These iconic songs from dance music to experimental electronica have helped define their respective genres.
After disco, the late 1970s and early 80s witnessed the birth of synthpop using digital technology to replace traditional instruments, with pioneers including Ultravox, Yellow Magic Orchestra and Gary Numan being some of its early practitioners.
OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder joined forces with EDM superstars Sebastian Ingrosso and Alesso to bring this memorable festival opener.
Your Love by Kraftwerk
Kraftwerk’s music transformed everything from electro-pop and synth-pop to art-pop, becoming an international touring phenomenon with their groundbreaking style that spaned from electro-pop through synth-pop and art-pop genres. Their iconic image – featuring Ralf Hutter in an uncannily robotic light suit reminiscent of robots – was instantly recognisable, while their groundbreaking experimental sound broke boundaries – first using electronic drum machines, Micromoog synths and even custom built devices (such as flute played with bow bow)! Their mesmerising cold and clinical style made them as influential a group in history.
From their 1975 album Radio-Activity, this sweet hymn to electronic transmission captures their utopian vision for an age of information and control. Lyrical references evoke its power while references to radioactivity – discovered by Madame Curie – suggest its potential dangers. Furthermore, postmodern disconnection is explored through a melancholy singer eulogising someone they have yet to meet.
Kraftwerk’s dream of seeing their songs performed by automatons proved prophetic in an otherwise hopelessly-gloomy chart landscape dominated by faded glam rock bands and moustached MOR acts. Their Hutter-crooned tribute to Germany’s autobahns became an unexpected UK No 1 hit in 1982; one of its simple yet iconic synth lines has inspired everyone from Sheffield electronic pioneers Cabaret Voltaire all the way through to Coldplay.
One of the few songs from 1981’s Computer World to make the top 30, “Full Moon” is an elegant techno pop confection featuring banks of synthesized voices creating a metronomic drudgery while telling an emotional love story. This track served as the ideal introduction to what they termed techno music; many artists such as Ultravox and Depeche Mode have covered its melodies in cover versions of this track.
After nearly ten years off the charts, Kraftwerk made their comeback with this sultry single from their album X&Y. Their trademark combination of subtle techno grooves and melody saw them looking ahead despite losing two key members Karl Bartos and Wolfgang Flur due to the Electric Cafe album release. Its melancholy melodies and nostalgic lyrics alluded to internet growth while its globalisation theme suggested by counting one through four in various languages suggests their return.
Let The Music Play by Shannon
Let the Music Play, released in 1983 by American dance and freestyle singer Shannon, became her first number-one hit on the US Billboard Dance chart and reached number 8 on the Hot 100 before remaining there for two weeks – this song also received 43rd ranking on VH1 special 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the 1980s in 2009.
It was the first song to use a Roland TB-303 bassline, later used to create acid house music. Furthermore, one of its first uses of hard gating effect – done by decreasing frequency range on an instrument or drum machine.
Although originally released as a top hit, this song has since been covered by numerous artists. Jordin Sparks recorded her version for inclusion in her album Battlefield; additionally it appeared in both movies Totally Killer and video games Dance Central 3 and Scarface: The World Is Yours.
Pacific State by 808 State
Mancunian acid house quartet’s genre-defining classic, Pacific State, released on this date (6 November 1989), epitomizes the decade’s bliss like few tracks ever could. From Quadrastate EP version and popular Pacific 202 remix featured on album 90 to Pacific 303, 0101, 212 and 516 versions, Pacific State truly captures its magic!
The original recording took place at Spirit Studios in January 1988 shortly before Graham Massey joined vocalist Gerald Simpson and guitarist Martin Price as 808 State. At its release, however, 808 State had signed to ZTT Records, so instead of its original name being Pacific 707 for single release purposes.
One key characteristic that distinguishes this version from more typical techno recordings is its melodic, constantly-fluxing bass line, which creates a unique atmosphere within the song. Furthermore, soprano saxophone provides a counterpoint and further heightens its dreamlike qualities.
The famous pad sequence that plays over saxophone and bassline features four chords which travel up and down the keyboard without changing their root notes – this technique known as parallel chords can be played manually, more simply using chord memory on synths such as Yamaha CS-80 or, in 808 State’s case, by sampling. We’ll demonstrate how you can recreate these iconic acid house pads using multi-award winning software synthesisers Diva and Repro-1 for this tutorial from u-he Synth Secrets tutorial series!
Wake Me Up by Marshmello
Producer Avicii (aka Tim Bergling) received hostile reception when he first performed “Wake Me Up” at Ultra Music Festival 2013. But over time, it became one of his defining works – reaching RIAA diamond certification, meaning 10 million units have been sold; spending 54 weeks on Billboard Hot 100 chart and 26 weeks as No.1 Hot Dance/Electronic Song; becoming Spotify’s most streamed track of all time and more!
The official video was also an overwhelming success, depicting two girls — played by Russian model Kristina Romanova and Laneya Grace — who stood out amongst their village. Unfortunately, everyone there turned away from them with disgust – except the protagonist of the song who was determined to break their cycle of poverty in life.
Four years after Avicii’s tragic death, Grammy-nominated singer Aloe Blacc released an emotive tribute. Showcasing music’s universal nature, Blacc performed the song in three languages during an emotional performance. Aloe’s remix is just one example of many ways artists are continuing his legacy since his passing; charity streams have been organized, unreleased collaborations discussed and special NFT projects are underway as ways of keeping his memory alive.