No matter the time of year somebody has a birthday. Whether you celebrate it with family, friends or with office co-workers here are some great songs for the occasion. These 10 anthems, ditties, carols, whatever you call them have a combination of “birthday” in the title or lyric, or they’re simply feel good tunes about partying. Either way they’re still perfectly suited for a birthday celebration. The first four titles are current and focus on birthday partying, while the remaining oldies but goodies are timely and relate specifically to the birthday event itself. Get your birthday cake and candles ready for a good time.
Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO (2011)
This is the perfect anthem to start off the list, even if it doesn’t have birthday in the title or lyric. At least the word “party” will suffice. Party Rock Anthem” has an infectious beat during its electronic music break.
The Time (Dirty Bit) – Black Eyed Peas (2010)
What a great celebratory piece that mixes the old with new technology. It samples from the 1980s hit “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from the motion picture “Dirty Dancing.” “The Time” aspect refers to the chorus sampling, while “(Dirty Bit)” is the techno-rap fusion side of the song.
Raise Your Glass – Pink (2010)
What a perfect expressive title to make a toast in celebration of something. Why not for a birthday? “Raise Your Glass” is the perfect song choice for those having a milestone birthday such as turning 18 or 21 (legal age of adulthood) or turning 30, 40, etc.
Good Feeling – Flo Rida (2011)
If you watch TV you’ll no doubt heard bits of this song tune played on a number of commercials, most notably the one for Royal Caribbean cruises. When you see the commercial, people aboard this cruise ship are having a good time and “Good Feeling” with the fun activities. This also applies to celebrating a birthday.
Lisa It’s Your Birthday – Michael Jackson (1991)
The late and great King of Pop was supposed to do a voiceover and number for an episode of “The Simpson.” There was a legal dispute with MJ’s record label, so they had an impersonator who was personally handpicked by Jackson. There’s a demo that Michael Jackson actually recorded, but never used, had he appeared on this animated program. If your name is Lisa, you’re in luck as you now have a custom-made birthday song, “Lisa It’s Your Birthday.”
It’s My Party – Leslie Gore (1963)
It may not be the most uplifting party song, but it does make a statement about your special day or birthday. Even if things don’t exactly go your way, you can still have fun. “It’s My Party” is a golden oldie with a fabulous message.
Happy Birthday – Altered Images (1981)
“Happy Birthday” comes from the U.K. and this British new wave band. They had their biggest success with this single release. It’s upbeat, lively, and carefree. Those lyrics say it all for your soon-to-be or next birthday.
16 Candles – The Crests (1958)
Back in the 1950s and part of the 1960s turning 16 or being 16 years was heralded in song, TV, and film. This was by far the most popular song of that era for this age group. It was also the inspiration for the ’80s film “Sixteen Candles.” However, this “16 Candles” is a brilliant one to play for a teen turning sweet 16.
Happy Birthday – Stevie Wonder (1980)
Stevie Wonder wrote this in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday. At the time during the release of his album, which featured this track, he was heavily campaigning for MLK’s birthday to become a federal holiday. It obviously paid off. His version of “Happy Birthday” is a remarkable tribute.
Birthday – The Beatles (1968)
For those who listen to the car radio during a weekday morning commute will definitely be familiar with this title. Radio DJs across the country use this Beatles album track that stems from “The Beatles” or the commonly known White Album for one single purpose. It’s played when listeners or celebrities have a birthday. The “Birthday” song still gets a lot of heavy airplay, ever since the 1980s. Not only is it an excellent old school rock and roll ditty, it’s dedicated to whoever is listening. Happy Birthday to you!
