Pop Wedding Songs – Podcast E77

Matt talks about his hot 50 wedding song picks that are popular streamed songs and downloaded songs for your wedding day.  Hear some song lyrics that go with the picks too!

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Podcast Transcript

Welcome to episode number 77 of the Wedding Songs Podcast. I am Matt Campbell and today I’m going to be talking about Pop wedding songs to play during your wedding ceremony and wedding reception. If you prefer to read the list, or listen to the list, you can do so on our website, MyWeddingSongs.com. And while you’re there, make sure you subscribe to our monthly newsletter, The Music Letter, as we call it. Just go to the main menu and click on subscribe, and then you’ll be signed up for a monthly newsletter of all the new wedding songs released in the prior month that you could play at your wedding, or even during date night. So, let’s go ahead and get started with popular Pop wedding songs to play on your wedding day. So, I thought I’d start this list with the popular song streamed on Amazon with “Left And Right” by Charlie Puth and Jung Kook of BTS. “Break My Soul” by Beyonce, “As It Was” by Harry Styles, “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”” by Kate Bush, which became popular from the TV series Stranger Things. “About Damn Time” by Lizzo, “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran, “Africa” by Toto. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran and “Firework” by Katie Perry.

So, starting off with the modern Pop songs, “Break My Soul” by Beyonce was just released, and the Renaissance album will be released on Friday, July 29th. “Something Slow To Dance To” by Jay Alan and “Purple Haze” by Joy Oladokun, all released in 2022. A lot of the next songs were also released in 2022, including “Grow As We Go” by Ben Platt and Sara Bareilles. This was performed on the American Idol stage. “First Date (the acoustic version)” by Taylor Acorn. You may remember this song by Blink 182. “The Forever Now” by the This Is Us Cast by Mandy Moore. This is from the This Is Us wedding, the TV series before the whole series ended. “Always Looking For You” by Jason Mraz and “Heaven” by Calum Scott. This is from his Bridges album. That also includes other great wedding songs from that album.

“What Dreams Are Made Of” by Brent Morgan. You may remember this from the Disney films, with the lyrics…I’ve got somewhere I belong. I’ve got somebody to love. This is what dreams are made of. If you’re looking for an Indie Pop song, then “Magnificent” by Oh Wonder, with the lyrics…You’re my unbelieve. And then suddenly I see what my future could have been. If I didn’t pick you. From the movie Marry Me we have the song “Marry Me (Kat & Bastian Duet)” by Jennifer Lopez and Maluma in 2022. And also from the same album, “Love Of My Life” by Jennifer Lopez. And here’s a great spin on a song, ABCDEFU, but this Is “Love You Still (ABCDEDU romantic version)” by Tyler Shaw with the lyrics… I’m just so into you. I wanna let it all out. You’re so perfectly fine. I could talk all day but let me spell it out.

One of my favorite new artists Teddy Swims, with his song “Amazing” with the lyrics…Don’t matter what you wear or what you do. You turnin’ heads in every room. Don’t know why you act so surprised. You look amazing every time. A cover of the famous Beatles song “All You Need Is Love” by Katy Perry. This starts off the songs of 2021. With those famous lyrics…all you need is love. All you need is love. Love. Love is all you need. If you’re looking for a duet song, then love is just a word by Jasmine Thompson and Calum Scott, with the lyrics…And I guess love is just a word, without you. “All Two Well (Taylor’s version)” released in 2021 by Taylor Swift, and “On My Way (Marry Me)” by Jennifer Lopez. This was the first song released off the Marry Me soundtrack.

“Love Songs Ain’t For Us” by Amy Shark and Keith Urban. This is a great story where Amy Shark reached out to Keith, and Keith actually obliged and does perform on this song. With the lyrics…It’s feeling safe It’s being sure, it’s a deep cut, crazy rush, to feel like this. One of my favorite songs to play at a wedding ceremony, that’s current, is “Imagine” (the acoustic version) by Ben Platt with the lyrics…If something happened, don’t know what I do. I can’t imagine. I can’t imagine my life without you. Brent Morgan does it again with another Disney cover, “Kiss The Girl” with those famous lyrics…She don’t say a word and she won’t say a word until you kiss the girl. Calum. Scott is on the list again for the third time with his song, “Biblical”, released in 2021 with the lyrics… So won’t you give me tonight and the rest of your life? I wanna have it all with you.

A great selection for the first dance is “Crowded Room” by Connor Maynard with the lyrics…I’m standing in a crowded room, but it doesn’t change that all I see is you. I swear that you’re perfect. Ed Sheeran’s “Shivers” in 2021, and a great cocktail hour song to play “Cold Heart” (PNAU )remix by Elton John and Dua Lipa. A slow Pop song to play as a love dedication, “This Is How You Fall In Love” by Jeremy Zucker and Chelsea Cutler, with the lyrics…Let go and I’ll hold you up. So pull me tight and close your eyes. Oh, my love, side to side. For a mid-tempo song “Peaches” by Justin Bieber, featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon. A great first dance song selection is Justin Bieber’s “Lifetime” with the lyrics…others they come in your life for a season, but baby, you are a lifetime.

