Shaking is an instinctive human response to rhythm and melody. From the dance floors to the recording studios, shaking has inspired musicians to create countless songs with the word “shake” in the title. These songs capture the energy and excitement of shaking, whether it’s a physical movement or an emotional response. In this article, we’ll explore the top 20 songs about shaking, from classic rock to hip-hop and beyond. We’ll delve into the stories behind each song and examine why they continue to resonate with listeners today. So, whether you’re a fan of Elvis Presley or Megan Thee Stallion, get ready to shake it up with these iconic songs.
1. “Shake It Up” by The Cars
“Shake It Up” is a song by American rock band The Cars, released in 1981 as the lead single from their fourth studio album of the same name. The song features a upbeat and energetic sound with prominent keyboards and guitar riffs, and is characterized by its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm. The lyrics revolve around a theme of dancing and letting loose, encouraging the listener to “shake it up” and dance the night away. With its upbeat energy and catchy melody, “Shake It Up” has become a classic staple of 80s pop rock, and remains a popular song today, frequently played on classic rock and oldies radio stations. Its music video features the band performing the song in a dance club setting, further emphasizing the song’s upbeat and danceable nature.
2. “Rattlesnake Shake” by Fleetwood Mac
“Rattlesnake Shake” is a song by the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, released on their 1979 album “Tusk”. The song features a high-energy, rock and roll sound, with prominent electric guitar and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics tell the story of a wild, carefree night of partying and dancing, as the singer recounts the events of the night and the various characters he encountered. The chorus, with its catchy and repetitive chant of “rattlesnake shake”, further emphasizes the song’s upbeat and energetic nature. With its strong musical performance and energetic vibe, “Rattlesnake Shake” has become a fan favorite and a staple of Fleetwood Mac’s live performances. The song remains a popular and enduring classic of the classic rock era.
3. “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty” by KC & the Sunshine Band
“(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty” is a hit song by American funk and disco band KC & The Sunshine Band, released in 1976. The song features a fun, upbeat sound with a prominent bassline, catchy horns, and the band’s signature percussive sound. The lyrics are an invitation to dance and let loose, encouraging listeners to “shake their booty” and enjoy the music. With its upbeat energy, infectious beat, and catchy chorus, “Shake Your Booty” quickly became a hit and remains a classic dance and funk song to this day. The song’s popularity led to its use in numerous films, commercials, and other media, further solidifying its place as an iconic and enduring dance classic.
4. “Shake Dog Shake” by The Cure
“Shake Dog Shake” is a song by the English rock band The Cure, released on their 1984 album “The Top”. The song features a dark, brooding sound, with a driving rhythm section, prominent bassline, and atmospheric keyboard textures. The lyrics are cryptic and introspective, as the singer reflects on the fragmented and disjointed nature of his thoughts and emotions. The chorus, with its haunting refrain of “Shake, Shake, Dog Shake”, further emphasizes the song’s dark and moody atmosphere. “Shake Dog Shake” is considered one of The Cure’s standout tracks, showcasing the band’s ability to blend introspective and emotionally charged lyrics with an energetic and powerful musical performance. The song remains a favorite among fans and is widely regarded as one of The Cure’s signature tracks.
5. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
“Shake It Off” is a pop song by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, released as the lead single from her fifth studio album “1989” in 2014. The song is characterized by its upbeat, cheerful sound, with a driving beat, catchy guitar hooks, and a lively chorus. The lyrics are about embracing one’s individuality and not being discouraged by criticism or negativity from others. Taylor Swift encourages listeners to “shake it off” and keep moving forward, despite the obstacles and challenges they may face. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning widespread critical acclaim. With its catchy melody and empowering message, “Shake It Off” has become one of Taylor Swift’s most iconic and beloved tracks, and remains a fan favorite to this day.
6. “Shake It Like That” by Smokey & The Bandito
“Shake It Like That” is a rap song by the duo Smokey & The Bandito. The song features a heavy bass-driven beat, with a catchy and energetic chorus that encourages listeners to shake it like that. The lyrics of the song are lighthearted and playful, with the duo rapping about their love for music and dancing, and the good times that come with it. The song has a fun, party-like atmosphere, and is sure to get listeners up on their feet and dancing. Although not as well-known as some of their other tracks, “Shake It Like That” remains a popular and well-loved song among fans of Smokey & The Bandito, and continues to be a staple of their live performances.
7. “Shakin’” by Eddie Money
“Shakin'” is a rock song by American singer-songwriter Eddie Money. The song was released as a single in 1987, and appeared on Money’s album “Can’t Hold Back”. The song has a driving beat and upbeat energy, and features a catchy chorus that encourages listeners to “come on and shake it, shake it, shake it”. The lyrics of the song are about living life to the fullest and enjoying the moment, and are delivered in Money’s signature rock-infused style. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, “Shakin'” is a fan-favorite song that remains popular to this day. The song continues to be a staple of Eddie Money’s live performances, and is a testament to his lasting influence on the rock genre.
8. “Shake It, Annie, Shake It” by Bionic
“Shake It, Annie, Shake It” is a dance song by the group Bionic. The song was released as a single in 1983 and is a funky, upbeat track that is designed to get people out of their seats and onto the dance floor. The song features a catchy, repetitive chorus that encourages listeners to shake it like Annie, and is driven by a funky bass line and uptempo percussion. The lyrics of the song are light and fun, and focus on the joy of dancing and having a good time. “Shake It, Annie, Shake It” is a true dancefloor classic that continues to be popular with audiences today. The song’s infectious energy and upbeat vibe make it the perfect choice for any party, and its catchy chorus is sure to get stuck in your head long after the music has stopped.
9. “Shake a Tail Feather” by The Blues Brothers
“Shake a Tail Feather” is a classic blues song performed by The Blues Brothers. The song was first recorded by The Five Du-Tones in 1963 and became a hit in 1966 after being covered by James and Bobby Purify. The Blues Brothers’ version, which was released in 1980, is an upbeat, high-energy take on the classic blues track, with a driving beat and an infectious, danceable rhythm. The song features a combination of soulful vocals and tight harmonies, as well as a blazing saxophone solo that adds an extra layer of excitement to the already explosive sound. Lyrically, “Shake a Tail Feather” is a playful, lighthearted celebration of dancing and having a good time, with the chorus encouraging listeners to shake their tail feathers and let loose on the dance floor. This upbeat and energetic track is a true classic that continues to be popular and enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
10. “Brain Shake” by AC/DC
“Brain Shake” is a high-energy rock song by the legendary Australian hard rock band AC/DC. This song is from their album “Ballbreaker”, released in 1995. “Brain Shake” is a powerful, driving track that showcases the band’s signature sound, with crunching guitar riffs, thundering drums, and a ferocious vocal performance from lead singer Brian Johnson. The song is built around a relentless, fast-paced rhythm that sets the stage for a wild, energetic performance. The lyrics are raw and straightforward, with the singer declaring his intention to rock and shake the listener’s brain. This track is a perfect example of AC/DC’s relentless, no-holds-barred approach to hard rock music, and it continues to be a fan favorite among the band’s loyal followers. “Brain Shake” is an electrifying rock and roll anthem that will get you up on your feet and moving to the beat.
11. “Shake That” by Eminem
“Shake That” is a song by American rapper Eminem, featuring Nate Dogg. The song was released in 2006 and is featured on Eminem’s compilation album “Curtain Call: The Hits”. “Shake That” has a strong bass-driven beat and is designed to be a party anthem, encouraging listeners to get up and dance. The song’s lyrics focus on the narrator’s desire to get close to a woman and dance with her, promising to make her shake it to the rhythm. Eminem’s distinctive and aggressive rap style is in full force on the track, with his fast-paced delivery and witty rhymes providing a strong energy to the song. “Shake That” is considered a classic hip-hop track, and remains a popular party anthem for fans of Eminem and hip-hop music.
12. “Shake It” by Charli XCX
“Shake It” by Charli XCX is an energetic and upbeat pop song that features a powerful beat, driving bass line, and contagious chorus. The song’s lyrics revolve around a theme of partying and having fun, with Charli encouraging listeners to let loose and “shake it” on the dance floor. Her distinctive vocals are confident and charismatic, adding to the overall appeal of the song. The production is bright and modern, incorporating elements of electronic music, hip-hop, and pop to create a unique sound that is both current and timeless. Overall, “Shake It” is a fun, danceable track that is sure to get people moving and grooving.
13. “Shake Your Groove Thing” by Peaches & Herb
“Shake Your Groove Thing” by Peaches & Herb is a funky, up-tempo dance track from the late 1970s. The song features a tight, upbeat rhythm section with a catchy, funky bassline and a driving beat. The vocal performance from Peaches & Herb is lively and energetic, urging listeners to get up and move their bodies. The song’s upbeat and energetic tone makes it an ideal choice for dance floors and parties, with its catchy chorus and infectious beat making it a timeless classic. With its upbeat, energetic feel and catchy chorus, “Shake Your Groove Thing” is sure to get audiences moving and grooving to the beat.
