Summer Series Part 5: Tommy's Weekly Playlist
By Thomas Rodriguez
These songs are all about the vibe of a party. Although we may not be able to see our friends or party until the coronavirus-related hiatus on social life has ended, these songs may just remind you of the fun times we’ve had and will have in the future. Who knows? Maybe we can have a party at home all by ourselves.
Check out parts one, two , three, and four of the series, too!
Mountain - Mississippi Queen
Few rock songs sound as debaucherous and lively as Mountain’s “Mississippi Queen.” While it is old and a bit corny in places, don’t let the age of this song fool you: it’s ready for a good time. Whether it’s the chunky guitar riffs, rhythmic cowbells, or wild vocal performance, this is the song to set the atmosphere ablaze. It’s all about a good time, something we all may be craving right about now.
Three 6 Mafia - Stay Fly
The South is home to some of the best party songs ever recorded, and Three 6 Mafia is one of the best groups from the South. While the group has loads of songs ready to get the bass booming, none can compare to this iconic single. The combination of 808s, vocal samples, and cinematic melodies turn this Southern banger as a grandiose explosion of clubbing, Cadillacs, and pimping. What keeps the song together, however, is its hook. The moment Juicy J’s voice enters your ears, you’ll feel as trill as you can be.
Becky G. & Bad Bunny - Mayores
While I may be biased towards reggaeton and Hispanic pop in general, I firmly believe that this song, regardless of its genre associations, can thrive as a banger anywhere. The track’s tropical beat is woozy, swaying back and forth like Miami palm trees while guitars sing like gulls on a pristine beach. While Bad Bunny’s verse here is solid and continues the flirtatious nature of the song, it’s Becky G.’s performance that wows. Her vocals work perfectly alongside the beat to make for a danceable, intimate song. After her chorus hits, you will never stop singing or swaying along.
Rihanna - Disturbia
While Rihanna may be more involved in the fashion world than the music realm at the moment, we have to acknowledge her catalog of hits. Almost any song of Rihanna’s is danceable and able to get the body moving, but the driving kicks and “bom-bom-be-bom-bom” ad-libs on “Disturbia” makes for a surefire pop hit. On the track, her vocals mix with autotune in a unique way, making her siren-calls all the more intriguing and Daft Punk-esque as she harmonizes on the chorus. With a beat as groove-heavy as this, an iconic verse-chorus lineup, and Rihanna’s charisma, “Disturbia” is a radio throwback worth your time.
The Weeknd - In Your Eyes
The Weeknd is famous for making songs that are about the vices and downfalls of partying... but, dammit, he makes a great case for dancing until you’re dead with this track. This ‘80s-synth pop throwback has a melody that is downright kaleidoscopic in its color; it’s sound provokes images of strobe lights in a crowded club. The drums on the track are crispy, and the epic saxophone solo makes it almost too majestic to be as danceable as it is. It’s a song that makes you want to grab a loved one and dance the night away as Abel Tesfaye’s voice captures you in a cage of beautiful harmonies.
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
You know this song. Your grandmother knows it; your pets know it; your baby cousins who don’t have the ability to speak know this song. “September” is one of the most iconic songs ever recorded for a reason: it screams happiness and joy. Maurice White’s vocals are iconic as he reminisces over good times while the horns and drums on the track land on that sweet spot of silky smooth and honey-sweet, and the guitar work is as funky as anything you’ll ever hear. I don’t even need to tell you why this is a great party song: no doubt, you’ve already experienced its positive effects on your psyche and body before.