Techno music is an acquired taste. There are different forms of techno like house, jungle, trance, and electronic amongst a growing list. The easiest way to work your way through the techno world is to start with some well known DJ’s and go from there. Here are a few titles to get started.
Blue – Eiffel 65
If you don’t regularly listen to techno, chances are you have heard “Blue”. Unfortunately Eiffel 65 didn’t last long, but their contribution to the techno did not go unnoticed.
One More Time – Daft Punk
Daft Punk is probably the most well known techno group in the world with “One More Time” being their most popular song. They continue to release great techno.
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger – Daft Punk
“Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” wasn’t a well known song until it was recently remade, but the original is definitely the best version.
Technologic – Daft Punk
This is personally my favourite Daft Punk song and quite possibly my favourite techno song of all time. I really enjoy the fast paced lyrics and the solid beat.
Better Off Alone – Alice Deejay
This song is probably the single girls anthem.
Sandstorm – Darude
“Sandstorm” is one of those songs you either love to listen to, or can’t stand to sit through. If you’re looking for more fast paced techno, start here.
Castles in the Sky – Ian Van Dahl
It’s not often that a techno song works well with vocals, but “Castles in the Sky” certainly does.
Kemkraft 400 – Zombie Nation
“Kemkraft 400” is considered to be the most well known techno song in the world. It has been used during sporting events and in movies which accounts for its popularity.
I’ll Fly With You – Gigi D’Agostino
“I’ll Fly With You” is another great song incorporating amazing vocals.
9pm (Til I come) – ATB
This is a incredible electronic song that’s easier to dance to than most.
Rockafeller Skank – Fatboy Slim
“Rockafeller Skank” is by far my favourite Fatboy Slim mix. It’s fun, easy to dance to, and addicting to jam to in the car.
Dragostea Din Tei – O-Zone
Even though I can’t understand the lyrics in this song, which are sung in a form of Russian, I’ve seen whole rooms of people get to their feet to dance when this song comes over the speakers. They also attempt to sing along.
Ghost Albums – Nine Inch Nails
Trent Reznor is considered the father and inventory of industrial techno music. If you’re unsure of what industrial sounds like, listen to any of the above songs and then listen to anything from Trent’s “Ghosts” albums. You can hear a dramatic difference in the beats and tempo, and Trent incorporates harsh piano tunes as well. It’s almost as if the rusted remains of an old industrial factory are used to create such beautiful sounds.
Teardrop – Massive Attack
Anyone who has seen an episode of “House” knows this song well, it accompanies the opening credits. Massive Attack have been used in only a few commercial aspects, and I can only hope they get bigger than they are because they make the most exquisitely strange music.
Punk – Ferry Corsten
“Punk” is a harder techno song. It’s not easy to dance to, if that’s what you’re after, and the beat is a bit louder than the main hook of the song. Some people find this kind of techno difficult to listen to because of it’s harsh tones.
Burn For You – Kreo
The chorus and vocals of “Burn For You” make it one of my favorite softer techno songs.
Rapture – Iio
“Rapture” is another song they were playing all over the airwaves when it was first released. It’s lyrical, and the beat is beautiful.
Shiny Disco Balls – Who Da Funk
Another great dance song. I think the best techno songs are easy to dance too without feeling like you’re running around wild, and have fantastic lyrics to sing along with. “Shiny Disco Balls” epitomizes a fun night out.
Addicted to Bass – Puretone
There are a few versions of this song, as with most techno, and the fast beat version is by far my favorite. It’s perfect for listening to with all the car windows rolled down on a sunny day.
Where’s Your Head At – Basement Jaxx
Basement Jaxx have done well for themselves throughout the years, becoming a recognizable name like Daft Punk and Ian Van Dahl. This song is a mix of different beats, strange lyrics, and odd sounds creating addictive music that makes you want to hear more from Basement Jaxx.
All information on songs and artist is from personal knowledge and Last.fm.