10 New (And Not-So-New) Dance Jams You Need To Hear Right Now

As you might have heard, dance music is quite big over in the UK.  So, I was more than able to continue scouting for the best new music, and I was even able to visit a couple of London's most famous clubs, like Fabric (dubstep/drum+bass mayhem) and Ministry of Sound (where I got to see Kaskade spinning some epic bangers).  I also had the pleasure of visiting Barcelona, where I went to three beachfront nightclubs and heard all sorts of Eurojams.  These are not necessarily those songs.  However, this is the best collection of dance music I could cobble together, so enjoy!

Gotye- “Somebody That I Used To Know (Tiesto Remix)”: 

A song so spare, yet so popular, as "Somebody That I Used To Know" was obviously going to be a major target for a souped-up remix, and Tiesto has delivered the most massive one so far.

                                    

Nadia Ali, Starkillers, Alex Kenji & Alesso vs Coldplay- “Fix You Pressure”: 

SHM played this in their set at Madison Square Garden back in the fall, but it took a lot longer for me to remember it and find it online.  What a fantastic concept for a mashup- although it's really just "Pressure," then "Fix You," then "Pressure" again.  Either way, major jam.

John de Sohn- “Long Time (feat. Andreas Moe)”: 

This is just a basic pop-dance track, but it's insanely catchy and it feels big, so it gets inclusion on my "best-of" list.

 

Martin Solveig- “The Night Out (Madeon Remix)”:

This is just a straight-up party starter.  No two ways about it.  Madeon is awesome, and everyone should check out some of his other stuff as well.

Lana Del Rey- “Born To Die (Gemini Remix)”: 

One of the times I went to Fabric, Gemini happened to be playing (completely by chance) which got me really psyched because I had actually heard his song "Blue" before and really liked it.  He closed his set with that, but right before it, he laid down this cover of Lana Del Rey's haunting track, and it immediately became one of my new favorites.

Nero- “Must Be The Feeling (Flux Pavilion and Nero Remix)”: 

This is literally the wildest dubstep jam I've heard this year.  No, it's not "filthy" in terms of just being unfiltered noise.  It actually has structure and melody, so it's probably not "hardcore" enough for some, but it's perfect for me.  It gets me amped every time, even as I'm listening to it RIGHT NOW!  A must-have.  Turn up the bass and go crazy.

M-3ox- “Beating Of My Heart (feat. Heidrun) (Matisse & Sadko Remix)”: 

This is one of those only-in-EDM mega-collaborations where you've never heard of anyone involved and it's impossible to keep everyone straight, but ultimately it doesn't matter because the one song they've produced together is too good to ignore.  I think I've finally figured out what type of house music I like, too- songs with a powerful melody and a huge sound.  Notice the common trend in these last four tracks...

Antillas- “Damaged (feat. Fiora)”: 

This song has an insanely long intro...you could make a case that the "beat doesn't drop" until almost 2/3 of the way through.  But that would be impatient, because the journey to get there is a great one.  Sure, it's a long song, but every part of it is worth listening to.

Keane- “Silenced By The Night (Alesso Remix)”:  

This is the current #1 song on Beatport, and for good reason.  Almost no song sounds more huge, and is more of a guarantee to get people moving at a huge festival than this one.  Except for, maybe, "Levels" and... 

Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl (ft. Georgi Kay)- “In My Mind (Axwell Mix)”: 

Biggest house hit of the year so far, hands down.  Massive, massive track.  Kaskade played it at Ministry and it was amazing.  I heard it a couple times watching the YouTube feed of Ultra, and I'm sure it'll be pretty ubiquitous at any festival this summer.  Get used to it, people.

20 Dance Jams You Need To Hear Right Now

 
All right, since last month the Dance Jams feature got pushed aside due to other obligations, this month I owe it to everyone to not just double up on the last two months, but go above and beyond, and give you way too much music to even listen to in one sitting.  Every song on here is pure gold, so you're gonna have to make time for all of them at some point.  Seriously, the Dance Jams may be the best part of the blog at this point, so let me make clear that you NEED TO HEAR THESE SONGS!  Some of them are older than others, but I'm guessing there are at least a few you haven't heard before.  No writeups for these, though, because that would just take forever.

