# The Waxonia Desk: The Hundred

Every genre we rank, distilled to a hundred records and ordered best first. If you only ever play one list from this site, play this one.

- **Picks:** 100
- **Years:** 1964–2023
- **Curator:** The Waxonia Desk
- **Updated:** 2026-08-29
- **Curator's page:** https://waxonia.com/artist/the-desk/
- **Canonical page:** https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-the-hundred/

## The picks

Selected, not ranked — the order is the curator’s, and carries no claim about which is best.

### [Rhythim Is Rhythim](https://waxonia.com/artist/rhythim-is-rhythim/) — [Strings of Life](https://waxonia.com/track/rhythim-is-rhythim--strings-of-life/)

*1987 · Transmat*

No bassline, barely a kick, and it still empties a bar into a dancefloor faster than anything made since. The one record on this site nobody in thirty-eight years has argued with.

Also on: [Detroit Techno](https://waxonia.com/genre/detroit-techno/), [The Eighties](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-eighties/), [The Waxonia Desk — A Way In](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-a-way-in/), [The Waxonia Desk — Detroit, Heard in Europe](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-detroit-in-europe/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Rhythim%20Is%20Rhythim%20Strings%20of%20Life) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=vGFw2qeUp0s)

### [Marvin Gaye](https://waxonia.com/artist/marvin-gaye/) — [What's Going On](https://waxonia.com/track/marvin-gaye--whats-going-on/)

*1971 · Tamla*

A protest record that sounds like a conversation at a party. Its label tried to stop it, which is usually the sign.

Also on: [Soul](https://waxonia.com/genre/soul/), [The Waxonia Desk — One Subject](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-one-subject/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Marvin%20Gaye%20What's%20Going%20On) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=KDK7TiEiMOI)

### [Donna Summer](https://waxonia.com/artist/donna-summer/) — [I Feel Love](https://waxonia.com/track/donna-summer--i-feel-love/)

*1977 · Casablanca*

The moment a machine takes over the rhythm section of popular music and nobody notices they have crossed a line. Everything electronic below here is downstream of it.

Also on: [Disco](https://waxonia.com/genre/disco/), [Laurent Garnier — A Life in Twenty-One Records](https://waxonia.com/selection/laurent-garnier-a-life-in-records/), [Roots](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-desk-roots/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Donna%20Summer%20I%20Feel%20Love) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=yEbaeLv-aOo)

### [James Brown](https://waxonia.com/artist/james-brown/) — [Cold Sweat](https://waxonia.com/track/james-brown--cold-sweat/)

*1967 · King*

The accent moves to the first beat and the chord stops changing. Eight bars that reorganise the next sixty years.

Also on: [Funk](https://waxonia.com/genre/funk/), [Roots](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-desk-roots/), [The Waxonia Desk — Where the Accent Moved](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-the-accent-moved/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/James%20Brown%20Cold%20Sweat) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=qkgIoMuaoQ0)

### [Mr. Fingers](https://waxonia.com/artist/mr-fingers/) — [Can You Feel It](https://waxonia.com/track/mr-fingers--can-you-feel-it/)

*1986 · Trax*

A bassline, a hi-hat and an enormous amount of patience. House music explained in one record, and never bettered by the ten thousand that copied it.

Also on: [Chicago House](https://waxonia.com/genre/chicago-house/), [The Eighties](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-eighties/), [The Waxonia Desk — A Way In](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-a-way-in/), [The Waxonia Desk — In the Room](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-chicago-in-the-room/), [The Waxonia Desk — Looped and Filtered](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-chicago-looped-and-filtered/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Mr.%20Fingers%20Can%20You%20Feel%20It) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=p2XxyBViBog)

### [Sam Cooke](https://waxonia.com/artist/sam-cooke/) — [A Change Is Gonna Come](https://waxonia.com/track/sam-cooke--a-change-is-gonna-come/)

*1964 · RCA Victor*

More weight per bar than anything else in this list. The strings are almost unbearable and the restraint in the vocal is the reason.

Also on: [Soul](https://waxonia.com/genre/soul/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Sam%20Cooke%20A%20Change%20Is%20Gonna%20Come) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=wEBlaMOmKV4)

### [Massive Attack](https://waxonia.com/artist/massive-attack/) — [Unfinished Sympathy](https://waxonia.com/track/massive-attack--unfinished-sympathy/)

*1991 · Wild Bunch / Circa*

A full string section over a hip-hop break, in 1991, made by people from Bristol with no permission to attempt it. Still sounds like it cost a fortune and meant it.

Also on: [Trip-Hop](https://waxonia.com/genre/trip-hop/), [The Waxonia Desk — A Way In](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-a-way-in/), [The Waxonia Desk — Sounds Like a Single](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-sounds-like-a-single/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Massive%20Attack%20Unfinished%20Sympathy) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWmrfgj0MZI)

### [Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force](https://waxonia.com/artist/afrika-bambaataa-and-the-soulsonic-force/) — [Planet Rock](https://waxonia.com/track/afrika-bambaataa-and-the-soulsonic-force--planet-rock/)

*1982 · Tommy Boy*

Two German records, an 808 and a Bronx park. The most generative four minutes in this entire corpus — techno, electro and half of pop start here.

Also on: [Electro](https://waxonia.com/genre/electro/), [Laurent Garnier — A Life in Twenty-One Records](https://waxonia.com/selection/laurent-garnier-a-life-in-records/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Afrika%20Bambaataa%20%26%20The%20Soulsonic%20Force%20Planet%20Rock) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=SqS8X-5aIns)

### [Augustus Pablo](https://waxonia.com/artist/augustus-pablo/) — [King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown](https://waxonia.com/track/augustus-pablo--king-tubby-meets-rockers-uptown/)

*1976 · Yard Music*

The record that proves an engineer is a composer. Everything on this list built from the bass upward is quoting it, usually without knowing.

Also on: [Dub](https://waxonia.com/genre/dub/), [1976](https://waxonia.com/theme/nineteen-seventy-six/), [Roots](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-desk-roots/), [The Waxonia Desk — Ghosts](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-ghosts/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Augustus%20Pablo%20King%20Tubby%20Meets%20Rockers%20Uptown) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=oxAl3Jijs20)

### [Public Enemy](https://waxonia.com/artist/public-enemy/) — [Fight the Power](https://waxonia.com/track/public-enemy--fight-the-power/)

*1989 · Motown / Def Jam*

The densest production in rap attached to the least negotiable lyric. Thirty-six years on, no record has managed to be this loud and this precise at once.

Also on: [Golden Age Hip-Hop](https://waxonia.com/genre/golden-age-hip-hop/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Public%20Enemy%20Fight%20the%20Power) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=mmo3HFa2vjg)

### [Chic](https://waxonia.com/artist/chic/) — [Good Times](https://waxonia.com/track/chic--good-times/)

*1979 · Atlantic*

A bassline so useful that hip-hop, post-punk and pop all took it within eighteen months. Rodgers leaves gaps, and other people's careers fit inside them.

Also on: [Disco](https://waxonia.com/genre/disco/), [The Waxonia Desk — What the DJs Kept](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-what-the-djs-kept/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Chic%20Good%20Times) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=iGKQapswGaY)

### [Joy Division](https://waxonia.com/artist/joy-division/) — [Love Will Tear Us Apart](https://waxonia.com/track/joy-division--love-will-tear-us-apart/)

*1980 · Factory*

The bass carries the melody, a cheap synth carries the weather, and the lyric refuses every available metaphor. Guitar music's most perfect three minutes.

Also on: [Post-Punk](https://waxonia.com/genre/post-punk/), [The Eighties](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-eighties/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Joy%20Division%20Love%20Will%20Tear%20Us%20Apart) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=zuuObGsB0No)

### [Kraftwerk](https://waxonia.com/artist/kraftwerk/) — [Autobahn](https://waxonia.com/track/kraftwerk--autobahn/)

*1974 · Philips*

Twenty-two minutes about a car journey that Detroit heard as the future and Britain heard as a pop tune. Both readings were correct and both built genres.

Also on: [Krautrock](https://waxonia.com/genre/krautrock/), [The Waxonia Desk — Krautrock](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-krautrock/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Kraftwerk%20Autobahn) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=vkOZNJYAZ7c)

### [My Bloody Valentine](https://waxonia.com/artist/my-bloody-valentine/) — [Only Shallow](https://waxonia.com/track/my-bloody-valentine--only-shallow/)

*1991 · Creation*

Four snare hits and then a guitar sound nobody has satisfactorily explained since. The loudest record here, and the most delicate.

Also on: [Shoegaze](https://waxonia.com/genre/shoegaze/), [The Waxonia Desk — A Way In](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-a-way-in/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/My%20Bloody%20Valentine%20Only%20Shallow) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=nwfCoKNI5hs)

### [Aretha Franklin](https://waxonia.com/artist/aretha-franklin/) — [Respect](https://waxonia.com/track/aretha-franklin--respect/)

*1967 · Atlantic*

Otis Redding wrote it and then conceded it was hers. The most complete act of reinterpretation in recorded music.

Also on: [Soul](https://waxonia.com/genre/soul/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Aretha%20Franklin%20Respect) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=A134hShx_gw)

### [Goldie](https://waxonia.com/artist/goldie/) — [Inner City Life](https://waxonia.com/track/goldie--inner-city-life/)

*1994 · FFRR / Metalheadz*

Time-stretched breaks, a Diane Charlemagne vocal and an emotional register jungle was not supposed to have. The record that made an entire genre legible to outsiders.

Also on: [Drum and Bass](https://waxonia.com/genre/drum-and-bass/), [1994](https://waxonia.com/theme/nineteen-ninety-four/), [The Waxonia Desk — A Way In](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-a-way-in/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Goldie%20Inner%20City%20Life) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=i-P98B2skts)

### [Fela Kuti & Africa 70](https://waxonia.com/artist/fela-kuti-and-africa-70/) — [Zombie](https://waxonia.com/track/fela-kuti-and-africa-70--zombie/)

*1976 · Coconut*

Twelve minutes calling the army a column of unthinking bodies, answered by the state burning his compound down. Few records have been taken this seriously by their subject.

Also on: [Afrobeat](https://waxonia.com/genre/afrobeat/), [1976](https://waxonia.com/theme/nineteen-seventy-six/), [Dancing to Bad News](https://waxonia.com/theme/dancing-to-bad-news/), [Laurent Garnier — A Life in Twenty-One Records](https://waxonia.com/selection/laurent-garnier-a-life-in-records/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Fela%20Kuti%20%26%20Africa%2070%20Zombie) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=RUSg31Ignw4)

### [Steve Reich](https://waxonia.com/artist/steve-reich/) — [Music for 18 Musicians](https://waxonia.com/track/steve-reich--music-for-18-musicians/)

*1978 · ECM*

An hour of pulsing marimbas that converts people with no patience for the theory behind it. The most seductive thing minimalism produced.

Also on: [Minimalism](https://waxonia.com/genre/minimalism/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Steve%20Reich%20Music%20for%2018%20Musicians) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=1oOmUi4HGt0)

### [A Guy Called Gerald](https://waxonia.com/artist/a-guy-called-gerald/) — [Voodoo Ray](https://waxonia.com/track/a-guy-called-gerald--voodoo-ray/)

*1988 · Rham!*

A Manchester bedroom, borrowed equipment and a sample cut short because the sampler ran out of memory. British dance music's most beautiful accident.

Also on: [Acid House](https://waxonia.com/genre/acid-house/), [The Waxonia Desk — Both Rooms](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-both-rooms/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/A%20Guy%20Called%20Gerald%20Voodoo%20Ray) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=j7vxHOCeiQ4)

### [Eric B. & Rakim](https://waxonia.com/artist/eric-b-and-rakim/) — [Paid in Full](https://waxonia.com/track/eric-b-and-rakim--paid-in-full/)

*1987 · 4th & Broadway*

Rakim changes what a rap verse can do — internal rhyme, conversational delivery, no shouting — and every MC after him is working from this template.

Also on: [Golden Age Hip-Hop](https://waxonia.com/genre/golden-age-hip-hop/), [The Waxonia Desk — A Way In](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-a-way-in/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Eric%20B.%20%26%20Rakim%20Paid%20in%20Full) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=E7t8eoA_1jQ)

### [Model 500](https://waxonia.com/artist/model-500/) — [No UFO's](https://waxonia.com/track/model-500--no-ufos/)

*1985 · Metroplex*

The first record that is unambiguously techno rather than something approaching it. Cold, distant, and completely certain of itself.

