Party Like It's 1999

The turn of the millenium was a good time to be alive. We had a booming economy, lots of excess cash, plentiful jobs available. Every Friday night, Makati was one big party zone. Everywhere you look, yuppies would be all all over the bars, shopping malls, and restaurants. Many young and not-so-young people trying desperately to part with their hard earned paychecks. We were kings - carefree, invincible, our bubble will never be burst. Well that's what we thought anyway, give us a break, it's 1999.

Music played a big part in defining that carefree Friday night atmosphere. There's a tried and true formula of songs that need to be played to ensure the light and cheerful Friday ambiance. You'll hear them played by live bands, or as part of a track list played in theme restaurants. Here's a list of those Friday party songs that were popular in the late 90's. Loved those songs and that time. Heck, I bet these songs are still played every Friday night in the Glorietta/Greenbelt areas.

Hey - Fatima Rainey
A good icebreaker and feel-good song: "I say hey, hey, I love you till the morning comes. I say hey, hey, I'll kiss you in the morning sun." Set the tone of the evening. Relieve your stress after a hard week's work.

You Get What You Give - New Radicals
One of my favorites. This captures the carefree 90's spirit well. The night is still young with good music and fun all around. And the best thing is, you don't have to get up early the next day.

Never Knew Love Like This Before - Sonya
After everyone has had a bite to eat and settled down, let's play this wonderful song. Life is good and love is in the air. Sonya's rendition of this Stephanie Mills song is a classic.

Then The Morning Comes - Smash Mouth
Cool song. Both sad and happy in an ironic way, depending on how you feel that day. Your job sucks but this song kicks ass, so you're cool.

Crush - Jennifer Paige
Now we play the music at full blast. By this time, most of your companions are in an inebriated state, and will dance on top of the table while you're drinking your beer.

Tubthumping - Chumbawamba
And now you're stuck with your drinking buddies. One is complaining about his boss, the other is looking for advice concerning his affairs of the heart. You discuss these same topics week in week out, and you know it doesn't amount to anything, but you talk about them anyway, with Chumbawamba's chanting in the background "I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're never gonna keep me down... pissing the night away"

Don't Call Me Baby - Madison Avenue
This song became quite popular right as the dot com bubble was bursting. Our party would soon be over. But let's extract every last ounce of fun we can get from this pop disco tune. This song is for all the players and haters, you know who you are.

All The Small Things - Blink 182
Catchy, addictive, repetitive. Toe-tapping. Finger-snapping. It's like the 80's only it's the 90's.

September - Earth Wind and Fire
Now we're winding down, the yuppies are getting tired, and some are calling it a day. But the night ain't over till it's over. We still relax and take it easy, while celebrating our successes with this Earth Wind and Fire staple. This is almost always played because it sends 'em home happy.

Closing Time - Semisonic
Now it's 3 AM and the bar is closing, and they want to kick you out. Another Friday night is done. See you next payday.


Got any more Party Like It's 1999 songs? Let me know!