House music was once a fringe genre — born and contained in Chicago dance clubs in the early 1980s. The new style of electronic music was contagious and went worldwide in a matter of two years. Today, all dance music either falls under one of house’s many subgenres or takes heavy influence from the genre’s stylistic conventions. House music is remarkably simple, using only a handful of instruments and sounds to create wicked grooves. 

A deep kick drum saturates every downbeat, while hi-hats, snares and other percussion fill the empty space. The bassline and melody are repeated obsessively; adding to the rhythmic effect. There’s an incredible amount of great house music out there, but here are some of my favorites from a variety of micro-eras and subgenres. 

 1. Mr. Fingers – “Can You Feel It” 

There’s a two minute-long, spoken word sample that gives a mythical origin story for house music on Mr. Fingers’ now legendary track, “Can You Feel It.” This creation narrative details house’s universal appeal and openness to all, inducing chills along the way. The instrumental sitting underneath the sermon-esque sample is textbook Chicago house, with a 303 bassline and analog drum groove. “Can You Feel It” is essential listening for those new to the genre. 

2. Frankie Knuckles – “The Whistle Song” 

Frankie Knuckles is one of the genre’s original innovators. He crafted some of the very first house singles; many of which are still revered by fans worldwide. My personal favorite of Knuckles’ discography is the melodic and blissful, “The Whistle Song.” No, Flo Rida is not featured, and no, the whistling doesn’t become annoying. 

3. The Orb – “Little Fluffy Clouds” 

In the late 80s, two British DJs joined together to combine the hot sounds of Chicago house with Brian Eno’s ambient soundscapes. They named their group “the Orb” and after a few years they had dominated United Kingdom music charts and started a massively popular subgenre of house. “Little Fluffy Clouds” is the duo’s biggest hit. It’s a late-night party anthem, a soundtrack to an early morning walk or a paper-writing jam, depending on your mood.  

4. Chez N Trent – “Morning Factory” 

5. Round One – “I’m Your Brother” 

Another Chicago house classic, “I’m Your brother” combines atmospheric synthesizers, funky samples and a lot of vocals. House music has never aimed to incorporate meaningful lyrics, but the soul singing on this track is reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s legendary “What’s Goin On” album in both sound and overall message.  

6. Daft Punk – “Revolution 909” 

7.  Biosphere – “Baby Satellite” 

Biosphere — one of the most revered figures in ambient music — started his career making atmospheric grooves in the footsteps of the Orb. Yet his brand of ambient house was more ominous and noticeably darker. The “Microgravity” album is revered for its ability to reconcile dark mood and deep groove. “Baby Satellite” — the second track from that album — gives a concise introduction to Biosphere’s early sound.