If you love music that makes you feel energized, excited and exhilarated, you probably enjoy songs with good beat drops.
A beat drop is a moment in a song when the rhythm, melody or tempo changes dramatically, creating a contrast that surprises and delights the listener.
Beat drops are often used in electronic dance music (EDM), rap, dubstep, trap and other genres that rely on heavy bass and synths.
But what are some of the best beat drop songs of all time? How do they create such an impact on the audience? And what are some of the techniques and elements that make a beat drop effective?
In this article, we will explore these questions and more, as we list some of the most iconic and memorable beat drop songs ever created. We will also provide some links and references for you to check out these songs and learn more about them.
Without further ado, let's dive right in!
Our Beat Drop Playlists
For the best EDM beat drops, click here!
Or, for the best Rap beat drops, click here!
Or, read on to learn more about what makes a good beat drop, and some of the best songs with amazing drops!
What Makes a Good Beat Drop?
Before we dive into our list of songs, let's first define what makes a good beat drop. There is no definitive answer to this question, as different songs may use different strategies and styles to create a beat drop.
However, some of the common factors that contribute to a good beat drop are:
Build-up
A build-up is a section of the song that gradually increases the tension and anticipation before the drop. A build-up may use elements such as rising pitch, volume, tempo, or complexity to create a sense of expectation and excitement.
A bass head will agree that a good build-up should not be too long or too short, but just enough to keep the listener engaged and curious.
Contrast
A contrast is a difference between the sections before and after the drop. A contrast may involve changes in rhythm, melody, harmony, instrumentation, vocals, effects, or mood.
A good contrast should be noticeable and dramatic, but not too abrupt or jarring. A good contrast should also match the overall theme and tone of the song.
Originality
Originality is the quality of being unique, creative and innovative. A good drop should not be predictable or cliché, but rather surprising and fresh.
Good bass drops should also reflect the personality and style of the artist or producer, and not sound like a copy of another song.
Impact
Impact is the effect or impression that the beat drop has on the listener.
A good beat drop should make the listener feel something, whether it is joy, excitement, awe, shock, or any other emotion. A good bass drop should also make the listener want to move, dance, sing along, or replay the song.
Of course, these factors are not all-inclusive, and different songs may have different strengths & weaknesses when it comes to creating a beat drop. Ultimately, a good beat drop is subjective and depends on personal preference and taste.
10 Songs with the Best Beat Drops
Now that we have established some criteria for what makes a good beat drop, let's look at some examples of songs that have achieved this feat.
Here are some of the best beat drop songs of all time, in no particular order:
5 of the Best Beat Drop Songs (EDM)
Let's begin by exploring the typical genre associated with beat drop songs, which is of course electronic dance music, or EDM.
1. Animals by Martin Garrix
This song is one of the most popular EDM songs ever made, and for a good reason.
The song features a simple but catchy melody that builds up to an explosive and brutal beat drop that consists of a distorted synth riff and a pounding kick drum.
This iconic song has been praised for its simplicity, energy and originality, and has been played in countless festivals and clubs around the world.
2. Bangarang by Skrillex feat. Sirah
This song is one of the most recognizable dubstep songs ever made, and showcases Skrillex's signature style of combining heavy bass wobbles with glitchy vocals and samples.
Like most bass drop songs, this song features several drops that vary in intensity and complexity, but the most memorable one is at 1:25, where Sirah shouts "Bangarang!" before a massive bass drop that shakes the speakers. This instant hit has survived decades, and it's big bass drops earn it a spot on this article.
3. Don't Let Me Down by The Chainsmokers feat. Daya (Illenium Remix)
This song is one of the most successful remixes ever made, and transforms the original pop song into an emotional EDM anthem.
The song features a beautiful vocal performance by Daya that builds up to an epic beat drop that combines melodic synths with hard-hitting drums and bass.
The song has been praised for its balance between softness and hardness, and its ability to evoke both sadness and happiness.
4. Tsunami by DVBBS & Borgeous
This song is one of the most iconic big room house songs ever made, and has been played in almost every major EDM festival and event.