Also on: [Detroit Techno](https://waxonia.com/genre/detroit-techno/), [The Eighties](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-eighties/), [The Waxonia Desk — Detroit Techno](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-detroit-techno/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Model%20500%20No%20UFO's) · [Search YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/search?q=Model%20500%20No%20UFO's)

### [Brian Eno](https://waxonia.com/artist/brian-eno/) — [An Ending (Ascent)](https://waxonia.com/track/brian-eno--an-ending-ascent/)

*1983 · Editions EG*

Four minutes that have been used to sell everything and still cannot be cheapened. The purest demonstration that music can be a place rather than an event.

Also on: [Ambient](https://waxonia.com/genre/ambient/), [The Waxonia Desk — A Way In](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-a-way-in/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Brian%20Eno%20An%20Ending%20(Ascent)) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=OlaTeXX3uH8)

### [Portishead](https://waxonia.com/artist/portishead/) — [Glory Box](https://waxonia.com/track/portishead--glory-box/)

*1994 · Go! Beat*

An Isaac Hayes loop, a broken-theremin guitar and the most desolate vocal of the decade. Grim, gorgeous, and nobody has repeated it.

Also on: [Trip-Hop](https://waxonia.com/genre/trip-hop/), [1994](https://waxonia.com/theme/nineteen-ninety-four/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Portishead%20Glory%20Box) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=4qQyUi4zfDs)

### [Sister Nancy](https://waxonia.com/artist/sister-nancy/) — [Bam Bam](https://waxonia.com/track/sister-nancy--bam-bam/)

*1982 · Techniques*

The most sampled record in this list by a distance, and its author was paid nothing for decades. Effortless in a way that cannot be manufactured.

Also on: [Dancehall](https://waxonia.com/genre/dancehall/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Sister%20Nancy%20Bam%20Bam) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=a9OopCd1gpE)

### [Stardust](https://waxonia.com/artist/stardust/) — [Music Sounds Better with You](https://waxonia.com/track/stardust--music-sounds-better-with-you/)

*1998 · Roulé*

One guitar figure, one filter, one line repeated until it becomes a mantra. The most perfect single-idea record dance music has, and the trio never made another.

Also on: [French House](https://waxonia.com/genre/french-house/), [The Waxonia Desk — French House](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-french-house/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Stardust%20Music%20Sounds%20Better%20with%20You) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=FQlAEiCb8m0)

### [Talking Heads](https://waxonia.com/artist/talking-heads/) — [Once in a Lifetime](https://waxonia.com/track/talking-heads--once-in-a-lifetime/)

*1980 · Sire*

A looped Afro-funk bed and a man having a public breakdown on top of it. Post-punk's most joyful record is also its most panicked, which is why it lasts.

Also on: [Post-Punk](https://waxonia.com/genre/post-punk/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Talking%20Heads%20Once%20in%20a%20Lifetime) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=5IsSpAOD6K8)

### [Stevie Wonder](https://waxonia.com/artist/stevie-wonder/) — [Superstition](https://waxonia.com/track/stevie-wonder--superstition/)

*1972 · Tamla*

A clavinet riff so complete the arrangement is almost optional. One man playing nearly everything, at the exact moment that became possible.

Also on: [Funk](https://waxonia.com/genre/funk/), [The Waxonia Desk — Where the Accent Moved](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-the-accent-moved/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Stevie%20Wonder%20Superstition) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ftdZ363R9kQ)

### [MJ Cole](https://waxonia.com/artist/mj-cole/) — [Sincere](https://waxonia.com/track/mj-cole--sincere/)

*1998 · Talkin' Loud*

The most musically ambitious record UK garage produced, by a classically trained producer who could have done anything and chose two-step.

