Top 10 Songs For Getting Ready to Go Out

Yeah, it’s that New Jack Swing, and with the opening declaration, this song gets you off the couch ready to PAR-TAY. First of all, you can’t go wrong with a “Friday Night” reference, and Montell Jordan’s silky smooth vocals always get the masses all revved up and hot, especially with the brilliant call and response chorus. And while the heavy beat is notably sick, it’s gotta be the final breakdown that fully engages the timid into all out beast mode.

So, the opening riff of this DC classic just may remind you of the 80s hit “Edge of Seventeen”, and there's good reason for that. But let's forget about it, get our Stevie Nicks on, and just remember that “Bootylicious” IS a legit, millennial booty-bouncer, complete with some teasing opening vocals from Beyoncé and company. There’s a whole lot goin’ on here, from the lyrical style to the persistent guitar to the unforgettable line of “I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly.” This is the kind of pre-game song that has you wavin’ a finger in the air while your regular daytime face transforms into a GAMEFACE.

We love DMX, but yes, the man has a few issues. Even so, the dude can get a party JUMPIN’. And with “Party Up”, he doesn’t waste any time making his point clear, as he just hits you with the raw as only X can. It’s almost like a conversation is going on, but of course, it’s only X talking and us listening while bobbing our pretty little heads. Incidentally, he delivers all those classic DMX adlibs, capturing our very thoughts. In other words, DMX is the grandmaster of this party, and his vocals never fail to get you buckwild.

Perhaps you like to pre-game with a glass of wine in hand, getting the heart rate up with some slick beats. We’re right there with you, especially with Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” as the musical backdrop. Smooth. Funky. Oh, and Pharrell on the mic. Even if you’re one of those shy types, this track will have you shufflin’ around the pad, maybe break-dancing in a bit and showing off that 1-2 step. It’s a mid-tempo, modern classic, , and “Get Lucky” always gets people in the mood to freak the hell out.

Oh, you know our list wouldn’t be complete without a little Europop, and who better than Robyn? This is somewhat of an emo-dance track with all the references to creepin’ in the corner, but even so, it’s the jam that helps you mentally prepare before hitting up the club. Hey, it’s not a crime to dance by yourself, and the transcendental combination of beat and lyrics allows for a stress-free beginning to your night. If you’re the one that says “I just wanna DANCE!!!”, well this song is for you.

You’re pretty much guaranteed to have a good night when this track is on your playlist. Co-written and co-produced by French DJ David Guetta, “I Gotta Feeling” is a certified banger that never fails to start the night off right with its upbeat and carefree melody. Gather your closest friends, hit play, and be ready for the music to set the tone for any joyous occasion. Also, how many pop songs do you know feature the Jewish phrase “Mazel tov”?!

Blunt. Beautiful. In your face. Today, we know that Rihanna’s got a few things workin’ for her, and back when she first hit the scene, “Please Don’t Stop the Music” let everybody know what’s up. In essence, this song is the ideal joint for when you’re almost ready to split for the evening. Your hair's looking fine, your make up is game ready. And now you’re looking in the mirror and thinking “Damn, look at me” while Rihanna serves as the soundtrack to your moment of glory. It's already a good night.

If you’re planning to organize your squad and tear up the town, it only makes sense to have a pre-game anthem that’s modern and fresh – something young, wild and free – and this here is that kind of track. Featuring American electronic group Major Lazer, the French electro wizard that is DJ Snake and Danish singer MØ on vocals, “Lean On” has an expansive musical aesthetic with one helluva a catchy hook. This is your bob and weave track, complete with a little something extra to put an extra hop in your step. With all those older classics on your party playlist, you need some of that new school too.

Now here’s a song that doesn’t just get you pumped - it’s get you psyched. Like majorly psyched. Crazy psyched. In fact, you might even blast “Uptown Funk” at work on a Friday evening before you take off… You play it in your car on the way home, and “Uptown Funk” might be even more than just a track for those special occasions. Who knows, you might even just chill out in the tub and take in a little extra “Uptown Funk” as well. And why not? There’s no such thing as too much “Uptown Funk.”

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Good Vibrations” (1991)
Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch feat. Loleatta Holloway

“Just Dance” (2008)
Lady Gaga feat. Colby O’Donis

“Dance, Dance, Dance” (2008)
Lykki Li

“Paper Planes” (2008)
M.I.A.

“Dynamite” (2009)
Taio Cruz

You know you love it. And you know that you need it. You can never go wrong with some MJ before going out, and if you really want to get serious, like “I’m READY” serious, then you throw on this beautiful, late 70s disco anthem. This here is pre-Thriller MJ, people and you can feel it. You can feel that funk. This is “Uptown Funk” before there was “Uptown Funk”, and with the whole MJ thing going on – you know, the vocals, the ad libs, the scream – it’s a timeless pre-game anthem. From the 70s to Today and Beyond.

So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite pre-game song for goin’ out? For more intoxicating Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.