Music is always there when we need it. If you’re heartbroken, you sing along to “End of the Road” by Boys II Men. Feeling excited? It’s time for that 80s pop playlist. There’s a song no matter what the situation…even if you’re doing something like launching a new product at your business.

If that sounds like you, put together a Spotify playlist (or download the one below) with any of these fun, upbeat songs. As a little nod to Quality Logo Products, they all feature promotional items in their titles!

1. “Sunglasses at Night” by Corey Hart

Release Year:  1983

Corey Hart bought a pair of Ray-Bans that he could never wear because it was too rainy outside while he was recording his debut album. The result was this catchy, synth-heavy 80s hit that still gets people on the dance floor all these years later.

2. “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” by James Brown

Release Year:  1966

The Godfather of Soul put on his boogie shoes to record this infectious jam. It was recorded when the legendary singer was at a crossroads and trying to negotiate for more money with his record company.

3. “Loving Cup” by The Rolling Stones

Release Year:  1972

“Loving Cup” is one of the Stones’ most famous love songs, with a medium tempo, great guitar, and no real chorus. The song took several long months to complete and was recorded entirely at the famous Sunset Sound Studios in Los Angeles.

4. “Rock Around the Clock” by The Isley Brothers

Release Year:  1959

“Rock Around the Clock” is a proud member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. The song has been recorded by a number of popular musicians including John Lennon, the Sex Pistols, and Chubby Checker, but the Isley Brothers version is a real standout.

5. “Magnets” by Lorde & Disclosure

Release Year:  2015

“Magnets” is about a relationship that’s weakening, but Lorde and Disclosure talked about the instant bond they felt recording this rhythmic, catchy song. The collab marked the first time Disclosure made it on the Billboard rock chart.

6. “Calendar Girl” by Neil Sedaka

Release Year:  1995

This doo-wop ditty was inspired by a listing in TV Guide for a calendar of pin-up girls, including such Hollywood sirens as Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable. The inspiration seemed to work as “Calendar Girl” went on to rank #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

7. “I Love My Shirt” by Donovan

Release Year:  1969

Do you know those famous “I Heart New York” shirts? Scottish singer Donovan took it to the next level with this upbeat, cheeky song about the unwavering love a man has for his t-shirt.

8. “I Want Candy” by The Strangeloves

Release Year:  1965

The Strangeloves hit America’s sweet tooth with this catchy tune. The band pretended to be from Australia to garner more interest in their song, which apparently worked as “I Want Candy” reached #11 in the U.S. You can go ahead and forget about Aaron Carter’s cover… no one will blame you.

9. “Wine Glass Woman” by Mayer Hawthorne

Release Year:  2013

The Los Angeles Times said Mayer Hawthorne’s “charismatic falsetto is a formidable seducer’s tool” and that charm is in full form in this R&B jam. It’s got a good groove that will really make you feel like smiling.

10. “Sticky Note” by Oracle

Release Year: 2018

Oracle released an entire album called Mastery exclusively for Spotify. “Sticky Note” was the seventh track and has a cool instrumental vibe that will put you into a tranquil mood.

11. “Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots

Release Year:  1992

Stone Temple Pilots came from San Diego during the heyday of 90s grunge. “Plush” is one of their most famous songs and was written while STP’s drummer was in the hot tub.

12. “Flashlight” by R3HAB feat. Deorro

Release Year:  2015

EDM music is known for bass-thumping beats, summer festivals, and plenty of pulsing lights. “Flashlight” is the perfect addition to that genre and is performed by two deejays who have both been nominated for music awards.

13. “Pocket Calculator” by Kraftwerk

Release Year:  1981

Kraftwerk is an electro-pop German band with an extremely unique sound. Their debut album, called Computer World, focuses on technology like the pocket calculator, which had come out only 9 years before the song was recorded.

13. “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” by Cake

Release Year:  2001

Cake is a band that’s as well-loved as the dessert they’re named after. The hit “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” is one of their most famous songs and is accompanied by an iconic video that was in heavy rotation during MTV’s heyday.

15. “You Can Leave Your Hat On” by Joe Cocker

Release Year:  1986

Randy Newman wrote this bluesy pop song that peaked at #35 on the Billboard rock charts. Yes, that Randy Newman… the same guy who wrote “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” for Toy Story. Don’t get it twisted, though. These songs are about very different things.

Spotify always has a list of similar songs for you to enjoy, so let’s do the same thing here! Here are a few more great songs for your playlist.

• “Coaster” by Khalid
• “With Pen in Hand” by Aretha Franklin
• “Incense and Peppermints” by Strawberry Alarm Clock
• “Bottle Opener” by Thunder in a Bottle
• “Tape Measures” by Squid 9
• “Beach Ball” by Lemon Grass

Pump Up the Jams

Download this playlist of all the songs featured in the list above, including the bonus tracks!

Now your product launch party will be a banger! These songs span across many decades and cover a bunch of genres. Get your groove on and don’t forget to get plenty of promotional swag for your product launch by shopping at Quality Logo Products!

References

Song Facts. Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart. Retrieved from, https://www.songfacts.com/facts/corey-hart/sunglasses-at-night

NPR. (2000, July 29). Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag. Retrieved from, https://www.npr.org/2000/07/29/1080113/npr-100-papas-got-a-brand-new-bag

LeDrew, C. (2013, May 9). Gimme a Little Drink from Exile: “Loving Cup.” Retrieved from, www.onstagemagazine.com/exile-loving-cup-rolling-stones/

The Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Rock Around the Clock:… is Still Ticking. Retrieved from, http://www.rockabillyhall.com/RockAroundClock.html

Blistein, J. (2015, September 29). Lorde Sets Lover Ablaze in Striking Video for Disclosure’s ‘Magnets.’ Retrieved from, https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lorde-sets-lover-ablaze-in-striking-video-for-disclosures-magnets-48749/

Minogue, J. (2018, April 21). Neil Sedaka Calendar Girl. Retrieved from, https://www.dailydoowop.com/neil-sedaka-calendar-girl/

Song Facts. I Want Candy by The Strangeloves. Retrieved from, https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-strangeloves/i-want-candy

Brown, A. (2013, July 15). Review: Mayer Hawthorne’s ‘Where Does This Door Go.’ Retrieved from, https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-mayer-hawthorne-review-20130715-story.html   

Song Facts. Plush by Stone Temple Pilots. Retrieved from, https://www.songfacts.com/facts/stone-temple-pilots/plush

Vintage Calculators Web Museum. (1996). The History of Pocket Electronic Calculators. Retrieved from, http://www.vintagecalculators.com/html/history_of_electronic_calculators.html

Hosken, P. (2016, August 22). Where Are the Everyday Stars of Cake’s ‘Short Skirt/Long Jacket’ Video Now? Retrieved from, http://www.mtv.com/news/2902181/cake-short-shirt-long-jacket-where-are-they-now/

Tim’s Cover Story. (2018, January 22). You Can Leave Your Hat On: Randy Newman; Tom Jones; Joe Cocker. Retrieved from, https://timscoverstory.wordpress.com/2018/01/22/you-can-leave-your-hat-on-randy-newman-tom-jones-clip-from-the-full-monty-joe-cocker/

Billboard. Joe Cocker: Chart History. Retrieved from, https://www.billboard.com/music/joe-cocker/chart-history/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks