The energy-boosting playlist you need
**Here at M.T. Deco, we want you to not only thrive in business and life, but we want to help you find the tools that work for you to do that. Welcome to our eighth monthly playlist, curated by M.T. Deco’s in-house DJ, Lissie Jacobson, a one-woman music library.**
Happy almost-spring! When I approached this month’s playlist I wanted it to be an “every song slaps,” “all bangers, all the time,” total high-energy kind of vibe. While I’m always trying to explore new music, sometimes it’s fun to just throw on an oldie-but-goodie and see what Spotify comes up with for a “radio.” This last week on my commute I threw on Ghetto Superstar by Pras, ODB and Mya, reminiscent of my high school days and a single, rural venue where a bunch of teenagers could go to dance. What happened to me over the next 2 hours was magical. I’m talking head to toe goosebumps, songs I hadn’t heard in over a decade yet somehow still knew the words to, dancing in my car. I kept listening when I was back home in the kitchen making dinner. I went to bed that night exhausted, yet totally zen and happy with the late 90’s ride I had been on.
This month’s playlist is a mix of memories and music (the bond there is undeniable), and I wanted it to exude energy and joy. It has something for everyone. There’s a current song from the radio, abc by GAYLE (I encourage you to listen to the ‘angrier’ version with no kids around) and some classics – Queen, The Go-Go’s, John Mellencamp. I’m sharing why I love these songs and some memories below. I hope it brings you the energy you need to get through your commute, your day, or your run. Or put it on in the background at a party with friends and let it spark the occasional head nod or booty shake, and hopefully some great memories as well. Enjoy! 🎶
Hey Ya, Outkast
Shake it like a Polaroid picture
This is such a classic, happy song- it was my college roommates go-to karaoke song. I hope she still sings it.
Your Love, Outfield
I don’t want to lose your love tonight
Couldn’t even attempt to count the amount of times I’ve belted this out in my dorm room at FIT. Love this tune.
Can’t Hold Us, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton
This is the moment, tonight is the night/we’ll fight til it’s over
This one has so many shifts of energy, definitely a “blast loudly in the car” tune. Or in your headphones on the subway, however you get from point A to point B.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me), Whitney Houston
I need a man who’ll take a chance/On a love that burns hot enough to last
While visiting a friend on bed rest in the hospital, her husband called from a wedding belting out this song over the phone, I remember thinking that this song was meant for them at that moment. He really wanted to dance with her and HAD to tell her. It was an inspiring hope for love.
Wild Ones (fea. Sia), Flo Rida and Sia
I like crazy, foolish, stupid/Party going wild, fist pumping music
This was my favorite song to dance to around my 30th birthday. I have a vivid memory of a friend standing in a booth at the ‘club’ while this played at my party.
Hurts So Good, John Mellencamp
I ain't talkin' no high heels/Maybe we could walk around all day long
This a good heel kickin’ tune, reminds me of a large group of guys and girls singing loud in a college bar.
Abc (nicer), GAYLE
Everybody but your dog, you can all get lost
I repeat, go listen to the ‘angrier’ version of this song…you won’t regret it. So catchy!
My House, Flo Rida
Make yourself at my home, tell me where you been/ Pour yourself something cold, baby, cheers to this
I’ve loved this song since it came out, the inner Midwest hostess in me just wants everyone to be comfortable and happy in my home.
Summer of ‘69, Bryan Adams
Those were the best days of our lives
Classic opening guitar riff here, you know exactly what song it is without a single lyric.
Feel So Close, Calvin Harris
And there’s no stopping us right now/ I feel so close to you right now
While lyrically challenged to say the least, it’s a fun one and reflects what a lot of people are actually looking for- being in a bubble with someone you like and care about.
The Middle, Jimmy Eat World
Everything, everything will be just fine
Early college for me, and it just NEVER got old. There’s a lot of inner punks out there, this one’s for you.
No Diggity, Blackstreet, Dr. Dre, Queen Pen
Giving 'em eargasms with my mellow accent
You can’t NOT dance to this one, a head bob, an occasional snap- it’s got SO much energy.
Lights, Ellie Goulding
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
Another upbeat song talking about stage fright, and while lyrically sparse, she’s got such a great voice that resonates.
We Will Rock You, Queen
We will, we will rock you (Sing it!)
Everyone went through a Queen phase, right? Amazing intro, reminds me of so many sporting events and a lot of foot stomping.
We Got The Beat, The Go-Go’s
Jump back, get down/We got the beat/Round and round and round
This song came out before I was born, but definitely has some longevity. Good vocals and super catchy.
You Need To Calm Down, Taylor Swift
We all know now, we all got crowns/You need to calm down
While there are peppier/catchier T-Swift songs, I think we can all agree that a reminder that we all got crowns is necessary.
Hooked on a Feeling, Blue Swede
I’m high on believing/that you’re in love with me
Another iconic intro that I’m not sure would be popular today, but I’m glad it exists and makes a lot of people smile.
Good as Hell, Lizzo
Baby, how you feelin?/Feelin’ good as hell
The best breakup song ever! The one we didn’t know we needed, and we wish we had growing up. Lizzo came in hot and will be around for a while. New music from her dropping soon, can’t WAIT.
9 to 5, Dolly Parton
I swear sometimes that man is out to get me
We all know that feeling, don’t we? Dolly always speaks the truth and does so much good in the world. We definitely need more Dolly’s!
Born This Way, Lady Gaga
Rejoice and love yourself today/'Cause, baby, you were born this way
Of course I had to put some Gaga on here, so many good options, but we’re all about self love here, and this is plum full of it.
Blister in the Sun, Violent Femmes
Let me go on/Like I blister in the sun
Another sing-along song reminiscent of some early college house parties in Platteville, WI.
Halo, Beyoncé
The way that you protect your friends/Baby I respect you for that
Also, I could’ve picked a peppier Beyoncé song, but I just love this tune and I think it resonates with a lot of people.
Take On Me, a-ha
I’ll be coming for your love, okay?
Another solid classic jam, with one of the best videos EVER made, and a fun one to belt out- you know the high-pitched line. :)
Next To Me, Emeli Sandé
I know that there’s no need for me to panic/'Cause I’ll find him, I’ll find him next to me
This song has such a gorgeous rhythm and message for those of you out there looking for love, it’s a message to keep on going.
The Way You Make Me Feel, Michael Jackson
You're just a product of loveliness/I like the groove of your walk
This song reminds me of Center Stage- if you’re unfamiliar, it’s a super cheesy 90’s dance movie with a killer dance number at the end.
Dum Diddly, Black Eyed Peas
Don't hurt yourself, take it easy/There's no better time than right now
There’s a lot of great BEP jams out there, but this one seems to be one that people forgot about- so here’s your reminder!
Dynamite, Taio Cruz
We gon' light it up/Like it's dynamite
I feel like 2009- 2012ish were pretty great years for bangers like this one- we put our hands up in the air, a LOT…. AND they stayed there. ;)
Locked out of Heaven, Bruno Mars
But swimming in your water's something spiritual (Ooh)
His voice is so magical and he brings SO much fun energy to music, this is just a personal fave.
Don’t Stop the Music, Rihanna
I wanna take you away/Let's escape into the music, DJ, let it play
What some other songs on this list lack in lyrics, this makes up for it. Rihanna has that ability, and can make a whole club belt out a FULL song all the while dancing and having a great time.