The Best Dance Music of 2015: Uptown Funk
A look at the best dance music of 2015, including tracks like ‘Uptown Funk’ that got everyone on the dance floor.
Best Dance Songs of 2015
While 2014 may have been all about Iggy Azalea and her inescapable hit “Fancy,” it was clear that something else was brewing in the world of dance music. That something else was the return of disco. Most notably, in the form of Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk.”
Uptown Funk- Bruno Mars
Uptown Funk is a song by American artist Bruno Mars from his fourth studio album, Unorthodox Jukebox (2012). The song was written by Jeff Bhasker, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson, and produced by Ronson. “Uptown Funk” was released as the album’s lead single on November 10, 2014, worldwide. The song went on to spend fourteen non-consecutive weeks atop the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming the second-longest-running number-one single of 2015 and of all time. On January 17, 2016, “Uptown Funk” was declared the longest-reigning number 1 single on the Hot 100 by Billboard after spending fourteen non-consecutive weeks on top; dethroning the fourteen-week record previously held jointly by Maroon 5’s “Sugar” and Adele’s “Hello”. As of September 2018, the song has sold over 14 million copies globally.
The music video for “Uptown Funk” was directed by Bruno Mars and features cameos from several celebrities including: Stevie Wonder, Mike Tyson, trey Songz, actor Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman and sports broadcaster Lester Holt. The video has been viewed over 3.5 billion times on YouTube since its release in November 2014.
Lean On- Major Lazer
“Lean On” is a song recorded by Major Lazer and DJ Snake featuring Mø. It was released on March 2, 2015, through Mad Decent independently and in partnership with Interscope Records, as the lead single of Major Lazer’s third album, Peace Is the Mission. “Lean On” was written by Major Lazer, DJ Snake and Mø, and produced by Major Lazer. It was recorded at Rollover Studio and SAE Studios in Mumbai and multiple studios in Brooklyn. The song was engineered by Carter Lang and Jeremy Scott; while being assisted in its production by Tim Hahn. The song earned critical acclaim upon release, with many citing it as a highlight on the album. Commercially, it peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number two on the UK Singles Chart as well as topping global airplay charts. The official music video for “Lean On”, directed by Tim Erem of Urhousefilm & Standard Film Team, premiered on March 23, 2015 via YouTube before being uploaded to the site’s global channel two days later.”
The song earned critical acclaim upon release, with many citing it as a highlight on the album. Commercially, it peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number two on the UK Singles Chart as well as topping global airplay charts.
Sorry- Justin Bieber
The crooner from Canada took the world by storm with his fifth studio album, “Purpose.” The lead single off of the album, “Sorry,” quickly became a fan favorite and an international success. The song topped the charts in over 20 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Can’t Feel My Face- The Weeknd
The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye, is a Canadian R&B singer whose music often features explicit lyrics about sex and drug use. “Can’t Feel My Face” is a song about cocaine addiction, and its spooky, synthesizer-driven sound was inspired by Michael Jackson’s work with Quincy Jones. The song was an instant hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in August 2015.
Best Dance Albums of 2015
The best dance music of 2015 has been an eclectic mix of beats, with something for everyone to enjoy. From old-school disco to modern pop, the best dance albums of 2015 have had us grooving all year long. Take a look at our picks for the best dance albums of 2015.
Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü- Skrillex and Diplo
This was the best dance album of 2015. It was a collaboration between two of the best DJs in the world, Skrillex and Diplo. This album was full of bangers that got everyone on the dance floor.
Stories- Avicii
This Swedish DJ and producer was one of the most popular artists in the world of electronic dance music. His hits include “Levels” and “Wake Me Up.” He died in April 2018 at the age of 28.
In Colour- Jamie xx
Jamie xx’s In Colour was one of the best dance albums of 2015. The album features the lead single “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” with Young Thug and Popcaan.
Encore- David Guetta
Released in November 2014, Encore is French DJ and record producer David Guetta’s sixth studio album. It features the singles “Dangerous,” “Lovers on the Sun,” “Sledgehammer” and “Shot Me Down.”
“Dangerous” is a duet with American singer Sam Martin, and peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Lovers on the Sun” is a song featuring American singer-songwriter Skylar Grey. It reached number 1 in Austria, Germany, Poland and Switzerland, while peaking at number 3 in France and the United Kingdom. The song was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.
“Sledgehammer” is a song featuring English singer Ella Henderson. It was released as a single in October 2014, and peaked at number 21 on the UK Singles Chart.
“Shot Me Down” is a song featuring American singer Skylar Grey. It was released as a single in February 2015, and reached number 1 in Finland, Greece and Sweden while peaking at number 3 in Belgium and Denmark.
Best Dance Music Videos of 2015
In case you missed it, 2015 was the year of “Uptown Funk.” The song, which was originally released in late 2014, became an international sensation and spent 14 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. But “Uptown Funk” wasn’t the only great dance song of the year. Here’s a look at some of the best dance music videos of 2015.
Uptown Funk- Bruno Mars
The artist(s)
The song’s name
The link to the video
Bruno Mars- Uptown Funk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPf0YbXqDm0
Lean On- Major Lazer
“Lean On” is a song recorded by American electronic music group Major Lazer and French record producer DJ Snake, featuring vocals from Danish singer MØ. It was released on March 2, 2015 as the lead single from Major Lazer’s third studio album, Peace Is the Mission(2015). The production of the song was handled by Major Lazer, DJ Snake and MØ. “Lean On” was written by MØ, Diplo, Jr Blender and Ariel Rechtshaid, with additional writing from Benga and Skream.
The song was critically acclaimed, with many critics deeming it as one of the best dance songs of all time. “Lean On” peaked at number four on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in the United States. In May 2015, “Lean On” became the most streamed song on Spotify of all time. The music video for “Lean On” was filmed in ND studios in Mumbai, Maharashtra and Inverurie in Scotland, and was directed by Tim Erem. The video features Cuban twins Leslie and Levi Junco as they twerk around Dancing Granny (played by Leyla Hoyle). As of June 2020, the official music video has received over 2.6 billion views on YouTube.
Sorry- Justin Bieber
The year is coming to a close, and it’s time to reflect on the best dance music videos of 2015. From Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” to Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright,” these are the tracks that got us moving and shaking this year.
“Sorry” by Justin Bieber
Biebs is back and he’s bringing the heat with this catchy track. The dance moves in the video are simple, but they’re so effortlessly cool that you can’t help but want to join in.
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
This throwback track had everyone dancing, whether they wanted to or not. The music video is pure fun, with Mars and Ronson strutting their stuff through a vibrant cityscape.
“Formation” by Beyonce
Beyonce raised the bar with this powerful track and accompanying music video. The choreography is incredible, and the video sends an important message about black pride and unity.
“Lean On” by Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft. MO
This song has been stuck in our heads all year, and for good reason. It’s catchy, fun, and the video perfectly captures the carefree spirit of summertime.
Can’t Feel My Face- The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s “Can’t Feel My Face” might be the biggest pop song of 2015, and its official video is a pretty accurate reflection of that. It’s all about The Weeknd dancing his heart out in a club, surrounded by adoring fans and beautiful women. And it’s awesome.
