21 Spotify Playlists (One for Every Mood!) That Are Actually Worth Listening To

updated Sep 20, 2022
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Credit: Sandra Rojo

If you’re a Spotify user, you know that one of the best things the service has to offer is a wealth of ready-made playlists across every genre, for every mood. The challenge, however, is finding the right ones for your taste — with so many options to choose from, it can take forever to find one that fits your taste. Whether you like country, rap, pop, or rock, these Spotify playlists have you covered. Bonus: Many of them are updated frequently, so you can keep discovering new music you love. 

From working out or focusing on work, to making dinner or throwing a dinner party, here are the best Spotify playlists for every occasion.

Credit: Getty Images/JLco - Julia Amaral

Best Spotify Playlists for Workouts

Whether walking up the incline of a treadmill in your living room, taking a jog through the park, or lifting weights at the gym, these playlists will pump you up for a great workout.

1. For Sweating Up a Storm: Cardio

You know that feeling when the perfect song comes on at the gym and you feel motivated to finish your workout? Multiply that by 50, and you get this playlist.

Artists included: Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Troye Sivan, Alesso 

2. For the Most Current Rap Hits: Rap Caviar

Rap Caviar is the most popular rap playlist on Spotify, and for good reason — it’s updated weekly, so it’s always got the newest music.

Artists included: Drake, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Wayne

3. For Feeling All Your Angst: Rock This

You might have not listened to many of these artists since you were a teen, but maybe it’s time to bring them back and rock out to some new additions, too. Sometimes some rock n’ roll is just what you need to sweat it out.

Artists included: The Rolling Stones, Paramore, Greta Van Fleet, The Killers

4. For Rocking Out to the Classics: ’80s Mix

Throw it back to your favorites from the ’80s with this playlist of all the top hits of the decade — perfect for rocking out while you work out, singing in the car, or knocking out chores.

Artists included: Cyndi Lauper, Queen, Iron Maiden, Madonna

Best Spotify Playlists for Getting Work Done

Need a soundtrack to keep you focused and motivated while working from home, studying, or getting back into the office? Here’s what to stream to keep you focused, relaxed, and motivated throughout the day.

5. For Starting Your Day Off Right: Morning Commute

To get your day going as you venture off to work, this playlist is full of upbeat music to start your morning.

Artists included: Lake Street Dive, H.E.R., Omar Apollo, Joy Oladokun

6. For Keeping Your Work Flow All Day: Deep Focus

If you’ve got a busy day ahead of you that requires serious productivity, this playlist has eight hours of atmospheric rock to help you focus.

Artists included: Lifou, Joy Parade, Joy Parade, Sun of They

7. For Channeling Your Go-To Chill Spot: Your Favorite Coffeehouse

This playlist has all the music you need to get the coffee shop experience at home — whether you’re working or relaxing.

Artists included: Hozier, Mitski, Leon Bridges, Sufjan Stevens

8. For a Perfect Pick-Me-Up: Mood Booster

Feeling in a slump after one too many Zoom meetings, or just a little down? These three-plus hours of feel-good top hits are sure to raise your spirits a little and maybe even get you dancing for a midday joybreak.

Artists included: Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Lizzo

9. For Chilling Out in Style: Lorem   

This popular mixed-genre playlist is curated to tap into the music Gen Z is listening to, regardless of style, from dreamy bedroom pop to funky alternative R&B. Put it on in the background while you wrap up work and get ready to ease into a relaxing evening.

Artists included: Remi Wolf, girl in red, Lola Young, WILLOW 

Best Spotify Playlists for Hanging Out at Home

A little background music just helps set the mood. Whether you’re cleaning up, having a date night in, making dinner, unwinding after work, or taking a walk around the block, here’s what to listen to.

10. For Singing in the Shower: Guilty Pleasures

You might not want to admit that you love these songs, but deep down you know you do — they’re too catchy not to.

Artists included: One Direction, ABBA, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber

11. For an Alternative Date Night: You & Me

Love songs don’t have to be pop hits and power ballads — sometimes, a little alternative rock is what you need to set the mood.

Artists included: Arctic Monkeys, Faye Webster, Mazzy Star, Vance Joy

12. For Putting a Little Pep in Your Step: Women of Jazz

This playlist is full of jazz hits both old and new, and it’s sure to keep you in good spirits.

Artists included: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Julie London

13. For Weekly R&B Updates: Are & Be

To stay on top of new releases and hits from your favorite R&B artists, follow Are & Be — it’s updated weekly, so it’s always fresh.

Artists included: Tinashe, Snoh Aalegra, Brent Faiyaz, SZA

14. For Relaxing with a Country Twist: Country Coffeehouse

If you prefer your time relaxing accompanied by a country twang, this playlist is sure to satisfy.

Artists included: Zach Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Sam Hunt

15. For Spending Quality Time Outside: The Picnic List

Whether you’re out for a calm walk or enjoying warm weather with friends, Picnic in the Park is the perfect soundtrack.

Artists included: Coldplay, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Frankie Valli

16. For Finding Your Unstoppable Self: Femme Fatale

Need a confidence boost? Channel your inner badass with these tracks from some of the coolest ladies in music.

Artists included: Lana Del Rey, TV Girl, Fiona Apple, The Marías

Best Spotify Playlists for a Party

Party planning is involved enough without worrying about what music the occasion calls for — from chill tunes for a dinner party to dance floor bangers for a house party, here are some playlists curated to set the mood.   

17. For Hosting a Fun Night In: Dinner with Friends

Throwing a dinner party and don’t know what to play to satisfy everyone’s tastes (without being a distraction)? This playlist has you covered.

Artists included: SZA, Norah Jones, Frank Ocean, Laufey

18. For Getting the Party Started: Get Turnt

Put on aux at the party and unsure what to play? Turn on this five-hour-long playlist packed with high-energy hits that are impossible not to dance to.  

Artists included: Offset, Jack Harlow, Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj

19. For Pre-Gaming the Big Game: Tailgate Party

From country hits to classic rock ballads, Tailgate Party is exactly what you need for a pre-game party or a summer cookout.

Artists included: The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Journey, Pat Benatar

20. For Embracing Your Love of Boy Bands: Ultimate Boybands

Because sometimes you just need to feed your boy band obsession — whether it’s a nostalgia thing, or you just appreciate great pop.

Artists included: NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, One Direction, BTS

21. For Tunes Everyone Can Enjoy: All Out 50s

It doesn’t matter how old you are — the feel-good classics from the ’50s never go out of style.

Artists included: Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, Fats Domino