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[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)

Don’t You Worry ChildNEW!Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin

Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin – Don’t You Worry Child (Official Video)
Don't You Worry ChildNEW!Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin

Haven’t you heard this melody at least once in festival or club footage? It’s a masterpiece born from the ultimate Swedish trio, Swedish House Mafia, teaming up with singer John Martin.

The lyrics, portraying someone moving toward the future with a father’s warm words in their heart, match perfectly with the stadium-scale, grand sound.

Released as a single in September 2012, it closed out the compilation album “Until Now,” and achieved dazzling milestones like topping the UK charts and earning a Grammy nomination.

It’s also famous for being featured in the dance game Just Dance 2014.

This track has the power to give you a push when times are tough.

Why not surrender yourself to its dramatic progression?

Closer (ft. Halsey)NEW!The Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers – Closer (Lyric) ft. Halsey
Closer (ft. Halsey)NEW!The Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers are hitmakers who have swept festivals and charts worldwide, breaking down the barrier between EDM and pop.

Just hearing their name will likely bring those catchy melodies to mind.

Essential to their career is this track featuring singer Halsey.

Released as a single in 2016, it set an astonishing record by holding the No.

1 spot on the U.S.

Billboard chart for 12 consecutive weeks.

Also included on the EP Collage, the song earned widespread empathy for its lyrics depicting the complex feelings of ex-lovers reuniting and the call-and-response between male and female vocals.

Its sound blends exhilaration and poignancy in the chorus, making it perfect for night drives or when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

Clarity (ft. Foxes)NEW!Zedd

The moment when the translucent tones of the synthesizer intersect with a powerful beat, you can feel your heart race.

“Clarity (ft.

Foxes),” a masterpiece produced by Zedd, a music producer born in Russia and raised in Germany.

Released as a single in 2012, it’s beloved worldwide as a defining track of the landmark album Clarity.

Featuring British singer Foxes, this work is a gem whose lyrics portray conflicting emotions and whose dramatic progression is deeply moving.

Its high level of craftsmanship earned it the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording, cementing its place in dance music history.

It’s the perfect choice when you want to elevate your mood on a nighttime drive.

[2026] Popular EDM in America: A Beginner’s Guide (11–20)

FadedNEW!Alan Walker

Alan Walker, a Norwegian producer known for his trademark black hood and mask.

The wistful melodies he creates never fail to captivate listeners around the world.

The song I’m introducing today is one of his signature tracks, released in December 2015.

Its music video has surpassed an astonishing 3 billion views on YouTube, making headlines as the first EDM track to achieve this milestone.

In Japan, it was also used as the theme song for the film “Laplace’s Witch,” so many of you may recognize the chorus melody.

With its transparent, airy vocals and poignant piano tones that resonate in the heart, this track is perfect for a quiet night drive or for moments when you want to be alone with your thoughts.

Titanium (ft. Sia)NEW!David Guetta

David Guetta – Titanium ft. Sia (Official Video)
Titanium (ft. Sia)NEW!David Guetta

Titanium (ft.

Sia) is a global anthem by France’s leading music producer David Guetta and Australian singer-songwriter Sia.

It delivers a powerful message centered on an unbreakable spirit that never yields to hardship.

From its wistful intro to the explosive, soaring chorus, the track is simply breathtaking, with Sia’s piercing vocals resonating deep in the heart.

Released as a single from the 2011 classic album Nothing but the Beat, it’s also famous for being performed in the film Pitch Perfect.

It topped the UK charts and has remained beloved for years.

It’s a masterpiece you’ll want to hear when you’re feeling down and need courage, or when you want to reset your mindset and feel positive.

Where You AreNEW!John Summit & Hayla

John Summit & Hayla – Where You Are (Lyric Visualizer)
Where You AreNEW!John Summit & Hayla

The fusion of a heart-stirring, bittersweet melody with an irresistibly danceable beat is fantastic! “Where You Are,” a collaboration between American DJ John Summit and British singer Hayla, is truly a standout track that epitomizes the current dance scene.

While it’s themed around the growing longing for someone you can no longer meet, the powerful production shines through without feeling gloomy.

Released in March 2023, it became a massive hit, topping the U.S.

Dance Radio chart in June of the same year.

It’s also included on the 2024 album “Comfort in Chaos,” so don’t miss it.

It’s the perfect anthem for moments when you want to lift your spirits—like on a drive or during a workout.

RitualNEW!Tiësto, Jonas Blue, Rita Ora

Tiësto, Jonas Blue & Rita Ora – Ritual (Official Video)
RitualNEW!Tiësto, Jonas Blue, Rita Ora

Tiesto, the world-renowned DJ representing the Netherlands.

From his trance era to today’s dance-pop, he’s a legend who’s always been at the forefront.

His star-studded collaboration with the UK’s leading music producer Jonas Blue and popular singer Rita Ora is this track, “Ritual.” Released in May 2019, it gained worldwide popularity and was especially successful in Poland, where it was certified Diamond.

Also featured on the album The London Sessions, the song pairs lyrics that liken romance to a cherished daily ritual with crisp synths to create a catchy dance-pop tune—perfect as uplifting BGM for a drive.