The Best Electronic Dance Music Songs of All Time
Contents
A look at the best electronic dance music songs of all time, including hits from Daft Punk, Skrillex, and more.
What is Electronic Dance Music?
Electronic Dance Music, or EDM for short, is a genre of music that is characterized by a strong danceable beat. It is often produced with synthesizers and drum machines. EDM is often played at nightclubs, festivals, and concerts. The Best Electronic Dance Music Songs of All Time will get you up and moving!
Origins
The origins of electronic dance music are often traced back to the formation of Kraftwerk in Germany in 1970. The group’s 1973 album, “Ralf and Florian”, is credited as the first to be made entirely with synthesizers. Kraftwerk’s subsequent work would go on to influence a number of other artists and genres, including Detroit techno, house music, and electro.
Electronic dance music did not gain widespread popularity until the early 1980s, when it began to be played in nightclubs in major cities such as New York and London. The genre was further popularized by the release of hits such as Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” (1982) and New Order’s “Blue Monday” (1983).
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, electronic dance music experienced a surge in popularity, with the advent of acid house and rave culture. This was accompanied by a number of innovations in production technique, including the use of samplers and drum machines.
The mid-1990s saw a decline in the popularity of electronic dance music, but it experienced a resurgence in the early 2000s with the rise of genres such as nu-disco and electroclash. Since then, it has remained one of the most popular genres of music, with artists such as David Guetta, Calvin Harris, and Skrillex achieving mainstream success.
Characteristics
Electronic dance music is usually composed using computers and synthesizers, and often features samples of other tracks or recorded sounds. It generally has a steady beat and is meant for dancing, although it can also be used for other purposes such as mood enhancement or fitness.
There are many subgenres of electronic dance music, and the style is constantly evolving. Some of the most popular subgenres include house, techno, trance, drum and bass, and dubstep.
The Best Electronic Dance Music Songs of All Time
“Daisy” by Chainsmokers
The Chainsmokers are an American electronic dance music duo consisting of Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart. The duo achieved success with their 2014 song “#Selfie”, which went viral on YouTube, reaching number one in several countries. Their follow-up single, “Don’t Let Me Down”, featuring Daya, peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 2016, they collaborated with Halsey on the single “Closer”, which became their first number-one single in the US and topped the charts in several other countries.
“Alone” by Marshmello
“Alone” is a song by American electronic dance music producer Marshmello, released as a single on May 26, 2017. The track was included on his debut studio album, Joytime (2016). The song peaked at number 60 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the US Dance/Electronic Songs chart. In the United Kingdom, “Alone” debuted at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Marshmello’s first top 10 single in the country.
“Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
“Don’t Let Me Down” is a song by American electronic music duo The Chainsmokers, featuring vocals from American singer Daya. The song was released on April 29, 2016, through Disruptor Records and Columbia Records. The song was written by Andrew Taggart, Ashley Frangipane, Emily Warren and Scott Harris.
“Closer” by The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
“Closer” is a song by American electronic music duo The Chainsmokers, featuring American singer Halsey. It was released on July 29, 2016, as the lead single from The Chainsmokers’ debut studio album, Memories… Do Not Open (2017). The song debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 before taking the top spot in October 2016, becoming The Chainsmokers’ first and only number-one hit on the chart as of 2018. In March 2017, “Closer” became the longest-running number-one single on the Alternative Songs airplay chart in the US with 17 weeks.
The song is written in the key of B♭ major with a tempo of 108 beats per minute and follows a chord progression of Fm–D♭–B♭–E♭.
“Wake Me Up” by Avicii
“Wake Me Up” is a song by Swedish DJ and record producer Avicii, released as the lead single from his debut studio album True. The track features vocals from Aloe Blacc. “Wake Me Up” peaked at number one in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. It also reached number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song’s accompanying music video was directed by Ash Pournouri andERSson & Eklundh.
Conclusion
These are the best electronic dance music songs of all time. They have been selected for their influence, popularity, and timelessness. These are the songs that have shaped and defined the genre, and that continue to be some of the most popular songs played in clubs and at festivals around the world.
