There’s something beautifully chaotic about a day rave — glow sticks, bright lights, people halfway between nostalgia and adrenaline. I agreed to go to a Pryzm noughties day party, which was basically full-on clubbing but from 1pm to 8pm. Daylight, beer, Britney, and a sea of people reliving the decade of flip phones and MSN statuses.
The funny thing about clubs is that they’re kind of naughty by design — they play slow songs early on, the ones no one really wants to dance to yet. Everyone feels a bit awkward, swaying half-heartedly, waiting for something familiar to hit. That’s when you need a drink, a friend, or that one song that makes the whole room shout “this is my tune!” And when those songs hit — the real noughties night starts — the energy shifts instantly. Let’s talk about the tracks that never left the dancefloor.
Backstreet Boys – Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)
There’s no such thing as a noughties party without the Backstreet Boys. It’s cheesy, dramatic, and utterly brilliant. Nostalgia mixed with confidence — you know every lyric, even if you haven’t heard it in years. It still works in clubs because it’s unapologetically fun — the perfect balance between cringe and charisma.
Toxic – Britney Spears
One of the most addictive pop productions ever made. Toxic’s electric violin riff, sharp rhythm, and seductive tone have aged perfectly. It’s the kind of track that makes people throw their arms up and dance like they’re on MTV in 2004. Britney gave pop its edge — and that’s why DJs still drop it.
Get the Party Started – Pink
From the opening line — “I’m comin’ up, so you better get this party started” — you already know what’s about to happen. Pink’s energy and sass turned this into an song for every big night out. It’s still in the clubs because it delivers exactly what it promises — instant hype.
Year 3000 – Busted
I was buzzing when this one came on. We saw Busted perform live last year, and it was pure nostalgia. Year 3000 captures the energy of growing up, the dream of something bigger, and the pure chaos of early 2000s pop-rock. It’s impossible not to jump, shout, and feel like a teenager again when that chorus drops.
Stacey’s Mom – Fountains of Wayne
The DJ set this one up perfectly — “Is anyone here called Stacey?” The crowd exploded. Stacey’s Mom has that perfect mix of humour, guitar riffs, and cheeky storytelling that just works in any setting. It’s tongue-in-cheek, playful, and ridiculously catchy.
It Wasn’t Me – Shaggy
Every person in the club instantly turns into Shaggy for three minutes. It’s the definition of fun storytelling in music — slightly scandalous but always entertaining. The beat is smooth, the lyrics unforgettable, and the nostalgia unbeatable. You can’t not sing along to this one.
All Rise – Blue
Early 2000s boy band brilliance. All Rise somehow makes courtroom drama sound danceable — that takes skill. It’s soulful, confident, and perfectly suited to a night where everyone’s secretly pretending they can hit those harmonies.
Without Me – Eminem
“This looks like a job for me…” - The beat drops, and suddenly everyone in the room knows every word, whether they admit it or not. Without Me is chaotic energy bottled into three and a half minutes — attitude, humour, and one of the most recognisable flows in hip-hop history. Clubs still play it because it’s not just rap — it’s pop culture energy at its peak.
Murder on the Dance Floor – Sophie Ellis-Bextor
Sophisticated, disco-inspired perfection. Murder on the Dance Floor has had a massive revival thanks to movies and TikTok, but it never really went away. The bassline, the confidence, the elegance — it’s timeless. It’s the type of song that lets people dance with attitude.
Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
There’s something freeing about this one. It’s not even a typical “club” track, but when it comes on, everyone suddenly becomes best friends — hands in the air, eyes closed, shouting lyrics about possibility. It’s positive energy in its purest form. The line “the rest is still unwritten” still hits hard. It’s hopeful. It feels alive.
Bonkers – Dizzee Rascal
A track that defined a generation of UK club music. Bonkers is messy, loud, and unstoppable — exactly what it’s supposed to be. The beat hits, and you can’t help but move. It’s the British equivalent of caffeine.
I Gotta Feeling – The Black Eyed Peas
“I got a feeling... that tonight’s gonna be a good night.” - You can’t argue with it — it’s basically the soundtrack to pre-drinks, weddings, and every club night for two decades. It’s pure optimism. When that chorus hits, everyone believes it.
Low – Flo Rida ft. T-Pain
Apple-bottom jeans, boots with the fur — need I say more? It’s playful, bold, and catchy. The beat slaps, and everyone knows the choreography. It’s survived the years because it’s both ridiculous and genius. It takes me back to high school.
Valerie – Amy Winehouse (Mark Ronson version)
This one’s the dance floor reset button. It’s got soul, swagger, and warmth. Amy’s voice cuts through any remix, and everyone sings along no matter their age. Valerie connects generations — it feels like home and heartbreak at once.
Baby – Justin Bieber
A funny story — when I had my first love, my girlfriend wanted to dance with me, but my best friend Josh liked this song. So I danced with him instead. She was mad, but I chose my friend over my girl… and honestly, I have no regrets. Maybe that’s why Baby still gets played — it’s innocent, nostalgic, and reminds you of simpler times.
Final Thoughts
Some songs from the noughties hit harder than ever. Others — especially the ones that get “remixed” with dance beats — lose a bit of their magic. It’s strange how changing the beat can ruin the integrity of the original. Not every track was made for 130 BPM. But people still love it. It’s proof that nostalgia is one of the most powerful forces in music. The songs that shaped us in the 2000s still pull us to the dancefloor — whether it’s 2am or, apparently, 2pm at a day rave.
And if you’re a DJ reading this — maybe this list just gave you your next mix.