14. “Shake It Off” by Mariah Carey
“Shake It Off” by Mariah Carey is an upbeat, energetic pop track that was released in 2005. The song features Carey’s powerful vocal range, as she sings about shaking off negative energy and embracing positivity. The song’s instrumentals include a groovy bassline, catchy guitar riffs, and uptempo drums, creating a fun, danceable atmosphere. The upbeat and optimistic lyrics, combined with Carey’s confident vocals, make this track a feel-good anthem. “Shake It Off” encourages listeners to let go of their worries and embrace the moment, encouraging them to dance and have fun. This song is a true representation of Carey’s signature style, with its high energy and catchy hook, making it a staple of her discography.
15. “Harlem Shake” by Baauer
“Harlem Shake” is a dance track produced by American electronic producer Baauer. The song gained widespread popularity after the Harlem Shake meme took the internet by storm in early 2013. It features a catchy electronic beat and an infectious bass line, with snippets of a shouted “con los terroristas!” sample from a previous dance track. Despite its repetitive structure, the song’s upbeat energy and infectious rhythm make it an enduring party anthem. The Harlem Shake dance itself involves a group of people dancing wildly to the beat, with one person starting the dance and the rest of the group joining in. The song’s popularity and its association with the meme has made “Harlem Shake” a staple of dance music and a staple of popular culture.
16. “Shake That!” by Scooter
“Shake That!” by Scooter is a high-energy, danceable track. The song features a driving beat with a heavy bassline and synths that create a pulsing rhythm. The lyrics are about letting go of your worries and shaking your body to the music. The chorus encourages listeners to shake their bodies and forget about their troubles. The song has an upbeat, energetic vibe that is perfect for dance parties and club scenes. It is sure to get people moving and shaking on the dance floor.
17. “Shake Me Down” by Cage The Elephant
“Shake Me Down” by Cage The Elephant is an upbeat alternative rock song with a catchy, memorable melody. The song is characterized by its energetic, driving beat and catchy guitar riffs that keep the energy level high throughout the song. The lyrics describe a longing for something more, with the chorus encouraging the listener to “shake me down.” The lead vocalist delivers a passionate performance that matches the intensity of the music, making the song an instant crowd-pleaser. With its memorable hooks, driving rhythm, and emotional lyrics, “Shake Me Down” is a standout track that is sure to get stuck in your head for days to come.
18. “Shake” by Ying Yang Twins
“Shake” is a hip-hop and crunk song by the Ying Yang Twins. The song was released in 2005 and was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track features a catchy beat and lyrics that encourage listeners to shake their bodies on the dance floor. The upbeat tempo and infectious hook make it a popular party anthem. The Ying Yang Twins’ high-energy delivery and party-themed lyrics embody the spirit of crunk music, which emphasizes bass-heavy beats and energetic vocals. “Shake” is a fun and energetic song that is sure to get any party started and have people moving on the dance floor.
19. “Shake Your Pom Pom” by Missy Elliott
“Shake Your Pom Pom” is a high energy, up-tempo song by Missy Elliott. It features a catchy beat, funky synths, and energetic rhymes from Missy, who is known for her unique style and innovative production techniques. The song encourages listeners to shake their pom poms and get up and dance, with Missy’s confident and sassy verses leading the way. The lyrics are playful and full of attitude, as Missy raps about her own success and the power of self-confidence. With its infectious beat and upbeat lyrics, “Shake Your Pom Pom” is a fun and empowering anthem that is sure to get listeners on their feet.
20. “Shake It” by MC Shy D
“Shake It” by MC Shy D is a classic hip-hop track that was released in the late 1980s. The song features a funky, bass-driven beat and MC Shy D’s energetic, rapid-fire rhymes. The lyrics are all about getting people on the dance floor and encouraging them to let loose and have a good time. The chorus features the repetitive phrase “Shake it, shake it” which encourages listeners to get up and move. The song is a celebration of the energy and excitement of hip-hop music, and it is sure to get people dancing and having a good time whenever it is played. Whether you’re a fan of old school hip-hop or just enjoy a good party anthem, “Shake It” by MC Shy D is a classic track that is sure to get you moving.
April Johnson 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.
