10. "Happy Birthday" by Stevie Wonder
“Happy Birthday” by Stevie Wonder has managed to stand the test of time and has been sung to celebrities, presidents, and unsuspecting karaoke bar patrons for over thirty years. The song originated as a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. in hopes of making his birthday a national holiday, which happened in 1983. It has since become known as a new age take on the original “Happy Birthday Song," complete with Stevie’s signature style. Whether you’re celebrating MLK’s birthday or your own, go ahead and have “a world party on the day you came to be.”
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9. "Birthday" by Destiny's Child
The first line of "Birthday" says it all: “It’s your birthday; you don’t have to do nothing.” Sit down, relax, and enjoy the sweet sounds of Destiny’s Child (all four original members) as their voices rock you into a birthday vibe that lasts all day long. Sure, you’re going to get a party with all your friends now, but, later, when it’s just you and your boo, you’ll have a more intimate party. Candle lit dinner? Check. Presents? Check. Destiny’s Child? Okay, so they’re no longer together, but you can still listen to their harmonies without shame and appreciate the best girl band ever. Happy birthday indeed. |
8. "It's My Birthday" by will.i.am and Cody Wise
There are certain days when it’s necessary for you to feel like a boss, and your birthday is definitely one of them. “It’s My Birthday” is a celebration of just how baller you are on your special day, spending money like crazy and looking fly while doing so. The video is especially baller - it was the first music video to be made exclusively with the Vine app. will.i.am and Cody Wise appear in a series of Vine videos with several famous Viners making appearances. Wonder how much that cost? It doesn’t matter, because “it’s my birthday. Imma spend my money.”
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7. "Birthday Sex" by Jeremih
What is the one thing everyone wants for their birthday? Presents! Cake! Ice cream! Money! To stop aging! Well, all those are great things to get, but Jeremih has something else very specific in mind that he’s getting for his girl on her birthday. In fact, “Birthday Sex” goes so far as to say we “don’t need candles and cake, just need your body.” After all, the ultimate gift you can give your significant other for his or her birthday is you, your love, and your body…wrapping paper optional. However, it would not hurt to get an actual present, just in case (trust us on this one).
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6. "Like It's Her Birthday" by Good Charlotte
Is your girl up to no good? Missing dates? Getting a little tipsy? Chances are she’s been listening to this Good Charlotte track about a shy girl turned party animal. “Like it’s Her Birthday” is all about the guilty pleasures and naughty behaviors we allow ourselves to partake in without remorse. When you have had a rough week at work and need to unwind and go a little insane, blast this tune and remind yourself that, even though it’s not your birthday, you deserve to let loose and party like it is your birthday. You can even buy yourself something nice. We won’t tell. |
5. "It's My Party" by Lesley Gore
By far the oldest song on our list, “It’s My Party” is about a wonderful birthday surprise! Alright, so maybe this is not the happiest of birthday songs, but it’s definitely one of the most well-known. Lesley Gore’s 1963 track is a song about birthday surprises – and not the good kind. No, the oldest song on our list is about realizing your boyfriend-to-be is actually already with someone else. Oh, yeah, and you find out when he shows up with her at your birthday party. Dick move, Johnny. Who does that? Oh well, at least there’s party food and good music to comfort you. |
4. "Birthday" by Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez has been releasing albums for years, but technically her first solo album wasn’t until 2013’s Stars Dance, and it was definitely worth the wait. The album has a totally different feel than Selena’s previous albums and it all kicks off with this hit. “Birthday” is an unapologetic banger that finds Selena behaving a little naughty and sexy all while making sure no one worries about her – she’s just acting this way ‘cause it’s her birthday. So next time someone gets onto you about partying too hard, just tell them it’s your birthday. Hey, it’s worth a try. |
3. "Birthday Cake" (Remix) by Rihanna featuring Chris Brown
The word “cake” has many meanings in today’s society, and who better to take a piece of dessert and turn it into a totally different type of sweet treat than Rihanna? Rihanna’s Talk That Talk album is full of songs that showcase a trap queen cockiness that is fully recognized in Rihanna’s more recent songs, like her newest single “Bitch Better Have My Money.” “Birthday Cake” struts our favorite version of Rihanna – Naughty RiRi. Maybe it’s not her birthday, but Rihanna’s man (Chris Brown, back on again, at that time) knows what gift to get, err, give his woman. |
2. "Not Your Birthday" by Allstar Weekend
Granted Allstar Weekend had a fairly short-lived career, but they rocked those few years after winning Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing in 2009 with multiple albums, EPs, and several soundtrack songs, including this hit from the movie PROM. “Not Your Birthday” is an earworm of a song that starts with a bad day that turns into the ultimate party. Lost your keys? Got dumped? Failed a test? No problem, just party like it’s NOT your birthday; after all, life is simply too short to only party one day a year. So go ahead, throw yourself a non-birthday party. |
1. "Birthday" by Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s “Birthday” starts out so cutesy pop that it almost tricks you into believing it’s a perfectly innocent celebration tune, but don’t let the catchy melody fool you: The song mixes the best of fun, pop birthday songs with subtly sexy birthday songs to form a perfect single that’s perfect for all your party needs. Seriously, just watch the video and you’ll see that this song fits any type of birthday party you might be throwing. Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone? Just rock your birthday suit and Katy’s PRISM album, the perfect gift for everyone. |
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