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Date & Relate
by Sara Hodon

The Getting Ready for a Date Playlist

As most single gals know, we need some prep time before a big date. 

Besides all of the necessary hygiene and maintenance that needs to get done, part of the prep routine includes getting into the right frame of mind for the night ahead.  Everyone has their own pre-date ritual, but personally, music has always been an important part of mine. 

Music can help you feel confident, smokin’ hot, or simply ready for a good time.  Below is a list of my Top 10 picks for a “getting ready for a date” playlist:

Chaka Khan, “I’m Every Woman.” 
Chaka Khan helps to remind us that we are as incredible, awesome, and date-worthy as we think we are.  Plus the nice disco sound to the song makes it a natural choice for busting some moves as you pick out an outfit for the big night.

Prince, Purple Rain Soundtrack. 
I confess that I’m totally biased, but Prince is one of my all-time favorite artists.  Purple Rain is probably his best-known work, but in my opinion, not his best work; however, it would be hard to disagree that the songs from this soundtrack have become classics.  Sure, the album (remember vinyl?) came out 25 years ago, but these songs are timeless.  From the frantic opening notes of “Let’s Go Crazy” to the haunting guitar riffs that seem to go on forever in the closing title track, this is one disc that works every time. 

Madonna, The Immaculate Collection.  
Madonna’s hits from the early days of her career into the early 90’s include plenty of tunes perfect for doing some dancing in front of the mirror (you know you still do).  “Into the Groove”, “Holiday”, “Express Yourself”, and of course “Vogue”—admit it, it’s still fun to strike a pose.

Madonna, Confessions on a Dance Floor. 
Good old Madonna.  I admit, I’m not the hugest Madonna fan that ever lived, but I can appreciate a good beat and she delivers, especially with this CD (yes, I still buy CD’s—am I totally showing my age?)  She went the dance route on this release, and it worked.  Though “Hung Up” was probably the biggest single from this one, my personal favorite is “Jump”. 

Michael Franti and Spearhead, “Say Hey.” 
I think this is probably one of the catchiest songs of the summer.  It just makes me happy.  I hear it and it makes me think of Miami and doing some salsa dancing across my bedroom.  Sometimes I actually do.  You will, too. 

Beyonce, I Am Sasha Fierce.   
Get yourself psyched and feelin’ your sexiest best with “Single Girls (Put a Ring On It)” or get a bit more dreamy and romantic with “Halo.”  No matter what type of mood you’re looking for, you can count on Beyonce to have a song for it and make you feel just a little bit fierce, as well. 

Marvin Gaye, “Got to Give It Up.”   
Can I tell you a secret?  I love to play this song and try out some old-time disco moves around the house.  I could totally see myself back in Studio 54 getting down to this classic.  It’s happy, upbeat, and makes you want to…well, get moving! 

Barry White, “My First, My Last, My Everything.” 
Along the same lines, most people associate Barry White with sexy, seductive love songs that inspire a certain kind of mood.  I know I do.  So I was pleasantly surprised to discover this gem from the late, great Mr. White that combines sweet and heartfelt lyrics with a happy, danceable beat.  This song is pretty popular at weddings, too. 

Sade, Lovers Rock. 
“Getting ready” could also mean creating some serious romantic vibes for your special someone, and few artists help to create those vibes as well as Sade.  Play this if you’re getting ready for your third or fourth date and think there might be some big plans ahead of you.  The first song, “By Your Side”, sets the perfect tone.   Don’t forget the candles and maybe a little bit of nicely chilled wine.  Ah, perfect.  Let the seduction begin. 

Chris Botti, When I Fall in Love.  
If you haven’t yet discovered Chris Botti and his amazing trumpeting skills, then run—don’t walk—to your nearest favorite music outlet and check him out.  To me, fewer things are more romantic and inspiring than a nice, mellow jazz CD, and let me tell you, Chris Botti has yet to let me down.  This was the first CD of his that I purchased, and I now own them all.  His version of the title track on this CD practically breaks your heart.   I would also recommend his To Love Again: The Duets, where he collaborates with a number of artists—Sting, Jill Scott, Gladys Knight, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler among them—and puts a fresh energy into some old classics.  If his music doesn’t help to set the scene for some serious romance, then nothing will. 

Date & Relate is published every Thursday by Online Dating Magazine columnist Sara Hodon. She can be reached at sarhodon@yahoo.com.

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