5 Most Impressive EDM Albums in The Last Decade
Explore the 5 most influential EDM albums of the 2010s. From Tinie Tempah to Armin van Buuren, discover how these groundbreaking works shaped electronic dance music.
Last Updated: August 10, 2024 (10.08.2024)
Let’s explore the sonic landscapes that defined a generation of electronic dance music.
| Artist | Album | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Tinie Tempah | Disc-Overy | Listen |
| The Chemical Brothers | Further | Listen |
| Deadmau5 | 4×4=12 | Listen |
| Pendulum | Immersion | Listen |
| Armin van Buuren | Mirage | Listen |
The 2010s witnessed an explosive evolution in electronic dance music (EDM), with artists pushing boundaries and redefining the genre. As we reflect on this transformative decade, let’s dive into five groundbreaking albums that not only captivated audiences but also left an indelible mark on the EDM landscape.
Tinie Tempah – Disc-Overy
Tinie Tempah‘s debut album “Disc-Overy” burst onto the scene with a fresh fusion of grime, hip-hop, and electronic elements. While the album showcases an impressive roster of collaborations, it’s Tempah’s unique energy that truly shines through.
Key Tracks
- Written in The Stars (feat. Eric Turner)
- Pass Out
- Frisky (feat. Labrinth)
Why It Matters
“Disc-Overy” marked a pivotal moment in British urban music, bridging the gap between grime and mainstream pop. Its eclectic mix of styles paved the way for future crossover successes in the EDM world.
Summary
Disc-Overy by Tinie Tempah is a confident debut with a variety of styles and big-name collaborations, but it falls short on depth and substance. The album tries to cover too many genres, diluting Tempah’s unique charisma.
While tracks like Simply Unstoppable and Pass Out showcase his energetic grime sound and clever rhymes, other songs suffer from lackluster delivery and forgettable identity. Despite its flaws, the album has moments of brilliance, especially in its polished production and catchy hooks, but it ultimately feels too targeted and fails to fully harness Tempah’s potential.
The Chemical Brothers – Further
With “Further“, The Chemical Brothers took a bold step away from their established formula, crafting a cohesive journey through psychedelic soundscapes and pulsating rhythms.
Key Tracks
- Swoon
- Another World
- Escape Velocity
Why It Matters
“Further” demonstrated that even veteran acts could reinvent themselves, pushing the boundaries of electronic music and proving that the album format still had relevance in the EDM scene.
Summary
Further by The Chemical Brothers marks a return to form after a couple of disappointing albums. Departing from their usual formula of dancefloor hits and big-name collaborations, Further offers a cohesive, album-length suite of atmospheric, patient tracks without the usual commercial hooks.
The first two tracks, Snow and Escape Velocity, stand out for their immersive, blissful vibes, setting a high bar for the rest of the album. While the remaining tracks maintain the mood without reaching the same heights, Further successfully revives the duo’s creative energy, signaling an end to their late-career slump.
Deadmau5 – 4×4=12
Joel Thomas Zimmerman, better known as Deadmau5, solidified his status as an EDM icon with “4×4=12“. This album seamlessly blends progressive house with elements of techno and electro.
Key Tracks
- Some Chords
- Raise Your Weapon
- Sofi Needs a Ladder
Why It Matters
“4×4=12” captured the essence of Deadmau5‘s live performances, translating the energy and spectacle into a cohesive studio album that became a blueprint for future EDM productions.
Summary
4×4=12 marks deadmau5‘s third attempt to capture the electrifying energy of his live performances in a studio album. While it falls short of fully replicating the shock-and-awe factor of his shows, the album still delivers solid techno hits. Tracks like “Some Chords” and “Animal Rights” are prime examples of the driving beats that fuel Joel Thomas Zimmerman‘s dancefloor dominance, while “Raise Your Weapon” introduces an intriguing dubstep element into his diverse musical repertoire.
However, these tracks are undeniably more powerful when paired with the stunning visuals and the iconic illuminated mouse head that define his live performances. Ultimately, the allure of deadmau5 lies in the synergy between his music and his live shows, and 4×4=12 reinforces his prowess in crafting straightforward yet impactful electro-house tracks with booming beats, deep basslines, and engaging sonic twists.
Pendulum – Immersion
Pendulum‘s “Immersion” marked a significant evolution in the band’s sound. It seamlessly blended drum and bass with rock elements to create a truly immersive experience.
Key Tracks
- Watercolour
- Witchcraft
- The Island
Why It Matters
“Immersion” bridged the gap between electronic and rock music, appealing to a broader audience and influencing a new wave of genre-blending artists in the EDM scene.
Summary
Pendulum‘s third album, Immersion, is bold and energetic and blends various genres, including drum and bass, dubstep, and electro-rock. It aims to appeal to a broader audience by combining elements from their previous albums, Hold Your Colour and In Silico. Tracks like “Salt In The Wounds” and “Immunize” stand out, showcasing the band’s signature sound with some progression.
However, the album suffers from repetitiveness and lacks the originality that could have elevated it further. Collaborations, like the unexpected appearance of In Flames on “Self vs. Self“, are both a hit and miss. While the production is polished and clear, some songs feel uninspired, with weaker lyrics and a lackluster conclusion. Immersion is aggressive and bombastic but falls short of being a truly extraordinary album.
Armin van Buuren – Mirage
Trance maestro Armin van Buuren delivered a masterclass in a progressive trance with “Mirage“, showcasing his ability to craft emotionally charged, euphoric soundscapes.
Key Tracks
- This Light Between Us feat. Christian Burns
- Not Giving Up On Love feat. Sophie Ellis-Bextor
- Mirage
Why It Matters
“Mirage” cemented Armin van Buuren‘s position as a trance pioneer, pushing the genre forward while maintaining its core emotional appeal. The album’s diverse collaborations highlighted the growing interconnectedness of the EDM community.
Summary
Armin van Buuren‘s 2010 album Mirage represents a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his transition from pure trance to a more mainstream, festival-friendly sound. The album blends big, bombastic tracks with melodic trance elements, appealing to both old and new fans. Tracks like “Mirage” and “Minack” highlight his ability to create expansive, epic sounds, while songs like “Not Giving Up on Love” and “Virtual Friend” explore different emotional states and genres.
Although some fans see Mirage as a departure from traditional trance, it serves as a strong introduction to the genre for newcomers and a testament to Armin van Buuren‘s influence in the electronic music scene. While not a groundbreaking album, Mirage remains enjoyable and reflects Armin van Buuren‘s ambition to evolve beyond the confines of trance.
The Legacy of 2010’s EDM
These five albums, all released in 2010, set the stage for a decade of innovation in electronic dance music. From genre-blending experiments to pure, unadulterated trance, each release contributed to the rich tapestry of EDM that we know today.
As we continue to ride the waves of electronic music’s evolution, these albums serve as touchstones – reminders of the creativity, energy, and sheer audacity that defined a generation of producers and DJs.
Whether you’re a long-time EDM aficionado or a curious newcomer, exploring these seminal works offers a glimpse into the heart of a genre that continues to push boundaries and move dancefloors worldwide.
What are your thoughts on these albums? Do you have a favorite track or artist from the 2010s EDM scene? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Also Read Top DJ Duos: Kings and Queens of EDM.
