January is always the unexpected party-month: everyone is desperately escaping the gloomy weather and classic post-Christmas slump. Whether it’s a belated New Year’s bash, hyper-organised pres or just a mid-week solo dance party, get a quick fix from the eclectic playlists below. Half the stress of a party is choosing music - these playlists are designed to cover every base in terms of genre, or at least be a starting point for inspiring a vibe. Use them in order as a longer party playlist, or separately for some more targeted self-care-driven motivation or cool-down time when you need it.

The Pump Up

In the immortal words of Technotronic: pump up the jam. Inject a bit of energy to get you ready for a night out-out in the bitter Cambridge winter or just for some background ambiance at an upbeat house party. We’re covering pretty wide bases from some nostalgic 2019 top hits (looking at you Billie Eilish, Ariana and Lizzo) as well as some energetic and empowering retro.

bad guy, Billie Eilish

On A Roll, Ashley O

Juice, Lizzo

Think, Aretha Franklin

Gotta Get Up, Harry Nilsson

Ice Cream, MIKA

Wordy Rappinghood, Tom Tom Club

Spellbound, Siouxsie and the Banshees

Make Me Feel, Janelle Monáe

Formation, Beyoncé

thank u, next, Ariana Grande

Babooshka, Kate Bush

The Dance Break

This is really the playlist for your homemade basement dance dungeon. There’s some disco, some pop, a little bit of EDM and just a smidge of cheese and vogue. If there isn’t something in there to get everyone on their feet at some point, I don’t know what will.

No More Tears (Enough Is Enough), Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer

Like A Girl, Lizzo

Dinner Chat, Jauz, YOOKiE, josh pan

One Way Or Another, Blondie

Don’t You Want Me, The Human League

Le Freak, CHIC

Anna Wintour, Azealia Banks

Sniffles - The Bump Dub, B Ames

I Feel Love - 12” Version, Donna Summer

On The Regular, Shamir

Call Me, Blondie

Remedy, Little Boots

Any Which Way, The Scissor Sisters

Born Slippy (Nuxx), Underworld

Alors On Danse - Radio Edit, Stromae

Womanizer, Britney Spears

Twist of Fate, Olivia Newton-John

Sonic Boom, Hi Fashion

Danger! High Voltage, Electric Six

I’m So Excited, The Pointer Sisters

The Sombre Chill-down

The party’s winding down, and perhaps you’re willing your ever-so-welcome guests to shuffle off into the night so that you can collapse into bed. Polish the night off with a collection of tunes perfect for the gentle afterglow, or possibly even for a hangover-ridden morning after the night before.

You Don’t Own Me, Dusty Springfield

Morning After, Ariel Pink & Weyes Blood

Killer Shangri-Lah, Psychotic Beats & Pati Amor

Dead of Night, Orville Peck

Prom Queen, Catie Turner

Norman fucking Rockwell, Lana Del Rey

For the Damaged, Blonde Redhead

Memories, Bronski Beat

Coffee, Sylvan Esso

Haenim, Kim Jung Mi