50 Best Songs For Your COVID-19 Pandemic Quarantine Playlist

40 days have now passed since I loaded up on my gear on a cold, Saturday night in early March from Upstairs At Midtown and travelled home after my second wedding of the year. I still remember that night very well as Courtney & Logan had come to Charleston from New Hampshire. I've still got to put their blog together for their wedding day, but I'll tell you they brought with them a small crowd and proved once again you don't need a big crowd to have a great party! In the days after their wedding, things were happening quickly in the city and the world (for that matter) would potentially permanently alter the wedding landscape in Charleston. Fast forward to mid-April and here I am sitting in my house during the most beautiful spring weather in Charleston. We've got to shelter in place in South Carolina right now and we cannot do much  except think about what we will be doing after COVID-19 dies down.   As a top wedding DJ in Charleston, it's always been my belief that music has the power to get us through anything, even a global pandemic.  

 For those of you who are tired of sheltering in place and want to break the monotony of sitting by yourself binge-watching Netflix, this playlist is for you.  For those of you who have finished watching every single episode of Friends while in quarantine, this playlist is for you. You'll find all types of musical genres on this playlist.  This playlist covers music from the 60s all the way to the 2000s and includes pop, classic rock, dance, and more.  For those of you who are tired of being alone, this playlist is for you. If you are lucky enough to be riding out this quarantine with a significant other, you might try this Charleston COVID-19 Playlist For Two.

Download This COVID-19 Pandemic Quarantine Playlist From Spotify NOW
Feel free to head over to my Spotify profile and download this quarantine playlist to help you survive the great COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.  Just search for DJ Mike Bills. If you should be planning a wedding in Charleston, you'll also find a wide variety of wedding playlists designed to give the modern bride and groom inspiration when sitting down to create their playlist.

"Better Off Alone" | Alice Deejay
The original version of this song was put out as an instrumental, but radio versions would feature vocals by Judith Pronk.  The song would break into the Top 30 on the Hot 100, and peak at #3 on the Dance Club song chart.

"3am" | Matchbox 20
With lyrics like "It's three a.m. I must be lonely.....", you can probably relate to sitting up late wondering what the heck is going on in the world with this virus. "3am" was the third song to be released from the album Yourself Or Someone Like You and would top at #1 on the Adult Top 40 and Adult Alternative Songs chart.

"One" | Three Dog Night
Originally written by the guy who gave us "Everybody's Talkin", Three Dog Night would record a cover and release their version in the spring of 1969. Their version would peak at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"All By Myself" | Eric Carmen
You know it's funny. I follow Eric Carmen on Twitter and I joked with him before and told him that in 1972, he was telling us to "Go All The Way" with the Raspberries, but then 3 years later, he was "all by himself". He laughed. Celine Dion would do an excellent cover of this song in 1996, but Eric Carmen would hit #1 in 1976 on the adult contemporary charts with his version.

"Lonely Is The Night" | Billy Squier
Back in 1981, Billy Squier released his album Don't Say No.  The album produced four songs for rock radio in the early 80s, as well as classic rock formats today.  "Lonely Is The Night" peaked at #28 on the Billboard Rock chart.

"Harder To Breathe" | Maroon 5
"Harder To Breathe" was actually the first time we heard from Maroon 5.  The first song to be released from their album Songs About Jane,  and would peak at #18 on the Hot 100.

"Only The Lonely" | Roy Orbison
You can find this song "lonely" song on Roy Orbison's album Lonely & Blue, released in 1960.  "Only The Lonely" would peak at #2 in the summer of 1960.

"Life During Wartime" | Talking Heads (LIVE)
While there are no bombs being dropped on America, this COVID-19 pandemic might have you stocking up on some extra peanut butter, as well as some other food for being in quarantine. While in quarantine, you should watch the classic movie from 1984 Stop Making Sense.  Normally, I'm not a big fan of live recordings, but this version rocks.

"Doctor Doctor" | Thompson Twins
The follow-up to their signature song, "Hold Me Now", "Doctor Doctor" was released in January 1984 and would peak at #11 on the Hot 100, but reach #3 on the UK singles chart. For more of the best 80s music for your wedding playlist, be sure to click on the link.

"Alone Again (Naturally)" | Gilbert O'Sullivan
Released in 1972, "Alone Again (Naturally)" would become one of the biggest songs of that year.  If you are a fan of soft rock songs from the 70s, you should check out that playlist for your wedding.  "Alone Again" would spend 6 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100. in the summer of 1972.

"Changes" | David Bowie
"Changes" would become one of David Bowie's signature songs, and after his death in 2016, the song would chart for the first time in England.

"Tea For One" | Led Zeppelin
Back in 1976, Led Zeppelin would release the 7th album of their great body of work. "Presence" would peak at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

"Hard Times" | Paramore
Paramore's album After Laughter would be released in the spring of 2017. "Hard Times" would peak at Number 6 on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart.

"The End" | The Doors
One of the most mysterious songs I've ever heard. I remember hearing this for the first song on a classic rock station in the summer of 1992 and it left a lasting impression. Hopefully this pandemic does not lead to "the end", but it does look like the end of the world we knew 3 months ago.

