It doesn't happen often that I'm in the car without my kids in tow. Today was one of those rare occasions where I went out in public solo, and I swear, I've forgotten how to be alone. It wasn't until I excitedly exclaimed, "Look, honey, a cow!" that I realized I was pointing out said bovine on the side of the road to no one.

Mom brain. It's a real thing.

So I did the only thing appropriate for the moment: I turned up the goddamn radio (because remember, folks, I still channel surf like the 80s baby that I am) and belted out every song that was even halfway decent. I love to sing - sometimes an obnoxious amount - and kid-free car time is the perfect opportunity to win a Karaoke Grammy.

But not just any song will win you this coveted award. The perfect "I'm-a-mom-singing-alone-in-the-car" song must be catchy, dance-at-red-light inducing, and make you feel good all the way to your core. I've compiled a list of 15 such masterpieces that should immediately be added to your playlists. You're welcome in advance.

1. Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio

I was in fifth grade when Dangerous Minds was released, and the only reason I remember that is because of the hours my friends and I spent memorizing every word to this song. Still a classic. Never gets old.

2. Wannabe by The Spice Girls

It is IMPOSSIBLE not to sing this song at ear-shattering decibel levels whenever it comes on. Any and all bad moods will be eliminated with a "SLAM YOUR BODY DOWN A ZIGAZIG AHHHH" solo, and you're doing it wrong if you're not pretending to be your favorite spice (because you know you have one).

3. Hold On by Wilson Phillips

Back when cassette tapes had to be fixed by rolling the reel in with a pencil, Wilson Phillips was the shit. My friends and I would perform this song for the neighborhood on our front porches - synchronized dance moves and all. It might just be the musical equivalent of mom jeans, but I don't care. I own this one with no shame.

4. The Boy Is Mine by Brandy and Monica

Taylor Swift and Katy Perry might be the current girl feud, but there will never be a frenemy duet like this one. You have a distinctive choice of whose the boy is (Brandy, duh) and take on different voices for the back and forth musical argument.

5. Valerie by Amy Winehouse

It's hard to admit, but I first heard this song on the mashup season of Glee. I've been obsessed with it ever since. It has the perfect combination of attitude and pop that will leave you no choice but to put it on repeat for the rest of eternity.

6. Ignition (Remix) by R. Kelly

I've literally been blasting this song in my car for over 10 years, and I still get ridiculously excited every time I hear it. You might not win the Car Karaoke Grammy for this one, but it's a necessity, not an option.

7. It's Gonna Be Me by *N SYNC

I still know every dance move to this song. Not everything by *N SYNC is worthy of this list (I'm looking at you, Digital Get Down and Space Cowboy) but the die-hard fan inside of me can't resist maxing out the volume and pretending I'm swooning in the front row.

8. Forgot About Dre by Dr. Dre ft. Eminem

One of my all-time favorites. You win the award if you can get all the lyrics right without dying of lack of oxygen.

9. Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band

Everything about this song screams SING ME NOW. Grab a pair of jeans that fit just right and turn this shit up.

10. My Love by Justin Timberlake ft. T.I.

It's no secret that I was part of the boy band craze, so JT makes the list twice, obviously. I dare you not to try to hit those Futuresex/Lovesounds high notes.

11. Cowboy Casanova by Carrie Underwood

Powerhouse vocals? Fast and fun? It's hard to pick one Carrie Underwood song, surprisingly, but the slight dramatic pause before scream-singing, "GOOD TIIIIIME cowboy casanova" really makes this one the winner.

12. Me Against the Music by Britney Spears ft. Madonna

Because if you know what, "Imupagainstthespeakertryintotakeonthemusicitslikeacompetitionmeagainstthebeatiwannagetinthezoooone" says, feel free to join me in my acceptance speech. We're best friends now.

13. Tough Lover by Christina Aguilera

Hear me out, guys. I know Burlesque isn't in anyone's top five movies, but this song is amazing. Slap some Liquid Catsuit on at the next red light and take on this hit with confidence and flair.

14. Wake Up Call by Maroon 5

I call this one the "Shawkshank" song because of my obsession with all things Stephen King. Spurned partner murders secret lover? Might as well start playing chess with Morgan Freeman now. I will sing this any time, anywhere, and as loudly as I can.

15. Despicito by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber

Last but not least is the most recent of these musical snacks. I know exactly nine words in this whole song (nine more than Justin Bieber actually knows) but I cannot get enough of it. This will definitely be the song of the summer.

Well, guys, this is where I will leave you. Hopefully at least one of these gems makes its way into your rotation. Don't be afraid to belt it out.