Dance music fans slam Billboard list over missing global hits and DJs

A new ‘best dance anthems’ list by Billboard is stirring strong reactions among clubbers, ravers, trancers and dance music fans, with praise for its history, but criticism over major omissions.

The list ranks the 100 greatest dance tracks of all time, spanning disco, house, techno and EDM. But music experts say the ranking highlights just how subjective dance music culture remains.

Disco dominates the dancefloor legacy

Musicologist Dr Sheldon Leal said the list leans heavily toward disco, and for good reason.

“Disco is essentially where dance music as we know it today came from,” he explained.

From that foundation, entire genres emerged:

—1980s: new wave, house, italo disco

—1990s: techno, electronica, big beat

—2000s: dubstep, EDM, trap

For ravers and house fans, the evolution is clear: modern dance floors are built on disco roots.

House resurgence puts 90s anthems back in focus

One standout track ranked ninth is Show Me Love by Robin S, a defining house anthem for clubbers.

Originally released in 1991 with little success, the track exploded globally after a remix by StoneBridge in 1993.

“It just blew up and became this big house anthem,” Leal says.

The track went on to sell millions and remains a staple for DJs, festival crowds and dance floors worldwide.

Major omissions frustrate dance fans

Despite its scope, the list has sparked backlash among dance music fans.

Leal points to several missing icons:

— Cher, 'Believe'

— ABBA

— David Guetta

— Lady Gaga

— Beyoncé

Even global viral hits like Gangnam Style failed to make the cut.

“There will always be something missing,” he said, adding that rankings like these are inherently subjective.

Africa’s dance influence is overlooked

For South African house heads and Afro-dance fans, one absence stands out: Africa.

Despite South Africa being widely seen as a global house music hub, the list features little to no representation from the continent.

“There’s no Afrobeat or African dance presence,” Leal noted

Why ‘I Feel Love’ still reigns supreme

Topping the list is I Feel Love by Donna Summer, a track widely seen as revolutionary.

Produced by Giorgio Moroder, the song broke new ground by relying almost entirely on synthesisers.

It marked a turning point for electronic music and shaped the future of dance culture.

“That really was the birth of electronic dance music,” Leal explained.

Dance music remains personal and contested

For clubbers, ravers and dance fans, the debate is part of the culture.

From underground house sets to global festival anthems, what defines the ‘best’ track depends on the listener, the era, and the dancefloor.

“No one will ever be happy with a list like that,” Leal said.

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— Tyla’s rise signals SA’s growing power in global dance music

For more detailed information, listen to Leal on 702 using the audio player below: