The 100 Best Dance Songs of All Time (100-81): Celebrating Musical Diversity on the Dancefloor

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Evolution of Dance Music
4. 100 Clean Bandit - “Rather Be” (2014)
5. 99 The Orb - “Fluffy Little Clouds” (1990)
6. 98 Hercules & Love Affair - “Blind” (2008)
7. 97 Disclosure & Eliza Doolittle - “You & Me – Flume Remix” (2013)
8. 96 Zedd & Foxes - “Clarity” (2012)
9. 95 The Future Sound of London - “Papua New Guinea” (1991)
10. 94 Carl Craig - “The Melody” (2017)
11. 93 David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - “When Love Takes Over” (2009)
12. 92 Junior Senior - “Move Your Feet” (2002)
13. 91 Sister Sledge - “Lost in Music” (1979)
14. 90 Ultra Naté & Mood II Swing - “Free (Mood II Swing Radio Edit)” (1997)
15. 89 Real McCoy - “Another Night” (1994)
16. 88 The Rapture - “House of Jealous Lovers” (2003)
17. 87 Phuture - “Acid Tracks” (1987)
18. 86 Benny Benassi - “Cinema (feat. Gary Go) – Skrillex Remix” (2011)
19. 85 Patrick Cowley & Sylvester - “Do You Wanna Funk?” (1982)
20. 84 Prince - “D.M.S.R.” (1982)
21. 83 Fatboy Slim - “The Rockafeller Skank” (1998)
22. 82 Grace Jones - “Pull Up To The Bumper” (1981)
23. 81 Aphex Twin - “Windowlicker” (1999)
24. FAQ

Key Highlights

• A countdown of the top 100 dance songs has commenced, celebrating the genre's rich history and diversity.
• The first twenty tracks span various styles and emotions, demonstrating how dance music transcends mere entertainment to evoke a wide spectrum of feelings and cultural phenomena.
• This segment showcases artists from multiple decades, highlighting the evolution of dance music from its disco roots to modern EDM.

Introduction

Dance music, often associated with pulsating clubs, excited festival crowds, and euphoric moments on the dancefloor, is so much more than just a party soundtrack. Since its genesis in the late 1960s, the genre has grown into a multifaceted cultural phenomenon, intertwining beats and melodies that can evoke everything from joy to melancholy, celebration to protest.

This week, a countdown begins of the 100 Best Dance Songs of All Time, a diverse list that draws on over five decades of musical innovation and emotional resonance. The countdown highlights how dance music, while a central part of the nightlife experience, also reflects broader social themes, technological advancements, and shifts in musical styles.

Running from March 24th through March 28th, this series will celebrate essential tracks that have defined, challenged, and shaped the dance music landscape. In this first installment, we explore songs 100 through 81, laying the foundation for an engaging journey through rhythm and sound.

The Evolution of Dance Music

Dance music's evolution is inextricably linked to technological advancements, social change, and the musical ingenuity of various artists. Emerging primarily from disco culture, jazz, funk, and later electronic variations, dance music has absorbed elements from countless genres. The late '60s and early '70s marked a significant turning point with the creation of synthesizers and drum machines that altered the creative landscape.

Beginning with disco's vibrant roots and extending into house, techno, trance, and dubstep, dance music has continually reinvented itself, reflecting the zeitgeist of different eras. From the underground parties of Chicago and New York to massive festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival, the path of dance music can be traced through its diverse subgenres and pioneering artists.

With this backdrop, let’s dive into the first batch of songs that exemplify this dynamic genre.

100 Clean Bandit - “Rather Be” (2014)

Combining classical elements with a danceable pop beat, Clean Bandit's "Rather Be," featuring Jess Glynne, marked a turning point in the mainstream acceptance of eclectic musical fusions. Its catchy violin hook and heartfelt vocals made it a global phenomenon, resonating with audiences everywhere from clubs to radio stations.

99 The Orb - “Fluffy Little Clouds” (1990)

This track pioneered the chill-out room experience. Blending ambient sounds with captivating melodies, The Orb's "Little Fluffy Clouds" was pivotal in defining the 'armchair techno' genre. Its dreamy lyrics and ethereal soundscape evoke the tranquil highs of summer, making it a timeless classic.

98 Hercules & Love Affair - “Blind” (2008)

Featuring Anohni's haunting vocals, "Blind" became a dance floor staple after its release. The song's narrative of self-discovery and acceptance, combined with its infectious melody and powerful remix by Frankie Knuckles, showcases the blend of disco and house elements.

97 Disclosure & Eliza Doolittle - “You & Me – Flume Remix” (2013)

Flume's radical remix of Disclosure's “You & Me” transformed the original into a haunting exploration of love, capturing the ethereal essence inherent in both artists' works. Flume’s remix techniques of slowing down vocals and altering BPMs contributed to its memorable impact.

96 Zedd & Foxes - “Clarity” (2012)

"Clarity," featuring a masterful vocal performance by Foxes, epitomized the EDM pop crossover that dominated the early 2010s. Its lush production accompanied by emotion-driven lyrics turned it into a generational anthem, cementing Zedd’s place in dance music history.

