In 2009, David Guetta joined forces with The Black Eyed Peas — altering modern radio airwaves and exposing dance music as a crossover genre in the United States. 2009 was the year Kelly Rowland belted out “When Love Takes Over” and the year Guetta released One Love. A lot changed in 2009 (and even more with Nothin But The Beat in 2011) for both Guetta and dance music, but the French dance maestro still has, and will always have, three studio albums and countless productions to call his own that date back prior to any so-called commercialization.

Want to know what he had brewing before “Titanium?” Before “Wild One Two?” Dancing Astronaut presents; Ten pre-2009 David Guetta tracks you need to know.

10. David Guetta – Just A Little More Love (feat. Chris Willis) [2002]

Looking back on David’s earlier years, you’re going to find a lot of Chris Willis, his long time partner in crime who’s injected soulful singing into countless hits. “Just A Little More Love” comes from the album of the same name, his 2002 debut. Having been one of dance music’s lasting records for over a decade, the club-driven beat was ahead of its time when released over a decade ago.

9. David Guetta – ACDC [2004]

David released his second full length album, Guettablaster, in 2004 with the majority of tracks enhanced for nightlife with vocals. The only record that was left in its instrumental form was “ACDC,” a house-rock fusion inspired by the band of the same name. David flips the switch and experiments with rock loops to juxtapose deep percussion — and executes with ease. Carefully blended so as to keep the track in the realm of dance music, “ACDC” is the standout production off David’s Guettablaster.

8. Cassius – The Sound of Violence (David Guetta & Joachim Garraud Remix) [2002]

Not only did David Guetta’s remix for Cassius come before 2009, but it’s been over a decade since its release. Back in 2002, the French duo dropped “The Sound of Violence” — a classic house track that’s been featured in films such as The Social Network — then called upon fellow Frenchmen for the “Dancefloor Killa Remix.” Guetta and his usual partner, Joachim Garraud, take “The Sound of Violence” and flip it on its head, electrifying the loungey vibes for the club scene.

7. David Guetta – Baby When The Light (feat. Cozi) [2007]

In 2007, David’s visionary approach to dance music led him to release his third studio album in 2007. By the name of Pop Life, the record (ironically) had none of the chord progressions or radio elements of modern pop-house. Perhaps it was his call to the future or just a foreshadowing, but one of the lead singles, “Baby When The Light,” comes with all the dance floor weapons we’re used to while still achieving crossover appeal. The record, which features Cozi on vocals, is throwback David with a futuristic rhythm.

6. Bob Sinclar – World, Hold On (David Guetta & Joachim Garruad Remix) [2006]

Fellow French veteran Bob Sinclar released his infamous “World, Hold On” in 2006, and who better than David Guetta and Joachim Garraud to handle the remix duties? Unlike the easy-going original, David and Joachim spin the catchy hook with relentless bass and electro waves to land their rendition in the hearts of dedicated dancers. The tandem gets technical on “World, Hold On,” with a bevvy of contagious ticks and tocks that are subtle enough to gloss over the conscience but strong enough to keep feet moving.

5. David Guetta – Love Is Gone (Fred Rister & Joachim Garraud Remix) [2007]

The production before the pop-chaos you may be most familiar with also came off 2007’s Pop Life; a track that, in many ways, refocused David Guetta’s career trajectory. David linked up with Chris Willis over a decade ago and the singer has been all over his albums pre-2009 —  you may best recognize his unique voice from this track as well. “Love Is Gone” sound familiar? Probably because, although produced in 2007, was sampled for the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Got A Feeling” in 2009. Don’t let its history intimidate you, Fred Rister and Joachim Garraud take the record for a wild ride with an unrelenting rave attitude.

4. Geyster- Bye Bye Superman (David Guetta Remix) [2003]

A remix crafted over ten years ago, Guetta’s take on Geyster’s “Bye Bye Superman” strays the furthest away from his modern sound. It is by no means in the same stratosphere as “Sexy Bitch” or “Without You,” but is at the top of its game as a late night gem. The haunting, minimal vocal presence is reminiscent of something that could be heard past the hours of 4am when his 2013 fans are fast asleep at home.

3. David Guetta – Sexy 17 (feat. Juan Rozof) [2002]

“Sexy 17” represents yet another side of David Guetta that his mainstream fans probably never knew existed. His disco-esque presence came to fruition on Just A Little More Love in 2002 and hasn’t been sighted since. “Sexy 17” comes with surprising funk, instrument samples that reflect jazz, splashes of rock, and early disco — all but the electronic club sound that launched his career. Guitar strings weep and horns toot above a subtle, sexy composition for another production that belongs in the Museum of Guetta.

2. David Guetta – Everytime We Touch (feat. Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Chris Willis) [2007]

Another gem from the world renowned Pop Life, “Everytime We Touch” features the earlier sounds from not only David himself, but two thirds of Swedish House Mafia, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso. The Swedes were also in the business of producing strictly club music in 2007, and the collaboration fuses their original sound with David’s midas touch. With Chris Willis back on vocals, the super-team outed something more than a song — “Everytime We Touch” is a snapshot of the dance music legends’ origins, immortalized by sound.

1. David Guetta – The World Is Mine (feat. JD Davis) [2004]

The world is certainly his in 2013, but he had claimed it for himself back in 2004. Another effort from Guettablaster, “The World Is Mine” is arguably David Guetta’s most famous and adored production of all time — although with ten tracks like these, that’s always up for debate. The undying record reflects all that there is to understand about David’s music pre-2009; dance floor rocking drums, inspiring chord progressions, and powerfully-seductive vocal elements.

Tags: David Guetta

Categories: Music