Prom is a special night for many high school students, and choosing the right music can make it an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s slow dances, upbeat hits, or throwback jams, the right playlist can set the tone for the entire night. To help you create the perfect prom soundtrack, we’ve compiled a list of the top 23 best prom songs that are sure to make it a night to remember.
Our list features a mix of classic and modern hits that are perfect for any prom theme or style. From iconic ballads to dance-worthy tunes, there’s something for everyone on this list. We’ve also included songs from a variety of genres, including pop, rock, and R&B, so you can create a diverse playlist that caters to all of your classmates’ tastes. So, whether you’re a student planning your prom or a DJ looking for inspiration, check out our list of the top 23 best prom songs that are guaranteed to make your night unforgettable.
1. Cha Cha Slide – DJ Casper
“Cha Cha Slide” is a popular song that gained fame as a line dance in the early 2000s. The song is performed by DJ Casper, a Chicago-based DJ and songwriter. The lyrics provide instructions for the dance, making it easy for anyone to follow along. It features a catchy beat with a mix of electronic and hip-hop elements that makes it a popular song for parties and weddings. The song has become a staple at events and gatherings, and it’s difficult not to get up and dance when it comes on. The Cha Cha Slide has become a timeless classic, and it continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
2. Good Girls Go Bad – Cobra Starship ft. Leighton Meester
“Good Girls Go Bad” is a 2009 hit song by Cobra Starship featuring Leighton Meester. It has a pop-rock feel, with a catchy chorus that is both fun and empowering. The song tells the story of a good girl who is tempted to become a bad girl by a charming man, with lyrics that encourage listeners to embrace their wild side. The vocals of Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester add an edgy, rebellious vibe to the song that perfectly captures the spirit of teenage rebellion. “Good Girls Go Bad” was a popular song in the late 2000s and remains a favorite of many who remember it from their high school years.
3. Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa
“Don’t Start Now” is a 2019 hit song by Dua Lipa, with a disco-pop sound that is both retro and modern. The song features a funky bassline, catchy synths, and Dua Lipa’s strong, confident vocals. The lyrics are about moving on from a past relationship and starting fresh, with a message of self-empowerment and resilience. “Don’t Start Now” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top 10 in many countries and becoming one of Dua Lipa’s most popular songs. The music video features a vibrant, colorful aesthetic and showcases Dua Lipa’s dynamic performance and dance moves. Overall, “Don’t Start Now” is a fun and upbeat song that is perfect for dancing and letting loose.
4. The Night is Still Young – Nicki Minaj
“The Night is Still Young” is a 2015 song by Nicki Minaj, which features an upbeat and catchy melody. The song’s lyrics talk about living in the moment, having fun, and not worrying about what the future may bring. Nicki Minaj delivers her verses with her trademark rap flow, while the chorus is a perfect sing-along moment. The music video showcases Nicki Minaj in a glamorous and colorful setting, featuring vibrant visuals and a lot of energy. Overall, “The Night is Still Young” is a fun and uplifting song that encourages people to let go of their worries and enjoy life to the fullest.
5. All of Me – John Legend
“All of Me” is a 2013 ballad by American singer-songwriter John Legend. The song is a heartfelt tribute to his wife, model Chrissy Teigen, and their relationship. The lyrics express his devotion and commitment to her, with lines like “All of me loves all of you, all your perfect imperfections”. The piano-driven melody is simple but effective, allowing John Legend’s soulful voice to shine. “All of Me” became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning multiple awards. It has since become a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions, cementing its place as a modern classic.
6. Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO
“Party Rock Anthem” is a 2011 dance-pop song by the American duo LMFAO. The song’s upbeat and catchy tune, coupled with its memorable lyrics, propelled it to become one of the biggest party anthems of the decade. The music video features the duo and their group of dancers dancing to the infectious beat, donning colorful outfits and signature neon glasses. The song became a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and winning multiple awards. “Party Rock Anthem” remains a staple at parties and clubs, and its popularity has solidified its place as an iconic dance hit.
7. Let’s Dance – David Bowie
“Let’s Dance” is a classic dance-pop song by British musician David Bowie, released in 1983. It features a catchy and infectious guitar riff, driving rhythms, and Bowie’s distinctive vocals. The song was produced by Nile Rodgers, known for his work with the band Chic, and features his signature funk-inspired guitar sound. The lyrics reflect Bowie’s interest in addressing social issues, particularly the oppression of indigenous Australians. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of Bowie’s most recognizable hits. Its upbeat tempo and danceable groove have made it a perennial favorite on dance floors around the world.
8. Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars
“Just the Way You Are” is a romantic pop song by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, released in 2010. The song is an ode to unconditional love and acceptance, with lyrics that celebrate a partner’s beauty and imperfections. Mars’ smooth and soulful vocals are accompanied by a simple and effective arrangement, featuring piano, drums, and strings. The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners and became a massive commercial success, earning multiple awards and nominations. It has since become a classic love song, frequently played at weddings and other romantic occasions, and is considered one of Mars’ signature hits.
9. Only Girl (In the World) – Rihanna
“Only Girl (In the World)” is a dance-pop song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2010. The song is an upbeat and catchy celebration of love, with lyrics that convey the feeling of being the only one that matters to a significant other. The production is characterized by pulsing beats, lush synths, and Rihanna’s powerful vocals, which range from breathy verses to soaring choruses. The song was a commercial and critical success, becoming Rihanna’s tenth number-one hit in the United States and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. Its infectious energy and empowering lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple on dance floors worldwide.
10. We Are Young – Fun ft. Janelle Monáe
“We Are Young” is an anthemic indie pop song by American band Fun, featuring Janelle Monáe, released in 2011. The song is an upbeat and catchy ode to youth, with lyrics that celebrate the freedom, energy, and exuberance of being young. The production features a soaring chorus, dynamic instrumentation, and the powerful vocals of lead singer Nate Ruess and guest singer Janelle Monáe. The song became a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning the band several awards and nominations, including the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. Its infectious melody, uplifting message, and memorable chorus have made it a modern classic and a sing-along favorite.
11. Give Me Everything – Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Nayer
“Give Me Everything” is a dance-pop song by Cuban-American rapper Pitbull, featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack, and Nayer, released in 2011. The song is a high-energy and upbeat party anthem, with lyrics that encourage listeners to let loose and enjoy the moment. The production is characterized by driving beats, infectious hooks, and the charismatic rap flow of Pitbull, as well as the soulful vocals of Ne-Yo and Nayer. The song was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and becoming one of the biggest hits of the year. Its infectious energy, catchy melody, and fun lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a dance floor staple.
12. Say So – Doja Cat
“Say So” is a disco-infused pop song by American rapper and singer Doja Cat, released in 2019. The song is characterized by its infectious groove, catchy melody, and Doja Cat’s distinctive vocal style, which mixes singing and rapping. The lyrics are flirty and playful, with Doja Cat singing about the thrill of attraction and the excitement of potential romance. The song became a commercial and critical success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Doja Cat multiple award nominations, including for Best Pop Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards. Its retro sound, memorable chorus, and infectious energy have made it a fan favorite and a popular choice for dance routines and TikTok challenges.
13. Old Town Road – Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus
“Old Town Road” is a genre-bending country rap song by American rapper Lil Nas X, featuring country music legend Billy Ray Cyrus, released in 2019. The song’s fusion of hip hop and country influences, infectious beat, and catchy hook made it a viral sensation on social media platforms such as TikTok, leading to its meteoric rise to the top of the charts. The song’s lyrics tell a story of a cowboy’s journey, with Lil Nas X’s distinctive vocals and Cyrus’ twangy delivery. The song broke records for the longest-running number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and won multiple awards and nominations, including two Grammy Awards. Its infectious energy, cross-genre appeal, and catchy hook have made it a modern classic and a cultural phenomenon.
14. Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake
“Can’t Stop the Feeling” is an upbeat and infectious pop song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake, released in 2016. The song is a celebration of joy, with lyrics that encourage listeners to let go of their worries and dance to the rhythm. The production features a catchy melody, bouncy beats, and Timberlake’s smooth and soulful vocals. The song became a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning Timberlake multiple award nominations, including the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Its upbeat energy, feel-good lyrics, and catchy chorus have made it a fan favorite and a popular choice for dance routines and feel-good playlists.
15. Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
“Shake It Off” is an upbeat and empowering pop song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released in 2014. The song’s lyrics are a response to criticism and negativity, with Swift encouraging listeners to shake off their doubts and embrace their individuality. The production features a bouncy beat, catchy melody, and Swift’s playful and confident vocals. The song became a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning Swift multiple award nominations, including for Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards. Its infectious energy, catchy hook, and empowering message have made it a fan favorite and a popular choice for workout playlists and dance routines.
16. Perfect – Ed Sheeran
“Perfect” is a romantic and heartfelt pop ballad by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, released in 2017. The song’s lyrics express Sheeran’s love for his partner, with heartfelt and personal details that make the song feel intimate and authentic. The production features a simple and elegant arrangement, with Sheeran’s soulful and emotive vocals taking center stage. The song became a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning Sheeran multiple award nominations, including for Song of the Year at the Grammy Awards. Its emotional depth, sincere lyrics, and beautiful melody have made it a fan favorite and a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.
17. Club Can’t Handle Me – Flo Rida ft. David Guetta
“Club Can’t Handle Me” is an upbeat and high-energy dance-pop song by American rapper Flo Rida, featuring French DJ and producer David Guetta, released in 2010. The song’s lyrics are a celebration of party culture and the thrill of being in the club, with Flo Rida’s distinctive flow and Guetta’s pulsing beats driving the production forward. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning Flo Rida multiple award nominations. Its infectious energy, catchy chorus, and upbeat tempo have made it a fan favorite and a popular choice for dancefloors and party playlists.
18. I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
“I Gotta Feeling” is an upbeat and high-energy dance-pop song by American hip-hop group the Black Eyed Peas, released in 2009. The song’s lyrics are a celebration of living in the moment and having a good time, with the group’s catchy chorus and infectious beats driving the production forward. The song became a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning the Black Eyed Peas multiple award nominations, including the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Its feel-good energy, catchy hook, and party-friendly lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple of dancefloors and party playlists.
19. Toxic – Britney Spears
“Toxic” is a seductive and catchy pop song by American singer Britney Spears, released in 2004. The song’s lyrics describe the irresistible allure of a toxic relationship, with Spears’ sultry vocals and the production’s pulsing beats and synths driving the song forward. The song became a commercial and critical success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning Spears multiple award nominations, including the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. Its memorable hook, infectious melody, and Spears’ iconic music video have made it a fan favorite and a pop culture classic of the early 2000s.
20. Just Dance – Lady Gaga ft. Colby O’Donis
“Just Dance” is a debut single by American singer Lady Gaga, featuring Colby O’Donis, released in 2008. The song’s lyrics describe the exhilaration and release of dancing and losing oneself in the moment, with Gaga’s distinctive vocals and the song’s driving beats and synths propelling the production forward. The song became a commercial and critical success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning Gaga multiple award nominations, including the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. Its catchy hook, high-energy beats, and Gaga’s bold and unconventional persona have made it a fan favorite and a pop culture classic of the late 2000s.
21. Girls Like You – Maroon 5
“Girls Like You” is a catchy pop song by American band Maroon 5, featuring Cardi B, released in 2018. The song’s lyrics describe the power and allure of women, with Adam Levine’s smooth vocals and the song’s upbeat melody and production driving the message home. The song became a commercial and critical success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning Maroon 5 multiple award nominations, including the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Its catchy hook, memorable music video featuring numerous female celebrities, and its empowering message have made it a fan favorite and a pop culture staple of the late 2010s.
22. Turn Down for What – DJ Snake, Lil Jon
“Turn Down for What” is a high-energy electronic dance music (EDM) single by French DJ and record producer DJ Snake and American rapper Lil Jon, released in 2013. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to embrace the party atmosphere and let loose, with Lil Jon’s hype vocals and the song’s pulsing beats and synths driving the production forward. The song became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning DJ Snake and Lil Jon multiple award nominations. Its infectious energy, memorable hook, and its use in popular media, have made it a fan favorite and a party anthem of the early 2010s.
23. Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus
“Party in the U.S.A.” is a pop song by American singer Miley Cyrus, released in 2009. The song’s lyrics describe Cyrus’s journey from her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, to Los Angeles, California, and the feeling of excitement and freedom that she experiences while partying in the United States. The song’s catchy hook, upbeat tempo, and Cyrus’s distinctive voice have made it a fan favorite and a pop culture classic of the late 2000s. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, and its use in popular media has cemented its status as a party anthem and a patriotic celebration of American culture.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