95 The Future Sound of London - “Papua New Guinea” (1991)

This pioneering track laid the groundwork for atmospheric rave music, merging experimental sounds with pounding beats. "Papua New Guinea" not only became a club anthem but also signaled the artistic potential of electronic music in the mainstream.

94 Carl Craig - “The Melody” (2017)

Carl Craig brought a fresh perspective to techno in the 21st century, blending classical influences with electronic textures. "The Melody" showcases his ability to transcend genre boundaries, creating a deep listening experience that melds minimalism with lush soundscapes.

93 David Guetta feat. Kelly Rowland - “When Love Takes Over” (2009)

This collaboration pioneered countless subsequent dance-pop hits. With catchy hooks and a rhythmic build that captures the essence of euphoria and liberation, "When Love Takes Over" exemplified how dance music can dominate charts while resonating emotionally.

92 Junior Senior - “Move Your Feet” (2002)

With its infectious beat and sunshine-filled energy, "Move Your Feet" became synonymous with joy and unrestrained fun. Its placement in pop culture, from commercials to games, has kept its spirit alive decades later, ensuring its status as a party favorite.

91 Sister Sledge - “Lost in Music” (1979)

As a celebration of disco, "Lost in Music" conveys a message of self-discovery and the joy of being lost in the rhythm. Sister Sledge’s harmonious vocals, complemented by Nile Rodgers’ expert production, illustrate the celebration inherent in dance music.

90 Ultra Naté & Mood II Swing - “Free (Mood II Swing Radio Edit)” (1997)

A declaration of self-empowerment, "Free" has evolved into a modern anthem for liberation. With its infectious groove and powerful message, it resonated powerfully during its initial release and even more so after the pandemic's impact in 2020.

89 Real McCoy - “Another Night” (1994)

This Eurodance classic presents a catchy structure that effortlessly blends rap with pop melodies. "Another Night" encapsulates the exuberance of the ‘90s dance scene, illustrating how the genre adapted to changing musical landscapes while remaining accessible.

88 The Rapture - “House of Jealous Lovers” (2003)

Brimming with punk energy, this track reshaped perceptions of dance-punk, merging rock ethos with dance floor rhythms. The Rapture showcased how live instrumentation could reclaim a place in the electronic music narrative, connecting various musical circles.

87 Phuture - “Acid Tracks” (1987)

Often credited as the birth of acid house, "Acid Tracks" influenced not just the dance genre but entire movements within electronic music. Its aesthetic experimentation continues to inspire contemporary artists, showcasing how historical context shapes future sounds.

86 Benny Benassi - “Cinema (feat. Gary Go) – Skrillex Remix” (2011)

Skrillex's invigorating remix of "Cinema" propelled the track to EDM fame, effectively marrying melodic pop with aggressive dubstep elements. The resulting bombastic sound became a hallmark of the dubstep genre and elevated Skrillex's career.

85 Patrick Cowley & Sylvester - “Do You Wanna Funk?” (1982)

This Hi-NRG classic defines the exuberant spirit of dance music. With its infectious beat and clever lyrics, the track continues to resonate, combining fun with a profound sense of community.

84 Prince - “D.M.S.R.” (1982)

In “D.M.S.R.,” Prince explores the intersection of dance, music, sex, and romance, crafting an essential dance anthem. His blend of funk, rock, and pop created an undeniable groove that still ignites dance floors today.

83 Fatboy Slim - “The Rockafeller Skank” (1998)

An iconic big beat track, Fatboy Slim’s "The Rockafeller Skank" utilizes catchy samples and vibrant beats to create a party atmosphere. This amalgamation of various musical elements highlights the playfulness intrinsic to dance music.

82 Grace Jones - “Pull Up To The Bumper” (1981)

With its slow yet captivating groove, "Pull Up to the Bumper" merges disco with subtle hints of funk and Caribbean influences. Grace Jones' commanding presence and delivery embody her unique artistic vision, making this track unforgettable.

81 Aphex Twin - “Windowlicker” (1999)

A hallmark of IDM, "Windowlicker" showcases Aphex Twin's ingenuity in blending complex beats with haunting melodies. Its eccentric visual presentation through its music video further solidified its status as an influential piece in electronic music.

FAQ

What criteria were used to select the best dance songs?
The selection process considered the song's impact on the dance music scene, popularity, innovation, and emotional resonance with listeners.

Will more songs be announced in the series?
Yes, the countdown continues with 20 additional tracks unveiled each day until all 100 songs are revealed.

Can I listen to these songs?
Most songs are widely available on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, allowing listeners to explore and enjoy each track.

How long will the countdown last?
The countdown runs from March 24 to March 28, culminating in the full list of the 100 best dance songs of all time.

Will the list highlight only contemporary artists?
No, the list includes a diverse range of artists from different decades, celebrating the vast heritage of dance music across its rich history.

As we continue unveiling the list over the week, the journey through these iconic tracks represents not just music but also cultural milestones that have shaped and reflected society's rhythms. Stay tuned for the next grouping as we celebrate the vibrant world of dance music.