The song features a simple but effective build-up that uses a siren sound and a voice saying "Tsunami" to create anticipation and hype.
The massive drop then unleashes a powerful synth melody that is accompanied by a thunderous kick drum and a crowd cheering sound. The song has been praised for its simplicity, energy and impact, and has been described as a "festival anthem".
5. Get Low by DJ Snake & Dillon Francis
This song is one of the most popular trap songs ever made, and combines elements of EDM, hip hop and moombahton.
DJ Snake and Dillon Francis feature a catchy vocal hook, leading to a massive bass drop that consists of a distorted horn sound and a heavy bass line.
The song has been praised for its originality, fun and danceability, and has been featured in several movies and commercials.
To listen to our rave playlist with all of the best beat drop songs, click here.
Or, to listen to our full EDM playlist, filled with juicy bass drops, click here.
5 of the Best Beat Drop Songs (Rap)
Next, let's look at some of the best beat drop songs from the hip hop genre.
1. Shoota (feat. Lil Uzi Vert) by Playboi Carti
This song is from Playboi Carti's 2018 album Die Lit, which is full of catchy and energetic tracks. Shoota features Lil Uzi Vert, who delivers a smooth and melodic verse before the drop hits.
The drop is simple but effective, as the bass kicks in and the beat switches to a faster tempo. The contrast between Lil Uzi Vert's calm voice and the hype beat creates a dynamic and thrilling effect.
2. Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1 by Kanye West
This song is from Kanye West's 2016 album The Life of Pablo, which is a masterpiece of experimental and diverse rap music.
Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1 starts with a soulful sample of Pastor T.L. Barrett's song of the same name, followed by Kanye's auto-tuned vocals.
The beat changes to a hard-hitting and distorted sound, accompanied by Metro Boomin's signature tag. The drop is unexpected and powerful, and it showcases Kanye's genius of blending different genres and styles.
3. Dior by Pop Smoke
This song is from Pop Smoke's 2019 mixtape Meet the Woo, which introduced the world to his unique and aggressive style of rap.
Pop Smoke was one of the pioneers of the Brooklyn drill scene, which is influenced by the UK drill genre. Drill music is known for its dark and menacing beats, and Dior is no exception.
With over 500M views on the official music video, it's clear this song from the late rapper is an all time classic. The drop adds to the intensity and menace of Pop Smoke's voice and lyrics, which helps this staple of a drill song.
4. Ultimate by Denzel Curry
Ultimate is one of Denzel Curry's most popular songs, as it has become both a meme and a viral sensation. The song is full of witty and clever bars, delivered with Denzel's fast and furious flow.
The drop comes after he raps the line, "I am the one, don't weigh a ton, don't need a gun to get respect up on the street".
The beat drops to a minimalistic and distorted sound, with a high-pitched synth and a booming bass. The drop matches Denzel's energy and attitude, and it makes the song even more hype and catchy.
5. Love Sosa by Chief Keef
This song is from Chief Keef's 2012 album Finally Rich, which is considered one of the most influential albums in modern rap music. Chief Keef was one of the pioneers of the Chicago drill scene, which inspired many other rap artists and subgenres.
Love Sosa is one of his most iconic songs, and it has become an anthem for his fans and supporters. The song starts with a viral video clip of a fan defending Chief Keef from his haters, followed by Chief Keef's signature ad-lib, "Bang bang".
When the bass drops and the beat fully kicks in, it sets the mood for Chief Keef's raw and unfiltered lyrics, which express his loyalty and confidence.
To listen to our rap playlist for the best beat drop songs, click here!
In Conclusion: The Best Beat Drop Songs
Whether you are a bass head or an avid rap fan, we hope this article was able to introduce you to some of the best beat drop songs from both the EDM and rap genres, and provide you with a route for further listening (our playlists!)
These are just some of the many songs that have amazing beat drops, and there are many more that we could not include in this list.
But we hope that this short article has given you some insight into what makes a good beat drop, and some examples of songs that have achieved this goal.
We also hope that this article has inspired you to explore more music genres and artists that use beat drops in their songs, and to appreciate the art and craft behind creating a good beat drop.
Otherwise, until next time!