7 Tips for the Perfect Party Playlist

1. Don’t be a music snob – This one seems silly, but I can’t tell you the number of parties I’ve been to that play songs that the host likes, but just aren’t good party songs. Sure OK Computer was a masterpiece, and Led Zeppelin released a ton of great albums, but filling your playlist with your favourite songs, while ignoring others’ tastes is an easy way to create unwanted tension.

2. Know your audience – Since you are the one planning the party, make sure you have a vague idea of the music your friends like. If you’re inviting fans of country and all you’re playing is an endless stream of dubstep, you’re in for a bad time.

3. Mix it up – In fact, even if your friends are all ridiculously into dubstep, like fast food, too much of a good thing can make you sick. Sure dubstep is the perfect music for awkward guys who are too afraid to dance, but you can only hear so many wub wub’s until your guests are sick of it.

4. Pick songs that people will sing along to –There is a reason people put on songs like “Party Up” by DMX. There is always one drunk person at every party willing to scream “y’all gon’ make me lose my mind up in here, up in here” and that person my friends, is very useful to you. Never forget to invite that person.

5. Play up the nostalgia – Much like knowing your audience, too many great party songs get buried under new top 40 hits, and an easy way to get people moving is playing a great song they forgot about. “Hey Ya” by Outkast, “Ignition Remix” by R. Kelly and pretty much anything from the 90s are just some examples of party gems that help break the ice.

6. Go with what people love – Much like songs people will sing along to, this advice is fairly straightforward. People want to hear their “jam”, so it’s up to you to know what those songs are, and provide them.

7. Relax – The music of a party is important, but a lot of other stuff goes into people having a good time. Nobody likes the controlling host who won’t go with the flow. Try to relax and make the most of the night.