Props go to Energy 98, Beatport,  and the YouTube livestream of the Swedish House Mafia show, among others.

Avicii & Nicky Romero- "Fuck School":

Within Temptation- "Sinead (Clashback Remix)":

Serge Devant feat. Coyle Girelli- "On Your Own":

The Potbelleez- "From The Music":

Flux Pavilion- "I Can't Stop":

Chuckie ft. Gregor Salto- "What Happens In Vegas":

Adrian Lux- "Teenage Crime (Axwell Remix)":

Swedish House Mafia- "Leave The World Behind":

Coldplay- "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall (Swedish House Mafia Remix)":

Dubba Jonny- "UKF Dubstep Tutorial":

Axwell- "Watch The Sunrise (Dirty South Remix)":
No video on youTube for some reason-  Click This Link!

Freestylers feat. Belle Humble- "Cracks (Flux Pavilion Remix)":

Tim Mason- "Anima":

Basto- "Again And Again":

Calvin Harris- "Feel So Close":

Tom Hangs feat. Shermanology- "Blessed (Avicii Remix)":

Digitalism- "Circles (Eric Prydz Remix)":

Katy Perry- "Teenage Dream (Kaskade Remix)":

Ellie Goulding- "Starry Eyed (Jakwob Remix)":

Ellie Goulding- "The Writer (TC4 Remix)":

Top 10 Dance Jams Of 2011

Well.  2011 was a HUGE year for dance music all over the world.  Interestingly, this happened to coincide with me, for the first time, taking a major step toward an out-of-the-mainstream genre, that genre being, of course, dance music.  No sooner had I finally established my "niche" than that niche suddenly became the hottest thing going.  DJ's selling out arenas, even stadiums, all over the place, every hit song needing a dance beat to sell, massive dance tours and festivals seemingly drawing pretty much everyone between the ages of 18-24.  It feels like a revolution.

Of course, maybe that's just me.  But watching the YouTube live feed of the Swedish House Mafia show at Madison Sqaure Garden a couple weeks ago, I couldn't help but feel like it was an event, like the movement was reaching a tipping point.  I'm going out on a limb here and saying dance music is going to explode in America in 2012 like it never has before- yes, even rivaling the disco era.  And if it does, I will be at the front of the line.  Having said that, let's take a look at some of the best tracks from 2011 that made it such a year to remember.  It was hard to pare it down to just ten, but here they are (play these songs LOUD):


10. Nadia Ali- "Rapture (Avicii New Generation Radio Edit)":

The original version of this song came out ten years ago, but apparently it was such a memorable jam that, upon its ten-year anniversary, a bunch of special remixes were commissioned.  Naturally, 2011's hottest DJ, Avicii, did the best job with it, and his is the version you see here.  More from him later...

9. Kaskade- "Turn It Down (Le Castle Vania Remix)":

Another of 2011's biggest acts was Kaskade, who literally caused a riot in LA when he Tweeted about an impromptu street concert, and released a new album with some serious bangers.  The original version of this song is good, but this remix is so much better, it's the version I had to put. 

8. Avicii- "Silhouettes":

Here's some more Avicii for your ears.  It's quite possible no DJ had a more meteoric rise to stardom this year than he did, at least here in the States.  Some people might not like the vocals, but I think they add a nice element to the song.  And regardless of that, the beat is incredible, so just sit back and enjoy.

7. Nadia Ali, Starkillers, & Alex Kenji "Pressure (Alesso Radio Edit)":

And here's more of dance's vocal queen Nadia Ali.  Dunno who Starkillers or Alex Kenji are, but Alesso is the other big name here.  He's involved with the Mafia (the Swedish House Mafia, obviously) and he's quite good.  This is his best work, though, from what I can tell anyway.  The pauses in the chorus get me every time.

6. Alexandra Stan- "Mr. Saxobeat":

Yeah, this was all over the pop charts too.  Possibly the biggest hit to cross over from dance to pop this year.  But hey, it started in Romania (where all good music comes from these days, apparently), so it's legit.  It's not some American mass-produced BS; no, these are some real Euro saxobeats.  And i love dude who just keeps going "Oh, oh, oh, M'yeah, m'yeah" over and over.  This is an automatic Jam.

5. Avicii- "Levels":

This song was first recommended to me back in May, and I remember going "Man, who is Avicii? Probably some hipster douchebag."  But then the song started picking up, and I was shocked.  It was a real-life Jam, no exaggeration.  Now it's become the Bro Anthem of Fall 2011, and a mainstay at clubs, bars, raves, and every nightspot in the world.  And with good reason, too.  Let's not forget the timeline of the vocal sample, either: it went Etta James->Pretty Lights->Avicii (best version)->Flo Rida.  While this may not be my absolute favorite dance song of 2011, it will probably wind up being the one I think of first when I think of this year.

4. Ellie Goulding- "Lights (Bassnectar Remix)":

Dubstep obviously played a huge role in the rise of dance music this year, but you won't find any of it on this list, except for this remix of a British singer whose regular music sounds more like Adele but for some reason has been a frequent target of dubstep remixes.  Actually, it's not hard to see why.  Hear how good this sounds?  Figures that her other music would work nicely for dubstep remixes.  Anyway, you'll probably see more dubstep on next year's dance list, but for 2011, this is all I can give you.

3. M83- "Midnight City":

Everyone loved this song this year, but I heard it all by myself, without anyone else telling me about it (and quite possibly before a lot of other people had heard it yet either...look at me, such a hipster).  I came back to my room after a night out back in September, and as I was trolling through iTunes, I stumbled across this song, and I couldn't believe my ears it was so good.  When I woke up in the morning, I checked to see if it was as good as I remembered, and it was...or, 95% anyway. Fast forward 3.5 months, and here it is as the #3 dance Jam of 2011.

2. Kaskade feat. Mindy Gledhill- "Eyes":

The first few times I heard this song, I thought it was boring, a bit slow even.  Apparently, I hadn't listened to it all the way through, on good speakers.  Once I did, I couldn't help myself.  I listened to it over and over and over again, each time finding it more beautiful than the last.  I'm not exaggerating when I say I've almost choked up on a few occasions listening to this song.  Not quite, mind you.  But almost.  If I ever heard it live I would probably cross the threshold.  Also worth mentioning- Kaskade would have a third song on this list if "Raining" hadn't come out a couple months too early.  But, as it is, our #1 Dance Jam of 2011 is...

1. Chris Brown feat. Benny Benassi- "Beautiful People":

This song is not as artfully crafted as the last one, or some of the others on the list.  But dammit, it's just SO freakin' catchy.  I couldn't help myself from playing it on repeat this year- whether I was working out, hanging out, getting ready to go out, hearing it when I was out, listening to it again when I got back, etc. etc.  So congrats, Chris Brown and Benny Benassi, by virtue of being absolutely inescapable yet worth the listen every time, you win Best Dance Jam of 2011.  Let's hope that (somehow, if possible) 2012 is even better.

Seven New Dance Jams You Need To Hear ASAP

Well, it's the middle of the month, which is normally the time I give you whatever epic dance jams have been blowing up my speakers lately, so here's seven more for your ears!  As always, listen to these on good speakers if you want the full experience...

Nero- "Promises"

While this is a wildly awesome futuristic electro/dubstep jam, I have to ask what Nero was trying to do with this video.  You can't just put a bunch of people in futuristic outfits and have them vaguely attempt to rebel against "the man," but have no discernible plot.  Well, actually, you can, because they did...but you shouldn't!  Either way just listen to the song and you'll be happier.


Dillon Francis- "I.D.G.A.F.O.S."

This song is apparently a prime example of a new type of sub-electro called "moombahton," which was, according to its Wikipedia page, invented at a high school homecoming party.  Tells you all you need to know about music these days.  But more importantly, this crunchy video-game music is actually pretty hot, and definitely danceable, so get down to it!  Also, bonus points if you can guess what the letters stand for (answer at bottom of page).

