Recommended club and dance music

Recommended Western dance music for beginners: world-famous classics and popular hits.

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

Dance music, always at the forefront of the scene and loved by many listeners.

When you think of dance music, you might imagine an irresistibly upbeat sound.

However, since the 2020s began, dance music has undergone a major shift.

Unlike earlier styles, moodier, more downbeat tracks have become mainstream, with refined taste being valued over sheer catchiness.

Even within what we broadly call dance music, there are many different styles—just as there are many kinds of dance, the moods of dance tracks vary widely.

Here, we’ve selected dance music that even beginners can enjoy.

Recommended Western dance music for beginners: World classics and popular tracks (11–20)

Don’t Wait UpShakira

Shakira – Don’t Wait Up (Official Video)

Don't Wait UpShakira

Shakira is a Colombian singer-songwriter known for her wide-ranging musical style, including Latin music and dance music.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend for beginners is “Don’t Wait Up.” When people think of beginner-friendly dance music, many imagine something pop-leaning, but this track features a melody crafted for aficionados, and its drop is put together in a very stylish way.

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IffyChris Brown

Chris Brown – Iffy (Official Video)

IffyChris Brown

Chris Brown is an R&B singer who has been active since the 2000s.

While artists like Ne-Yo and Jason Derulo—who were prominent in the 2000s—have stepped back from the forefront, Chris Brown alone continues to thrive at the top of Japan’s music scene today.

Among his works, the track I especially recommend is Iffy.

Its sound blends trap music with dance music, so be sure to check it out.

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Friday ft. Mufasa & Hypeman (Dopamine Re-edit)Riton x Nightcrawlers

Riton x Nightcrawlers – Friday ft. Mufasa & Hypeman (Dopamine Re-edit) [Official Video]

Friday ft. Mufasa & Hypeman (Dopamine Re-edit)Riton x Nightcrawlers

A masterpiece by Newcastle-born music producer Riton and Scotland-born producer Nightcrawlers, “Friday ft.

Mufasa & Hypeman (Dopamine Re-edit).” Featuring multi-talented rapper and singer Mufasa and Hypeman, it’s crafted into a future house track with exceptional groove and easy listening appeal.

The sound is straightforward and beginner-friendly, so be sure to check it out.

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SacrificeThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Sacrifice

SacrificeThe Weeknd

The Weeknd, a Canadian artist known as a pioneer who adapted the synth-pop genre—massively popular in the 1980s—into a modern sound.

While the track is crafted in the catchy synth-pop style he excels at, it still carries a dark atmosphere.

It might seem intimidating to newcomers, but from a rhythm standpoint it’s very simple, so be sure to give it a listen.

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The MottoTiësto & Ava Max

Tiësto & Ava Max – The Motto (Official Music Video)

The MottoTiësto & Ava Max

Ava Max, a leading female artist in electro-pop.

With her eccentric fashion and catchy sound, she’s hugely popular in Japan.

The track she collaborated on with the hot music producer Tiësto is The Motto.

While it’s crafted in the deep house genre, it strongly features dark-pop elements, so I think it will hit the spot for listeners who enjoy the style of artists like Sub Urban.

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Light SwitchCharlie Puth

Charlie Puth – Light Switch [Official Music Video]

Light SwitchCharlie Puth

Charlie Puth, the singer-songwriter who gained worldwide popularity with the Fast & Furious theme song “See You Again ft.

Charlie Puth,” is known for his wide-ranging musicality—not only pop, but also dance music and R&B.

Among his works, one I especially recommend for beginners is “Light Switch.” Centered around a synth-pop sound, it’s crafted to be extremely easy to listen to.

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Beginner-Friendly Western Dance Music: World Classics and Popular Tracks (21–30)

We’re All In This TogetherHigh School Musical Cast

High School musical – We’re all in this together

We're All In This TogetherHigh School Musical Cast

This song, performed by the cast in the finale of the first installment of Disney Channel’s original movie High School Musical—which became a social phenomenon—features choreography that repeats and is relatively simple, making it easy for beginners to dance.

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