40. David Bowie - "Let's Dance" (1983)
Courtesy EMI America
"Let's Dance" is David Bowie's only song to hit #1 in both the US and the UK. It gains its funk/disco beat from producer Nile Rodger's of the disco band Chic. There is a celebratory, party tone to the invitation to dance, but something darker lurks in portions of the song's lyrics.
39. Big and Rich - "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)" (2004)
Courtesy Warner Bros.
Few songs successfully integrate elements of country, rock, and rap, but that is exactly what Big and Rich did with this song that brought them to the attention of a wide range of audiences. The song's reputation began to build as it was used in a wide range of commercials and sports event soundtracks. Now it is a "go to" choice for a rousing special event sing along.
38. Los Del Rio - "Macarena" (1995)
Courtesy RCA
"Macarena," one of the biggest pop music dance crazes of all time, originated with a recording by a local Spanish duo. It was brought to the US by RCA and eventually the song's dance steps caught on. "Macarena" then spent 14 weeks at #1 on the US pop singles chart. For more than a year this was one of the most popular special event songs in the US. It still works well as a charming party song encouraging everyone to join in on the simple dance.
37. Nelly - "Ride Wit Me" featuring City Spud (2001)
Courtesy Universal
Nelly's third hit single was his biggest yet going all the way to #3. The song features Nelly's half-brother City Spud. The laidback pop-influenced melody helped make this a crowd pleasing party hit.
36. Chic - "Le Freak" (1978)
Courtesy Atlantic
"Le Freak" was one of the biggest of all disco hits on the pop charts. It hit #1 and sold approximately four million copies. The song was originally titled "F**k Off" in response to the band's members Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards being shut out of classic disco club Studio 54.
35. Brooks and Dunn - "Boot Scootin' Boogie" (1992)
Courtesy Arista Nashville
"Boot Scootin' Boogie" was originally recorded by the band Asleep At the Wheel, but it is the Brooks and Dunn version that helped kick off a line dance frenzy that has continued to this day. The song crossed over to pop audiences as well and is a special event favorite.
34. UB40 - "Red Red Wine" (1988)
Courtesy A&M
Originally written and recorded by Neil Diamond, "Red Red Wine" didn't become a pop and party classic until recorded by the reggae band UB40. It is an ode to red wine's power to help one forget the romantic pain of lost love. The song itself is perfect for a lilting reggae dance and sing along.
33. "Chicken Dance"
Courtesy Planet Music
Reportedly, the "Chicken Dance" dates back to the 1950s. Today it is ubiquitous at weddings and anniversary celebrations. The dance has been popular in the US since at least the 1980s. A version titled "The Birdie Song" by The Tweets hit #2 on the pop charts in the UK in 1981. Motley Crue's Vince Neill served as the grand marshal of the world's largest chicken dance at the Cincinnati Oktoberfest in 2004.
32. Sly and the Family Stone - "Dance To the Music" (1968)
Courtesy Epic
There is clearly a party going on here. The song that launched Sly and the Family Stone into mainstream pop consciousness is still a potent party track. They will not be satisfied until you do get up and, "Dance To the Music."
31. The Troggs - "Wild Thing" (1966)
Courtesy Nayco Entertainment
Written by American songwriter Chip Taylor and recorded by UK rock group the Troggs, "Wild Thing" became a #1 smash pop hit. It was a predecessor for both garage rock and punk. The sexy, flirtatious, slightly leering lyrics made it a popular party sing along as well.
