As a girl who just recently entered her 20s, a state of significant reflection has captivated my mind. It is such a beautiful thing to sit back and notice how much I have grown as an individual and the journey that has guided me to where I am now. But to say the growth happened on its own is a huge understatement because I truly do not know how I would have become the woman I am today without my beautiful best friends who I am beyond thankful for. During this season of life, I want to emphasize the importance of prioritizing your own growth and falling in love with living your best life. I aspired to create the perfect girls night playlist in honor of the girls in my life that empower me to live in the moment.
Amelia – Pon De Replay, Rihanna
One of the most prominent singer songwriters of the 21st century, Rihanna, released her debut single, “Pon De Replay,” in April 2005. This reggae, contemporary R&B, dance-pop song truly kick-started her successful career. My younger sister, Amelia, immediately thought of “Pon De Replay” because it reminded Amelia of her carefree childhood during the early 2000s, which was such an iconic era of music. We made the most fun memories singing at the top of our lungs and dancing together during our many spontaneous car rides.
Emily (Me) – Hotel Room Service, Pitbull
American rapper and singer-songwriter, Pitbull released his feel-good party song “Hotel Room Service” in June of 2009. This alternative hip-pop, electronic, pop track immediately makes everyone listening want to hit the dance floor. Pitbull’s “Hotel Room Service” creates such a fun, lighthearted atmosphere to celebrate life, one moment at a time. Usually, I consider myself such an introverted individual, however when this song starts playing, it just makes me want to start singing and dancing with my girls.
Chelsea – The Spins, Mac Miller & Empire of the Sun
American rapper, singer-songwriter, and record producer, Mac Miller released one of his most popular songs, “The Spins,” in August of 2010, featuring Empire of the Sun. Mac Miller’s song encourages its listeners to take a break from all their worries and enjoy life’s beautiful moments with your favorite people. This anthem of “living in the present moment” has such a carefree and youthful vibe that just makes you want to have fun. Whenever “The Spins” starts playing, my girl Chelsea cannot help but reminisce about the memory of graduating high school with her boyfriend. They blasted this song with the windows down, yelling out the iconic line, “Oh, I just graduated high school!”
Avery – Where Them Girls At, David Guetta feat. Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida
French DJ and record producer, David Guetta released his dance/ electronic pop song, “Where Them Girls At,” in May of 2011, featuring rapper/ singer Nicki Minaj and rapper/ songwriter, Flo Rida. This song creates a thrilling atmosphere to meet new people, empowering everyone to have a fun, carefree time together. David Guetta’s energetic vibe takes my girl Avery back to fun memories with her high school friends as they always listened to it before cheering for football games. It became their go-to song for countless car rides to the beach or ice cream dates during the summertime.
Claire – Feel So Close, Calvin Harris
Scottish DJ, record producer, and singer songwriter, Calvin Harris, released his dance/ electronic song “Feel So Close,” in August of 2011. The uplifting, good vibes of this song remind my girl Claire of fun, exciting memories with her friends. It also allows her to reminisce about her childhood during the 2000s with its iconic upbeat chorus and smooth melody. Calvin Harris was definitely one of the most popular music artists through the early 2000s.
Amya – Young, Wild and Free, Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa feat. Bruno Mars
American rappers Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa released “Young, Wild and Free,” in October of 2011, featuring singer songwriter, Bruno Mars. This exceptionally popular pop-rap song “portrays the confidence that comes with youth and the feeling of seizing the control of one’s destiny.” My girl Amya loves Snoop Dogg and how his voice gives her serotonin every time she hears his music. The theme of this song is centered around youthfulness, liberation, and enjoying life without any worries.
Stephanie – How to Be a Heartbreaker, Marina and The Diamonds
Welsh singer songwriter, Marina and vocal quartet, The Diamonds released “How to Be a Heartbreaker” in September of 2012. This alternative/ indie pop track makes my girl Stephanie feel so girly, fun and happy. “How to Be a Heartbreaker” represents a community of strong, independent women that doesn’t need the presence of a silly boy, like miss Stephanie. She always listens to this song whenever she is getting ready to go out with her girlfriends.
Emily – All My Friends, Snakehips feat. Tinashe and Chance the Rapper
British electronic duo, Snakehips released “All My Friends” in October of 2016, featuring Chance the Rapper and American singer songwriter Tinashe. This dance/ electronic pop song is such a classic throwback but totally a goodie, as my girl Emily tells me. When Emily was in high school, she would always go on spontaneous car rides with her older sister, listening to “All My Friends” on repeat.
Claire – Digital Silence Peter McPoland
American singer songwriter and musician, Peter McPoland released his most popular song “Digital Silence,” on his debut album “Piggy,” in August of 2023. With its powerful, upbeat tempo, this alternative/ indie rock song signifies “an outcry against everything wrong in our current world.” It truly emphasizes how people are losing touch with their reality because of the hold modern technology unfortunately has on us. My childhood best friend Claire and I finally went to our first concert together last October in Chicago. The experience of seeing Peter McPoland in person was absolutely incredible and to do it with my best friend made it so much better. I will forever hold the memory of our first concert together and adventures in the city close to my heart as a reminder to enjoy life through each special moment.