Electronic music has been a driving force in the music industry for decades, captivating audiences with its innovative sounds, pulsing rhythms, and futuristic vibes. From the early days of synthesizers to the modern era of digital production, electronic music has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible in music. In this article, we will explore the top 15 most popular electronic music songs of all time, delving into the stories behind these groundbreaking tracks and the impact they have had on the genre and the music world as a whole.
1. Sandstorm – Darude
“Sandstorm” by Finnish DJ and producer Darude is an iconic trance track that has become a global phenomenon since its release in 1999. The song features a pulsing, energetic beat, memorable synth riffs, and a euphoric melody that has made it a staple of dance floors and sports events around the world. The song’s structure, with its building tension and explosive drops, has become a template for countless electronic tracks that followed. “Sandstorm” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of charts in numerous countries and earning Darude international recognition. The song’s impact on popular culture has been immense, with its instantly recognizable melody being featured in movies, TV shows, and video games. “Sandstorm” has also been remixed and sampled by numerous artists, cementing its status as a timeless classic of the electronic music genre. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to energize and unite audiences, and its influence can still be heard in the work of countless producers and DJs today. “Sandstorm” remains a legendary track that defined an era and continues to inspire new generations of electronic music fans.
2. Levels – Avicii
“Levels” by Swedish DJ and producer Avicii is a progressive house track that became a global hit and helped to popularize electronic dance music (EDM) in the mainstream. Released in 2011, the song features a catchy vocal sample from Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” layered over a pulsing beat and euphoric synth melodies. Avicii’s masterful production skills are on full display, as he builds and releases tension throughout the track, creating a sense of excitement and energy that is impossible to resist. “Levels” was a massive commercial and critical success, topping charts in numerous countries and earning Avicii a devoted following. The song’s music video, featuring a thrilling race through the streets of San Francisco, perfectly captures the song’s adrenaline-fueled vibe. “Levels” has been remixed and sampled by countless artists, and its influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary EDM producers. The song’s success helped to pave the way for the EDM boom of the 2010s and cemented Avicii’s status as one of the most talented and innovative producers of his generation. Tragically, Avicii passed away in 2018, but his music, including the timeless “Levels,” continues to inspire and bring joy to fans around the world.
3. One More Time – Daft Punk
“One More Time” by French electronic duo Daft Punk is a classic house track that has become an anthem for the ages. Released in 2000, the song features a pulsing, disco-inspired beat, funky guitar riffs, and the iconic, vocoded vocals of Romanthony. The song’s lyrics, with their themes of celebration and living in the moment, perfectly capture the euphoric spirit of the dance floor. Daft Punk’s signature robot personas and futuristic visual style are on full display in the song’s music video, which features the duo performing in a packed nightclub. “One More Time” was a massive commercial and critical success, reaching the top of charts around the world and earning Daft Punk a legion of devoted fans. The song’s influence on electronic music cannot be overstated, as it helped to popularize the use of vocoded vocals and retro-futuristic aesthetics in the genre. “One More Time” has been sampled, remixed, and covered by countless artists, and its timeless groove continues to fill dance floors to this day. The song remains a testament to Daft Punk’s incredible production skills and their ability to create music that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, capturing the essence of what makes electronic music so special.
4. Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites – Skrillex
“Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” by American producer Skrillex is a dubstep track that helped to bring the genre into the mainstream. Released in 2010, the song features aggressive, distorted basslines, glitchy vocal samples, and a frenzied, high-energy beat that showcases Skrillex’s unique production style. The song’s structure, with its building tension and explosive drops, has become a template for countless dubstep tracks that followed. “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” was a massive commercial and critical success, earning Skrillex a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording and cementing his status as one of the most innovative and exciting producers in the electronic music scene. The song’s music video, featuring a wild house party that gets turned upside down by Skrillex’s monster beats, perfectly captures the song’s anarchic, adrenaline-fueled vibe. “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” has been remixed and sampled by numerous artists, and its influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary EDM producers. The song’s success helped to popularize dubstep and bring it to a wider audience, paving the way for the genre’s explosion in the 2010s. “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” remains a classic of the dubstep genre and a testament to Skrillex’s boundary-pushing production skills.
