Top 10 Dance Hits of 2009

By Kat Koser

Dance music is the only genre that will mirror the flavor of every other popular genre. So, in addition to the usual fare of club samples, dance tunes this year reflected general tastes by using rap, indie rock, laidback island rhythms, and powerhouse female singers. Overall, it was a great year in dance music, with several new artists on the scene shaping where the genre will be heading in 2010.

1-”Say Yeah” by Yves Larock ft. Jaba
Yves Larock crafted another perfect summer song. It’s upbeat, happy, and catchy. The tune evokes an addicting tropical call for peace and good feeling. So grab a pina colada and turn it up.

2- “Leave the World Behind” by Angello, Ingrosso, Axwell, and Laidback Luke
This is another upbeat tune, but different in its style. It’s made more for the dance floor than the booming stereo of a convertible. In other words, it’s a serious dance beat, but with optimistic lyrics. Be prepared for awesome techno interludes.

3- “Down” by Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne
If you were around in the summer, you might have heard this song quite a bit. It’s a happy rap song that is danceable and not too overtly dirty in language. Special mention goes to Lil Wayne for his timely lyric, to get “down like the economy.”

4- “Sweet Disposition (Axwell and Dirty South Remix)” by Temper Trap
This Temper Trap song was featured in the indie romance film, “500 Days of Summer.” It was really cute in it, and caught on a bit. But Axwell and Dirty South managed to transform this indie song into techno gold. It’s fascinating to see songs from such different genres turned into great dance music, so kudos to all those involved in this one.

5- “Hot (Play & Win Remix)” by Inna
When picking new dance names to watch based on success in 2009, Inna would definitely be at the top. This was an infectious dance anthem, followed up by “Amazing” (also a Play & Win Remix). She’s part of the ‘Russian Invasion,’ as more and more dance names cross over to mainstream from that region- such as Fashion Beat Sound and Rudenko’s “Everybody (Morjac Remix).” Goes to show that anyone looking for future hits should not forget to check up on the Russian dance scene in 2010.

6- “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta ft. Kelly Rowland
Only a certain president of Iran could possibly deny the French a special talent on the turntables. From Sinclar to Daft Punk to Justice to the lesser known TEPR, their sly sound has managed to win over fans “Around the World.” But this year marked a change- Guetta set out to make a ’sound bridge’ between hip hop and dance music. The result has been both magnificent and profitable. It started with Kelly Rowland’s early anthem, “When Love Takes Over.” Next came the Black Eyed Pea’s hit- “I Gotta Feeling,” which Guetta produced (and put a good remix on his album, although the best remix award definitely goes to Laidback Luke). Then he steamrolled ahead with Akon’s hot “Sexy Chick.” I also admire Kid Cudi’s “Memories,” and Rowland’s other bouncy track, “It’s the Way You Love Me.” Then close up the bunch with the island peace song, “One Love,” featuring Estelle. There are a few other songs, as well, but I think all these are the gems. For one album to have that many puts it into the Eternal Glory category, like Daft Punk’s album, ‘Discovery,’ which carried just as many hits. The big question is, what could Guetta (rated #2 DJ in the world) possibly do after a year like this?

7- “Let Me Be Real” by Fedde Le Grand
While he is most famous for “Put Your Hands Up for Detroit,” his lesser known tracks with Ida Corr, particularly “Let Me Think About It” are arguably better. Yet those were a few years ago. With this new track, Fedde Le Grand has broken through to the realm of repeated success. I look forward to hearing more from him in the future.

8- “Ghosts N Stuff” by Deadmau5
Deadmau5 has a solid following already, but his talent really shines in this track. It’s a gothic kind of dance song, and the strange merging of style shows Deadmau5 is one DJ to watch in 2010. “The Longest Road” featuring Lissie was another Grammy-nominated hit of his that also seemingly merged genres by mixing country with dance. With more of his success, his fans may finally admit that liking Deadmau5 does not guarantee you ‘underground’ status, anymore- just good taste.

9- “Pokerface” by Lady Gaga
This song was the epitome of many dance parties this past year, like “Just Dance” was the year before, and “Bad Romance” seems to be for this year. Lady Gaga has become a pop princess by continuing to bring out the dance hits. I appreciate the attention she brings to danceable music, but her songs really are made up of more pop than anything else.

10- “Day N Night (Crookers Remix)” by Kid Cudi
Don’t deny it- you love this song. While you have definitely heard it too many times, it’s still a great song. You can dance to it, sing to it, rap to it, and head-nod to it. Yet it’s techno. Thanks, 2009, for making techno and dance music a little more mainstream and appreciated.

Honorable Mentions:
“Blue,” “Not Alone,” and “The Rain” by Calvin Harris
“Drown in the Now” by The Crystal Method, ft. Matisyahu
“Free (Bimbo Jones Remix)” by Livvi Franc
“Watch the Sun Come Up,” “Won’t Go Quietly” by Example
“Fire Burning” by Sean Kingston
“Smash into You (L’amor L’morgue Remix)” by Beyonce
“She Came Along” by Sharam ft. Kid Cudi
“This is How it Goes (Kaskade’s Grand Club Edit)” by Haley