As promised, this month is all about party songs. Songs you may have forgotten, songs you may not have heard. All songs that will get the energy flowing and bring smiles to your face, simply because they are light and fun. Not only are these tracks great to play at a party but you might want to consider throwing them on your next mix CD and hitting the highway.
MONIQUE'S 2 CENTS:
Emanuel – “Kryptonite (I'm On It)”
Originally a song by The Purple Ribbon All-Stars, Emanuel finds a way to stay true to their style while paying much respect to the original. “Kryptonite” has a natural coast and very easygoing flow. However, the gritty beat brings a much-needed intensity, driving the song straight into the club. In typical rap fashion, it starts to get repetitive; nevertheless, the hook and chorus is fresh enough to keep the energy through the entire four and a half minutes. This is one of those songs that remains hot summer after summer, mainly because it’s an anthem, easy to learn, and catchy. Emanuel vamps all of these characteristics while somehow making “Kryptonite” more fun.
Line of choice: “I be on it all night, man I be on it all day, straight up pimp if you want me you can find me in the air”
What other way is there to party? –“Punk Goes Crunk”
Other notable tracks: “Put Yo Hood Up”&“California Love”
Danity Kane – “Damaged”
Catchy? Check. Powerful? Check. Sexy? Check. “Damaged” is a straight up club banger. It’ll be one of those songs that is on everyone’s playlist this spring/summer. Straight from the jump, Danity Kane brings passion and flavor. The stutter-style hook adds another element to the complex rhythm making this song a party hit. Once “Damaged” starts you can’t help but to get on your feet and break it down. The lyrics of song are far deeper than the tempo suggests. Simply the song is about a girl who had her heart broken, found someone new but still has that hurt inside. Almost anyone can relate to the hesitancy that is attempting another try at love. Instead of completely changing the beat and style at the bridge, DK went another route; they break down the lyrics and start to spell out the words creating a staccato accent to the intricate beat. Just turn the volume up, put the windows down and sing as loud as you can.
Line of choice: “Do, do you got a first aid kit handy? Do, do you know how to patch up a wound, tell me?”
Just as good as the first – “Welcome to the Dollhouse”
Other notable tracks: “Bad Girl”, “Ecstasy”, & “Striptease”
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – “Face Down”
Most people probably don’t consider “Face Down” a party song by any means. To those people I say, play this in the car with three like-minded friends, on a Friday night on your way out to some social gathering. There is something about the composition, which makes you want to shout the chorus from the top of your lungs. For this reason, I’ve included “Face Down” on the list. It’s an energetic blood pumping, head nodding, arm waving sing-along song. Isn’t partying all about letting go and having fun? The fact that the song still rouses people two years after its release and it has been on numerous samplers illustrates just how bangin’ this track is.
Line of choice: “A pebble in the water makes a ripple effect, every action in this world will bear a consequence”
Heavily underestimated album –“Don’t You Fake It”
Other notable tracks: “In Fate’s Hands”, “Justify”, “Waiting”, &“Atrophy”
Kanye West – “Stronger”
Kanye is a freaking genius; hands down one of the most creative artists today! He is always coming up with new ideas and methods and “Stronger” is no exception. Hello, he samples Daft Punk. Granted “Touch it” by Busta Rhymes also samples Daft Punk, but needless to say there are more factors than sampling a good band that make up Kanye’s greatness. Straightforwardly, “Stronger” is a hip-hop dance song. The combination of the simplistic bass beat and “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” makes the track very club friendly, no matter the genre. Once you actually get into the lyrics, you’ll find tons of great lines to drop in everyday conversation. I’m sure for months every weekend some guy would say, “You can be my black Kate Moss tonight” to a potential girl at the club. “Stronger” is the kind of song that when it comes on unexpectedly it has the power to turn your entire night around. After listening, your swagger is different and you feel a little more confident than before. On a side note, I’m beyond excited to see what Kanye comes up with his next record and on the “The Glow in the Dark” tour this summer.
Line of choice: “So go ahead, go nuts, go ape s**t”
Deserving of every Grammy Nomination – “Graduation”
Other notable tracks: “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”, “Drunk and Hot Girls”, “Champion”, “Good Life”, & “Good Morning”
Jordan Knight – “Give it to You”
This song was dirty, especially for 1999. Granted this song may not bring back memories for anyone under the age of 18, but the playfulness is enjoyable by anyone. The beginning would make you think the song would be corny and innocent. Next thing you know the beat creeps in, the sex turns up and it’s a completely new ballgame. Jordan sings very seductively just barely above a whisper but the electronic dance pop beat keeps the song from being overt. Despite the subject matter and lyrics, if you weren’t paying attention you could think it was just a common 90s pop song. There was something about the Top 40 songs played 90s, where they were all fun, danceable and overall good times. “Give it to You” is the epitome of just that and will bring smiles to almost any listener.
Line of choice: “Anyone can make you sweat, but I can keep you wet”
Throwback Album – “Jordan Knight”
Other notable pop tracks: Christina Aguilera – “Dirrty”, *Nsync – “Pop”, Nelly Furtado – “Promiscuous Girl”, & Monica – “The First Night”
Songs to revisit and keep the party going…
There has been 10 different Extended Play articles, some of which contain great songs that fit with this month’s theme. Be sure to dig through the Scene Trash archives and give the songs listed another spin this month. Older articles can be found online at SceneTrash.com.
The Starting Line – Island – June & January
Punchline – Caller 10 – June
Forever The Sickest Kids – Believe Me I’m Lying – July
Men, Women, & Children – Photosynthesis – July
Linkin Park – Bleed it Out – August
Yellowcard – Light Up the Sky – August
Armor for Sleep – Williamsburg – October
Family Force 5 – Earthquake – October
We The Kings – Check Yes Juliet – November
Just Surrender – If I Wanted to Cuddle I’d Buy a Teddy Bear – November
The Fold – Medicine – November
Farewell – First One on the Blog – December
M.I.A. – Boys – December
Britney Spears – Piece of me – December
Cobra Starship – Kiss My Sass – December
The Matches – Drive – January
Every Avenue – One More Song – February
The Pack – In My Car – February
Four Year Strong – Prepare To be Digitally Manipulated – February
Mest – Rooftops – February
Paramore – Misery Business – March