From electronic beats to pop anthems, dance music was an international phenomenon during the 00s. Genre lines blurred as dance DJs and pop stars experimented with more electronic-heavy tracks.
Cascada’s song blends europop with electroclash, while its upbeat lyrics encourage listeners to follow their hearts and follow their passion. Its catchy melody and irresistibly danceable beat make this an instant dance floor classic.
1. Daft Punk – “One More Time”
Daft Punk’s hit “One More Time,” originally recorded in Britain by DJs Daft Punk and featuring a house tune with female vocals quickly became one of the most beloved dance songs of its era and quickly spread through dance clubs throughout Britain.
This song’s lyrics express themes of unity, love, and euphoria while its catchy melody and universal appeal make it popular with listeners from diverse musical backgrounds.
Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo of Daft Punk were inspired by their mutual passion for disco music when creating “One More Time”. To achieve their goal of uniting people on dance floors everywhere, they included samples from Eddie Johns’ “More Spell on You”. Unfortunately, Eddie Johns hasn’t received any royalties for using his song in “One More Time”, yet still enjoys hearing it played at clubs to this day.
2. Basement Jaxx – “Where’s Your Head At?”
Simon Ratcliffe and Felix Buxton of London production duo offered dance music a refreshing alternative with Remedy, their instant-classic debut album released in 1999. Rooty added vibrant pop sheen and created “Romeo,” featured prominently on Bend It Like Beckham soundtrack as well as in numerous Nickelodeon and Coca-Cola commercials.
On their third album, October 2003’s Grammy-winning Kish Kash, Basement Jaxx explored genre-mashing maximalism while working with both familiar (Biz Markie) and unheard singers alike. Following 2009’s Scars, and 2014’s Junto they returned to their roots – as well as remix albums they contributed the score for an independent movie as well as working with Metropole Orkest orchestra in the Netherlands Metropole Orkest’s mix album; holding regular Basement Jaxx nights from seedy hole-in-the-wall bars all the way down to basement under train stations!
3. Beyonce & Jay-Z – “Crazy in Love”
Beyonce and Jay-Z are two of the biggest names in music, both having established individual careers before coming together as one power couple. Crazy in Love is the debut single from Beyonce’s debut album Dangerously in Love that features Jay-Z as guest artist; its catchy melody and lyrics will have everyone dancing away on dance floors everywhere! Critics praised it highly; Jam! magazine was particularly enthusiastic in praising its “instantly addictive horn lines”.
Jake Nava directed the music video, featuring Beyonce wearing a white tank top and jeans shorts while performing dance routines in an isolated environment. A must-see video for any Beyonce fan. This song remains iconic dance track of the 2000’s; and is certain never go out of fashion!
4. Armand Van Helden – “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”
The 2000s was an era that saw dance genres colliding to create an eclectic scene that continues to inspire dance floor bop today. Electropop went pop, garage went urban – this decade’s eclecticism continues to excite and excite dance floors!
One of the highlights was NYC house icon Armand Van Helden’s collaboration with UK garage star Edmee, taking an upbeat approach to classic power ballads by mixing banging beats and synthesizers with Edmee’s powerful vocals to inspire listeners to follow their hearts and make an impactful statement about making an impactful difference in this world.
German Eurodance group Cascada’s hit song, “Everytime We Touch,” epitomised this era with its signature synthesizer pulsations and jackhammer beat – an instant classic from several countries and still revered today as an iconic 2000s dance track.
5. Kings of Tomorrow & Julie McKnight – “Finally”
This track from the 2000s is one of the most iconic examples of dance music from this decade, blending electronic beats with classic disco and funk to produce a catchy and unforgettable melody.
Do’s emotive vocals bring this song to life as an emotive and thought-provoking dance anthem, telling a poignant tale of longing and yearning for love that has passed us by. His powerful lyrics create an unforgettable track.
