Whether you’re a PLUR kandi kid or a straight-outta-the-Matrix techno raver, the world of EDM has something for everyone. If you’re just starting your journey, welcome to a vast, vibrant universe. If you’re a vet, hope you enjoy the read!
With so many genres and subgenres growing and evolving, figuring out where to begin can be overwhelming for newcomers, and even for longtime fans. Don’t worry, though—here’s a curated list of essential tracks across different genres that’ll give you a small taste of the best EDM has to offer.
1. House: The Groove That Started It All
House music is the backbone of EDM. Its steady, infectious 4/4 beat is impossible not to move to. If you’re looking to get started with something classic and groovy, these modern tracks are a perfect place to start!
Track: Daft Punk – “One More Time”
Daft Punk’s “One More Time” is an absolute anthem. It’s a feel-good track with a smooth house groove, infectious vocals, and just enough funk to make it timeless. If you’ve ever been to a party, there’s a good chance you’ve heard this one—it’s a perfect gateway into house music.
Track: Calvin Harris – “Feel So Close”
For a more modern take, Calvin Harris brings us “Feel So Close.” You’ll be vibing in no time to its uplifting melodies and a powerful vocal hook. It’s a great introduction to the crossover between EDM and pop, showing how house grooves can blend into mainstream music.
2. Techno: The Relentless, Dark Groove
Techno is for those who love hypnotic, driving beats and sunglasses at night. If you’re new to EDM, these tracks will ease you into the dark, underground world of techno. (▀̿Ĺ̯▀̿ ̿)
Track: Charlotte de Witte – “The Age of Love (Charlotte de Witte & Enrico Sangiuliano Remix)”
Charlotte de Witte is one of the modern queens of techno, and this remix of the classic “Age of Love” is a perfect introduction to the genre. It’s got a pounding rhythm and hypnotic build that’ll hook you right into the techno mindset. Perfect for those late-night vibes.
Track: Adam Beyer – “Your Mind”
Adam Beyer’s “Your Mind” is a straightforward yet powerful techno track that drives home what the genre is all about. The vocal loop repeating “your mind” over a relentless beat is a nice example of how techno can be both minimal and intense, making it a must-listen for any beginner.
3. Trance: Euphoric Escapism
If you’re looking for emotional highs and a sound that’ll lift you up, trance is where you want to be. Known for its uplifting melodies and powerful builds, trance is all about euphoria and connection.
Track: Armin van Buuren – “Blah Blah Blah”
Armin van Buuren is one of the biggest names in trance, and “Blah Blah Blah” is a track that’s both playful and hard-hitting. It’s got that signature trance build-up but with an easy-to-grasp hook that’ll have you humming along before the beat even drops.
Track: Above & Beyond – “Sun & Moon”
“Sun & Moon” is one of those trance tracks that hits you right in the feels. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, with heartfelt lyrics, a slow buildup, and a soaring drop that’ll make you understand why trance is so beloved. If you’re looking for a track that takes you on a journey, this is the one.
4. Dubstep: Bass That Hits Hard
If you like your music with intense bass and chaotic energy, dubstep is where you’ll find it. It’s all about big drops and bass that shakes your core. For newcomers, these tracks will introduce you to the genre’s heavier side.
Track: Skrillex – “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”
Critics and fans alike often credit Skrillex with bringing dubstep into the mainstream, and “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” is the track that started its rise. The insane drop after the eerie build-up is what dubstep is all about: hard, unpredictable, and utterly mind-blowing.
Track: Zeds Dead & Omar LinX – “Eyes on Fire (Zeds Dead Remix)”
For something a little more melodic but still packed with heavy bass, Zeds Dead’s remix of “Eyes on Fire” is a perfect introduction to the more emotional side of dubstep. The combination of beautiful vocals and the massive drop is a great example of how dubstep can be both aggressive and atmospheric.
5. Future Bass: Emotion Meets Energy
Future bass brings together the intensity of EDM drops with uplifting, melodic vibes. It’s often emotional, with powerful vocal hooks and shimmering synths, making it a great entry point for people who like catchy, feel-good music.
Track: Flume – “Never Be Like You (feat. Kai)”
Flume is a pioneer of future bass, and “Never Be Like You” is the track that introduced many to the genre. It’s got a smooth, emotional build-up, leading to a drop that feels both powerful and beautiful. A perfect track for someone easing into the world of EDM.
Track: Illenium – “Good Things Fall Apart (with Jon Bellion)”
Illenium’s melodic future bass sound has captured the hearts of many, and “Good Things Fall Apart” is a standout track. With emotional lyrics and an explosive drop, this track perfectly encapsulates the emotional highs and lows that make future bass so captivating.
6. Drum & Bass: Speed and Precision
Drum & Bass is fast-paced and relentless, but don’t let that scare you off. Its high-energy beats and deep basslines can get you moving in ways other genres can’t. If you’re new to D&B, these tracks will show you the genre’s best sides.
Track: Pendulum – “Watercolour”
Pendulum is one of the biggest names in drum and bass, and “Watercolour” is a perfect starting point for anyone curious about the genre. The track has a melodic intro that builds into a frenetic, fast-paced drop—showing the genre’s ability to combine intensity with melody.
Track: Sub Focus – “Tidal Wave (feat. Alpines)”
“Tidal Wave” brings a melodic, uplifting touch to drum and bass. The high-energy rhythm and beautiful vocal performance by Alpines make this track a great introduction for anyone who wants to experience D&B’s euphoric side.
7. Hardcore: Relentless, Fast, and Aggressive
Hardcore is the genre that takes everything to the extreme: faster BPMs, intense basslines, and energy that never lets up. It’s for those who like their beats hard, fast, and relentless.
Track: Angerfist – “Raise Your Fist”
Angerfist is one of the biggest names in hardcore, and “Raise Your Fist” is an anthem of the genre. With aggressive kicks, distorted bass, and an intense energy, this track shows you exactly what hardcore is all about.
Track: Deadly Guns – “Bass For Your Face”
If you’re new to hardcore, Deadly Guns delivers a blend of hard-hitting beats and powerful breakdowns that’ll give you a taste of the genre’s raw intensity. “Bass For Your Face” is the kind of track that gets the crowd going wild at hardcore festivals.
Sure! Here are two distinct entries for Happy Hardcore and UK Hardcore, each highlighting their unique aspects:
8. Happy Hardcore: Bouncing Beats and Playful Euphoria
Happy Hardcore is the sound of pure joy at lightning speed. Born out of the early 1990s UK rave scene, it’s all about fast BPMs (usually 160-180), uplifting melodies, and a childlike sense of euphoria. Imagine bright synths, piano riffs, and chipmunked vocals combining into an irresistible cocktail of rave energy that keeps you bouncing all night long. Happy Hardcore is the genre that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear as you throw your hands in the air.
Track: Hixxy & Sharkey – “Toytown”
This iconic Happy Hardcore track is the embodiment of the genre’s playful spirit. With its bouncy melody, high-pitched vocals, and candy-coated energy, “Toytown” transports listeners to a rave-fueled wonderland. It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to experience the pure fun that Happy Hardcore is all about.
Track: Scott Brown – “Elysium”
“Elysium” is a classic example of how Happy Hardcore can blend fast beats with beautiful, uplifting melodies. Scott Brown delivers a track that is both euphoric and energetic, with a soaring melody that takes you straight to a blissful state of rave-induced happiness.
9. UK Hardcore: Polished Power and Euphoric Energy
UK Hardcore, the evolution of Happy Hardcore, takes the fast-paced foundation of its predecessor and gives it a modern, polished twist. It emerged in the late ’90s and early 2000s with sleeker production, heavier kicks, and influences from trance, hard dance, and drum & bass. UK Hardcore keeps the high-energy beats and euphoric vibes of Happy Hardcore but with a more refined, club-oriented edge. It’s a genre that balances relentless speed with intricate production and massive drops.
Track: Darren Styles – “Save Me”
Darren Styles is a legend in the UK Hardcore scene, and “Save Me” is a perfect example of the genre’s modern evolution. The track blends emotional, heartfelt lyrics with powerful synths and a pounding beat, creating an anthem that is both uplifting and energetic. It showcases the polished production and emotional depth that sets UK Hardcore apart from its predecessor.
Track: Gammer & Dougal – “Party Don’t Stop”
“Party Don’t Stop” is a fast-paced banger that encapsulates the non-stop energy of UK Hardcore. With hard-hitting beats, catchy vocals, and a festival-ready vibe, it’s the kind of track that keeps the dancefloor moving until the sun comes up. Gammer and Dougal demonstrate the genre’s ability to deliver both euphoria and power in a slick, modern package.
10. Hardstyle: Energetic and Euphoric Power
Hardstyle is known for its punchy kicks, emotional melodies, and massive drops. If you want to experience the euphoric yet aggressive energy of hardstyle, these tracks will give you a perfect intro.
Track: Headhunterz – “Dragonborn Part 3 (Oceans Apart)”
Headhunterz is a giant in the hardstyle scene, and “Dragonborn Part 3” is an epic mix of melody, emotion, and powerful kicks. It’s a great introduction to the more melodic side of hardstyle, while still delivering the energy hardstyle fans crave.
Track: Brennan Heart – “Imaginary (ft. Jonathan Mendelsohn)”
This track shows off hardstyle’s emotional and uplifting side. With beautiful vocals from Jonathan Mendelsohn and an explosive drop, it’s a perfect example of how hardstyle blends melody with raw energy.
11. Gabber: The Hardcore of the Hardcore
Gabber isn’t just music—it’s an all-out sonic assault. Originating in the Netherlands in the early ’90s, gabber (or hardcore techno) is known for its blisteringly fast BPMs (often over 180), distorted kick drums, and aggressive, no-nonsense energy. With a raw, industrial sound and an underground following, gabber is the genre for those who crave intensity and adrenaline. Whether you’re stomping at a rave or headbanging in a mosh pit, gabber’s ferocity never lets up.
Track: Rotterdam Terror Corps – “The Sound of Madness”
Rotterdam Terror Corps is synonymous with gabber, and “The Sound of Madness” is a true anthem of the genre. The pounding, distorted bass and relentless energy create a whirlwind of chaos that captures gabber’s unapologetically aggressive style. It’s a classic that hits hard and doesn’t take any prisoners.
Track: Angerfist – “Solid Stigma”
Angerfist, often hailed as the face of modern gabber, delivers a relentless barrage of distorted kicks and gritty synths in “Solid Stigma.” With its high-octane pace and darker undertones, this track exemplifies the intensity of gabber while adding a cinematic layer of atmosphere. It’s a must-listen for anyone wanting to explore the full force of this brutal genre.
12. Big Room House: Festival Anthems for the Masses
Big room and festival anthems are designed to get huge crowds jumping. The drops are massive, the melodies are simple yet powerful, and the energy is through the roof. These tracks will introduce you to the main stage festival sound.
Track: Martin Garrix – “Animals”
“Animals” is a modern EDM classic and one of the biggest festival anthems of the last decade. With its instantly recognizable melody and massive drop, it’s a great entry point for anyone looking to get into the big room sound.
Track: Swedish House Mafia – “Don’t You Worry Child (feat. John Martin)”
Swedish House Mafia are legends in the EDM world, and “Don’t You Worry Child” is one of those feel-good anthems that’s perfect for beginners. It’s got a massive singalong chorus and an uplifting drop that’ll make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
Final Thoughts
The world of EDM is incredibly diverse, and these tracks are just the beginning. Whether you’re drawn to the deep grooves of house, the uplifting melodies of trance, the energy of hardstyle, or the heavy bass of dubstep, there’s something here for everyone. Dive in, explore, and, most importantly, find the sound that moves you. Once you start, you’ll realize that EDM isn’t just about the beats—it’s about connection, energy, and the emotional journey that only music can take you on.
Welcome to the world of EDM. Now, let the journey begin!
