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Like most people – we love music. Every day, our staff updates this list with another great pick. Simply click on a song, to hear it in full. The 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s – we’ve got it all. If you have a suggestion for our list, simply leave it in the comments.
Stevie Nicks – Stand Back
This classic song has a very distinctive sound, and was one of the biggest hits from her solo career. With the very 1980s keyboard parts, it is not hard to believe that Prince played a part in composing this track. Stevie Nicks had the idea for this track come to her on the day she got married – a strange (but true) piece of trivia. Perfect for cranking up in your car, or for a great aerobic workout.
Stereophonics – Pick A Part That’s New
This great song from the 1990s is largely unknown by American artists, but it’s a stellar recording. The Welsh band never really topped this (in our opinion), but it’s so relentlessly upbeat and catchy, that we still have it in our heads, over 20 years later.
Kiesza – Hideaway
Impossible not to move to, this song is relentlessly groovy, and minimalistically catchy. The innovative video is also great – but it doesn’t get as much rotation as the song does, on our iPhone and workout playlists.
Third Eye Blind – Never Let You Go
While Third Eye Blind is usually remembered for “Semi-Charmed Life” – this song is just as catchy. Allegedly written about the singer’s relationship with Charlize Theron (yes, really!) – it has about 65 million catchy hooks, all packed into a short pop song. We apologize in advance – we know it will now be in your head for the rest of the day.
Paige & Nikki Era – Beating Hearts
Using the classic “I Think We’re Alone Now” as a base, this groovy and chill house track will capture your ear in a split second. Relaxed, upbeat, and catchy-as-hell – it’s an unbeatable summer combo. With minimal instrumentation, and sparse vocals – it still somehow manages to absolutely transfix the listener.
Electric Light Orchestra – Mr. Blue Sky
This song can always put you in a great mood. Rain, shine, winter, summer, fall – it doesn’t matter. It has seen a popular resurgence long after it’s mid-1970s release, as well – thanks to the Guardians Of The Galaxy franchise.
Tom Petty – American Girl
One of the all-time classic rock songs, American Girl personifies summer and youth. You can crank this song up in your car, and for 4 minutes – you’ll feel no pain. Never gets old, and it hits every demographic – young, old, poor, rich, male, female – it doesn’t matter. Like all the best music does.
Faces – Ooh La La
One of the greatest vocals to ever be recorded, this life story of a grandfather to a grandson is largely remembered as the closing song for the film Rushmore, by Wes Anderson. It works in a multitude of ways – as a bitter song, as a happy song, as a nostalgic song, and as a song to move forward to. A true classic.
Rod Stewart – Maggie May
A nostalgic song that is immediately recognizable from the first few opening notes – Maggie May is a stone cold Rod Stewart classic – and in fact, was his very first hit. Believe it or not – it was originally a B-side (radio stations just started playing it, because they liked it more than the other side of the record). And it took just two takes, to lock down the master recording. Unbelievable.
Alphaville – Forever Young
This 80s classic is one of those rare gems that grows more melancholic with each passing year. The older we get, the more we relate to the chorus of this song. With sparkling synthesizer work that could only be found in the 1980s – the vocal is what really hits home. Perfect for any occasion where you are moving from one phase of life to another (graduation, leaving an old job for a new one, a funeral, etc.)
Wang Chung – Dance Hall Days
This 80s classic is not as well remembered as their other big hits – but it’s still a gem. Nostalgic, melodic, and inviting – it will take you back to whatever was the best time of your life – and keep you there. Perfect for any cookout, party, or headphone listening.
Phish – Harry Hood
Phish was one of the quintessential jam bands of the 1990s – and this captures them at their absolute peak. Harry Hood is one of their signature songs, and this blistering version morphs from proto-white-guy-reggae into one of the most thrilling jams they ever performed. Still going strong these days, catch them on tour if you can.
Gin Blossoms – Hey Jealousy
This is one of the most nostalgic songs of the 1990s. The marriage of sad lyrics with upbeat music is a time-honored classic in rock and roll. Much like Big Star before them (or Tom Petty) – the Gin Blossoms took the best of The Byrds, and updated their music for a different generation.
Harvey Danger – Flagpole Sitta
This classic from the late 90s is filled with upbeat energy, and has great guitar riffs. The singalong chorus is incessantly catchy, and this tune also works great for any workout you can dream up.
Dexys Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen
An 80s classic, Come On Eileen is one of the catchiest earworms we’ve ever heard. It has a great fiddle part, and was actually voted the best British single, the year it was released. Be sure to add this to any fun playlist.
Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven
If I need to explain this one to you – you are definitely not a rock and roll fan.
New Radicals – You Get What You Give
The most upbeat song ever recorded? Quite possibly. Name-checking a litany of 90s stars (Marilyn Manson, Courtney Love, etc.) this song is the perfect one to put on whenever you need a jumpstart. Sadly Gregg Alexander returned to the shadows after this, though he continues to write great songs (they’re usually just for other artists).
Len – Steal My Sunshine
Does it get more 90s than this? The classic upbeat tune from the late 1990s has rapping, an infectious chorus, and a nonsensical story line. Pretty much the definitive hodge-podge of late 1990s elements, all in one 3 minute pop song.
James – Laid
One of the quintessential one-hit wonders of the 1990s, this song was also immortalized in American Pie. Simple, catchy, and upbeat – it’s perfect for the summer.
LCD Soundsystem – Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
This song will make you move – we guarantee it. The most epic house party song ever created, the tempo and groove are simply undeniable. And – as with all the best songs – the louder you turn it up, the better it gets.
Boston – More Than A Feeling
The guitar riff that started a million more guitar riffs, this classic from Boston is endlessly replayable. We also challenge you to not sing along to the chorus. Seriously.
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
This classic from Queen never gets old. Whether you are singing along to it in your car, doing a karaoke version at a bar, or just singing it in the shower. The prototype for every epic song to follow, and a bonafide speaker testing track – this would likely be #1, if we had a numbered list.
Thomas Daniel – What About Us
While Pink did the original – we love this acoustic take on the song. It is hard not to get a little bit emotional, when you hear it.
Dave Matthews Band – What Would You Say
Dave Matthews was played to death in the 90s – but this song shows why. Appealing to just about everyone, DMB had a knack for melding the best of many different genres, into a radio-friendly mix.
Pixies – Where Is My Mind?
One of our staff’s all-time favorites – and made more famous by Fight Club – this alternative rock classic from the Pixies never gets old. Nirvana borrowed heavily from this formula, with their quiet-loud-quiet song structure.
Icicle Works – Whisper To A Scream (Birds Fly)
While this song was released in the 1980s – many of our staff didn’t hear it until the advent of Napster and file-sharing. A stone-cold classic of melody, optimism, and energy – it embodies the best of the 80s. Many advertisers have since found this song, and used it in many television campaigns.
The Who – Won’t Get Fooled Again
One of the best political songs ever written – and also one of the most rocking. With a focus on Richard Nixon (or Donald Trump), the song appeals in the most universal way, to anger at any type of system (or person). Turn it up to 11, and enjoy.
Bruno Mars – Versace On The Floor
A direct homage to Michael Jackson, this slow jam from Mr. Bruno Mars is endlessly listenable. We like to include it as the cool down song for workouts, but it works just as well on date nights, or romantic evenings.
Daniel Powter – Bad Day
This one-hit wonder was everywhere in the early 2000s – and for good reason. The chorus is endlessly catchy, and still immediately memorable, over a decade later.
Goo Goo Dolls – Name
This 90s hit is very emotional – it’s hard to listen to it, and not get nostalgic. The Goo Goo Dolls owed more than a little nod to the Replacements (underrated band of the 80s) – but this song will live on forever, and is softer than the hard-edged rockers who came before them.
Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
MJ had more hits than 10 other artists combined, but this is still one of our top favorites. Endlessly (and relentlessly) upbeat, this tune was also used memorably on Seinfeld, as a montage of clips played over it. Perfect for weddings, dancing, working out – just about any activity.
Dramarama – Anything, Anything (I’ll Give To You)
Perhaps the best song most people have never heard of, this 80s classic was used in a few films (including Two Night Stand), and is possibly the most upbeat, carefree song we’ve ever come across. You won’t be able to get enough.
Hatchie – Obsessed
A throwback to 90s bands like Garbage, this newer tune has a variety of earworms, and combines distortion, melody, and smooth vocals in a great way. Straight out of 1996, but made 15+ years later.
The Beatles – While My Guitar Gently Weeps
By far one of the most popular Beatles tunes, While My Guitar Gently Weeps was a George Harrison composition. Unlike most Beatles hits, it also includes guitar playing from a non-Beatle – one Eric Clapton.
Bob Dylan – Like A Rolling Stone
Possibly the most famous Bob Dylan song – this tune has withstood the test of time, and also holds fame as the favorite song of Steve Jobs (the founder of Apple). Try not singing along to the chorus – we don’t think it’s possible.