I'm asked all the time what tunes are the biggest bangers in the club, and that's a fair question—but for some reason, it's one that I have to answer while I hold the eye rolls back. Maybe that's because for most club music the answer changes constantly, especially since a majority of modern club music is disposable. A song's lifespan is so short that if you're not constantly updating your playlist, you might miss it altogether. 

So I thought it might be fun to put together a different kind of club music list. One that is a list of the guilty pleasure songs we sneak into sets that by all rights should bomb, but thanks to nostalgia and the element of surprise, can be the biggest songs of the night. Treat this as a conversation starter. There are plenty of these kinds of tunes out there that still get run, these are just a few that have been popping up for me lately.

1. Mariah Carey, "All I Want For Christmas Is You"

It is a crime to only be playing this in December, so I end up dropping this every other month of the year to even it out. Thats where the element of surprise comes in. Its the right tempo and has the right opening instruments to mix in with any of your current favorite Gucci Mane or Migos records, plus Mariah has just a slightly better singing voice than them (Nick Cannon, you can't tell me you don't miss the voice, bro). 

2. Buckwheat Boyz, "Peanut Butter Jelly Time"

Before Diplo & Skrillex ran this one through the festival spin cycle, "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" knew no bounds. When it's a struggle to break a crowd away from their preferred genre, this usually is jarring enough to open things up. (Get it? Jarring? 'Cause peanut butter and jelly both come in ja… never mind). "Ice Cream & Cake" was also an amazing follow-up record by the Buckwheat Boyz and deserves plenty of play.

3. Prince, "Purple Rain"

This one is kinda a no brainer. No matter what the venue, this song has been the one to stop everyone in their tracks and grow a soul. Ive actually not just closed but opened with this song and it does not lose its effectiveness. Bonus points if you're wearing head to toe satin when you play it.

4. Buena Vista Social Club, "Chan Chan"

One of those random tunes that I use as the low point in energy of a set to balance out the highs. The good news about this one is while it's mellow, you'll get all the security guards in the place on your side so in case a fight pops off later you'll have a Kevin Costner-esque bodyguard in your corner. Also, it gives all the suave dudes in the crowd the chance to sweep them ladies off their feet.

5. Lion King, "Circle of Life"

The game over reset button to any spot. Opening DJ burning you? Music director breathing down your neck? Live sax guy wont stop trying to get saxy over your set? Drop this and make 'em get their Simbas in the air. In addition, if you're having a rough night, you can curse out that awful lion, Scar, and use him as an excuse to get some ranting off your chest.

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