“Going out” is a term you hear during your time in college more than probably any other time in your life. Whether it’s at a local bar, the dark basement of a frat house or just your friend’s apartment, college weekends are supposed to be some of your best memories while away at school.
Something I’ve noticed, though, about “going out” culture, is that the music played at these soirees really sucks.
It’s rare that you hear a song by a woman who isn’t Cardi B while you’re trying to have a good time. So for all those current, amateur or aspiring DJ’s out there, this list is for you! Here are my top 10 songs (in no particular order) by women who you can and should play at social outings to spice things up.
10- “Disco T**s,” Tove Lo
There’s a chance you’ve heard of Tove Lo, but there’s a bigger chance that you only heard “Habits (Stay High)” a few years ago and had no idea who sang it, which is perfectly okay; but it’s time to change that! “Disco T**s,” off her latest project Blue Lips, is an unsung club anthem.
9- “Gucci Flip Flops,” Bhad Bhabie
Hold that thought. I get it, Bhad Bhabie is a joke… a meme, if you would. But have you listened to her music? I know I’m supposed to hate It, but I really don’t. I wholeheartedly believe this 15-year-old is more talented than Cardi B. Give up any preconceived notions and embrace Bhad Bhabie. I’m not kidding!
8- “Into You,” Ariana Grande
This is something I’m really passionate about, but I’m gonna try my hardest to stay on topic here. Ariana Grande isn’t a flop. In a rap-dominated industry, she does pretty well for a pop artist. But no song, probably in history, deserved better than “Into You.” Even if you hate pop music, or hate Ariana Grande, this song will get you hype. Or you’re lying to yourself. Don’t lie to yourself.
7- “Casanova,” Allie X
Allie X is a freaky character, but she excels at synth-pop. “Casanova” is one of those songs that you hear and think, “this was made with the sole purpose of being played in clubs.” But it’s NOT! Ever! Sure, a good portion of the population has never heard of Allie X and her music has made virtually no impact on the American industry. But who says that we can only play top 40 hits? I really can’t see anybody getting mad about this song.
6- “Girls Night Out,” Charli XCX
The other day, I witnessed a really scary exchange about how Charli XCX completely fell off the map after “Boom Clap.” No! She absolutely did not. In fact, she’s been behind-the-scenes influencing basically every pop artist currently active. Experimental pop is her genre, and “Girls Night Out” deserves to be played at least once at every outing.
5- “Heart to Break,” Kim Petras
Kim Petras’ discography currently consists of eight songs and a handful of features, and her approval rating (so far) from me is a solid one hundred percent. If released in 2008, I am confident that every single she has released so far would find itself in the top 10. Sadly, it’s not 2008, and Kim Petras remains virtually unheard of. The least you can do is play her to an audience. Any of her current songs work, though “Heart to Break” is probably your best option to illicit a positive reaction.
4- “I Did Something Bad,” Taylor Swift
I GET IT! You hate Taylor Swift. You don’t really know why, or when or how you decided to hate her, but you hate her. Somewhere between the childhood innocence of “You Belong With Me” and the vengeful rage of “Look What You Made Me Do,” she lost you. There’s a good chance your anger towards Taylor comes from her feud with Trump supporter Kanye West, who clearly has a good read on who is and is not a good person. All of that aside, if you truly hate Taylor Swift, odds are you have not heard “I Did Something Bad.” You’re missing out. If Kanye and Lil’ Pump are allowed to scream “You’re such a f****** ho” at every social event ever, then we deserve to hear Taylor confirm that “If a man talks shit,” she owes him nothing. It’s only fair.
3- “Kream,” Iggy Azalea
This is my second rap song on this list, so I hope it’s clear that I’m not completely rap-phobic. I just do not enjoy most male rappers and think that their presence in the nightlife scene is getting old. Iggy Azalea, who has had a rough career, dropped an absolute banger earlier this year with “Kream,” yet no one seemed to care. With a feature from Tyga, who I think people like right now, and lyrics that could have been sung by a man (powerful), there’s no reason to not vibe to it.
2- “Screwed,” Janelle Monáe
“This Is America” by Childish Gambino went no. 1 for a few weeks, so I know people are not scared to get down to a politically -charged song. If that’s the case, give “Screwed” by Janelle Monáe a try. The song, which comes off of Monáe’s Dirty Computer, not only has a deep meaning, but has the potential to go off at any party. Just let it!
1- “Boy Problems,” Carly Rae Jepsen
Like Charli XCX, Carly Rae Jepsen has been silently reinventing pop music since the release and major success of “Call Me Maybe.” E-mo-tion, which ushered in a wave of 80’s influenced music in the pop industry, is FULL of hits. My personal suggestion for a night out is “Boy Problems.” Straight guys, I understand if you don’t want to get down to a song called “Boy Problems,” so just go to the bathroom, or take a juul break while it’s playing. It’s not the end of the world.
