The Best Dance Songs of All Time: Electronic Dance Music, Dance Music, Rock
A look at the best dance songs of all time, including electronic dance music, dance music, and rock.
Introduction
Dance music is a broad term that can refer to many different genres and styles of music. It generally includes any music that is designed for dancing, whether that’s at a club, a concert, or a wedding.
There are many different subgenres of dance music, but the four most commonly heard are electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop/rap, pop, and rock. Each subgenre has its own distinct sound and history.
EDM is perhaps the most diverse of all the genres, with subgenres that include house, techno, trance, and drum & bass. Hip-hop/rap also has a wide range of subgenres, from old-school rap to trap to contemporary pop-rap. Pop dance music encompasses everything from disco to modern club hits, while rock dance tunes range from classic ’80s anthems to contemporary indie dance hits.
Whether you’re looking for something to get your heart racing on the dance floor or just want to find some new tunes to add to your workout playlist, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best dance songs of all time.
The 1990s
It would be hard to overestimate the impact that the 1990s had on dance music. The decade saw the rise of electronic dance music, the popularity of rock music and the advent of hip hop. All of these genres had a profound effect on the way that people danced. In this article, we will take a look at the best dance songs of all time, from each of these genres.
The rise of electronic dance music
The early 1990s saw the rise of electronic dance music, with tracks such as The KLF’s “What Time Is Love?” and The Prodigy’s “Charly” becoming crossover hits. In 1992, Technotronic’s “Pump Up the Jam” reached number two in the US, while in the UK, Altern-8’s “Infiltrate 202” and Orbital’s “Chime” became top five hits. The genre began to enter the mainstream with wider acceptance by music listeners and clubs in Europe and North America outside of specialist clubs; through mass media such as MTV and radio stationplay; and through artist visibility such as daft punk wearing electronic masks in public. Daft Punk’s debut album Homework (1997), considered one of the most influential house albums of all time, helped to bring popularity to techno music.
The popularity of dance music
In the early 1990s, a new style of music called electronic dance music (EDM) emerged. This style was characterized by its fast tempo, simple melodies, and heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines. EDM quickly gained popularity among young people, particularly in Europe and the United States.
Dance music continued to evolve in the late 1990s and early 2000s. A new subgenre called trance emerged, characterized by its hypnotic, repetitive beats. Trance was particularly popular in Germany and the Netherlands. Other popular subgenres included hard dance (a fusion of techno and hard rock) and progressive house (a type of house music that emphasized complex arrangements and long build-ups).
By the mid-2000s, dance music had become one of the most popular genres in the world. It was dominated by a few major labels, such as Ultra Records and Ministry of Sound. In recent years, however, the popularity of dance music has begun to decline. This is due in part to the rise of other genres such as hip hop and pop, but also because of the increasing commercialization of the genre.
The influence of electronic dance music
The 1990s was a decade of great change in the music industry. One of the most significant changes was the rise of electronic dance music (EDM). This new genre of music was influenced by a number of factors, including the popularity of club culture, the growth of the rave scene, and the rise of new technologies.
EDM quickly became one of the most popular genres of music, and its popularity only increased in the 2000s. Today, EDM is one of the most popular genres in the world, and its influence can be heard in many other genres of music.
The 2000s
The 2000s were a decade of growth for electronic dance music. More and more people were exposed to EDM and it began to take over the charts. Rock music also made a comeback in the form of dance-rock. These are the best dance songs of the 2000s.
The popularity of dance music
The popularity of dance music in the 2000s was undeniable. Thanks to the rise of electronic dance music (EDM), the decade saw a renewed interest in dance music from all corners of the globe. Dance music festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival became meccas for fans of all things EDM, while artists like Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, and Deadmau5 dominated the charts.
The 2000s were also a big decade for American pop music, with artists like Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera ruling the radio waves. And while boy bands like *NSYNC and The Backstreet Boys may have had their moment in the sun, it was girl groups like Destiny’s Child and The Pussycat Dolls who truly dominated the decade.
And let’s not forget about hip-hop. The 2000s saw the rise of some of rap’s biggest stars, including 50 Cent, Eminem, Kanye West, and Jay-Z. Hip-hop also went global in the 2000s, with artists like Daddy Yankee and Nelly finding massive success outside of the United States.
The influence of electronic dance music
The popularity of electronic dance music increased in the 2000s. In the 1990s, electronic dance music was mainly popular in clubs, but in the 2000s, it became mainstream and was often played on the radio and at festivals. In the 2010s, electronic dance music became even more popular, with genre-defining songs such as “levels” by Avicii and “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake.
The 2010s
The 2010s were filled with amazing dance songs that will go down in history. From electronic dance music to rock, there was a dance song for everyone. In this article, we will countdown the best dance songs of the 2010s.
The popularity of electronic dance music
In the 2010s, electronic dance music (EDM) became increasingly popular among mainstream audiences. This was due in part to the rise of music festivals such as Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival, which helped to introduce the genre to new audiences. In addition, the popularity of streaming services such as Spotify and SoundCloud made it easier than ever for people to discover and listen to new artists.
EDM artists such as Avicii, Skrillex, and Calvin Harris enjoyed massive success in the 2010s, with their songs often topping charts around the world. In addition to commercial success, many of these artists also found critical acclaim, with Skrillex winning several Grammy Awards for his work.
While EDM was certainly popular in the 2010s, it was not without its critics. Some music fans felt that the genre was too commercialized and homogenized, while others simply did not enjoy its sound. Nonetheless, there is no denying that EDM had a significant impact on the music industry in the 2010s.
The influence of electronic dance music
The 2010s were a decade of significant change for electronic dance music. A new generation of artists emerged who were influenced by a wide range of genres, from trap and dubstep to house and techno. This led to a new era of creativity and experimentation in the studio, as well as a proliferation of sub-genres and sub-cultures within the EDM community.
The 2010s also saw the rise of streaming services like Spotify and SoundCloud, which gave artists a new way to reach audiences. These platforms allowed for a more direct connection between artists and fans, and helped to accelerate the popularity of EDM around the world.
Today, electronic dance music is more popular than ever, with artists like Calvin Harris, Skrillex, and Marshmello topping the charts and headlining festivals all over the world. The sound of EDM has also infiltrated pop music, with hits like Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” and The Chainsmokers’ “Closer” incorporating elements of dance music into their sound.
As we move into the 2020s, it’s exciting to see where electronic dance music will go next.
Conclusion
It is impossible to determine the best dance songs of all time without taking into account different genres, cultures and eras. From electronic dance music to classic rock, there are countless tunes that get people on their feet and moving. So, whether you’re looking for a party starter, a new line dance or just a great song to sweat it out to, these are some of the best dance songs of all time.
