RAG MusicEDM
Recommended EDM
search

[For Beginners] Classic EDM Songs in Western Music: A Collection of Popular, Hype Tracks

[For Beginners] Classic EDM Songs in Western Music: A Collection of Popular, Hype Tracks
Last updated:

EDM—electronic dance music—often gets dismissed because people associate it with amped-up party crowds.

Perhaps many of you feel the same way.

While that image does exist, the definition of EDM, which spread rapidly from the late 2000s mainly in the U.

S.

, is actually quite fuzzy.

Within dance music, countless experiments have produced a wide range of styles, leading to global hit songs one after another—and their ripple effects have even influenced the sound of J-pop.

Although its momentum has eased somewhat in the 2020s, this article gathers signature and classic smash-hit EDM tracks for those who want to give the genre another listen.

Beginners are welcome to check them out!

[For Beginners] Classic Western EDM Tracks: A Compilation of Popular Hype Songs (1–10)

Wake Me UpAvicii

Avicii – Wake Me Up (Official Video)
Wake Me UpAvicii

This track is a signature piece of electronic dance music (EDM) that became a worldwide smash hit.

Blending folktronica with EDM, it’s cherished as a summer anthem.

Centered on themes of youth and self-discovery, its lyrics portray the process of understanding and growth in life, resonating with many listeners.

Released in June 2013, it reached No.

1 in over 20 countries.

On YouTube, it has surpassed 2 billion views, and on Spotify, it was the first song to reach 200 million streams.

It’s highly recommended for those just getting into EDM or beginning a journey of self-exploration.

The track is a captivating work that embodies Avicii’s creativity and genre-defying approach.

Break FreeAriana Grande/Zedd

Ariana Grande – Break Free (Official Video) ft. Zedd
Break FreeAriana Grande/Zedd

This song gained popularity as a powerful female anthem.

It celebrates self-liberation and personal strength, portraying a breakaway from a toxic relationship.

Its blend of EDM and electropop opened a new chapter for Ariana Grande.

Released in July 2014, it was included on the album My Everything.

The music video, set in outer space, memorably features Ariana Grande as the heroine battling evil forces.

It’s a great listen when you want to regain confidence or take a new step forward.

This track lets you fully savor the appeal of EDM.

AnimalsMartin Garrix

Martin Garrix – Animals (Official Video)
AnimalsMartin Garrix

A wild groove that captivates listeners—this is a landmark track in the EDM world.

The flood of sound woven from its catchy melody and pounding beat feels like it unleashes pure human instinct.

Released in June 2013, the song catapulted Martin Garrix—then just 17—into stardom.

It hit No.

1 on the Beatport chart and has racked up over 1.

5 billion views on YouTube.

Its influence is immeasurable, having been featured in the commercial for Madden NFL 25 and in FIFA Online 3.

When it drops in clubs or at festivals, the floor erupts into instant frenzy.

It’s also a perfect recommendation for anyone just getting into EDM.

Scary Monsters And Nice SpritesSkrillex

Skrillex – Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites (Official Audio)
Scary Monsters And Nice SpritesSkrillex

This track is known as one of Skrillex’s signature songs that dominated the EDM scene of the 2010s.

Establishing a new paradigm for dubstep, it’s a masterpiece that fuses explosive energy with delicate melodies.

Its uniquely compelling world blends cinematic grandeur with high-energy dynamism.

It’s also the title track of the EP released in October 2010, and it went double platinum in the United States.

The song became a hit in countries around the world, including Australia and Canada.

Highly recommended for those who want to fully experience the appeal of EDM or explore new possibilities in music.

Beautiful NowZedd ft. Jon Bellion

Zedd – Beautiful Now ft. Jon Bellion (Official Music Video)
Beautiful NowZedd ft. Jon Bellion

It’s a track where a heartfelt message meets a sophisticated sound.

It celebrates the beauty of the present moment and reminds us of the importance of finding joy in life.

Zedd’s exceptional musical sensibility and Jon Bellion’s captivating vocals blend seamlessly to grip the listener’s heart.

Released in May 2015 as a single from the album True Colors, it topped charts around the world.

It’s a song that gives you courage when you’re feeling down or losing confidence.

A masterpiece that ignites the dance floor and showcases the full appeal of EDM.

BlackoutNEW!Blasterjaxx

Blasterjaxx – Blackout (Official Music Video)
BlackoutNEW!Blasterjaxx

Blasterjaxx, the Dutch DJ/producer duo who command massive support on the main stages of EDM festivals.

Released in September 2019, this track dropped right after their first full-length album “Perspective,” and it’s packed with the essence of their trademark big room house.

The fierce synth riffs and heavy kicks are engineered to shake the club floor.

It quickly earned support from renowned DJs like Hardwell and Afrojack, igniting dance floors around the world.

The rising tension toward the explosive drop and the sudden release of energy deliver a rush that makes you want to throw your hands in the air.

If you want to hit peak levels at a festival or club, this is a must-check track.

LouderNEW!Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike & VINAI

Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike & VINAI – Louder (OUT NOW)
LouderNEW!Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike & VINAI

A powerful collaboration between Belgian brother duo Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike—leaders of the world-class EDM scene—and Italian producer duo VINAI.

Released in 2015, this track fuses electro house and big room, shining with an overwhelming structure tailor-made for peak-time festival moments.

From the dramatic build-up to the explosive, destructive drop, it’s packed with hard-hitting sounds that shake the club floor.

Weighty synth chords and theatrical progressions unify the entire crowd, sparking an irresistible hands-in-the-air euphoria.

It was actually used in their live sets as an unreleased track starting in 2014, earning fervent audience reactions.

An anthem-level track that epitomizes the sets of the duo who were crowned No.

1 in the world by DJ Mag.