Music to My Ears: An Old School Playlist for Fiscal Year-end 2016

I am the daughter of a disc jockey.

At the tender age of 16, my Dad began his career in the radio business, spinning records and working in the best decades of music – i.e., the 60s, 70s and 80s. When I was growing up, the radio was always playing, and Dad would announce songs and spout out rock-n-roll trivia with every new track that hit the sound waves.

Music is a powerful tool. Despite differences in culture, life experience, social status or career standing, a catchy beat truly helps people Come Together. (I just had to go there!)

With that said, I submit to you a playlist of fabulous hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s to keep you motivated and dancing in your seat (or Dancing in the Street) right through the end of Fiscal Year 2016!

• A Hard Day’s Night by the Beatles

You can’t go wrong with a playlist that kicks things off with the Beatles. This classic, which was also the name of a Beatles movie in 1965, is a head-bopping hit that gets right to the point for you overachieving year-end workers – it has been a hard day’s night, and you’ve been working like a dog! Shake it off, and let this song make you “feel alright” as you rock your way through the day.

• I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

Released in October 1978, this disco classic (yes, disco) is an anthem of independence and strength. Yeah, you might be swamped with deadlines and spreadsheets, but with Gloria punching the sky, and asking, “Do you think I’d crumble? Did you think I’d lay down and die?” you can respond with a hearty, “I will survive!”

• Monday, Monday by The Mamas & The Papas

“Every other day, every other day
Every other day of the week is fine, yeah
But whenever Monday comes, but whenever Monday comes
You can find me cryin’ all of the time.”

Ever feel that way? The Mamas & The Papas will give you a moment of melancholy with their melody from March 1966. Just remember – only two Mondays left until the new fiscal year!

• Stayin’ Alive by the BeeGees

Yes, disco again. There’s something about this 1977 hit, featured in the movie Saturday Night Fever with John Travolta, that makes you want to sing falsetto and grab a pair of platforms and bell bottoms so you can boogie on. If this song doesn’t keep you going through late-nights and long weekends, I’m not sure what will!

• 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton

“Tumble outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition
Yawn and stretch and try to come to life
Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumpin’
Out on the street the traffic starts jumpin’
With folks like me on the job from 9 to 5”

This toe-tapping, working gal chorus from 1980 was the theme song for the movie also called 9 to 5, starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and, you got it, Dolly Parton. Starting the day with this popular song with a bit of country twang will make it a lot easier to get out of bed in the morning.

• Respect by Aretha Franklin

Written and released by Otis Redding in 1965, it is Aretha Franklin’s 1967 powerhouse version of “Respect” that always brings the house down. You might be yearning for some “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” in the workplace, especially as everyone is feeling fried at year-end. Look for a couple of coworkers to do some supportive “Sock it to me, sock it to me” backup singing in the breakroom to regain that fiscal year fire.

• Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas

While it might seem out of place, the 1974 classic seems like a perfect late-night tune to get in a few karate chops, a couple of well-timed grunts and grab some takeout to keep you fighting through September 30.

• Celebration by Kool & The Gang

And finally, what would the end of the fiscal year be without a Celebration! Once you’ve finished your year-end to-do list, kick it with Kool & The Gang as they keep it real with their 1980 classic that will have you swaying and singing.

Now, it’s time to shake, rattle and roll through the rest of Fiscal Year 2016 – so turn up the radio and boogie on!

Lacey Scully is part of the GovLoop Featured Blogger program, where we feature blog posts by government voices from all across the country (and world!). To see more Featured Blogger posts, click here.