For everyone who was sorely disappointed by DJ Tommy P’s selections at the Homecoming Dance, we’ve compiled a list of iconic, well-known bangers for Winter Formal on Dec. 10 at Great America.
- “The Hills” and “House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls” by The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s music is so well known with his songs setting a great atmosphere in the room — a dance without him is almost criminal. The ability to blend upbeat, but dark and cinematic music grabs the listener’s attention instantly and as the first verse builds to the chorus, you are hooked.
- “Smokin Out The Window” by Silk Sonic
This song is perfect as the night winds down because of its immaculate vibe. The lyrics and the smooth musicality between Silk Sonic, Anderson Paak and Bruno Mars is both flawless and timeless. This will always outrank “Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper, the outdated 2000s release that always plays during every school dance.
- “Cruel Summer” and “Getaway Car” by Taylor Swift
We couldn’t believe that we didn’t get the chance to scream any Taylor Swift song at the top of our lungs during the Homecoming dance. Her songs are too iconic to not play at a school dance, especially now that her “Midnights” album was released on Oct. 20.
- “The Color Violet” by Tory Lanez
The slow track with the beats gives off a retro feel that makes it easy to dance to. The beat behind the vocals are rhythmically perfect and the tenor saxophone solo during the instrumental breaks is masterful.
- “Into You” by Ariana Grande
You can’t go wrong with any song by Ariana Grande — specifically “Into You.” Its underlying heartbeat and breezy falsetto that hits in the middle is extremely satisfying and gives off an unshakeable good feeling.
- “Disturbia” or “Kiss It Better” by Rihanna
Rihanna is a must-have for any dancing occasion. Her music is well known but not too overdone so that the first notes of her songs elicit groans from the mosh pit.
Some other artists to whom we would love to bust a move to include are Coldplay, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, Beyonce and Pitbull. Naturally, we can’t forget famous songs like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” by ABBA.
Along with these iconic artists, no playlist is complete without Kpop. “Very Nice” and “Oh My!” by Seventeen, “Panorama” by Iz*one and “Love Me or Leave Me” by Day6 are a few songs that would be absolute bops for the dance.
And we can’t forget Bollywood songs to spice things up: “Badtameez Dil,” “Gallan Goodiyan,” “Om Shanti Om” and “Sheila Ki Jawani” are more than welcome and would provide variety.
