"Playing background music helps make guests feel welcome, especially those who are first to arrive," says Ann David, co-owner of David Reinhard Events, a party-planning company in New York City. On this and the following pages are three playlists of CDs to suit the mood of your event, compiled by Chris Nashawaty, a senior writer for Entertainment Weekly magazine.

Playlist 1

For Cocktails and Conversation

Live by Erykah Badu (Universal, $13.98, www.amazon.com). Smooth, silky R & B from one of the finest female singers around.

Mezzanine by Massive Attack (Virgin, $13.99, www.amazon.com). Electronic chill-out music from London.

Me and Mr. Johnson by Eric Clapton (Reprise, $13.99, www.amazon.com). One of the greatest blues guitarists of the second half of the 20th century pays tribute to Robert Johnson, the greatest blues guitarist of the first half.

Beleza Tropical, various artists (Luaka Bop/Warner Bros., $11.98, www.amazon.com). A compilation of sunshiny Brazilian pop songs selected by Talking Heads frontman David Byrne.

True Love Waits: Christopher O'Riley Plays Radiohead (Odyssey, $11.98, www.amazon.com). Elegant solo piano pieces that may sound strangely familiar.

Playlist 2

For Sit-Down Dining

Feels Like Home by Norah Jones (Blue Note, $13.49, www.amazon.com). A guaranteed crowd-pleaser — musical comfort food.

North by Elvis Costello (Deutsche Grammaphon/Universal, $18.98, www.amazon.com). Lush orchestral jazz from a onetime punk-rock bad boy.

Our Man in Paris by Dexter Gordon (Blue Note, $11.98, www.amazon.com). If you like Miles Davis's jazz classic Kind of Blue, try this recording from a legend of the tenor sax.

Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook (Verve, $30.49, www.amazon.com). The ultimate in sophisticated dinner music.

Talkie Walkie by AIR (Astralwerks, $13.99, www.amazon.com). A cool collection of lilting electronic lullabies from France.

Playlist 3

To Get the Pary Started

Musicology by Prince (Sony, $13.99, www.amazon.com). An instant party classic on a par with Purple Rain and 1999.

Dancemania Vol. 1 by Tito Puente and His Orchestra (RCA, $11.98, www.amazon.com). In Puente's greatest album, he captures the caffeinated, mambocrazy sound of Cuba before la revolucion.

What's the 411? by Mary J. Blige (MCA/Uptown, $9.98, www.amazon.com). Dance beats and sultry slow jams from the queen of hiphop soul.

Old School Jams: The History Lesson, various artists (SPG, $15.98, www.amazon.com). The perfect 80s mix for when you don't have time to make your own: Chaka Khan, Kool & the Gang, and more.

James Brown 20 All Time Greatest Hits! (Polygram, $9.99, www.amazon.com). This is a party, right? Time to call in the hardest-working man in show business.