Top 10 Hardest Songs to Dance To
#10: “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” (2021) Taylor Swift
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Let’s just start with the obvious hurdle here: this song is roughly 10 minutes long. Think you have the stamina? Good on you! Okay, so you think you can keep your energy up for the song’s entire duration. Now, you close your eyes and sway along as you try and envision what moves would best suit the rhythm. Maybe you’ve choreographed the perfect contemporary routine; perhaps you’re even “dancing 'round the kitchen in the refrigerator light.” However, if you’re anything like us, you probably got to the end of the 10-minute track and realized that, actually, there isn’t much more you can do than sway along.
#9: “Hurt” (1994) Nine Inch Nails
Treyar Hurt - Solar Flare
A song called “Hurt” doesn’t exactly invite you to the dance floor now, does it? Let’s say you’re a big fan of the number, so when those opening bars play, you spring up. Okay, now what? Do you awkwardly two-step because, well, you’re already up, or do you sit back down, shut your eyes, and slowly nod along? Even that might be a challenge since the slow tempo, heavy emotional content, and somber atmosphere don’t lend themselves too well to movement. Johnny Cash’s cover doesn’t exactly inspire us to lace up our dance shoes, either. We also wouldn’t fare much better with “March of the Pigs,” at least not without some serious whiplash.
#8: “Fix You” (2005) Coldplay
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We know what you’re thinking: most of Coldplay’s discography could easily fit the bill. However, “Fix You” stands out for its particularly challenging rhythm. Seasoned dancers might revel in the endless creative possibilities of its ever-shifting dynamics. However, novices or those who feel more at home with traditional choreography might find this song a Jeté or two (hundred) out of their comfort zone. Remember, even if “you try your best, but you don’t succeed,” you deserve an A+ for effort! At most, it allows you to explore your own unique rhythm. Or you can always switch to an artist with more danceable tunes— that would be our move.
#7: “All You Need Is Love” (1967) The Beatles
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Finding moves that work with this song can feel like navigating a musical maze. With its alternating time signatures, even the best choreographers might find it a mission. At a stretch, we could see it as a foxtrot, perhaps? However, the track’s rhythmic complexity can be tricky for solo dancers. The verses, which largely follow a 7/4 time, bring an offbeat twist, making it harder to find your groove. Most of the chorus features a more standard rhythm (4/4 time), but it’s slower than you’d think. “Here Comes the Sun” also offers a creative choreography challenge, so a simple head bop might be the best way to go.
#6: “Liability” (2017) Lorde
We don’t know about you, but we’d think twice before adding “Liability” to our dance playlists. Its slow tempo, emotional depth, and melancholic vibe don’t exactly scream “dance party.” But, if you find yourself in a reflective mood, please, don’t let us stop you— express your deepest emotions through some sort of interpretive dance. If you still have some lingering feels, perhaps follow up with another of Lorde’s less danceable tunes, like “Royals.” Maybe your style leans more toward swaying, contemplative gestures, and emotional catharsis through movement. In our opinion, the overall mood and tempo of these songs are better suited for seated contemplation rather than lively dance floor action.
#5: “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975) Queen
Yeah, we know; when we think of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” our minds immediately go to this too. But beyond that, can you really bop to this…bop? Perhaps open with a little contemporary or lyrical? Transition into some jazz for the “Galileo” portion of the song? Maybe match the building drama with ballet or modern dance. We think we’re all set for the headbanging rock segment, but then it all calms down again, and then what? Go full circle and end as we started? Or just feel the music until the end? The constantly changing sounds and tempos here are enough to make your head spin! We think the “Wayne’s World” crew had the right idea.
#4: “Thousand” (1992) Moby
Where do we even begin? Firstly, that repetitive drum loop and distorted guitar riffs might require some serious choreographic innovation to keep things interesting. Secondly, “Thousand” clinched a Guinness World Record for the fastest tempo, reaching about 1,015 BPM. If you’re not deterred, we can only wish you the best of luck. But if that’s too fast, maybe John Cage’s “ORGAN2/ASLSP (As Slow as Possible)” is more your speed? It’s one of the longest compositions out there; in fact, one German rendition isn’t set to conclude until around 2640. Did we mention it started in 2001? If you find those options too limiting for your creative freedom, there’s always “4′33″.” No, that silence wasn’t a technical glitch.
#3: “Everything in Its Right Place” (2000) Radiohead
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While this song sticks to the typical beat heard in many tunes, it lacks those catchy hooks that usually get people on the dance floor. Brace yourself for unexpected moments. Also, the usually vibrant drums take a backseat, disrupting the regular rhythm. Thom Yorke’s vocals sway towards moody crooning rather than high-energy belting, creating an introspective mood. The dominating electronic textures and distorted strings set an eerie atmosphere rather than a euphoric one; it’s more about feelings than footwork. We also don’t see ourselves strutting our stuff to “Pyramid Song” anytime soon. While it might spark some interpretive moves, it’s not your typical dance banger – definitely more chill than thrill!
#2: “Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)” (1937) Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
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This song’s upbeat start might make you want to dance, but hold your horses! It’s a marathon, – especially if you’re playing Benny Goodman’s nearly 9-minute version, running at around 113 beats per minute. Louis Prima’s original recording is no joke either. We don’t know about you, but our legs feel tired at the mere thought, and we’re already a little breathless! Still, how can anyone resist that fun, inviting, high-energy rhythm? Maybe pick a short section of the song to dance to. Or level up your stamina before giving it a go—especially if you also want to try some signature swing lifts and tricks. Alternatively, just sit back, watch the pros take the floor, and imagine yourself in their dancing shoes. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Schism” (2001), Tool Would This List Even Be Complete Without Something from the Metal Genre? “The Real Slim Shady” (2000), Eminem Actually, We Think We’re Going to Sit Down for This One “Solsbury Hill” (1977), Peter Gabriel The Song’s Peculiar Beat Means Dancing Along Is No Easy Task “The Ocean” (1973), Led Zeppelin It’s Not Impossible to Dance to the Parts in Septuple Meter, but It Might Feel like Navigating Uncharted Waters “Wuthering Heights” (1978), Kate Bush If You Ask Us, the Singer’s Music Video Choreo Is the Only Way to Dance to This Song
#1: “Take Five” (1959) Dave Brubeck Quartet
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“Take Five” definitely isn’t your average dance track. While the tempo remains steady, the melody has a mind of its own, throwing in intricate syncopation and accents. This means you’re better off throwing the choreography rulebook out the window and just letting the music move your body whichever way it sees fit. The more you can let loose and let the creativity flow through you, the better! Just trying to tap our fingers or bob our heads along makes us feel like those perpetually off-beat clappers. You could try to “Take Five” and hope that inspiration eventually strikes. But eventually, you’ll realize this song is probably best enjoyed sitting down. Which song would you say doesn’t lend itself particularly well to dance? Let us know in the comments, and perhaps someone will take you up on that challenge!