Also on: [UK Garage](https://waxonia.com/genre/uk-garage/), [The Waxonia Desk — A Way In](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-a-way-in/), [The Waxonia Desk — Garage on the Mix](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-garage-on-the-mix/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/MJ%20Cole%20Sincere) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=cy-djtiU5RE)

### [D'Angelo](https://waxonia.com/artist/dangelo/) — [Untitled (How Does It Feel)](https://waxonia.com/track/dangelo--untitled-how-does-it-feel/)

*2000 · Virgin*

Seven minutes played so far behind the beat that the track feels like it might stop. A masterclass in how much tension a band can hold by simply not hurrying.

Also on: [Neo-Soul](https://waxonia.com/genre/neo-soul/), [The Waxonia Desk — The Soulquarians Room](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-the-soulquarians-room/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/D'Angelo%20Untitled%20(How%20Does%20It%20Feel)) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=SxVNOnPyvIU)

### [Neu!](https://waxonia.com/artist/neu/) — [Hallogallo](https://waxonia.com/track/neu--hallogallo/)

*1972 · Brain*

Ten minutes of one beat played perfectly. The idea that rhythm can drive without swinging is Europe's single largest export to this list.

Also on: [Krautrock](https://waxonia.com/genre/krautrock/), [Roots](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-desk-roots/), [The Waxonia Desk — Krautrock](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-krautrock/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Neu!%20Hallogallo) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=zndpi8tNZyQ)

### [Burial](https://waxonia.com/artist/burial/) — [Archangel](https://waxonia.com/track/burial--archangel/)

*2007 · Hyperdub*

Rain, vinyl crackle and a pitched vocal grieving over percussion that never lands on the grid. The record that made club music legible to people who never go to clubs.

Also on: [Dubstep](https://waxonia.com/genre/dubstep/), [The Waxonia Desk — Ghosts](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-ghosts/), [The Waxonia Desk — The Night It Went National](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-dubstep-goes-national/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Burial%20Archangel) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=E2qLD9c3Gq4)

### [Frankie Knuckles & Jamie Principle](https://waxonia.com/artist/frankie-knuckles-and-jamie-principle/) — [Your Love](https://waxonia.com/track/frankie-knuckles-and-jamie-principle--your-love/)

*1987 · Trax*

It circulated on cassette for years before anyone pressed it, which tells you what it did to a room. Still the most romantic record house has.

Also on: [Chicago House](https://waxonia.com/genre/chicago-house/), [Sung to Someone](https://waxonia.com/theme/sung-to-someone/), [The Waxonia Desk — In the Room](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-chicago-in-the-room/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Frankie%20Knuckles%20%26%20Jamie%20Principle%20Your%20Love) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=M6LAE5ejrjg)

### [Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg](https://waxonia.com/artist/dr-dre-featuring-snoop-doggy-dogg/) — [Nuthin' but a "G" Thang](https://waxonia.com/track/dr-dre-featuring-snoop-doggy-dogg--nuthin-but-a-g-thang/)

*1992 · Death Row*

A loop, a synth whine and two people sounding entirely untroubled. Delivered so completely on the first attempt that the genre spent five years elaborating it.

Also on: [G-Funk](https://waxonia.com/genre/g-funk/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Dr.%20Dre%20featuring%20Snoop%20Doggy%20Dogg%20Nuthin'%20but%20a%20%22G%22%20Thang) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=8GliyDgAGQI)

### [Bob Marley & The Wailers](https://waxonia.com/artist/bob-marley-and-the-wailers/) — [No Woman, No Cry](https://waxonia.com/track/bob-marley-and-the-wailers--no-woman-no-cry/)

*1975 · Island*

Seven minutes of a man consoling a room by describing a yard. The most widely loved record here, and it earns every bit of that.

Also on: [Reggae](https://waxonia.com/genre/reggae/), [Sung to Someone](https://waxonia.com/theme/sung-to-someone/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Bob%20Marley%20%26%20The%20Wailers%20No%20Woman%2C%20No%20Cry) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=IT8XvzIfi4U)

### [Shy FX & UK Apache](https://waxonia.com/artist/shy-fx-and-uk-apache/) — [Original Nuttah](https://waxonia.com/track/shy-fx-and-uk-apache--original-nuttah/)

*1994 · SOUR*

A ragga vocal over an Amen break at 170 BPM, with nobody involved thinking the combination needed explaining. Britain's two inheritances, fused without ceremony.

