51 Best 2020s Dance Songs

So far, the early 2020s include a lot of societal and cultural upheaval. As with so many points throughout history, You can find the timbre of the times in music. Dance music, in particular, is a genre that thrives on the unleashing of emotion. Read on to discover some of the best dance songs of the 2020s.

2AM by MK feat. Carla Monroe      

Song year: 2020

2AM is a certified bop with its energetic beat and lovely vocals. It manages to have consistent energy throughout while providing great layering and development. Add this song to any playlist that is high-energy and fun. 2AM is also a great go-to summer dance song.

A Drug From God by Chris Lake & NPC

Song year: 2021

A Drug From God is the song you want to dance to the next time you go to the club. The deep beat compliments the vocals from NPC, Grime’s A.I. girl group. The result is hypnotic and unsettling in a delicious way.

Admit It (U Don't Want 2) by Fred again & India Jordan    

Song year: 2022

Admit It starts slow, but it slowly builds into a great dance jam. Light vocals drift through a sharp beat, and ethereal components bind everything together. The energy of the song is somewhat anxious and fast-moving.

All 4 Love by Mark Knight & Rene Amesz feat. Tasty Lopez    

Song year: 2020

It is impossible to listen to All 4 Love and not want to dance. The beat compliments some flourishes from brass instruments and the beautiful vocals. Plus, the music video is fun to watch. This song belongs at the top of any dance playlist.

Automatic by Lane 8 feat. Solomon Grey       

Song year: 2022

While other songs released after the start of the pandemic delve into feelings of sadness, loneliness, and desperation, Automatic strikes a more hopeful tone. It consists of a simple piano-like beat and calm vocals. These elements mix with light and ethereal sounds. You may feel like you are frolicking on clouds as you dance to this song.

Automatic by Tensnake feat. Fiora 

Song year: 2020

Automatic is one of the most recognizable songs from 2020. This song is one you feel you have heard before because it is so timeless, but then you discover all the modern intricacies. Fiora’s vocals match beautifully with Tensnake’s driving beats.

Beg For You by Charli XCX Feat. Rina Sawayama     

Song year: 2022

Continuing her reputation for dance hits, Charli XCX provides the fun and sentimental Beg For You in partnership with Rina Sawayama. Both singers offer enchanting vocals that beautifully compliment the shuffling beat of the song. In addition to these elements, the song also contains the addition of strings.

Bodies by The Knocks feat. MUNA

Song year: 2020

Bodies is a uniquely 2020 song. It captures a particular feeling many know from early in the Coronavirus pandemic. The song describes memories of being able to dance with others. It starts slow but develops and brings out a danceable beat while maintaining a somewhat melancholy melody.

Break My Heart (Moodymann Remix) by Dua Lipa and The Blessed Madonna     

Song year: 2020

This remix of the well-known Dua Lipa song is full of energy and surprises. Dua Lipa’s vocals maintain a prominent role, while The Blessed Madonna and Moodymann contribute layers that make a song just as fun to dance to as it is to listen to. Break My Heart provides a sound that is consistently fun for dancing, while simultaneously developing in unexpected ways.

Change by TSHA   

Song year: 2020

There is something about Change that brings to mind long summer days. Maybe it is the subtle vocals or the strident beat. It might be the grassy instrumentation that blends throughout. Whatever the answer is, this song is an ideal choice for your summer playlist.

Dancing Feet by Kygo feat. DNCE 

Song year: 2022

Dancing Feet combines romantic vocals with complex instrumentation and retro nostalgia. This song is perfect if you are looking for an option that is just pure fun. It is exactly the type of hopeful song people were looking for at this stage of the pandemic. The music video is also a blast.

Do It To It by ACRAZE   

Song year: 2021

Do It To It demonstrates the popular trend of sampling well-known songs better than many others. It samples the 2006 song Cherish. When you hear this song, you can not help but bounce in your seat or on the dance floor.

Don't Forget My Love by Diplo & Miguel

Song year: 2022

With a slow yet groovy beat and chill vocals, Don’t Forget My Love is a great song if you want to get lost while dancing. It has a consistent vibe with some guitar additions, complimenting the vocals and the beat well. The music video is also a nice little story.

