2018 marks a year of highs and lows for music with several artists passing away and new artists blossoming. As another year of spectacular and not-so spectacular music comes to a close, we want to reminisce about some of the most popular party songs we heard at every get-together on campus this year. 2018 was the year of pop-rap combos and some unpredictable music collabs that none of us saw coming.
To wrap it all up, here are the top 10 party songs of 2018:
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1. “Look Alive” by BlocBoy JB and Drake
I don’t know about you, but I definitely didn’t see this collab coming… BlocBoy JB came out of nowhere with his big break happening after the release of “Shoot.” Originally from Memphis, BlocBoy JB started a dance craze in his town and kept the fire burning with another release, “Rover.” It wasn’t until after “Rover” that he caught Drake’s eye. As a result, “Look Alive” was released as a sequel to “Rover.” The difference? Drake!
2. “God’s Plan” by Drake
Drake made 2018 his year. One of his many 2018 hits, “God’s Plan” had its video shot in Miami where many music videos take place. The catch? Drake spent around a million dollars filming and donating money to different organizations around the city (Miami Senior High School, Sabor Tropical Super Market, Women’s homeless shelter, Lotus House Miami and Destiny James, University of Miami student). As a student at the University of Miami, I was casually walking across campus and stumbled upon Drake shooting his music video on our campus after generously donating $50,000 of scholarship money to one of my classmates. You can understand why “God’s Plan” was played at Miami parties for months to follow…
3. “Nice for What” by Drake
Yup, it’s another Drake track. He topped the charts again in 2018 with “Nice for What.” This song drew a lot of positive attention for its lyrics dedicated to praising women who work extremely hard each day. “Nice for What” discusses different situations faced by modern-day women. Strategically released in a year of social movements and female empowerment, “Nice for What” is a favorite for good reason.
4. “Stir Fry” by Migos
“Stir Fry” doesn’t have empowering lyrics like the previous songs but is still a classic party song of 2018. While dropping a number of fast food references backed by a drum-heavy upbeat track, Migos flaunt their wealthy status through the song. They collaborated with Pharrell Williams for “Stir Fry,” who gave their track an unusual pop beat to replace their typical trap-style music.
5. “Finesse (Remix)” by Bruno Mars and Cardi B
Once again, two mega-popular artists collab for an upbeat track with a great beat. It’s a recipe for 2018 party song success. Throughout the song, Bruno Mars talks about going out with his partner, dressed up and “drippin in finesse.” For Cardi B’s section, she takes it back to her past in the Bronx and talks about her history as a stripper and how she became famous. Although “Finesse” seems casual and playful, it has personal connections and hits the spot in 2018.
6. “One Kiss” by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa
What’s a party without a Calvin Harris beat? The king of deep house music, Calvin Harris created “One Kiss,” a love song about how one kiss can make you fall in love. Yes, it’s sappy, but it’s ideal for the party setting. Make sure to add this hit to your next party playlist.
7. “The Middle” by Zedd, Maren Morris, Grey
Imagine a chill kickback with some friends and beats. That’s the vibe of “The Middle” for you. Relaxed and easy-going while also having a strong dance beat, “The Middle” sends the message of resolving a conflict between two loved ones with the phrase “Oh baby, why don’t you just meet me in the middle.”
8. “I Like It” by Cardi B
![Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin - I Like It [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xTlNMmZKwpA/0.jpg)
Cardi B KILLED the music scene this year with her “I Like It” track featuring Spanish and English. Throughout the song, Cardi B sings about her favorite things like money, deals, “stunting,” “shining,” diamonds, Balenciagas, texts from exes and of course, proving people wrong. Talk about motivation to be successful! “I Like It” is a great hype up song for a pre-game and the party itself. I can’t even count the number of times I heard this song at a party this year.
9. “Taste” by Tyga and Offset
Another party song with a strong beat and rap, “Taste” is a collab between Tyga and Offset singing about girls and partying. A classic party song with a classic party message, “Taste” will absolutely get you in the mood to have a great night.
10. “Like I Do” by David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Brooks
Every party needs its deep house beat songs. “Like I Do” is another example of a top 2018 party hit with the dance club beat. But don’t stereotype this song as another EDM piece, “Like I Do” has funky elements that make it an absolute hit at every party.
What were your top 10 party songs of 2018?
What do you think of our top 10 picks? Comment your favorite party songs and artists below!