Also on: [Drum and Bass](https://waxonia.com/genre/drum-and-bass/), [1994](https://waxonia.com/theme/nineteen-ninety-four/), [Bass Weight](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-desk-bass-weight/), [The Waxonia Desk — 160](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-160/), [The Waxonia Desk — Ghosts](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-ghosts/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Shy%20FX%20%26%20UK%20Apache%20Original%20Nuttah) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=sxbekgL4w7w)

### [This Mortal Coil](https://waxonia.com/artist/this-mortal-coil/) — [Song to the Siren](https://waxonia.com/track/this-mortal-coil--song-to-the-siren/)

*1983 · 4AD*

Almost nothing behind the voice but a treated guitar, and it is still overwhelming. A cover version that has effectively replaced the original.

Also on: [Dream Pop](https://waxonia.com/genre/dream-pop/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/This%20Mortal%20Coil%20Song%20to%20the%20Siren) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=6GFteqnmoxg)

### [James Brown](https://waxonia.com/artist/james-brown/) — [Funky Drummer](https://waxonia.com/track/james-brown--funky-drummer/)

*1970 · King*

Twenty seconds of Clyde Stubblefield alone, and then thirty years of other people's records. The most consequential drum break in existence.

Also on: [Funk](https://waxonia.com/genre/funk/), [The Waxonia Desk — The Soulquarians Room](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-the-soulquarians-room/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/James%20Brown%20Funky%20Drummer) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=7dtpj8qa1hQ)

### [MFSB](https://waxonia.com/artist/mfsb/) — [Love Is the Message](https://waxonia.com/track/mfsb--love-is-the-message/)

*1973 · Philadelphia International*

Not a song so much as a structure that DJs spent a decade learning to use. The Paradise Garage closed on it, which is the highest recommendation available.

Also on: [Disco](https://waxonia.com/genre/disco/), [The Waxonia Desk — What the DJs Kept](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-what-the-djs-kept/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/MFSB%20Love%20Is%20the%20Message) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=7b1umcmfaXY)

### [Dizzee Rascal](https://waxonia.com/artist/dizzee-rascal/) — [I Luv U](https://waxonia.com/track/dizzee-rascal--i-luv-u/)

*2002 · XL*

Made at sixteen on a school computer, and nothing in British music had sounded that unmediated before. A row between two teenagers, and the beat sounds like the row.

Also on: [Grime](https://waxonia.com/genre/grime/), [Laurent Garnier — A Life in Twenty-One Records](https://waxonia.com/selection/laurent-garnier-a-life-in-records/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Dizzee%20Rascal%20I%20Luv%20U) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=YH0KWX2a8zY)

### [Jeff Mills](https://waxonia.com/artist/jeff-mills/) — [The Bells](https://waxonia.com/track/jeff-mills--the-bells/)

*1996 · Purpose Maker*

Four elements, no development, total inevitability. The most recognisable DJ tool in techno, built out of very nearly nothing.

Also on: [Detroit Techno](https://waxonia.com/genre/detroit-techno/), [The Waxonia Desk — Detroit Techno](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-detroit-techno/), [The Waxonia Desk — Detroit, Heard in Europe](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-detroit-in-europe/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Jeff%20Mills%20The%20Bells) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=S-BlgAQ7uRQ)

### [Basic Channel](https://waxonia.com/artist/basic-channel/) — [Phylyps Trak](https://waxonia.com/track/basic-channel--phylyps-trak/)

*1993 · Basic Channel*

One chord, a filter and eleven minutes, and it establishes that a techno record can consist almost entirely of the space around its own decay.

Also on: [Dub Techno](https://waxonia.com/genre/dub-techno/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Basic%20Channel%20Phylyps%20Trak) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=6a4HlgmlMuw)

### [Aphex Twin](https://waxonia.com/artist/aphex-twin/) — [Windowlicker](https://waxonia.com/track/aphex-twin--windowlicker/)

*1999 · Warp*

An R&B pastiche processed into something inhuman and sold as a pop single. Proof that he could do the thing he spent a career refusing to do.