Douha (Mali Mali) by Disclosure feat. Fatoumata Diawara  

Song year: 2020

Douha is a song with something for everyone. The consistent vocals throughout provide a strong foundation as the beat and melody play and add dimension to the song. This song was one of the most popular dance songs in 2020, and it is not difficult to hear why.

Flames by NERVO & Midnight City

Song year: 2022

Flames start with an introduction to the strong vocals that will run through the whole song. Those vocals combine with a grooving beat and colorful instrumentation. The result is a song fun to dance to that makes a great addition to any motivational or breakup playlist.

Forget About Me by Aluna, Diplo, & Durante 

Song year: 2022

This upbeat song includes bright vocals, a fast beat, and some ethereal music elements. Choose Forget About Me for any playlist that you use to pump you up. It is also just a great dance song if you want something that you can move to.

Go Through It by Elohim

Song year: 2021

No matter what you are going through, everyone could use a dance anthem that is all about the process of dealing with various issues. Go Through It may just be that song for you. The lyrics drive the song, and provide defiant and optimistic energy, while the beat and melody provide an upbeat backdrop.

Gold by Austin Millz & Aluna  

Song year: 2021

Gold is an upbeat jam that defies genre. Aluna provides light vocals, while Austin Millz infectiously mixes the song. The elements combine to create a song that can belong anywhere, from the club to your workout playlist.

Green Light by Bleu Clair, AC Slater, and Kate Wild

Song year: 2021

Kate Wild provides deep yet sweet vocals for this piano-forward dance song. Her voice works beautifully with the sound of the beat and melody. These elements result in a catchy earworm that will make you want to dance. This piece is the perfect song to dance to at the club.

Head and Heart by Joel Corry x MNEK  

Song year: 2020

Head and Heart undoubtedly get stuck in your head the first time you hear it. The song is fun to dance to, and it has enough variety that it is also fun to listen to. It has a strong beat and vocals with plenty of layers that add dimension. The music video for this song is also fun to watch.

Heart Attack by Bronson

Song year: 2020

Heart Attack provides a balance between lau.ra’s gentle vocals and the deep beat. Those elements receive several layers of support, and the result is a complex song with plenty of movement. The song goes on a journey, which makes it an ideal dance song.

High by The Chain Smokers  

Song year: 2022

High starts with a relaxed introduction and soon develops into a more fast-paced sound. As the vocals and beat get more intense, they connect with more complexity in the instrumentation. The energy of this song is somewhat upbeat, but also melancholy. The fanciful music video also tells a story relating to the lyrics of the song.

Idontknow by Jamie xx   

Song year: 2020

Idontknow could easily be described as a tapestry of sound. It is perfectly enjoyable as a song to dance to. However, when you listen a bit deeper, the song shows detailed threads of sound that bob and weave together to create a unique and compelling sound. This song is a true treat for the ears and the body that wants to dance to something unusual.

In The Dark by Purple Disco Machine & Sophie and the Giants

Song year: 2022

In The Dark strikes a beautiful balance between melancholy and anxiety. The deep vocals tell a story, while retro beats provide the perfect counterbalance and opportunity for dance. If you want even more stories, check out the fascinating music video for this song.

Jeanette by Kelly Lee Owens

Song year: 2020

Jeanette feels like a conversation between the different musical elements. It starts with a complex, yet stead beat and gradually adds on different elements, including a sporadic synth and a fuzzier beat. The conversation continues to unfold with subtle developments. Jeanette is a great addition to any playlist that needs an active yet ponderous addition.

Lapdance From Asia by Cosha & Shygirl       

Song year: 2021

Even though Lapdance From Asia starts slow, its many layers soon provide a lush soundscape to explore. Cosha and Shygirl hold down the song with their hypnotic vocals, while percussion keeps the beat. You may not want to rave to this song, but it is ideal for a contemplative dance.

Like This by 박혜진 Park Hye Jin   

Song year: 2020

Like This shows that dance music does not need to be over-the-top in terms of beat. Instead, this song gently weaves together gentle, hypnotic vocals and wind chime sounds before adding an equally subtle beat. The result is a song that is both fun to dance to and chill to.