5. Faded – Alan Walker
“Faded” by Norwegian producer Alan Walker is a melancholic and atmospheric electronic track that became a global hit. Released in 2015, the song features haunting vocals by Norwegian singer Iselin Solheim, layered over a pulsing beat and ethereal synth melodies. Walker’s production skills are on full display, as he creates a sense of depth and emotion through his use of reverb and subtle sound design elements. The song’s lyrics, which speak of lost love and the fading of memories, perfectly capture the track’s wistful, introspective vibe. “Faded” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of charts in numerous countries and earning Walker international recognition. The song’s music video, featuring stunning visuals of a post-apocalyptic world, adds to the track’s cinematic and emotional impact. “Faded” has been remixed and covered by countless artists, and its influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary electronic producers. The song’s success helped to establish Walker as one of the most exciting and promising young talents in the electronic music scene, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a deep and emotional level. “Faded” remains a classic of the electronic genre and a showcase of Walker’s incredible production skills.
6. Lean On – Major Lazer & DJ Snake ft. MØ
“Lean On” is a global smash hit that combines electronic, dancehall, and moombahton elements to create an irresistibly catchy and upbeat track. Produced by Major Lazer and DJ Snake, and featuring vocals by Danish singer MØ, the song was released in 2015 and quickly became a sensation, topping charts in numerous countries and breaking streaming records. The song’s success can be attributed to its infectious melody, memorable vocals, and masterful production, which blends a variety of genres and cultural influences into a cohesive and compelling whole. The music video, shot in India and featuring colorful visuals and energetic dance sequences, perfectly captures the song’s joyful and inclusive spirit. “Lean On” has been praised for its positive message and its ability to bring people together through music, with its lyrics encouraging listeners to lean on each other for support and friendship. The track has since been remixed and covered by numerous artists, cementing its status as a modern classic and a testament to the power of electronic music to transcend borders and bring people together. “Lean On” remains a shining example of the creativity, diversity, and global appeal of electronic music in the 21st century.
7. Wake Me Up – Avicii
“Wake Me Up” is a groundbreaking track by Swedish DJ and producer Avicii that blends elements of electronic dance music (EDM) with country and folk influences. Released in 2013, the song features vocals by American soul singer Aloe Blacc and acoustic guitar work by Mike Einziger of Incubus. The result is a unique and emotionally resonant track that defies genre conventions and showcases Avicii’s innovative production style. The song’s lyrics, which speak of the search for meaning and purpose in life, are delivered with soulful conviction by Blacc, while Avicii’s pulsing beat and soaring synth melodies create a sense of urgency and euphoria. “Wake Me Up” was a massive commercial and critical success, topping charts in numerous countries and earning Avicii a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording. The song’s music video, featuring a young woman’s journey of self-discovery, adds to the track’s emotional depth and universal appeal. “Wake Me Up” has been praised for its ability to bring together different musical worlds and create something entirely new and exciting. The song’s success helped to cement Avicii’s status as one of the most innovative and influential producers of his generation, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless quality and emotional resonance.
8. Clarity – Zedd ft. Foxes
“Clarity” is a progressive house track by German producer Zedd, featuring vocals by British singer-songwriter Foxes. Released in 2012, the song became a breakout hit for both artists, showcasing Zedd’s masterful production skills and Foxes’ powerful and emotive vocals. The track features a driving beat, lush synth melodies, and soaring vocal hooks that create a sense of euphoria and emotional release. The song’s lyrics, which speak of the search for clarity and connection in a turbulent world, are delivered with raw honesty and vulnerability by Foxes, perfectly capturing the track’s themes of love, loss, and redemption. “Clarity” was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries and earning Zedd a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. The song’s music video, featuring stunning visuals of Foxes performing in a dreamlike landscape, adds to the track’s emotional impact and artistic vision. “Clarity” has been praised for its ability to combine electronic and pop elements into a seamless and compelling whole, and for its emotionally charged lyrics and vocal performance. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless quality and universal appeal, and it remains a beloved classic of the EDM genre.
