We recently featured our Top 50 Artists of 2011 and received a ton of feedback from you (Dancing Astronaut readers). People disagreed, people agreed, but we can all agree that it stirs some valuable conversations that needed to be had. This time around we tackle a different project, as we try to rank the Top 50 Tracks of 2011. Let us start by saying that this was no easy feat. There were thousands of tracks that were released within the last year, and narrowing down the list to just 50 was an excruciating process. As always, we aim to be as accurate as possible, below are our criteria and our biases.
What does ‘biggest’ mean exactly?
In this case ‘top’ is defined by two points:
1) How big the song was in the world of EDM. Was it played a ton by big name artists? Was it a festival anthem?
2) How high it charted on Beatport, Billboard, or any other accredited source. This is directly related to box office sales and radio play.
Insomniac and Dancing Astronaut have partnered up to offer a pair of VIP tickets (for January 1st show) to see the first show performed by the Size Matters crew in 2012. Steve Angello, AN21, Max Vangeli, and Thomas Gold will all be at the Anaheim Convention Center ringing in the New Year with a bang. In order to qualify please follow the steps below:
Qualifiers:
1. Like this post
2. Answer this question in the comments section: Why do you love the Size Matters crew?
3. Like Dancing Astronaut on Facebook. Remember once we get to 10k likes we are giving away a free bootleg package from some big name artists!
Let’s get this out of the way – this song is bigger than Donovan McNabb’s waistline (well in about 2 years it might not be). Sander Van Doorn and Kele team up to create “What Did I Do” a beautiful trouse song that features Lucy Taylor’s sexy vocals. Don’t confuse Kele with the Kele from Martin Solveig’s “Ready 2 Go” – this is the Kele that created “Tenderoni.” “What Did I Do” is easily the best release since Michael Woods’ “Full Access” and Nicky Romero’s “Toulouse.” We thought Sander would be taking an elongated break after the success of his album Eleve11, but it seems like he still wants to keep dominating. A guy this talented wants to stay on top of the world? Go figure.
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You may remember Gosha from his work alongside David Tort and Axwell with “One Look,” which was one of the biggest tracks earlier this year. This time around he teams up with Richard Grey to create “Falling Down” which features a melodic piano breakdown and light hearted vocals. You can feel the Latin influences emitting from this playful and upbeat tune – if you are a DJ and you want to get people dancing (not grinding) this is a track the dance Gods would approve of. Richard Grey has sneakily been releasing some nice releases, check out his rework of “Lady.”
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We featured Nicky Romero’s remix yesterday, and today the Italian duo Promise Land comes out with their rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s “What Doesn’t Kill You.” You may think this remix is a bit more mellow (when compared to Nicky’s) for about the first minute, but wait until you get to the drop. There is a significant amount of dirt and wobble to make even the most hardcore electro fans smile. We can’t wait to see who else will be featured on this remix package. Thus far the names have been big and the previews have not disappointed.
Following up his release of “Blue Collision,” Michael Canitrot comes out with “White Escape” a track filled with straight up fire from start to finish. Formula One should seriously consider using this as their pre-race song of choice. At DA we are suckers for piano riffs and at around 2:12 Michael Canitrot brings us pure bliss. The build up is well engineered – you can hear all the instruments play their part in making this track a hit. We truly hope this tune charts, because it is too damn good not to. 2012 will be where Michael Canitrot makes a R3hab like jump into fame.
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March 23rd, 2012. Mark your calendars, plug the date into your phone, set an alarm. Do whatever is necessary to be in South Beach for Masquerade Motel Miami Round 2. SHM recently tore up MSG with more ferocity than Carmelo Anthony and company could even fathom, next they will tear up Miami, and finally they continue their onslaught with their show at Milton Keynes Bowl. If Masquerade Motel Miami 2011 was any indication – 2012 should be huge. Pharell made a guest appearance last year – who can we expect this time around?
NOTE: We will be back with an update on when tickets will be announced. Stay tuned.
Kelly Clarkson rose to fame through the American Idol show, she was one of the winners during the peak of its popularity. Great for her. Let’s be honest – “What Doesn’t Kill You” was alright at best, even if you are into that Britney Spears-esque stuff. Nicky Romero takes Kelly’s newest single to new heights by adding a strong bassline and a crazy drop (fast forward to approximately 1:15 on the teaser). Is it just us or does the drop sound a little like “Toulouse” meets “Haters Gonna Hate?” This is set to release on Sony, which is huge news for Nicky Romero because it is such a big label. Catch him on NYE at Space 550 in San Francisco if you are in the area!
The first set of remixes of Moby’s “After” was done by none other than Tommy Trash and Tim Mason. Both of those were very different from Joris Voorn’s rendition which is a much more tech oriented. His tracks are very dance-able, simple in structure, and flat out groovy. Think about his past work such as “Callisto” and “I Believe In Love,” both are the definition of ‘lounge house.’ For those of you that are aspiring DJs and need a few opening tracks to get your live set started off in the right fashion look no further than Mr. Voorn’s tunes.
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Robbie Rivera has recently released his “Dance Or Die Series 2″ which features two originals, vocals from JES, and a collaboration with Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike. This four track compilation has a little bit of every style ranging from progressive to electro. Let’s dive into the details below.
Robbie Rivera – Makes Me Feel Good (Original Mix)
This robotic track features some melodious electro chords, which remind us a little bit of “Lunar.” We especially love the pause when the lyrics come in that say “Makes Me Feel Good,” this is definitely one the most club worthy tracks on this series of “Dance Or Die.”
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Robbie Rivera – Roxy (Original Mix)
This synth filled progressive tune is definitely the most sensitive productions from the King of Juicy Music. Most of Robbie’s stuff has a ton of fire, but this is more along the lines of “Imagine” rather than “Ding Dong.” “Roxy” is definitely suitable for a Christmas party.
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Robbie Rivera, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike ft. Lizzie Curious – My Heart (Original Mix)
If you are a fan of distortions and heavy bass – “My Heart” is definitely the winner out of this package. Lizzie’s voice just radiates throughout the build up and preps you up for a big Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike influenced drop. Play this in your next Dutch influenced house set to garner a spectacular crowd reaction.
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Robbie Rivera ft. JES – Turn It Around (Original Mix)
JES’ chopped up vocals mesh perfectly with the deeper bassline. We don’t like to refer to this song as dark (because it isn’t), but it definitely qualifies for emotional. The last time JES was featured on DA was for the remix package of “Awaken.” Give this one a try.
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