Also on: [IDM](https://waxonia.com/genre/idm/), [Warp](https://waxonia.com/theme/warp/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Aphex%20Twin%20Windowlicker) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=go6-MliYCAs)

### [Public Image Ltd](https://waxonia.com/artist/public-image-ltd/) — [Public Image](https://waxonia.com/track/public-image-ltd--public-image/)

*1978 · Virgin*

A resignation letter from punk delivered as a single: dub bass, ringing guitar, and no interest whatsoever in the audience that came for the last band.

Also on: [Post-Punk](https://waxonia.com/genre/post-punk/), [Roots](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-desk-roots/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Public%20Image%20Ltd%20Public%20Image) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=rIAZ8unRm2c)

### [Nas](https://waxonia.com/artist/nas/) — [N.Y. State of Mind](https://waxonia.com/track/nas--n-y-state-of-mind/)

*1994 · Columbia*

A twenty-year-old writing at a level most novelists never reach, over a piano loop that never resolves. The best-written record in this list.

Also on: [Golden Age Hip-Hop](https://waxonia.com/genre/golden-age-hip-hop/), [1994](https://waxonia.com/theme/nineteen-ninety-four/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Nas%20N.Y.%20State%20of%20Mind) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=hI8A14Qcv68)

### [The Stone Roses](https://waxonia.com/artist/the-stone-roses/) — [Fools Gold](https://waxonia.com/track/the-stone-roses--fools-gold/)

*1989 · Silvertone*

An indie band's biggest single is a groove with some singing on it, and a whole country followed them across the floor. The hinge record of British music.

Also on: [Madchester](https://waxonia.com/genre/madchester/), [The Waxonia Desk — Both Rooms](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-both-rooms/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/The%20Stone%20Roses%20Fools%20Gold) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=NSD11dnphg0)

### [Kraftwerk](https://waxonia.com/artist/kraftwerk/) — [Trans-Europe Express](https://waxonia.com/track/kraftwerk--trans-europe-express/)

*1977 · Kling Klang*

A wistful song about trains that Bambaataa turned into hip-hop and Detroit turned into techno. No other record here has been quite so productive for people who misheard it.

Also on: [Krautrock](https://waxonia.com/genre/krautrock/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Kraftwerk%20Trans-Europe%20Express) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=i_85fUIRlmU)

### [Lauryn Hill](https://waxonia.com/artist/lauryn-hill/) — [Ex-Factor](https://waxonia.com/track/lauryn-hill--ex-factor/)

*1998 · Ruffhouse*

A Wu-Tang sample, a gospel structure, and a lyric with no interest in protecting anyone's dignity. The most covered song of its era and nobody has improved on it.

Also on: [Neo-Soul](https://waxonia.com/genre/neo-soul/), [The Waxonia Desk — The Soulquarians Room](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-the-soulquarians-room/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Lauryn%20Hill%20Ex-Factor) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=cE-bnWqLqxE)

### [Skream](https://waxonia.com/artist/skream/) — [Midnight Request Line](https://waxonia.com/track/skream--midnight-request-line/)

*2005 · Tempa*

A riff simple enough to hum over a bassline that only fully exists on a large rig. That combination is why an entire scene got out of South London.

Also on: [Dubstep](https://waxonia.com/genre/dubstep/), [Bass Weight](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-desk-bass-weight/), [The Waxonia Desk — The Night It Went National](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-dubstep-goes-national/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Skream%20Midnight%20Request%20Line) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=lcMAbnZy8l8)

### [Phuture](https://waxonia.com/artist/phuture/) — [Acid Trax](https://waxonia.com/track/phuture--acid-trax/)

*1987 · Trax*

A misused bass synth, released because Ron Hardy would not stop playing the tape. One record invents a genre and names it in the title.

Also on: [Chicago House](https://waxonia.com/genre/chicago-house/), [The Waxonia Desk — On a Machine](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-chicago-on-a-machine/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Phuture%20Acid%20Trax) · [Search YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/search?q=Phuture%20Acid%20Trax)

### [Steve Reich](https://waxonia.com/artist/steve-reich/) — [Come Out](https://waxonia.com/track/steve-reich--come-out/)

*1966 · Odyssey*

One phrase from riot testimony, looped on two tapes drifting apart until the words become rhythm. Devastating, and the origin of phasing.

