When there are so many great songs to shake your booty to, it is not easy to put together a list of the 20 greatest dance songs. I went through a compilation I made for my mother and I to work out to. My mom, God rest her, she always said that dancing is the most fun and rewarding exercise there is. At first, I didn’t believe her. But over time, I began to notice I was losing weight and stretching muscles I never thought I had, simply by dancing to the songs listed below.
If you want a work out, nothing is better than any Big Band-esque tune, especially if you can get a partner to swing dance with you. If you want to cool down, there are several songs listed here that would be perfect for slowly dancing in place.
While going through the list, you’ll notice that most of the songs are from the 1970s and 1980s. I am very versatile where it comes to music. However, as my mother demonstrated, disco and new wave dance music can really make you sweat. Given my vast love of music, I also threw in a few hit dance songs from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, including a couple from Ray Charles and one legendary song by one legendary singer from Graceland. There are also a handful of great songs from the 1990s.
Finally, I guarantee you – if you play all of these songs in a single compilation, you’ll get great exercise and have a great time.
You Spin Me (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive
From Dead or Alive’s 1985 album, Youthquake, You Spin Me (Like a Record) is my favorite dance song of the ’80s. It moves so fast; it’s gotten me to sweat more than a few times. You can dance to it by yourself or dance with a partner.
You can check this song out on YouTube. You can probably pick up the album, Youthquake at Amazon.com. But, you can find this song on many 1980s collection CDs.
Rock This Town by Stray Cats
From the album, Stray Cats, Rock This Town is another essential ’80s dance song. It didn’t peak at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 for nothing. It’s got a great swing music beat to it. It’s fast and effective. It truly belongs on this list of the 20 best booty-shaking songs ever produced.
Another song you can check out on YouTube. Just highlight the name, copy and paste it into your Google browser, and you’ll see two videos pop up on top of the list. You can also pick it up on the album, The Best of the Stray Cats: Rock This Town at Amazon.com.
Maniac by Michael Sembello
From the album, Bossa Nova Hotel and the Flashdance soundtrack, Maniac is a maniac of a dance song. If you remember in the film, Flashdance, Jennifer Beal is running in place to this song. If that’s not enough to declare this an essential dance song, I don’t know what it is. My mother and I always sweat to Maniac. I bet you will too.
Once again, you can pick up the Flashdance soundtrack on Amazon. That would probably be your best bet.
Sing, Sing, Sing by Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman wasn’t called the “King of Swing” for nothing. This great song is best experienced with a partner. I had my mother. We literally taught ourselves some swing dance moves, and really exercised to this awesome and dare I say, antique song. All I can say is thank you, Benny Goodman for being so good.
You can actually find this song on YouTube. Once again, you can find it on Amazon or rhapsody.com.
You Really Got Me by The Kinks
From the album, Kinks, this great rock song from the 1960s is one of the many oldies to shake your booty to. You Really Got Me is not as heavy as the songs listed above, but it’s certainly good enough to be on this list. The Kinks were part of the “British Invasion” in the ’60s for good reason.
You can listen to the song for free on ilike.com or buy the album on Amazon.com.
Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor) by Robert Palmer
Now, here is a rock song to make you sweat. From the 1979 album, Secrets, Robert Palmer really shakes things up with this great rock song. It was a big hit in ’79, reaching #14 on the charts. The song moves so fast at times, it’s hard to keep up. That’s one of the many reasons why Bad Case of Loving You is one my top 20 dance songs.
You check out the videos on YouTube. But, you can also get it on one of many albums by Robert Palmer on Amazon.com.
My Sharona by The Knack
You could almost call, The Knack a one-hit wonder. This one song was a #1 hit after it was released in June of 1979 and remained #1 for weeks. The band is practically an unknown. But, you can find their best song on the album, Get the Knack and dance to it as hard as I have. Whenever this song came on at random in our compilation, my mother and I were truly gratified.
You can pick up the album on Amazon.com or check out the videos on YouTube or check it out at ilike.com.
Mess Around by Ray Charles
Released in 1953, Mess Around was one of the first big hits from music legend, Ray Charles and for good reason. This song is truly capable of getting you to shake your entire body. You also can’t help but sing along. I think mother and I had a bad cut of Mess Around, because we always had to turn up the volume. But, it was worth it. Mess Around definitely belongs on this list, despite how old it is. That’s a testament to the greatness of Ray Charles if you ask me.
Get a download from beemp3 or rhapsody.com. You can find videos featuring the song on YouTube or any greatest hits album on Amazon.
Sussudio by Phil Collins
You can find this great, effective dance song on Phil Collins’s third album, No Jacket Required. Sussudio was originally released as a single on February 9, 1985. If any Phil Collins song will get you shakin’, rattlin’ or rollin’, it’s Sussudio. My mother and I always got good exercise with it. Sussudio is truly a brilliant song by a brilliant artist.
You can find the song on YouTube or buy any of Phil Collins’s ‘greatest hits’ albums on Amazon.com. It’s sure to be one of those albums.
Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo by Rick Derringer
Rick Derringer sang this great dance song for the album, Johnny Winter And…, playing alongside Johnny Winter himself in October of 1970. It’s one song my mother and I always looked forward to in our compilation. And for some reason, the song doesn’t seem to have grown outdated over the years.
Check it out on YouTube and buy it on the album, Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo: The Best of Rick Derringer on Amazon.
Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley
One of the most legendary rock songs by one of the most legendary artists in music history, Jailhouse Rock can still work its magic today. First released on September 24, 1957, Jailhouse was ranked #67 on Rolling Stone magazine’s 500 songs of all time list. Already, it should be no surprise why its on my top 20 dance songs. Despite its age, Jailhouse Rock still has the ability to get your body rockin’ and rollin’.
There are many Elvis Presley albums available on Amazon. You can also find it on YouTube.
Getting Jiggy With It by Will Smith
This is one of the better hip-hop songs as far as I’m concerned. I’m more of a rock and roll fan. But, I’ve always been impressed by the talents of Will Smith. He’s not only a good singer, he’s also a damn good actor. Getting Jiggy With It is certainly a great dance song.
Goody Two Shoes by Adam Ant
Another great Big Band-esque song from the 1980s, Goody Two Shoes is guaranteed to get your body moving in all directions. It’s even better with a partner.
Dancing in The Dark by Bruce Springsteen
One great artist with one great song can make you shake your booty. Bruce Springsteen with Dancing in The Dark is the perfect example of how effective greatness can be.
What’d I Say by Ray Charles
Not as heavy or effective as Mess Around, What’d I Say is still worthy of a spot on this list. Ray Charles, Elvis Presley and even The Beatles are among the oldies bands, and artists who practically invented great rock and roll dance music. This song starts out slow, but be patient, Ray Charles kicks it up a notch just when you least expect it.
Can’t Buy Me Love by The Beatles
From one of the most legendary bands in the history of music comes one of the more effective rock and roll dance songs. It moves fast. You’ll have to keep up. But, you won’t be disappointed when Can’t Buy Me Love comes to an end.
Hot Stuff by Donna Summer
There were so many disco songs from the 1970s, it was hard to pick only a few for this list. But, Hot Stuff is so good and so effective, it was one I just had to place in the top 20. It’s no surprise since this song comes from the disco queen herself, Donna Summer.
Kung Fu Fighting by KC & The Sunshine Band
Disco has gotten a bad reputation over the years. But, I challenge anyone who does not enjoy listening to or dancing to Kung Fu Fighting. It’s one of the better disco songs of the 1970s. Whenever this great track came up in our compilation, my mother and I would always share a smile.
Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting by Elton John
Elton John produced a lot of great hits in the ’70s and ’80s. That’s probably a good reason why he’s still so famous today. But, Elton produced a few great dance songs in that time that should never go unheard. This, Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting is one of them. Just don’t let yourself get too caught up in the song. Don’t go try to get into a fight. Remember, this is just a great dance song to get your blood pumpin’ in the best possible way.
Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry
Another ’70s disco-era song that has slipped away from popular culture. But, I’ve enjoyed listening to and dancing to Play That Funky Music. It’s also another great moment I’ve shared with dearly departed mother. Just like every other song listed here, I will always think of her whenever I play Play That Funky Music. That is odd, I know, considering the lyrics to this awesome song.
More great songs from my vast compilation. I urge you to collect ever song on this list for one killer collection. By killer, I mean, you will move and sweat until you fall down. Enjoy.
