20. Quad City DJs - "C'mon Ride It (The Train)" (1996)
Courtesy Quadrasound
Never mind that the spaceship in the video looks like a massive sex toy, that party looks like a lot of fun. This Quad City DJs classic was an instant dance party classic that remains a durable favorite. The annual Village Voice survey of music critics named this the top single of 1996.
19. Timbaland - "The Way I Are" featuring Keri Hilson (2007)
Courtesy Interscope
Featuring Keri Hilson and rapper D.O.E., "The Way I Are," with its role reversal in romantic negotiations between men and women, became an instant party classic. The song went to #3 on the pop singles chart in the US and top 10 around the world.
18. Prince - "1999" (1983)
Courtesy Warner Bros.
Prince put together THE party song to end a millenium, and it was released 16 years ahead of time in 1983. There is a distinct air of apocalypse in the song, but Prince's best advice to cope with those fears is partying like it is the end of a millenium.
17. R. Kelly - "Ignition (Remix)" (2002)
Courtesy Jive
R. Kelly put together the classic laidback weekend party jam here. He cleverly announces that it is the remix of the song "Ignition" just in case you haven't noticed. If you want to know what will happen when you party with R. Kelly, he lays it all out here.
16. Usher - "Yeah" featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris (2004)
Courtesy Atlantic
Crunk and R&B collided magnificently on this hit. The basic melody is a simple repeated three note structure underlying the repeated word "Yeah!" It has been a recognized party hit from initial release. "Yeah!" spent 12 weeks at #1 on the pop singles chart.
15. Blondie - "Heart Of Glass" (1979)
Courtesy Chrysalis
Punk and disco collided on this classic song. Blondie freely admit that disco was not a positive thing to the circles they traveled among and the song was recorded partly to annoy people. "Heart Of Glass" became the group's first #1 pop hit and a long-term party classic.
14. ABBA - "Dancing Queen" (1976)
Courtesy Polar Music
There are few parties more grand than a royal wedding. "Dancing Queen" debuted on Swedish television at an event honoring Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia the day before their wedding. The group also performed the song at the wedding reception. This became ABBA's only #1 in the US and was a worldwide smash.
13. Rick James - "Super Freak" (1981)
Courtesy Gordy
This tribute to a girl who is sexually adventurous was put together by Rick James when he was looking for something with a bit of a new wave texture. What he came up with is a funk, pop, and new wave blend that remains a top party hit. MC Hammer sampled the bass line on his breakthrough smash hit "U Can't Touch This."
12. Beastie Boys - "(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)" (1987)
Courtesy Def Jam
Originally, the Beastie Boys intended this song as a joke poking fun at mindless rock songs of the time. That point of view was enhanced by a hilarious music video. Despite the attempt at being ironic, the Beastie Boys became heroes to hordes of partying college students. The towering Rick Rubin production makes the song a party essential nearly 25 years after its initial release.
11. DJ Casper - "Cha Cha Slide" (2000)
Courtesy Universal
The "Cha Cha Slide" was originally created as part of an advertising campaign for Bally Fitness. However, this line dance quickly spread well beyond the boundaries of advertising. "Cha Cha Slide" went to the top of the UK pop charts in 2004. It is now a staple for weddings, major league baseball games, and any special event party in between.
