Ultimate Guide to Picking Party Music

Party is an event that is hosted by a person for a purpose of recreation, conversation, socialization, etc. It can be on weekends or special events. You can arrange a party at your home on some special event such as a birthday party, super bowl party, St. Patrick’s Day party, etc. It’s all about celebrations. So, when you plan to throw a party, you consider sorting drinks and food that you will be serving to your guests.

Just these two items are not enough when you throw a party. Another meaning of party is dancing and enjoying music as a form of entertainment. Hence, you should be looking for party songs or music that you can play. It will help the people to enjoy the drinks and food while listening to different songs. 

Ultimate Guide to Picking Party Music

Making a playlist of party music allows you to play a different type of music for your guests. Few tips can help you to create a party music playlist. It will make the guests enjoy a different genre of music. Creating a playlist for your party is not an easy thing. You will have to listen to your playlist to make sure that songs are organized properly. 

Duration Of Your Party 

Try creating a playlist that can last as long as your party will. For example, if you plan that your party will last for 3 hours, then make a 3-hour playlist. It will help you to keep the music playing without any pause. Also, it will make sure that no songs are repeated during the party. 

Some people get bored by listening to the same song 2 to 3 times. instead of making a short playlist, add as many songs as you can.

Build Slow 

No matter what time you think your party will be starting, it is not exactly when it starts. Make sure to schedule the arrival music that does not require too much attention. For this purpose, the jazz works well or you can use instrumental hip-hop music for the arrival of guests. At this time, everyone introduces each other, so you cannot be adding lyrics to the mix to disturb the introductory period. 

Balance Self-Portraiture with Instinct To Entertain 

When you decide to throw a party at your home, don’t think of part as a canvas and playlist as a brush and paint. You have to keep in mind that there will be people in your home that like different types of genres. So, instead of forcing them to listen to your favorite songs, you can make a playlist that will help different groups to enjoy a song.

No Shuffle Zone 

You can ban the questionable dance moves from your party if you want to by shuffling the entire playlist. To have a perfect flow of the party atmosphere, shuffling the music library won’t be a good option. Also, it will save you from the embarrassing moment where a clue pops up and you thought you deleted it from the library. 

Pump Up the Volume 

The genre and volume of the music are the important part of the party. Also, both the factors depend on the occasion or theme of the party. If you want to let your guests enjoy their conversations, then you can keep the volume at a low level but if you want to make a dancefloor, then pump up the volume. 

Best Party Songs For Your Party

Nowadays, everyone is a DJ. So, you can be the DJ of your party. Play the best party songs for your guests by making a playlist. The playlists can be of the latest songs or the old ones that will make the dancefloor for everyone. 

80s Party Songs 

The 80s decade was considered as the party and fun. There was plenty of fresh, new, and amazing upbeat pop, jazz, rock, country, etc. music released over the years. The 1980s was an era of the dream of party enthusiasts and music lovers.  

From Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean to Bryan Adam’s Summer of ’69, the list of the incredible successes achieved over the years was impressive. You can add these party songs to your playlist to enjoy different tunes from the past. 

  • Michael Jackson – Billie Jean 
  • Bryan Adams – Summer Of ’69
  • Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar On Me 
  • Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
  • AC/DC – You Shook Me All Night Long 
  • Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ 
  • Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance with Somebody 
  • Michael Jackson – The Way You Make Me Feel
  • Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want To Have Fun 
  • Prince – 1999
  • Outfield – Your Love 
  • a-Ha – Take On Me 
  • Starship – We Built This City 
  • Wham! – Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go 
  • Daryl Hall & John Oates – You Make My Dreams Come True 

You Make My Dreams Come True is one of the most beloved and golden age songs of the 80s era. It is an incredibly fast-paced, lively, and pop song that you can play at your party. This song will give you the explosion of positive energy that you need to dance at a party. Also, it is an amazing song 

90s Hit Songs 

The 90s party songs were introduced by some incredible artists. These artists brought unforgettable hits that you will still love to listen to them. 90s music was all about success, popularity, party, and romance. Hence, the hits of the 90s will make a great playlist for your party. Also, if you are having a themed party of the 90s, then you can add these songs to your playlist. 

