What’s a party without the perfect soundtrack? You can nail the food, drinks, and guest list, but if the music falls flat, the energy will too. That’s why curating the right playlist of Good Party Songs is essential for any successful gathering.
Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or a full-blown dance fest, music sets the tone and keeps the party going. From timeless classics that everyone knows and loves to genre-specific hits that cater to your crowd’s taste, having a selection of good party songs ready to go is your secret weapon for creating a memorable event.
Don’t get stuck with awkward silences or a dance floor that’s emptier than your punch bowl. Dive into our ultimate guide to good party songs, spanning genres and eras, and get ready to turn your next event into an unforgettable celebration.
Diverse music genres for your party, featuring SiriusXM party channels
Feeling overwhelmed by playlist creation? Don’t sweat it! We’ve compiled lists of good party songs across various genres to inspire you. Just pick a category, press play, and get ready to host a party that everyone will be talking about.
Timeless Tunes: Good Oldies Party Songs
Let’s kick things off with the golden oldies – those feel-good tracks that transcend generations and still pack a dance floor today. These aren’t just songs; they’re guaranteed good party songs that will have everyone from your grandparents to your Gen Z cousins tapping their feet and singing along. Get ready for a night of nostalgic fun with these classic hits from the 50s and 60s.
Vintage record player playing oldies music, perfect for a feel-good party
- “Roll Over Beethoven” – Chuck Berry (1956)
- “The Twist” – Chubby Checker (1960)
- “Build Me Up Buttercup” – The Foundations (1968)
- “Twist and Shout” – The Beatles (1963)
- “My Girl” – The Temptations (1964)
- “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” – Frankie Valli (1967)
- “My Generation” – The Who (1965)
- “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” – The Supremes (1966)
- “One Fine Day” – The Chiffons (1960)
- “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” – Jerry Lee Lewis (1957)
- “Tutti Frutti” – Little Richard (1955)
Rock the Night: Classic Rock Good Party Songs
Dust off your air guitar and crank up the volume – it’s time for some classic rock anthems! For a party that needs a shot of high-energy singalongs, you can’t go wrong with these rock and roll staples. These are good party songs that are guaranteed to get everyone headbanging and feeling the rockstar vibe.
Electric guitars and rock instruments, representing high-energy classic rock party music
- “Walk This Way” – Aerosmith (1975)
- “You Shook Me All Night Long” – AC/DC (1980)
- “Jump” – Van Halen (1983)
- “My Sharona” – The Knack (1979)
- “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1981)
- “Start Me Up” – The Rolling Stones (1981)
- “You Really Got Me” – The Kinks (1964)
- “Summer of ’69” – Bryan Adams (1985)
- “Any Way You Want It” – Journey (1980)
- “Barracuda” – Heart (1977)
- “Juke Box Hero” – Foreigner (1981)
- “Heart Of Glass” – Blondie (1979)
Alternative Anthems: Classic Alternative Good Party Songs
Looking for something a little different from the mainstream party hits? Dive into the world of classic alternative! These tracks offer a unique and cool vibe, perfect for parties that want to stand out from the crowd. These are good party songs for those who appreciate a bit of an edge and a taste of alternative culture.
Retro alternative music scene with band performing on stage, ideal for alternative party vibes
- “Never Let Me Down Again” – Depeche Mode (1987)
- “Bizarre Love Triangle” – New Order (1986)
- “Love Will Tear Us Apart” – Joy Division (1980)
- “Hey” – Pixies (1989)
- “Obstacle 1” – Interpol (2002)
- “Anarchy in the U.K.” – Sex Pistols (1976)
- “It’s a Sin” – Pet Shop Boys (1987)
- “Cradle of Love” – Billy Idol (1990)
- “London Calling” – The Clash (1979)
Country Throwbacks: 80s & 90s Country Good Party Songs
Yeehaw! Get ready to boot scootin’ boogie with these classic country anthems from the 80s and 90s. If your party has a country theme or you just want to inject some good ol’ country fun, these toe-tapping tracks are perfect. These good party songs will have everyone line dancing and singing along with their best country twang.
