If anything can make or break a party, it’s the music. Great party songs come and go, but have you ever noticed that some just seem to stick around throughout the years, from a twenty first birthday party to a wedding reception? Below are some of the world’s most timeless party songs, sure to be a hit at any party for years to come.
1 Kanye West: Gold Digger
Catchy? Check. Easy to dance to? Check. Sung by a compelling personality the internet is always poking fun at? Check. “Gold Digger” has all the elements of a timeless party song and the legs to remain a staple for years to come.
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2. Guns ‘n’ Roses: Sweet Child O’ Mine
There’s nothing like an 80’s power ballad, and Guns ‘n’ Roses delivers in spades. “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” like Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” is a song you only pretend to sing ironically. Sure, it’s pure cheese, but it’s also so catchy and triumphant that almost everybody secretly loves it.
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3 Rednex: Cotton Eye Joe
Again, this is a song people make fun of while, at the same time, secretly enjoying it. “Cotton Eye Joe” is pure country fun, destined to make everyone at any party sing and dance along.
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4 The Rolling Stones: (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
It’s tough to choose one Rolling Stones song from their wide array of catchy tunes, but “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is at the top of the list. Every Rolling Stones song strikes a degree of effortless coolness that few artists can imitate, but “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” goes on step farther by being relatable angsty while maintaining its fun pop appeal.
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5 Human League: Don’t You Want Me
Love or hate the decade, the 80’s produced some amazing synthpop. And “Don’t You Want Me” by Human League is top of the line, featuring one of the most poignant, plaintiff, and danceable riffs of all time.
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6 Sir Mix A Lot: Baby Got Back
An instant classic, “Baby Got Back” was one of the most popular songs to sing the praises of curvy women. Play it at a party and you’re sure to incite some serious booty-shakin’.
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7 Outkast: Hey Ya
As soon as it was released, Outkat’s “Hey Ya” was destined to become pure, infectious fun for years to come. It may just be impossible not to sing along to this song.
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8 Journey: Don’t Stop Believin’
Based on this author’s unscientific research, “Don’t Stop Believin’” will result in fist-pumping about 90% of the time. And the other 10%, well, that can’t be helped.
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9 Michael Jackson: Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
The King of Pop has to make an appearance on this list somewhere, and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” is one of MJ’s most danceable tunes. This was a difficult decision, though, and it wasn’t made lightly.
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10 Justin Timberlake: SexyBack
That’s right; Mr. Timberlake narrowly edges out Michael Jackson as the singer of one of the world’s most catchy party songs. From the driving beat to the hot lyrics, playing this song will mean nothing but good for your party.
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About the author: Brandon Morris is a music-lover and veteran of the party lifestyle who writes for Party Pong Tables.
