Recommended house/techno

The Appeal of Four-on-the-Floor: A House Music Classic. The Essential Starter Album.

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

House music—often simply called “house”—is a genre that originated from 1970s disco and has continued to influence not only club music but also popular music such as pop.

Its signature beat style, known as the four-on-the-floor, where the kick drum hits four times per measure, is something you’ve likely heard at least once, even without realizing it.

While it’s difficult to fully cover its definitions and history in a short text, this article highlights essential, canonical masterpieces of house music.

It’s a lineup curated for those who want to start listening to house music from here on out!

The Appeal of Four-on-the-Floor: Essential House Music Masterpieces, The Basics (41–50)

CloserMood II Swing

Closer – Mood II Swing

CloserMood II Swing

A classic track from the legendary American house duo Mood II Swing—John Ciafone and Lem Springsteen—released in 1994 on King Street Sounds, a prestigious label representing New York house.

This is exactly the New York house vibe at its best.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

ThirstinJack J

Thirstin’

ThirstinJack J

A standout track from the tastefully crafted classic released in 2015 on FUTURE TIMES by Jack J, the rising star of the house music scene based in Vancouver, Canada.

Its masterful use of timbres exudes a new-generation sensibility, making it a truly exceptional piece.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Tell You (Today)Loose Joints

Loose Joints – Tell You (Today) (Original 12″ Vocal)

Tell You (Today)Loose Joints

A classic track by Loose Joints, another alias project of Arthur Russell, who also released many great songs under the name Dinosaur L.

It’s a masterpiece that represents one facet of New York’s pop yet avant-garde sound, brimming with a kind of idiotically bright cheerfulness.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

House music is a genre that continues to evolve in real time, and distinctive “house” tracks are still being born in the 2020s.

As mentioned at the beginning, its influence extends not only to club music but also to pop, which shouldn’t be overlooked.

This time we focused mainly on classic masterpieces, but if this piqued your interest, be sure to check out the latest house music as well!