Cowboy boots and hats, symbolizing upbeat 80s and 90s country party music
- “9 to 5” – Dolly Parton (1980)
- “Achy Breaky Heart” – Billy Ray Cyrus (1992)
- “How Do You Like Me Now?!” – Toby Keith (1999)
- “Watermelon Crawl” – Tracy Byrd (1994)
- “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” – Shania Twain (1999)
- “Mountain Music” – Alabama (1982)
- “Amarillo by Morning” – George Strait (1982)
- “I Like It, I Love It” – Tim McGraw (1995)
- “I Love a Rainy Night” – Eddie Rabbitt (1980)
- “Goodbye Earl” – The Chicks (1999)
- “Islands in the Stream” – Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers (1983)
- “Strawberry Wine” – Deana Carter (1996)
Back to the 80s: Good Party Songs from the Eighties
Leg warmers, neon colors, and iconic synth sounds – the 80s were a decade of unforgettable music. Transport your party guests back in time with these ultimate 80s good party songs. From pop anthems to dance-floor fillers, these hits are guaranteed to get everyone moving and grooving like it’s 1985.
Cassette tapes and 80s themed party decorations, representing 80s party soundtracks
- “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston (1987)
- “Let’s Groove” – Earth, Wind & Fire (1981)
- “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” – Wham! (1984)
- “Take On Me” – a-ha (1985)
- “Love Shack” – B-52s (1989)
- “She Drives Me Crazy” – Fine Young Cannibals (1989)
- “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
- “Nasty” – Janet Jackson (1986)
- “Down Under” – Men At Work (1981)
- “We Didn’t Start the Fire” – Billy Joel (1989)
Glam Metal Mania: 80s Hair Band Good Party Songs
Get ready to unleash your inner rock god (or goddess) with these high-octane hair band anthems. Big hair, powerful vocals, and shredding guitars – these songs define the glam metal era and are perfect for a party that wants to rock hard. These are good party songs for those who want to add some headbanging and high-energy guitar riffs to their celebration.
Hairspray and glam rock makeup, depicting 80s hair band party jams
- “Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake (1982)
- “We’re Not Gonna Take It” – Twisted Sister (1984)
- “Rock You Like a Hurricane” – Scorpions (1984)
- “Edge of a Broken Heart” – Vixen (1988)
- “Don’t You Ever Leave Me” – Hanoi Rocks (1984)
- “Pour Some Sugar on Me” – Def Leppard (1987)
- “Kiss Me Deadly” – Lita Ford (1988)
- “Tell the World” – RATT (1985)
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses (1988)
- “Bad Medicine” – Bon Jovi (1988)
Pop Perfection: 90s Pop Good Party Songs
The 90s were a golden age for pop music, delivering infectious melodies and unforgettable singalongs. For a feel-good party atmosphere, these 90s pop hits are a must. These are undeniably good party songs that will bring back nostalgic memories and keep the energy levels high all night long.
CD player and vibrant 90s fashion accessories, representing high-energy 90s pop party hits
- “…Baby One More Time” – Britney Spears (1999)
- “Two Princes” – Spin Doctors (1991)
- “Genie in a Bottle” – Christina Aguilera (1999)
- “This Is How We Do It” – Montell Jordan (1995)
- “Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of…)” – Lou Bega (1999)
- “Believe” – Cher (1998)
- “Saturday Night” – Whigfield (1994)
- “Groove is in the Heart” – Deee-Lite (1990)
- “Let’s Get Loud” – Jennifer Lopez (1999)
- “Larger Than Life” – Backstreet Boys (1999)
Hard Rock Edge: 90s & 00s Hard Rock Good Party Songs
If bubblegum pop isn’t your style, and you prefer something with a bit more grit, these hard rock anthems from the 90s and 2000s are for you. These tracks bring the intensity and raw energy to any party, perfect for letting loose and rocking out. These are good party songs when you want to turn up the volume and inject some serious rock power into your event.
