31 Best Techno Songs Of All Time

“No UFOs” by Juan Atkins

Song Year: 1985

“No UFOs” is an 80s techno tune by Model 500, a pseudonym for Juan Atkins. The track was released under Atkins’ label, Metroplex. It was the first-ever track released after Atkins’ previous group Cybotron disbanded.

This tune maintained similar themes to that of Atkin’s former group. It featured alienation and scientific fiction but was under-structured compared to Cybotron’s music, leading many to identify it as one of the early techno tracks. Over the years, numerous modern artists like Moodyman have released renditions of this track.

“Flat Beat” by Mr. Oizo

Song Year: 1999

“Flat Beat” is a techno instrumental by French Artist Mr. Oizo. Released via F Communication, Mr. Oizo incorporated this song as a bonus to his debut album, Analog Worms Attack. Video Home System released an accompanying video, which features a puppet named “Flat Eric” headbanging to the song.

“Flat Beat” topped charts in Italy, the UK, Finland, Austria, and Germany. In 2003, the song was featured in Q Magazine’s selection of their “1000 All-Time Best Tracks.”

“Go” by Moby

Song Year: 1991

Electronica artist Moby’s debut song began as a minimal techno composition and was initially featured on the 1990 B-side of his breakout hit “Mobility.” The next year, Moby released a revised version. On this tune, Moby sampled “Laura Palmer’s Theme” by Angelo Badalamenti from his favorite television show, Twin Peaks.

Dubbed the “Woodtick Mix,” Moby’s refix quickly became a fan favorite on dance floors. The track topped the Dance Singles chart in the UK and peaked at #18 on the US Dance Club Songs list. This techno jam also featured on the UK Pop charts, peaking at #10.

“Insomnia” by Faithless

Song Year: 1995

“Insomnia” is the 2nd single ever produced by the UK music group “Faithless.” After its initial release, this song quickly gained commercial success, peaking at #27 on the Singles chart in the UK and topping the Dance charts.

Upon the track’s re-release on their debut album “Reverence” in 1996, the tune attained new peaks (#3) on the UK charts. In 2013, the UK magazine, Mixmag, ranked “Insomnia” the 5th best all-time dance tune. The British Phonographic Industry also certified the tune double-platinum in 2019.

“Born Slippy” by Underworld

Song Year: 1996

“Born Slippy” is one of Underworld’s most captivating and euphoric pieces of techno music, having evolved from a majestic skyscape into a club song. The song features a seamless fusion of disparate elements, including thumpy drums, incantatory chanting, and echoing synth vibrations.

The disjointed lyrics by performer Karl Hyde convey an alcoholic’s viewpoint. After featuring in the film “Trainspotting,” the track peaked at #2 on the Singles chart in the UK upon release. Multiple publications have identified it as one of the finest songs of the 90s.

“Can’t Stop Raving” by Dune

Song Year: 1995

“Can’t Stop Raving” is the 3rd and final track of the Dune’s self-titled debut album. The German band requested Janine Kelly-Fiddes and Tina Lagao to bless the track with their amazing vocals.

The track was a massive success, hitting the Top 10 in Netherlands and Germany. In Germany, the tune spent about five months on the Top 100 charts and was still ranked Top 40 once the follow-up hit “Rainbow To The Stars’ debuted. The Album Rendition featured as a soundtrack on Joel Veitch’s “Chronicles of the Blode.”

“Galvanize” by The Chemical Brothers

Song Year: 2004

“Galvanize” is a track by the UK electronica duo The Chemical Brothers, featuring rapper Q-Tip vocals. The song featured as the lead single on the duo’s 5th album, “Push The Button.” In 2012, the song played at the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The track peaked at the #3 Singles chart in the UK. By then, it was the group’s best-charting song in their home country since “Hey Boy Hey Girl.” “Galvanize” also topped the charts in Spain for two consecutive weeks and featured at #65 on Triple J’s selection of the Hottest 100 of 2004 in Austria.

“Sandstorm” by Darude

Song Year: 1999

Finish producer and DJ Darude released “Sandstorm” as the lead track off his debut album, Before the Storm. The song was originally released in Finland but later re-distributed to other nations in 2000. The song garnered commercial success, notably for featuring in the internet meme culture and sports.

Over a decade after its first release, the Recording Industry Association of America certified “Sandstorm” Gold. Ten years later (2020), the song received its Platinum certification. During the centennial of Finland’s independence in 2017, Darude’s “Sandstorm” was one of the featured performances.

“What Time Is Love?” by The KLF

Song Year: 1988

“What Time Is Love?” is a tune released in various versions and a sequence of singles by the UK band, The KLF. The tune featured heavily and frequently in their oeuvre from 1988-1992 and, under the guise of 2K, in 1997.

Initially, “What Time Is Love?” was an instrumental electronic-techno dance track. However, with added instrumentation and vocals, the track’s subsequent renditions achieved huge global success. The highest-charting single, “America: What Time Is Love?” peaked at #4 on the Brit Singles Chart and steered the band to global stardom.

“Spastik” by Plastikman

Song Year: 1993

“Spastik” is an instrumental tune by Canadian-Brit electronica DJ and artist Plastikman, also known as Richie Hawtin. Initially released in Canada, the song is one of the most notable works by Hawtin and is commonly regarded as a techno classic. It is the lead track off his “Recycled Plastik EP.”

“Spastik” is built on a nine-minute Roland TR-808 drumming frenzy. Hawtin constantly made it the focal point for his live performances. In Belgium, it peaked on the dance charts at #3. UK magazine Mixmag ranked it the 7th “All-Time Best Dance Record” in 2013.

Top Techno Songs Ever, Final Thoughts

During its initial years, techno was primarily underground music. Although it took time to break into the mainstream charts, once the breakthrough came, it quickly became a staple for party lovers. Use this compilation as a guide to some of the best techno songs to add to your night or party-time playlist.