Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has grown from its underground roots into a global phenomenon, but its foundation was built on decades of innovation. From the pulsating beats of disco to the underground origins of house, the genre has undergone significant transformations, continuously pushing the boundaries of sound.
The following 20 tracks have been instrumental in shaping EDM, from its inception to the massive festival anthems we know today. These iconic tracks define not only the evolution of the genre but also the spirit and diversity of modern dance music.
1. “I Feel Love” – Donna Summer (1977)
Considered a pioneering anthem, “I Feel Love” is often credited with being one of the first songs to fully embrace electronic production in a way that would redefine dance music. Produced by Giorgio Moroder, the track featured the revolutionary use of a synthesizer and sequenced rhythms, which laid the groundwork for future genres like techno and house. With its driving bassline and celestial, ethereal vocals by Donna Summer, it represented a break from traditional rock and pop, embracing a futuristic sound that spoke directly to the disco crowd.
Impact: The song not only changed the shape of disco but also ushered in the electronic music revolution. It directly influenced house, techno, and other genres in the 80s and 90s, with its innovative use of synthesizers becoming a touchstone for producers ever since.
2. “Move Your Body” – Marshall Jefferson (1986)
Known as the “House Music Anthem”, “Move Your Body” was a seminal track in the history of Chicago house. Featuring an irresistible piano riff and soulful vocals, Marshall Jefferson crafted a piece that was both uplifting and empowering, representing the joyous, inclusive spirit of the house music community. It was this song that took housefrom the underground clubs of Chicago to the world stage, allowing it to thrive globally.
Impact: Its infectious energy and accessibility made it one of the first true house anthems. “Move Your Body”introduced house music to larger, more mainstream audiences and became an enduring symbol of the genre’s potential to bring people together.
3. “Big Fun” – Inner City (1988)
Produced by Kevin Saunderson, one of the pioneers of Detroit techno, “Big Fun” blended the soulful rhythms of house music with the experimental energy of techno. The track’s smooth piano lines, catchy bassline, and emotional lyrics represented the crossover between Detroit techno and Chicago house, two genres that were fundamentally reshaping dance music at the time. It was a crossover hit that could fill the clubs in both Detroit and Chicago while appealing to audiences worldwide.
Impact: As a Detroit techno anthem, “Big Fun” helped bring Detroit’s underground electronic music to the mainstream. It not only broadened the scope of house music but also established Kevin Saunderson as one of the most important figures in the genre’s global expansion.
4. “Blue Monday” – New Order (1983)
A groundbreaking track in electronic music, “Blue Monday” is often cited as one of the greatest electronic dance songs of all time. With its pulsing bassline, hypnotic rhythms, and innovative use of electronic drum machines and synthesizers, the track became a landmark in synthpop and new wave. Its unconventional structure, with its repetitive, trance-like beats and catchy hooks, left a lasting impact on electronic music, bridging the gap between post-punk and emerging dance music scenes.
Impact: “Blue Monday” became the best-selling 12-inch single of all time, establishing New Order as one of the most influential acts of the 1980s. It was a pivotal moment in the evolution of acid house, dance, and techno, and continues to inspire electronic music producers today.
5. “Tracey In My Room” – Everything But the Girl (1994)
When Everything But the Girl transitioned from pop to house in the mid-90s, they created a unique hybrid of deep house and ambient dance music. “Tracey In My Room”, with its smooth groove, soulful vocals, and atmospheric beats, blended these genres seamlessly, capturing the laid-back vibe of the early 90s house scene. This track showcased the versatility of house music and introduced many listeners to the emerging sound of UK garage and deep house.
Impact: This track served as a bridge between pop and underground dance music, influencing many future artists in the deep house and ambient genres. It also marked a significant moment for the UK garage movement.
6. “Plastic Dreams” – Jaydee (1992)
A track that defined the Dutch house scene, “Plastic Dreams” by Jaydee became an international hit due to its moody, atmospheric synths and its powerful, hypnotic bassline. The track’s ability to blend deep house elements with a more techno-inspired edge made it a standout in the early 90s and helped lay the foundation for the progressive house sound that would emerge in the following years.