  • Sir Mix-A-Lot – Baby Got Back
  • New Kids on the Block – Step By Step
  • Montell Jordan – This Is How We Do It 
  • Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit 
  • Will Smith – Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It
  • Spice Girls – Wannabe 
  • Metallica – Enter Sandman 
  • Kris Kross – Jump 
  • C+C Music Factory – Gonna Make You Sweat 
  • Right Said Fred – I’m Too Sexy 
  • Vanilla Ice – Ice Ice Baby 
  • Guns N’ Roses – Welcome To The Jungle
  • MC Hammer – U Can’t Touch This 
  • Salt-N-Pepa – Shoop 
  • Boyz II Men – Motownphilly 

The 90s decade has been incredibly impressive if you are planning to steal a few songs for the big party at your home. The best hits of the 90s can be played for the dance party to keep your guests excited and keep them dancing. 

Montel Jordan – This Is How We Do It

This song is a classical portrayal of the 90s dance parties. The upbeat, enjoyable, fun, and dancing music is what you will be getting from this song. It is a hip-hop song having a punch factor. Whether you are looking to keep things calm or fun, the song will help you to set the tone for the party music. If you need professional dancers, contact the most reputable dance entertainment company sydney

90s Hip Hop 

Hip hop and rap music were invented in the 90s. the recognition of this genre was done by the amazing artists of the 90s. They were super talented in their field. Also, they are still considered legends of the rap world who become popular during these years. 

  • DR Dre – Next Episode 
  • Coolio – Gangsta’s Paradise
  • Luniz – I Got 5 On It 
  • Snoop Dogg – Gin & Juice 
  • DMX – Ruff Ryders’ Anthem 
  • Jay Z – Hard Knock Life
  • Naughty By Nature – Hip Hop Hooray 
  • Ice Cube – It Was A Good Day
  • The Notorious BIG – Hypnotize
  • Warren G – Regulate
  • 2Pac – California Love 
  • Wreckx-n-Effect – Rump Shaker 
  • A Tribe Called Quest – Can I Kick It? 
  • Onyx – Slam 
  • Geto Boys – Mind Playing Tricks On Me 

Snoop Dogg’s Gin and Juice and Jay-Z’s Hard Knock Life are classic examples of how the hip-hop genre took birth in this decade. For epic parties and gatherings, it is recommended by professionals to choose rap songs. It makes your party perfect. 

2Pac- California Love

2Pac is arguably the biggest legend in the rap industry. California Love is one of the 2Pac’s most iconic hip-hop songs from the 90s era. It is a perfect rap song having a strong beat to rock your body. This is why it is the best rap song that you can use for your party to make people dance. 

Classic Country Party Songs 

The classic country songs having a perfect country vibe makes one feel like they are driving down a long highway. On the highway, they feel a cool breeze with guitar playing in the background. If you want to make your guests feel nostalgic and upbeat, then you can use the classic country party songs. 

  • Garth Brooks – Friends in Low Places
  • Billy Ray Cyrus – Achy Breaky Heart 
  • Big & Rich – Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)
  • Rascal Flatts – Life Is A Highway 
  • Zac Brown Band – Toes 
  • Jason Aldean – Big Green Tractor 
  • Alan Jackson – It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere 
  • Kenny Chesney – Summertime 
  • Zac Brown Band – Chicken Fried
  • Kenny Chesney – She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy
  • Brooks & Dunn – Boot Scootin’ Boogie 
  • Shania Twain – Any Man Of Mine
  • Alan Jackson – Chattahoochee 
  • Travis Tritt – T-R-O-U-B-L-E 
  • Joe Diffie – Pickup Man 

From Kenny Chesney’s Summertime to Billy Ray Cyrus’ Achy Breaky Heart, the country songs are not only loved in the United States but also around the world. If you want to use the best classic country songs in the playlist of your party, then there are a lot of them to make your guests feel nostalgic or patriotic. 

Kenny Chesney – She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy

With the vocals of the classic country songs and fun, upbeat atmosphere, the beat of the song She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy is a lovely track. You can play it at your dance party. It will help to set the mood for the dance party crowd. Also, it will rile them up for an exciting and fun night at your place. 

Early 2000s Party Songs 

In the 2000s, regardless of the genre, dance music, hip-hop, party songs, romantic songs, jazz, country music, pop songs, and many other songs have been the best of all times. Also, these songs gained incredible fame that they are still being used in parties and clubs. 

