20 Dance Songs for Your Summer Party

If you’re looking for a few good songs to load into your iPod for a summer party, check out my personal top 20 dance songs.

Town Called Malice – The Jam

A wonderfully fast paced and light-hearted song, Town Called Malice, by The Jam, has its roots in swing music. It’s the perfect song to dance wildly, and without rhythm.

Don’t Stop the Music – Rihanna

Rihanna qualifies as an R&B; songstress, but “Don’t Stop the Music” would borderline on a techno dance song. It has a prominent beat and beautiful vocals that would bring anyone out of their chair at a party. Personally, I like to play this song when I need motivation cleaning the house.

Monkey Man – Reel Big Fish

Monkey Man” proves that you can dance to big band music. It has been performed by many different artists and bands, but Reel Big Fish’s version is hands down the best and most energetic.

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers

Most people many not think this is a good song to dance to, but as soon as you get a large group of people together, who love the song, you would be proved wrong. A local band I have been following for some time, used this song last weekend as the closer to their set list. I have never before seen so many people singing along and jumping to the beat. It goes to show that some songs surprise us.

All For You – Janet Jackson

I’ve never been a fan of Janet Jackson, or any of the Jackson’s for that matter. When “All For You” came out in 2001, it was a hit in clubs, a hit on the radio, and a hit with me. I still enjoy turning it up loud in my car.

Car Wash – Rose Royce

I had to add in some classic 70’s disco. Even though “Car Wash” has been remade by Christina Aguilera, the original version still holds true. I love playing old 70’s music and doing some dramatic disco moves.

Got To Give It Up – Marvin Gaye

Another great 70’s hit, it’s all about getting up to dance.

Fergalicious – Fergie

From her first solo album, “Fergalicious” is a popular club song amongst women. Fergie is an amazing dancer, and I think it means a lot to a song when the artist can dance to their own material.

Get Up – Ciara

Ciara is another fantastic dancer, and if you purchase her CD “The Evolution”, you actually receive a DVD that teaches you her dance moves in the music video for “Get Up”. It has a strong beat and great vocals and the lyrics center on dancing. What more could you ask for?

Just Dance – Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga has blown up the radio airwaves with her debut album “The Fame”. It’s hard to choose a good dance song from the album, but “Just Dance” is undoubtedly the most popular and most fun to dance to.

Can’t Get You Out Of My Head – Kylie Minogue

I think it’s the lyrics and Kylie’s vocal range that really stand out in this song. It’s one of those catchy stuck-in-your-head kind of songs.

Take Me Out – Franz Ferdinand

I really wish Franz Ferdinand would make more music. After their debut album, they kind of fizzled out of popularity. “Take Me Out” was definitely their high point, and hopefully they top it soon.

Dance Dance – Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy isn’t just for high school girls. Some of their songs from their first release are geared toward a younger audience, but “Dance Dance” is one to check out.

SexyBack – Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake has shown the world that he’s better off as a solo artist. One of my favourites is “SexyBack”. It’s very much a club type song, with not-so innocent lyrics.

Umbrella – Rihanna

Accompanying “Don’t Stop the Music”, “Umbrella” is the song that shot Rihanna to the top. After hearing this song, try not to say, “It’s raining outside, better take the umbrella, ella ella”.

I Love Rock and Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

The 80’s were known for hair bands and power ballads, but most popular songs were difficult to dance to, even today. I consider “I Love Rock and Roll” to land among the classic rock songs of the 80’s, and the best part is it’s perfect to dance to when it comes on the jukebox.

Great DJ – The Ting Tings

The Ting Tings are a fairly new band. Charting across the unknown territory of the successful two piece band, you can tell from their music that they have fun doing what they do.

Alright – Supergrass

Supergrass is an all around fun band. They are a little eccentric, but that’s what makes them great. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them live in concert, and even though I picked “Alright” as my favorite to dance to, they have no trouble bringing a large crowd to their feet.

Woo Hoo – 5, 6, 7, 8’s

The 5, 6, 7, 8’s became famous when their music and a performance was used in a Quentin Tarantino film. You can’t find many Japanese girl bands who perform early rock songs barefoot. “Woo Hoo” is my favourite because it’s got great guitar rhythm and a back bone of swing.

Webpage: Last.fm (Used for any album or artist information)