Entertainment
15 Songs to Play When Getting Ready For a Much-Needed Night Out
On an ordinary weekday, you rush to get yourself out the door. At most, your routine involves throwing on whatever’s trendy (or, more realistically, free from pit stains and unpleasant scents) and giving your face a once over. But when it’s the freakin’ weekend and you’re about to have you some fun, you put a little more effort into your primping. And what would a little preparation be without a kick-ass getting ready playlist?
Some people will try to say that music is the least important part of getting ready. They will argue that picking the perfect outfit or transforming your makeup from day to night are higher priorities. Friends, I respectfully disagree. Although those two steps are crucial to getting yourself physically ready to face the world after 6 p.m., a getting ready playlist is essential for preparing yourself emotionally for a night off of the couch.
Think about it. The right set of songs prevents you from staying in for the upteenth weekend. It gives you a Beyoncé-level of confidence. It pumps you up for the night ahead and, if done properly, sets you up for an evening of success (whatever that may mean to you).
What’s that you say? You don’t have such a playlist? Fear not. Whether you’re applying makeup by yourself or pre-gaming (pre-wine-ing?) with a group of friends, these 15 songs make getting ready the best part of the night. (And to make your night easier, download the whole playlist at the bottom of the page.)
“Just Got Paid,” NSYNC
What better excuse for going out than that biweekly paycheck? One of NSYNC’s most meme-worthy songs, “Just Got Paid” pumps you up while reminding you that you are a provider. Not to mention it heavily encourages booty shakin’.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” Whitney Houston
As any good feminist knows, there’s nothing wrong with wanting someone who will love you despite your treacherous dance moves. No song expresses these needs like Whitney’s 1987 jam, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."
“Bang Dem Sticks,” Meghan Trainor
A song that combines sick beats and sexual innuendos? YASSS! Although it’s not as popular as “All About That Bass,” Trainor’s high-energy song is perfect for drummer-loving ladies.
“Come Get It Bae,” Pharrell
Who better to provide your playlist with a sexual jam than Pharrell? The speed of "Come Get It Bae" combined with Pharrell’s melodious voice are perfect for tasks that require a little more focus, like shaving your legs.
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” Cyndi Lauper
There’s nothing like putting on bright lipstick without this ‘80s anthem. A song that has stood the test of time, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” perfectly captures everything that’s actually fun about a night out with your best female friends.
"Freakum Dress," Beyoncé
Second guessing decision to go out? Queen Bey's "Freakum Dress" is there to remind that you need to put on a bold dress, bolder lip, and own the room.
“Wannabe,” Spice Girls
I’m not saying you and your friends won’t break out into a pre-choreographed Spice Girls routine a la One Tree Hill (although I’m not not saying it either). Even if you don’t, you can’t go wrong with "Wannabe," which is possibly the ultimate ‘90s girl power anthem (though the part about guys getting with your friends still weirds me out.)
“Get Your Freak On,” Missy Elliot
No one puts it down or pumps you up quite like Missy Elliot. Despite being a slightly slower jam, “Get Your Freak On” encourages all listeners to let loose, which is exactly what you need to do after spending too many Friday nights at home.
“Shake It Off,” Taylor Swift
If your energy starts to fade, you can count on T-Swift to bring it back to life. I mean, come on, “Shake It Off” is literally begging you to shake it off and show off your dorkiest dance moves.
“We Found Love,” Rihanna
Even the eternally single lady can’t help but smile when she hears Rihanna's “We Found Love.” Whether you’re searching for the one or already found him or her, this song puts you in a happy place for the night.
“Sexy Back,” Justin Timberlake
Before he became DILF of the Year, Justin Timberlake was set on making our loins quiver every time we heard his voice (and 90 percent of the time, he succeeded.) If “Sexy Back” doesn’t put a little extra strut in your step tonight, I don’t know what will.
“Beg For It,” Iggy Azaela
At one time or another, we’ve all vowed to have a hook up-free night. But that’s easier said than done, especially if you’ve been going through a dry spell. “Beg For It” will remind you that someone has to work for you attention and affection – and even then they may not get it.
“Get the Party Started,” P!nk
Who’s ready to pregame?! Whether you’re throwing back a little liquid courage or putting the final touches on your face, P!nk hypes you up before you head out the door with "Get the Party Started."
“Uptown Funk,” Bruno Mars
You’ll be ready to show up and show out once you listen to this pulsating tune. Not only does Mars's “Uptown Funk” put you in the mood to hit the town, but he reminds that you’re hot . . . hot damn!
“BO$$ (Boss),” Fifth Harmony
Let Fifth Harmony's “BO$$ (Boss)” give you one last confidence boost before you leave. With visions of Michelle Obama dancing through your head, you’ll be ready to take on whatever the evening has in store.
Image: 20th Century Fox; Wiffle Gif (15)