  • Chris Brown – Forever 
  • Justin Timberlake – SexyBack
  • Rihanna – Please Don’t Stop The Music 
  • Black Eyed Peas – Let’s Get It Started 
  • Nelly – Hot In Herre 
  • 50 Cent – In Da Club 
  • N Sync – Bye Bye Bye
  • Ricky Martin – Livin’ La Vida Loca 
  • Cascada – Everytime We Touch 
  • Britney Spears – Toxic 
  • Outkast – The Way You Move
  • Eminem – Without Me
  • Akon – Right Now (Na Na Na) 
  • Ke$ha – TiK ToK 
  • Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way)

Many new and now very popular singers became popular in the 2000s era. The mentioned popular party songs of the 2000s can be used at your party. You can make a playlist and keep them playing till the party ends. 

Chris Brown – Forever

A memorable beat and melody in this song and party lyrics make it one of the best party songs. Also, the amazing vocals of Chris Brown make this song a forever and must-have song for the dance floors. This song will not let you stand straight at a party. Hence, you will be dancing on the floor while enjoying the lyrics and beat.

2000s Club Songs 

Since the 90s, club songs have been a thing. On the other hand, the 2000s club songs were incredibly popular. These club songs were meant to make people start moving their bodies and dance. Some songs of the 2000s era will make you hit the dance floor. 

  • R. Kelly – Ignition
  • UNK – 2 Step Remix 
  • Jamie Foxx – Blame It
  • Lil’ Jon – Get Low 
  • New Boyz – You’re A Jerk
  • Ne-Yo – Because Of You 
  • Juvenile – Back That Thang Up 
  • UNK – Walk It Out
  • LMFAO – Shots 
  • GS Boyz – Stanky Legg 
  • Trey Songz – Say Aah 
  • Flo Rida – Low 
  • Kanye West – Gold Digger 
  • T-Pain – I’m Sprung 
  • E-40 – U And Dat
  • David Guetta ft Akon – Sexy Chick

In the 2000s, talented artists went to great lengths to create an amazing party music genre. It was in the form of club music. You might have heard them in local clubs or high-class clubs. On the other hand, you can use these songs for your home party. 

LMFAO – Shots

LMFAO’s party song is called Shots ft. The song video describes Lil Jon perfectly. It’s such a fast-paced, modern, very edgy, and enthusiastic club song that it makes any other song uninteresting. We think this will be the perfect song to rock while everyone is on the dance floor.

Best Club Songs Part 2 

Club songs have been appreciated and loved by all party animals and dance clubs so far. To make sure that you can set the mood for the dance party, you can choose these perfect club songs to make everyone dance on the floor. 

  • Ying Yang Twins – Salt Shaker 
  • Lil Jon – Snap Yo Fingers
  • J-Kwon – Tipsy 
  • T-Pain – Buy U A Drank 
  • Baby Bash – Cyclone 
  • Yung Joc – It’s Goin Down 
  • Akon – Smack That
  • Nelly – Air Force Ones
  • Terror Squad – Lean Back 
  • Hurricane Chris – The Hand Clap 
  • Crime Mob – Rock Yo Hips
  • Ludacris – My Chick Bad
  • Ester Dean – Drop It Low 
  • Dorrough – Ice Cream Paint Job 
  • T.I. – Bring Em Out 

Baby Bash – Cyclone

Baby Bash’s Cyclone ft. T-Pain is an amazing party song. It is a high-bass track with a fun hip-hop beat that is used in most clubs. If you plan to throw a party at your home, then you can add these club songs to your playlist. They will make an amazing night for your guests. 

Best Club Songs Part 3 

There are some other best club songs that you can add to your playlist to keep the guests dancing on the floor. 

  • Trey Songz – Bottoms Up
  • Young Money – Bed Rock 
  • Ludacris – How Low 
  • T-Pain – Bartender
  • Huey – Pop, Lock & Drop It 
  • Yung Joc – It’s Goin Down 
  • Jeremih – Birthday Sex 
  • Chris Brown – Kiss Kiss 
  • Colby O’Donis – What You Got
  • Lil Boosie – Wipe Me Down
  • Ne-Yo – Closer
  • Mario – Let Me Love You 
  • T-Pain – Can’t Believe It
  • Akon – I Wanna Love You 
  • Dem Franchize Boyz – Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It

Whatever decade you envision, finding the best club songs can be a challenging thing. This is why we have mentioned one of the best club songs for you. 

