Activities: Pleasing A Crowd

Nothing but today's upbeat and rockin' country songs. No ballads or soft stuff.

In the early 2010s, we've seen a new emergence of fun, upbeat pop music created by alternative-leaning artists. Enjoy some new songs about celebrating, dancing, and (often) being in love.

Musical styles come and go, but some songs will always sound great. This collection of upbeat pop and rock songs from the '60s, '70s and '80s is perfect for the workday or the weekend.

Listen to the catchiest, most hook-laden dance songs and remixes from the past decade.

Shake off the winter doldrums and dance around to these upbeat, shamefully catchy indie pop tunes.

Listen to the most popular pop songs in America as determined by the Billboard charts.

Despite what the Baby Boomers would have you believe, the '90s was the greatest decade for popular music. Why? So many crowd-pleasing hits.

The biggest chart-topping hip-hop hits from the last few years in their edited, curse-free format! Ideal when listening around kids or in a conservative workplace.

Listen to the most popular hip hop and R&B songs in America as determined by the Billboard charts.

Despite the prominence of malaise-infused genres like grunge, the '90s yielded a glut of shamelessly fun-loving, crowd-pleasing hits. Here's our salute to the '90s songs that made us feel so good.

The retro sounds of '60s soul music have made a comeback. These contemporary artists are updating classic soul sounds for the 21st century.

Perhaps the most important record label in history, Motown gave us a wealth of smooth and funky soul hits. From The Temptations to The Supremes to Marvin Gaye and beyond, these are the classic songs from Hitsville, U.S.A.

Northern Soul is the British label given to a specific sound: the heavy-hitting backbeat and lush production epitomized by Motown's glorious mid '60s heyday. These are the songs energized Northerners would dance to all night long.

All of the greatest, uptempo songs from Motown's 1964-1971 Golden Age. Digitally remastered from the mono master tapes, listen to these classics the way they were meant to be heard.

A retrospective of Chicago's legendary Chess Records, America's greatest blues label. Chess was the home of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James, Little Walter, and many more.

Some songs just have a certain je ne sais quoi; when you hear them you start skipping down a crowded public street. Embarrassing? Absolutely. Will you care? Not likely.

Ever watch TV and ask yourself "what song is that?" Here are all the songs by upcoming, emerging artists whose music is reaching a wider audience through TV commercials and other ad placements.

All your favorite one-hit wonders from the '70s.

All your favorite one-hit wonders from the '80s.

All your favorite one-hit wonders from the '90s.

All your favorite one-hit wonders from the '00s.

These songs hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in the 1960s. Since 1958, the Hot 100 has been America's barometer of song popularity.

These songs hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in the 1970s. Since 1958, the Hot 100 has been America's barometer of song popularity.

In the 1980s, these songs hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, America's barometer of song popularity.

In the 1990s, these songs hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart, America's barometer of song popularity.

These songs hit #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart in the 2000s. Since 1958, the Hot 100 has been America's barometer of song popularity.

N.W.A., 2pac, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, G-Unit, Eminem: Dr. Dre's production resume speaks for itself. Listen to the greatest beats from hip hop's most influential producer.

Classic Jamaican reggae songs, plus newer songs from reggae artists in the U.K., U.S. and Africa.

On August 1, 1981, MTV ushered in the sounds and looks that defined the '80s. For their 30th anniversary, we look back at MTV's first golden age, 1981-1990: new superstars, one-hit wonders, and songs we can't hear without thinking of the videos.

With the rise of alternative rock and the artistic maturity of hip-hop, MTV found itself at the dawn of its second golden age. As the channel celebrates its 30th anniversary, relive the '90s without the commercials.

Starting in the mid '00s, the line between indie and mainstream pop started to get blurry. These are the songs that have helped bring "indie" music to the masses.

Some songs just sound like summertime. Hold up your lighter and groove to these essential warm-weather classic rock jams.

Also known as "white soul" or "pop soul," blue-eyed soul is a term that's commonly applied to white artists whose sound is influenced by classic soul and R&B.

Can't get enough country music? Listen to this regularly updated playlist of songs that have hit #1 on the Billboard Country Charts since the year 2000.

Characterized by its lush vocal harmonies, "doomph, doomph" bass lines, group snapping, and high falsetto, doo-wop was one of the most popular musical styles of the '50s and '60s.

Have you ever found yourself muttering "These kids today..." while listening to the radio? Stave off incipient fogeydom at any age by listening to these young artists who use the sounds of the '60s, '70s and '80s as their jumping-off point.

Every kid needs to grow up with great music. These are the classic songs you should sing with (and to) your kids.

Contemporary pop-rock ('90s to today), focusing on female vocalists and sensitive guys. Contemplative and emotional yet SFW (Safe for Work).

Don't fight it, feel it! In the 1960s, gospel music met secular lyrics describing the black experience in America, and soul music was born. '60s soul singers demanded respect, begged for love, and told it like it was, changing popular music forever.

Teen longing, sweet harmonies and walls of sound, from the songwriters at the Brill Building to Motown's hit factory.

If you've ever worn cowboy boots with a bathing suit -- or if you think that sounds like a great idea -- these contemporary, summertime country songs are for you.

Known for its distinctive vintage sound and house band, Daptone Records has become one of the world's premier independent record labels. Listen to highlights of the best soul, funk, gospel and afrobeat released by this Brooklyn-based label.

Even as they approach retirement age, the classic rockers of the '60s, '70s and '80s have continued making exciting and intriguing music over the last two decades. Check out these old dogs' new tricks.

From the late '70s to the early '80s, rock music evolved to incorporate a softer, more sophisticated studio-produced sound. These are the best songs from the last era of rock before video killed the radio star.

Get a taste of Jamaica with these sun-kissed reggae jams.

Rock radio staples from the current crop of mainstream hitmakers. The artists who grew up with Led Zeppelin and Queen in one ear and Nirvana and Red Hot Chili Peppers in the other are making their own hits now.

New Jack Swing defined the urban music scene as the '80s became the '90s and R&B met hip-hop. Rediscover this era of sweet harmonies with a hint of swagger and unlimited style.

From Liverpool to London and Cardiff to Cork, U.K. artists were all the rage during the British Invasion's mid-'60s peak. From raw rock & roll to parent-friendly pop, these acts brought Swinging London to the rest of the globe.

It's easier than ever to lose it these days, so here's a little music therapy from the '70s. Enjoy these songs of comfort, joy, and common sense from the "Me" generation.

The '90s weren't just flannel and cynicism. Enjoy these fun, positive grunge-era tunes.

Some days it feels like you should have stayed in bed. So enjoy a sweet respite from the grind of modern life with the eternal sunshine of these classic upbeat '80s hits.

In the late '80s and early '90s, country stars like Garth Brooks staged an unprecedented invasion on the pop charts. These days, this new batch of twangin' torch-carriers has been crashing the border from Music City to mainstream fame.