The Best Electronic Dance Music 80’s Club Songs

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Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

The best electronic dance music and club songs from the 1980s.

Introduction

Electronic dance music (EDM), also known as dance music, club music, or simply dance, is a broad range of percussive electronic music genres made largely for nightclubs, raves and festivals. EDM is generally produced for playback by disc jockeys (DJs) who create seamless selections of tracks, called a mix by segueing from one recording to another.

##The Best Electronic Dance Music 80’s Club Songs
There are many great EDM songs from the 80’s that are still popular today. Here is a list of some of the best:
-Aerobic Dance Music: She’s Got That Vibe by R. Kelly
-Dance-Pop: Into the Groove by Madonna
-Hi-NRG: You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) by Dead or Alive
-Italo disco: Self Control by Raf
-New Wave: Don’t You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds
-Post-disco: Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan

What is Electronic Dance Music?

Electronic Dance Music, or EDM as it’s commonly called these days, is a broad range of percussive electronic music genres made largely for nightclubs, raves and festivals. It has come to be the umbrella term for everything from disco and techno to dubstep, house and beyond. While the history of EDM is often traced back to the 90s rave scene, the genre has its roots in much earlier music movements like disco and synth-pop. In recent years, EDM has exploded in popularity around the world, with superstars like Calvin Harris, Avicii and Tiesto headlining huge stadium shows and festivals.

The Best Electronic Dance Music Club Songs

The 1980s was a golden era for electronic dance music, and many of the biggest club hits from that decade are still heard regularly on dance floors today. Here are 10 of the best.

1. “Bells of New York” by D-Train: One of the all-time classic house tracks, “Bells of New York” was originally released in 1984 and became a huge hit in the UK when it was re-released in 1985. The track features a distinctive vocal sample from the 1976 film Network.

2. “You’ve Got the Love” by Candi Staton: Another classic house track, “You’ve Got the Love” was originally released in 1986 but was popularized in the UK by its inclusion on the Acts of MadMEN compilation album in 1989. The track features a memorable gospel-style vocal performance from Candi Staton.

3. “Pump Up The Volume” by MARRS: A huge international hit in 1987, “Pump Up The Volume” was one of the first big crossover hits for electronic dance music. The track samples extensively from Herman Kelly & Life’s 1975 track “Dance to the Drummer’s Beat,” resulting in a catchy, infectious groove that is still irresistible today.

4. “Fantasy” by Blackbox: Another massive club hit from 1990, Blackbox’s “Fantasy” spent four weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and remains one of the most unforgettable club tracks of all time thanks to its anthemic chorus and uplifting message.

5. “Strike It Up” by Blackbox: Yet another massive club hit from Blackbox, “Strike It Up” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1991 and is notable for its repeating sample of dialogue from Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes (specifically Season 3, Episode 16 – “The Bonding”).

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The Different Types of Electronic Dance Music

There are many different types of electronic dance music (EDM), and each has its own unique sound and style. While some EDM genres may share similar elements, they often have distinctive features that set them apart. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular EDM genres:

1. House: House music is characterized by a 4/4 time signature, heavy use of synthesizers, and a focus on the danceable groove. It originated in Chicago in the early 1980s and was heavily influenced by disco and soul music.

2. Techno: Techno is a harder-edged, more experimental form of dance music that emerged out of Detroit in the late 1980s. It typically features a minimalistic style with sparse arrangements and repetitive beats.

3. Trance: Trance music is characterized by its hypnotic, dreamlike quality and often features ethereal, atmospheric vocals over driving dance beats. It emerged in the early 1990s and became hugely popular in Europe during the mid-1990s.

4. Drum & Bass: Also known as jungle, drum & bass is a fast-paced form of electronic dance music that emerged in London in the early 1990s. It is characterized by its breakbeats, which are usually played at around 160-180 beats per minute (bpm).

5. Dubstep: Dubstep is a dark and menacing form of electronic dance music that emerged in London in the early 2000s. It is characterized by its slow tempo (usually around 140 bpm), heavy use of bass, and stuttering, syncopated rhythms.

The History of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music (EDM), also known as dance music, club music, or simply dance, is a broad range of percussive electronic genres made largely for nightclubs, raves and festivals. EDM is generally produced for playback by DJs who create seamless selections of tracks, called a mix, by segueing from one recording to another.

EDM producers also perform their music live in a concert or festival setting in what is sometimes called a live PA. In Europe, EDM is more commonly called ‘dance music’, or simply ‘dance’.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, following the emergence of raving, pirate radio, club culture and acid house, a number of new electronic dance genres emerged. These genres were pioneered by a small group of British, American and European producers who created new forms of electronic music by combining the sounds and styles of existing genres such as disco, electro and techno.

The Future of Electronic Dance Music

The future of Electronic Dance Music is looking very bright. The genre has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and new artists are emerging all the time. The sound of Electronic Dance Music is constantly evolving, and there is no doubt that it will continue to evolve in the years to come.

One of the most exciting things about Electronic Dance Music is that it is always changing. There is no one sound that defines the genre, and this allows for a lot of creativity and experimentation. As the sound of Electronic Dance Music continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting music being created.

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