The 2010s Hit Party Songs 

As of the 2010 decade, more single artists came into the music industry. Some of them composed amazing and successful songs that reached the world stage. Club and dance songs along with hip-hop songs were used for dance parties. They are loved by everyone who knows the true meaning of the party. 

  • The Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling 
  • Taylor Swift – Shake It Off
  • Miley Cyrus – Party In The U.S.A.
  • Justin Timberlake – Can’t Stop the Feeling 
  • DJ Khaled – All I Do is Win 
  • Luis Fonsi – Despacito
  • Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk 
  • One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful
  • DJ Snake, Lil Jon – Turn Down for What
  • Shakira – Hips Don’t Lie 
  • Jennifer Lopez – On The Floor
  • Flo Rida – Club Can’t Handle Me 
  • David Guetta – Where Them Girls At
  • Katy Perry – Firework 
  • Pitbull – Don’t Stop The Party

From Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie to One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful, you can add other best 2010s songs to your party playlist. These are one of the perfect songs for an amazing night out with your friends and loved ones. 

DJ Khaled – All I do is win

This is one of the best hip-hop songs of the early 2010s. It features a lineup of star-studded rappers and other artists who are running and singing with all their hearts to a perfectly edgy beat. This song blows you away when it is played at a party. Also, you will move your body according to the beat. If you are planning to host a party, you can add it to your playlist of songs for the party. 

Group Dance Songs

Instead of using club songs and single songs, you make rock the whole crowd. The group dance songs make everyone dance on the floor. Some of the songs will make everyone vibe together, that is a rare thing. These group songs are composed by the best and talented artists. Also, these songs are perfect for enjoying a holiday or having an amazing night out with friends. 

  • Soulja Boy – Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)
  • Cupid – Cupid Shuffle 
  • V.I.C. – Wobble
  • Mr. C – Cha-Cha Slide
  • Cali Swag District – Teach Me How To Dougie 
  • Los Del Rio – Macarena 
  • Rednex – Cotton Eye Joe 
  • Marcia Griffiths – Electric Boogie 
  • Village People – YMCA 
  • The Chicken Dance
  • Gangnam Style
  • Ray Anthony – Hokey Pokey 
  • Chubby Checker – The Twist 
  • Billy Ray Cyrus – Achy Breaky Heart 
  • PSY – GANGNAM STYLE 
  • 69 boyz – Tootsee Roll

Village People – YMCA

YMCA of Village People is truly one of the best group dance songs in the world. It is an adequate representation of old but gold. The song’s bright and catchy melody along with the interactive ability is offered to the listeners. Hence, it makes a perfect group dance song for your party. 

2020s New Party Songs 

Learning from the history of the amazing party and dance songs, the 2020 era had to spice things up. As a result, some of the new, popular and talented artists have brought up the best, awesome, and enjoyable songs in the music industry. These songs will rock your party.

  • Thomas Rhett – Beer Can’t Fix 
  • Canaan Smith – Beer Drinkin’ Weather 
  • Luke Bryan – One Margarita
  • Niko Moon – GOOD TIME 
  • Luke Combs – Lovin’ On You 
  • Kelsea Ballerini – hole in the bottle 
  • HARDY – One Beer 
  • Florida Georgia Line – Life Rolls On
  • Jake Owen – Down To The Honkytonk 
  • Brothers Osborne – All Night 
  • Kenny Chesney – American Kids 
  • Luke Bryan – Knockin’ Boots
  • Jon Pardi – Head Over Boots
  • Eric Church – Drink In My Hand 
  • Clay Walker – Need a Bar Sometimes 

Luke Bryan – One Margarita

This song by Luke Bryan promotes love and respect and the joy of partying. It has an overwhelmingly positive and fun vibe for the party loves. It is one of the best party songs of the 2020s. You can add it to your party playlist because it provides decades’ diversity for your guests. 

Party Songs – DJing For the First Time

When you have planned to throw a party for your friends or colleagues and you want to make their night special, then you can choose any of the best party songs. You can create a playlist for the whole party duration. As a result, songs will not stop playing for a moment. Also, you will be able to get people up on their feet and dance. 

You can host a party where people will love to dance to different hip-hop, rap, party, drinking, etc. songs. Instead of arranging a party in a club, you can arrange it in your home. For the best hosting, you can provide them the best club songs that will make them jump out of their seats. 

