The Blast Writers Have Created The Ultimate Dance Party Playlist: Which Is Your Favorite?

Looking for the best songs for a dance party playlist? Well, look no further!

We asked The Blast writers to come up with three songs to contribute to the ultimate dance party playlist... and they delivered!

• “Shake It” by Metro Station
• “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus
• “MGNO” by Russell Dickerson

First up, “Shake It” by Metro Station, and there’s a story behind this one. Every time I walk through the door, my dog Maxie gets so excited that his whole back end shakes like crazy. One day, while my mom and I were cleaning and blasting music, this song came on and we immediately thought of him. Now, whenever it plays, I scoop Maxie up and we dance around the house, shaking our hips just like he does. It’s become our little tradition.

Next up is “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus, because let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little Miley? This one always takes me straight back to high school. It’s fun, feel-good, and absolutely impossible not to sing along to. Instant mood booster.

And finally, for the country lovers, “MGNO” by Russell Dickerson. Every time it comes on my Spotify playlist, I turn to my husband and say, “Time to get your blood pumping!” It’s the kind of song that makes you want to roll the windows down and just a vibe. Pure energy, pure fun.

• “Laho” by Nigerian artist Shalipopi
• “Finesse” by Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B
• “Beautiful People” by Chris Brown

My first song is “Laho” by Nigerian artist Shalipopi. Afrobeat, which started in Nigeria in the 60s and was pioneered by the late icon Fela Kuti, has since gone global, with increasing demand worldwide. In today’s generation, there is absolutely no proper dance party without Afrobeat in the mix. With songs like “Laho” trending on TikTok and other social media platforms, it certainly deserves a place for its infectious rhythm and danceability.

My second song is “Finesse,” the remix by Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B. There is just something about this song that makes you want to move your body. From Bruno’s smooth singing to Cardi’s strong bars, the song is what you need for every dance party.

My last and certainly not the least is a song by an artist who has been in the headlines for negative reasons recently. Chris Brown’s legal woes make it easy to forget that he is arguably one of the most talented artists of this generation. Having that ability to dance as excellently as he can sing is something the King of Pop was revered for. One could even say he should be the Michael Jackson of our time. His 2011 song “Beautiful People” will make any dance party light up with excitement.

• “In Da Club” by 50 Cent
• “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan
• “Bye, Bye, Bye” by NSYNC

When it comes to an unforgettable dance party, the playlist is everything. So when I first began to think about what three songs are a must for me, I blanked out completely. I decided to ask my 20-year-old son, Ryder, whose Spotify list is pretty long and eclectic. Without hesitation, he said, “In Da Club” by 50 Cent, and I couldn’t agree more. This is just one of those songs that, the minute you hear it, no matter where you’re at, you want to dance and rap along.

Ryder's suggestion for that song made me think of one I feel is dance party worthy - “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan. An oldie, but a goodie, for sure. That’s another tune that really brings out the high-energy vibes. Dance or not, this is a song that pumps you up and makes you want to move. Hearing this song instantly brings me back to the mid-90s when I lived in Phoenix and worked at a sports bar near the arena where the Suns played. Good times!

Ryder also shocked me a little with another suggestion - “Bye, Bye, Bye” by NSYNC. Not sure why I was shocked because my kids have always listened to a wide variety of music, but I did not see that coming. And he’s not wrong. That’s definitely a song that makes anyone want to get on their feet and dance around. I personally feel dance-worthy songs are also songs I want on when I’m cleaning to keep me moving and grooving, and these three are definitely cleaning-worthy tunes!

• "Heated" by Beyoncé
• "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift
• "On The Floor" by Jennifer Lopez

When I think of the music I'd like to see in an ultimate dance party playlist, too many incredible songs come to mind, making it quite hard to narrow it down to just three. So, I've chosen these songs for how great they sound and, most importantly, how upbeat they are, because we need to be able to dance to them!