Gemini- "Blue"

I already featured this once, when I was discussing better dubstep alternatives to Skrillex.  But it's so good it deserves mention here, too, as an example of how good dubstep can be if done right.  And it might be featured in the new North Face commercial, but I'm awaiting verification on that.


Bellatrax feat. Sophia May- "Find My Way Back Home"

These two are responsible for one of the best dance tracks of the last decade (in my opinion), "I Can't Help Myself," so I was justifiably excited for their next release.  It certainly didn't disappoint, although it does blatantly rip the lyrics from The Clash's "Should I Stay Or Should I Go."  Nevertheless, this is absolutely worth repeated listens.

Kaskade- Turn It Down (Le Castle Vania Remix)

This song's been out for a while, but this particular remix is an absolute must-listen.  It combines the classic Kaskade trance banger feel with an impossibly catchy beat drop.  Easily one of my favorite tracks of the whole year.

Radio Killer- "Don't Let The Music End"

Seriously another epic banger.  I only heard this for the first time the other day, and it was as I watched this video.  When it got to the chorus, I wanted to join them in that room and rage alongside them.  And when they broke out the paint, I just gave in, turned it all the way up, and pretended I was there.  What's weird is how much Romanian music is hitting the dance charts recently- what are they putting in the water over there?  Probably ecstasy, actually.  Easy answer.


 David Guetta vs. Kaskade- "All You Paris"

 This is a kind of weird mashup of high-profile artists that nobody seems to know about.  The thing with Guetta is, if you don't turn his stuff all the way up, it sounds kind of cheap and boring.  So, uh, turn this one way up.  Obviously.  Then you'll be blown away by the trance of Kaskade and the ferocious Guetta beat it's mashed up with. 

*"I.D.G.A.F.O.S."= "I Don't Give A Fuck Or Shit." How much better did that song just get...

Eight Hot New Dance Jams You Need To Hear Right Now

Another month, another batch of eargasmic bangers that you need to get acquainted with immediately.  You won't regret it.

M83- "Midnight City"

OK this is more of an electronic jam than a true dance jam, but it's still one of those songs you can just put on repeat and tap your toes to until you get a leg cramp.  That's a pretty poor analogy but I don't really care.

Cahill feat. Joel Edwards- "In Case I Fall"

It starts out kind of slow, but then it picks up and you can't put it down.  Er, well, maybe that analogy is kind of dated since we don't listen to physical copies of music anymore, but just imagine, I guess.

Kaskade feat. Mindy Gledhill- "Eyes"

Nobody does epic arena house better than Kaskade right now.  Which probably explains why he headlined Identity Festival this past summer.  On a related note, I wonder if I can get a press pass and attend one of those big-time dance festivals for free this summer.  LOL.


Above & Beyond feat. Gareth Emery- "On A Good Day"

This one doesn't ever wind up hitting quite as hard as some of the other ones I've posted, but it's just as high-quality.  Captivating vocals, but I couldn't figure out who the singer is though.  Whatever, all vocalists on dance tracks are clearly interchangeable.


Avicii- "Swede Dreams"

As I said last month, no dance playlist is complete without my main man Avicii.  This one's a little older, but somehow I'd never heard it until this month.  But it's an instant classic, thanks to its liberal use of one of the greatest electropop songs of all time.


Goodwill & Hook N' Sling- "Take You Higher"

Boy does this one take forever to get going, but boy does it reward you for your patience.  I'm surprised "club mixes" still exist in this era of instant gratification, though.  Radio edits just get to the point so much quicker.  if you appreciate buildup, though, sometimes you have to go with the club mix.


Example- "Won't Go Quietly"

This ultra-British-sounding act doesn't mess around with buildup.  This is really more like hip-pop/dance, just like every other song we've been hearing in the States the last year or so, but because it's British, it's inherently better.  Listen to it and try to disagree.


Eric Prydz- "2Night"

Finally, the creator of the greatest progressive house jam in the last decade is out with some quality new material.  This is a certified jam, but it again raises the issue of radio edit vs. club mix.  This one I don't like quite as much as "Pjanoo," so I think I have to stick with the radio edit.  I guess that's just what it comes down to- 4 star songs get the radio edit, while 5 star songs get the club mix.  But either way, I get to rage to epic dance jams, so it's all good!

