Top 20 Dance Songs of the 2000s
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 20 Dance Songs of the 2000s. For this list, we’ll be looking at the best songs released between 2000 and 2009 that get listeners up and moving. Did we forget one of your favorite dance tracks from the decade? Let us know in the comments below.
#20: “Everytime We Touch” (2005)
Cascada
If you don’t know Cascada, there’s still a chance you know their most notable song. The trio created an indelible single that encompasses the high points of the 2000s techno craze. While it might not be a nuanced piece of music, it pulsates with infectious electronic beats. Singer Natalie Horler belts out the chorus in a pitch-perfect performance that sells the effective melody. Many people agreed that the track was just the right amount of catchy, ensuring that the impressive production made it onto many international charts. The German act has released music since, but this particular piece remains their greatest stamp on popular culture.
#19: “Get the Party Started” (2001)
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Pink
Pink shot to stardom in the early 2000s with massive singles like “Get the Party Started.” Off her second album “Missundaztood,” the song boasts the young artist’s hold on the dance-pop genre. The track was written by Linda Perry of 4 Non Blondes, adapting her melodic and compositional skills for Pink’s fierce style. A dense electronic production props up the vocalist’s voice in an entertaining sound for all ages. Combining motivational lyrics, you can’t help but get pumped up as each second passes by. The performer explores a variety of musical styles to this day, but there’s something about her early releases that works like a charm.
#18: “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” (2009)
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Pitbull
Known for his sharp suits and swagger, Pitbull became a household name by the end of the 2000s. His song “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” combines latin hip hop with a dance sensibility that’s second to none. Along with a booming drum beat, the performer dishes out one of his signature party tracks. It eventually went platinum in multiple countries and reached the top of many charts. Capitalizing on various high-energy music genres, Pitbull also utilizes house music influences to create a banger for any dance event. The artist’s vocals are always on point and encourage listeners to join him in his counting.
#17: “Hot in Herre” (2002)
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Nelly
Known for several hip hop and R&B singles in the early decade, Nelly might be best remembered for “Hot in Herre.” The chorus never disappoints as people brace for a singalong with the iconic lyrics. Proudly dishing out scandalous verses, the track is a powerful and mature club anthem. The Neptunes’ production values once again reaffirm their beat making skills. Nelly’s flow takes audiences for a ride that they won’t forget, giving them important instructions on how to control body temperature. With an additional nod to the late-70s classic “Bustin’ Loose,” “Hot in Herre” features all the right ingredients for dancing.
#16: “The Way I Are” (2007)
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Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson
By the mid 2000s, Timbaland was one of the most in-demand producers in the industry. He also worked on his own solo efforts with the help of talents such as Keri Hilson. One such single is “The Way I Are,” containing a truly unique groove that only the producer could generate. There’s almost an otherworldly quality to the central beat that proves Timbaland is always one for pleasant surprises. Hilson joins in for the chorus with her commendable vocal abilities, giving the whole track an engaging counterpoint. The hit reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, just one of several successful singles from the album “Shock Value.”
#15: “I Gotta Feeling” (2009)
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Black Eyed Peas
Defying their previous hip hop sound, Black Eyed Peas embrace a poppier sound here that helps people prepare for a night of dancing. The pulsating rhythm is simple and fun, building to a chorus that encourages everybody to sing. Every part of the energetic track fits together in one of the group’s catchiest earworms. As one of the more successful songs of 2009, the piece only grew in popularity and continues to appear on event playlists everywhere. It easily climbed the international charts, spreading around the world with its universal message about having a good time.
#14: “Promiscuous” (2006)
Nelly Furtado feat. Timbaland
With the help of producer Timbaland, Nelly Furtado went through a musical transformation in the mid 2000s. Her single “Promiscuous” is an example of this change and also one of her more successful statements. Proving everyone that she’s not just a typical pop star, Furtado asserts herself in a tune full of high points. Timbaland gives her a stellar foundation to build off of, leading to a cathartic chorus that’ll compel anyone to dance. The two artists exchange words over the course of captivating verses that keep the audience engaged. This track both stands out as a dance staple of its era and a showcase of the singer’s dynamic greatness.