Centerfold by The J. Geils Band
You Can’t Touch This by MC Hammer
Pink Cadillac by Bruce Springsteen
Don’t You Want Me by Human League
It’s a Beautiful Life by Ace of Base
Rhythm is Gonna Get You by Gloria Estafan
Tush by ZZ Top
China Grove by The Doobie Brothers
Finally by CeCe Peniston
Jump by Van Halen
Dance The Night Away by Van Halen
I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
Jump Around by House of Pain
I’m Your Boogie Man by KC & The Sunshine Band
I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross
Sleeping Bag by ZZ Top
Oh What a Night by The Bee Gees
Ladies Night by Kool & The Gang
Shake Your Booty by KC & The Sunshine Band
Cum On, Feel The Noise by Quiet Riot
Barracuda by Heart
Chains of Love by Erasure
Push It by Salt N Pepper
Jump (For My Love) by The Pointer Sisters
Shake It Up by The Cars
Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
Vogue by Madonna
Boogie Shoes by KC & The Sunshine Band
Keep It Comin’ Love by KC & The Sunshine Band
I’m Alright by Kenny Loggins
Think I’m in Love by Eddie Money
Pump Up the Jam by Technotronic
Rhythm of the Night by El DeBarge
Gimme All Your Lovin’ by ZZ Top
A B C by The Jackson Five
The Heat Is On by Glenn Frey
Don’t Rush Me by Taylor Dayne
Too Much Time on My Hands by Styx
Got to Be Real by Cheryl Lynn
99-Luftballoons by Nena
What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) by Information Society
Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
Holiday by Madonna
Venus by Bananarama
Gloria by Laura Branigan
Sweet Dreams by The Eurythmics
Jungle Boogie by Kool & The Gang
Runnin’ with The Devil by Van Halen
Panama by Van Halen
The Warrior by Scandal Featuring Patty Smyth
Black Betty by Ram Jam
I’m Too Sexy by Right Said Fred
New Sensation by INXS
Show Me Love by Robyn
Be My Lover by La Bouche
Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top
You’re All I’ve Got Tonight by The Cars
In The Midnight Hour by Wilson Pickett
Der Kommissar by After the Fire
Tell It To My Heart
Get Up and Boogie by Silver Convention
Special by Garbage
I’m So Excited by Sister Sledge
Pump Up The Volume by Marrs
Hot Blooded by Foreigner
Loverboy by Billy Ocean
Rhythm is a Dancer by Snap
Gonna Make You Sweat by C&C; Music Factory
That’s The Way I Like It by KC & The Sunshine Band
Dancing by Myself by Billy Idol
Rebel Yell by Billy Idol
Give It Away by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Turn The Beat Around by Vicki Sue Robinson
Stray Cat Strut by The Stray Cats
Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran
Electric Avenue by Eddie Grant
Big Ten Inch by Aerosmith
The Electric Slide by Marcia Griffiths
I Saw The Sign by Ace of Base
I’ve Been Thinking About You by London Beat
Saturday Night Fever by the Bee Gees
Express Yourself by Madonna
Word Up by Cameo
DMSR by Prince
1999 by Prince
Rockin’ Pneumonia & The Boogie Woogie Flu by Johnny Rivers
Whip It by Devo
The Hustle by Van McCoy
Take On Me by a-ha
Wild, Wild West by The Escape Club
Free Ride by The Edgar Winter Group
Zoot Suit Riot by Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
The Rockafeller Skank by Fatboy Slim
Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Won’t Get Fooled Again by The Who
What Is Love by Haddaway
Rag Doll by Aerosmith
I Want You by Savage Garden
I Love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett
Born in The USA by Bruce Springsteen
Neutron Dance by The Pointer Sisters
Rock Steady by The Whispers
Safety Dance by Men Without Hats
Jumpin’ Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones
Renegade by Styx
Tube Snake Boogie by ZZ Top
Mmm Bop by Hanson
Keep A-Knockin’ by Little Richard
American Woman by The Guess Who
Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer
Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar
Hot Legs by Rod Stewart
Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen
Smokin’ by Boston
Maybellene by Chuck Berry
Working for a Living by Huey Lewis & The News
I Want a New Drug by Huey Lewis & The News
Take Your Time (Do It Right) by SOS Band
Separate Ways by Journey
Cat Scratch Fever by Ted Nugent
You Should be Dancin’ by the Bee Gees
Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears For Fears
Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Seger
Twistin’ The Night Away by Sam Cooke