Impact: “Plastic Dreams” became a classic of the early 90s house music scene and is regarded as one of the first tracks to perfectly marry deep house and techno. Its timeless appeal continues to inspire modern house music productions.
7. “The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall Into My Mind)” – The Bucketheads (1995)
An Armand Van Helden production under the alias The Bucketheads, “The Bomb!” is a classic disco house anthem. Sampling Chicago’s “Street Player”, the track blends funky basslines and disco loops with modern house rhythms. It became a massive hit, crossing over to both club and radio audiences, and became a defining moment for the disco house genre.
Impact: “The Bomb!” is one of the key tracks that helped revive the disco house sound in the 90s and continues to be a quintessential example of how disco and house music can come together to create an unforgettable anthem.
8. “Sandstorm” – Darude (1999)
Released in 1999, “Sandstorm” became one of the most iconic trance anthems of all time. With its energetic melody, driving bass, and fast-paced beats, “Sandstorm” captured the exhilarating energy of the late 90s trance scene. It became a global hit and is still often played in sports arenas, TV shows, and festivals around the world.
Impact: “Sandstorm” helped propel trance into the mainstream, influencing an entire generation of EDM producers. It remains one of the most recognized tracks in the history of EDM, particularly in big room and festival settings.
9. “Heaven Scent” – Bedrock (1999)
Released in 1999, “Heaven Scent” by Bedrock, a collaboration between John Digweed and Nick Muir, is widely regarded as a seminal track in the progressive house and trance genres. With its captivating melodies, sweeping synths, and rolling basslines, “Heaven Scent” became a defining anthem of the late 90s. The track’s emotive, atmospheric breakdowns and uplifting build-ups created an expansive, euphoric soundscape that resonated deeply with fans of both progressive house and trance.
The track features hypnotic, repetitive rhythms that are characteristic of progressive house, but also introduces a sense of melodic tension and release that is often associated with trance. The blend of subtle melodies with intense, atmospheric soundscapes makes “Heaven Scent” a timeless classic in the world of electronic dance music.
Impact:
“Heaven Scent” had a profound impact on the progressive house genre, showcasing how deep, emotive sounds could blend with the more euphoric elements of trance. Its success helped cement John Digweed and Nick Muir as influential figures in the development of progressive house, and it remains a favorite track in DJ sets and festivals today. The track’s legacy can be seen in the continued popularity of progressive house and its influence on modern electronic music.
10. “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)” – Modjo (2000)
With its smooth, disco-inspired groove, “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)” was a breakout hit for French house duo Modjo. Released in 2000, the track became an instant classic due to its catchy vocal hook and funky bassline. “Lady” was part of the wave of French house tracks that defined the early 2000s, blending elements of disco with modern house rhythms.
Impact: “Lady” played a key role in bringing French house to a mainstream audience and helped set the stage for other successful French house artists like Daft Punk and Cassius.
11. “Lola’s Theme” – Shapeshifters (2004)
A UK house classic, “Lola’s Theme” combines soulful vocals, uplifting melodies, and a driving rhythm. The track’s catchy hooks and infectious energy made it a massive hit on the dancefloors, helping to bring soulful house to a global audience.
Impact: “Lola’s Theme” was one of the standout tracks of the UK house movement and became a festival favorite, solidifying Shapeshifters as one of the key players in the genre’s evolution.
12. “Around the World” – Daft Punk (1997)
A defining track in the French house movement, “Around the World” is a testament to Daft Punk’s ability to combine repetitive, robotic vocals with funky basslines and infectious rhythms. The song’s minimalism and hypnotic beat made it a global dance anthem and set the duo on the path to becoming pioneers of modern electronic music.
Impact: This track marked the global rise of French house, with Daft Punk at the helm, and influenced numerous artists in the house and techno genres. Its legacy endures in dance music and continues to inspire producers today.
13. “Greece 2000” – Three Drives (1997)
Released in 1997, “Greece 2000” by Three Drives (a project by DJ Tiësto and Dennis Waakop Reijers) quickly became one of the most iconic tracks in trance and progressive house music. Known for its euphoric melodies, infectious basslines, and uplifting energy, the track became an anthem on dance floors across Europe and beyond. Its captivating breakdowns, rolling bass, and dreamy synths made it a staple in the evolving trance music scene during the late 90s.
