As Pride 2022 comes to a close, let’s not forget all of the essential bops that get us through the month! Whether you’re a disco queen, a soul sister, or a bubblegum pop star fanatic, the following playlist covers the best anthems for you to blast during Pride – and honestly, all year long.
- “Express Yourself,” Madonna: No explanation needed because Madonna.
- “I Am What I Am,” Gloria Gaynor: Originally performed on Broadway for the Jerry Herman musical “La Cage aux Folles,” “I Am What I Am” was then recorded by Gloria Gaynor, in what has become her one of her most recognized songs.
- The ENTIRE Lady Gaga catalogue: Obviously, this is a NECESSARY addition, and I couldn’t possibly choose a single song to represent Pride…. but if I had to choose…it would most definitely be her magnum opus, “Born This Way.” I have so much to say, so little time!
- “I’m Coming Out,” Dianna Ross: Need I say more? I think not.
- “Make Me Feel,” Janelle Monáe: The ultimate queer bop reminiscent of a Prince or Nile Rodgers track and sung by openly queer performer Janelle Monáe. Please listen!!
- “Vroom, Vroom,” Charli XCX: A gloriously chaotic track that — please be warned — will make anyone who listens go absolutely bezerk.
- “I Will Survive,” Gloria Gaynor: Aww look! Another Gloria Gaynor song made it to the list.
- “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough),” Donna Summer and Barbara Streisand: THE pop music EVENT of the century. Truly a “Her-storic” moment in time.
- “Rain on Me.” Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande: On. Me.
- “Vogue,” Madonna: “Don’t just stand there, let’s get to it. Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it.”
- “SAOKO,” Rosalía: “SAOKO PAPI SAOKO”
- “Dancing on my Own,” Robyn: Another no-explanation-needed addition to this list because it’s pop perfection.
- “Immaterial,” SOPHIE: Modern pop pioneer and trans icon, the late SOPHIE proved that she IS pop music and pioneered us into the underground world of the “hyper-pop” genre.
- “LGBT,” CupcakKe: “Get out my way when you see me, I’m rollin’ with the LGBT” and CupcakKe.
- “Toxic,” Britney Spears: And obviously her entire catalogue.
- “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” Shania Twain: Wanted to flag that the live duet version sung at Coachella 2022 with Harry Styles is what I am referring to.
- “Make Your Own Kind of Music,” Cass Elliot: Yasssss Momma Cass make that music, gorl!
- “Don’t Rain on my Parade,” Barbara Streisand: Another diva who is gracing this list for a second time.
- “Supermodel,” RuPaul: I have one thing to say: You betta WORK!
- “Stronger,” Britney Spears: IIIIII, IIIIIIII, STRONGER
And now, a list of honorable mentions:
- “You Need to Calm Down,” Taylor Swift: Please note that I am being forced by the office Swifties and if I don’t include her in this list something bad may happen.
- “Heart to Break,” Kim Petras: Another hit by trans icon miss thang. Listen to her other music — she’s kind of been behind-the-scenes in the world of pop music but has been consistently putting out excellent tracks.
- “212,” Azealia Banks: How could we not include our problematic queen in this list? Mixing house music with rap, Azealia is one of those rare talents that the gays just can’t get enough of.
- “Material Girl,” Saucy Santana: Little miss TikTok sensation giving us OPULENCE and trash on this instantly iconic track.
In conclusion, SLAY.
