EURODANCE: 15 Essential Classics and Their Impact on Popular Music
Eurodance is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Europe during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melodies, and energetic rhythms that are perfect for dancing. The genre quickly gained popularity across Europe and eventually made its way to North America where it became a staple in nightclubs and radio stations.
Here are 15 essential Eurodance classics that have left an impact on popular music:
1. “What Is Love” by Haddaway – This song was released in 1993 and became an instant hit worldwide. Its catchy chorus and infectious beat helped solidify Eurodance’s place in the mainstream.
2. “Rhythm Is A Dancer” by Snap! – Released in 1992, this song topped charts across Europe and North America with its memorable lyrics and driving beat.
3. “Mr. Vain” by Culture Beat – This German group had several hits throughout the ’90s but none were as successful as “Mr. Vain.” Its unforgettable hook still gets people dancing today.
4. “Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop)” by Scatman John – This song featured scat singing mixed with rap verses over a Eurodance beat, creating a unique sound that stood out from other tracks at the time.
5. “Saturday Night” by Whigfield – This Italian artist’s debut single was released in 1994 and went on to become one of the best-selling singles of all time with over six million copies sold worldwide.
6. “The Power” by Snap! – Another hit from Snap!, this song features vocals from rapper Turbo B along with powerful synths that create an anthemic feel perfect for dancefloors.
7. “No Limit” by 2 Unlimited – With its simple but effective lyrics and driving beat, “No Limit” became a massive hit in 1993 and helped solidify 2 Unlimited’s place as one of the biggest Eurodance acts of all time.
8. “Be My Lover” by La Bouche – This German-American duo had several hits throughout the ’90s but none were as successful as “Be My Lover.” Its memorable chorus still gets people dancing today.
9. “All That She Wants” by Ace of Base – This Swedish group’s debut single was released in 1992 and topped charts worldwide with its laid-back vibe and catchy hook.
10. “Think About The Way” by Ice MC – This Italian rapper’s hit song featured vocals from singer Alexia along with a melodic synth line that made it stand out from other Eurodance tracks at the time.
11. “U Got 2 Let The Music” by Cappella – With its infectious chorus and upbeat tempo, this song became a club favorite in Europe when it was released in 1993.
12. “Around The World (La La La La La)” by ATC – Released in 2000, this track features a sample from Russian pop duo Ruki Vverh!’s song “Pesennya” which added an international flavor to the already catchy tune.
13. “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” by Eiffel 65 – This Italian group’s debut single was released in 1999 and quickly became an international sensation thanks to its infectious melody and unique sound effects.
14. “Better Off Alone” by Alice Deejay – Released in 1998, this Dutch artist’s hit song features a memorable synth riff that has become synonymous with Eurodance music over the years.
15. “Children” by Robert Miles – While not strictly Eurodance, this instrumental track became a massive hit across Europe thanks to its trance-like production style and memorable melody.
Eurodance’s impact on popular music cannot be overstated. Its catchy hooks and upbeat tempos have influenced countless artists across multiple genres, from pop to hip-hop to electronic dance music. Even today, Eurodance continues to inspire new generations of musicians looking to create energetic and uplifting tracks that get people moving on the dancefloor.