Another Set Of Hot Dance Jams You Need To Hear Right Now

It's been about a month since I've done one of these, and in that time, thankfully, Europe has averted falling into continent-wide chaos, allowing them to get back to what they do best- making dance jams.  Here are eight of the best out there right now.  Once again, major credit goes to the folks at Energy 98, where I discovered a majority of these.


Foster The People- "Pumped Up Kicks (Gigamesh Remix)"

Yes, this was the first Song Of The Day I ever featured, and I slammed it.  But guess what?  Sometimes remixes do wonderful things.  Now this is one of my favorite songs.

The Potbelleez- "Hello"

Pulsating bass is always a sure bet to make a jam.


Zoe Badwi- "Freefallin'"

Soaring female vocals are also a guarantee to please the eardrums.


Bailey feat. Jodie Connor- "Higher State"

This is a bit more trance than dance but it's still awfully catchy.


Morgan Page, Sultan & Ned Shepard, and BT (feat. Angela McCluskey)- "In The Air"

You want epic?  Here's some epic buildup, followed by an only slightly disappointing beat.

Sak Noel- "Loca People"

Literally the craziest, most hilarious, yet most bangin' song I've heard in a long, long time.  It's already dominating the European clubs, and get ready for it to blow up here in the States soon too.  If anyone can tell me what this vocal sample is, it would be greatly appreciated.

Armin Van Buuren feat. Laura V- "Drowning (Avicii Edit)"

What good would a Dance Jam playlist be without some Avicii?  He's a must these days.

Dash Berlin feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn- "Better Half Of Me"

A little more trance to close you out.

Check back next month, when hopefully I'll be able to yet again find a bunch more badass dance jams for you to rage to.

The Next Set Of Hot Dance Jams You Need To Hear

A few weeks have gone by since I posted the last set of must-listen dance jams, but in that time a bunch of new tracks have come to my attention, and thus, now, your attention.  Hopefully there will continue to be such an influx of awesome dance music that I can make this a regular segment, but no guarantees.  Europe can only crank out so many dance jams before it succumbs to "austerity" and rioting.  Sigh.

Nadia Ali, Starkillers, &Alex Kenji- "Pressure (Alesso Remix)"

Kelly Rowland feat. David Guetta- "Commander"

Above & Beyond feat. Robert Bedford- "Thing Called Love"

Lasgo- "Here With Me"

R.I.O.- "Miss Sunshine"

DJ Ross feat. Sushy- "U Got The Love"

Havana Brown- "We Run The Night"

Calvin Harris feat. Kelis- "Bounce"

It's also important that I mention where I found a lot of these tracks- an iTunes radio station called Energy 98.  If you like dance music, you need to give them a listen.  This is free publicity by the way- they helped me discover new music so I'll give them a plug.  Here is their website, here is their Facebook page (like them- I did!), and you can find them in the Electronica section of iTunes Internet radio.

A Bunch of Hot Dance Tracks You NEED To Hear

 
So typically (or as typically as possible for a blog with about five posts) I've focused on purely Top 40 songs.  But enough great dance/house/whatever-they-insist-on-calling-it-these-days tracks have come out recently that they deserve their own post.

What I would love is for someone to find me a common thread in all of these songs so I can weed out more of the crap from the world of dance music and focus on the standouts like these.  Pandora and all those other bullshit sites suck at that.

If you don't click on each of these links you're missing out (make sure to click "open in new tab" or else it'll take you away from my wonderful blog!):

WITH VOCALS:

Sultan & Ned Shepard feat. Nadia Ali - Call My Name (Spencer & Hill Remix) :

Medina - Addiction:

Nadia Ali "Rapture" (Avicii New Generation Mix) :

September - Heat Rising

Bob Sinclar - I Feel For You (Anthony Ross/Lazy Rich Mix)

Kaskade & Adam K feat. Sunsun - Raining

Avicii - Silhouettes

INSTRUMENTAL:

Wolfgang Gartner - Illmerica

Avicii - Levels