As we dive into the new year, it’s time to take a nostalgic look back at the music that defined the dance floors a decade ago. In this recap, we’re exploring 10 iconic EDM tracks that are turning 10 years old, celebrating the beats and drops that defined a generation. From festival anthems to radio hits, these tracks not only shaped the electronic music landscape but also continue to resonate with fans around the world, reminding us of the power of a good rhythm and the everlasting spirit of the EDM community.
Dimitri Vegas, Martin Garrix, Like Mike – Tremor
Kicking off this throwback article we’ve gone none other than the ground shaking ‘Tremor’ from Martin Garrix and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. With its killer melody gripped in big bassline drops, ‘Tremor’ was a game-changing collaboration for the then-rising Martin Garrix and Belgium’s leading electronic titans Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. Getting its release on the 21st of April 2014, this heavy artillery record has dominated playlists and festivals ever since.
David Guetta & Showtek ft. VASSY – Bad
Very few artists can come together in the studio quite like the combo of David Guetta and Showtek. Proving their ability to create a hit, both acts came together on the 17th of March, 2014, to release ‘Bad’ and the end result was out of this world. Becoming a worldwide hit on the festival and radio scene, ‘Bad’ performed so well that this would not be the last time these acts came together, following on from this single with two more killer productions ‘Sun Goes Down’ and ‘Your Love’.
Deorro – Five Hours
‘Five Hours’, released on PRMD Music, showcased Deorro‘s melodic style as he took a step away from his regular hard-hitting and high energy Melbourne bounce productions. Using infectious melodies and combining them with an innovative layout and style, ‘Five Hours’ proved to those that didn’t know already, Deorro was a very talented and creative producer in the studio.
Timmy Trumpet ft. Savage – Freaks
On the 17th of March, 2014, Timmy Trumpet would set his upward trajectory into overdrive when he dropped the massive anthem known as ‘Freaks’. A rising Melbourne bounce producer at the time, with releases on Doorn Records being his highlights, ‘Freaks’ became so big on the festival circuit, quickly becoming his most popular single and even gaining traction online via the viral meme “When Mama Isn’t Home”.
Martin Garrix, Sander van Doorn & DVBBS ft. Aleesia – Gold Skies
After being premiered live at Ultra Music Festival 2014 by Martin Garrix, the massive collaboration ‘Gold Skies’ between Sander van Doorn, Martin Garrix and DVBBS was finally released on June 2nd, 2014. A song that has all the artists stepping out of their normal styles colliding forces for an infectious summer-ready progressive house heater that lived up to be one of 2014’s biggest anthems.
Steve Angello & Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman – Payback
Without a doubt, one of the biggest anthems to be released in the year of 2014 was Steve Angello’s huge collaboration with duo Dimitri Vangelis & Wyman. The word iconic is discussed a lot within the modern dance music industry, however, one track that has certainly become an iconic progressive house release in its own right is ‘Payback’. Gaining over 50 million online streams since its release on the 22nd of April, 2014, ‘Payback’ has destroyed festivals across the world with its melody being one of dance music fans’ all-time favorites.
Armin van Buuren – Ping Pong
In 2014, Armin van Buuren‘s ‘Ping Pong’ became an unexpected EDM sensation due to its nostalgic origins and catchy beat. Initially conceived as a novel interlude for the ‘Armin Only’ show, the song’s overwhelmingly positive crowd response spurred its official release. The track, completed in a rush of two days, symbolized a joyous celebration in music, complete with a unique dance and smiley-face balloons, becoming a memorable highlight of the show and a testament to the joy and spontaneity in large-venue music.
The Chainsmokers – #SELFIE
Before massive worldwide hits such as ‘Roses’, ‘Closer’, ‘Don’t Let Me Down’, and ‘Something Just Like This’, there was ‘#SEFLIE’. Originally released as a free download but later picked up by Steve Aoki‘s Dim Mak Records for an official release, ‘#SELFIE’ made fun of the oversaturation of selfies online. The Chainsmokers, who have excelled at making chart-topping releases, managed to make a satirical track with an energetic and upbeat drop which helped this single become a success on the radio and dance floors, along with the duo performing the single live on international TV.
Calvin Harris – Summer
‘Summer’ by Calvin Harris is an energetic anthem that encapsulates the carefree vibe and euphoric sensations of the season. Released in 2014, the track quickly became a festival and radio staple, renowned for its catchy synth leads and Calvin Harris‘s own vocals. The song’s narrative revolves around a summer romance and the nostalgic, fleeting moments associated with it. Its pulsating rhythm and memorable hook made ‘Summer’ a quintessential tune for the season, embodying the warmth, freedom, and adventure of summer days and nights.
Afrojack ft. Wrabel – Ten Feet Tall
Released on the 3rd of February, 2014, ‘Ten Feet Tall’ was undoubtedly a career-changing moment from Afrojack, who has established himself as one of dance music’s most prominent figures. Featuring singer and songwriter Wrabel, the progressive house gem was the second single off Afrojack’s album ‘Forget The World’, which included the likes of Matthew Koma, Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, and Sting. Filled with anthemic melodies and impressive drops, ‘Ten Feet Tall’ definitely paved the way for a new era of dance music, as well as helped Afrojack and Wrabel explode in popularity shortly after.
