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Top 10 Best Major Lazer Songs

Top 10 Best Major Lazer Songs
VOICE OVER: Matt Campbell
Script written by QV Hough


They're global, they're modern electro wizards and they're “Mad Decent,” too. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we'll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 Major Lazer Songs.  For this list, we're looking at the most killer studio releases from the Major Lazer collective, founded by Diplo and Switch.

Special thanks to our user Tyson Turner for suggesting this idea, check out the voting page at http://WatchMojo.comsuggest/Top+10+Major+Lazer+Songs/Remixes

#10: “Pon de Floor” feat. Vybz Kartel
Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do (2009)

Released as the second single from Major Lazer’s debut album, this baile funk track boasts a heavy – and sexy- amount of snare. Of course, it’s that distinct dubstep style that works so well for Diplo and Switch, as the contagious rat-a-tat-tat- groove complements the staccato vocals. If the track itself isn’t gonzo enough, just check out the music video directed by Eric Wareheim, and you’ll have some insight into the visual aesthetic behind the studio production. Beyoncé actually sampled “Pon de Floor” for “Run the World (Girls),” which makes it even more genre relevant, at least in terms of pop culture.

#9: “Watch Out for This (Bumaye)”  feat. Busy Signal, The Flexican & FS Green

Free the Universe (2013)

If you’re not familiar with the genre “Moombahton,” well, don’t worry, as the fusion only first emerged in 2009. With this Moombahton mash-up of house and reggaeton music, Major Lazer samples a ‘70s track called “Maria Lionza” while keeping it fresh with some hard-hitting vocals from Busy Signal. It’s got a more commercial sound than other Major Lazer tracks, and though it wasn’t a massive hit stateside, it destroyed globally. Truly a worldly single, “Watch Out for This” left a major mark on the EDM map, thus accelerating the Major Lazer influence within electro music.

#8: ”Be Together” feat. Wild Belle

Peace Is the Mission (2015)

If the typical Major Lazer banger knocks you upside the head, this emotive single leans more towards a trance effect than a thumping beat. Featuring the Bergman siblings of Wild Belle, there’s a clear narrative at work, as the core production lays the foundation for the yearnful lyrics. Kicking off Major Lazer’s third studio release, the humanistic qualities shine through, which makes sense given the peaceful vibe of the album as a whole. Considering its commercial success in the United States - peaking at #29 on the Hot Dance charts - “Be Together” no doubt connected with the American EDM youth.

#7: “Jah No Partial” feat. Flux Pavilion

Free the Universe (2013)

 In the ‘80s, Jamaican singer Johnny Osbourne released “Mr. Marshall,” a track that Major Lazer mixed with James Brown funk for this dancehall hit. Lyrically sparse and regionally specific, it’s the musical vibe that stands out most, with the monster drop providing a modern feel in contrast to the retro sampling. So, it’s an effective mash up of genre and style, a song ideal for live shows, and one that’s certainly instrumental in piquing the interest of die-hard EDM fans across the world. It’s mad decent, and a post-dubstep classic.

#6: “Hold the Line” feat. Mr. Lexx & Santigold

Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do (2009)

 In a time when Major Lazer wasn’t quite a staple of pop culture, this track made the average mainstream listener pay attention. With Santigold on the hook and Mr. Lexx on the mic, Diplo and Switch provide a steady bounce for their lead single, and the result is a sound that’s not too aggressive or overwhelming for modern consumers. In other words, it’s a tightly-produced debut release, and the dual set of vocals make “Hold the Line” even more applicable for all types of listeners. Some Major Lazer tracks are legit banger anthems, but this is a more of a pre-game hype song. 

#5: “Light It Up (Remix)” feat. Nyla & Fuse ODG
Peace Is the Mission (2015) 

Yet another “Moombahton” genre track, this remix spread quickly across the world for its commercial appeal, but also for the two contrasting music videos. With its spontaneous lyrical message and funky EDM aesthetic, it all amounts to some undeniable international appeal. It’s a track that you feel more than you sing along to, and the vibrant production falls in line with the conceptual themes of the album. It’s an existential banger, further demonstrating why Major Lazer became so integral to modern pop culture. 

#4: “Powerful” feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley
Peace Is the Mission (2015)

For this Major Lazer single, just the practical title alone carries weight, not to mention the poignant vocals of Ellie Goulding. But then Jamaican-American singer Tarrus Riley chimes in, adding even more texture to the mash-up of genres and style. Focusing more on the lyrical narrative rather than heavy beats, Major Lazer shows a willingness to expand their sound, which proved to be a brilliant move given the track’s reception. Furthermore, “Powerful” attracted new listeners and demographics, as Diplo and company further worked outside “the box.”
 

#3: “Get Free” feat. Amber Coffman of Dirty Projectors
Free the Universe (2013) 

Establishing Major Lazer as more than just a dance group, this chilled-out production thrives with the tone and vocal scaling of Amber Coffman from Brooklyn’s Dirty Projectors. Her stunning textures enhance the dream-like feel of “Get Free,” as Major Lazer’s subdued production design emphasizes the core message. It’s a minimalistic Major Lazer release, and it accentuates those subtle touches that mean so much to their fans and industry peers. “Get Free” undoubtedly connected with listeners worldwide, as the single cracked the Top 10 in Belgium, Romania and even the Netherlands.

#2: “Cold Water” feat. Justin Bieber & MØ

Music Is the Weapon (2017)

Co-written by Ed Sheeran – among other songwriters - this Major Lazer track combines various elements that once again equate to global appeal. Perhaps most importantly, the basic production doesn’t override the vocals, and the inclusion of both Justin Bieber and Danish star MO ensured pop exposure domestically and beyond. The lyrical metaphors transcend usual mainstream clichés, and the overall vibe represents the sound of the time. While “Cold Water” may not go down as the best Major Lazer track ever recorded, the various ingredients showcase the group’s musical evolution. It also hit #1 in numerous countries, as the Major Lazer Mojo clearly stuck a chord with listeners.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
 
“All My Love” feat. Ariana Grande
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” soundtrack (2014)
 
 

“Bubble Butt” feat. Bruno Mars, 2 Chainz, Tyga & Mystic
Free the Universe (2013)
  
“Too Original” feat. Elliphant & Jovi Rockwell
Peace Is the Mission (2015)
  

#1: “Lean On” with DJ Snake feat. MØ
Peace Is the Mission (2015) 

So, here’s Major Lazer at their best. The lively production of “Lean On” embodies the early spirit of the group, and MO’s rich vocals create a relaxed feel, making  “Lean On” suitable for any occasion. The lyrical phrasing emphasizes the small production details- and vice versa - all the while the contagious chorus keeps listeners intrigued. Overall, it’s a brilliantly produced track, featuring one of pop culture’s most underrated and talented vocalists. Like the album title says, “peace is the mission,” and “Lean On” exudes positive vibes across the board.

 So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite Major Lazer song? For more electro Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.

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