There's something about a good love song that reminds us of an old flame, or maybe of a current beau. Yet, there's also something about a good old drinking song that brings friends and strangers together in a bar.

"I love this bar. It's my kind of place," Toby Keith once sang so truthfully.

However, it's not his particular song that is the main topic; it's the idea of the drinking song. Our parents had "Born to Run" and "Piano Man" to belt out at the top of their lungs at their favorite watering hole. They even sang "Good Times Never Seemed So Good" with Neil Diamond in his hit "Sweet Caroline."

Our generation has incorporated "Sweet Caroline" into our bar experiences and parties as well, but as music progresses, there are more and more "boozing" songs popping up all over. Most of these songs do originate as country music, but you don't have to love the genre to give those cowboys a hand; they've made some pretty catchy lyrics.

Garth Brooks may be one of the firsts to capitalize on the notion that drinking and music go hand in hand with his popular hit "I Got Friends in Low Places." This song almost always brings friends together in a cute little huddle, singing along with a little twang in their voices. Brooks also delivered the classic "Two Pina Coladas" about the pirate himself, Captain Morgan. While these country guys tend to be manly, they do enjoy their fancy drinks.

Alan Jackson handed us the fantastic away message lyric with his idea that, yes, it is "5 o'clock Somewhere." It was a shock to see this big country guy asking for a Hurricane, but many people do not mind singing along to this favorite. Jackson also had the brilliant idea to collaborate on this song with the master of drinking songs, Jimmy Buffet.

No college student goes through his or her years at school without wanting to venture off to "Margaritaville." Buffet's songs are ideal for any time of the year, especially a cold, cloudy day. Take the Rupert Holmes-penned "Escape (the Pina Colada Song)," sung by Buffet. It can put you in a great mood at any time, and there is nothing like belting this one out at the top of your lungs at a gathering involving alcohol.

While these old favorites are standard country music drinking songs, new tunes are emerging, so always be on the look out for songs to add to your iPod playlist.

Joe Nichol's latest song, "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off," with lyrics like "Them pantyhose ain't gonna last too long if the DJ puts Bon Jovi on," is an instant hit with girls and guys.

Keith is always known to deliver a good drinking song every now and then, such as "Whiskey Girl," about a tough girl who can't do the girlie drinks because they just don't burn when they go down.

No matter where you are or whom you're with, when one of these songs comes on, you're bound to make a few new buddies -- and strain a few vocal chords singing along.