By Scott Arrington, 16 year veteran DJ
You’re getting dressed to go to your friend’s wedding and you’re already humming Don’t Stop Believin’. But how?! You’re 28 years old and that song came out in 1981! Well, some songs have transcended time and space and have cemented themselves as fixtures in ballrooms and reception tents across America. Love them OR hate them, they’re here to stay, so let’s talk about it! In no particular order, here are 10 songs that simply won’t quit.
#1 Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey (1981)
I think the human species is born with this song already inside of them. Some of us may grow to hate it or its sentimentality only grips us further the older we get. Either way, it’s not going away. It is one of the songs I’ve played the most in my career and it’s not for me – it’s for the people.
#2 Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2015)
Now 8 years removed from it’s release, one of the words most associated with this song is “overplayed”. And I get it! I play it a lot. But I can’t stop because people dance. That’s why this song is timeless. It is the ultimate party song, it’s infectious, and people of all ages know it.
#3 I Want You Back – The Jackson 5 (1969)
OK, now we’re back to 1969 and you all know the words! I often start my dance sets with this song. It opens with a great energy and it lets the crowd know I’m there for all ages. People want to dance to songs they know the words to and 10 times out of 10, this one’s a winner.
#4 Crazy In Love – Beyonce ft. Jay-Z (2003)
Now we’re getting into interesting territory. Most of my current couples were born in the 90s so their parents were still pretty young in 2003. This song was big when you were a kid but also struck a note with your parents so in 2023 we’re crossing generations with this nightly floor filler!
#5 Dancing Queen – Abba (1976)
Boy did Abba cash in with the Mama Mia! movie and musical. Dancing Queen was already a household song title but by the film’s release in 2008, moms and dads across the WORLD were itching to share these festive songs with their kids and it’s still one of the most popular songs I play.
#6 September – Earth Wind& Fire (1978)
Do you remember? The 21st night of September? Of course you do! The horn section kicks in and you’re on the dance floor. In some cases, even if you don’t particularly like the song, it’s hard to deny it when it’s banging from a great sound system and most of your friends and family are on board!
#7 Shut Up and Dance – WALK THE MOON (2014)
The title speaks for itself. I can honestly say I’ve never never seen this song on a “Do Not Play” list. It has an undeniable energy and it’s clean, innocent fun. The 5-year-olds and the 70-year-olds are all helpless against its powers. And it tells you what to do. Don’t resist!
#8 I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston (1987)
I would guess this my most requested song. It’s a staple and even if it’s not specifically requested, it’s a sure winner to get people moving. There are several songs a DJ leans on when the dance floor could use a little reviving. This is an ace in the hole!
#9 Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1967)
Straight up family favorite. Given a resurgence from an iconic scene in the 1998 movie Stepmom, this song makes you reach for mountains and valleys, all while creating memories with cherished family members on one of the most important days of your lives.
#10 Shout – Isley Brothers (1959)
My most timeless song, simply because it’s the oldest and still one of the most requested songs at every wedding. It is the definition of bringing people together. It is the culmination of hours spent sweating on the dance floor. No one is sitting at their tables. Everyone is getting a little bit louder now and a little bit softer now. If a song can make a hundred people practically lie down on the floor, how can you deny it?!