#13: “Hips Don’t Lie” (2006)
Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean
For all of Shakira’s international hits, “Hips Don’t Lie” still defines her brightest moment as a pop star. The singer teamed up with former Fugees member Wyclef Jean to produce a single that defined latin pop for years. Playing off of a reggaeton beat, the lead performer crafts a song that works well with her choreography skills. The lyrics allude to the importance of dance and movement between people, encouraging the world to move their hips like Shakira does. Jean’s own artistry rounds out the production with one of his best feature appearances. Only needing three golden words to make her point, the vocalist creates a special recording that has yet to fade away.
#12: “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” (2001)
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Kylie Minogue
Australian singer Kylie Minogue established herself long before “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” but it was this song that confirmed her staying power. The performer shocked the early 2000s with a complete revitalization of her career, welcoming new technology that enhanced every element of this production. Minogue performs with a self-assured attitude over a hypnotic techno beat. Undeniably entertaining, the track succeeded as a top-ten single in several countries. Even if the artist doesn’t get you to dance, she’ll at least have you following along with the memorable melody. It also ranks highly among her entire catalog and hasn’t lost any of its luster decades later.
#11: “Turn Me On” (2003)
Rijell Turn The Page
Kevin Lyttle
Arguably a one-or-two-hit wonder, artist Kevin Lyttle made a major splash with this release. The soca single proves to be an engrossing look into the genre. Lyttle sings in speedy verses that float across the track, showing he was more than ready for the spotlight. The Caribbean rhythms sneak up on listeners until they’re up and moving along with them. Once he reaches the chorus, the singer belts out the title in a dramatic peak for the production. “Turn Me On” does much more than entertain for a few minutes - it also reminds people of yet another genre created for dancing.
#10: “Get Busy” (2003)
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Sean Paul
Anyone alive in the 2000s remembers hearing the likes of Sean Paul on top 40 radio. For anyone in need of a refresher, “Get Busy” works as an intense reminder of his unique sound. The song shot to the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for its combination of reggae and dancehall rhythms. It’s also a surefire way to wake up any event in need of a good beat. The performer's electric inflection ensures that not a single second is wasted on a fully-loaded production. Full of clever structure and rhymes, nobody can contest that Paul wants to make audiences happy. At no point does the artist deprive the listener of anything short of a dance classic.
#9: “Don’t Stop the Music” (2007)
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Rihanna
On the cusp of world domination, Rihanna rapidly achieved popularity in the 2000s for her undeniable musical gifts. “Don’t Stop the Music” is one single from her earlier period that also serves as a motto when at the club. A master of pop music, she spends the first verse ramping up the intensity with an emphasis on each passing line. The chorus finally hits with a motivating phrase to keep the party going. To secure everyone’s approval, Rihanna even goes so far as to sample Michael Jackson in the process. It also speaks to the quality of her catalog that she has so many other incredible dance anthems.
#8: “Hung Up” (2005)
Madonna
The queen of pop and the magic of ABBA were sure to create something truly special. Utilizing a sample of the Swedish group’s release “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” Madonna develops an incredibly fun song around one of her finest hooks. The catchiness of “Hung Up” is almost unmatched in her career of pop supremacy. It’s also one that encourages everyone to bust a move, next to being one of the artist’s best compositions of the 2000s. She proudly indicates throughout that age is only a number with her youthful outlook. While she started the 2000s with another massive dance single called “Music,” the singer ratchets up the intensity with this particular gem.
