Modelling Playlist
Throw on some heels and walk around your basement like you mean it!
I’m Too Sexy – Right Said Fred
You have to wonder if the masterminds behind this song were being serious when they wrote this. I kind of think they were. The important thing is that you believe you’re too sexy. If this seems like an obvious choice… well, you’ve got me there.
Best lyrics: On the catwalk, yeah / I shake my little tush on the catwalk
Drop It Like It’s Hot – Snoop Dogg (feat. Pharrell)
For some reason, this song evokes memories of Tyra Banks. Probably because she dances around to it and the Victoria Secret fashion show did an homage to her with this song. When I die, I hope this is the song they use for my homage.
Best lyrics: [sound of tongue clicks]
Freedom 90 – George Michael
The video for this song confirms two things: George Michael has several supermodel friends and said supermodels lounge around the house half naked looking beautiful, enjoying the musical stylings of their rockstar friends.
Best lyrics: I went back home got a brand new face / For the boys on MTV
Supermodel (You Better Work) – RuPaul
Well, I suppose this is an obvious choice, but how could I not include this modelling classic? This has one of the most important components of a modelling tune: we learn about how hard modelling is. It’s WORK!
Best lyrics: It don’t matter what you do / ‘Cause everything looks good on you
I’ve Been Thinking – Handsome Boy Modeling School (feat. Cat Power)
Modelling doesn’t always have to be upbeat. In fact, sometimes when you’re doing a shoot and you have to look really sad, you need to get in the mood. But you still want something for your kind (i.e., models). That’s why Handsome Boy Modeling School made this song. Enjoy and be melancholic.
Best lyrics: Diamonds, candy pills / One million dollar bills / You can try / But you can't buy me
The Model – Kraftwerk (alternate title: “Das Model” featuring German lyrics)
Who doesn’t love a little German retro new wave techno? Jerks. That’s why we’re featuring this 1978 single—because you are not a jerk. The legendary Kraftwerk from Dusseldorf shaped music as we know it. Not to mention, you can impress your mom’s friends (and Iman, if you ever meet her) with your vast musical knowledge. How cosmopolitan of you!
Best lyrics: She’s posing for consumer products now and then / For every camera she gives the best she can
You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
This one’s for the male models out there. Let’s call a spade a spade. You’ve got to be a little more than concerned with the way you look if you’re going to do a little turn on the catwalk. This song, which will also impress your parents if you know about it, was a hit in 1972 with Mick Jagger singing the backups uncredited. The Mountain Goats cover brings it into the 21st century, though it’s painfully unsatisfying because they leave out the chorus. Also check out the Nine Inch Nails variation on the theme, Starfuckers, Inc.
Best lyrics: You’re so vain, I bet you think this song is about you / Don’t you? Don’t you?
I’m Afraid of Americans – David Bowie
Well, you knew we’d need a song by a crazy rockstar married to a supermodel. Models like us are obviously drawn to hot creative musicians. After marrying Iman in 1992, he started making more electronic beats. Coincidence? Probably.
Best lyrics: God is an American
We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful – Morrissey
There’s a depressing Morrissey song for every occasion and modelling is no exception. One of the more upbeat Morrissey songs, this one details the selfish pain we experience when our friends do something awesome, like become a supermodel. I bet Cindy Crawford’s friends ALL listened to this one in the early nineties. Though this song got some terrible reviews, the idea behind the song is pretty good.
Best lyrics: It should’ve been me
Vogue – Madonna
Come on, move to the music! Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without this Madonna classic. Ah, the song that shot to the number-one spot in 1990 and maintains its fame to this day. How could you not love it?
Best lyrics: Beauty’s where you find it, not just where you bump and grind it
Written by: Nicolle Weeks
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