To celebrate Selena Gomez’s 21st birthday, we count down 10 of the best house party music videos
It’s a big week for Selena Gomez—on Friday she released her first solo album and today she turns 21. Happy Birthday, indeed! In the grand tradition of twenty-first birthdays being a big big BIG deal, Selena recorded a music video to make her fans feel like they’re all there, celebrating with her. And oh, do we ever want to be there! Set to “Birthday”—which sounds like Spring Breakers and The Bling Ring come to life—Selena and her sexy crew host a dance party that rivals the best of them, complete with sparkly crowns, break dancers, mannequins and confetti poppers. (Extra credit goes to Selena’s ’90s-inspired plaid shirt and crop top. Way to be on-trend, girl!) Now that Selena officially has the same birthday as the Royal Baby, what better way to celebrate than with a look back at some of the best house party music videos out there. From Selena’s BFF Taylor Swift to ex-BF Justin Bieber, to Janet Jackson and, of course, the Beastie Boys, let’s count ’em down!
Miley Cyrus “We Can’t Stop”
Miley’s video has all the hallmarks of a Disney star trying to break out of her squeaky clean shell. Racy, confusing (see skull of fries, Pepto Bismol blood and stuffed animal backpacks) and unbearably sexy for those who grew up with her as Hannah Montana (see: twerking), the video is a pretty wild party to say the least. And speaking of wild: Today, TMZ reported that Cyrus veiled an admission that the song’s lyrics reference taking Ecstasy.
Justin Bieber ft. Nicki Minaj “Beauty and a Beat”
Speaking of Selena Gomez, her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber certainly knows how to throw a pool party! This selfie-directed video follows Bieber through an epic water park jam that features synchronized swimmers, choreographed cabana dances, circus performers and, of course Nikki Minaj. The only thing this party could use a little less of is Bieber’s now-signature self-satisfied smirk.
Janet Jackson “Go Deep”
Is this the original foam party? Janet Jackson and her crew infiltrate a kid’s house party, taking it from low key to over the top. When this video came out in 1998 it was basically told teens everywhere that their boring, suburban house parties could instantly become awesome: there’s table-top dancing, pop corn insanity, rave-inspired outfits, possibly unsafe pool dives and so many bubbles. Or was it all just a dream?
J Kwon “Tipsy”
Anyone who hit the club in 2004 would remember J Kwon’s epic party track “Tipsy,” but the video’s pretty classic too. In classic house party video style, it features 4 minutes of surprise guests, surprise mishaps (err… toilet plunger) and “Tipsy” step and repeat for dancers to party in front of.
Ke$ha “Crazy Kids”
Whereas Miley Cyrus’s “We Can’t Stop” video garnered much controversy, Ke$ha’s weirdness, as evidenced by her most recent video for “Crazy Kids” goes down pretty smoothly. Geezers in the pool playing and exotic pets, hey, no big deal.
Taylor Swift “22”
Selena has a full year until she can relate to her BFF Taylor Swift’s song “22” but we have a feeling she’d be down for the all-day girl hang and cat-ear wearing house party depicted in the music video. Swfity’s party includes disco balls, glitter bombs and bike races on the backs of boys. Actually, we’re surprised Selena didn’t make a cameo in the video—it’s mostly cast with Taylor’s real-life friends, including Gossip Girl alum Jessica Szohr.
Aaron Carter “Aaron’s Party”
Back when kid stars were still acceptable pop stars, Nick Carter’s little brother Aaron was a hit on the mainstream charts. Like, what? Now that we’re in our mid-twenties, we find it hard to imagine breaking out this track at the club but I guess that’s why the video’s house party setting works so well.
Katy Perry “Last Friday Night T.G.I.F”
Part John Hughes/16 Candles tribute, part “where are they now?” showcase, Katy’s nerdy alter ego Kathy Beth Terry has the night of her life at a house party hosted by Rebecca Black. (Yes, that Rebecca Black.) It’s like an ’80s adventure through every awesome party trick you’d ever want to see—and then struggle to remember the next morning.
