The world of electronic dance music continues to evolve at breakneck speed, with top electronic music tracks shaping global culture and dominating streaming platforms worldwide. From underground warehouse raves to mainstage festival anthems, EDM has become the soundtrack to modern life, influencing everything from pop radio to film scores. This comprehensive guide explores the 30 most influential and essential electronic music tracks that define the genre today, featuring both timeless classics and cutting-edge releases from emerging producers who are pushing boundaries and redefining what dance music can be.
Animals – Martin Garrix
Martin Garrix’s “Animals” remains one of the most iconic big room house tracks ever produced, having accumulated over 1.5 billion streams across platforms since its 2013 release. The track’s minimalist approach, featuring a haunting melody line and explosive drop, revolutionized the festival main stage sound and launched Garrix to superstardom at just 17 years old. Produced entirely in his bedroom studio, “Animals” peaked at number one in multiple countries and became the youngest person ever to have a solo track reach number one on Beatport, demonstrating that age is no barrier to creating groundbreaking electronic music that resonates globally.
Clarity – Zedd feat. Foxes
Zedd’s “Clarity” featuring Foxes represents the perfect marriage of emotional songwriting and pristine electronic production, earning the German producer a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2014. The track’s soaring vocals, provided by British singer Louisa Rose Allen (Foxes), combined with Zedd’s signature electro-house production style, created a crossover hit that dominated both dance floors and radio waves, spending 52 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. With over 400 million Spotify streams, “Clarity” showcased Zedd’s classical music training through its complex chord progressions and orchestral elements, setting a new standard for melodic dubstep and progressive house production that influenced countless producers in its wake.
Strobe – deadmau5
deadmau5’s “Strobe” stands as a masterpiece of progressive house, with its 10-minute journey representing everything that makes electronic music special – patience, atmosphere, and emotional depth. Released on his 2009 album “For Lack of a Better Name,” the track builds slowly over several minutes before exploding into one of the most beautiful and recognizable melodies in EDM history. The production, recorded at deadmau5’s home studio in Toronto, showcases Joel Zimmerman’s attention to detail with its pristine sound design and perfectly crafted progression that has made it a closing track favorite for DJs worldwide, accumulating over 100 million plays and inspiring countless remixes and reinterpretations.
Levels – Avicii
Avicii’s “Levels” transformed the landscape of electronic dance music when it dropped in 2011, with its infectious Etta James vocal sample and euphoric progressive house production becoming the anthem of a generation. Tim Bergling’s production genius shines through in every element, from the perfectly pitched vocal chops to the uplifting melody that became instantly recognizable worldwide, reaching the top 10 in over 15 countries. The track’s influence extends far beyond its commercial success, having inspired a new wave of progressive house producers and cementing Avicii’s legacy as one of electronic music’s most important figures, with the song continuing to unite crowds at festivals and clubs years after his tragic passing.
One More Time – Daft Punk
Daft Punk’s “One More Time” revolutionized electronic music in 2000 with its innovative use of auto-tune and sampling, creating a French house masterpiece that remains timeless over two decades later. The track, which samples Eddie Johns’ “More Spell on You,” showcases Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo’s ability to transform simple elements into pure dancefloor magic through their signature vocoder processing and funky production. With over 500 million streams and countless plays in clubs worldwide, “One More Time” not only defined the French Touch movement but also demonstrated how electronic music could achieve both critical acclaim and massive commercial success while maintaining artistic integrity.
Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites – Skrillex
Skrillex’s “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” brought dubstep crashing into mainstream consciousness in 2010, with its aggressive bass drops and glitchy production defining the American dubstep sound. Sonny Moore’s transformation from post-hardcore vocalist to electronic music pioneer is perfectly encapsulated in this Grammy-winning track, which features chopped-up vocals and the heaviest bass drops heard in electronic music at the time. The track’s influence on modern EDM cannot be overstated, having spawned countless imitators and establishing the “drop” as the focal point of electronic dance music, while accumulating over 300 million plays and introducing an entire generation to the possibilities of bass music.
Language – Porter Robinson
Porter Robinson’s “Language” marked a turning point in the producer’s career and in electronic music as a whole, moving away from aggressive electro house toward a more emotional and melodic sound in 2012. The track’s ethereal vocals, provided by Heather Bright, float over Robinson’s intricate production that combines elements of progressive house, trance, and future bass before the genre even had a name. With its cinematic breakdown and euphoric build-up, “Language” has become a festival favorite that never fails to create magical moments, inspiring the “worlds” live show concept and influencing a generation of producers to prioritize emotion and musicality over pure energy. For those looking to experience these tracks in their full glory, check out our guide to compare headphones to find the perfect pair for your EDM listening experience.
