I’d like to first point out that I am not a music expert or a DJ. But, I have been to many weddings, events, parties, and a few clubs, and I have made a few observations. I’ve been to dinner parties that played some great music but it was so loud that you couldn’t hold a conversation longer than a few minutes before you became distracted. I’ve been to weddings where a DJ plays a really good song, then follows with a sub-par song and the dance floor clears but he insists on playing the whole song!
Now I totally understand that everyone has their own taste in music and that is something I respect. With all the different generations out there today there are so many types of music that it would be impossible to satisfy everyone. But hopefully these examples will give you a bit of a guideline. Every event has a different feel so make sure to stick to the feel.
(Chilled and Quiet)
Most dinner parties or other events that are conversation heavy and more of a gathering then a party have a very laid back kind of feel, even if everyone is dressed to the nines. People come out to have a good time and some pleasant conversation. In my opinion this is where all those Indie and Jazz bands can really shine. I’d recommend any of these songs or artists for a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Brett Dennen – The One Who Loves You the Most
- Bon Iver – Skinny Love
- The Killers – Shot at the Night
- Foster the People – Coming of Age
- Seafret – Oceans
- Imagine Dragons – It’s Time
- Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved
- Avicii – Wake me Up
- OneRepublic – Counting Stars
- OneRepublic – Let’s Hurt Tonight
- Ima Robot – Greenback Boogie
- Serena Ryder – Stompa
- The Heavy – Coleen (feat. The Dap-Kings Horns)
- Phantogram – When I’m Small
- Olly Murs – Dance with Me Tonight
- Colbie Caillat – Bubbly
- Gotye – Smoke and Mirrors
- Daughtry – Witness
- Ed Sheeran – Make it Rain
- Cloves – Don’t Forget About Me
- George Ezra – Blame It On Me
- Andy Grammer – We Could Be Amazing
- Mumford & Sons – I Will Wait
Need to start thinking about what to play at your wedding or party? It is always a good idea to have a wide range of types of songs to play. Most songs today are catchy but they are getting harder to dance along with. Also you should never forget the classics everyone loves.
I’d recommend any of these songs or artists for a party atmosphere.
(Catchy & Dance)
- Pharrell – Happy
- David Bowie and Mick Jagger – Dancing in the Street
- Nirvana – Smells like Teen Spirit
- Jet – Are You Gonna Be My Girl
- Sam Hunt – House Party
- Bon Jovi – Livin’ on a Prayer
- Andy Grammer – Honey I’m Good
- WALK THE MOON – Shut Up and Dance with Me
- Meghan Trainer – All About that Bass
- Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want to Have Fun
- One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful
- Luke Bryan – Move
- Luke Bryan – Country Girl (Shake It for Me)
- Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock – It Takes Two
- Maroon 5 – Misery
- Elle King – Ex’s & Oh’s
- Mike Posner – I Took a Pill in Ibiza
- Sia – Cheap Thrills (Feat. Sean Paul)
- Chromeo – Jealous
- La Roux – Bulletproof
- OutKast – Hey Ya!
- Wham! – Wake me Up Before You Go
- Justin Timberlake – Can’t Stop This Feeling
- Journey – Don’t Stop Believing
