The Best Electronic Dance Music of 2017
We’ve gathered the best electronic dance music of 2017 so far, including tracks from major artists like Calvin Harris and Kygo.
Introduction
The past year has been an incredible one for electronic dance music. While there’s always been a lot of great music being produced in the genre, it feels like 2017 was especially noteworthy. So many artists released amazing tracks and albums, and there were plenty of debutantes who made a big splash.
It’s hard to narrow down all of the great music that came out this year to just a few tracks, but we’ve done our best. Here are our picks for the best electronic dance music of 2017.
Best Tracks
The past year has been one incredible ride for electronic dance music. With so many new and talented artists emerging, it was tough to choose just 10 tracks that stood out amongst the rest. From poppy, to dark and gritty, to everything in between, these are the best electronic dance music tracks of 2017.
CamelPhat & Elderbrook – Cola
This song became an international sensation, with its infectious beats and catchy vocals. It’s the perfect track to get any party started, and it’s sure to get you moving.
Jax Jones feat. Demi Lovato & Stefflon Don – Instruction
“Instruction” is a song recorded by British record producer Jax Jones featuring vocals from American singer Demi Lovato and British rapper Stefflon Don. It was released to digital retailers on 16 June 2017 through Island Records as the lead single from his upcoming debut studio album, Snacks (2017). The song was written by Jones, Lovato, Kurtis McKenzie, Christopher Short and Bradley Spence-White, with production handled by the former two. Originally, “Instruction” was sent to Lovato in order to be used on her upcoming album Tell Me You Love Me (2017), but after she decided not to use it, Jones decided to put it out as his own single.
The song is an electronic dance track that contains elements of trap music. Upon its release, “Instruction” received mixed reviews from music critics. Commercially, the song peaked at number five on the UK Singles Chart and became Jones’ highest-charting single as a lead artist. It also peaked within the top ten of the charts in Australia, Denmark and Ireland. An accompanying music video for the song was directed byLuke Monaghan and features Lovato and Stefflon Don in a club surrounded by people dancing.
Calvin Harris feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean – Feels
This song was released in 2017 and is a Calvin Harris song that features Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, and Big Sean. The song peaked at number 2 in the UK and number 1 in Scotland. The song is an electronic dance music song that has hints of funk and disco.
David Guetta feat. Justin Bieber – 2U
“2U” is a song by French DJ and music producer David Guetta, featuring vocals from Canadian singer Justin Bieber. The song was released on 9 June 2017 by What a Music, as the lead single from Guetta’s seventh studio album, 7 (2018).
The song received mixed reviews from critics, with some of them calling it a “summer anthem”, while others labelled it as “generic”. Commercially, the single peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and in the top 10 in more than 10 countries, including Australia and Canada. An accompanying music video for the song, directed by Bill Kindberg and Joe Staines, was released on 20 June 2017.
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike vs. David Guetta feat. Kiiara – Complicated
One of the best tracks of 2017, “Complicated” is a collaboration between Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and David Guetta. The song features vocals from Kiiara, and it’s a perfect blend of dance and pop music. The catchy chorus will get stuck in your head, and the drops will get you moving.
Best Albums
In a year that’s seen theAvicii’s untimely passing and the rise of “the sad boys of EDM” in the form of The Chainsmokers, it’s easy to forget that there’s still a ton of great, upbeat music out there to enjoy. Here’s a look at some of the best albums the genre has to offer in 2017.
LCD Soundsystem – American Dream
American Dream is the fourth studio album by American rock band LCD Soundsystem. It was released on September 1, 2017, by Columbia Records. Following a five-year hiatus that lasted from 2011 to 2016, during which frontman James Murphy contemplated retiring the band name, LCD Soundsystem began work on new material in early 2016. Recording took place sporadically throughout the year at Murphy’s Brooklyn studio, with the team often reconvening for weeks-long recording sessions. The album features many of the band’s regular collaborators, including bassist Al Doyle and drummer Pat Mahoney, as well as contributions from guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Phil Mossman and keyboardist Gavin Rayna Russom.
The album was preceded by two singles: “Call the Police” and “American Dream”. Upon release, American Dream received positive reviews from critics and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.
Justice – Woman Worldwide
This is Justice’s third studio album, and it’s a record that looks back on the French electronic duo’s career while also moving them forward. It features some of their classic tracks that have been reworked for a live setting, as well as new material. The album was recorded in various locations around the world, and it features guest appearances from Bangladesh, Portugal, the United States, and more.
The xx – I See You
Angel Olsen – My Woman
Bon Iver – 22, A Million
Solange – A Seat at the Table
Frank Ocean – Blonde
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book
Fever Ray – Plunge
Fever Ray is the solo project of Swedish musician Karin Dreijer Andersson, best known as one half of the Knife. Her debut album as Fever Ray, Plunge, is a dark and atmospheric record that stands out in a crowded field of electronic dance music.
Andersson’s sleek production is complemented by her haunting, ethereal vocals, which float above the mix like a ghostly fog. The result is an album that is both deeply atmospheric and highly danceable. Plunge is one of the best electronic dance albums of 2017.
Gorillaz – Humanz
The storied virtual band Gorillaz returned this year with their fifth studio album, Humanz. The album was highly anticipated by fans, as it had been seven years since the group’s last release. Humanz features an impressive array of collaborators, includingDe La Soul, Grace Jones, Noel Gallagher, and many more. The result is an eclectic record that feels both fresh and timeless.
Conclusion
All in all, it was a great year for electronic dance music. We saw a lot of new artists come onto the scene and make a name for themselves, and we saw some of our favorite veteran artists releasing new music that was just as good as anything they’ve ever done. We’re looking forward to seeing what 2018 has in store for us, but in the meantime, we’ll be listening to the best electronic dance music of 2017.
