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The truth is that Beyoncé is perfect for all situations—falling in love, hooking up, getting your heart broken. But when you’re getting ready for a night out with your girls, there’s no question about whether Bey will make it to the playlist. Her albums are scattered with the kind of songs that instantly make you feel like a bad bitch, no matter where you’re going or who you’re with. While this list could theoretically be endless, here are the top seven songs you need to hear at your next GNO:
“Freakum Dress” (2006)
The song: You have one, I have one, the girl sitting next to you on the subway has one. A freakum dress, as described by Bey in this classic, is the dress that makes you feel like you could literally do anything. Put yours on, crank this song, and revel in all the confidence that combo will bring.
The best line to sing with your girlfriends: “Cause when he acts wrong, that’s when you put it on / Been on him up tight, this is your song / Hold out your back, time to impress / Pull out your freakum dress”
“Single Ladies” (2008)
The song: It can be exhausting to actually get out of bed, get ready, and physically leave the house. But Beyoncé was kind enough to write this anthem for single women, so the least we can do is add it to our playlists, attempt the music video dance, and have the best night with our equally single friends.
The best line to sing with your girlfriends: “‘Cause if you like it, then you shoulda put a ring on it”
“Run the World (Girls)” (2011)
The song: It’s literally written into the song that girls run this shit. What else do you need to hear before a night out with your favs?
The best line to sing with your girlfriends: “This goes out to all the women getting it in / You’re on your grind / To other men that respect what I do / Please accept my shine”
“Schoolin’ Life” (2011)
The song: Why yes, I did once run to this song for 30 minutes straight. It’s the magical type of track that instantly gives you energy while making you feel like oh, wait, maybe I am killing it? In turn, perfect for a going out playlist.
The best line to sing with your girlfriends: “Who needs a degree when you’re schoolin’ life?”
“***Flawless” (2013)
The song: If you’re not screaming “Bow down, bitches” alongside your friends before a night out, maybe consider getting new friends?
The best line to sing with your girlfriends: “I woke up like this / We flawless / Ladies tell ’em / Say ‘I look so good tonight'”
“7/11” (2014)
The song: This isn’t so much about the song—which is great—but about the music video that you and your girlfriends absolutely must recreate while you’re getting ready.
The best line to sing with your girlfriends: “Wave your hands side to side, put it in the air / Clap, clap, clap like you don’t care”
“Formation” (2016)
The song: In the words of Beyoncé: All right ladies, now let’s get in formation.
The best line to sing with your girlfriends: “Sometimes I go off / I go hard / Get what’s mine / I’m a star / ‘Cause I slay”