This track features an upbeat beat that is guaranteed to get any crowd moving, thanks to its catchy lyrics and upbeat beat. An instant classic, this tune remains popular at clubs and festivals today; an example of how genre lines were broken down during the 2000s to produce dance music that appealed to people from diverse backgrounds.
6. Basshunter – “Now You’re Gone”
Jonas Erik Altberg is known by the stage name Basshunter; a Swedish producer known for producing bass-heavy eurodance and trance music. To date he has released five albums; Calling Time was exclusive to UK audiences.
This album is an unrelenting barrage of soulless noise posing as music that defies comprehension. Taking Stock Aitken Waterman hit factory production to unprecedented depths, it unloads choruses and bleeps like there’s no tomorrow.
Now You’re Gone kicks off Altberg’s album strongly with its infectious club track Now You’re Gone; but, unfortunately, its follow up tracks such as Please Don’t Go and Ready For Take Off are huge disappointments when compared with Now You’re Gone’s startling club beat. Unfortunately Altberg appears drained of ideas when producing them like his horrifying cover of KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Don’t Let Go.”
7. Benny Benassi – “Satisfaction”
Benny Benassi’s track “Nightclub Hit of the 2000s,” featuring its catchy beat and melodious vocals is sure to get your dance floor pumping. Additionally, Grand Theft Auto IV included this track as part of their soundtrack.
French duo Justice are well known for blending electronic beats with retro sounds, making this track one of their signature dance tracks that remains popular at clubs and festivals today. It features an upbeat tempo with catchy lyrics making this timeless track perfect for club DJ sets or festival performances alike.
The dance music of the 2000s was an eclectic mix that brought people of all ages and backgrounds together on the dance floor. Boasting electronic beats and pop-inspired anthems, this decade produced some unforgettable dance tracks that continue to stand the test of time.
8. M.A.N.D.Y. & Booka Shade – “Body Language”
Basement Jaxx’s iconic dance song from 2001 combined multiple genres such as house, disco, and funk to create its distinct sound. The tune’s catchy beat and memorable chorus “Where’s your head at?” make this track unforgettable.
This track showcases the influence that electronic music had on mainstream artists. Featuring a pulsating synthesizer and jackhammer beat, creating an irresistibly club-ready atmosphere.
This song exemplifies the impact that dance music had on mainstream pop music. Alison Goldfrapp’s sensuous lyrics combine with an irresistibly infectious rhythm to form an irresistibly danceable anthem – making this track essential listening for any lover of dance music, whether on or off the dance floor! You will soon find yourself singing along!
9. Luomo – “Tessio”
Released by Metro Area in 2000, this dance song offers an exquisite synthesis of retro-infused house music and electronic sounds. Featuring an infectious bassline perfectly complimented by synthesized sounds and percussion to create an eye-catching track, Metro Area’s Dance Song #24 will get any party started.
Fragma’s “Touch Me”, featuring British singer Cassandra Fox, became a hit dance song of the early 2000s that is still regularly played at clubs and festivals today. Its upbeat tempo and soulful vocals make this timeless floor anthem worth singing along to!
Basement Jaxx made their mark in electronic dance with their 2001 track “Where’s Your Head At? This pulsating track features elements of house and rock music, including an infectious bassline and screaming vocals, making for an unforgettable dance hit with its catchy chorus and mesmerizing lyrics.
10. Armin van Buuren – “Shiny Disco Balls”
Basement Jaxx’s upbeat dance track features pulsating synths and catchy vocal hooks, as well as emotive lyrics about moving on from past relationships and leaving them behind. Furthermore, its use of horns lends it an almost hymn-like quality.
Marsha’s powerful and emotive vocals captivate listeners on this timeless trance classic, “Castles in the Sky.” With an upbeat tempo and infectious synth hooks, “Castles in the Sky” remains a beloved dance music classic today.
This list features dance tracks that have both broad mainstream appeal and are widely popular within the dance music genre. Dance-pop songs by artists outside of dance music also reflect how electronic/dance influences have permeated other areas of pop music in recent decades.