Image by Xinger Xanger
Indeed, Rhythm of the Night has resulted in some of the busiest nights and longest queues ever at Plan B Small Club (formerly known as GoodGod) – proving that Sydney’s thirst for nostalgic dance bangers and wonderfully cheesy hooks is unquenchable. This Saturday, Rhythm of the Night is celebrating its second birthday with Levins going back-to-back with longtime favourite Ariane, as well as FlexMami, Liza Bird, Kritty and Tulett jumping on the decks.
While the 90s produced an immense number of dance and pop heaters, Levins has kindly counted down the 10 tracks that’ve become the biggest dancefloor favourites at Rhythm of the Night. You might’ve forgotten that some of these songs even exist, but prepare to hear them at full blast this Saturday night!
There are only a handful of pre-sale tickets left, so cop yours here to guarantee entry. Otherwise, dress up as your favourite Spice Girl and try your luck on the door at Plan B Small Club:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu0cE9RgK5M
This song is a million times bigger and better than Sandstorm. It has a build up to a build up – with a sample telling you to get ready, then a countdown and then THE SICKEST DROP OF ALL TIME. I had to take my shirt off just to write about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgvePeDIt3Y
9pm (Till I Come) is ATB’s more popular song but the whole room gets emotional when this one comes on. It’s so joyous. Also it sounds heaps like 9pm (Till I Come).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7K72X4eo_s
The first time I played this at Rhythm of the Night was after a big chunk of The Prodigy tracks and it was this tender moment of respite, everyone started hugging and singing along in falsetto. Then I had to ruin it by playing Zorba’s Dance immediately after. Good times.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JD6ejmlpa8
It goes without saying that the Spice Girls’ best song is ‘Say You’ll Be There’ but nothing beats watching Ariane drop the best track from their second album and cut the music during the chorus so the whole crowd sings along. Extra points if you remember all the dance moves too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1fzJ_AYajA
Not really a dance track but definitely one that gets played each month regardless. I only just listened to what they actually say in the intro just now. What the fuck is a butter tart?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgRBkjgXHro
The secret to a truly uplifting 90s dance track is an acoustic guitar intro. The real star of this song is that bassline though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmsbP13xu6k
If I could have one 90s dance star play at The Rhythm of the Night it would be the Flat Eric puppet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymNFyxvIdaM
The party has been going for two years and not one person has come dressed and the white dreadlocked kid from this film clip. This song keeps inspiring many, including Justin Bieber’s latest hairstyle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qp6XhtoEv0
The highlight of every ROTN is when we start playing old 2-step tracks – and this is usually the song that kicks it off. It’s probably a good thing that nobody’s come to our party dressed as the kids from this clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWCycC0P5AM
Without a doubt, this is the most played song since this party started. It’s rare that it doesn’t get played twice and I think it once got played four times in one night. It’s the ultimate 90s dance anthem. An absolute classic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bihoNRc8GDQ
Ariane has begun about ten of her sets at Rhythm of the Night with this song. A dance song will be playing and then bang: Ariane will play fucking Reef. I hate this song so much and she knows it which is why she keeps doing it. The entire room loves to sing along about somebody putting hands on their hole or whatever the fuck this song is about.