What Music To Play At Your Event in 2025 – What’s Hot and What’s Not

Sometimes one song can flip the energy of a room on its head. At a corporate gala just last month, the night ambled along with polite conversation until our DJ spun “Rhythm Is a Dancer.” Glasses clinked, feet hit the dance floor and, suddenly, you couldn’t find a seat for love nor money. That spontaneous eruption wasn’t luck — it was the result of a carefully chosen track that matched the room’s mood perfectly. Choosing the right music for your event doesn’t just set the tone; it electrifies memories and keeps faces smiling all evening long.

Top 10 Singalong Tracks for Events in 2025

A sure-fire way to break the ice and spark joy is with singalong hits. Here’s our handpicked Top 10 for 2025, each considered for their power to unite a room, plus a line or two on why they always work:

• “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston: Timeless, soaring chorus. Female guests in particular adore it — and frankly, who doesn’t?
• “Sweet Dreams” – Eurythmics: That thumping synth beat and instantly recognisable hook bring everyone together.
• “Flowers” – Miley Cyrus: A modern anthem about self-love, resonating with younger crowds.
• “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey: Cross-generational, irresistible – karaoke gold for a reason.
• “Mr Brightside” – The Killers: The unofficial British party anthem; it never misses, especially with 20s–30s.
• “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi: The moment you hit the chorus, the crowd becomes the band.
• “Valerie” – Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse: Upbeat, soul-drenched and perfect for weddings and birthdays alike.
• “Wonderwall” – Oasis: It’s cliché, but the arms-around-shoulders moment is worth it.
• “Dancing Queen” – ABBA: Multi-generational joy, perfect for getting grandparents and teenagers on their feet.
• “Water” – Tyla: This fresh track is a 2025 must, fusing modern bounce with high singalong potential.

What’s Hot: Musical Trends at Events in 2025

Staying ahead of the curve matters when crafting unforgettable playlists. This year, tech house remixes have surged, especially those that refresh older hits. Merging nostalgia with thumping beats, tracks like a tech house remix of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” guarantee a packed dance floor. Compare that to last year’s obsession with pure disco and pop, and you’ll see crowds moving towards more beat-driven, remixed classics. Meanwhile, afrobeat and fresh pop anthems are sneaking into more sets, keeping things contemporary without losing universal appeal.

Genres Rising (And Fading): What Works Where

Tech house and afrobeat tracks are climbing the ladder at high-energy events, weddings, and swanky corporate afterparties. For example, Tyla’s “Water” and Burna Boy’s “Last Last” both sweep up younger crowds. Conversely, classic R&B and straight indie aren’t quite commanding dance floors like they used to — but drop a power ballad or well-known indie singalong, and you’ll still hit gold if the vibe is right. If your event leans more sophisticated, a jazz-infused pop set (think Dua Lipa crossed with Michael Bublé) can provide a soundtrack as smooth as your best suit.

BeatPlayLive’s Secret Sauce: Songs That Pack the Dance Floor

“The trick is reading the room and knowing when to fire off a crowd-pleaser. ‘Mr Brightside’ works with 28-year-olds and 58-year-olds alike – every time.” – Rob, BeatPlayLive

From years of gigs, we see the same patterns: play “Valerie” and shy relatives turn into Motown legends; “Sweet Dreams” always tempts even the “I don’t dance” crowd out of their shells. But some songs, like obscure new indie releases or overly niche dance tracks, see people drifting back to the bar. Trust the songs that bring people together—and perhaps keep the experimental stuff for later in the programme.

Balancing New Hits with Timeless Classics

Creating a playlist that works for all ages is a bit of a juggling act. We often start the evening’s live sets with classics – Whitney, ABBA, Oasis – catering to guests who may sneak off before midnight. As the night deepens, we shift gears into newer hits and those infectious remixes. For example, after “Dancing Queen,” try seguing into a tech house twist on an older hit, letting energy build for the late crowd. Mixing old with new keeps everyone entertained and ensures the dance floor never goes cold.

Crafting the Perfect Setlist with DJs and Musicians

You don’t have to choose alone. Working with pros makes the process smoother and far less daunting. Share your event’s vibe, guest mix and any must-play requests with your DJ or bandleader. Ask them for suggestions—they’ve seen it all before. Rob recommends splitting your event into two musical halves if you’re working with a live band: timeless hits early, newer bangers late. Stay open to tweaks on the night. The best sets bend and flex in real time, adapting to your crowd’s mood and keeping the buzz alive.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Vibe (and Your Guests)

You know your friends and family better than any playlist algorithm. Start by picking core songs you love, but pay attention to what actually gets people tapping their toes. Music brings every event to life, whether it’s mum belting “Don’t Stop Believin’” or your uni mates shouting “Mr Brightside.” Want your voice heard? Drop your favourite track of 2025 in the comments—we’re always on the lookout for the next crowd-smasher.