To kick off my list is a somewhat recent song, and that is "Heated" by Beyoncé from her seventh studio album, "Renaissance." Almost 30 years into her career, Beyoncé still manages to surprise us with her music and ever-evolving sound. In an album with so many incredible songs that draw inspiration from House music and pay homage to the LGBTQ+ community, "Heated" stands out for its addictive afrobeat-esque sound and bold outro that transports listeners to a Ballroom scene with Beyoncé as the MC! I can't help but move when I hear "Tip tip tip on hardwood floors/ Ten, ten, ten across the board."

Second on my list is "Shake It Off," by Taylor Swift from her fifth studio album, "1989." This song (and album in general) solidified Swift's position as a pop music superstar. Although the lyrics pale in comparison to Swift's many other songs, "Shake It Off" excels greatly as a fun, catchy, and uptempo pop song that makes me want to get up on my feet and dance away any negative energy or hate being sent my way.

The final song on my dance party playlist is "On The Floor" by Jennifer Lopez, featuring Pitbull from her seventh studio album, "Love?" It was pretty hard choosing this song because, again, there are so many great options, but "On The Floor" is such an incredible club banger that leaves me sweating and gasping for breath by the time it's over. It's the perfect song for anyone ready to dance until they drop!

• "How You Like That" by BLACKPINK
• "DDU-DU DDU-DU" by BLACKPINK
• "Physical" by Dua Lipa

First up, "How You Like That" by BLACKPINK, because why not? I am a huge Blink, and I believe this is one of their greatest songs of all time. The beats are just insanely good, and the lyrics are catchy, just like most of their singles. My favorite part of this single would probably be Jennie's line around the end of the song. The mix of English and Korean lyrics is just so fun to sing to.

Up next on my list is BLACKPINK's "DDU-DU DDU-DU," just because this is my eldest daughter's favorite song by the girl group. For me, it's my second favorite track from them. Together, we love to dance to this single, which is a great mother-and-daughter bonding moment for us. I am a sucker for making simple yet meaningful memories with my loved ones.

Lastly, "Physical" by Dua Lipa. It's such an instant mood booster for me. It's what I would listen to at the gym to inspire me to keep going. Because honestly, I don't enjoy going to the gym, but when nice songs play on, such as this, it makes me want to do more, be it running on the treadmill or lifting weights.

• “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé
• “Bye, Bye, Bye” by NSYNC
• “Kissing In Public” by Dustin Conrad

For me, there’s no dance party without Beyoncé. From her Destiny's Child days to her latest masterpiece, “Cowboy Carter,” Queen Bey has a hit for every occasion, and we all know it. But when it comes to getting the party bumping, nothing beats “Crazy In Love.” That iconic horn intro is an instant mood-transformer, whether I'm at the local bar, my best friend's wedding, or roaming the grocery store aisles.

Now, for the second song, it’s important to know that, in my mind, every great playlist needs a dose of boy-band nostalgia, and for me, that is NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye.” Being part of Gen-Z, this early 2000s track is one of those classics that just feel essential for the function. There's something irresistible about the pop music from that era, too, and this song is one that I can't get enough of.

Lastly, to bring things current, I have to include a track that recently soared to the top of my Spotify “On Repeat” playlist: “Kissing In Public” by Dustin Conrad. It’s a poppy R&B song all about living in the moment with your partner. The hook and chorus are so catchy, I can already hear it being looped into DJ mixes everywhere.

• "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus
• "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
• "The Way" by Ariana Grande ft. Mac Miller

The first song is Miley Cyrus' "Flowers." It's the vintage YSL dress. And that walk. I don't own a YSL dress, and I wasn't married to Liam Hemsworth. But for every time it's been a "damnit" and then "goddamnit" kinda dark, there's Miley and her 20023-release smash-hit. It's got great vocals, a crazy addictive hook, and nobody seemed to be complaining when she stripped down to her undies in the video. Also, kudos to the lady who endorses buying flowers versus diamond-covered Gucci. Maybe your average gal can grab herself a bunch (once in a while).

Next up is Pharrell Williams' "Happy. "The dude's got a voice like syrup. It's the song I put on when the day has been a total downer, BUT. Something lifted. For some reason, it lifts more with this track. Bonus points for a super-inclusive array of people in the music video, plus this guy's MOVES.

