stone, who greatly influenced future superstar artists such as Prince, Outkast, and Childish Gambino, by listening to this genre-bending jam.
“Universal Mother” by Don Cherry: Out-of-this-world jazz, with funk and rock elements from an underrated artist.
“Ponta De Lança Africano” by Jorge Ben Jor: On what is, in my opinion, the grooviest track on this whole playlist, Jorge Ben Jor masterfully mixes elements of psych-rock, funk, and traditional Brazilian styles for an incredibly impressive tune.
“Serenade” by Steve Miller Band: An intergalactic groove about being lost in space, from an underappreciated group.
“Fan Club” by The Damned: Classic punk, with a fast-paced mixture of ominous riffs and witty lyrics.
“What’s My Name” by The Clash: A classic yet overlooked track, from a band whose influence can not be overstated.
“What I Am” by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians: Outstanding folk-rock from the eighties.
“Animal” by Pearl Jam: If you’re making the argument that Pearl Jam is the best grunge band ever, look no further than this track to back up your argument.
“Only In Dreams” by Weezer: In the closing track from a classic debut album, frontman Rivers Cuomo describes a love story which doesn’t seem meant to be.
“Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart” by Stone Temple Pilots: Rousing riffs from a band understated in its talent.
“Kibun” by Fishmans: This track is a unique example of funky Japanese psychedelic rock, with dub elements.
“All Mixed Up” by 311: If you’re a fan of laid-back groups like Sublime, you’re sure to enjoy this pleasant track from the mid-nineties.
“Summer Romance (Anti-Gravity Love Song)” by Incubus: Genres lose all meaning when they combine, such as in this groovy tune from an underrated band.
“Everything Has Its Point” by Rival Schools: Hard rock, with a reggae-like rhythm appearing at different times throughout the track.
“Fluorescein” by Abandoned Pools: I find most emo music to be super corny, to the point where I refuse to listen to it—however, this tune, which would be considered emo by most, blew me away when I first heard it.
“Young, Fresh, N’ New” by Kelis: Futuristic R&B, with stirring vocals from an artist ahead of her time, featuring immaculate production by the Neptunes.
“A Day With Andrew” by Stiffed: A rocking 2000s indie track, with vocals from Santi White, now known as Santigold.
“Stillness Is The Move” by Dirty Projectors: Amber Coffman showcases her incredible vocals, in this alt-rock track which incorporates elements of afrobeats.