- Put new songs on. This is tough because some songs are new but they are already played out. I try to find new music that is popular, but has not yet been overplayed.
- Old songs. A great mix has old songs that you love. I tend to always put an 80's or 90's song on every mix I make.
- Mix up the styles. A little hip hop, a dash of rock, a sprinkle of country, and then add in lots of pop and you have a good mix.
- I take at least one risk. There are songs out there that I know I like but I know my wife doesn't know yet. I put one of those songs on the CD hoping that she'll like it. Sometimes it's a swing and a miss, but other times it helps create a home run CD.
- Vary the pacing. Because most of my mixes are road trip CD's I put on more upbeat then slow songs. With that being said I believe it's crucial to include a good mid-tempo or slow song. When there is a slow song I try to pick it back up soon after.
- Vary the bands. I try to not have the same artist on a mix more than once. Every once in a while I will put two songs on by the same artist, but I try to avoid this.
- Know the type of music the person you are giving the CD to likes. I know Monica's type of music pretty well. I try to make CD's with her in mind.
- Listen to the CD before you give it. Sometimes I listen to a CD and it just doesn't flow right. I'll go back and remix things up whenever that happens.
And there you have it. I can't promise everyone will love every mix you make, but following these rules has worked pretty well for me.