Top 10 Party Playlist Dos and Don’ts

  1. Do make the playlist long enough for the party
  2. Do not repeat songs. Aim for novelty
  3. Choose songs from as many different genres as you believe your audience would appreciate
  4. Do not have a sequence of three songs or more from the same genre or of the same tempo
  5. Do choose tunes from several decades
  6. Do not just play the same tunes at parties that everyone else does
  7. Do pick cover versions of songs
  8. Do play a few tunes that are related to the party theme
  9. Do your best to play music that will make every visitor ecstatic
  10. Do not be afraid to play some tunes that folks have not heard in a long

How to Make a Party Playlist for an Epic Party

The ideal way to create a playlist is in three steps: gathering music for the playlist, selecting, and organizing the songs, and testing the playlist. 

The procedure usually put together playlists is simple, but it should not be left until the very last minute.  

Building the playlist

When creating a fresh playlist for a party, begin by gathering songs. The music may or may not end up being included on the final playlist that is played during the party, but during the planning stage, the main focus is on gathering tunes that encapsulate the party’s atmosphere.

Create a new playlist on a music streaming service like Apple Music or Spotify to get the playlist going, and then begin adding songs as they come to mind (like when you casually listen to music during the course of the day).

The advantage of progressively adding songs to the list is that it increases the diversity of music in the playlist. Songs chosen for the playlist on several occasions when it was in various emotions and states of mind will be included.  Additionally, adding music when you hear them on the radio, or a streaming provider requires relatively little work because you already know there will be a party.

Create a Playlist for Your Audience and Environment

Since you are creating your playlist, you have complete control over its mood, tempo, theme, and all of its ups and downs. According to radio DJ turned singer-songwriter, Keri Noble, you should consider the audience you are performing for as well as the time of day, the volume, and even the desired result. What does your playlist want to achieve? Are you attempting to foster a laid-back environment conducive to conversation? You may add and softly play jazz, electronic downtempo music, or classic acoustic tunes. Are you attempting to plan a fun, engaging office party? The top songs on the charts should include holiday tunes. Or are you attempting to encourage a full-on dance party at your gathering? As you turn up the volume, go to songs with fast BPMs and Top 40 hits.

However, Boston-based DJ Ryan Brown advises that you take into account the composition of the group as a whole when choosing your visitors. The intention is to play the music that people will all like. If your visitors range in age, blend some classic songs with more recent music. Both older and younger listeners like vintage music. Remixes of earlier songs, according to Brown, might be a terrific method to bridge the musical divide between various age groups. The original track’s ethos is still present, but the addition of more modern components may make it more accessible to non-fans.

Understand the psychology of music

One of the psychological benefits of listening to music is mood control. Every person attending the event and every event moment will be impacted by the music you select. Here are some ways that music might affect attendees’ experiences:

  • Your business event’s structure is enhanced by music. People adopt action cues according to the music, from the upbeat song played at the beginning to the slower pace song played at the farewell. 
  • Background music at events promotes comfort and relaxation while guests network and mingle. It produces a warm environment that calms the mind without overstimulating. Additionally, it fills in those uncomfortable lulls in conversation. 
  • The brain’s pleasure, reward, and memory regions are all stimulated by music. This enhances the retention of important takeaways and helps create favorable recollections of the experience.

Choose whether the music will be live or recorded

Both live and recorded music have their advantages and disadvantages. Live music evokes feelings and can unite people via a fulfilling shared experience. By hiring a specialist, you may utilize their knowledge and playlist. Recorded music is affordable and offers a wide variety of songs, musical genres, and tempos.

Your budget and the objectives of your event will determine this choice. When planning an event on a tight budget, digital playlists are your best bet. It is a good idea to combine live and recorded music into your event if your budget is on the higher side. For nighttime events, hire a band; for luncheons, and small music ensembles; and anything else—from walk-ons to soft background music during workshops—play recorded music. With this strategy, the event is polished, and participants are made to feel unique.

Ask your band and DJ if they can create a “do not play” list

Do not expect your DJs or entertainers will know this without some direction. Some popular songs and music genres are not a good fit for particular occasions. To make sure your request is understood, compile a list of songs and musical genres to stay away from during the event and put it in your vendor contract. 

Include clean in your playlist search to eliminate lyrics that are rude or explicit, and keep in mind that the majority of popular party songs are disruptive at work events.