Recommendations for Techno: From Classic Masterpieces to Popular Tracks of the 2000s and Beyond
In the early 1980s, techno was born in Detroit as a derivative of house music, which originated in Chicago’s clubs.
Its spirit of innovation has continued to exert a major influence on artists across other genres.
From a music history perspective, electronic music pioneered by artists like Kraftwerk and YMO is undeniably important.
However, in this article, we’ll focus on techno purely as dance music, introducing classic and popular tracks.
We’ve selected a wide range—from well-known classics to standout tracks from the ’90s and ’00s that emerged alongside the genre’s evolution.
If you’re thinking of getting into techno, be sure to check these out!
- Classic tracks of Detroit techno: famous and popular songs you should listen to first
- Legendary techno masterpieces that go down in history. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.
- Ranking of Popular House and Techno Songs
- Aggressive dance music. A masterpiece of hardcore techno.
- Latest Techno Music | Introducing the Trends of 2025
- The Aesthetics of Repetition: Iconic Minimal Techno Tracks. Recommended Popular Songs
- Floating Electronic Music: A Collection of Ambient Techno Masterpieces
- Recommended Techno Artists: From Big Names to Rising Stars [2025]
- Latest House Music [2025]
- What does tech trance sound like? Revisiting the world of trance music through nostalgic tracks
- Beautiful Electronica: Recommended Masterpieces and Popular Tracks
- Dance to iconic house music hits! Timeless anthems that continue to captivate the world
- Deep house masterpieces. Recommended popular tracks.
Recommendations in Techno: From Classic Anthems to Popular Tracks of the 2000s and Beyond (21–30)
Orange Minus 1Richie Hawtin
Another musician who simply can’t be left out when discussing this theme is Richie Hawtin.
House music, which is closely related to techno, has many subgenres, and he is an artist influenced by acid house that uses the timbre of analog synthesizers.
His track “Orange Minus” has a minimal feel, and within its repetition you can catch hints of an acid flavor.
He’s also famously a big fan of Japan, which makes him feel especially familiar and approachable to us Japanese listeners.
Pitch BlackFumiya Tanaka
Fumiya Tanaka is a leading Japanese DJ and techno musician with worldwide recognition.
Born in Kyoto and now based in Berlin, Germany, Tanaka began his musical career in his early teens as part of a punk band.
At 18, he was initiated into club music and launched a DJ career unconstrained by genre.
In 1993, he took the unconventional step of founding Torema Records—the first Japanese label dedicated exclusively to dance music—entirely at his own expense.
Pitch Black is a track included on his acclaimed 1997 single Midnight EP.
Despite its minimal production, the gritty hi-hats and sinuous bass make it an exceptionally cool classic.
Incidentally, it was also included on the 2013 Torema Records compilation 20th.
DominoOxia
French electronic musician Oxia is a proven talent, having played at festivals on Ibiza, the pinnacle of EDM music.
He is renowned as one of France’s leading artists in the genre.
His signature track is “Domino.” Although it was released in the 2000s, new remixes continue to appear, and it’s a beloved classic with many versions you can enjoy by searching on YouTube.
Star GuitarThe Chemical Brothers
A hit song by The Chemical Brothers, consisting of Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons.
By placing the guitar in long sustained tones, it’s expressed almost like a synthesizer, and filter processing gives it a powerful sense of dynamics, making it a classic.
It’s such a formidable track that it’s still played during peak-time and even at closing in clubs.
Blue MondayNew Order
Strictly speaking, this isn’t techno either, but rather new wave belonging to technopop.
New Order is a technorock band formed in Manchester, England, by the remaining members of Joy Division.
Although they have had several hiatuses, they continue to be active today.
They were early adopters of electronica elements, combining electronic instruments—most notably synthesizers—with the groove of acoustic instruments.
Smack My Bitch UpThe Prodigy
From the UK, pioneers of big beat who fused techno and rock.
The band consists of Liam Howlett, who is the brother-in-law of William John Paul Gallagher of Oasis, MC Maxim, who also worked as a model for Alexander McQueen, and Keith Flint, who sadly passed away in 2019.
When they first formed, they performed as a five-piece including dancers.
This track is a relatively early work and a very popular classic.
Swerve (Original Mix)Dubfire
As a techno musician, he is the only one in music history whose work has been nominated for a Grammy.
A leading figure in the minimal scene, he also runs his own label, SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY DIGITAL AUDIO.
He began composing at 16 and has produced works across numerous genres.
Before working under his own name, he found success in the house music scene as part of DEEP DISH.