Best Dance Songs of 2011

Elastic Artists|Tailored Communication|Coda

In 2011, American dubstep definitively crossed into the mainstream while bass music's young trailblazers continued to develop and amplify their sound, and none more successfully than the artist who released our pick for No. 1. Without much further ado, here are our top 25 dance tracks of 2011, with nary a House Mafia or ma5k-wearer among them. If your list differs, let us know -- it ain't no big thing.

'Parfait Tirage'

Paradis

Tim Sweeney's first release on his Beats in Space label features Parisian duo Paradis' languid, breathy A-side, an easy favorite.

'Anglo-Saxon Pragmatism'

In Flagranti

A gentle under-the-radar gem from the duo's 'Worse For Wear' LP.

'Chase'

KRL

This mid-tempo house track from Wolf Music artist KRL features a well-placed Stevie Wonder sample, and then some.

'Another Girl'

Jacques Green

The 21-year-old Montreal native turns a Ciara sample into a blissful 2-step beauty. We applaud.

Damu

Our favorite from Manchester producer Damu's LP debut, 'Unity', a colorful, exuberant track.

'Fleur'

Sepalcure

We could easily have picked any number of tracks from Machinedrum and Braille's stellar collaboration LP (also one of the year's best), but we're rocking with the titular track from Sepalcure's second EP, our first introduction to their lush bass grooves.

'Here's Your Trance Now Dance'

Omar-S

Issued first as a single-sided 12-inch and later appearing on his 'It Can Be Done But Only I Can Do It' LP, Detroit legend Omar-S' recent classic has a decidedly timeless, late-night vibe.

'Houston We Have a Problem'

Genius of Time

Hard to beat the Swedes' remix of Whitney Houston's 2009 single 'Million Dollar Bill,' looping up the beefy bassline and crisp drums with some atmospheric synths, to killer effect.

'Reginald's Groove'

Cosmic Kids

L.A.'s disco heir apparents had a huge year in 2011, remixing everyone from the Rapture and Holy Ghost! to Poolside, but their first track, with its elastic synths, looped vocal and throwback vibe, is the one to check out.

'Lack of Hope'

Gesaffelstein

Another great release from Turbo, this one by French techno producer Gesaffelstein. Certainly more moody and melodic than his usual fare, but every bit as atmospheric and dark.