The last song is "The Way" by Ariana Grande ft. Mac Miller. As someone who misses Ariana's "poppier" era, this song is it. Crazy in love with Mac (RIP), insane vocals as usual, plus that adorable Manchester, UK footage of her performing it live with Mac. The harmonies are stunning and, well, who doesn't love a cookie-cutter romance track? Hitting her whistle register with headphones on in public, though. Only advised for the pros.

• "How to Luv" by Omah Lay
• "Dami Duro" by Davido
• "Kese (Dance)" by Wizkid

Let’s be honest! No dance party is complete without a few Afrobeat bangers, and I’m bringing the vibes with my top three picks!

First up is "How to Luv" by Omah Lay. The moment this song comes on, it’s like an instant switch flips. I could be sitting down, minding my business, and as soon as I hear those first few notes, I’m up and moving. There’s something smooth and irresistible about the beat. It has just the right amount of groove to get everyone in the mood to party, whether you’re on the dance floor or just vibing in the corner. It is the perfect mood setter.

Next is a certified classic: "Dami Duro" by Davido. This one hits hard every single time. Even if I’ve sworn I’m not dancing tonight, this song says otherwise. It’s high energy, it’s bold, and it comes with serious main character energy. Once that beat drops, my feet move before my brain can say no. There’s just no escaping it, and before you know it, I am jumping and hitting my head on the roof!

And finally, I had to include "Kese (Dance)" by Wizkid. You simply cannot say no to this track at a party. It’s one of those songs that wraps itself around your mood and lifts it, no matter what kind of day you’ve had. As soon as it comes on, the vibes are immaculate. You’ll find yourself dancing, laughing, and vibing with everyone around like it’s the best night ever.

Each of these songs brings something different to the party: groove, hype, and good vibes. So if I’m ever in charge of the music, you already know what’s coming. Let’s get this party started!

• "Pound The Alarm" by Nicki Minaj
• "Murder On The Dancefloor" by Sophie Ellis-Bextor
• "Edamame" by Canadian rapper bbno$ featuring Indonesian rapper Rich Brian

First up, we've got "Pound The Alarm" by Nicki Minaj. This high-energy track always gets my blood pumping. There’s a little bit of steel drum in the intro, which helps set the island vibe, and then you hear the alarm, which lets you know it’s time to dance! Both the music and lyrics give me an instant adrenaline rush every time, and bonus points if we can get the music video up on the big screen because the visuals are stunning as well!

Since we’re all probably sweating now, let’s slow things down a bit with "Murder On The Dancefloor" by Sophie Ellis-Bextor. I discovered this gem while watching Saltburn and instantly became obsessed. It’s playful pop with a twist of disco that never fails to get me on my feet.

Last up, I’m going with "Edamame" by Canadian rapper bbno$ featuring Indonesian rapper Rich Brian. This funky little number is impossible not to bop along to. Because this beat feels like it has a mind of its own, I feel like I dance a little differently to this each time I hear it. No two dances are ever the same! It always puts a smile on my face.

• “Busy Earnin’” by Jungle
• “Brand New Day” by Kari Kimmel
• “Closing Time” by Semisonic

The first song on my dance party playlist is “Busy Earnin’” by Jungle. It is impossible to walk down the street like a normal human being if this song is blasting through your headphones. Don't believe me? Just try it, although preferably not on a crowded city street. There will be some squashed toes, guaranteed.

The second song on my list is “Brand New Day” by Kari Kimmel, which is the exact kind of song you want playing in the background during a parkour montage. Don’t do parkour? Well, we all have to start somewhere. Or maybe we should just stick to dancing. Health insurance is expensive.

The last song on my playlist is “Closing Time” by Semisonic, mostly because I’m not a party person and I want to make my 8 PM bedtime. As the lyrics say, you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.

Do you have any of these songs on your playlist? Have we left any artists out of the line-up? We want to hear from you! Make your thoughts known in the comments below!