"Crazy On You" | Heart
Heart was an integral part of the rock music during the 70s. Their career continued deep into the 80s and 90s. I had the pleasure of seeing Heart here in Charleston in 2015, as well as Ann Wilson (solo) in 2017.  Even though "Crazy On You" only peaked at #35 on the Hot 100, the song remains a staple of classic rock radio today.

"New Frontier" | Donald Fagen
After Steely Dan went on hiatus in the early 80s, co-founder Donald Fagen would release his album The Nightfly. I remember seeing the video for "New Frontier" on MTV in the early 80s and it stuck with me because it shows a guy and a girl on a date going underground into a bomb shelter. "New Frontier" would peak at #34 on the adult contemporary chart.

"Living On A Prayer" | Bon Jovi
Everyone should crank this up to 11 and think about the people in the great state of New Jersey. So many brides and grooms have travelled to Charleston to get married. This song is for you. Released in the fall of 1986, the song would top the Hot 100 in February 1987.

"Till The World Ends" | Britney Spears
As I mentioned up above, this is hopefully not the ending of the world, but it remains to be seen how the "new normal" will be. Remember all the hype of the world ending back on December 21, 2012? The video for this song is set at that time.  Released in March of 2011, the song would peak at #3 on the Hot 100 chart.

"Sometimes When We Touch" | Dan Hill
All this social distancing we've been doing might have you thinking of when it will be OK to touch one another again. "Sometimes When We Touch" was released in the fall of 1977 and would peak at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

"Never Surrender" | Corey Hart
We will get through this pandemic. Let us not surrender to this invisible disease. Corey Hart released "Sunglasses At Night" in the summer of 1984 and the song would peak at #7. In 1985, he'd release "Never Surrender" which was a ballad that would top out at #3 in the summer of 1985.

"Are You Lonesome Tonight" | Elvis Presley
Originally written and recorded back in the 20s, Elvis Presley would record his version of the song in 1960. His verson would top the Billboard R&B and Hot 100 charts.

"When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around" | The Police
This song is on the same record as "Don't Stand So Close To Me", which has been showing up on a lot of Coronavirus playists. Released in the fall of 1980, I've always appreciated this song on the Zenyatta Mondatta record. 

"Lose My Breath" | Destiny's Child
You might remember this song being used in the NBA playoffs back in 2005. Released back in the fall of 2004, "Lose My Breath" would top the Dance Club charts, and peak at #3 on the Hot 100 chart.

 "Dancing With Myself" | Billy Idol
This title track to Billy Idol's 1981 album "Dancing With Myself" would make it all the way to #27 on the Hot Dance Club play chart and was one f the iconic music videos you saw on the MTV in it's first few years on the air.

"Here's Where The Story Ends" | The Sundays
The Sundays are an alternative band from England who recorded an album Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic back in 1989. "Here's Where The Story Ends" would be released in 1990 and only chart on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play charts. You can find The Sundays, as well as other 90s Alternative artists on my cocktail hour playlist.

"Gimme Shelter" | The Rolling Stones
Featured on their 1969 album Let It Bleed, "Gimme Shelter" has been in Red Cross public service commercials, and was performed by Mary J. Blige and Lady Gaga when the Stones went out on their 50th anniversary tour.

"Land Of Confusion" | Genesis
Back in 1986, you could not turn on the radio without hearing Genesis. Their album "Invisible Touch" was released in the spring of 1986. "Land Of Confusion" was the third song to be released off the record and would peak at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"I Have The Touch" | Peter Gabriel
Originally recorded and released in 1982, "I Have The Touch" can be found on the album Security.

"The Show Must Go On" | Queen
Hopefully you are able to work from home during this totally uncertain time, because "the show must go on."  The song was featured on the album Innuendo, and was released on February 6, 1992 in the U.S about 2 1/2 months after the passing of Freddie Mercury.

"Heal The World" | Michael Jackson
The world will need a lot of healing after we get this Coronavirus pandemic under control. "Heal The World" can be found on Michael Jackson's Dangerous album released in 1991.  The song would peak at #9 on the adult contemporary charts in 1993. For more of the most requested songs from Michael Jackson for your wedding playlist, click the preceding link.

"The Waiting" | Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
It still is hard to believe we've been living in a world without Tom Petty for close to 3 years. "The Waiting" was released back in the spring of 1981 and would peak at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. For more Tom Petty songs for your wedding playlist, check out this archived post.

"Stay" | Shakespeare's Sister
I know you are probably tired of hearing it. "Stay" home, they say. But at least you don't have to wear pants all the time in your house. :)  Released in January of 1992, "Stay" would top out at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and become one of the most popular songs of the year.

"I Drink Alone" | George Thorogood
Drinking alone is fine, but I recommend a partner to share a mimosa with on a Sunday morning, especially during a pandemic. "I Drink Alone" was released in 1985 and peaked at #13 on the Mainstream rock chart.