Titanium – David Guetta feat. Sia
David Guetta’s collaboration with Sia on “Titanium” created one of the most powerful vocal EDM tracks of all time, with production assistance from Afrojack adding extra punch to the progressive house anthem. Released in 2011, the track showcases Sia’s incredible vocal range and emotional delivery, while Guetta’s production strikes the perfect balance between radio-friendly polish and dancefloor energy, reaching number one in over 10 countries. The song’s message of strength and resilience, combined with its massive drops and soaring melody, has made it a staple at festivals and clubs worldwide, accumulating over 1.5 billion YouTube views and demonstrating the power of combining world-class songwriting with cutting-edge electronic production.
Don’t You Worry Child – Swedish House Mafia
Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child” served as the supergroup’s emotional farewell single in 2012, becoming their biggest commercial success and a defining moment in EDM history. The collaboration between Axwell, Steve Angello, and Sebastian Ingrosso, featuring vocals by John Martin, created a progressive house anthem that captures both nostalgia and hope through its touching lyrics and massive production. The track reached number one in multiple countries and became the group’s first top 10 hit in the United States, with its live performances during their farewell tour creating some of the most memorable moments in electronic music history, including their final show at Ultra Music Festival 2013.
Fade Into Darkness – Avicii
Avicii’s “Fade Into Darkness” showcases the late producer’s ability to blend meaningful lyrics with uplifting progressive house production, featuring vocals by Andreas Moe that perfectly complement the emotional instrumental. Released in 2011, the track demonstrated Tim Bergling’s evolution as a producer, incorporating live instruments and complex arrangements that set him apart from his contemporaries in the EDM world. The song’s journey from melancholic verses to euphoric drops mirrors the emotional rollercoaster of life itself, making it a favorite among fans and DJs alike, with its influence visible in the melodic house movement that continues to dominate festivals and streaming platforms today.
Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff – deadmau5 feat. Rob Swire
deadmau5’s collaboration with Pendulum’s Rob Swire on “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff” created an electro house masterpiece that perfectly balances dark atmospheres with infectious grooves. Released in 2008 and later featured on “For Lack of a Better Name,” the track’s distinctive vocal hook and driving bassline became instantly recognizable, helping to define the sound of late 2000s electronic music. The production showcases both artists at their creative peak, with deadmau5’s signature progressive builds and Swire’s punk-influenced vocals creating a unique energy that has kept the track relevant for over a decade, accumulating hundreds of millions of plays and inspiring countless remixes.
Calling (Lose My Mind) – Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso
Sebastian Ingrosso and Alesso’s “Calling (Lose My Mind)” featuring Ryan Tedder became an instant progressive house classic upon its 2012 release, combining Swedish production excellence with American pop sensibility. The track’s anthemic vocals, provided by OneRepublic’s frontman, soar over a perfectly crafted instrumental that builds tension and releases it in explosive fashion, creating countless hands-in-the-air moments at festivals worldwide. The collaboration marked a high point in the Swedish House Mafia member’s solo career while establishing Alesso as a major force in electronic music, with the track’s success helping to define the sound of mainstream EDM during its commercial peak.
Get Lucky – Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams
Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers proved that electronic music could dominate global charts while maintaining artistic credibility, becoming the robots’ biggest commercial success in 2013. The track’s fusion of disco, funk, and electronic elements, recorded with live instruments at Electric Lady Studios, created a timeless sound that appealed to multiple generations of music fans. With over 1 billion streams and numerous awards including Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards, “Get Lucky” demonstrated the French duo’s ability to evolve and innovate while staying true to their roots, influencing a revival of disco-influenced electronic music that continues today.
I Remember – deadmau5 & Kaskade
The collaboration between deadmau5 and Kaskade on “I Remember” created one of the most beautiful and emotionally resonant progressive house tracks ever produced, featuring haunting vocals by Haley Gibby. Released in 2008, the nine-minute journey showcases both producers’ ability to create atmosphere and build emotion through subtle production choices and patient arrangement. The track’s influence on the progressive house genre cannot be overstated, with its melodic approach and emotional depth inspiring countless producers to move beyond simple club bangers toward more meaningful musical expression, while its enduring popularity at festivals demonstrates the timeless appeal of well-crafted electronic music.
