The ultimate playlist for the road

KARACHI:

Few things in life are as downright repulsive as crawling through traffic after a long day. The motorcycles weave through lines of cars like it’s a video game and there you are—sandwiched between a Corolla and a rickshaw. But not all is lost. Cue up this carefully crafted playlist—because if anything can make rush hour traffic somewhat tolerable, it’s the right soundtrack.

Getting into it

You’re just getting settled in for the long haul. Start with Iraaday by Rovalio and Abdul Hannan. It’s smooth, like the idea of a nice, empty road. Next up, Sukoon by Hassan & Roshaan and Shae Gill. The title says it all. It’s like a cup of chai in music form—calming but not enough to make you fall asleep at the wheel (you need to stay alert for those rogue bikers). Then comes Traffic by Ali Mustafa and Indiedanish — a bit on the nose, but it’s an upbeat reminder that the traffic might suck, but hey, you’ve got good music.

Turning it up a notch

You’ve made it through the early stages. Now it’s time to turn up the volume and inject some energy into this mess. Few songs can get your blood pumping like Groove Mera by Naseebo Lal, Amna Baig, and Young Stunners. This PSL anthem is the audio equivalent of an energy drink. PSL is long over, but this song has a special place in my Spotify.

Call me basic but Hasan Raheem’s Peechay Hut and Zaalima are like instant shots of adrenaline. Follow it up with Jadu by Turhan James and Hamza Akhund. It’s underrated and has that electronic vibe that makes you feel like you’re in a movie montage, except instead of running through a field to catch your true love, you’re avoiding potholes on Tariq Road.

Keep the energy up with Waaday by Miracle Mangal, Rovalio, and HASHAM. It’s catchy, and by now you’re probably convincing yourself that you actually like this whole traffic situation. After all, when else do you get to jam like this? You’re probably full-on dancing in your seat by now, drawing concerned looks from the neighbouring driver.

The rain edit

It’s important to note that to transition into this section of the playlist, rain isn’t a requirement, it’s merely a plus. You can rename it to “The heartbreak edit” if the inaccuracy bothers you.

Start with Melancholic followed by Jhol, both by Maanu. The mood shifts and suddenly you’re feeling a bit more reflective. The Ali Noor anthem, Teray Saath adds to this. There’s a longing in the song that matches the dread in your heart as you see the traffic still hasn’t moved an inch. Behkana by Ali Tariq and Harshdeep Kaur continues this cathartic journey as you screech lyrics at the top of your lungs. The rain can ruin your car, but it can’t ruin your vibe.

And of course, no rain playlist is complete without Atif Aslam. Anything by Atif, really, because his voice is basically the soundtrack to every romantic rain scene ever. So, whether you’re heartbroken, in love, or just really tired of this traffic, Atif’s got your back.

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