Electronic dance music, or EDM, has been a popular genre for decades, and its influence has only continued to grow over time. For those who grew up in the 90s, there are a number of iconic EDM songs that continue to hold a special place in their hearts. In this article, we’ll take a look at 20 EDM songs that 90s kids grew up with and explore why these tracks continue to resonate with audiences to this day.
“Sandstorm” by Darude
“Sandstorm” is perhaps the most iconic EDM track from the 90s. Released in 1999 by Finnish DJ Darude, the song is instantly recognizable thanks to its infectious beat and catchy melody. “Sandstorm” is widely considered a classic of the genre, and it remains a staple of dance floors around the world.
“Children” by Robert Miles
Another classic from 1999, “Children” was a massive hit for Italian DJ Robert Miles. The track features an ethereal, almost haunting melody that has become instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up in the 90s. “Children” remains one of the most popular trance tracks of all time, and it’s a firm favorite among EDM fans of all ages.
“Better Off Alone” by Alice Deejay
“Better Off Alone” was a massive hit for Dutch group Alice Deejay in 1998. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and soaring vocals that make it a perfect dance floor anthem. “Better Off Alone” remains one of the most popular EDM tracks of the 90s, and it’s a firm favorite at clubs and festivals to this day.
“The Rockafeller Skank” by Fatboy Slim
“The Rockafeller Skank” is a classic of the big beat genre, and it was a huge hit for UK DJ Fatboy Slim in 1998. The track features a sample from the 1968 song “Sliced Tomatoes” by Just Brothers, which gives it a distinctive, retro feel. “The Rockafeller Skank” is still a popular choice for DJs looking to get the party started.
“Praise You” by Fatboy Slim
Another classic from Fatboy Slim, “Praise You” was released in 1999 and quickly became a hit around the world. The track features a catchy piano riff and uplifting vocals, and its quirky music video, which was directed by Spike Jonze, helped to make it a cultural phenomenon. “Praise You” remains a firm favorite among EDM fans of all ages.
“Insomnia” by Faithless
“Insomnia” is a classic of the progressive house genre, and it was a huge hit for UK group Faithless in 1995. The track features a hypnotic beat and soaring vocals from lead singer Maxi Jazz, and it remains a popular choice for DJs looking to keep the party going late into the night.
“Adagio for Strings” by Tiësto
Dutch DJ Tiësto is one of the most iconic figures in the world of EDM, and “Adagio for Strings” is one of his most beloved tracks. The song, which was released in 1999, features a haunting, almost mournful melody that builds to an explosive crescendo. “Adagio for Strings” remains a popular choice for DJs looking to create an emotional connection with their audience.
“Born Slippy” by Underworld
“Born Slippy” is a classic of the techno genre, and it was a huge hit for UK group Underworld in 1995. The track features a driving beat and soaring synths, and its memorable vocal sample (“lager, lager, lager”) has become a cultural touchstone. “Born Slippy” remains a favorite among fans of the techno and trance genres.
“Sunchyme” by Dario G
Released in 1997, “Sunchyme” was a hit for UK group Dario G. The track features a catchy piano riff and uplifting vocals that make it a perfect choice for DJs looking to get the party started. “Sunchyme” remains a beloved track among fans of the 90s dance music scene.
“The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall into My Mind)” by The Bucketheads
“The Bomb!” was a huge hit for US producer The Bucketheads in 1995. The track features a sample from the 1979 song “Street Player” by Chicago, which gives it a classic disco feel. “The Bomb!” remains a popular choice for DJs looking to inject some energy and nostalgia into their sets.
“Around the World” by Daft Punk
“Around the World” was a hit for French duo Daft Punk in 1997. The track features a repetitive, almost hypnotic melody and a memorable vocal sample that has become a cultural touchstone. “Around the World” remains a favorite among fans of the house and techno genres.
“Insomnia” by Monster Mix
A remix of the Faithless classic, “Insomnia (Monster Mix)” was a hit for the group in 1996. The track features a harder, more driving beat than the original, and its use of sampled vocals from the 1992 film “A Few Good Men” gives it a distinctive, edgy feel. “Insomnia (Monster Mix)” remains a popular choice for DJs looking to create a high-energy, intense atmosphere on the dance floor.
“Breathe” by The Prodigy
“Breathe” was a huge hit for UK group The Prodigy in 1996. The track features a driving beat and memorable vocals from frontman Keith Flint, and its music video, which featured Flint and his bandmates in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world, helped to make it a cultural phenomenon. “Breathe” remains a favorite among fans of the big beat and electronica genres.
“Silence” by Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlan
“Silence” was a hit for Canadian group Delerium in 1998. The track features haunting vocals from Sarah McLachlan and a driving beat that builds to an emotional crescendo. “Silence” remains a favorite among fans of the trance and progressive house genres, and it’s a great example of the kind of emotionally resonant music that defined the 90s EDM scene.
“U Sure Do” by Strike
“U Sure Do” was a hit for UK group Strike in 1994. The track features a catchy piano riff and uplifting vocals that make it a perfect choice for DJs looking to get the party started. “U Sure Do” remains a beloved track among fans of the 90s dance music scene.
“Rhythm Is a Dancer” by Snap!
“Rhythm Is a Dancer” was a huge hit for German group Snap! in 1992. The track features a memorable vocal hook and a driving beat that helped to make it a staple of dance floors around the world. “Rhythm Is a Dancer” remains a favorite among fans of the Eurodance and techno genres.
“Don’t Stop Movin'” by Livin’ Joy
“Don’t Stop Movin'” was a hit for UK group Livin’ Joy in 1994. The track features uplifting vocals and a catchy piano riff that make it a great choice for DJs looking to inject some energy into their sets. “Don’t Stop Movin'” remains a beloved track among fans of the 90s dance music scene.
“The Age of Love” by The Age of Love
“The Age of Love” was a hit for Belgian group The Age of Love in 1990. The track features a driving beat and soaring synths, and its iconic vocal sample (“the age of love”) has become a cultural touchstone. “The Age of Love” remains a classic of the trance and techno genres.
In conclusion, the 90s was a golden age for EDM music, and these 20 tracks represent some of the best and most iconic examples of the era. From the big beat of The Chemical Brothers to the emotional trance of Robert Miles, these tracks defined a generation of dance music lovers and continue to be beloved by fans around the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or a newcomer looking to explore its roots, these 20 EDM songs that 90s kids grew up with are an essential part of any dance music playlist.
