In the 2000s, dance music experienced a revival, merging styles like rave, Eurodance and chart rap into vibrant anthemic hits that could bring veteran clubbers together with casual pop music listeners. Below you will find some of the most unforgettable dance songs from this period.
Madonna’s “Music”
Madonna reigned supreme of pop music during the early 2000s, creating her own genre while remaining connected to dance music. She collaborated with producers such as Jellybean Benitez and Nile Rodgers while championing lesser-known electronica stars like Mirwais and William Orbit. Her music combined retro inspirations with modern sensibilities; drawing heavily upon spiritual ideas like meditation. Redefining disco into her own brash interpretation with sexual undertones made it popular to wear bras and spandex while she joined club scenes by participating in music videos alongside Britney Spears tussling on dance floors together – she even featured both singers on one music video!
“Open Your Heart,” from Madonna’s True Blue album, may not have been her most innovative dance song; nevertheless it remains an unforgettable classic. Written originally as a rock tune for Cyndi Lauper or the Temptations by Gardner Cole and Peter Rafelson, “Open Your Heart” became her third number-one hit when Madonna and producer Patrick Leonard transformed it into an Eighties dance-pop banger and turned into Madonna’s third number-one hit.
Madonna’s dance-floor anthem “Music Makes the People Come Together/Bourgeois and Rebel!” remains an irresistibly catchy tune that guarantees your feet moving and body moving. Spears was only two years older at the time she recorded this classic; yet her youthful outlook could still be heard in her vocals, particularly her bold line that “music brings people together/Bourgeoisie and rebel!” She clearly wasn’t afraid to cross boundaries!
Basement Jaxx’s “Romeo”
Basement Jaxx are best known today as an energetic take on stadium house music that was much-maligned in their earlier incarnations – a divisive style which propelled them to the top of UK charts but left many of their underground roots behind. But look back further, to when they first appeared on Atlantic Records and into South London pubs in the early 2000s – an intriguing and often-overlooked catalog awaits reappraisal.
Fly Life was still an enjoyable listen when released in 1994 but wasn’t as widely appreciated as Romeo or later dancefloor anthems that followed it. Their follow up album Rooty stands as perhaps their defining moment; an album which blended New York club sounds with Jamaican and South American influences of their home city of Miami Beach.
Its tracks have since become timeless classics – Eu Nao is an addictively catchy tune; Jump features Middle Eastern musical hooks; or Get Down Get Horny introduces Corrina Joseph with her sensuous vocals over seductive early evening beats; Get Down Get Horny introduces singer Corrina Joseph who introduces herself with Get Down Get Horny, but its title track Romeo stands out from its peers as being effortlessly charming; its nonchalant vibe makes it hard not to keep playing over and over; an iconic tune that still features heavily in Basement Jaxx’s live set today despite having originated back then!
Basshunter’s “Now You’re Gone”
If you haven’t experienced this deep trance anthem by Swedish dance music artist, you are missing out. It is an absolute club classic and guaranteed to raise the energy on any dance floor. The lyrics relate to a relationship between man and virtual woman which could prove even more timely with today’s proliferation of online bots and blurred boundaries between humans and computers.
This song is a remix of Basshunter’s European hit “Boten Anna,” but differs in two key aspects. Lyrical content and beat speed have both changed significantly between versions.
This song first rose to fame through DJ Mental Theo’s UK label Bazzheadz who released it in 2007. As it quickly rose in popularity it reached number one on both US and European charts simultaneously.
Kosheen’s “Hide U”
“Hide U” by Kosheen has quickly become a classic dance music song, featuring catchy melody and powerful chorus. The upbeat tempo and electronic beats create an energy and hope-filled ambience, perfect for any party or event – whether you want a dance hit that will get people moving or want a nostalgic throwback song; “Hide U” can provide both.
If you love reggae or dancehall music, Sean Paul’s “Get Busy,” released in 2000, will likely come back into your mind. An upbeat tune featuring Julie McKnight singing beautiful vocals makes this timeless and iconic tune an instant classic. The catchy chorus “Where’s your head at?” makes the track an instant classic and timeless favorite!
The early 2000s marked an era of change and growth for many artists, including the rise of new dance genres such as hip-hop and reggae alongside classic disco and funk songs. Dance hits from this era include some of the most memorable and influential dance music ever crafted; from electronic beats to pop anthems, these tracks remain some of the world’s favorite tracks to dance to! Check out these top 10 early 2000s dance songs now to start moving your body!
Cascada’s “Everytime We Touch”
Cascada’s hit from the 2000s dance music scene stands out as one of its signature tracks from that era, still popularly played at clubs and parties today, its upbeat melody still leaving listeners feeling inspired and happy.
This track marries elements of both dance and rock music to produce an irresistibly upbeat groove, perfect for starting any party off right. Synthesizers and jackhammer beats are joined by powerful guitar riffs and powerful vocals in creating an anthem both fun and energetic – an instant classic from this band’s catalogue of many.
Fat Joe and Remy Ma made headlines worldwide in 2004 with their dance anthem “Lean Back.” The infectious tune encouraged audiences to lean back, cross your arms and move in time with its rhythm; it became an international hit, even inspiring its own dance craze known as the monastery.
“Finally” by Kings of Tomorrow featuring Julie McKnight remains a timeless dance classic from the 2000s, and can still be heard today on DJ sets and dance floors around the world. This upbeat number provides a great example of how a simple house beat can turn into an epic anthem over time, thanks to Julie McKnight’s dynamic vocal performance and catchy chorus hook. This song remains a beloved dance classic to this day.
Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”
Kylie Minogue has long been considered one of the greatest female singers of all time. She first rose to prominence in Australia and Great Britain for her role on Neighbours before transitioning into music with numerous hits in the early 2000s. Kylie’s iconic status was further solidified through the worldwide release of “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” her single that reignited her status as a dance icon.
This song is a timeless house classic, known for its catchy synthesizers and infectious beat. The lyrics about moving on and letting go add a powerful dimension. Still played worldwide today.
Lady Gaga’s 2008 dance hit, “Just Dance”, featuring Colby O’Donis is an irresistibly infectious anthem sure to put you in the mood to dance! With its upbeat tempo and pounding beats creating an addictive chorus that will have you singing along in no time – proving once again the power of dance music to unite people together and allow inhibitions go free!