Music has changed so much over the years and there is a never-ending debate over whether it has gotten better or worse. Personally, I just love music in general. However, while there are many current songs I find stuck in my head, older songs account for a large amount of my playlists.
I get pretty musically nostalgic for the hits of the late 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s. I still remember discovering music videos and tuning into Much Music for the first time as a 11-year-old kid. Forgive me if I sound like your mom here but honestly, I’d much rather party to old school music than anything on the charts today.
Thanks to the fact that my mother subjected me to one too many of her Richard Simmons’ workout videos, I know a lot of the musical gold of days gone by (including the days before I was born.) So, whether you’re planning on throwing a “Throwback” themed party or you’re just tired of hearing J-Biebs apologize repeatedly, here’s a playlist filled with oldies (but goodies) that everyone will love:
1. 99 Luftballoons – Nena
99% of people will have no idea what the lyrics are to this song but it doesn’t even matter. This is one of the ultimate dance songs of all time and it will never seem dated or overused.
2. No Scrubs – TLC
This song is all 90’s and it’s always a crowd favorite. This great party songs explains what we all know about losers trying to pick up girls. If you’re going to throwback, you can’t forget this anthem for single ladies everywhere.
3. Like A Virgin – Madonna
I think we all know this one and many of us have probably sang karaoke to it drunk. It may be over 30 years old but it remains a song that’s guaranteed to get everyone dancing (or at least laughing.)
4. Mickey – Toni Basil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW7VnHnX3LQ
If you’re a fan of Bring It On, you probably know this song pretty well from the hilarious sequence at the end. But if you haven’t partied to it yourself, you have no idea what you’re missing. It’s a high energy track that you can sing and dance to anytime.
5. Escape (The Piña Colada Song) – Rupert Holmes
This is a charming little tune about a guy who decides to look for someone to cheat on his girlfriend with because he’s bored of her. But wouldn’t you know it, she was doing the same thing behind his back and they end up finding each other instead of strangers. It’s really romantic.
6. Shoop – Salt N’ Peppa
This might be one of my favorite 90’s songs of all time. I even tossed my bouquet to it. It’s got a fun beat and hilarious lyrics. You’ll be able to single out the coolest members of your group based on who knows all the words and can even keep up singing them.
7. Sunglasses at Night – Corey Hart
I’ve actually always liked this unique, slightly creepy song. However, it made a major comeback for me when it was featured in Scream Queens last year while Nick Jonas worked out (admittedly, the enjoyment of the song probably had a lot more to do with Nick Jonas working out, but who cares.) While you might not do a lot of dancing to the song, it’s a great go-to for a throwback.
8. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
This song is fantastic. I actually chose it as the song that played when I exited the church after I got married. That’s how intense my feelings are towards it. It’s upbeat, fun, and almost everyone loves to sing along.
9. Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
There’s a pretty good chance you’ve already heard this number rocked at a party. Everyone loves belting this one out while being completely wasted and after almost 35 years of this awesomeness, I don’t think it’s going anywhere. But I beg you please, please do not play the Glee version of this at any point. Ever.
10. Come on Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVxcwe7EcaY
This song is so sadly unrecognized by pretty much everyone. Some people might know it from The Perks of Being a Wallflower when Emma Watson is all hipster and wants to dance. But otherwise, it’s completely missed out on as an awesome party song.
11. American Pie – Don McLean
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih7N9_VUU4U
This song has been redone a million times over (honorable mention going out to Madonna’s version) but there’s nothing like the original. It’s one of those songs that really define an era while staying lovable and relevant for generations to come. Save this one for later on in the night when everyone’s already smashed and feeling super chummy.
12. Bennie and the Jets – Elton John
This song screams party. I don’t care who you are, there’s no way you can’t love jamming to this one. If anyone’s getting way too tipsy and falling off a bar while singing and dancing, I promise you this is the song that should be playing in the background.
Next time you have a party to plan or a playlist to make, give some of these classics a chance. While it’s easy to follow the crowd and listen to all the current music, a blast from the past every once in a while can be refreshing.
Featured Image via Unsplash
