Think of it as an extreme makeover that took centuries to complete. Although St. Patrick’s Day originally was conceived as a Catholic holy day, the Hail Mary is probably the last thing on the minds of most of the modern-day Irish”and the people who love them and party with them” when March 17 comes around. As holidays fit for and named for saints go, St. Patrick’s Day is to boozin’, shamrocks and other assorted secular shenanigans what Valentine’s Day is to lovin’, touchin’ and squeezin’. This year, if you’re looking to jump start your celebration, here’s the perfect “party” playlist.

“The Party Ain’t Over Yet” by Patty Loveless. Heartache and heartbreak are the sonic anthems of Loveless’s country, but she’s just as convincing and compelling when she’s wild and blue.

“Party Is Goin’ On Over Here” by Busta Rhymes. Remember when Hollywood used to churn out movies based on hopelessly dated old TV shows on a seemingly weekly basis? The Mod Squad was one of the main offenders of the ’90s, earning reviews that were as dismal as its box office ($13 million, or about a quarter of its production budget). One good thing came out it, though: a Busta Rhymes track with a snaky, hypnotic groove that sounds as fresh today as it did at the end of the last century.

“Having a Party” by Sam Cooke. Get on your boots! That twangy country-style guitar riff running throughout the track might make you want to break into a line dance while twistin’ the night away.

“I Dont Want to Spoil the Party” by The Beatles. And to complete the classic-flashback portion of the gala, a potential party pooper takes one for the team.

“(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)” by Beastie Boys. Because no list of “party” favorites would be complete without it.

“Party wit Me” by Brownstone. Breakdown intermission! If anyone figures out how this ’90s R&B girl trio managed to summon the vocal power of a full chorus, do share.

“Where’s the Party” by Madonna. If anyone should know… For many years, up to her tepid, sparsely attended 2009 “Celebration,” it was anywhere she went.

“Where the Party At” by Jagged Edge featuring Nelly. Sometimes it’s all about the chase, the pursuit of happiness after midnight.

“Cold Rock a Party” by MC Lyte (Bad Boy Remix featuring Missy Elliott). “I rock the party that rocks the body. You rock the party that rocks the body.” It’s nonsense for sure, but damn if Lyte, Missy and that Diana Ross “Upside Down” sample don’t work.

“Party’s Not Over” by Love and Rockets. The dark-electro sound of being the last one to leave. A perfect companion piece to L&R precursor Bauhaus’s “Party of the 1st Part” and a fitting co-bookend to the bash begun with Loveless’s similarly titled but not similarly paced “party” vow.