The Best Jazz Dance Music of 2013
Looking for the best jazz dance music of 2013? Look no further than our top picks. From classic standards to contemporary hits, these tunes will get your feet moving.
Introduction
Although it has been around for over 100 years, Jazz dance continues to evolve. Today, Jazz dance is found in stage shows, movies, music videos, and jazz clubs around the world.
While the roots of Jazz dance are based in African and Caribbean dances, it has also been influenced by many other dance styles, including tap, ballet, and hip hop. As a result, Jazz dance today is a highly diverse and ever-changing style of dance.
Whether you’re a dancer looking for new music to add to your repertoire or just a fan of good dancing, here are ten of the best Jazz dances of 2013.
The Best Jazz Dance Songs of 2013
It’s that time of year again when we reflect on the best that the year had to offer. This time, we’re looking at the best jazz dance songs of 2013. From up-tempo grooves to sultry ballads, these tracks had us moving on the dance floor all year long.
“All of Me” – John Legend
“All of Me” is a ballad composed by American singersongwriter John Legend. The song was written for his wife Chrissy Teigen. “All of Me” first aired on American mainstream urban radio as the fifth single from Legends fourth studio album, Love in the Future (2013). On the week ending May 18, 2013, it peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Legends first number-one single in the United States. It sell4 1.2 million copies in the US as of January 2014.
The song provides a piano accompaniment to Legend’s vocals, and both slope down in several areas. The lyrics are about taking responsibility for another person’s happiness, and how love sometimes requires sacrifice.
“Get Lucky” – Daft Punk
“Get Lucky” by Daft Punk was one of the biggest hits of 2013, and it’s no surprise that it quickly became a staple in the world of jazz dance. The infectious groove and positive message make it the perfect song to get people moving, and dancers all over the world have put their own spin on this classic track.
“Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke
Released in 2013, “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke was an instant classic. The catchy tune and upbeat tempo make it a great choice for any jazz dance routine.
“Just Give Me a Reason” – P!nk
This chart-topping duet from P!nk’s The Truth About Love is the latest in a long tradition of pop songs with a jazz dance sensibility. The slow, seductive groove and soulful vocals make it the perfect song for a classically-trained jazz dancer looking to show off their sensual side.
“Mirrors” – Justin Timberlake
“Mirrors” is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for his third studio album, The 20/20 Experience (2013). It was written and produced by Timberlake, Timothy “Timbaland” Mosley and Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon, with additional writing from James Fauntleroy. The song was released on February 21, 2013 as the album’s eighth single. “Mirrors” is a progressive R&B and pop ballad with an electro-soul sound. The lyrics deal with the theme of self-reflection and introspection, inspired by Timberlake’s marriage to actress Jessica Biel.
Critical reception of the song was generally positive; reviewers complimented its production and called it one of the highlights of The 20/20 Experience. Critics also noted that it resembled Timberlake’s previous singles; however, some believed that it showed himself in a new light, being more personal than his previous releases. Commercially, the song peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Internationally it charted within the top ten in Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands and South Korea. A music video for “Mirrors” was released on March 21, 2013; it won Video of the Year at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards and was nominated for best male video at the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards.
The Worst Jazz Dance Songs of 2013
It’s that time of year again! The time when we take a look back at the past year and reflect on the good, the bad, and the ugly. In the world of jazz dance, 2013 was a pretty good year. We saw a lot of great new artists emerge, and some old favorites continue to produce great music. But, as with any year, there were also some songs that just didn’t quite hit the mark.
“Applause” – Lady Gaga
It’s not just the words to this club banger that will have you hitting the nearest exit; it’s also the mind-numbing, auto-tuned beat that makes this one of the worst songs of 2013.
“Harlem Shake” – Baauer
“Harlem Shake” is a song recorded by American DJ and producer Baauer. It was released on May 22, 2013, by Mad Decent imprint label Jeffree’s. The song “Harlem Shake” became an Internet meme after a series of YouTube videos featuring the song were uploaded in February 2013. The videos began to gain traction in early February, with more than 1,000 videos uploaded by mid-February. By February 15, 2013, the website Know Your Meme had declared “Harlem Shake” the meme of the moment.
“What About Us” – P!nk
What About Us is a song by American singer P!nk. It was released on August 10, 2017, as the lead single from her upcoming seventh studio album, Beautiful Trauma. The song peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100.
“What About Us” is a synth-pop and EDM song with lyrics that deal with politics and love. The song received mixed reviews from music critics; some praised its production and composition, while others criticized its lyrical content.
The Worst Jazz Dance Songs of 2013
“I Love It” – Icona Pop
This Terrible Song was inexplicably popular in 2013, and can be heard at every third wedding you attend. It’s safe to say that no one will be “I Love It”ing in 20 years.
“Started from the Bottom” – Drake
It’s no secret that Drake is not a jazz musician. But that didn’t stop him from releasing “Started from the Bottom” as the first single off his 2013 album Nothing Was the Same. The track, which samples the horn riff from Jerry Butler’s 1967 soul classic “He Will Break Your Heart,” quickly became a hit among clubgoers and Hip Hopheads alike.
