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 2 . Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars - Die With A SmileReleased in August 2024 under Interscope Records, this soft rock duet blends pop, soul, and rock influences reminiscent of 1970s collaborations. The lyrics exude urgency and devotion in the face of uncertainty. The music video adopts a vintage aesthetic with denim and red ensembles, aligning with the song's soulful tone. A creative synergy born spontaneously in the studio, the song achieved commercial success, including topping the Billboard Global 200 and earning Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The music video is directed by Daniel Ramos & Bruno Mars
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 3 . Dua Lipa - Levitating (w/ )Dua Lipa's “Levitating” took listeners on a cosmic journey back in 2020, blending 70s, 80s, and 90s influences. A futuristic music video featuring DaBaby, where they ascend to a star-lit dance floor, helped solidify this track's chart-topping popularity. The music video is directed by Warren Fu Featured on the album Future Nostalgia
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 4 . Doja Cat - Paint The Town RedAugust 2023 saw Doja Cat's "Paint The Town Red" climb the charts, sampling Dionne Warwick's “Walk On By” and featuring her unapologetic response to critics. In its surreal music video, she's seen mingling with figures like death and Satan, a bold visual complement to her Billboard Hot 100-topping track. The music video is directed by Nina McNeely Featured on the album Scarlet
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 5 . Doja Cat - StreetsInitially released in 2019, "Streets" saw a resurgence in 2020 through TikTok's viral “Silhouette Challenge.” Sampling B2K's “Streets Is Callin',” this evocative ballad explores yearning for an ex, with its music video capturing red-lit shadows and sultry intimacy. The music video is directed by Christian Breslauer Featured on the album Hot Pink
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 6 . Elton John - Cold Heart - Pnau RemixInfusing classics with a modern twist, Elton John and Dua Lipa released "Cold Heart" in August 2021, with PNAU remixing “Rocket Man” and “Sacrifice” into a psychedelic medley. The colorful animated video matches the track's retro appeal, helping Elton score his first UK No.1 since 2005. The music video is directed by Raman Djafari Featured on the album The Lockdown Sessions
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 7 . Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike & Tiësto & Dido & W&W - Thank You [Not So Bad]“Circle With Me” emerges late in Spiritbox’s studio sessions, channeling Courtney LaPlante’s inner tug-of-war between self-assurance and unease over her career path. Her clean, drifting vocals routinely give way to unfiltered screams, tracing a sonic arc from tranquility to full rupture. Djent-tinged guitars twist beneath layered synths, while the rest of the band—Mike Stringer, Bill Crook, and Zev Rose—anchors the volatility with clinical precision.
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 8 . Akon, Amirror - Far AwayAkon joins forces with AMIRROR on "Far Away," a three-minute single released in late 2023 that's now doing its rounds on Spotify and Apple Music. Built around distant love and everyday heartache, the lyrics linger on separation’s sting—“Baby I miss you everyday, right now I can't breathe, this is what you do to me when you go far away." There's no fireworks here, just a steady dose of vulnerability wrapped in a melody that doesn’t rush to fix anything, only to feel it. The music video is directed by Sesan >> More by the same : Website
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 9 . Bruno Mars - Leave The Door OpenArriving in March 2021, Silk Sonic's "Leave The Door Open" transports listeners to a velvety R&B realm, with Philadelphia soul and quiet storm influences. Co-produced with D'Mile, this romantic invitation is framed by intricate guitar slides and lush strings, setting the perfect mood for intimacy. The music video is directed by Florent Dechard Featured on the album An Evening with Silk Sonic
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 10 . Lady Gaga - Shallow"Shallow," the emotive centerpiece of A Star Is Born (2018), showcases the magnetic chemistry between Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper. Opening with Cooper’s raspy vocals and an acoustic guitar, the track transitions to Gaga’s powerful voice in the second verse, creating a swelling country-folk ballad. The song underscores Ally’s rise to fame and the deepening emotional connection between her and Jackson Maine, culminating in an unforgettable live performance scene filmed at the Greek Theater. Shallow quickly became a global success, capturing several prestigious awards. The music video is directed by Bradley Cooper
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 11 . Sevdaliza - Alibi (w/ Pabllo Vittar & Yseult)""Alibi"" intertwines the voices of Sevdaliza, Pabllo Vittar, and Yseult, merging English, Portuguese, and French. Produced by Sevdaliza and Mathias Janmaat, it samples ""Rosa"" by Totó la Momposina, a Colombian hit rooted in Carnival tradition. With baile funk and reggaeton influences, the song weaves themes of feminine resilience and empowerment. The track quickly soared in popularity, reaching over 35 million streams in weeks and placing Pabllo Vittar as the second drag queen on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video is directed by Fernando Nogari
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 12 . Swedish House Mafia, The Weeknd - Moth To A FlameSwedish House Mafia and The Weeknd's “Moth To A Flame” explores a burning, tumultuous love through The Weeknd's metaphor-rich lyrics. This track, marking Swedish House Mafia's return, fuses dark synths and atmospheric beats. Debuting at second place on Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart, the collaboration gained traction following the group's signing with The Weeknd's manager in 2021. The music video is directed by Alexander Wessely Featured on the album Paradise Again
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 13 . Doja Cat - You RightIn June 2021, Doja Cat and The Weeknd explored infidelity in "You Right," where Doja appears as a goddess tempted by The Weeknd. The video's mythical, cloud-filled visuals emphasize the emotional tug-of-war portrayed in the song. The music video is directed by Quentin Deronzier Featured on the album Planet Her
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 14 . Doja Cat - Need To KnowReleased in June 2021, "Need to Know" reveals Doja Cat's explorations of desire, layered with trap-pop beats. The futuristic video places her as an alien navigating neon-lit nightlife, resonating with the song's boldness and curiosity. The music video is directed by Miles Cable & AJ Favicchio Featured on the album Planet Her
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 15 . Doja Cat - Say SoDoja Cat's “Say So,” from her 2019 album, pulls in 70s funk and disco vibes, taking on a life of its own after a viral TikTok dance. Remixed with Nicki Minaj, it topped the Billboard Hot 100, with the retro video adding to its throwback appeal. The music video is directed by Hannah Lux Davis Featured on the album Hot Pink
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 16 . Dua Lipa - HoudiniA November 2023 release, "Houdini" by Dua Lipa weaves pop, electronica, and nu-disco into a rhythmic ultimatum about emotional escape. Filmed in a dance studio, the video's fiery choreography, set against a striking male ensemble, accentuates the song's themes of romantic vanishing acts. The music video is directed by Manu Cossu Featured on the album Radical Optimism
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 17 . Camila Cabello - ShamelessCamila Cabello releases "Shameless" on September 5, 2019, sharing the spotlight with "Liar" as part of her second album, Romance. Across three and a half minutes, she trades subtle for loud, letting go of caution in lyrics like “screaming my lungs out for ya.” Co-written by an ensemble including Jon Bellion, Ali Tamposi, Andrew Watt, and the Monsters and the Strangerz, it’s anything but solitary work. Watt and Monsters handle the production, one handling fire, the others fuel. "Shameless" leans into raw confession, spurred at least partly by Cabello’s evolving dynamic with Shawn Mendes, something she nods to without decorating. The video, directed by Henry Scholfield, favors flame, religious icons, and glass-breaking moments over narrative comfort. In 2023, TikTok dusts it off for its bridge and sped-up edits, because apparently, emotional urgency loves a second act. The song charts internationally, possibly boosted by listeners who also believe wanting someone counts as cardio. The music video is directed by Henry Scholfield
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 18 . Dua Lipa - Love AgainSampling Al Bowlly's "My Woman," Dua Lipa's "Love Again" blends disco-infused dance-pop with emotional retrospection. The track's surreal video, from invisible cowboys to floating eggs, underscores its theme of rediscovering love amidst nuanced musical layers. The music video is directed by Lope Serrano Featured on the album Future Nostalgia
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 19 . David Guetta - I'M Good (Blue)David Guetta and Bebe Rexha bring a fresh twist to Eiffel 65's “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” in “I'm Good (Blue),” channeling a carefree, party-centric vibe that shot to viral fame on TikTok. Initially a casual project from 2017, the track's social media success prompted Guetta and Rexha to complete it. Filmed at Ibiza's Ushuaïa, the music video complements the song's lighthearted essence with vibrant nightlife scenes. The track won the Best Collaboration award at the 2022 MTV EMAs and was nominated at the Grammys. The music video is directed by Kc Locke
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 20 . Dua Lipa - Break My Heart"Break My Heart" leans into retro-futurist sheen, crossing disco-funk with synth-soaked dance-pop and an unmistakable Europop pulse. Built around a prominent sample from INXS's "Need You Tonight," it spins a tug-of-war narrative between the thrill of attraction and the dread of regret. Dua Lipa calls this collision of emotions “dance crying,” which seems about right when heartbreak gets a beat this catchy. The track reaches Platinum in the UK and US, propped up by a voice distinct enough to cut through the noise. Dua Lipa, British-Albanian, threads house flashbacks and 1980s textures into a pop catalogue that doesn't exactly shy from a chart position or two. The music video is directed by Henry Scholfield
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ABOUT DANCE POPDefinition and OriginsDance Pop, also known as Pop Dance, first took shape in the 1980s with trailblazers like Madonna and Michael Jackson but has continually evolved, reaching new heights of popularity in the 2010s and 2020s with artists such as Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, and The Weeknd. Prominent DJs like Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and more recent figures like Kygo, Marshmello, and Joel Corry have further contributed to its growth. Musically, Dance Pop centers on simple, memorable melodies, supported by synthesizers and drum machines to create an upbeat and energetic sound. Tracks are crafted with deep basslines and syncopated drum patterns, designed to prompt listeners to dance. Production relies on advanced technology and top-tier software, with renowned producers such as Calvin Harris, Max Martin, and Diplo all helping to refine and popularize the modern Dance Pop sound. Dance Pop lyrics often revolve around universal themes like love, partying, and personal freedom. Typically straightforward and easy to sing along with, they aim to quickly engage audiences. This genre also branches into subgenres like Electropop, Nu-Disco, and Tropical House, each adding a unique flavor to contemporary Dance Pop. Electropop, Nu-Disco, and Tropical HouseElectropop combines pop elements with prominent electronic sounds. Emerging in the 1980s with the rise of synthesizers, it was popularized by artists such as Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, and Kraftwerk. By the 2020s, the genre had evolved into a sophisticated, polished sound with intensively melodic and rhythmic productions. Artists like Charli XCX, Tove Lo, and Ellie Goulding have updated Electropop by integrating it into modern Dance Pop. Nu-Disco, another subgenre, revisits the sounds of 1970s disco, infused with contemporary elements. It features funky basslines, disco grooves, and electronic sounds, creating a vibe that feels both retro and fresh. Associated with artists like Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, and Jessie Ware, Nu-Disco has also influenced producers like Purple Disco Machine, who blend house and disco rhythms to craft dance-ready, energetic tracks. Tropical House, often shortened to “Trop House,” stems from house music but features slower tempos, generally around 100–115 BPM, a chill vibe, and a sunny, relaxed tone. Using sounds evocative of beaches and tropical climates, such as flutes, light percussion, and gentle guitar melodies, the genre gained popularity in the mid-2010s through producers like Kygo, Thomas Jack, and Matoma. This style has made a notable impact on 2020s pop, with artists like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, and The Chainsmokers weaving it into their own productions. Advanced Technology and State-of-the-Art SoftwareModern Dance Pop production relies on advanced technologies and state-of-the-art software, enabling producers to create sophisticated and innovative sounds. Below are some of the most commonly used tools: Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) Digital Audio Workstations are foundational for music production:
Synthesis and Sampling Plugins Plugins enhance effects and enable advanced sound creation:
Mixing and Mastering Tools Mixing and mastering tools enhance sound quality:
Artificial Intelligence and Automation AI tools streamline production tasks:
Key Record LabelsThe following are ten influential labels driving Dance Pop production: |
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