The Best Electronic Music of 1998
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In 1998, the electronic music scene was booming. Here are some of the best tracks of the year, according to our experts.
The Best Electronic Music of 1998
1998 was a banner year for electronic dance music, with a wealth of new styles and subgenres emerging. This list rounds up some of the best examples of each.
-Progressive trance:
Progressive trance is a style of trance music that developed in the late 1990s. It is characterized by a more driving, energetic sound than other styles of trance, and often features dynamic, sweeping melodies. Notable progressive trance tracks from 1998 include Sasha & Digweed’s “Expander,” BT’s “Flaming June,” and Airwave’s “Save Me.”
-Tech house:
Tech house is a style of house music that combines elements of techno and deep house. It was one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music in the late 1990s, with tracks often featuring hypnotic grooves and sparse, atmospheric melodies. Notable tech house tracks from 1998 include Laurent Garnier’s “The Man with the Red Face” and Carl Cox’s “Phuture 2000.”
– Drum & bass:
Drum & bass is a fast-paced style of electronic music that emerged in the early 1990s. It is characterized by breakbeats, heavy basslines, and often features samples from other genres of music such as hip hop and funk. Notable drum & bass tracks from 1998 include police sirens
The Best Electronic Music of 1999
The electronic music scene in 1999 was marked by a number of significant changes. First and foremost, the death of legendary DJ and producer John Peel meant that the voice of one of the most important figures in the British electronic music scene was Silence. In his stead, a new generation of DJs and producers began to make their mark on the scene.
Second, the popularity of garage music continued to grow in both the UK and the US, with a number of key tracks and albums helping to establish the genre as a major force within electronic music. Finally, techno made a comeback in 1999, thanks in part to the success of Daft Punk’s album ‘Homework’.
With all these changes taking place, it’s no surprise that 1999 was a landmark year for electronic music. Here are 10 of the best tracks from that year.
The Best Electronic Music of 2000
The year 2000 was a watershed moment for electronic music. A new millennium was upon us, and with it came a renewed sense of possibility. This was the year that saw the birth of the now-legendary Dazed & Delirious party in London, which would go on to become one of the most influential parties of the early 2000s. This was also the year that German trance outfit ATB released their breakthrough album, No Silence, which would go on to sell over a million copies worldwide.
In terms of style, 2000 was also a turning point for electronic music. The nu-skool breakbeat sound that had dominated the late 1990s began to give way to a more mellow, atmospheric sound that would come to be known as ambient techno. This new sound was exemplified by downtempo pioneers like Global Communication and The Orb, who released some of their best work this year.
So without further ado, here are our picks for the best electronic music releases of 2000:
The Orb – Cydonia (Kompakt)
A truly defining release from The Orb, Cydonia cemented their place as one of the most innovative and important acts in electronic music. Featuring beautiful atmospheres and lush soundscapes, this album is a true classic.
Global Communication – 76:14 (Dedicated)
A masterpiece from one of ambient techno’s most revered outfits, 76:14 is a stunningly beautiful and timeless album that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released.
Röyksopp – Melody A.M. (Wall of Sound)
The debut album from Norwegian duo Röyksopp, Melody A.M. is a perfect blend of Electronica, pop and down-tempo beats. Featuring the massive hit single “Remind Me”, this album is essential listening for any fan of electronic music.
ATB – No Silence (Kontor)
The debut album from German trance act ATB, No Silence features the massive hit singles “9pm (Till I Come)” and “Don’t Stop!”. A true classic of the genre, this album set the standard for commercial trance albums for years to come.
The Best Electronic Music of 2001
Ranked by Pitchfork Media, the best 50 electronic albums of 1998.
1. Aphex Twin – drukqs
2. Autechre – LP5
3. Boards of Canada – Music Has the Right to Children
4. Drexciya – Neptune’s Lair
5. GAS – Pop
6. Global Communication – 76:14
7. Juno Reactor – Bible of Dreams
8. Matthew Herbert – Around the House
9. Mouse on Mars – Autoditacker
10. Pan Sonic – Vakio
The Best Electronic Music of 2002
The year 2002 was a great year for electronic music. Some of the best and most influential artists in the genre released some of their best work. Here are some of the best albums of 2002:
-Daft Punk – Discovery
-The Chemical Brothers – Come With Us
-The Prodigy – Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned
-Basement Jaxx – Kish Kash
-Fatboy Slim – Palookaville
– Underworld – A Hundred Days Off