Limitless by Martin Garrix & Mesto 

Song year: 2022

Limitless starts by introducing the mysterious and anxious instrumental components of the song. Soon, new elements combine to enhance the mystery and cause a more hypnotic effect. There are no vocals in this song, but you do not miss them. The instrumentals alone create a perfect sound to dance to.

Love Brand New by Bob Moses     

Song year: 2022

Love Brand New is one of the more recognizable songs on this list. The song starts with a simple introduction to the central riff. A steady beat emerges and drives the song. Crisp vocals imbue the song with hope, and guitar instrumentals feature prominently throughout. A beautiful music video accompanies this song.

Magic by Kylie Minogue 

Song year: 2020

Kylie Minogue is undoubtedly an icon when it comes to dancing music. In Magic, she manages to evoke her strong decades-long foundation, while capturing a uniquely 2020 flair. She provides impressive vocals along with a funky beat. This song is always sure to get people onto the dance floor.

Marea (We've Lost Dancing) by Fred Again & The Blessed Madonna  

Song year: 2021

This song is another one that reflects the time in which it was written. We’ve Lost Dancing describes the loss of dancing as the world reckoned with a year of a pandemic. The somber tone of the piece is shown in the words spoken throughout the song, and the complex synthesizers that keep the beat.

Mother Africa by TroyBoi

Song year: 2020

TroyBoi honors his roots with this complex and beautiful song rich in culture. The beat is based on a traditional Kenyan vocal sample. That beat layers with several other elements to create a slow, yet funky dance song. Beyond being a fantastic song, the sales from this piece also go to Save the Children Africa.

No Doubt by GRiZ & Jauz      

Song year: 2020

Standing apart from many other dance songs, No Doubt starts slow and develops fascinating textures over its course. Thanks to the strong bass that runs throughout the song, you can feel the music deeply as you dance. Choose this song if you want a unique option for your dance playlist.

Please by Jessie Ware   

Song year: 2021

Jessie Ware is known for her ability to create loved dance music. This song may be called Please, but the lyrics put the asker in the power position. Sultry vocals drive the song, accompanied by plenty of fun elements. The song is reminiscent of hits from the 1980s.

Purse First by DJ Minx   

Song year: 2021

Purse First is an important dance song, not just because it is an extremely danceable bop, but because of its cultural importance. The phrase “purse first” originated from the 1996 film “The Birdcage”, and over time it evolved as a way to check if someone is out within the gay community. This song consists of strident beats that are perfect for dancing.

Reachupdontstop by Baaur    

Song year: 2020

Reachupdontstop is a perfect dance song thanks to the blend of its repetitive vocals and fast-moving beat. This song comes from Baaur’s sophomore album, Planet’s Mad, in which he explores several seemingly disconnected concepts and sounds. The result is an eclectic album perfect for your next dance party.

Redlight by Swedish House Mafia & Sting     

Song year: 2022

In many ways, Redlight is the epitome of what many people want out of a dance hit. The song has a strident, dirty beat, complimentary sound elements, and a zoney backdrop. It also not only samples, but features Sting, and his hit, Roxanne. The result is beautiful, hypnotic, and perfect for dancing. The accompanying music video is also a great piece of art.

redruM by Sorana & David Guetta 

Song year: 2022

redruM is one of the most loved dance songs from 2022. The dark yet beautiful song includes some 1980s synth, complex instrumentation, and awesome opportunities to dance. The whole song is kept together by impressive vocals from Sorana that blend beautifully with the instrumentals. The music video for the song is also a lot of fun.

Say Nothing by Flume feat. MAY-A

Song year: 2022

Say Nothing is another song that feels like it captures the energy of the world in 2022, even as it remains a love song. It is melancholy, with a certain degree of fatigue. There is a consistent, somewhat shuffling beat that beautifully combines with the strong vocals. The music video provides several beautiful and alarming visuals.

