Dancing Astronaut Presents The Biggest Tracks of 2011: 40 – 31

Yesterday we detailed our criteria for the top 50 biggest tracks of 2011. Then, we debuted our picks for 41 – 50. As we make our way down the list towards the best tracks of the year, we’ve got a mainstream crossover, a progressive banger or two, a 17 year old prodigy’s ‘cheesy’ remix, something truly ‘Epic’ and a couple of crotchfaces. So without further ado, here are our choices for the top tracks of 2011, 40 – 31.

40. Swanky Tunes ft. Mr. VI – Together (Original Mix)

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Released in February, “Together” was a progressive house juggernaut that got heavy support from Laidback Luke on his Super You & Me at Cream Ibiza mixtape. Mr. VI’s vocals combined with the always on point Swanky Tunes melodies created one of the most memorable tracks of the year. After Hard Rock Sofa gave “Together” a heavy dose of synth chords and a ground shaking bass line, this Swanky Tunes track cemented itself in the 2011 hall of fame.

39. David Guetta ft. Usher – Without You (Original Mix)

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David Guetta once again asserted himself as the king of the crossovers with “Without You.” While this may have found it’s way to the top of the Billboard charts, in the EDM world it was nothing more than a pop track with an electronic producer’s name on it. Thankfully Nicky Romero, R3hab, and Armin Van Buuren saw the potential in “Without You” and pumped out some incredible remixes.  Without Them (see what I did there?) this track wouldn’t have even grazed the top 50, let alone have found itself planted firmly at number 39.

38. Duck Sauce – Big Bad Wolf (Original Mix)

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A-Trak and Armand Van Helden’s dark disco track blew us away at Masquerade Motel in Miami when it was premiered by A-Trak. With it’s primal jungle drum line and cryptic vocals, “Big Bad Wolf” was a track that brought out the animals in all of us. While it may not have appealed to everyone, denying this track a spot in our Top 50 would have been unforgivable. Especially with the accompanying video, where Duck Sauce proved once again that they are the undisputed class clowns of EDM.

37. Tiesto – Maximal Crazy (Original Mix)

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Okay, so the name is cheesier than Tiesto’s bedazzled headphones, but the second this track gets pumped through any sound system no one, least of all us, could give a shit what it’s called. With its sawtooth synth bass line and melodic breakdown, “Maximal Crazy” was met with apprehension by many Tiesto faithfuls who wanted their old trancey Tiesto back. After the original started to get stale, two remixes from R3hab & Swanky Tunes and Bassjackers breathed new life into the track, securing it a spot in our top 50. Sorry kids, electro house Tiesto is here to stay.

36. David Tort & Gosha – One Look (Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike vs. Axwell Remix)

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“One Look” was David Tort’s first release on Axtone Records and quickly garnered mainstream success after it received heavy support from the entire Starphazing Crew. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and Axwell’s remix has a massive lead and driving beat that assaulted Miami Music Week last year, leaving path of destruction in its wake. Norman Doray’s interpretation of the track is much deeper, with a stuttering build and one of the most underrated drops of 2011. This track defined our trip to Miami last year.

35. Dirty South & Thomas Gold – Alive (Original Mix)

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Two of our favorite producers, Dirty South and Thomas Gold, join forces on “Alive.” Opening with a scratchy guitar riff,  Kate Elsworth’s voice floats effortlessly over the delicate piano chords. Maybe it’s the beautiful vocals or the silky smooth synth but there are very few tracks that embody this level of emotion. It’s calming and energizing all at the same time.

34. Alesso – Nillionaire (Original Mix)

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Sebastian Ingrosso’s protege, Alesso, burst onto the scene earlier this year and has been a household name ever since (at least if your parents listen to house music.) Off of the Dynamite EP, “Nillionaire” put this young producer on the map. When we spoke with Thomas Gold and Avicii in Miami last year they both cited Alesso as the one producer to watch. Shortly thereafter, Swedish House Mafia dropped this track at Masquerade Motel and the rest was history.

33. Deadmau5 – Raise Your Weapon (Madeon Remix)

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We think Madeon should apologize to deadmau5 for this remix. It’s not polite to show your elders up so blatantly. “Raise Your Weapon” wouldn’t have seen a spot in our Top 50 if it hadn’t been for this 17 year old prodigy’s impressive nu-disco production skills. We can’t get over the level of professionalism of this remix. It’s smooth like fine wine and he’s not even of legal age to drink it.

32. Calvin Harris – Feel So Close (Original Mix)

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To say Calvin Harris had a big year would be an understatement. The original mix may have been too poppy for our tastes and would have likely suffered some EDM Bias had it not been for the barrage of remixes that accompanied it’s release. The Nero remix is dark and ominous, coupling Calvin’s vocals with haunting piano chords and a dubstep drum line. The legendary Benny Benassi turned this track into a dance floor destroyer and the prince of moombahton, Dillon Francis did what he does best and gave “Feel So Close” a heavy dose of funk.

31. Sandro Silva & Quintino – Epic (Original Mix)

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Appropriately named, this collaboration between Sandro Silva and Quintino was indeed epic. Its big-room house beat was infectious and if you spent any amount of time in a club in 2011, you undoubtedly grinded along to this track — or you stood in the corner awkwardly dancing by yourself. Either way it’s appeal is undeniable.