![[2026] A roundup of popular EDM in the United States [Recommended for beginners]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/_ovdm2yX4MA/maxresdefault.webp)
[2026] A roundup of popular EDM in the United States [Recommended for beginners]
Have you ever found your body moving before you knew it to the heavy beats echoing through a festival or club? EDM is short for Electronic Dance Music, a catch-all term for dance music created using synthesizers and samplers.
In the United States in particular, it sparked a major movement alongside the rise of massive festivals, captivating listeners across the globe.
This article picks a wide range of tracks—from the iconic hits that dominated America during the 2010s, the genre’s peak era, to the songs currently energizing the charts.
With plenty of melodic tunes, even newcomers are sure to find a favorite!
[2026] Popular EDM in the United States Summary [Beginner Recommended] (1–10)
LevelsNEW!Avicii
Avicii, the Swedish DJ who electrified festivals around the world and helped drive the EDM boom.
Known for his catchy melodic sensibilities, his popularity has shown no signs of fading even after his passing in 2018.
The work that truly put his name on the global map was this track released in October 2011.
It samples the powerful vocals of Etta James and is marked by an unforgettable, addictive synth line you’ll remember after just one listen.
In 2012, it was featured in a Super Bowl commercial and was also included in the game Fantasia: Music Evolved.
Be sure to check out this track, perfect for drives, parties, and any situation where you want to get everyone hyped.
Scary Monsters and Nice SpritesNEW!Skrillex
DJ Skrillex is known as the artist who propelled dubstep into the global mainstream.
His signature, hard-hitting sound is something any fan of dubstep or EDM has likely heard at least once.
The track here is from his classic 2010 release, Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites.
A winner at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards, it showcases a compelling musicality built on the contrast between beautiful melodies and a fiercely growling bass.
It’s also famous for being used in the film Spring Breakers.
This historic anthem brims with overwhelming energy—perfect for those moments when you want to instantly lift your mood.
I’m Good (Blue)NEW!David Guetta & Bebe Rexha
A sound that fuses nostalgia and novelty grabs listeners by the heart.
This work is a collaboration between David Guetta, a leading figure in the EDM scene, and the powerhouse singer Bebe Rexha.
It samples the 1990s hit by Eiffel 65, perfectly matching a familiar melody with a hefty beat.
Although released as a single in August 2022, it’s interesting that an existing demo had gone viral on TikTok, which led to the official release.
The song has earned high global acclaim, including a nomination at the 65th Grammy Awards.
It’s perfect as background music for a mood-boosting drive or a party where you want to get hyped with friends!
Lean On (feat. MØ)NEW!Major Lazer & DJ Snake
“Lean On (feat.
MØ),” a fusion of exotic tones and a catchy melody, became a worldwide smash hit.
The production unit Major Lazer teamed up with DJ Snake and brought in Danish songstress MØ.
Released in March 2015, the track appears on the album Peace Is the Mission.
Many people may recognize it from Google Nexus commercials.
The heartfelt desire to “lean on someone” embedded in the lyrics resonates over a minimal beat.
In November 2015, it set the then all-time streaming record on Spotify, underscoring its overwhelming popularity.
Its not-too-intense, pleasant rhythm is perfect for drives or relaxing time with friends.
It’s a truly historic classic that we can confidently recommend even to newcomers to EDM!
AloneNEW!Marshmello
DJ Marshmello, who dons an iconic marshmallow-shaped mask and thrills audiences around the globe with his pop-infused sound.
The work that propelled him to instant stardom was this track, released in May 2016.
While it centers on feelings of loneliness, its bursting synths and catchy melodies brighten listeners’ hearts.
The music video portrays a story that flips from isolation in school life to becoming popular through music, resonating with many.
It was also performed during a virtual concert in the game Fortnite and remains an anthem loved across generations.
Even those unfamiliar with EDM will find it approachable—why not give it a listen when you need a boost?
We Found Love (ft. Calvin Harris)NEW!Rihanna
Here’s a monumental anthem that defined the EDM boom of the 2010s! It’s a powerhouse collaboration between Rihanna, the world-renowned songstress from Barbados, and Scotland’s charismatic DJ Calvin Harris.
The poignant yet passionate theme of finding love in a hopeless place is sung over an exhilarating, uplifting beat.
Released in September 2011, the track was included on the album “Talk That Talk” and achieved the remarkable feat of spending a total of 10 weeks at No.
1 on the U.S.
singles chart.
It even echoed across various media, including a cover on the hit TV show Glee.
It’s an eternal dance number that works perfectly as party background music to lift your spirits, and also keeps you company on a solo late-night drive steeped in emotion.
RumbleNEW!Skrillex, Fred again.. & Flowdan
Rumble is a powerful collaborative track led by Skrillex, a driving force in the dubstep scene, featuring the UK’s Fred again..
and Flowdan.
While many might associate Skrillex with aggressive electronic sounds, this song intertwines Flowdan’s tank-like, low-pitched vocals with a ground-crawling bass to create a unique tension.
Released in January 2023, it packs overwhelming impact into just two and a half minutes and won Best Dance/Electronic Recording at the 66th Grammy Awards.
It’s also a crucial track that signals the opening of the album Quest for Fire.
Perfect for when you want to bathe in sound from massive festival speakers or boost your mood on a drive.