And here we are, the last and best block of Dance Marathon. Somehow, dancers reawake, all the hours of zombie-like movement gone as they go crazier than a bunch of Medill kids after seeing a misspelling. The outside world gets shut off from these big three hours (unless you are a lucky journalist, like this kid here), and rightfully so - this is the time of the night to celebrate what they’ve accomplished. Don’t listen to the cynics, good is good, and Dance Marathon does more for humanity than any angry article or infographic ever will. Rightfully, then, those who actually believe in it get the best moment. They also get the best music.

I’m mixing things up for this final block. None of the categories you are used to if you’ve followed this series will make an appearance. Instead, a list of songs that should (and, I’m willing to wager, willl be played), and why. The theme is Top 40, but it really should be “best mainstream songs not used yet.” Expect all the heavyweights in this one.

1. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson

I really don’t need to even bother explaining why these songs should be here, everyone should know. But I’ll try. That chorus…dear god, I’ve seen the saddest looking party-goer turn into a whirling, twirling mass of pure energy when Clarkson hits those notes. Plus, probably the best break-up song of the past decade.

2. “In Da Club” by 50 Cent

Last block is a huge celebration, so why not party like it’s your birthday.

3. “Touch the Sky” by Kanye West

Yeah, yeah it isn’t “Golddigger.” Get over it. That song has nothing on this, especially those life-affirming horns. And just amazingly upbeat….Kanye yelling “top of the world” works great in the frantic last block.

4. “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand

As the group inches out of the public eye with each passing month without a new LP since 2006, “Take Me Out” still brings one of the most killer dance-beats of the Oughts. The mechanical-like guitar-and-drum work after the fake-out intro crushes everything in its path, forcing you to move your feet.

5. “Crazy in Love” by Beyonce

Just great pop. Beyonce murders this track with her vocals, especially the chorus. Those horns should really overtake her, but she climbs above them and wins the day.

6. “Party Like a Rockstar” by Shop Boyz

Doomed to exist in the “one-hit wonder” block a few years from now, this is the freshest song on this setlist. Why does this beat out “Umbrella” and “Low” and Soulja Boy? Because of how fun it is, especially to holler that chorus, and follow it up with a totally ludicrous “totally dude!” Maybe the greatest bit of ringtone rap ever, lets give it a moment in the sun before it vanishes.

7. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N Roses

It’s this or “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and no way Bon Jovi beats out Axl. What’s amazing about “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is how it has avoided the ironic love thrown on so many other hair band. This song actually gets some well-deserved recognition for being an awesome work of guitar-work and for just being sweet. Best GNR lyrics ever, btw.

8. “Toxic” by Britney Spears

Attention: There is only one good Britney Spears song. Nothing else she has ever released comes remotely close to registering as good. But “Toxic” makes up for it. A strange little pop song taking a lot of cues from Middle Eastern sources (see, the pre-chorus harem of Britney voices coming together) that should be played at every party on the planet. Shame she fell apart after this.

9. “Get Ur Freak On” by Missy Elliot

Timbaland’s best beat ever (forget near-list-maker “Promiscuous” or even “My Love”) collides head-first with Missy Elliot’s most insane flow ever. Rap doesn’t get much better than this.

10. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

This block needs a little more rock, and the kids love this song. No wonder - the glittery verses lead into a heartfelt chorus with some kickass guitarin.’ Holds up way to well.

11. “One More Time” by Daft Punk

Hey, have you ever heard of this band, Daft Punk, yeah me neither? But seriously, Daft Punk deserve the mass amount of play they’ve been getting in my Dance Marathon, and this right here can cap off an excellent DM for the robotic duo.

12. “Sexyback” by Justin Timberlake

My biggest question about this block - the thing is called “Get Your Bear On” and I swear this is what DM is trying to reference. My friends in higher places within the organization say they don’t know if this is what is being referenced, but if it is, this song has to be played, right? If not…the kids will still love this.

13. “Saturday” by Ludacris

What happened to Luda? He used to be so good until he started singing about tailfeathers. This may be the most unheralded song on this list (as far as big-time songs go), but this song deserves a lot more love than it gets. Plus…it leads to….

14. “Yeah!” by Usher featuring Lil’ John and Ludacris

Still an absolute crowd pleaser. Plus, this block needs some Lil’ John screams, or else I don’t think dancers will get the total experience.

15. “Hey Ya” by Outkast

Let down? Obvoius? Just sick of it? Well, sorry, I saved the best for last. Easily the best single of the Oughts (and I don’t see that changing anytime soon), “Hey Ya” includes everything a great dance song needs. Awesome beat, cool lyrics, shout-outs, battle of the sexes and a crazy dance move (shake it like a polaroid picture, how the heck did they think that would work? And be so right?). No song gets so many moving so fast, and almost sums up what DM is all about - a fun time also responsible for a world of good.