The track’s name, “Greece 2000,” was a reflection of its timeless, almost ethereal quality, evoking a sense of freedom and excitement, akin to the sweeping vistas of the Greek islands. It was instantly recognizable, with its iconic riff and atmospheric sound design, which bridged the gap between the more underground progressive house sound and the rising popularity of trance music in mainstream dance culture.
Impact: The track’s success also helped bring progressive house and trance into mainstream clubs and festivals, setting the stage for the massive EDM festival culture that would dominate the 2000s.
Even decades later, “Greece 2000” remains a fan favorite and is still played regularly in DJ sets worldwide, keeping its legacy alive as one of the most influential and memorable tracks in the history of EDM.
14. “The Man with the Red Face” – Laurent Garnier (2000)
A fusion of techno and acid jazz, “The Man with the Red Face” is one of Laurent Garnier’s most iconic tracks. Its complex rhythms and live instrumentation set it apart from typical electronic tracks, showcasing Garnier’s ability to merge multiple genres into a seamless and unique sound.
Impact: This track demonstrated the versatility of techno, blending it with live jazz influences and helping to shape the sound of minimal techno in the 2000s.
15. “Can You Feel It” – Mr. Fingers (1990)
One of the most influential tracks in deep house, “Can You Feel It” is a haunting, melodic anthem that combines soulful vocals and smooth basslines with a relaxed, hypnotic groove. Produced by Larry Heard (Mr. Fingers), it is one of the earliest examples of Chicago deep house.
Impact: “Can You Feel It” set the tone for deep house music and has remained an enduring influence on the genre.
16. “Deep Inside” – Hardrive (1993)
Produced by Louie Vega, “Deep Inside” is a soulful, groovy anthem that helped define the classic house music sound of the early 90s. Its infectious rhythms, warm basslines, and powerful vocals made it a mainstay on dance floors worldwide.
Impact: This track solidified Louie Vega’s reputation as a key figure in the house music scene, blending soulful elements with classic house beats.
17. “Where Love Lives” – Alison Limerick (1991)
A collaboration between Frankie Knuckles and David Morales, “Where Love Lives” combines soulful house elements with lush orchestration, creating a track that remains a staple in the house music canon. The track’s empowering lyrics and smooth, uplifting melody have made it a timeless classic.
Impact: “Where Love Lives” exemplified the ability of soulful house to cross genres, influence mainstream audiences, and remain relevant for decades.
18. “Promised Land” – Joe Smooth (1987)
A Chicago house anthem, “Promised Land” is a song of unity and hope, with its uplifting piano, infectious rhythm, and powerful lyrics. It represents the spiritual side of house music, capturing the genre’s connection to the dance community and its roots in Chicago’s underground scene.
Impact: “Promised Land” helped cement the emotional depth of house music, becoming a song that still resonates with house music fans around the world.
19. “Music Sounds Better with You” – Stardust (1998)
A French house classic, “Music Sounds Better with You” was produced by Thomas Bangalter (Daft Punk), Alan Braxe, and DJ Sneak. It blended disco samples with a modern house beat, making it an iconic example of the disco house trend in the late 90s.
Impact: “Music Sounds Better with You” became a defining moment for French house, helping to bring the genre to the global stage.
20. “Acid Trax” – Phuture (1987)
“Acid Trax” by Phuture is the definitive track of the acid house genre. Featuring the now-famous Roland TB-303 bassline, the track’s squelching, pulsating sound became synonymous with the genre, helping to define the early days of rave culture.
Impact: This track laid the foundation for the acid house and techno movements, and its influence continues to be felt in modern electronic music.
Conclusion
These 20 tracks are more than just hits; they represent pivotal moments in the evolution of EDM. From the birth of disco in the 70s to the rise of house, techno, and Disco house, each track has played a crucial role in shaping the genre’s sound, culture, and global reach. Whether they introduced new production techniques, revolutionized live performances, or bridged genres, these tracks have left an indelible mark on the world of electronic dance music.