Most of us are going home for the holidays instead of staying in the empty halls and apartments at UCR. And most of us know the ride back home from college is a long one. Even though I have Amazon Prime Music, the selection of songs to listen to is pretty limited, so I've got a few good song selections that will not let me wander into boredom land on my three hour ride back home.

1. The Chainsmokers - Closer ft. Halsey

Okay, sadly "Closer" is not in Amazon Prime Music. However, that does not mean that I will not pause my music app whenever this song pops up on the radio. That beat and Halsey *-* I can't take it! It's too good!

2. The Notorious B.I.G. - "Hypnotize"

There is just something in the opening beat that is "sicker than your average Poppa."(Huh! No? Okay. . .)

3. Jennifer Lopez - Ain't It Funny

Ever since I got into 90's R&B, "Ain't It Funny" has been on my top list of favorites. J-Lo's vocals fit so smoothly into this heavy-R&B-Ja-Rule-featured track. Plus, Ja Rule's first verse really throws you back into the 90's mood. IT. MUST. BE THAT TRACKKKK - "that got me like damn." (Huh! No? Okay. I'll stop now. . .)

4. Halsey - Castle

Going back to Halsey, "Castle" has been featured in The Huntsman: Winter's War, and it fits perfectly with the movie. The beat reminds me of an American Horror Story opening title song, making it more unusual and in a can't-get-enough-of-this-song type of way.

5. Janet Jackson - Dammn Baby

Any R&B fan has to know who Janet Jackson is! A sister of Michael Jackson, Janet still stands on her own with her catchy dance music that has made her a pop/R&B legend since the 80's.

6. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Dance Off (feat. Idris Elba)

When I found out that Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' music was on Amazon Prime, I had to add "Dance Off" to my list! I can't get enough of Idris Elba's smooth voice as he challenges you to a dance off. I challenge you to add this song to your playlist! (Get it! Cause. . . Okay. I'll stop now. . . I will this time. . .)

7. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Downtown (feat. Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz & Eric Nally)

"Downtown" has gotten some mixed reviews from critics. However, I think that "Downtown" stands on it's own thanks to verses by Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz and a hook by Eric Nally. Plus, that music video!

8. Lauryn Hill - Can't Take My Eyes Off You

A recent favorite of mine, Lauryn Hill's cover of Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" speaks for itself.

9. Ciara - Promise

Remember dancing to "1,2 Step"? Well, "Promise" is my young slower dance-along-to song. Ciara just has that smooth R&B voice that can compete with R. Kelly for most sultry voice, in a slower more passionate way.

10. Missy Elliott - Pep Rally

Who could dislike "Pep Rally"? Although not a "Work It" or "Get Ur Freak On," its beat is still so contagious that it just makes you want to dance!!

11. Kendrick Lamar - Swimming Pools (Drank)

You might have heard this song at the club (but I don't go to clubs so I don't know), but Lamar is not encouraging party behavior. Instead, he is doing the opposite of that! He is discussing the relation between peer pressure and alcoholism! That catchy beat and vocals can mislead you!

12. Justin Timberlake - Take Back the Night

Did I have any idea that "Take Back the Night" was from Timberlake's album The 20/20 Experience? No, I just discovered that! But if you loved "Can't Stop The Feeling" from Timberlake's recent movie, Trolls, then you will love this pop-heavy song. It's smooth and magical beat is almost reminiscent of a Michael Jackson song (We'll talk about "Love Never Felt so Good" at another time.).

13. Childish Gambino - 3005

Closing off the list is Childish Gambino's "3005". I was fan of Donald Glover during his run in Community. Imagine my surprise when I found out that Troy can rap (I mean he already rapped in the show, but he can sing too!)! And to make it more exciting, he is rapping to a sick beat under the stage name Childish Gambino! (Is that how the cool kids call it these days?)

So there you have it! These were my picks of songs to listen on the long ride back home this holiday break!