For a party song “That’s What I Want” by Lil Nas X is off of his Montero album. And not a song that’s well known, that’s a great song to play is “Ocean” by LunchMoney Lewis and Megan Trainor with the lyrics…You’re just like the ocean, I’m drowning in your love. I’m just like a waterfall falling, falling for you again. “Loving You” by Mahogany Lox in 2021, with the lyrics…Your love for me is all I’ll ever need. Don’t stop loving me. One of my favorite songs to play, as a groom’s processional, is “Butterflies” by MAX and Ali Gatie, with the lyrics…You won’t stop running through my mind, for the rest of both of our lives. You give me butterflies. A great cover to the Aerosmith song, that was on the Armageddon album, is “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Music Travel Love and Felix Irwan.

If your wedding is between a husband and husband, or wife and wife, then “Easy” by Pale Waves, in 2021, with the lyrics…you changed something inside me. I’m not who I used to be. Loving you, loving you is easy. “For The Rest Of My Life” by Phil Socci, in 2021, with the lyrics… through the ups and downs, and for the rest of my life, I choose you. A very romantic song to choose. If you’re looking for a party song, then “I Feel Good” by Pitbull, Anthony Watts and DJWS. “Only Wanna Be With You (Pokémon 25 version)” by Post Malone. This is a cover of the Hootie and the Blowfish song that everybody will recognize but in Post Malone’s voice. Another party song is “Dynamite” by Sean Paul and SIA, and A-O-K by Thai Verdes and 24kGolden. This is a song you could have with, or without 24kGolden, but it is a great song that you could play as a background song during dinner or cocktail hour. A more upbeat song you could have as a recessional song, is “A Good Day To Be Loved” by Toby & Pip. “Angel Baby by Troye Sivan in 2021, with the lyrics…started giving up on the word forever, until you gave up heaven so we could be together.

Another great background song is “Falling (So In Love)” by We The Kings in 2021. Starting off with 2020 is “Luckiest Man” by Clark Beckham, and “Positions” by Ariana Grande is a great song to play as a background song that the younger generations will know. A great bouquet toss song is “King & Queens” by Ava Max. And “Dressed Up In White” by CAL also in 2020, with the lyrics…Well, baby tonight. Tonight, I’m gonna make you my wife. A great first dance song that you could play, not played at every single wedding, is “Dance With Me” by Caleb and Kelsey. Released in 2020 with the lyrics…I’ll sweep you off your feet. It will be you and me, for the rest of our lives.

A great party song is “Levitating” by Dua Lipa featuring DaBaby (you could have with or without the rap version). And “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)” by Jawsh 685 x Jason Derulo. A great song to play as a background song, to keep the mood up, “Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. This could go off with the right group to get people on the dance floor. “Black And White (The stripped version)” by Niall Horan is a great song that you could have during the wedding ceremony, or even as a first dance, with the lyrics..swear in front of all of our friends. They’ll never be another. I promise that I’ll love you for the rest of my life. “One Of A Kind” by Ronan Keating and Emeli Sande in 2020. “Forever And Ever Amen” by Ronan Keating and Shania Twain is a cover of the famous Randy Travis song that older generations, and younger generations, can appreciate.

Ruelle’s song “Love Changes Everything” in 2020 is another great selection, not played at every single wedding, but has the perfect theme with…love makes fools of everyone. And all the rules we make are broken. Yes, love, love changes everyone. Next up are some 2010 songs for Pop wedding songs. Starting off with “How Long Will I Love You” by Canyon City in 2019, with the lyrics…How long will I give to you? As long as I live through you, however long you say. Another party song, “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa. And for those of you that love classical music, “La Vie En Rose” by Emily Watts in 2019. This is a great cover song. You could have the original, or this one that a lot of French people will appreciate. “Adore You” by Harry Styles is a great background song for the cocktail hour and even his song “Watermelon Sugar” as well, both from the Fine Line album. “Incredible” by James TW in 2019, with the lyrics…in your embrace. This crowded room doesn’t matter, but dancing like it’s our own stage. My love, I just wanna say that you look incredible tonight.

