Electronic music has evolved dramatically since its inception, encompassing a wide range of genres and subgenres that have captivated audiences worldwide. From the groundbreaking synth-pop of the 1970s and 1980s to the pulse-pounding beats of modern-day EDM, electronic music has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with technology and sound. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 best electronic music songs of all time, each one representing a significant milestone in the history of the genre and showcasing the incredible diversity and innovation of electronic music.
1. “Autobahn” by Kraftwerk
“Autobahn” is a groundbreaking electronic music composition by German pioneers Kraftwerk, released as the title track of their 1974 album. The song’s mesmerizing, repetitive melody and innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines helped define the sound of electronic music and paved the way for countless artists to follow. Clocking in at over 22 minutes in its original form, “Autobahn” takes listeners on a hypnotic journey, evocative of driving down Germany’s famous highway system. The song’s structure, which includes distinct sections and sound effects, such as car horns and engine noises, adds to its immersive quality. Kraftwerk’s meticulous attention to detail and their groundbreaking use of technology in creating “Autobahn” set a new standard for electronic music production. The song’s influence can be heard in various genres, from techno and house to hip-hop and pop, cementing its status as a seminal work in the history of electronic music. “Autobahn” remains a testament to Kraftwerk’s visionary approach and their enduring impact on the world of music.
2. “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer
“I Feel Love” is a seminal disco and electronic music track by American singer Donna Summer, produced by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte. Released in 1977, the song features a hypnotic, pulsating synthesizer bassline, and Summer’s ethereal, sensual vocals, creating a futuristic and infectious sound that revolutionized dance music. The song’s production, which relied heavily on the Moog modular synthesizer, was groundbreaking for its time, introducing a new level of electronic instrumentation into mainstream pop music. “I Feel Love” showcased Summer’s powerful vocal range and her ability to convey raw, emotional energy through her performance. The song’s lyrics, which express an overwhelming feeling of love and desire, perfectly complement the urgent, driving rhythm of the instrumental. “I Feel Love” has been widely acclaimed as a landmark in electronic music, influencing countless artists across various genres, from techno and house to synth-pop and hip-hop. The song’s enduring popularity and its role in shaping the sound of modern dance music have cemented its status as a true classic in the history of electronic music.
3. “Strings of Life” by Rhythim Is Rhythim (Derrick May)
“Strings of Life” is a seminal Detroit techno track produced by Derrick May under his alias Rhythim Is Rhythim. Released in 1987, the song features a mesmerizing combination of soulful piano chords, soaring string samples, and a driving, hypnotic beat that encapsulates the essence of the Detroit techno sound. May’s expert use of sampling and sequencing, along with his keen sense of melody and rhythm, created a track that is both emotionally powerful and danceable. The song’s structure, which builds gradually to a euphoric crescendo, has become a template for countless techno and house tracks in the decades since its release. “Strings of Life” has been widely acknowledged as one of the most influential and beloved tracks in the history of electronic music, its impact extending far beyond the confines of the Detroit techno scene. The song has been remixed and reinterpreted by numerous artists, and its iconic status has only grown with time. “Strings of Life” remains a testament to Derrick May’s visionary approach to music-making and the enduring power of techno as a genre.
4. “Windowlicker” by Aphex Twin
“Windowlicker” is a groundbreaking electronic music track by British producer Richard D. James, better known as Aphex Twin. Released in 1999, the song showcases James’ trademark unconventional approach to composition and sound design, blending elements of IDM, breakbeat, and acid house into a mind-bending, genre-defying masterpiece. The song’s structure is unpredictable and complex, with sudden shifts in rhythm, tempo, and melody that keep listeners on their toes. James’ intricate layering of samples, synths, and beats creates a dense, immersive soundscape that rewards repeated listens. The song’s memorable vocal samples, which include James’ own heavily processed voice, add an unsettling yet humorous edge to the track. “Windowlicker” is also notable for its controversial and surreal music video, directed by Chris Cunningham, which features James’ face superimposed onto the bodies of female models, further cementing the song’s status as a cult classic. The track has been widely praised for its innovation and influence, inspiring countless producers and helping to push the boundaries of what’s possible in electronic music.
5. “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” by LCD Soundsystem
“Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” is a seminal dance-punk track by American band LCD Soundsystem, released in 2005. The song perfectly encapsulates the group’s signature blend of punk rock attitude, disco rhythms, and electronic instrumentation, creating an infectious and irreverent anthem for the indie dance floor. The song’s lyrics, delivered by frontman James Murphy with a mix of deadpan humor and genuine excitement, tell the story of a house party featuring the legendary French electronic duo Daft Punk as the headlining act. The track’s driving bassline, funky guitar riffs, and explosive live drums create an irresistible groove that builds to a cathartic release in the chorus. Murphy’s clever wordplay and self-referential lyrics, which namedrop various musical icons and scenes, add to the song’s playful and knowing vibe. “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” has become one of LCD Soundsystem’s most beloved and enduring tracks, its popularity extending beyond the confines of the indie rock and electronic music scenes. The song’s fusion of rock and dance elements and its celebratory, tongue-in-cheek spirit have made it a modern classic and a staple of dance parties around the world.
6. “Sandstorm” by Darude
“Sandstorm” is a seminal trance track by Finnish producer Darude, released in 1999. The song’s iconic, high-energy melody, which features a simple but effective combination of synthesizer riffs and pulsating beats, has become one of the most recognizable and enduring hooks in electronic music history. The track’s structure, which builds gradually to a euphoric climax before dropping back into its driving, hypnotic groove, has become a template for countless trance and EDM tracks in the decades since its release. “Sandstorm” was a massive commercial success upon its release, topping charts around the world and helping to popularize trance music on a global scale. The song’s impact extended beyond the dance music scene, with its memorable melody appearing in numerous films, TV shows, and video games. “Sandstorm” has also become a meme in internet culture, with its instantly recognizable intro often used as a punchline or a way to hype up a moment. Despite its somewhat simplistic nature, “Sandstorm” remains a beloved and influential track in the history of electronic music, a testament to the power of a catchy hook and an irresistible beat.
7. “Sun & Moon” by Above & Beyond featuring Richard Bedford
“Sun & Moon” is a progressive trance track by British electronic music group Above & Beyond, featuring vocals by Richard Bedford. Released in 2011, the song showcases the trio’s signature blend of soaring melodies, lush instrumentation, and emotional, introspective vocals, creating a euphoric and uplifting anthem that has become a favorite among trance music fans. The song’s lyrics, delivered by Bedford with a mix of vulnerability and strength, explore themes of love, connection, and the search for meaning in life. The track’s structure, which builds gradually to a series of powerful crescendos, is perfectly suited to the ebb and flow of Bedford’s vocals, with the instrumental elements rising and falling in sync with the emotional arc of the song. “Sun & Moon” has become one of Above & Beyond’s most popular and enduring tracks, its impact extending beyond the trance music scene to touch the hearts of listeners around the world. The song’s message of hope and unity, and its ability to evoke a sense of shared experience and catharsis on the dance floor, have cemented its status as a modern classic in the world of electronic music.
8. “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails
“Closer” is an industrial rock track by American band Nine Inch Nails, released in 1994 as a single from their second studio album, “The Downward Spiral.” The song’s dark, sexually charged lyrics and intense, abrasive instrumentation, which blends elements of rock, electronic, and industrial music, created a groundbreaking and controversial sound that pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in mainstream music. The track’s opening line, “I want to fuck you like an animal,” set the tone for its explicit and confrontational nature, with frontman Trent Reznor’s raw, anguished vocals adding to the song’s sense of desperation and nihilism. The song’s structure, which alternates between quiet, brooding verses and explosive, distorted choruses, mirrors the emotional turmoil and contradictions explored in its lyrics. “Closer” was a massive commercial and critical success upon its release, becoming Nine Inch Nails’ most popular and enduring song and helping to bring industrial music to a wider audience. The track’s influence can be heard in countless rock and electronic acts that followed, and its uncompromising vision and raw emotional power continue to resonate with listeners today.