"Don't Give Up" | Peter Gabriel (feat. Kate Bush)
We're all in this together and we will get through this. I know, I probably sound like a broken record when you hear that. You should pull out Peter Gabriel's album So, released in 1986. It's got the huge hits "Sledgehammer" and "In Your Eyes" on it, as well as this lesser known track.

"Fever" | Madonna
If you ever catch a fever, you should always stay home, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic.  Originally written and recorded in 1956, the song was covered by Peggy Lee in 1959. Madonna would record a version of the song for her album Erotica in 1992. Her version would top the Dance Club Chart in 1993.

"Toxic" | Britney Spears
The second song from Britney Spears on this Coronavirus Pandemic playlist can be found on her 2003 album In The Zone. "Toxic" would make it all the way to Number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Tired Of Being Alone" | Al Green
The Reverend Al Green released this song back in 1971 and it would peak at #11 on the Hot 100, and #7 on the Hot Soul Singles chart.

"So Lonely" | The Police
"So Lonely" can be found the debut album of The Police Outlandos D'Amour in 1978. While it was not released as a single in the America, the song would peak at #6 on the UK singles chart.

"U Can't Touch This" | MC Hammer
I think we're all looking forward to the day that we can safely "safe" each other.  Has it really been 30 year since the release of "U Can't Touch This"? Yes! The song was released back in January of 1990 and would peak at #8 on the Hot 100 chart.

"Breathe (2am)" | Anna Nalick
The song  was originally released in 2004, but was then re-released in 2005 where it would become a hit for Anna Nalick reaching #4 on the adult contemporary charts.

"Splendid Isolation" | Warren Zevon
Warren Zevon released his 7th album Transverse City back in the fall of 1989. "Splendid Isolation" is the first track on Side 2 of the album.

"Human Touch" | Bruce Springsteen
Only time will tell as to when we'll be able to engage in a little "human touch". "Human Touch" was the first album in 1992 for this very popular musician from the great state of New Jersey since 1987's Tunnel Of Love.  "Human Touch" was released in March of 1992, and would peak at #8 on the adult contemporary charts, and #1 on the mainstream rock charts.

"Healing Hands" | Elton John
Elton John would release the album Sleeping With The Past in 1989, which would spark his last charting song of the 80s. "Healing Hands" would top the adult contemporary chart in the fall of 1989.

"Hide In Your Shell" | Supertramp
After all this pandemic stuff is over, we'll all be coming out of our shells to hopefully enjoy a wonderful summer here in Charleston, SC. Until then, we've got to stay inside! "Hide In Your Shell" can be found on Supertramp's 1974 album Crime Of The Century.

"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" | Journey
I still have to shake my head when people request this song to be played at their wedding.  "Separate Ways" is a great song for this Coronavirus pandemic because of the social distancing. The song was released in January 1983 off the album Frontiers and would peak at #8 on the Hot 100 chart.

"I Alone" | Live
If you know someone that is riding out this pandemic by themselves, give them a call to check in on them. Live would release their album Throwing Copper in the spring of 1994. "I Alone" would make it all the way to #6 on the Alternative Rock chart.

"Solitude" | Edwin McCain
Edwin McCain is no stranger to Charleston, SC and in 1995, he'd release the album Honor Among Thieves. "Solitude" would reach #25 on the Mainstream Rock chart and features Darius Rucker on vocals. Looking for the top Hootie & The Blowfish and Darius Rucker songs for your weddings? Click on the preceding link after the pandemic when planning a 2021 wedding.

"Carry On" | CSNY
After COVID-19, we will all hopefully "carry on" with our lives, but in the meantime, you should pull out the classic CSNY album Deja Vu, released in 1970. "Carry On" was released in the fall of 1970, and would become a staple on classic rock radio stations all over America.

"Roll With The Changes" | REO Speedwagon
It was not until 1980 that REO Speedwagon would explode on the Hot 100 charts with power ballads like "Keep On Loving You". In 1978, they would have modest success on the charts with their album You Can Tune A Piano But You Can't Tuna Fish. "Roll With The Changes" would be in heavy rotation on rock radio in the 80s and 90s.

"So Far Away" | Dire Straits
We wrap up this 50 Songs For The COVID-19 Pandemic Quarantine Playlist with a song with a classic rock song from Dire Straits.  You can find this track on their 1985 album Brothers In Arms. "So Far Away" would peak at #3 on the Hot Adult Contemporary chart in 1986.

Care To Talk To Mike Bills About Being Your Wedding DJ?
Thank you for making it to the end of another of one my blog posts. We're in uncertain territory right now, but one thing that is certain is it's the music that will get us through this nightmare. Music is one of the most powerful forces on Earth and it will help us get through and heal us, as well as bring us together.  The future is uncertain at the moment as to how we will proceed with weddings in Charleston. Perhaps you are recently engaged and had to halt plans for your wedding. Hopefully in 2021, we can have our weddings again in Charleston.  If you are looking to hire one of the top wedding DJs in Charleston who sole focus is on YOUR music and making YOU and YOUR guests dance, click the link up above to talk to Mike. I'd love to talk to you about DJing your wedding.