Ranking of Popular House and Techno Songs

Jenny is in a bad moodJuicy Fruits43rank/position

Juicy Fruits / Jenny Is in a Bad Mood (1980)

Just like many hit songs from the ’80s themselves, techno kayō classics are defined by their irresistibly catchy titles.

“Jenny wa Gokigen Naname” is one of those hits almost everyone has heard at least once—or at least seen the instantly memorable title.

After the progressive dissolution of Haruo Chikada & BEEF, formed in 1979 by Haruo Chikada, the newly formed Juicy Fruits released this as their debut single in 1980.

Above all, the impact of the melody—sung in a brilliantly charming and striking falsetto by Atsuko Okuno, who played guitar in Girls, a pioneering Japanese girls’ rock band—is unforgettable.

The repeated cheap electronic tones exude an early-’80s technopop vibe, but because Juicy Fruits positioned themselves as a rock band, the track also features rock elements like Okuno’s own guitar solo.

Overall, it’s a guitar-driven sound—arguably techno kayō as a fusion of rock and techno.

HeroesAlesso44rank/position

Alesso – Heroes (we could be) ft. Tove Lo

This song teaches us not to lose hope for life even when we’re facing adversity.

It sings that you and I can become heroes.

When I listen to it in tough times, it resonates deeply, and I feel the strength to keep going well up again—the powerful electronic tones, rhythms, and vibrations convey that energy.

MikuAnamanaguchi45rank/position

Anamanaguchi – Miku ft. Hatsune Miku (Lyric Video)

If anything, the timbre leans more toward the Super Famicom side and strays a bit from true retro chiptune, but since it was a vocal track using Hatsune Miku, I included it for its novelty.

I was surprised that the pronunciation sounded convincing, even though Hatsune Miku is supposed to be quite bad at English pronunciation.

Turn It UpArmin van Buuren46rank/position

Armin van Buuren – Turn It Up (Official Lyric Video)

A 2019 trance anthem made for sing-alongs.

It’s a solo single by Armin van Buuren, a titan of the Dutch trance scene.

The sound makes you want to blast it outdoors at massive, open-air festivals.

The bassline, driven by a triplet rhythm, is distinctive and gives it a sticky, bouncy groove.

In and Out of LoveArmin van Buuren ft. Sharon den Adel47rank/position

Armin van Buuren feat. Sharon den Adel – In And Out Of Love (Official Music Video)

The melody has a somewhat dramatic atmosphere, and it matches wonderfully with the vocals of Sharon den Adel, who is featured.

Once you hear the melody wrapped in her gentle voice, it’s sure to become addictive.

Great Spirit (Extended Mix)Armin van Buuren vs Vini Vici feat. Hilight Tribe48rank/position

Armin van Buuren vs Vini Vici feat. Hilight Tribe – Great Spirit (Extended Mix)

Compared to popular genres like EDM and tropical house, trance is a bit less well-known.

Even so, there are artists with global recognition in this genre, and one of them is Armin van Buuren, who released “Great Spirit (Extended Mix).” The track features Vini Vici, a popular psytrance DJ duo, and Highlight Tribe, known for incorporating ethnic music elements into their sound, so you’ll hear phrases reminiscent of traditional music.

Be sure to check it out.

HeavenAvicii49rank/position

Avicii – Heaven (Tribute Video)

It’s a refreshing and very uplifting track! It’s the kind of song you want to listen to when worries and stress start building up.

When I first listened to just the music, it made me think of the sky and the sea.

Then, when I watched the music video, the sky and the sea were featured prominently, so they’re really good at evoking landscapes through the sound and melody.

Avicii left this world at the young age of 28.

I wish I could have heard so much more.

I also recommend using this song as a gateway to explore more of Avicii’s music.