I firmly believe that there is one factor that is necessary for every woman in order to take the mundane "getting ready to go out" experience from just another part of your day to a borderline life-changing experience. And no, I'm not talking about Spanx (although those are often very helpful). What I am talking about will make you go from thinking, "Ugh, I'd rather sit on the couch and watch Real Housewives" to "I am Beyoncé, but even better" in no time at all. All you need is the absolute perfect song. And you'd better believe there's one for every occasion.
OK, so no tune is really going to transform you into a worldwide singing superstar or even actually change your appearance at all. But for a few minutes while listening to the perfect song, as you stand in the glow of carefully chosen, ultra-flattering lighting and take a selfie in your best hair/makeup/outfit — you are the queen of the universe. And let's be honest, that's really all that matters.
So here's the best songs to get ready to for every major going out occasion, because everyone deserves to feel like Beyoncé and/or queen of the universe (is there a difference?) every now and then.
1. Girl's Night Out
"Dancing On My Own" – Robyn
"Piece Of My Heart" – Janis Joplin
"Black Widow" – Iggy Azaela + Rita Ora
The classic night out for any girl. You are independent. You are sassy. You are sexy. You will only mention your ex three to five times. You are indestructible.
2. Post-Breakup Night Out
"Right As Rain" – Adele
"Best Thing I Never Had" – Beyoncé
"Shake It Out" – Florence + The Machine
What you need right now is the kind of song that will have you crying at the beginning, and OK, maybe a little in the middle, but by the end you are confident that you are ready to re-download Tinder. You have moved on. For a night anyway.
3. The I Hate That Guy So Much But I Really Hope I See Him Tonight And I Am Going To Look Amazing ... Night Out
"Don't Wanna Be Your Girl" – Wet
"Go Your Own Way" – Fleetwood Mac
"Bossy" – Kelis
This particular section is not inspired whatsoever by previous real events in my own life. Nope, definitely not. Anyway. Basically, what's important here is that you find the balance between "I don't need any man ever again" and "I am way hotter than every other person in this place" songs.
4. Casual, Happy Night Out
"I'm Goin' Down" – Bruce Springsteen
"Wildest Moments" – Jessie Ware
"Tighten Up" – The Black Keys
Sometimes you're just in a really good mood and want to go celebrate it. Other times, you need some songs that will put you in that really good mood. These three tunes do both.
5. Cool Night Out
"Wandering Star" – POLICA and Mike Noyce
"Warm Water" – Banks
" Line of Fire" – Junip
Are you too cool for everything in the entire world? Good. These songs will make you feel even cooler before you head out to your speakeasy or wherever it is that hip people drink these days.
6. Classic Night Out
"Electric Feel" – MGMT
"Paper Planes" – MIA
"Mo Money Mo Problems" – The Notorious B.I.G
For those of you out there who need a beginner's mix, here are some essentials.
7. Post-post-breakup Night Out
"I'm Not The Only One" – Sam Smith
"Survivor " – Destiny's Child
"I Will Survive" – Gloria Gaynor
You're finally not crying every day (nights are a different story), and you actually WANT to go out now because (insert name here) is a total jerk and you are, like, so much better off without them and you have so much to offer and are beautiful and fabulous. But sometimes you're still just a little pissed off.
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