Looking for the perfect mix of music for your next party? If you’re sick of your usual playlist, check out Her Campus’s list of perfect party music, with mixes for getting ready, pre-gaming, and the actual party. Happy iTuning!
Getting Ready
Whether you’re rocking out alone in your room or throwing a dance party with friends in the bathroom, getting-ready music is essential to starting the night out in a good mood.
1. “Pretty Girl Rock” – Keri Hilson
The perfect song to kick off your getting-ready rituals, Keri will have you snapping your fingers to the beat in no time.
2. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”– Whitney Houston
It’s almost impossible not to sing into your curling iron with this classic, and pay tribute to Whitney.
3. “Dancing Queen” – Abba
What better way to warm up for all those cuties you’ll be dancing with later than to listen to “Dancing Queen”?
4.“I Love College” – Asher Roth
This favorite of college students everywhere is perfect background music while you chat with your girlfriends about what to wear.
5. “Single Ladies” – Byeonce
It’s hard not to imitate B’s famous dance while listening to this song—go ahead, we give you permission!
6.“International Love” – Pitbull and Chris Brown
This is the song that will get you pumped for the party, plus, how can you resist Pitbull?
7.“We Own the Night” – Selena Gomez and The Scene
You’ll love singing this song with your friends while you do your makeup.
8. “Only Prettier” – Miranda Lambert
A fun song to boost your confidence for the night!
9.“What Was I Thinkin'” – Dierks Bentley
Dierks reminds us all of how crazy fun nights begin.
10.“Drink In My Hand” – Eric Church
Ladies 21 and over, have you made yourself a drink yet? If not, let Mr. Eric Church remind you.
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Pre-Gaming
When your friends start arriving, you want to pump up the energy of the music but keep it chill enough that people will still be able to mingle. With these hits, you’ll be able to greet people and pour drinks while still maintaining a good background track.
1. “Last Friday Night” – Katy Perry
With her infectious lyrics, everyone arriving at your place can’t help but sing along to Katy.
2.“Man In the Mirror” – Michael Jackson
Throwing in a little Michael Jackson is always fun, and the best part is to see which of your friends can belt out his lyrics the best.
3. “Moment 4 Life” – Nicki Minaj feat. Drake
You can’t help but get into Nicki’s rap, and adding Drake to the mix makes it even more fun.
4. “Can’t Stop” – Red Hit Chili Peppers
This fast-paced song is a great way to up the energy!
5. “Say Aah” – Trey Songz
Your friends want to hear songs they know as they walk in, and this is perfect to get them ready for a fun night.
6. “Young, Wild & Free” – Wiz Khalifa
Who doesn’t love a good Snoop song?
7. “Work Out” – J. Cole
J. Cole’s twist on an old Paula Abdul song will have you turning up your stereo in no time.
8. “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” – Big & Rich
An oldie but a goodie, this is sure to get the crowd singing along.
9. “We Are Young” – Fun ft. Janelle A popular song right now; everyone loves a song about youth.
10. “HYFR” – Drake A great pump-up song for the whole party as you get into the rest of your night.
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Party Time
When your place is packed with people and the keg line has no end in sight, you want music that will keep your friends around and people in a great mood. Here are the high-energy tunes that will keep your party bumping.
1. “Empire State of Mind” – Jay-Z
This hit single from Jay-Z will have everyone singing the chorus with Alicia Keys, whether or not you’re partying in NYC.
2. “Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey
Ever since “Laguna Beach” made it famous to teenagers everywhere, people will be busting out the air guitar all over your house.
3.“Party Rock Anthem” – LMFAO The epitome of a great party song, and it will get people talking about the crazy music video!
4. “Dance (A*$)” – Big Sean
Big Sean’s getting more popular, and this is one of his most well-known tracks.
5. “All I Do Is Win” – DJ Khaled
The reigning champs of the beer pong table will eat this up.
6.“Bang This In the Club” – Girl Talk
Although not all party-goers may be familiar with this song, they’ll love the fast beats and energetic vibe.
7. “Red Solo Cup” – Toby Keith
College students and their love of Red Solo Cups is widely known, and Toby Keith hit the nail on the head with this one.
8. “Donald Trump” – Mac Miller
The boys will love this Mac Miller hit.
9. “Bouncing Off the Walls” – Sugarcult
Sometimes toward the end of the party the mood can go from great to dull, so before the party dies out hype people up with this Sugarcult classic.
10. “Get Buck In Here” – DJ Felli Fel
Before everyone heads their separate ways, Get Buck In Here is the perfect sendoff for a good night.