Top 10 Must Play Tracks for the Perfect Poker Party Vibes
When a group of friends get together for a poker party, you might want to make sure that everyone feels comfy. Whether you are a tight-bunch of friends or a few acquaintances from work, the best way to cushion any big upset during the night is to help your fellow poker players ease into it. And what better way to ease into anything other than playing a few well-picked tracks to liven the mood and help everyone feel a little more at home.
Today, we take a look at those must play tracks and more importantly – artists, to turn to during your poker game night. We have carefully sifted through different styles and narrowed down the choices for you so that you can put the ultimate mix tape without coming across as too strong if someone doesn’t like a particular genre.
1. Hip Hop and R&B
Hip hop and R&B might get a bad rap on occasion, but there are countless of talented artists to whom you will be able to relate. A lot of the songs are about the hardship many of these rappers had to undergo as youngsters growing up in the slumps, but their pain has been channelled into pacey vibes that will definitely set the mood of your next poker party.
If you want something more dynamic playing in the background, and songs that you can imagine yourself winning a few great hands to, then Run the Jewels should be a natural choice for you. Vince Staples is another great pick as an artist who drops some great lyrics and beats at the same time.
Earl Sweatshirt is an institution who relies on the meaning of the lyrics more so than their beat, although the music is spot on once again – just perhaps a bit too wordy to keep you focused on the game. If you want some more lightsome rap running in the backdrop Drake and The Weekend will definitely be what you need.
2. Rock n Roll
Would you much rather listen to some guitar riffs? Well, there are tons of talented artists you can listen to today and who promise to keep your poker party a-rocking. From the controversial Queens of the Stone Age to the swanky Arctic Monkeys,we are talking some real talent here.
Whether you care about the lyrics or expect a smooth sailing through the night, these bands can easily liven up the spirits and help you have a better time. They are hardly all there is. Eagles of Death Metal have proven quite the band in these past few years.
Foo Fighters seem like another viable choice even though they keep a lower profile. If you are into the classics and don’t mind Liam Gallagher being an enormous prick, then Oasis might be just the right choice for you.
Then again, there is Blur and even Kasabian, but we won’t be pushing our luck any more here. In any event, there are tons of catchy tunes to try and add on your mixtape.
3. Pop
This is an interesting section. By far, pop is the easiest music style to digest – it’s got a quick rhythm to it, fewer lyrics that makes it perfect as to avoid distractions and generally a good effect on you.
There are some pretty good artists to pick from, too. Outside of the mainstream such as Kate Perry there are talented low-key artists as Dua Lipa, although Dua Lipa is definitely picking up pace these days.
You might want to add James Blake, too, although watch out because James Blake could break your heart and you can’t allow yourself to get all emotional while trying to put together the strongest card.
But since we are mostly going to consider poker in America, a courteous reminder by OnlinePokerAmerica.com, it might be worth focusing on our own pop stars, as we have plenty of those! Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and Selena Gomez are some of the lightsome tunes to have humming in the backdrop.
We will tentatively put Beyoncé here, even though her style is clearly more focused on hip hop/R&B. Yet, her songs are quite the delight to listen to, and speaking of her, we ought to mention Destiny’s Child as well.
4. Indie Rock
When it comes to Indie Rock, the selection is quite vast. Indie rock might have got put down over the years as something that soppy teens who are not hardcore enough for rock’n’roll would listen to.
Yet, this has clearly been said by people who don’t know Josh Tillman, i.e. Father John Misery, who is about as badass rock artist as they come. His lyrics are bloody brilliant and whatever your philosophical bent or musical preference is, you will definitely come to appreciate Mr. Tillman.
But hold on, because there are more Indie Rock artists to give a listen to, including Arcade Fire. Arcade Fire are definitely a favorite and their sound has evolved over the years so you can rest assured that there are at least a few songs that will appeal to the people at your poker party.
And if you want to combine things up, you can even watch Josh Tillman sing a cover of Arcade Fire’s “The Suburbs”. Wicked, eh?
5. Classical Music
Not least, you can always put some classic music in the background. Now, it solely depends n the tastes of your fellow poker players, but in general, you can find some very relatable and awesome pieces that don’t sound distant.
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can - and we refuse to add annoying advertising. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
The donations are safely powered by Paypal.
