Energy. Sometimes it’s all you want from a song. Sure, there are occasions you want poignant lyrics, thoughtful melodies and rich sonic textures. But there are other times when you just want a song to push and pull you, to get you up off your feet and get you on the dance floor for a rollicking good time. You want energy.
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Here below, we wanted to explore three such offerings. A trio of singular tracks that give you energy, that boast a plethora of the stuff. Indeed, these are three energetic one-hit wonders that are perfect to dance along to.
[RELATED: 3 One-Hit Wonders from the 1970s Fans Can’t Stop Singing to]
“Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba from Tubthumper (1997)
This song’s rhythmic cup runneth over. It’s a blast of sound that dives into your soul and comes out your dancing feet. Not only does it have a chorus that is impossible not to sing along to but it propels the listener to practically run a dance floor with energy and verve. In the mid-1990s this song was all over the radio airwaves and for good reason. It was cathartic and fun and a blast coming from the British-born band Chumbawamba.
“Tequila” by The Champs from Go, Champs, Go! (1958)
Thanks to comedian and actor Pee-wee Herman, this song practically has its own built-in dance routine. As a result, when the saxophone starts to play, you can jump up on top of the bar, kitchen table, or just your living room floor and put one leg in front of the other then move your arms front and back like Mr. Herman in his classic movie Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. This song just gives you that big vibe thanks to the sax and the intermittent deep voice reminding you the title of the tune, “Tequila.”
“Wipe Out” by The Surfaris from Play (1963)
It’s not often you find an instrumental one-hit wonder, but this surf song most definitely fits the bill (as does the sax-driven tune above). And when it comes to cutting a rug, this track is perfect. Put on a grass skirt and lace some flowers in your hair and move around the room as if your feet are planted on a surfboard and the ground below you is a wave rolling and rolling and riding high. It’s that echoing electric guitar that gets your whole body moving.
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