JOY AS MUSIC
Instructions: Feel free to listen to this playlist as you read about why the songs make each person happy!
Track #1: "Prayer" by Ali Dineen
"It just gives me hope, which is something we could all use more of." - Angelie
Track #2: "Machinist" by Japanese Breakfast
"I've been trying to listen to more Asian-American artists and recently found this song. It is my go-to when I need a pick-me-up and is perfect for solo dancing. It makes me feel gloriously happy!" - Tasha
Track #3: "B.O." by ØZI feat. 9m88
"It was recommended by a friend and OZI is a Taiwanese American singer. Listening to Taiwanese and Taiwanese American artists always makes me feel proud and happy :). The song also just has great vibes." - Gabor
Track #4: "The Thrill" by Wiz Khalifa and Empire of the Sun
"This song reminds me of a summer day circa 2016. It has a really youthful carefree sound that reminds me of the possibilities of happiness that are always present. Also, Wiz Khalifa as an artist is always smile-invoking, even if in the most ironic way." - Thao
Track #5: "Love Story (Taylor's Version)" by Taylor Swift
"I have made some great friends and had crazy experiences due to Taylor Swift. Further, since I am queer, I spent high school trying to figure out why I feel different instead of dating. Taylor Swift's rerecording completely reflects queer temporality, the theory that queer people's romantic milestones are later in life than their straight counterparts." - Ann
Track #6: "Paradisin'" by Rina Sawayama
"Paradisin' makes me think of/feel being young and carefree and reckless out in the world in ways that really aren't possible right now." - Ella
Track #7: "Tweety" by Raveena
"Tweety (and most of Raveena's discography) makes me think of/feel the idea of being enveloped by warm weather and sun and the warm feeling of being a girl blushing over/crushing on another girl." - Ella
Track #8: "Blue Hour" by Tomorrow x Together
"Blue Hour is a song that brought me a lot of joy during a time when I was feeling burned out by school and the pandemic. The rest of the album really resonates with me as well, exploring themes of isolation and longing during the pandemic. TXT's music is the only thing that can make me smile on a bad day, and they have really helped me persist throughout the pandemic." - Grace
Track #9: "High Ground" by ODESZA feat. Naomi Wild
"I enjoy the song generally and I have a lot of really good memories associated with it." - Phoebe
Track #10: "Under The Moon" by 070 Shake
"The beat, that it's by a queer femme person of color, the memories attached to it and the people it reminds me of. Also because it not only brings me joy but is from an album that I listen to while experiencing a range of emotions – it's one of those reliable albums that I will never not want to listen to, so much so that it feels like it has a considerable presence in my life." - Clara
Track #11: "As I Am" by Justin Bieber feat. Khalid
"It's catchy and I like the meaning." - Desiree
Track #12: "TOKYO LUV" by FNCY
"It gives me summer night vibes in the city; I imagine myself wandering around Tokyo at midnight when I'm listening to this." - Karen
Track #13: "History Maker" by Dean Fujioka
"The anime it is from is one of few queer representations in mainstream media. The singer also sings the entire song in English even though it is his second language which is really cool. And the song just feels hopeful." - Spencer
Track #14: "Palette" by IU feat. G-DRAGON
"This song just always makes me feel better, regardless of what's happening in my life. I hope that when I am 25 I will have arrived at the mentality expressed in this song where I'm just happy with who I am and where I'm at." - Annie