9. “Faded” by Alan Walker
“Faded” is an electronic dance music (EDM) track by Norwegian producer Alan Walker, released in 2015. The song features a hauntingly beautiful vocal performance by Norwegian singer Iselin Solheim, whose ethereal voice perfectly complements the track’s atmospheric, melodic instrumental. The song’s structure, which builds gradually from a simple piano intro to a soaring, anthemic drop, showcases Walker’s skill at crafting emotionally resonant and danceable music. The track’s lyrics, which explore themes of loss, longing, and the search for connection, add to its sense of melancholy and depth, setting it apart from more superficial EDM offerings. “Faded” was a massive commercial success upon its release, topping charts around the world and garnering over a billion views on YouTube. The song’s popularity helped to establish Walker as a rising star in the EDM scene and introduced his unique blend of melodic, emotive electronic music to a wider audience. “Faded” remains a beloved and influential track in the world of electronic music, a testament to the power of a great melody, a strong vocal performance, and an emotionally resonant theme.
10. “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” by Skrillex
“Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” is a dubstep track by American producer Skrillex, released in 2010. The song’s aggressive, glitchy sound design and hard-hitting drops helped to popularize the dubstep genre and establish Skrillex as one of its most influential and innovative producers. The track’s structure, which alternates between moments of relative calm and explosive, bass-heavy sections, creates a sense of tension and release that is both exhilarating and cathartic. The song’s use of unconventional samples, including a pitched-up vocal sample from Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” adds to its sense of playfulness and experimentation. “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, winning a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording and helping to bring dubstep to a mainstream audience. The song’s influence can be heard in countless electronic and pop acts that followed, with its signature sound and style becoming a defining feature of the EDM boom of the early 2010s. “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” remains a landmark track in the history of electronic music, a testament to the power of innovation, experimentation, and raw, unbridled energy.
11. “Midnight City” by M83
“Midnight City” is an electronic rock track by French band M83, released in 2011 as a single from their sixth studio album, “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming.” The song’s lush, cinematic instrumentation, which blends elements of synth-pop, shoegaze, and alternative rock, creates a dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere that evokes the feeling of driving through a city at night. The track’s signature saxophone riff, which appears in the chorus and outro, adds to its sense of wistfulness and emotional depth, becoming one of the most memorable and iconic hooks in modern electronic music. The song’s lyrics, which explore themes of youth, freedom, and the search for meaning in a fast-paced, neon-lit world, perfectly capture the sense of longing and adventure that the instrumental evokes. “Midnight City” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, becoming M83’s most popular and enduring song and helping to establish them as one of the most innovative and influential acts in the world of electronic and alternative music. The track’s use in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials has only added to its cultural impact and enduring appeal.
12. “Around the World” by Daft Punk
“Around the World” is a house music track by French electronic duo Daft Punk, released in 1997 as a single from their debut studio album, “Homework.” The song’s infectious, groove-driven instrumental, which features a catchy bassline, funky guitar riffs, and a steady, pulsating beat, perfectly encapsulates the duo’s signature blend of disco, funk, and electronic elements. The track’s vocal hook, which consists of the repeated phrase “around the world,” adds to its hypnotic, trance-like quality, creating a sense of global unity and celebration on the dance floor. The song’s structure, which remains relatively unchanged throughout its seven-minute runtime, is a testament to the power of a great groove and a simple, memorable hook. “Around the World” was a commercial success upon its release, becoming one of Daft Punk’s most popular and enduring tracks and helping to establish them as one of the most innovative and influential acts in the history of electronic music. The song’s music video, directed by Michel Gondry, features an iconic and surreal choreography that perfectly captures the track’s sense of fun, creativity, and boundless energy.
