This is a lifestyle piece recommending three well-known pop songs to help liven up a party or gathering, rather than a hard news story. American Songwriter selects tracks it considers reliable crowd-pleasers, drawing on their cultural resonance, energetic sound and party-friendly themes, and briefly explains why each works so well at a social event.

The three picks are the Backstreet Boys' 1999 hit "Larger Than Life", noted for its current popularity at the group's sold-out Las Vegas Sphere residency and its theme of largesse; George Michael's "Freedom! '90", praised for its uplifting rhythm and famous David Fincher-directed video credited with popularising the supermodel era; and Cyndi Lauper's classic "Girls Just Want to Have Fun", recommended for its universally relatable, fun-loving message suited to varied guests.