The Best Electronic Dance Music Songs

Here are the best electronic dance music songs of all time. These are the tracks that get you moving, that make you feel the urge to dance.

What is Electronic Dance Music?

Electronic dance music is a genre of music that is created for use in clubs, festivals, and other social gatherings. The music is usually characterized by a repetitive 4/4 beat and often contains synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments. The style of EDM can vary greatly, but it is generally classified as a form of electronic dance music that is produced for use in club settings.

The History of Electronic Dance Music

The history of electronic dance music is often traced back to the early 1970s, when pioneers like Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder and Yellow Magic Orchestra began experimenting with synthesizers and other electronic instruments. These artists paved the way for the rise of disco in the late 1970s, which was characterized by its use of electronics for both musical accompaniment and production. By the 1980s, a new wave of electronic music was emerging in Europe with the advent of synth-pop and new wave. This was followed by the rise of house music in the UK in the mid-1980s, which would go on to become one of the most popular genres of electronic dance music. In the 1990s, techno and trance became popular in Europe, while drum and bass rose to prominence in the UK. The 2000s saw a renewed interest in disco and house music, as well as the emergence of dubstep and EDM (electronic dance music).

The Different Types of Electronic Dance Music

There are many different types of electronic dance music, but the three most popular are house, techno, and trance.

House music is characterized by a steady, 4/4 beat and often features a deep bassline. It originated in the 1980s in Chicago and was initially influenced by disco music.

Techno is a heavier, more industrial sounding type of electronic dance music that also features a 4/4 beat. It originated in Detroit in the 1980s and was initially influenced by African American music, particularly funk and soul.

Trance is characterized by a more ethereal sound and often features lighter instrumentation than house or techno. It originated in the early 1990s in Germany and was initially influenced by classical music.

The Best Electronic Dance Music Songs

“In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins

Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” is a classic example of an electronic dance music song that has stood the test of time. The song was originally released in 1981, and it quickly became a staple of the early 1980s electronic dance music scene. The song has been remixed numerous times, and it continues to be popular with DJs and clubgoers alike.

“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

“Billie Jean” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released as the second single from his 1982 album, Thriller. It was written and composed by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones. The song’s dedication to a non-existent woman helped establish Jackson’s public persona as a sex symbol. “Billie Jean” topped the US Hot 100 for seven weeks, becoming Jackson’s second number-one single in the country. The song also peaked at number two in the United Kingdom and number six in Australia.

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston

Released in 1987, this dance song by Whitney Houston topped charts around the world and won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song was inspired by disco anthems from the 1970s and is known for its feel-good message and catchy hooks.

“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake

“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” is a song by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake. It was released on May 6, 2016, as the lead single from the soundtrack album to the DreamWorks Animation film Trolls (2016), to which Timberlake served as an executive producer and contributed four other songs. The uptempo disco-funk track contains influences of R&B and was written and produced by Timberlake, Max Martin andShellback. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Timberlake his fourth chart-topper and eighth top 10 as a solo artist. The song also peaked within the top 10 in over 20 countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and New Zealand.

“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

“Uptown Funk” is a song by English record producer Mark Ronson from his fourth studio album, Uptown Special (2015), featuring American singer and songwriter Bruno Mars. The song was released as the album’s lead single on 10 November 2014 in the United Kingdom and on 18 November 2014 in the United States. “Uptown Funk” topped several music charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Ronson’s second US number one single (after “Just”, featuring Mars on vocals) and Mars’ sixth. It also became the longest-leading Bruno Mars single on the Hot 100, as well as his first to top the Mainstream Top 40 chart. The single was certified 14× Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in January 2015, denoting fourteen million paid digital downloads.