A quality pre is absolutely essential for a great night out at Queen’s. I cannot think of a night out that I did not pre for at least an hour before, and there have been many cases in which the pre was the best part of my night. The most important part of having a successful pre, other than the people, is the playlist. A playlist can make or break the pre, as it sets the mood for the rest of the night. A playlist of songs that no one really knows might be the most disastrous thing to happen at a pre (other than a don writing the entire room up if you live in residence), and a bomb playlist of the best throwbacks and current hits gets everyone fired up for the rest of the night. And with that, I present to you, the Official Top Ten Pre Songs of All Time:
1. “Ignition – Remix,” R. Kelly: This is hands down, the best pre song of all time. I can almost guarantee you that every single person at the pre will not only know this song, but cheer when it comes on and proceed to sing along for the entire song. It is not fast enough that you feel weird sitting around while listening to it, yet it is not slow enough that you cannot dance to it. 10/10, I recommend.
2. “Closer,” The Chainsmokers: “Closer” is the soundtrack to everyone’s first semester this year. I honestly cannot recall a moment in the first semester when “Closer” was not playing. Night out at Stages? “Closer.” Kegger? “Closer.” Working out? “Closer.” Hanging out with friends? “Closer.” One would think that we would be sick of this song already, but it is just so incredibly catchy that everyone still freaks out when it comes on. I honestly believe that Closer may or may not become the new national anthem in the near future.
3. “Jordan Belfort,” Wes Walker & Dyl: The second that the opening beat of this song, which can only be compared to the sound of a Windex bottle, comes on, the entire room almost always goes nuts.
4. “All Night” (Ft. Knox Fortune), Chance The Rapper: this song is literally about going out and drinking all night, how could it not be the perfect pre song?
5. “Hotel Room Service,” Pitbull: Let me be clear: I am passionate about Pitbull. I honestly considered making this list solely Pitbull songs, and then I realized that not everyone shares my refined musical tastes. Not only is it a solid banger, but everyone knows the line “HOTEL, MOTEL, HOLIDAY INN” and will scream it as loud as they can, creating a desirable rowdy atmosphere.
6. “It Wasn’t Me,” Shaggy & Ricardo Ducent: I do not care if no one knows what is actually going on for the majority of the song. This song is perfect for a pre because it allows people to hold conversations during the verses that no one understands, and then get back to singing along to the chorus.
7. “Roses,” The Chainsmokers & ROZES: Yet another Chainsmokers song that hasn’t faded away, “Roses” is similar to “Ignition – Remix” in that one can either dance or relax while listening to it, which accommodates to different people’s style of preeing.
8. “Roses,” OutKast: Pres love”Roses” apparently. Although “Roses” does not have the same popularity as OutKast’s most famous hit “Hey Ya!”, it has a steady beat and is easy to get people singing along to, making it a great pre song.
9. “Party in the U.S.A.,” Miley Cyrus: It is impossible to be in a bad mood when listening to this song, that is a fact. Party in the U.S.A. is a carefree and fun song, and it will bring those vibes to your pre through the speakers.
10. “Come on Eileen,” Dexys Midnight Runners: This song is such a classic, yet I still get goosebumps when I hear the opening notes. This is such a happy song that I can almost guarantee you that every person in the room will have a smile on their face while singing along to it. You do not even have to know the words to be able to sing along to it, literally just chant random sounds and it still works just fine.