#7: “Low” (2007)
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Flo Rida feat. T-Pain
After the release of 2007’s “Low,” there was a whole new dance phrase that entered the lexicon. The artist known as Flo Rida comes ready to play with an underrated vocal style. Teaming up with the lead performer, T-Pain provides support with a chorus that still rings in people’s ears to this day. He adds in details about design jeans that have become some of the most quoted lyrics from the era. If that isn’t enough, synthesizers give this Southern hip hop classic another musical boost. Flo Rida parlayed this and a few other hits into a highly successful run in the later part of the decade, influencing dancers for years to come.
#6:“Hey Ya!” (2003)
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Outkast
Outkast rarely plays by the rules, using this track to push the boundaries of popular music. Whether it’s a pop or a hip hop song, “Hey Ya!” is definitely something inviting people to dance. Near the end of the track, the performers practically stop to recommend shaking like a Polaroid. If you don’t come for the incredible lyrics, there’s always the steady beat at the center of this timeless single. Having said that, “Hey Ya!” doesn’t deal in typical musical terms or sound predictable in the slightest. The hip hop group always had a reputation for revolutionizing their sound and this release only proved their point with a dance-worthy groove.
#5: “Just Dance” (2008)
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Lady Gaga feat. Colby O’Donis
Ready for success, Lady Gaga entered the world stage with this glorious number called “Just Dance.” The aptly-named track has a bouncy energy from the first few seconds, expertly introducing an icon in the making. The electronic sound helped usher in another era of pop music that brightens up every dance party. Gaga’s title is a motto to live by, encouraging listeners to move their bodies in any way possible. Her lyrics describe a boozy night out that any clubgoer can connect with, featuring the singer’s singular voice as a guiding light. Featuring an assist from Colby O’Donis, this debut created one of the 21st century’s most acclaimed pop stars.
#4: “Call on Me” (2004)
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Eric Prydz
The power of a great sample and remix can totally revolutionize the concepts of dance music. In that way, Eric Prydz tapped into the sonic wonder of Steve Winwood to produce an unlikely electronic hit. Borrowing the chorus from Winwood’s song “Valerie,” the artist manages to take an ‘80s classic and modernize it for the 2000s. All he needs is a steady beat and a few killer high notes from the original performer, generating a dance masterpiece in the process. Prydz also makes a strong case for the power of a producer, coming up with an unparalleled presentation and saluting the past in the same breath.
#3:“Crazy in Love” (2003)
Izzo Blues Coalition The Messiah Will Come Again Shine On You Crazy Diamond Intro
Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z
Few songs have as good of a hook as “Crazy in Love.” The first few seconds of the horn sample introduce one of the great all-around tracks of the 2000s. Beyoncé does much more than just show up, singing over a difficult melody and establishing herself as one of the more vital artists of her generation. Jay-Z comes through with a memorable verse that offers up a hip hop influence without derailing the production. The fast-paced song contains several exciting turns, grabbing hold of the audience and inspiring them to jump up. It’s no wonder that the singer’s solo career took off the way it did.
#2: “One More Time” (2000)
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Daft Punk
Sometimes repetition makes a song even better. With that in mind, Daft Punk’s electronic compositions like “One More Time” have brightened up clubs since the early 2000s. Many musical instincts can’t be taught and this duo was the gold standard for mixing dance and electronica into one jam after the other. The French group reaches into the future and brings back sounds that feel advanced even after all this time. Over a decade before another awesome dance track “Get Lucky,” Daft Punk were already considered among the best electronic artists of their time and all time.
#1: “Toxic” (2004)
Britney Spears Toxic (MDT Lockdown Cover)
Britney Spears
Who would’ve thought that a string arrangement would be ripe for a dance off? Only Britney Spears could pull it off in the best possible way, as her more mature side comes out along with her embrace of all things dance pop. You don’t have to even be a fan of the pop star to love this song from start to finish. “Toxic” brings out the dance in any musical person, converting people with its hard-edged production. Unrelenting in a good way, the sounds that surround her accentuate every musical detail for maximum effect. While many people could argue over her best career release, Spears certainly imbues this enthralling piece with all of the right ingredients for dance.
