2013: The Year of Anthemic Energy and Disco Revivals

The year 2013 gave us some of the most enduring party tracks of the decade, characterized by big choruses and a return to funky, retro roots.

• The Ultimate Modern Disco Classic: “Treasure” – Bruno Mars. Heavily influenced by 70s funk and disco, this track was designed as a catchy pop tune specifically meant to get guests on their feet with its upbeat, danceable groove.
• The Global Funk Sensation: “Get Lucky” – Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers. This international #1 hit features a signature funky guitar riff by Nile Rodgers of Chic. It won Record of the Year at the 2014 Grammy Awards and is a sophisticated choice for any reception.
• The Self-Confidence Anthem: “Roar” – Katy Perry. This became Perry’s eighth #1 hit, focused on finding inner strength and confidence. It is an excellent choice for a powerful bridesmaids’ entrance or a high-energy dance floor moment.
• The Nostalgic Pop Hit: “Classic” – MKTO. An ode to timeless beauty, this song references icons like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. Its focus on old-school romance makes it a perfect “bridge” song for guests of different generations.

Emotional Ballads & Deep Connections

For the slower, more intimate moments, 2013 produced several tracks that remain top choices for first dances and ceremonies.

• The Cinematic Soul Song: “Mirrors” – Justin Timberlake. This track peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and describes two people so deeply connected that they act as mirrors for one another, reflecting each other’s strengths.
• The Dreamy Ceremony Choice: “How Long Will I Love You” – Ellie Goulding. Featured in the romantic comedy About Time, this song focuses on ethereal vocals and a gentle piano accompaniment, creating an intimate, dreamy feel.
• The Mature Boy Band Sound: “Story Of My Life” – One Direction. Marking a departure into a more mature, acoustic-folk sound, this song reflects deep personal themes of love and nostalgia.
• The Vulnerable Sing-Along: “Wrecking Ball” – Miley Cyrus. While famous for its controversial video, the song’s lyrics are deeply emotional and have become a popular high-energy sing-along for modern receptions.

Party Starters & Modern Anthems

These high-octane tracks are designed to keep the energy at a peak.

• The Festival Favorite: “Burn” – Ellie Goulding. Goulding’s first #1 single in the UK, this track is a staple for its uplifting lyrics and danceable beat.
• The Energy Igniter: “Turn Down For What” – DJ Snake & Lil Jon. A global party anthem that reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, it is the go-to track for raising the room’s excitement level to the maximum.
• The Feel-Good Collaboration: “Feel This Moment” – Pitbull feat. Christina Aguilera. Sampling the 1985 hit “Take On Me” by a-ha, this track is a celebratory anthem about living in the moment.
• The Playful Reggae-Pop: “Rude” – MAGIC! This #1 hit blends reggae with pop elements and is a fun, easy-going choice for couples and their parents during the reception or cocktail hour.

DJ Expert Tips for your 2013 Playlist:

• The “Retro-Modern” Mix: “Treasure” and “Get Lucky” work incredibly well back-to-back. They both share a disco-funk DNA that appeals to older guests who love the 70s and younger guests who love modern pop.
• Timing the Energy: Save “Turn Down For What” for the very peak of the night when you want the highest energy possible. It’s a “power play” track that should be used sparingly but effectively.
• Ceremony Sentiment: If you want a more modern take on a processional, the piano-driven nature of “How Long Will I Love You” provides the perfect tempo for a walk down the aisle.

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Best 2013 Wedding Songs

Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams

Released in March 2013 on the album Blurred Lines

Robin Thicke stirred up a little bit of controversy with this song featuring T.I. and Pharrell Williams when Thicke performed a racy live version with Miley Cyrus. You don’t have to make it as hot as they did for your wedding, but the song should definitely be included on the dance music playlist.

You don’t need no takers
That man is not your maker
And that’s why I’ma take a good girl

Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton

Released in August 2011 carryover on the album The Heist

“The Most-Streamed Song of 2013” by Spotify.

This song from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton sums up the optimism and confidence that all newlyweds should have as they tie the knot. It can be used for getting the party started, or it can also be played while introducing the wedding party at the reception.

Tonight is the night, we’ll fight ’til it’s over
So we put our hands up
Like the ceiling can’t hold us

All Of Me – John Legend

Released in August 2013 on the album Love in the Future

John Legend wrote and recorded what might be the best wedding song of the decade, a soft piano ballad that is appreciated for its beautiful lyrics. Written for Legend’s own wife, the song has been used in many weddings as a first dance for newlyweds.

‘Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections

Cruise – Florida Georgia Line and Nelly

Released in 2013 on the album Cruise (Remix)

Florida Georgia Line and Nelly combined their talents on this song that blends hip-hop and country beats to perfection. Songs like this one are good for weddings because they can unite guests young and old in the happiness of the wedding reception.

So baby you’re a song
You make me wanna roll my windows down and cruise

Ho Hey – The Lumineers

Released in June 2012 carryover on the album The Lumineers

The catchy hook from this wedding song by The Lumineers is what made the tune a hit, and your guests will be singing along when the song is played at your wedding celebration. Some couples like to make it the first song chosen for the reception while others prefer to save it for the send-off at the end of the evening.

I belong with you, you belong with me
You’re my sweetheart

Get Lucky – Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams

Released in April 2013 on the album Random Access Memories

Every wedding reception needs some music that is a little on the suggestive side, and this song from Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams is fun and a tad naughty. Wedding guests will enjoy seeing the bride and groom light up the dance floor with their best dance moves as this song is played for the garter toss.

We’re up all night for good fun
We’re up all night to get lucky

Suit & Tie – Justin Timberlake feat. JAY Z

Released in January 2013 on the album The 20/20 Experience

When you combine the talents of Justin Timberlake and Jay Z you are certain to get a big hit like this one, an energetic dance number that reflects the desire of everyone to look and feel good on your wedding day. Has the song played soon after the celebratory toasts are made by the wedding party? Suit & Tie is also a classic song to play as the groomsmen are introduced.

And as long as I’ve got my suit and tie
I’ma leave it all on the floor tonight

Treasure – Bruno Mars

Released in May 2013 on the album Unorthodox Jukebox

Bruno Mars reminds all of us that finding true love is better than discovering a hidden treasure, and you can draw on that theme to add meaning to your wedding music selections. Some couples like to make this a song that they alone can share on the dance floor.

Honey, you’re my golden star
You know you can make my wish come true
If you let me treasure you

Feel This Moment – Pitbull Featuring Christina Aguilera

Released in February 2013 on the album Global Warming

Miami’s Pitbull has become a hip-hop powerhouse that has helped to define an entire decade of music. On this hit featuring Christina Aguilera, the star is in his best form, delivering a tune that encourages couples to savor all the emotions of a wedding day.

But time is money, only difference is I own it
Now let’s stop time and enjoy this moment

Same Love – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert

Released in July 2012 carryover on the album The Heist

Another song from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis can be found on our list of best 2013 wedding songs, and this one features Mary Lambert. The combination of emotional lyrics and a modern beat is likely to keep this song popular at wedding receptions for many years. The song makes for a special song to play at same-sex weddings.

And I can’t change
Even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
My love, my love, my love
She keeps me warm

Girl On Fire – Alicia Keys

Released in November 2012 carryover on the album Girl on Fire

This song became a career-defining hit for Alicia Keys, a moving celebration of womanhood that features the help of Nicki Minaj. Many brides choose to play this song for a bouquet toss song, but it can also be used to introduce the bride to her wedding reception guests.

You can try but you’ll never forget her name
She’s on top of the world
Hottest of the hottest girls

Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker

Released in January 2013 on the album True Believers

The Old Crow Medicine Show recorded the original of this country hit but it was Darius Rucker that made it a smash in 2013. Couples should add the song from the Hootie & The Blowfish frontman to their wedding reception playlist if they prefer country dance songs.

Hey, rock me mama like the wind and the rain
Rock me mama like a southbound train
Hey, mama rock me

Drunk In Love – Beyoncé

Released in December 2013 on the album Beyoncé

Beyonce scores two hits on this list of 2013 wedding songs, and on this one Bey shares the spotlight with her husband Jay Z to deliver a pleasing dance groove with catchy lyrics. Use this song in the middle of the reception to bring the mood back up again after everyone has had time to mellow out.

Last thing I remember is our beautiful bodies
Grindin’ up in that club
Drunk in love

Wedding Songs of 2013 Spotify Playlist

Celebrating weddings of 2013. Where were you and what was happening?

If you were one of the weddings of 2013

Congratulations on your wedding of 2013. You share your anniversary with the following events.

Music Highlights of 2013

• Grammy’s Song of 2013: We Are Young – fun. featuring Janelle Monáe
• Thrift Shop – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Wanz
• Hey Ho – The Lumineers
• Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. + Pharrell
• Radioactive – Imagine Dragons
• Harlem Shake – Baauer
• Can’t Hold Us – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Ray
• Mirrors – Justin Timberlake
• Just Give Me A Reason – P!nk Featuring Nate Ruess
• When I Was Your Man – Bruno Mars
• Cruise – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Nelly
• Roar – Katy Perry

Celebrity Weddings of 2013

• Kelly Clarkson married Brandon Blackstock
• Zoe Saldana married Marco Perego
• Kate Bosworth wed Michael Polish
• Halle Berry married Olivier Martinez
• Aaron Paul wed Lauren Parsekian

News Highlights of 2013

• The death of Nelson Mandela
• The papal transition from Pope Benedict to Pope Francis.
• Missile threats from North Korea leader Kim Jong Un.
• Unrest in Syria turns into a civil war.
• The murder trial of George Zimmerman, charged with second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
• The world following the birth of Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge.
• Two brothers set bombs at the Boston Marathon.
• The beginning of Obama Care (Affordable Care Act)
• The trial of Jodi Arias killed her boyfriend in a jealous rage or an abused woman.

What songs were popular the prior year? See a list of the top wedding songs of 2012 for your playlist.

2013 Sports Champions

• The Boston Red Sox won their third World Series from 2004 over the St. Louis Cardinals in 6 games.
• The Baltimore Ravens surprised the San Francisco 49ers to capture a Super Bowl win.
• The Russell Wilson lead Seattle Seahawks defeated the Payton Manning lead Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl.
• The NBA Champion Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs.
• The Stanley Cup winners Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Eastern Conference playoff champion Boston Bruins.

Entertainment Highlights of 2013

• Best Picture: 12 Years a Slave
• Best Actor: Matthew McConaughey – Dallas Buyers Club
• Best Actress: Cate Blanchett – Blue Jasmine

Top Television Shows

• Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men, House of Cards, The Walking Dead, The Mentalist, NCIS, Person of Interest, NCIS: Los Angeles, Criminal Minds, The Big Bang Theory, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, The Voice.

Learn more about 2013 on Wikipedia. Thank you for visiting our page – weddings of 2013.

Have a favorite wedding song from 2013? Please share your song below in the comments!