13. “Born Slippy .NUXX” by Underworld
“Born Slippy .NUXX” is a progressive house track by British electronic group Underworld, released in 1995. The song gained widespread recognition after being featured in the soundtrack of the film “Trainspotting” in 1996. The track’s pulsating, energetic instrumental, which features a driving beat, layers of synths, and a hypnotic, repeating vocal sample, creates a sense of urgency and intensity that perfectly captures the film’s themes of addiction, rebellion, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The song’s structure, which builds gradually to a euphoric climax before breaking down into a more introspective, ambient section, showcases Underworld’s skill at crafting dynamic, emotionally resonant electronic music. The track’s lyrics, which consist primarily of the repeated phrase “lager, lager, lager, shouting,” add to its sense of hedonism and abandon, becoming an anthem for a generation of ravers and clubgoers. “Born Slippy .NUXX” was a critical and commercial success, helping to bring progressive house and electronic music to a wider audience and cementing Underworld’s status as one of the most influential and innovative acts of the 1990s.
14. “Strobe” by Deadmau5
“Strobe” is a progressive house track by Canadian electronic music producer Deadmau5, released in 2009 as a single from his fourth studio album, “For Lack of a Better Name.” The song’s atmospheric, slowly building instrumental, which features layers of shimmering synths, pulsing basslines, and intricate, glitchy percussion, creates a sense of grandeur and emotional depth that has made it a beloved classic in the world of electronic music. The track’s structure, which evolves gradually over its nearly ten-minute runtime, showcases Deadmau5’s skill at crafting immersive, technically impressive compositions that reward close listening and engagement. The song’s melodies, which are both haunting and uplifting, evoke a sense of introspection and wonder, inviting listeners to lose themselves in the music and let their minds wander. “Strobe” was a critical success upon its release, with many fans and critics hailing it as one of Deadmau5’s best and most ambitious works. The track has since become a staple of electronic music festivals and DJ sets around the world, its enduring popularity a testament to the power of great melody, skillful production, and emotional resonance in the world of dance music.
15. “One More Time” by Daft Punk</h2
"One More Time" is a French house track by electronic music duo Daft Punk, released in 2000 as a single from their second studio album, "Discovery." The song's infectious, disco-inspired instrumental, which features a sample from the 1979 song "More Spell on You" by Eddie Johns, perfectly captures the duo's signature blend of retro and futuristic elements. The track's vocals, performed by Romanthony and heavily processed with Auto-Tune, add to its sense of joyful, robotic euphoria, becoming one of the most memorable and iconic hooks in the history of electronic music. The song's lyrics, which celebrate the joy of music and the power of living in the moment, have resonated with listeners around the world, making it an anthem for generations of dance music fans. "One More Time" was a massive commercial success upon its release, topping charts in numerous countries and helping to bring French house and electronic music to a mainstream audience. The track's influence can be heard in countless electronic and pop acts that followed, with its combination of nostalgic sampling, innovative production, and irresistible hooks becoming a blueprint for the future of dance music. "One More Time" remains a timeless classic, a testament to the enduring power of great music to bring people together and inspire joy and celebration.
These 15 electronic music tracks represent a diverse range of styles, eras, and innovations within the genre, from the groundbreaking synthesizer experiments of Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder to the genre-defying brilliance of Aphex Twin and Daft Punk. Each song has left an indelible mark on the world of electronic music, inspiring countless artists and fans and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with technology and sound.
Whether it's the hypnotic, minimalist grooves of "Autobahn" and "I Feel Love," the emotional depth and technical prowess of "Strobe" and "Sun & Moon," or the infectious, anthemic energy of "One More Time" and "Around the World," these tracks showcase the incredible range and potential of electronic music as an art form. They are testament to the power of music to move us, inspire us, and bring us together, and to the endless possibilities of creativity and innovation in the digital age.
As electronic music continues to evolve and grow, with new genres, technologies, and artists emerging all the time, these 15 tracks serve as a reminder of the rich history and enduring legacy of this fascinating and ever-changing genre. They are a celebration of the power of music to transcend boundaries, to express the inexpressible, and to connect us all in the universal language of sound.
Edward Tomlin 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.