Wake Me Up – Avicii
Avicii’s “Wake Me Up” revolutionized electronic music in 2013 by boldly incorporating country and folk elements into an EDM framework, featuring vocals by Aloe Blacc and guitar by Mike Einziger of Incubus. The track’s unexpected fusion of genres initially divided critics but quickly won over audiences worldwide, topping charts in over 20 countries and becoming one of the most-streamed songs of the decade. Tim Bergling’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries resulted in a crossover hit that expanded EDM’s audience while maintaining dancefloor appeal, with the track’s success paving the way for more genre-blending experiments in electronic music and cementing Avicii’s legacy as an innovative producer.
Reload – Sebastian Ingrosso & Tommy Trash
Sebastian Ingrosso and Tommy Trash’s “Reload” featuring John Martin became a festival anthem in 2012 with its massive progressive house production and unforgettable vocal hook. The track’s perfectly crafted build-ups and explosive drops showcase both producers’ understanding of what moves crowds, while John Martin’s powerful vocals add an emotional dimension that elevates it beyond typical club fare. The collaboration between the Swedish House Mafia member and Australian producer resulted in a track that dominated festival main stages and radio airwaves alike, demonstrating the global reach of electronic music and the power of international collaboration in creating timeless dance music.
Midnight City – M83
M83’s “Midnight City” brought electronic music to indie audiences in 2011 with its dreamy synth-pop production and iconic saxophone solo that became one of the decade’s most recognizable musical moments. Anthony Gonzalez’s production combines nostalgic ’80s influences with modern electronic techniques, creating a sound that appeals to both dance music fans and alternative rock audiences. The track’s cinematic quality and emotional depth have made it a favorite for film and television soundtracks while maintaining its status as a late-night dancefloor favorite, proving that electronic music can transcend genre boundaries and create truly universal moments. If you’re interested in exploring music creation yourself, take our fun kids instrument quiz to discover which instrument might spark your musical journey.
Lose Yourself to Dance – Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams
Daft Punk’s second collaboration with Pharrell Williams on “Random Access Memories,” “Lose Yourself to Dance,” created another disco-funk masterpiece that showcased the robots’ ability to make timeless dance music. The track’s live instrumentation, featuring Nile Rodgers on guitar, combined with Daft Punk’s signature vocoder effects and Pharrell’s smooth vocals, created a perfect summer anthem that dominated dancefloors in 2013. The production’s attention to detail, recorded using vintage equipment and techniques, demonstrates the French duo’s commitment to quality and their understanding that great dance music transcends technology, resulting in a track that feels both classic and contemporary.
Roses – The Chainsmokers feat. ROZES
The Chainsmokers’ “Roses” featuring ROZES marked the duo’s transition from novelty act to serious electronic music producers in 2015, with its future bass-influenced production setting trends for years to come. The track’s emotional vocals by Elizabeth Mencel combined with Drew Taggart and Alex Pall’s melodic production created a perfect balance of radio appeal and electronic innovation. With over 1 billion streams across platforms, “Roses” helped define the sound of mid-2010s EDM and influenced countless producers to explore the intersection of pop songwriting and electronic production, while its success demonstrated the power of social media and streaming platforms in launching electronic music careers.
In My Mind – Dynoro & Gigi D’Agostino
Dynoro and Gigi D’Agostino’s “In My Mind” became a global phenomenon in 2018, with its hypnotic vocal loop and driving bassline creating an instant dancefloor classic. The track’s revival of the classic Eurodance sound for modern audiences showcased how timeless electronic music elements can be reimagined for new generations. The collaboration between the Lithuanian producer and Italian dance music legend resulted in a track that dominated charts and clubs worldwide, accumulating over 1 billion streams and proving that simple, effective production can still create massive hits in an increasingly complex electronic music landscape.
Losing It – FISHER
FISHER’s “Losing It” exploded onto the tech house scene in 2018, with its infectious vocal sample and groovy bassline becoming ubiquitous at festivals and clubs worldwide. The Australian producer’s minimalist approach, focusing on a simple but incredibly effective hook, created a track that appeals to both underground and mainstream audiences. The song’s success, including a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording, helped bring tech house to mainstream attention and inspired a wave of groove-focused productions that prioritize vibe over complexity, with its distinctive “losing it” vocal becoming one of the most recognizable sounds in modern dance music.
