10 Classic House Music Songs You Need to Know

You can’t truly call yourself a house music fan until you’ve listened to these 10 essential tracks.

Introduction

Since the 1980s, house music has been a hugely popular genre worldwide. One of the things that makes house music so great is its wide range of influences and styles. You can find elements of disco, techno, soul, and even funk in many house tracks. If you’re new to the genre, or just looking for some classic house tunes to add to your collection, here are 10 essential songs that you need to know.

“Your Love” by Frankie Knuckles

“Your Love” is a 1986 song by Frankie Knuckles. The song was originally written for singer Jamie principle, but after principle couldn’t clear the sample, knuckles decided to sing the vocals himself. The song became an underground hit in Chicago and later spawned numerous remixes. “Your Love” is widely considered to be one of the most influential house music songs of all time.

“Can You Feel It” by Mr. Fingers

“Can You Feel It” by Mr. Fingers is a classic house music song that you need to know. The song was released in 1986 and is considered one of the earliest examples of deep house. The track features a simple, repetitive piano riff and a drum machine beat that creates a hypnotic feeling. The song was incredibly influential in the development of house music and is still popular today.

“Promised Land” by Joe Smooth

“Promised Land” by Joe Smooth is a classic house music song that was released in 1987. The song became a hit in the United States and United Kingdom, reaching the top 10 in both countries. The song is known for its catchy melody and lyrics that speak of a promised land where “love never dies.”

“Dreams” by The KLF

The KLF are a British electronic music duo who achieved international fame in the early 1990s with their unique brand of dance-oriented synth-pop. “Dreams” is one of their most iconic and well-loved songs, and it perfectly encapsulates the spirit of classic house music. Uplifting and infectious, it’s guaranteed to get you moving, no matter where you are.

“No Limit” by 2 Unlimited

2 Unlimited was a Eurodance group from the Netherlands that was active from 1991 to 1996. They are best known for their hit singles “Get Ready for This” and “No Limit”.

“No Limit” was released in 1992 and reached #1 in several European countries. The song is considered one of the classic house music songs and is still played at many clubs and parties today.

“The Power” by Snap!

“The Power” is a song by German group Snap!. It was released in May 1990 as the lead single from their debut album, World Power. The song was a hit in many countries, reaching number one in at least ten of them and becoming the seventh best-selling single of 1990.

“Rhythm Is a Dancer” by Snap!

“Rhythm Is a Dancer” is a song by German group Snap!. It was released in July 1992 as the lead single from their second album, The Madman’s Return. The song became a worldwide hit, reaching number-one in Austria, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. In the United States, “Rhythm Is a Dancer” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Dance Club Songs chart.

“What Is Love” by Haddaway

“What Is Love” by Haddaway is a classic house music song that was released in 1993. The song became a worldwide hit, reaching the top ten in several countries. The song is best known for its chorus, which features the repeated question, “What is love?”

“I Like to Move It” by Reel 2 Real

“I Like to Move It” is a song by American dance act Reel 2 Real, featuring The Mad Stuntman. It was released in 1994 as the lead single from the album Move It!. The song became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in Belgium, France, Denmark and Spain. In the United States, it peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 14 on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart.