Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has evolved from an underground movement to a global phenomenon. With its pulsating beats and infectious rhythms, EDM has crossed boundaries, making its way into mainstream music charts and influencing pop culture in ways few genres have. The genre’s dominance in the global music scene can be attributed to its ability to blend innovative sound design with catchy hooks that resonate with listeners worldwide.
From festival anthems to chart-topping hits, EDM’s biggest songs have not only shaped the future of dance music but have also left a lasting imprint on pop music. These tracks have redefined the terrain, showcasing the genre’s versatility and global appeal. Let’s get into some of EDM’s biggest chart hits and explore how they’ve influenced both the music industry and culture.
1. “Wake Me Up” by Avicii: Blurring Genre Lines
Released in 2013, “Wake Me Up” by Avicii became a groundbreaking track that seamlessly blended folk elements with electronic dance beats. The song’s fusion of acoustic guitar with an EDM drop was revolutionary, offering a fresh take on both genres. Avicii’s ability to cross traditional genre boundaries made this track a global sensation, reaching number one in multiple countries. It also paved the way for future collaborations between EDM producers and mainstream artists.
This hit’s success highlighted EDM’s potential to merge with pop and folk, creating a new hybrid sound that could appeal to a wider audience. The song’s crossover success was instrumental in breaking down barriers for future artists, encouraging experimentation in EDM’s production, and broadening its reach beyond club scenes.
2. “Lean On” by Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat. MØ: A Global Anthem
When “Lean On” dropped in 2015, it was clear that the EDM scene was going global. With its catchy beat and infectious hook, the song became a summer anthem worldwide. The combination of Major Lazer’s Caribbean influences, DJ Snake’s unique production style, and MØ’s vocals created a track that resonated with diverse audiences.
What set “Lean On” apart was its influence on the integration of world music elements into mainstream EDM. The song blended dancehall, reggae, and electronic beats, creating a sound that transcended cultural boundaries. Its success in both EDM and pop charts showcased the genre’s growing international appeal and set the stage for further cross-genre experimentation in the years that followed.
Lean On by Major Lazer & DJ Snake feat. MØ (image via Getty)3. “Titanium” by David Guetta feat. Sia: Empowerment Through Music
David Guetta’s “Titanium,” featuring Sia, released in 2011, became one of the most iconic tracks in EDM history. The powerful vocals of Sia, paired with Guetta’s signature production style, created a high-energy anthem that quickly climbed the charts globally. Its empowering lyrics, coupled with the electrifying beat, made it a motivational anthem for listeners everywhere.
“Titanium” exemplified EDM’s ability to blend meaningful lyrics with powerful beats, setting a precedent for future tracks that would combine emotion with dance-floor energy. The track’s success marked a turning point for EDM’s integration into mainstream pop music, proving that the genre could deliver not just infectious rhythms but also resonant, emotional messages that connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Titanium by David Guetta feat. Sia (image via Getty)4. “Clarity” by Zedd feat. Foxes: The Rise of Progressive House
Zedd’s “Clarity”, featuring Foxes, was a defining moment for progressive house music. Released in 2012, the track became an instant hit with its melodic build-up and euphoric drop. It captured the essence of modern EDM and became a massive chart success, reaching the top spots on dance and pop charts worldwide. The song’s innovative production and Fox’s haunting vocals helped it stand out, making it a landmark release for Zedd’s career and the genre as a whole.
“Clarity” helped solidify progressive house as one of the leading sub-genres of EDM. Its widespread success not only pushed Zedd into the spotlight but also demonstrated EDM’s ability to blend electronic elements with traditional pop song structures, creating hits that appealed to both dance music lovers and mainstream radio listeners.