Your Love (9PM) – ATB
ATB’s “Your Love (9PM)” revolutionized trance music in 1998 with its distinctive guitar riff and emotional production that helped define the sound of late ’90s dance music. Andre Tanneberger’s ability to blend organic instruments with electronic production created a crossover hit that appealed to both club audiences and radio listeners. The track’s enduring popularity, with recent remixes introducing it to new generations, demonstrates the timeless appeal of well-crafted melodic dance music and its influence can be heard in modern progressive house and melodic techno productions that continue to blur the lines between electronic and organic sounds.
Opus – Eric Prydz
Eric Prydz’s “Opus” stands as a monument to progressive house, with its 9-minute runtime allowing for a gradual build that creates one of the most powerful drops in electronic music history. Released in 2015, the track showcases the Swedish producer’s patience and restraint, taking nearly four minutes before the first kick drum appears, building anticipation to almost unbearable levels. The production’s attention to detail and sonic perfection has made it a favorite closing track for DJs worldwide, with its live performances featuring stunning visual productions that enhance the track’s emotional impact and demonstrate how electronic music can create transcendent experiences.
Satisfaction – Benny Benassi
Benny Benassi’s “Satisfaction” brought electro house to mainstream attention in 2002 with its distinctive bass synth and robotic vocals that became instantly recognizable worldwide. The Italian producer’s minimalist approach, featuring a simple but devastatingly effective bassline, created a template for electro house that influenced the genre for years to come. The track’s controversial music video and massive commercial success helped establish electronic music as a cultural force beyond the dancefloor, while its enduring popularity at festivals and clubs demonstrates the power of innovative sound design in creating timeless dance music.
Feel The Beat – Darude
While Darude is best known for “Sandstorm,” “Feel The Beat” showcases the Finnish producer’s ability to create emotionally resonant trance that goes beyond simple energy. Released in 2000, the track’s uplifting melody and driving production captured the optimistic spirit of millennium-era trance music. The song’s influence on the trance genre and its continued presence in DJ sets worldwide demonstrates the enduring appeal of well-crafted melodic dance music that prioritizes emotion alongside energy, inspiring countless producers to explore the more musical side of electronic production.
Turn Down for What – DJ Snake & Lil Jon
DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s “Turn Down for What” brought trap music crashing into mainstream consciousness in 2013 with its aggressive production and memorable vocal hook. The track’s minimalist approach, featuring massive bass drops and Lil Jon’s signature ad-libs, created a cultural phenomenon that transcended electronic music. With over 1 billion YouTube views and countless plays at festivals and clubs, the collaboration between the French producer and American rapper demonstrated trap music’s commercial potential while maintaining underground credibility, influencing the sound of hip-hop and electronic music for years to come. For audiophiles wanting to experience these bass-heavy tracks properly, be sure to compare earbuds to find the perfect pair for your listening preferences.
SOS – Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc
“SOS” featuring Aloe Blacc became Avicii’s posthumous hit in 2019, showcasing Tim Bergling’s continued evolution as a producer even in his final works. The track’s combination of country-influenced production, soulful vocals, and electronic elements creates a unique sound that honors Avicii’s legacy while pushing boundaries. The emotional weight of the song, released after the producer’s tragic passing, combined with its uplifting message and masterful production, has made it a powerful reminder of Avicii’s genius and influence on electronic music, with proceeds supporting mental health initiatives in the music industry.
World Hold On – Bob Sinclar
Bob Sinclar’s “World Hold On” brought French house to global audiences in 2006 with its uplifting vocals and infectious groove that defined the sound of mid-2000s dance music. The track’s positive message, delivered by Steve Edwards, combined with Christophe Le Friant’s masterful production, created a crossover hit that dominated both underground clubs and commercial radio. The song’s influence on the house music genre and its continued popularity at festivals demonstrates the enduring appeal of feel-good dance music that combines sophisticated production with universal themes, inspiring a generation of producers to explore the more soulful side of electronic music.
Piece of Your Heart – MEDUZA feat. Goodboys
MEDUZA’s “Piece of Your Heart” featuring Goodboys exploded onto the scene in 2019, bringing piano house back to mainstream attention with its emotional vocals and driving production. The Italian trio’s perfectly crafted arrangement, combined with the British duo’s powerful vocal delivery, created an instant classic that dominated streaming platforms and dancefloors worldwide. The track’s success, accumulating over 1 billion streams, demonstrated the continued appetite for melodic house music that balances emotional depth with dancefloor energy, influencing a new wave of piano-driven productions and establishing MEDUZA as major players in modern house music.