Beastie Boys “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)”
The crème de la crème of party videos, the Beastie Boys hit from 1986 set the mold for similar MTV radness in the following decades. Alcohol, sunglasses, and general badassery takes over a nerd-planned house party with Adrock, MCA and Mike D at the centre throwing pies in everyone’s faces. Epic.
 Now that Selena officially has the same birthday as the Royal Baby, what better way to celebrate than with a look back at some of the best house party music videos out there. From Selena's BFF Taylor Swift to ex-BF Justin Bieber, to Janet Jackson and, of course, the Beastie Boys, let's count 'em down!
Miley Cyrus “We Can’t Stop”
Miley's video has all the hallmarks of a Disney star trying to break out of her squeaky clean shell. Racy, confusing (see skull of fries, Pepto Bismol blood and stuffed animal backpacks) and unbearably sexy for those who grew up with her as Hannah Montana (see: twerking), the video is a pretty wild party to say the least. And speaking of wild: Today, TMZ reported that Cyrus veiled an admission that the song’s lyrics reference taking Ecstasy.
Justin Bieber ft. Nicki Minaj “Beauty and a Beat”
Speaking of Selena Gomez, her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber certainly knows how to throw a pool party! This selfie-directed video follows Bieber through an epic water park jam that features synchronized swimmers, choreographed cabana dances, circus performers and, of course Nikki Minaj. The only thing this party could use a little less of is Bieber's now-signature self-satisfied smirk.
Janet Jackson “Go Deep”
Is this the original foam party? Janet Jackson and her crew infiltrate a kid's house party, taking it from low key to over the top. When this video came out in 1998 it was basically told teens everywhere that their boring, suburban house parties could instantly become awesome: there's table-top dancing, pop corn insanity, rave-inspired outfits, possibly unsafe pool dives and so many bubbles. Or was it all just a dream?
J Kwon “Tipsy”
Anyone who hit the club in 2004 would remember J Kwon’s epic party track “Tipsy,” but the video’s pretty classic too. In classic house party video style, it features 4 minutes of surprise guests, surprise mishaps (err… toilet plunger) and “Tipsy” step and repeat for dancers to party in front of.
Ke$ha “Crazy Kids”
Whereas Miley Cyrus’s “We Can’t Stop” video garnered much controversy, Ke$ha’s weirdness, as evidenced by her most recent video for “Crazy Kids” goes down pretty smoothly. Geezers in the pool playing and exotic pets, hey, no big deal.
Taylor Swift “22”
Selena has a full year until she can relate to her BFF Taylor Swift's song “22” but we have a feeling she'd be down for the all-day girl hang and cat-ear wearing house party depicted in the music video. Swfity's party includes disco balls, glitter bombs and bike races on the backs of boys. Actually, we're surprised Selena didn't make a cameo in the video—it's mostly cast with Taylor's real-life friends, including Gossip Girl alum Jessica Szohr.
Aaron Carter “Aaron's Party”
Back when kid stars were still acceptable pop stars, Nick Carter’s little brother Aaron was a hit on the mainstream charts. Like, what? Now that we’re in our mid-twenties, we find it hard to imagine breaking out this track at the club but I guess that’s why the video’s house party setting works so well.
Katy Perry “Last Friday Night T.G.I.F”
Part John Hughes/16 Candles tribute, part “where are they now?” showcase, Katy's nerdy alter ego Kathy Beth Terry has the night of her life at a house party hosted by Rebecca Black. (Yes, that Rebecca Black.) It's like an '80s adventure through every awesome party trick you'd ever want to see—and then struggle to remember the next morning.
Beastie Boys “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)”
The crème de la crème of party videos, the Beastie Boys hit from 1986 set the mold for similar MTV radness in the following decades. Alcohol, sunglasses, and general badassery takes over a nerd-planned house party with Adrock, MCA and Mike D at the centre throwing pies in everyone’s faces. Epic.
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