Living the hostel life is one to be envied. Once you get over getting used to strangers, crazy sleeping patterns and funky smells; you remember the great part about this budget lifestyle. From experience, staying in hostels means you will run into occasions of random nights at the bar. (Hostel bar usually) Most likely, these will be moments you’ll never forget, or will try to remember. In the age of American Idol and America’s Got Talent, we’re not surprised that singing usually occurs during these moments. If you’ve stayed in a hostel, you’ve more than likely heard the following eight songs.
Our hostel bar in Amsterdam by Teppo Soininen
“Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon
When I think about sex being on fire, it makes me question sex in general. (I don’t think sex should feel like its on fire!) Regardless of that precognitive thought, if you’ve stayed in a hostel in 2009, you have heard this song. I repeat: You have heard this song. Unless you spent your backpacking nights under the covers, this Kings of Leon hit played in every hostel bar around the world. The catchy uplifting beat is perfect for hormonal backpackers who want their sex to be on fire. (In the good way of course.)
“Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey
“Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world. Took the midnight train going anywhere” Anytime you hear that lyric, I’m sure it brings chills down your spine as well. There is nothing like the image of huddling strangers clanking their drinks and belting out these infamous lyrics.
“Poker Face” by Lady Gaga
When you’ve got a handful of hits, its hard to pick just one to be addicted to. Lady Gaga’s infamous ode to a card game seems to not only get people singing, but dancing. Why? Because you can’t read my, can’t read my, no you can’t read my Poker face! It’s easy to find yourself covering your face and doing some Gaga moves to this song.
“Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
Although I was too young to backpack in the 80′s (Technically, too not even born yet, at least until the mid 80′s that is.) I wonder if this Bon Jovi classic was as popular as it is now. It’s a top karaoke hit for getting the night started, since everyone seems to know the chorus. Try not to sing along to this song.
“Sexy Chic” by David Guetta and Akon
Whether you are the sexy chic or the guy trying to get the sexy chic, I’m sure you’ve found your hips moving to this song. And if you’re just as sick of this song as I am, you are most likely ordering another drink and begging the DJ to change it up!
“Summer of ’69″ by Bryan Adams
Just like the experience of backpacking in itself, “Those were the best days of my life” seems to capture the essence of the idea. Once again, another tune with great sounds, great vocals and makes you wonder what they did that Summer of ’69. Makes you wonder what you’ll do the Summer of ’10.
“I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry
If you’ve kissed a girl and you liked it, we promise we won’t tell. Maybe it will make for a great travel confession for Brooklyn Nomad. Nonetheless, Katy Perry sings it and we hear everybody else singing it too.
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
The music world changed after the passing of the King of Pop. Luckily for us, his music lives on and continues to move and shake everyone. Billie Jean is a name you won’t forget after hearing this song over and over. It’s hard to get sick of it with such a great guitar solo at the end. I’ll drink to that!
Do you agree with this list? Think you could come up with better songs you’d drink to?