9. Midnight City – M83
“Midnight City” is a dream pop and synthwave track by French electronic band M83, released in 2011 as the lead single from their album “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming.” The song features a pulsing, atmospheric beat, shimmering synth melodies, and a memorable saxophone riff that has become iconic in the years since its release. The track’s nostalgic and cinematic quality evokes images of late-night drives and city skylines, creating a sense of wonder and escapism that has resonated with listeners around the world. The song’s vocals, performed by M83 frontman Anthony Gonzalez, are processed and ethereal, adding to the track’s dreamlike and otherworldly atmosphere. “Midnight City” was a critical and commercial success, earning widespread acclaim for its innovative sound and becoming a staple of indie and electronic music playlists. The song’s music video, featuring a group of children with supernatural powers, adds to the track’s mysterious and evocative quality. “Midnight City” has been praised for its ability to transport listeners to another time and place, and for its lush, immersive production that showcases M83’s unique artistic vision. The song remains a beloved classic of the electronic and dream pop genres, and a testament to the enduring power of evocative and emotionally resonant music.
10. Skrillex – Bangarang ft. Sirah
“Bangarang” is a high-energy dubstep track by American producer Skrillex, featuring vocals by rapper Sirah. Released in 2011, the song became a breakout hit for Skrillex, showcasing his signature sound and helping to popularize the dubstep genre in the mainstream. The track features aggressive, distorted basslines, glitchy vocal samples, and a frenetic, adrenaline-fueled beat that has become synonymous with Skrillex’s production style. Sirah’s rap vocals add to the track’s intensity and attitude, with lyrics that speak of rebellion and the power of music to unite and inspire. “Bangarang” was a commercial and critical success, earning Skrillex a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording and cementing his status as one of the most innovative and influential producers in the electronic music scene. The song’s music video, featuring Skrillex and Sirah performing in a post-apocalyptic world, adds to the track’s anarchic and adrenaline-fueled vibe. “Bangarang” has been praised for its ability to push the boundaries of electronic music and bring a new level of energy and intensity to the genre. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Skrillex’s visionary production skills and the power of music to excite and inspire audiences around the world.
11. Titanium – David Guetta ft. Sia
“Titanium” is an uplifting and empowering electronic dance track by French DJ and producer David Guetta, featuring vocals by Australian singer-songwriter Sia. Released in 2011, the song became a global hit, showcasing Guetta’s masterful production skills and Sia’s soaring, emotive vocals. The track features a pulsing, electro-house beat, uplifting synth melodies, and a powerful vocal performance that has become one of Sia’s signature styles. The song’s lyrics, which speak of resilience and inner strength in the face of adversity, have resonated with listeners around the world, making “Titanium” an anthem for personal empowerment and self-belief. The track was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries and earning widespread acclaim for its uplifting message and infectious energy. “Titanium” has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and advertisements, cementing its status as a modern classic and a testament to the power of electronic music to inspire and uplift. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Guetta’s ability to craft emotionally resonant and universally appealing tracks, and to Sia’s incredible vocal talents and songwriting skills. “Titanium” remains a beloved classic of the EDM genre and a shining example of the power of music to bring people together and inspire them to be their best selves.
