Just one week on from our original piece (view here), we couldn’t help but look back on 10 more iconic EDM tracks that shaped the sound of 2014. From the breakout single for Lost Frequencies to floor fillers from Martin Garrix, 2014 was a pivotal year in dance music and these tracks are why.
Avicii – The Nights
In late 2014, Avicii gifted the world with the invigorating and soul-stirring single ‘The Nights’. This track stands out with its poignant lyrics and catchy melody that encapsulates the essence of living life to the fullest. Featured in Avicii‘s ‘The Days / Nights’ EP, the song offers an anthemic folktronica sound, characteristic of Avicii‘s innovative style. Its empowering message about seizing the day and the memorable chorus make ‘The Nights’ an enduring anthem, especially poignant following Avicii‘s tragic passing. It’s a song that not only charts his musical evolution but also continues to inspire fans worldwide to cherish each moment.
Lost Frequencies – Are You With Me
In 2014, Lost Frequencies made an explosive entry onto the electronic dance music scene with the infectious ‘Are You With Me’. Released on the 27th of October, 2014, this chill track, featuring vocals sampled from Easton Corbin‘s song of the same name, became an instant sensation, dominating the airwaves for several months. To this day, ‘Are You With Me’ remains one of the most cherished songs in the Belgian artist’s live sets, catapulting his career to unprecedented heights.
Alesso – Heroes (We Could Be)
As Alesso was gearing up for the release of his very first album ‘Forever’ 2015, he released the single ‘Heroes (We Could Be)’ featuring the vocals of Tove Lo. This single proved, once again, that everything the Swede touched turned to gold. This single would climb the charts and settle in the #1 spot in the US dance charts and has received nearly 1 billion streams since its release on the 25th of August.
Martin Garrix & MOTi – Virus (How About Now)
On October 13th 2014 a seismic tune hit the electronic dance music scene as Martin Garrix and MOTi unleashed ‘Virus (How About Now).’ This track had been a well-kept secret, making waves in the sets of top DJs throughout 2014. The big reveal was nothing short of spectacular: Martin Garrix, the prodigious big-room DJ, was the mastermind behind this sonic phenomenon, collaborating with MOTi, a rising star under Tiësto‘s mentorship.
Hook N Sling ft. Karin Park – Tokyo By Night (Axwell Remix)
In 2014, Hook N Sling combined with Karin Park for what might have been described as “the most eagerly anticipated Axtone release ever”. There are certain records in the history of Axtone that have a quick path to release, and others that take on a slightly longer journey. It’s fair to say that ‘Tokyo By Night’ sits firmly in the latter category, achieving cult status amongst Axtone fans worldwide. Years in the making, the wait was well worth it; with Axwell‘s remix leading the charge, proving once again that everyone else is simply following.
KSHMR & DallasK – Burn
The road to Amsterdam Dance Event 2014 delivered yet another monumental debut on Revealed Recordings from then rising stars KSHMR and DallasK. As premiered by Hardwell at Tomorrowland 2014 and mistaken to be one of his own ID’s, ‘Burn’ is high octane big room of the highest caliber from two fast ascending talents, matching upfront festival energy with huge melodic moments to seal yet another fine moment for the label and its ever-expanding roster.
David Guetta ft. Sam Martin – Lovers On The Sun (co-produced by Avicii)
Following on from their 2011 collaboration ‘Sunshine’, David Guetta and Avicii stepped into the studio once again to create one of the biggest hits of 2014, ‘Lovers On The Sun’ which dropped on the 20th of June, 2014. Although not officially included in the title but in the background song credits, Avicii‘s touches on this single are evident right from the very start. The iconic country-dance music hybrid which he made famous with hits like ‘Wake Me Up’ and ‘Hey Brother’ is there for the world to see. With Guetta‘s songwriting skills included, there was only one destiny for this track and that was success.
Galantis – Runaway (U & I)
‘Runaway (U & I)’ by the dynamic Swedish duo Galantis made its global debut on October 5, 2014, and it’s a track that beautifully blends the worlds of EDM and pop. From the moment it hit the airwaves, its path to success seemed inevitable, as it swiftly climbed charts worldwide. Fast forward to today, and this iconic single has amassed a staggering 1 billion online streams, solidifying its status as a timeless classic that continues to rock the airwaves and electrify live sets.
Martin Garrix & Afrojack – Turn Up The Speakers
This might just have been the team-up of the century. On the 25th of August, 2014, the legendary Afrojack joined forces with then-dance music prodigy Martin Garrix for the anthem ‘Turn Up The Speakers’. The result was an enormous main stage, peak time, big room breaker of the highest possible quality which has earned its place as a mainstay in both artists’ live sets. No matter where or when it’s played, this single will send a crowd into a frenzy.
Hardwell – Young Again
‘Young Again’ by Dutch phenomenon Hardwell and Chris Jones was released worldwide on the 20th of October 2014. The then-world #1 DJ had an extraordinary 2014. From continuing to rule supreme over the dance music world, reeling off top-charting hit after hit with epic releases such as ‘Dare You’, ‘Everybody Is In The Place’, the iconic Dutch producer now delivered ‘Young Again’, from his forthcoming debut album.
