The Best Electronic Dance Music of the 70s
Contents
A look at the best electronic dance music of the 70s. From the early pioneers to the modern day masters, these are the artists that defined the genre.
Introduction
70s electronic dance music was heavily influenced by the social and political climate of the time. The disco craze was in full swing, and many popular songs were about parties, dancing, and having a good time. The popularity of funk and soul music also influenced the sound of electronic dance music, as many of the early tracks were samples or covers of popular songs. As technology progressed, so did the sound of electronic dance music, with more synthesizers and more experimental sounds being used.
The Birth of Electronic Dance Music
The term “electronic dance music” (EDM) was first coined in the late 1970s, but the genre can trace its roots back even further. In the 1970s, a new type of music emerged that combined elements of rock, pop, and disco. This new genre was called “electronic dance music” or “EDM” for short.
EDM quickly became popular in nightclubs and discotheques. By the 1980s, EDM had evolved into a subgenre of electronic music known as “house music”. House music is still popular today, and it has influenced other genres such as techno, trance, and drum & bass.
In the 1990s, EDM experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to the rave scene. Raves were large-scale dance parties that featured DJ-produced barrage of electronic dance music. The rave scene is still going strong today, and it has spawned many offshoot genres such as hardstyle and gabber.
The 2000s saw the rise of commercialized EDM with artists such as David Guetta and Calvin Harris achieving mainstream success. In recent years, EDM has become one of the most popular genres in the world with festivals such as Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival attracting hundreds of thousands of people each year.
The First Wave of Electronic Dance Music
The first wave of electronic dance music appeared in the early 1970s, when innovative musicians began experimenting with synthesizers and other electronic devices. This new type of music was initially niche, but it gradually gained popularity and became an important part of the global music scene.
There are many different subgenres of electronic dance music, but all of them share a common focus on beats and rhythm. This makes EDM an ideal type of music for dancing, and it has become one of the most popular genres for clubs and parties around the world.
If you’re looking to explore the best EDM of the 70s, there are a few key artists and tracks that you should check out. Kraftwerk’s ‘Autobahn’ is considered a classic of the genre, while Giorgio Moroder’s ‘I Feel Love’ is another essential track from the era. Other notable artists from the 70s include Jean Michel Jarre, Vangelis, and Tangerine Dream.
The Second Wave of Electronic Dance Music
The second wave of electronic dance music, also known as disco, originated in the early 1970s. This type of music was created using synthesizers and drum machines, and it quickly became popular in clubs and discotheques. Disco music was often characterized by a strong beat, catchy melodies, and sexualized lyrics. Some of the most popular disco songs of the 1970s include “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, and “Last Dance” by Donna Summer.
Despite its widespread popularity, disco was met with criticism from many quarters. Some people accused it of being too commercialized and superficial, while others claimed that it was immoral and promotes promiscuity. Nevertheless, disco continued to be popular throughout the 1970s, and its influence can still be felt in today’s electronic dance music.
The Third Wave of Electronic Dance Music
The Third Wave of electronic dance music (EDM) began in the early 1970s and lasted until the early 1980s. This wave is often considered to be the golden age of EDM, as it saw the birth of many of the genre’s most iconic artists and tracks.
Many of the Third Wave’s biggest hits came from Europe, where disco and other electronic genres were beginning to take off. Giorgio Moroder’s “Love to Love You Baby” (1975), for example, was one of the first disco tracks to gain widespread popularity, while Kraftwerk’s “Autobahn” (1974) was one of the first major hits for German electronic music.
Other key Third Wave artists include Donna Summer, whose hit “I Feel Love” (1977) is considered a landmark track in EDM history; Japanese musician Isao Tomita, who popularized synth-based classical music with his 1974 album Snowflakes Are Dancing; and British duo The Human League, whose 1981 album Dare! is often cited as a key influence on modern synth-pop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best electronic dance music of the 70s was a time of great experimentation and innovation. From the early pioneers like Giorgio Moroder to the disco-infused sounds of Cerrone, there was a wide range of sounds and styles to choose from. However, if we had to pick one winner, it would have to be Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder’s “I Feel Love”, which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the decade.
