Top 10 Pop Songs That Make You Leave the Dance Floor
#10: “Sugar” (2014) Maroon 5
Okay, so we’ll admit that if Maroon 5 actually showed up at our wedding and surprised us with this song, we would start grooving. We would probably go harder than Adam Levine and Blake Shelton went after each other on “The Voice”. However, given the normal situation of a DJ busting out “Sugar” at a party, there’s a good chance you’ll find most people heading to their seats. It’s not that it’s a bad song, it’s more that we all heard it about 1000 times back when it was first released. Simply not enough time has passed yet for it to go from annoyingly overplayed to catchy and nostalgic.
#9: “Yummy” (2020) Justin Bieber
No matter how you feel about Justin Bieber, you gotta admit that he has put out plenty of danceable tracks over the years. However, 2020’s “Yummy” arguably isn’t one of them. Now, we may not go as far as Rolling Stone magazine and call it a “stupid song”, because there’s enjoyable parts. But we will say that it’s not exactly the kind of tune that pulsates through your body and gets you itching to dance. For those hungry to get moving, “Yummy” probably won’t fill you up, and could end up leaving a bad taste in your mouth.
#8: “Gangnam Style” (2012) Psy
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As the first YouTube video to reach 1 billion views, “Gangnam Style” was a pop culture moment, and it’ll always have a special place in our hearts. We can probably all admit to having tried Psy’s “horse dance” at least once (if not many, many more times). But that was then and this is now. And now, while the chorus will still bring out the “invisible horse” in a few party goers, the rest of the song isn’t as danceable as you might remember. In other words, “Gangnam Style” is a great tune to enjoy at the table, but isn’t getting most of us running to the dance floor.
#7: “Friday” (2011) Rebecca Black
From “Manic Monday” to “Saturday in the Park” we’ll admit to usually liking songs with a day of the week in the title. However, there are exceptions to every rule, and in this case that exception is “Friday” by Rebecca Black. Sure, it was a viral sensation back in 2011, but given the outpouring of negativity surrounding both the song and its video, we’re betting most of those 160 million plus views were people hate-watching it. You might think that the song would have some fun, ironic dance floor appeal all these years later. But the second those aggressively auto-tuned vocals start, everyone remembers why we disliked it.
#6: “Viva la Vida” (2008) Coldplay
If it’s the end of the night and the goal is to fill the dance floor with slow-dancing couples, then Coldplay could be a great choice. After all, they have a plethora of beautiful slower-paced tracks à la “The Scientist”. But when it comes to getting the party going on said dance floor then the group probably isn’t the best option. “Viva la Vida” might be one of their faster-paced songs, but the somewhat unconventional beat really isn’t the most conducive for dancing. Just look at Chris Martin’s… interesting moves in the video.
#5: “Can't Stop the Feeling!” (2016) Justin Timberlake
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In 2016, this song was bringing everyone to their feet. It was, as seen in the music video, even creating dance floors out of sidewalks, diners, laundromats, and more. But let's just say, it ain’t 2016 anymore. Maybe it’s because it was so overplayed, or maybe it’s because the song has become so tied to the animated “Trolls” movie. But hearing it today makes many adults feel like they’re at a children’s birthday party. Whatever the reason, this catchy tune is more likely to have folks walking off the dance floor than rushing to fill it.
#4: “Y.M.C.A.” (1978) Village People
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Sure, when “Y.M.C.A.” starts there will often be an initial cheer and rush to the dance floor. But that excitement tends to wear off pretty quickly when people recognize that the only reason they’re there is in anticipation of the chorus. Because yeah, acting out the letter with your arms can be strangely exciting. While it is cheesy fun the first time, most of us realize quite quickly that it isn’t all that enjoyable. And it certainly isn’t worth awkwardly waiting on the dance floor for it to come around again.
#3: “Cotton Eye Joe” (1994) Rednex
We should probably preface this one by saying that we’re not counting dance floors in country bars on line dancing night. However, should it be any other kind, there’s a good chance that Rednex’s version of “Cotton Eye Joe” will leave it rather sparse. There might be a few who let loose and show off their best moves when this song comes on – especially if it reminds them of their childhoods. Yet for the vast majority of folks, hearing this track means it's time to go get some refreshments and find a quiet corner.
#2: "We Like to Party! (The Vengabus)" (1998) Vengaboys
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We like to party as much as the next person. But not if this song is blasting over the sound system. “We Like to Party!” by the Vengaboys was a hit in the late ‘90s, but the truth is the song annoyed many folks back then as well. And we were just as likely to sit down in 1998 as we are today when those questionable synth beats start pumping. Plus, members of the younger generation will most likely just wonder why in the world the DJ is playing that song from the Six Flags commercials. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)” (1995), Los del Rio Heyyyyyyyy, Leave the Dance Floor “Heat Waves” (2020), Glass Animals Maybe They’re All Going to Cool Off? "Who Let the Dogs Out" (2000), Baha Men We Don’t Need to Stick Around to Find Out “Pour Some Sugar on Me” (1987), Def Leppard Those Playing Air Guitar Might Stick Around, but That’s About It
#1: “Chicken Dance” (1950s) Werner Thomas
Unless you’re a kid or a guest at a wedding reception, you probably shouldn’t be hearing the “Chicken Dance” – much less seeing anyone bust a move to it. And to be honest, most people at the wedding probably don’t want to be doing the titular dance either, but they’ve probably been dragged onto the floor by a friend who thinks it's hysterical. But let’s be honest, it isn’t really! That’s precisely why non-toddlers and non-wedding goers tend to wiggle their hips and shoulders away from the action when that accordion starts playing. Can you blame them?!
