29 Best House Songs Ever

11. “Move Your Body” by Marshall Jefferson72

Song year: 2019

Marshall Jefferson struggled to release “Move Your Body” because other artists and record executives at Trax Records did not see the house song’s potential. However, once the song became popular in dance clubs, they allowed its release, and the song went far.

The composition includes a distinguishing characteristic. It opens with a piano chord, making it the first house song to include a piano. The song is an anthem for dance music lovers, as the lyrics detail the experience of falling in love with house music.

12. “Music Is the Key (Basement Key)” by J.M. Silk

Song year: 1985

J.M. Silk is a pioneer of early house music. The artist has had several singles top the international dance/electronic charts, and “Music Is the Key (Basement Key)” is one of them. He released it on his album The House Sound of Chicago, referencing the city where he and the genre got their start.

The song shares a beat with another song on the album, “Music Is the Key (House Key).”

13. “The Whistle Song” by Frankie Knuckles

Song year: 1991

Francis Warren Nicholls Jr. played a significant role in bringing the house genre into the mainstream. Many consider him to be the “Godfather of House Music.” He released “The Whistle Song” in the early 90s when he already had an established career. The song did not disappoint his fans, who quickly adapted it as one of the best house anthems.

Club-goers will be familiar with the song’s danceable four-on-the-floor beat. The techniques contributed to Frankie Knuckles winning the Grammy for Remixer of the Year later in the decade.

14. “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim

Song year: 1998

The English beat musician Fatboy Slim released “Praise You” on his second album, You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby. The single reached number in the United Kingdom and charted internationally in Canada, the United States, Ireland, and Iceland.

The tune gained recognition for several eclectic samples, like the guitar from “It’s a Small World” from Disney’s Mickey Mouse Disco. The artist also uses pieces of the theme song from Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.

15. “Pump up the Jam” by Technotronic

Song year: 1989

Technotronic’s debut album Pump up the Jam includes a single by the same name, which would become one of the most recognizable songs from the late 80s. The tune has a triple platinum certification and reached the top of the US Cash Box Top 100.

Film and television fans will recognize the song from many productions about the late 80s and 90s, as it is the go-to for club scenes in the era. Emmy-Award-winning show, The Assassination of Gianni Versace, uses it for the mid-90s.

16. “La La Land” by Green Velvet

Song year: 2001

Green Velvet is an American DJ and house producer who has created several popular dance songs, and “La La Land” is one of the most successful. The techno song reached number 12 on the Billboard Dance Club chart.

Green Velvet comes from Chicago, the birthplace of house music, so exposure to the genre at a young age allowed him to refine his technique and come into his musical creativity.

17. “Pacific State” by 808 State

Song year: 1989

The British electronic group 808 State released their hit single “Pacific State” in 1989, but it was not unique to their Quadrastate album. They released different versions of the same song on various albums, including “Pacific 202” on Ninety.

808 State released the song after band member Gerald Simpson left the band, causing a dispute since they publicized his work without permission. Either way, the song charted internationally and is one of the most well-known house songs of the era.

18. “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)” by Crystal Waters

Song year: 1991

American musician Crystal Waters’s song “Gypsy Woman” is also known as “La Da Dee La Da Da.” She wrote it with her collaborator Neal Conway and released it on her debut album, Surprise. It immediately shot to the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 once it hit the public ear, and it even charted in eight countries plus the Eurochart.

Slant Magazine considers it one of the “100 Best Dance Songs of All Time.”

19. “Passion” by Gat Decor

Song year: 1992

“Passion” is a defining song for the English electronic music group Gat Decor. The song immediately swept the underground club scene before coming to the mainstream United Kingdom charts.

Gat Decor received international critical acclaim for the jam, including a glowing review from Music Weekly. Mixmag Magazine ranked it as one of the “100 Best Dance Singles of All Time” and “50 Most Influential Records of All Time.”

20. “Good Life” by Inner City and Kevin Saunderson

Song year: 1988

“Good Life” is a single from American electronic group Inner City’s debut album Paradise. It reached the top of the international charts, serving as a blueprint for some of the biggest house hits, including Pump up the Jam.

Critics received the song very well, with publications like Music Weekly, The Observer, The San Francisco Examiner, and The Baltimore Sun singing their praises of the house tune.