These iconic electronic songs will enthrall from start to finish. Use headphones for the best experience!
Sebastian Ingrosso and Alesso, along with OneRepublic singer Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic, joined forces on this uplifting festival hit which has become one of the most widely popular progressive dance songs ever produced.
D.A.N.C.E. by Justice
At that time, dance music in America looked very different; electro was only beginning to expand beyond underground clubs and niche festivals. That all changed in June 2007 when French electronic duo Justice released the song D.A.N.C.E from their groundbreaking debut album Cross.
This track propelled them into dance floor hero status and helped launch the bloghouse era, as well as playing an instrumental role in transitioning many other acts from underground to mainstream status.
This song was composed as an ode to Michael Jackson, with Xavier de Rosnay having revealed that they were avid admirers of both him and Larry Levan’s remix of Joubert Singer’s “Stand on the World”, as well as Levan’s use of children to sing the hook – two influences they found inspirational for creating their song’s theme song hook ‘Pretty Young Thing”; Black or White” and Working Day and Night” making reference in its lyrics.
Justice are celebrating 15 years since their debut release with a brand new version of their track, including an original demo and remixes by Stuart Price, Fred Falke & Alan Braxe and MSTRKFT. Remastered for digital release and with its own music video; Dancing Stage UNIVERSE2 will use this version with different graphics while keeping all on-screen dancers out!
Bangarang by Skrillex
Skrillex burst onto the scene as one of dance music’s newest producers in 2010, quickly and expansively. Sonny Moore’s mesmerizing stage presence and Afrocentric name earned him millions of new fans; whether you love or dislike him, it is hard to deny his talent or energy.
Bangarang deviated significantly from his critically-acclaimed debut EP Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites by emphasizing its wonky dubstep sound. From its title track’s churning samples and pogo energy to “Right In’s synth blips and rattling percussion, this album provides a full frontal assault on your senses.
Skrillex also displays his more mature side on this album, with drum-and-bass tracks like “Make It Bun Dem” and synth-pop songs like “Summit” being far more accessible than their predecessors; nevertheless, this journey remains unpredictable: at its climax is “Orchestral Suite”, revisiting bass melodic motifs through classical instruments.
Since then, Skrillex’s popularity has only continued to soar. He’s appeared or been parodied in numerous comedy sketches, jammed with Hannibal Burress, and had his music featured in 2012 Ubisoft game Far Cry 3. But the song that truly propelled him into superstar status was “Purple Lamborghini”, a catchy tune featuring Damian Marley that’s amassed over 245 million streams online.
Pursuit Of Happiness by Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi revolutionized hip hop by making it cool to express feelings in song. His intimate lyrics about family, depression, drug use and suicidal thoughts touched millions around the world and have had an immeasurable effect on modern rap.
Scott Mescudi of Cleveland rose to fame following the release of his 2008 mixtape A Kid Named Cudi, featuring tracks such as ‘Day N Nite’. His debut album Man On The Moon: The End Of Day released later that year included massive single ‘Pursuit Of Happiness’ featuring MGMT and Ratatat that demonstrated Cudi’s unique, genre-bending sound that blended rap, alternative hip hop, electronic and other influences into an eclectic sound with a distinct psychedelic tinge.
Cudi’s song depicts an image of a party scene, where people seek happiness through drugs and alcohol, yet ultimately cannot fill his inner emptiness. The production is dark and distorted with beat slowed down/speeded up to match lyrics for an almost dream-like quality – making this one of the most iconic tracks by Cudi. Still today it remains popular.
Sun & Moon by Above & Beyond
Electronic music has won the hearts of listeners worldwide for decades. Boasting infectious beats and endless creativity, this genre has revolutionized sound. On this sonic adventure we showcase 15 of the best-known electronic songs that showcase innovation and emotion that have propelled it so far.
Above and Beyond’s signature trance track has quickly become one of their fan-favorite tunes, blending uplifting melodies with powerful vocals for an euphoric atmosphere. Additionally, remixers like Porter Robinson and Madeon have even remixed it further proving its timeless quality.
If you want to fully appreciate this masterpiece, find a quiet space and listen to it through high-quality headphones. Close your eyes as you allow its captivating melody to transport you into an otherworld of sonic magic; pay attention to its intricate production and immersive sound design, considering their part in making this track such an influential hit.
This electronic dance music track showcases two of the industry’s premier artists. A collaboration between Zedd and Hayley Williams of Paramore results in an irresistibly catchy beat that has quickly become a club and festival favorite, demonstrating its flexibility by transcending musical genres.
Lights by Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding’s breakout success began after winning multiple awards in England in 2010 and making the BBC’s “Sound of” list, and landing her on their “Sound of” list – she quickly made waves stateside through hit singles, performing at Prince William and Duchess Catherine of Cambridge’s wedding reception, and providing soundtrack for a John Lewis Christmas commercial ad.
But Lights stands apart from her other work in many ways. Though filled with vibrant beats and synths, its songs don’t exactly lend themselves to easy listening.
Goulding’s efforts seem more like an impulsive attempt to capitalize on his recent success; thus, his record is uneven and inconsistent, though there are certainly memorable tracks such as “Animal”. Additionally, there’s some filler that doesn’t quite hit its target audience.
The album stands out with its powerful message of self-love and acceptance; I find the title track particularly powerful as it captures Goulding’s journey of overcoming insomnia and finding strength within herself. Additionally, its production stands out with shimmering synths coupled with a pulse-quickening beat to create an infectious and energetic tune that makes an excellent showcase.
Till The World Ends by Britney Spears
Britney Spears quickly established herself as an adult singer after leaving The Mickey Mouse Club, quickly becoming popular with her first single “… Baby One More Time.” Its iconic video featured Spears dancing around a shopping mall wearing an immodest Catholic school uniform while dancing provocatively around it; suggesting an alluring image for teens and young adults alike that signalled her shift away from Disney into mainstream pop music.
At the 2001 MTV VMA’s, Spears once again stole the spotlight with her performance. Her music began with an amalgam of animal noises and jungle-inspired sounds to set a dramatic scene, featuring dancers dressed like Amazonians wearing tribal face and body paint; some held animals like tigers or an enormous python; the performance itself was both risque and entertaining, showing both Spears’ continued success as an entertainer as well as her maturation into a sexualized public persona.
Spears’ style of performance has had a lasting influence on female artists since her rise to fame. Lady Gaga often channels Spears with extravagant costume changes and sexy, playful imagery; her shows also include backup dancers, lighting effects and visual effects just like Spears did – not forgetting frequent collaboration with visual artists to design unique stage designs for her concerts!