Forever – ILLENIUM
ILLENIUM’s “Forever” showcases the Colorado producer’s signature melodic bass sound that has made him one of electronic music’s most successful acts. The track’s emotional production, combining future bass elements with rock influences, creates a unique sound that appeals to both EDM fans and alternative music audiences. Nicholas Miller’s ability to create cinematic soundscapes while maintaining dancefloor appeal has influenced a new generation of producers exploring the intersection of electronic music and live instrumentation, with his success demonstrating the commercial viability of emotionally-driven bass music that prioritizes songwriting alongside production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a great electronic music track?
A great electronic music track combines several essential elements that work together to create an unforgettable listening experience. The production quality must be pristine, with clean mixdowns, powerful bass frequencies, and crisp high-end that translates well across different sound systems. Beyond technical excellence, great EDM tracks feature memorable melodies or hooks that stick with listeners long after the music stops, whether it’s a vocal line, synth melody, or distinctive sound design element. The arrangement and structure play crucial roles, building tension and releasing it at perfect moments to create emotional journeys that connect with audiences on a deeper level than just making them dance.
How has electronic music evolved over the past decade?
Electronic music has undergone dramatic transformation over the past ten years, moving from the mainstream EDM explosion of the early 2010s toward more diverse and sophisticated sounds. The genre has seen a shift from formulaic big room house toward more nuanced styles like melodic techno, future bass, and lo-fi house, with producers increasingly incorporating live instruments and complex songwriting into their productions. Streaming platforms have democratized both production and distribution, allowing bedroom producers to reach global audiences without traditional label support, while technological advances in production software have made professional-quality music creation accessible to more people than ever before.
What equipment do famous EDM producers use?
Professional EDM producers utilize a wide range of equipment, from high-end hardware synthesizers like the Moog One and Sequential Prophet series to software-based digital audio workstations like Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Logic Pro. Many top producers combine vintage analog gear for warmth and character with modern digital tools for precision and flexibility, using hardware compressors and EQs from companies like Universal Audio and SSL alongside software plugins from Native Instruments and Xfer Records. Studio monitors from brands like Genelec, Adam Audio, and Focal are essential for accurate mixing, while MIDI controllers from Akai, Native Instruments, and Novation provide tactile control over software instruments and effects.
Which electronic music festivals showcase these tracks best?
The world’s premier electronic music festivals provide the ultimate stages for experiencing these iconic tracks, with events like Tomorrowland in Belgium, Ultra Music Festival in Miami, and Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas leading the charge. European festivals like Creamfields in the UK and Mysteryland in the Netherlands offer diverse lineups spanning all electronic genres, while more underground-focused events like Movement in Detroit and Time Warp in Germany cater to techno and house purists. Each festival creates unique production experiences with massive sound systems, synchronized lighting, and pyrotechnics that transform these tracks into larger-than-life experiences that can’t be replicated in smaller venues.
How do DJs select and mix these tracks in their sets?
Professional DJs carefully curate their track selections based on multiple factors including crowd energy, time of performance, and venue atmosphere, using their experience to read the room and adjust their sets accordingly. The art of mixing involves beatmatching tracks using tempo and key analysis, creating smooth transitions through EQ adjustments and effects processing, and building narrative arcs that take listeners on emotional journeys. Modern DJs use software like rekordbox and Serato alongside hardware like Pioneer CDJs and Allen & Heath mixers to blend tracks seamlessly, often preparing special edits and mashups that combine elements from multiple songs to create unique moments that can’t be experienced anywhere else.
What makes certain EDM tracks timeless versus trendy?
Timeless electronic music tracks share certain qualities that allow them to transcend temporary trends and remain relevant across generations of listeners and dancers. These tracks typically feature strong melodic content and emotional resonance that connects with human experiences beyond just the dancefloor, combined with production techniques that avoid overly specific sonic signatures tied to particular eras. The most enduring EDM tracks often innovate within established frameworks rather than chasing fleeting trends, creating sounds that feel both familiar and fresh years or even decades after their initial release, while maintaining the energy and excitement that makes people want to dance regardless of changing musical fashions.
How has streaming affected electronic music discovery?
Streaming platforms have revolutionized how people discover electronic music, with algorithmic recommendations and curated playlists exposing listeners to tracks they might never have encountered through traditional channels. Services like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud have created ecosystems where emerging producers can build audiences organically, while features like Spotify’s Release Radar and Discover Weekly help established artists maintain connections with fans between album cycles. The data-driven nature of streaming has also influenced production trends, with producers able to see exactly which elements of their tracks resonate with listeners, though this has raised concerns about formulaic production designed to game algorithm recommendations rather than push creative boundaries.