“Sucker” by Jonas Brothers is a great background song, or even, with the right crowd and the right remix, a great banger. “U R My Everything” by Leslie Odom, Jr. with the lyrics…love, peace, and happiness, you are the best, without you my life would be a mess. Great lyrics there. The independent artist Lynsay Ryan with her song “Stronger Than A Diamond” in 2019. This is a popular wedding song on YouTube, with the lyrics…I will take your hand, all dressed in white, and we’ll share a dance that night. Great song to play near the end of the night is “Memories” by Maroon 5. A romantic song to play for the first dance, or any part of your reception, is “Could I Love You Anymore” by Renee Dominique featuring Jason Mraz. With the lyrics… But what we have, I know is different. ‘Cause when I’m with you, the world stops turning. Could. I love you anymore.

“Love Her” by Taylor Swift. This is a great song to play as a background song, or she does have the first dance version as well. “Tuesdays” by Jake Scott in 2018 with the lyrics…I come to know that loves not only, the best days or the worst days. Love is the Tuesdays. “Love Someone” by Lukas Graham in 2018 has been a popular first dance song. And “Falling” by Sophia Annello in 2018, with the lyrics…I need you like tides need the ocean blue, to stay on course, I want to be with you. “Grows Old” by Thirdstory in 2018, with the lyrics…I promise from now till death, you’ll never be alone. Hold my heart till it grows old.

“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran has been a popular song for weddings since it was first released. And so has “I Like Me Better” by Lauv also in 2017. It’s hard to believe this song was released so long ago. To continue with 2017, a great party song “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. “Dance With Me” by Philip Phillips in 2017 could be your first dance song, with the lyrics…’cause all I really want is just to hold you for a while and be your man. So will you dance with me? “Beautiful in White” by Shane Filan, A great intro song into the reception is “24K Magic” by Brun Mars. “Truthfully” by DNCE in 2016 is a song that’s passed over a lot for Cake By The Ocean. But, this is an awesome song for weddings with…speaking truthfully, I love you more than you love me.

“Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Haley Reinhart in 2016. She was on American idol but this is a great cover song to play for your first dance or even as your processional. And there are a lot of other cover songs. The new movie Vegas has Kasey Musgraves covering this song as well. “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur and “Can’t Stop The Feeling” has been a great party song to get everybody out on the dance floor, by Justin Timberlake. Here’s that other song by DNCE “Cake By The Ocean”, and “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift, closing out 2015. In 2014, if you love Ed Sheeran but don’t want his most popular songs, then “Be My Forever”, including Christina Perry, with the lyrics…and oh we got time. Yeah. So darling, just say you’ll stay, right by my side. Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” in 2014, along with” Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars.

And next up is a song that’s been on a lot of do not play, but if you have the right crowd “Happy” by Pharrell Williams in 2013. And, if you’re looking for a song that’s not played at everybody’s wedding for their first dance, then check out “Never Stop (The Wedding Version)” by SafetySuit in 2012. Another song that you may not have heard of before is “Marry Me” by Cherie Call in 2011, with the lyrics…All that will matter to me is you, it’s meant to be, marry me. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri in 2011, and the same year, “Brighter Than The Sun” by Colbie Caillat. This could be a great recessional song or an intro to the reception, with those lyrics…Oh, we could be the stars, falling from the sky. Shining how we want, brighter than the sun. And the last song of the 2010s is, “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars. A great song to play as a recessional or even as a background song during dinner or cocktail hour.

Next up we have the 2000s. Starting off with Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat in 2009, and the party song, “Party In The USA” by Miley Cyrus. This is a great song to get everybody out on the dance floor that loves Pop music. Probably the most popular wedding song since its release is “Marry Me” by Train. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz in 2008, with the lyrics…but I won’t hesitate anymore, no more. It cannot wait, I’m yours. “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton in 2002. This is a song that you could play as a sing-along song during dancing, or even during dinner, just to keep the mood up and keep everybody engaged at your reception.

And finally, we have Classic Pop songs. I’m going to call “Classic” starting off with the eighties. So in 1987, “I Want To Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston is a great song for all of the ladies at the reception that will get everybody dancing and singing along. “Take On Me” by a-Ha in 1984, and in 1982 “Billy Jean” by Michael Jackson. Finally, the last song I have is in 1980 by Darryl Hall and John Oats, “You Make My Dreams Come True”. This is a great recessional song, as you’re leaving the wedding ceremony, and one that you could even incorporate into your reception during the cocktail hour (just to get everybody singing along and tapping their toes).

There, you have a great list of Pop songs to consider adding to your wedding day playlist. These are songs that are unique and also popular that you could play and that you could uniquely call your own as well. If you want to listen to the list or read the list you can do so on our website, MyWeddingSongs.com. While you’re there, make sure you sign up for our monthly newsletter for great song ideas. I’m going to try to produce a new podcast episode every two weeks. This one’s gonna drop on Saturday, July 30th so in two weeks, I’m gonna be talking about songs that you could play for your wedding from the 2010s. Thanks for listening and have a great day.

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