Amplifiers and heavy metal band merchandise, depicting 90s and 00s hard rock party hits
- “Chop Suey!” – System of a Down (2001)
- “Dragula” – Rob Zombie (1998)
- “Bodies” – Drowning Pool (2001)
- “Thunderstruck” – AC/DC (1990)
- “Duality” – Slipknot (2004)
- “Paralyzer” – Finger Eleven (2007)
- “Sabotage” – Beastie Boys (1994)
- “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana (1991)
- “Machinehead” – Bush (1994)
- “Down with the Sickness” – Disturbed (2000)
- “Halo” – Soil (2001)
Hip-Hop & R&B Beats: 90s & 00s Good Party Songs
Time to get the party jumping with these iconic hip-hop and R&B tracks from the 90s and 2000s. These songs are pure party fuel, guaranteed to fill the dance floor and create an infectious vibe. These good party songs are essential for any celebration that needs some serious rhythm and groove.
Turntables and urban street style fashion, representing 90s and 00s hip-hop and R&B party tracks
- “In Da Club” – 50 Cent (2003)
- “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” – Soulja Boy (2007)
- “Yeah!” – Usher (2004)
- “Low” – Flo Rida (2007)
- “Work It” – Missy Elliott (2002)
- “No Scrubs” – TLC (1999)
- “Hot in Herre” – Nelly (2002)
- “Jump Around” – House of Pain (1992)
- “No Diggity” – Blackstreet (1996)
- “U Can’t Touch This” – MC Hammer (1990)
- “Pony” – Ginuwine (1996)
Y2K Throwback: 00s Pop Good Party Songs
Millennials, this one’s for you! Relive the early 2000s with these pop gems that defined a generation. If you’re looking to spark some nostalgic singalongs and bring back those Y2K vibes, these are your go-to good party songs. Get ready for a night of pure pop nostalgia.
Smartphones and early 2000s fashion, depicting high-energy 2000s pop party hits
- “Poker Face” – Lady Gaga (2008)
- “Crazy in Love” – Beyoncé (2003)
- “Boom Boom Pow” – Black Eyed Peas (2009)
- “Hips Don’t Lie” – Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean (2005)
- “Pon de Replay” – Rihanna (2005)
- “Hot N Cold” – Katy Perry (2008)
- “Toxic” – Britney Spears (2003)
- “Bye Bye Bye” – *NSYNC (2000)
- “Move Your Feet” – Junior Senior (2002)
Country Pop Crossover: 00s Country Good Party Songs
The 2000s saw a fantastic blend of country and pop, creating a unique sound that dominated the airwaves. These country-pop crossover hits are perfect for a party that wants to mix country charm with mainstream appeal. These good party songs are loved by country fans and pop enthusiasts alike, making them crowd-pleasers for any event.
Acoustic guitar and cowboy hat with modern country aesthetic, representing 2000s country party starters
- “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood (2005)
- “Life is a Highway” – Rascal Flatts (2006)
- “Alright” – Darius Rucker (2008)
- “Here for the Party” – Gretchen Wilson (2004)
- “Need You Now” – Lady A (2009)
- “I Love This Bar” – Toby Keith (2003)
- “Chicken Fried” – Zac Brown Band (2008)
- “You Belong With Me” – Taylor Swift (2008)
- “Kerosene” – Miranda Lambert (2005)
Spice it Up: Salsa Good Party Songs
Add some Latin flair to your party with these high-energy salsa hits! Whether you’re a seasoned salsa dancer or just want to get everyone moving to a vibrant beat, these tracks are sure to ignite the dance floor. These are good party songs for adding a vibrant, rhythmic, and international flavor to your celebration. ¡Azúcar!
Maracas and colorful Latin American fabrics, depicting uptempo salsa music
- “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” – Celia Cruz (1998)
- “Llorarás” – Oscar D’León (1986)
- “La Malanga” – Eddie Palmieri (1970)
- “Quimbara” – Celia Cruz (1974)
- “Merecumbe” – Los Titanes (2001)
- “Ran Kan Kan” – Tito Puente (1950)
- “El Más Rico Beso” – Guayacán Orquesta (2009)
- “La Salsa Vive” – Tito Nieves (2002)
- “Vivir Mi Vida” – Marc Anthony (2013)
No matter what kind of party you’re throwing, music is the key to creating the right atmosphere and ensuring your guests have a blast. With this ultimate guide to good party songs, you’re now equipped to curate playlists that will keep the energy high and the dance floor packed all night long. So go ahead, pick your genres, press play, and let the good times roll!