Step It Up by Armand van Helden & Riva Starr feat. Sharlene Hector

Song year: 2020

Step It Up is a perfect song, whether you are dancing in the club or in your living room. It is a bit of an earworm. So, do not be surprised if you get it stuck in your head. This song boasts a strong beat with lots of movement and intriguing vocals.

Tear It Up by Solardo x Paul Woolford feat. Pamela Fernandez 

Song year: 2020

There is a timeless quality to Tear It Up, thanks to its layers and strong beat. It manages to call to mind the discos of yesteryear while being undeniably modern. This song provides a little bit for everybody since it has an extremely danceable, consistent beat, but it also has a lot of interest and layering to it.

The Darkness That You Fear by The Chemical Brothers 

Song year: 2021

Gentle vocals and a strident beat create an uplifting bop in The Darkness That You Fear. After a quick introduction, the sound opens up into a billowing and light dance hit. Released as some relief from the pandemic seemed visible, this song is a celebration of rave culture and a signal of hope.

The Last Goodbye by Odesza feat Bettye LaVette       

Song year: 2022

The Last Goodbye starts with the powerful vocals of Bettye LaVette and eases into a more electronic sound. Soon, those two elements are melding into something unique and beautiful. The result is a song that tells a story and evokes several emotions.

The Prince by Madeon   

Song year: 2020

Madeon is a great, zoney song with complex, hypnotic beats, synthetic vocals, and many different components. While the song starts at a more relaxed point, the middle goes off the rails, in a great way. As The Prince finishes up, it plays with tempo, different sounds, and instrumentation.

The Recipe by Aluna & Kaytranada feat. Rema       

Song year: 2020

The Recipe is a fun yet complex bop that you need on your go-to dance playlist. Delicate vocals blend beautifully with a strident beat and a dreamy melody. If you love detailed music videos, you will also enjoy the Renaissance-inspired music video.

Vibe (If I Back It Up by Cookie Kawaii feat. Tyga       

Song year: 2020

Vibe is indeed a vibe. You may have heard this song at the club or on TikTok since it was a popular trend on the app. The beautifully balanced song contains soft, dreamy vocals from Kawaii and subtle additions from Tyga. There are many fun layers of the song coming together to create an addictive sound.

Walk Me Home by Said The Sky, ILLENIUM, & Chelsea Cutler

Song year: 2022

When you first start listening to Walk Me Home, you may think it is a ballad. It starts with sweet vocals over a guitar. The song maintains a certain ballad-like quality, but it also takes on more detail and dimension with the addition of echo effects and other instruments.

We All Move Together by Inner City feat. Idris Elba

Song year: 2020

In this song, a complex yet steady beat fits perfectly with the words spoken by Idris Elba. These elements combine to create a unique power ideal for a dancing or motivational playlist. The video for the song elegantly explores the Black Lives Matter Movement and police brutality.

When I'm Gone by Alesso & Katy Perry 

Song year: 2022

Perhaps, this song is less of a deep cut than others on this list, but it is still a great dance song. When I’m Gone is a return to form of sorts for Katy Perry, and it may even be an evolution. This song has classic dance elements and some unique components that are new for Perry.

You Can Do It by Caribou      

Song year: 2021

In many ways, You Can Do It is the perfect anthem for the early 2020s as the world continues to reckon with a pandemic. The upbeat lyrics of this song make it a great piece to listen to for motivation in your daily life. If you check out the music video for this song, you will be pleased to find that the cheerful lyrics combine with visuals of dogs happily running through nature and chasing frisbees.

You've Done Enough by Gorgon City & DRAMA       

Song year: 2021

You’ve Done Enough consists of musical components as complex as the song's emotions. The solid vocals work with the fast-paced beat and other sounds to create a melancholy and mysterious sound. This song is perfect for dancing if you are upset. However, it's also good if you're feeling powerful.

Top 2020s Dance Songs, Final Thoughts

The best 2020s dance songs follow some trends and break barriers. Many musicians at this time experiment with sampling, content, and collaboration. Common themes throughout the music from this time are not giving up and overcoming obstacles.

Several different subgenres will emerge or return in the early 2020s. For example, house and rave music regained some popularity. No matter what types of dance music you like, you will surely find some new favorites on this list.