Getting ready for your next gig? The right playlist can make or break the night, transforming a lukewarm crowd into a roaring sea of dancing feet. Choosing the best songs for gigs is a crucial element of any successful performance, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out. This isn't just about playing popular tunes; it's about understanding your audience, reading the room, and curating a setlist that builds energy, encourages interaction, and keeps the party going until the very last note. From high-energy anthems to crowd-pleasing classics, we've compiled the ultimate list of guaranteed floor-fillers to ensure your next gig is unforgettable. Whether you're a DJ, a band, or a solo artist, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to craft a killer setlist and leave your audience wanting more. So, let's dive in and discover the songs that will ignite the stage!
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Counting Stars | OneRepublic | Native | 4B+ |
| 2. Human | Rag'n'Bone Man | Human (Deluxe) | 2B+ |
| 3. Smells Like Teen Spirit | Nirvana | Nevermind (Remastered) | 2B+ |
| 4. Every Breath You Take | The Police | Synchronicity (Remastered 2003) | 1B+ |
| 5. Livin' On A Prayer | Bon Jovi | Slippery When Wet | 1B+ |
| 6. We Found Love |
Rihanna Calvin Harris | Talk That Talk | 1B+ |
| 7. Locked out of Heaven | Bruno Mars | Unorthodox Jukebox | 1B+ |
1. Counting Stars (OneRepublic)
Crowd Engagement: "Counting Stars" boasts a singalong chorus and driving beat perfectly suited to ignite a live audience; its familiar melody will have everyone joining in.
High Energy: The song's uplifting tempo and anthemic quality create an infectious energy that translates exceptionally well to a gig setting, keeping the momentum high.
Technical Aspects: Its relatively simple structure allows for dynamic live performance variations, from stripped-down acoustic versions to full-blown, effects-laden renditions; adapting it to your specific gig setup is straightforward.
2. Human (2017)
Powerful Vocals: Rag'n'Bone Man's instantly recognizable, soulful baritone voice commands attention, perfect for captivating a live audience.
Anthemic Quality: "Human" possesses a driving rhythm and uplifting chorus that will have the crowd singing along.
Crowd Engagement: Its emotional depth and relatable lyrics create a strong connection, making it ideal for fostering a powerful atmosphere at your gig.
3. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nevermind (Remastered)
Unforgettable Guitar Riff: Nirvana's iconic distorted guitar intro is instantly recognizable and guaranteed to ignite any crowd. Its powerful sound translates exceptionally well live.
Anthemic Chorus: The soaring chorus is perfect for singalongs, creating a powerful shared experience between the band and audience.
High-Energy Performance: "Smells Like Teen Spirit" naturally lends itself to a high-energy performance, encouraging crowd participation and a sense of collective release.
4. Every Breath You Take (The Police)
Driving Beat: "Every Breath You Take" boasts an undeniably infectious rhythm that will get the crowd moving. The steady pulse and syncopated guitar work create a hypnotic groove perfect for keeping the energy high.
Singalong Potential: Its instantly recognizable melody and relatable lyrics make it a natural singalong anthem. The chorus is particularly powerful and easy for an audience to join in on.
Crowd Engagement: The song's dramatic build-up and dynamic arrangement provide ample opportunity for audience interaction, creating a shared experience that elevates the performance.
5. Livin' On A Prayer (Bon Jovi)
Anthemic Chorus: "Livin' on a Prayer" boasts an unforgettable, singalong chorus that will instantly ignite any crowd, making it perfect for audience participation.
High-Energy Tempo: The driving rhythm and powerful instrumentation create an irresistible energy that keeps the party going throughout the entire performance.
Crowd Pleaser: Its classic rock sound and widely recognized status guarantee a universally positive reaction, transforming your gig into an electrifying event.
6. We Found Love (Rihanna ft Calvin Harris - 2025)
Killer Beat: "We Found Love" boasts a thumping electro-house beat that's impossible to ignore, guaranteed to get the crowd moving and the energy high.
Anthemic Vocals: Rihanna's powerful vocals and the catchy chorus create an undeniable singalong moment perfect for a large audience.
Crowd Pleaser: Its instantly recognizable sound and upbeat tempo make it a surefire hit for any gig, easily engaging a diverse crowd.
7. Locked out of Heaven (Unorthodox Jukebox - 2025)
Upbeat Tempo: Locked Out of Heaven boasts a relentlessly infectious rhythm that will get any crowd moving. Its driving beat and funky bassline are perfect for encouraging audience participation.
Anthemic Chorus: The soaring chorus is incredibly easy for a crowd to sing along to, creating a powerful shared experience. This makes it ideal for building energy at a gig.
Crowd Engagement: Bruno Mars' charismatic stage presence and the song's overall feel naturally lend themselves to audience interaction; consider incorporating call-and-response elements during the performance.
8. Moves Like Jagger (Hands All Over - 2025)
High Energy Track: "Moves Like Jagger" boasts a driving beat and infectious rhythm guaranteed to get the crowd moving and singing along.
Crowd Pleaser: The song's instantly recognizable hook and catchy chorus are perfect for creating a singalong moment at any gig.
Vocal Dynamics: Christina Aguilera's powerful vocals blend seamlessly with Maroon 5's signature sound, creating a dynamic and exciting performance experience.
9. Mr. Brightside (The Killers - 2025)
Anthemic Chorus: Mr. Brightside boasts a singalong chorus that will ignite any crowd, encouraging audience participation and creating a powerful collective energy perfect for a live setting.
High-Energy Tempo: Its driving rhythm and fast tempo are inherently infectious, keeping the energy levels high and the audience engaged throughout the performance.
Nostalgic Appeal: The song's enduring popularity ensures broad audience recognition, guaranteeing a strong response and creating a shared experience for the gig-goers.
10. Castle on the Hill (Ed Sheeran - 2025)
Anthemic Quality: "Castle on the Hill" boasts a singalong chorus perfect for audience participation, creating a powerful, unified atmosphere at a gig.
Strong Instrumental Hook: Its driving beat and memorable guitar riff provide a solid rhythmic foundation that easily translates to a live setting, energizing the crowd.
Crowd Engagement: Sheeran's vocal delivery and the song's overall feel encourage audience interaction, fostering a lively and enthusiastic gig experience.
11Shut Up and Dance
WALK THE MOON
2015
TALKING IS HARD
12Can't Stop
Red Hot Chili Peppers
2002
By the Way (Deluxe Edition)
13Feel It Still
Portugal. The Man
2017
Woodstock
14All The Small Things
blink-182
1999
Enema Of The State
15Teenage Dirtbag
Wheatus
2000
16Best Day Of My Life
American Authors
2014
Oh, What A Life
17Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
1975
Wish You Were Here
18I Will Wait
Mumford , Sons
2012
19Dancing in the Moonlight
Toploader
2000
Onka's Big Moka
20Lonely Boy
The Black Keys
2011
El Camino
21Should I Stay or Should I Go
The Clash
1982
Combat Rock (Remastered)
22Save Tonight
Eagle-Eye Cherry
1997
Desireless
23Free Fallin'
Tom Petty
1989
Full Moon Fever
24I'm Gonna Be
The Proclaimers
1993
Sunshine on Leith
25Brown Eyed Girl
Van Morrison
1967
Blowin' Your Mind!
26You've Got The Love
Florence + The Machine
2009
Lungs (Deluxe Edition)
27Breakfast At Tiffany's
Deep Blue Something
1995
28Chelsea Dagger
The Fratellis
2006
29Stand By Me
Ben E. King
1961
Don't Play That Song (Mono)