12. Poison – Martin Garrix
“Poison” is a progressive house track by Dutch DJ and producer Martin Garrix, released in 2015. The song features a driving, energetic beat, soaring synth melodies, and a catchy, infectious drop that has become a staple of Garrix’s signature sound. The track’s instrumental nature allows the production to take center stage, showcasing Garrix’s incredible talent for crafting immersive and emotionally charged electronic music. “Poison” was a commercial and critical success, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries and earning Garrix widespread acclaim for his innovative production skills and ability to create tracks that are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. The song’s music video, featuring stunning visuals of Garrix performing in a futuristic world, adds to the track’s cinematic and otherworldly quality. “Poison” has been praised for its ability to transport listeners to another realm and evoke a sense of excitement and wonder through its lush, immersive soundscapes. The track’s enduring popularity is a testament to Garrix’s status as one of the most talented and influential producers in the electronic music scene, and to the power of instrumental music to convey complex emotions and ideas without the need for words. “Poison” remains a beloved classic of the progressive house genre and a shining example of Garrix’s incredible artistry and vision.
13. Light It Up – Major Lazer ft. Nyla & Fuse ODG
“Light It Up” is a dancehall-influenced electronic track by American production trio Major Lazer, featuring vocals by Jamaican singer Nyla and British-Ghanaian rapper Fuse ODG. Released in 2015, the song became a global hit, showcasing Major Lazer’s signature blend of electronic and Caribbean music styles. The track features a pulsing, reggae-infused beat, catchy vocal hooks, and an infectious, party-ready vibe that has made it a staple of dance floors and summer playlists around the world. Nyla’s soulful vocals and Fuse ODG’s energetic rap verses add to the track’s dynamic and multicultural appeal, celebrating the power of music to bring people together and inspire joy and unity. “Light It Up” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries and earning Major Lazer widespread acclaim for their ability to craft tracks that are both globally accessible and culturally specific. The song’s music video, featuring colorful visuals and dance sequences inspired by Jamaican and African cultures, adds to the track’s vibrant and inclusive spirit. “Light It Up” has been praised for its ability to bring together different musical and cultural traditions into a cohesive and compelling whole, and for its message of positivity, unity, and celebration. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Major Lazer’s visionary production skills and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of electronic music while staying true to their roots and influences. “Light It Up” remains a beloved classic of the electronic and dancehall genres, and a shining example of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together.
14. Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites – Skrillex
“Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” is a groundbreaking dubstep track by American producer Skrillex, released in 2010. The song features aggressive, distorted basslines, glitchy vocal samples, and a frenetic, high-energy beat that has become synonymous with Skrillex’s signature sound. The track’s title and lyrics, which reference the classic children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are,” add to its playful and anarchic spirit, celebrating the power of music to unleash our inner monsters and embrace our wild sides. “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” was a critical and commercial success, earning Skrillex a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording and cementing his status as one of the most innovative and influential producers in the electronic music scene. The song’s music video, featuring a wild house party that gets turned upside down by Skrillex’s monster beats, perfectly captures the track’s adrenaline-fueled and rebellious vibe. “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” has been praised for its ability to push the boundaries of dubstep and bring a new level of intensity and creativity to the genre, inspiring countless producers and fans around the world. The track remains a beloved classic of the dubstep genre and a testament to Skrillex’s visionary production skills and boundary-pushing artistry.
15. Strobe – Deadmau5
“Strobe” is a progressive house masterpiece by Canadian producer Deadmau5, released in 2009. The track is an epic, 10-minute journey through lush, atmospheric soundscapes, intricate melodies, and pulsing, hypnotic rhythms that showcase Deadmau5’s incredible talent for crafting immersive and emotionally charged electronic music. “Strobe” features a slowly building tension that gradually unfolds over the course of the track, with each new layer and melody adding to the sense of anticipation and release. The song’s extended length allows Deadmau5 to fully explore the possibilities of the progressive house genre, creating a track that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. “Strobe” has been praised for its ability to transport listeners to another realm and evoke a sense of wonder and introspection through its lush, cinematic soundscapes. The track has become a beloved classic of the progressive house genre and a testament to Deadmau5’s status as one of the most innovative and influential producers in electronic music. “Strobe” has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and video games, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone and a shining example of the power of electronic music to evoke complex emotions and ideas through sound. The track remains a timeless masterpiece and a testament to Deadmau5’s incredible artistry and vision.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
