Everyone has That Song: The one that makes you get up and dance, even if it is the fiftieth time you’ve heard it. But what are the songs that get everyone up on their feet?
We spoke with Cory Harding of Murray Hill Talent out of Boston, Rich Leggit of Black Tie Events out of Atlanta and Ari Rosenfield of Beat Train Productions out of New York.
In partnership with Juicy Fruit, we present the biggest hits of the party. Be warned — your foot may spontaneously start tapping.
Michael Jackson, “Billie Jean”
We joke in this business that if you don’t dance to Michael Jackson, you don’t have a pulse. Let’s face it: for better or worse, Michael Jackson is maybe the most popular pop artist of all time. I go for “Bille Jean” because it’s removed from his earlier disco records and, if for no other reason, people get on the floor to show off their best moonwalk.
— Cory Harding
Montell Jordan, “This is How We Do It”
The opening a cappella line straight into the smooth, consistent ’90s dance groove will never disappoint, especially when the party is looking to shift gears into some ‘old skool’ jams.
— Cory Harding
A-Ha, “Take On Me”
Always keeps the energy high, especially at the end of the night when the guests are loosened up and ready to hit their dance floor climax.
— Ari Rosenfield
The Isley Brothers, “Shout”
There was a time when I thought maybe this song was dead, but year after year, when the night is on the line and I need people of all ages to pack the dance floor, I play “Shout.” If things start to feel disjointed and I think I’m losing the crowd, or even half of it, “Shout” can turn things around.
— Cory Harding
AC/DC, “You Shook Me All Night Long”
This ’80s classic not only keeps the crowd dancing, but they love singing along to it.
— Rich Leggit
Depeche Mode, “Just Can’t Get Enough”
It walks that fine line between hipsters and radio lovers while still permeating all age groups.
— Ari Rosenfield
Michael Jackson, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”
MJ always gets people dancing, but this track is hands-down his best for packing the floor.
–Rich Leggit
The Romantics, “What I Like About You”
An ’80s song with a ’60s feel, this song covers two generations at once. With an irresistible jangly guitar riff, harmonica solo and plenty of “Hey!”s, this one is sure to invigorate an exhausted crowd.
–Cory Harding
Stevie Wonder, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)”
This is a Motown classic. Young and old alike always wanna dance to it.
–Rich Leggit
Whitney Houston, “How Will I Know”
Nostalgia for Whitney Houston seems to be at an all-time high. “How Will I Know” is one of my “instant anthem” songs.
–Ari Rosenfield
The Jackson 5, “l Want You Back”
Everyone knows this song. It’s infectious, it’s fun, and there’s a reason every generation knows the unmistakable piano intro and all the lyrics. It’s probably my No. 1 go-to in a tough situation.
–Cory Harding
Journey, “Don’t Stop Believin’”
It has stood the test of time and still packs a dance floor. “Don’t Stop Believin”’ is one of those rare songs that has no discernible dance tempo, yet its supreme sing-a-long ability has made it a classic for generations past and a rocking bar anthem for today’s college kids.
–Cory Harding
Jackson 5, “ABC”
Old and young folks alike never get tired of it.
–Ari Rosenfield
Chic, “Good Times”
An old folks/young folks crossover tune that still feels relevant with the recent wave of disco-influenced pop songs.
–Ari Rosenfield
Here’s the full playlist, brought to you by Juicy Fruit. We DARE you not to dance.