Electronic Dance Music: The Most Popular Dance Songs of 2016

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Looking for a little inspiration for your next dance party? Check out our list of the most popular electronic dance songs of 2016!

Introduction

The most popular dance songs of 2016 were a mix of Billboard chart-toppers and underground hits. There was a wide range of genres represented in the top 10, including electropop, house, and EDM. The top spot went to The Chainsmokers’ “Closer,” a smash hit featuring Halsey that spent 12 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

Other popular songs included Calvin Harris’ “This Is What You Came For,” featuring Rihanna; Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!,” Sia’s “Cheap Thrills,” and DNCE’s “Cake by the Ocean.” These songs were all major hits on the radio and in clubs around the world.

The popularity of electronic dance music continued to grow in 2016, as festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival drew huge crowds. This growth is expected to continue in 2017, as more people discover the joys of dancing to electronic music.

The most popular dance songs of 2016 were “Work” by Rihanna, “No” by Meghan Trainor, and “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd. These songs topped the charts and had everyone dancing.

“Work” by Rihanna

Released in early 2016, “Work” by Rihanna quickly became one of the most popular dance songs of the year. The song features a catchy beat and Rihanna’s trademark sultry vocals, making it irresistible to dance to. Whether you’re in the club or at a party, “Work” is sure to get you moving.

“Sorry” by Justin Bieber

“Sorry” is a song recorded by Canadian singer Justin Bieber for his fourth studio album, Purpose (2015). The song was released on October 22, 2015, as the second single from the album. “Sorry” is a dance-pop and tropical house song. The lyrics are an apology for a fight between two lovers and contain themes of repentance and forgiveness.

The song became Justin Bieber’s fifth number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it spent three weeks at the top of the chart. It also debuted at number one in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. The accompanying music video features footage of a house party filled with teenagers, as well as shots of Bieber walking around an abandoned army base; it was directed by Parris Goebel. Bieber performed “Sorry” live several times, including on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and on Saturday Night Live in November 2015, as well as at the 2016 Juno Awards show in Calgary. Reviews of “Sorry” were positive, with many critics noting its catchy hooks and feel-good nature.”

“One Dance” by Drake

One Dance is a song recorded by Canadian rapper Drake, featuring Wizkid and Kyla. It was released on April 5, 2016, through Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Drake’s first number-one single in the country as a lead artist. It also became his first number-one single as a lead artist in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. “One Dance” was nominated for two Grammy Awards: Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 59th ceremony.

“This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris

This Is What You Came For is a dance song by Calvin Harris, released as a single on 29 April 2016. The song’s satisfyingly simple drop is its main attraction: a repeated synth chord with major-key flourishes that gives way to an even catchier melody. The result is one of Harris’ best songs in years, and a testament to his production skills.

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

“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for the soundtrack to the DreamWorks Animation film Trolls (2016), for which he served as an executive producer. The song was written and produced by Timberlake, Max Martin and Shellback. It was released on May 6, 2016, following “This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna. An accompanying music video debuted on May 16, 2016, on Timberlake’s YouTube channel. It features Timberlake dancing in various locations throughout Los Angeles.

Conclusion

It’s no secret that electronic dance music (EDM) has been on the rise in recent years. At its core, EDM is all about getting people up and moving, and there’s no doubt that 2016 was a big year for the genre.

So, what were the most popular EDM songs of the year? Here are 10 that definitely made an impact.

1. “Closer” by The Chainsmokers ft. Halsey
2. “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers ft. Daya
3. “Cold Water” by Major Lazer ft. Justin Bieber & MØ
4. “Let Me Love You” by DJ Snake ft. Justin Bieber
5. “Lean On” by Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft. MØ
6. “Tears” by Calvin Harris ft. Disciples
7. “This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna
8. “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” by Mike Posner
9.”Stressed Out” by twenty one pilots
10.”Cake By The Ocean” by DNCE

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