Music British students dance to at their
(tea) parties. 

As a British student here in the US, I just had to use my not-so-celebrity
playlist to educate the US on the songs we English folks like to party to. Of
course, we share a lot of the same music with America, but one thing that makes
our club nights and house parties distinctive is the anthems we play. The
following ten songs make any night out in the UK a great experience, and they
are heard time and time again. Despite their repetitive nature, they never seem
to get old. These are songs we like to dance to, like to rock out to, but most
of all, like to sing-along to. By sing-along, I mean, belt out the tunes at the
top of your lungs. You won’t find any “Party in the USA” or “Baby I Like it”
here, but you might discover the songs which make the stiff- upper- lip British
really let their emotions out

“Chelsea Dagger” – The Fratellis.
If ever there was a song to bounce around to, hopping from foot to foot with
your hands flailing in the air, this is it. The sophomore single from these
Scottish rockers reaches a high note as the crowd shouts along with “It’s one
for the dagger and another for the one you believe!” Cue some more crazy
dancing.

“Buck Rogers” – Feeder
The opening of this song brings smiles to everyone’s faces when it finally
dawns on them what is being played. Re-live your teenage years as you croon
along with the guitar, until you describe how the Jaguar also has a CD-player,
at which point you can rock-out.

“Summer of ’69” – Bryan Adams
I am not normally a fan of Bryan Adams, but this track just echoes long passed
summers, and must speak volumes to anyone who has ever played in a band. From
the get-go the guitar solos and “oh yeahs” get the British jumping, singing and
pulling out their air instruments. “Tubthumping” – Chumbawamba
An unusual name for an unusual song, Chumbawamba’s most famous track allows you
to get knocked down, get up again, sing about various alcoholic drinks, and
quite simply drift the night away. And also pine to one “Danny-Boy”. 

“Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi

Another classic oldie; another instant hit at club nights in the UK. Instant
recognition sees the crowds gathering in friend groups to sing-along and rock
out with more air guitars. This one is also a DJ favorite, as most will often
turn the sound down to hear a sea of partiers shout “wooooahh, livin’ on a
prayer!”

“Now You’re Gone” – Basshunter
Dance music is also popular amongst the British crowd, and this song epitomizes
many nights out with friends, pretending we could dance to music like this and
actually look cool. Sadly we couldn’t pull it off, but this track is a good one
to show off your best moves.

“Jerk it Out” – The Caesars
Re-popularized by various commercials and TV shows, this 2003 track is another
great tune to dance around wildly to. Again it invokes warm feelings of the
past, along with hilarious memories of Nintendo Wii dance-offs. 

“Don’t Stop Believin'” – Journey
Long before Glee, English nights out would often feature this inspirational
classic from Journey. Not really one to dance to, this song simply gathers
great friends together, singing their hearts out to each other. 

“Song 2” – Blur
This home-grown band has many songs to offer, but none top this anthem on a
night out. With its killer drum beats, catchy guitar riffs, and regular “woo-
hoos,” “Song 2” can raise the roof and invigorate any tired crowd.

“Mr. Brightside” – The Killers
Yes, it’s old news. Yes, it’s incredibly overplayed. But it tops the list time
and time again as the number one anthem for the British; and with good reason.
No night out reaches complete satisfaction without hearing this song blast out
over the speakers, as the crowd lets loose- dancing, shouting and most
importantly, having a great time.