The Best Electronic Dance Music of 2018
A look at the best electronic dance music of 2018. From trap to future bass, these are the tracks that kept us moving all year long.
Introduction
The best electronic dance music of 2018 came from a variety of different genres and sub-genres, with artists experimenting with new sounds and styles. From house and techno to Drum ‘n’ Bass and dubstep, there was something for everyone. Here are our picks for the best EDM tracks of the year.
Best Dance Songs of 2018
It’s been a huge year for electronic dance music. We’ve seen the rise of new genres, the fall of old ones, and the consolidation of the industry into a few key players. But what about the music? What were the best dance songs of 2018?
“All Night” by The Vamps and Matoma
“All Night” by The Vamps and Matoma was one of the best dance songs of 2018. The song peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and was certified double platinum in the UK. The song was also a top 10 hit in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, and Sweden.
“No Tears Left” by Loud Luxury
With a thumping bassline and gloomy lyrics, “No Tears Left” is the perfect song to rage to when you’re feeling defeated. The track samples an old reggae song, but the electronic production gives it a fresh sound that will make you want to get up and dance.
“Body” by Loud Luxury
“Body” is a song by Canadian electronic music duo Loud Luxury, featuring vocals from brando. It was released on October 27, 2017, and peaked at number five on the Canadian Hot 100 in January 2018.
“Taki Taki” by DJ Snake
“Taki Taki” is a song by French DJ and record producer DJ Snake, featuring vocals from Puerto Rican singer Ozuna, American singer Selena Gomez, and American rapper Cardi B. It was released on 10 October 2018 as the lead single from DJ Snake’s second studio album, Carte Blanche (2019). “Taki Taki” peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it DJ Snake’s third highest-charting song in the country as a lead artist and Gomez’s fifth. The song received a Latin Grammy nomination for Record of the Year at the 19th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.
“Dancing on My Own” by Calum Scott
“Dancing on My Own” is a song by British singer-songwriter Calum Scott, released as a single on 5 May 2016. It was included on Scott’s 2015 debut EP, Only Human. The song reached number two in the UK Singles Chart and has since peaked at number one in Australia and New Zealand while also becoming a top ten hit in over ten countries including the United States, Canada, and Sweden.
Best Dance Albums of 2018
This year was full of amazing new music, but these five albums stood out as the best of the best. From exciting new voices to veteran producers delivering career-best work, these are the albums that kept us dancing all year long.
“7/27” by Fifth Harmony
Formed in 2012 on the U.S. version of The X Factor, Fifth Harmony — Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregui, Camila Cabello, and Normani Kordei — was a five-member group that was built on the idea of girl power and harmony. And while their name might suggest otherwise, they always had a bit of an edge to them; even their debut single “Miss Movin’ On” was an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt like they needed to start over.
But it wasn’t until 2016’s 7/27 that the girls truly came into their own. The album is full of summer bops — “That’s My Girl,” “Work From Home” (featuring Ty Dolla $ign), and the title track among them — but there are also more introspective moments, like “Dope” and “Scared of Happy.” It’s an album that perfectly captures what it feels like to be young and in love (or lust), and it’s one that will still be getting played years from now.
“Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1” by Calvin Harris
Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 is the fifth studio album by Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris, released on 30 June 2017 by Columbia Records. The album features guest vocals from Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Migos, Katy Perry, Big Sean, John Legend, Khalid, Ariana Grande, Future, Young Thug, Pharrell Williams, Nicki Minaj and PARTYNEXTDOOR.
“Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1” received generally positive reviews from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 77 based on 16 reviews. AllMusic’s Neil Z. Yeung praised the album for its “infectious grooves and top-shelf guest list”, calling it “one fun summer romp”. Camilla Long of The Times also complimented the artist’s “keen pop sensibility”, writing that “the great strength of Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 is how breezily it blends politics with pleasure.” In a less enthusiastic review for Pitchfork, Sheldon Pearce found Harris’ attempt to address social issues on the album to be “heavy-handed” and expressed disappointment with its overall sound, writing that it “suffers from hedonism fatigue”.
“Something to Tell You” by HAIM
“Something to Tell You” is the second studio album by the American pop rock band HAIM. It was released on July 7, 2017, by Columbia Records. The album features production from Ariel Rechtshaid, Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij, Dev Hynes, and members of the band themselves.
Conclusion
2018 was a great year for electronic dance music. We saw new sub-genres emerge, old favorites make a comeback, and established artists continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with music production.
As we look back on the year, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite electronic dance music tracks of 2018. These are the songs that got us moving, that made us feel something, and that we just can’t get enough of.
So without further ado, here are the best electronic dance music tracks of 2018:
1. “Baptism” by Seven Lions feat. Rico & Miella
2. “Carry Me Home” by Arty
3. “Collapse” by Andrew Bayer feat. Alison May
4. “Deep in the Night” by MEMBA feat. Illanie
5. “Dreamin'” by Bougenvilla
6. “Higher Ground” by Tchami & Malaa
7. “I Won’t Let You Walk Away (Madden Brothers)” by Logo
8.”Just My Type” by The Vamps
9.”No Excuses (featuring Transporta)” – Alison Wonderland
10.”Paradise (featuring Benjamin Ingrosso)” – CamelPhat & Elderbrook
