Essential alternative dance listening

The albums that define alternative dance.

Our picks for where to start with alternative dance — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The alternative dance essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Waiting for the Sirens' Call

New Order

Waiting for the Sirens' Call

A vibrant fusion of electronic textures and melodic hooks intertwined with introspective lyrics that captures a sense of longing.

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Power, Corruption & Lies

New Order

Power, Corruption & Lies

A vibrant fusion of post-punk energy and electronic textures that defined the early 80s soundscape.

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Super

Pet Shop Boys

Super

A vibrant blend of euphoric synths and rhythmic house beats that encapsulates contemporary dance-pop.

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The Fat of the Land

The Prodigy

The Fat of the Land

A frenetic collision of breakbeats and punk energy, igniting dance floors with raw intensity.

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Chill Out

The KLF

Chill Out

A hypnotic blend of ambient soundscapes and rhythmic pulses that evoke a dreamlike journey through the American landscape.

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Concrete

Pet Shop Boys

Concrete

A reflective blend of synth-pop and lyrical introspection that echoes the duo's enduring artistry.

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Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned

The Prodigy

Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned

A frenetic fusion of electronic beats and punk-inspired vocals that challenges musical boundaries.

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A Different Kind of Human (Step 2)

AURORA

A Different Kind of Human (Step 2)

Ethereal synths and haunting vocals weave through explorations of identity and connection in a vibrant sonic landscape.

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Running With the Wolves

AURORA

Running With the Wolves

AURORA's ethereal vocals soar over haunting melodies and pulsating rhythms, creating a mystical soundscape that captivates the listener.

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Tweekend

The Crystal Method

Tweekend

A pulsating blend of big beat rhythms and hypnotic electronic melodies that drive the dancefloor experience.

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The Crystal Method

The Crystal Method

The Crystal Method

A pulsating fusion of electronic beats and melodic soundscapes that encapsulates The Crystal Method's signature style.

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Hai!

Cabaret Voltaire

Hai!

A pulsating blend of electronic rhythms and experimental textures that capture the essence of early 80s industrial music.

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Extended Play

Cabaret Voltaire

Extended Play

Experimental rhythms and samples intertwine with provocative lyrics, creating a raw yet innovative electronic soundscape.

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Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out)

Happy Mondays

Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out)

A kaleidoscopic blend of euphoric beats and loose, irreverent lyrics that encapsulates the spirit of late '80s Britain.

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Yes Please!

Happy Mondays

Yes Please!

A kaleidoscopic blend of alternative rock and hip house, swirling with infectious grooves and surreal lyricism.

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Solace

Rüfüs Du Sol

Solace

Ethereal synths and driving beats intertwine with introspective lyrics, creating a euphoric soundscape that invites reflection.

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Surrender (Remixes)

Rüfüs Du Sol

Surrender (Remixes)

A vibrant collection of remixes that reimagines Rüfüs Du Sol's emotive sound into dancefloor-ready anthems.

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Palo Santo

Years & Years

Palo Santo

A vibrant blend of synth-pop and alternative dance, pulsating with emotional depth and introspective lyrics.

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Communion

Years & Years

Communion

A vibrant blend of synth-pop and alternative dance, pulsating with emotional depth and catchy hooks.

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FabricLive.29

Cut Copy

FabricLive.29

A vibrant mix of dancefloor-ready beats and eclectic remixes that brings together global influences.

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Zonoscope

Cut Copy

Zonoscope

An expansive blend of shimmering synths and rhythmic grooves that captures an optimistic yet reflective spirit.

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The White Room

The KLF

The White Room

A euphoric blend of ambient house and hip-hop, pulsating with anthemic energy and surrealism.

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1999

Cassius

1999

A vibrant fusion of French house grooves and eclectic beats that invites endless dancing.

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15 Again

Cassius

15 Again

An exhilarating blend of French house grooves and eclectic pop sensibilities, pulsating with infectious energy.

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