Also on: [Minimalism](https://waxonia.com/genre/minimalism/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Steve%20Reich%20Come%20Out) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni-LmThfV6c)

### [Sly & the Family Stone](https://waxonia.com/artist/sly-and-the-family-stone/) — [Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)](https://waxonia.com/track/sly-and-the-family-stone--thank-you-falettinme-be-mice-elf-agin/)

*1969 · Epic*

A bass technique invented to cover for a missing drummer, and the most cheerful record ever written about being ground down.

Also on: [Funk](https://waxonia.com/genre/funk/), [The Waxonia Desk — Where the Accent Moved](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-the-accent-moved/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Sly%20%26%20the%20Family%20Stone%20Thank%20You%20(Falettinme%20Be%20Mice%20Elf%20Agin)) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=-T9vmaTI2LE)

### [Omni Trio](https://waxonia.com/artist/omni-trio/) — [Renegade Snares](https://waxonia.com/track/omni-trio--renegade-snares/)

*1993 · Moving Shadow*

Jungle's prettiest record and its most technically alarming, at the same time. The breaks are chopped past the point of sense and the piano does not care.

Also on: [Drum and Bass](https://waxonia.com/genre/drum-and-bass/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Omni%20Trio%20Renegade%20Snares) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzet6jYKQAU)

### [Double Exposure](https://waxonia.com/artist/double-exposure/) — [Ten Percent](https://waxonia.com/track/double-exposure--ten-percent/)

*1976 · Salsoul*

Walter Gibbons invents the job of remixer on the first commercially released twelve-inch. Extend, strip, delay the payoff — all of it is already here.

Also on: [Disco](https://waxonia.com/genre/disco/), [The Waxonia Desk — What the DJs Kept](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-what-the-djs-kept/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Double%20Exposure%20Ten%20Percent) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=rP0EPsS3OdQ)

### [My Bloody Valentine](https://waxonia.com/artist/my-bloody-valentine/) — [Soon](https://waxonia.com/track/my-bloody-valentine--soon/)

*1990 · Creation*

A dance beat under a guitar sound that will not hold still. Eno called it the vaguest music ever to have been a hit, approvingly.

Also on: [Shoegaze](https://waxonia.com/genre/shoegaze/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/My%20Bloody%20Valentine%20Soon) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=gU7tX5YJghc)

### [Fela Kuti & Africa 70](https://waxonia.com/artist/fela-kuti-and-africa-70/) — [Water No Get Enemy](https://waxonia.com/track/fela-kuti-and-africa-70--water-no-get-enemy/)

*1975 · Coconut*

A proverb, a horn line, and Tony Allen playing the most relaxed complicated drum part imaginable. The way in for anyone who finds the politics forbidding.

Also on: [Afrobeat](https://waxonia.com/genre/afrobeat/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Fela%20Kuti%20%26%20Africa%2070%20Water%20No%20Get%20Enemy) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jx2qcKd1-0)

### [New Order](https://waxonia.com/artist/new-order/) — [Blue Monday](https://waxonia.com/track/new-order--blue-monday/)

*1983 · Factory*

A guitar band making a club twelve-inch on sequencers, in packaging that lost money per copy. Five years early and the reason so much else was possible.

Also on: [Madchester](https://waxonia.com/genre/madchester/), [Laurent Garnier — A Life in Twenty-One Records](https://waxonia.com/selection/laurent-garnier-a-life-in-records/), [The Waxonia Desk — Both Rooms](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-both-rooms/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/New%20Order%20Blue%20Monday) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=9GMjH1nR0ds)

### [Daft Punk](https://waxonia.com/artist/daft-punk/) — [Da Funk](https://waxonia.com/track/daft-punk--da-funk/)

*1995 · Soma*

A deliberately ugly lead over a hip-hop tempo, released on a Glasgow techno label. Two Parisians arriving already refusing to do the expected thing.

Also on: [French House](https://waxonia.com/genre/french-house/), [The Waxonia Desk — Both Rooms](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-both-rooms/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Daft%20Punk%20Da%20Funk) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=PwILkY9gRrc)

### [Cajmere](https://waxonia.com/artist/cajmere/) — [Percolator](https://waxonia.com/track/cajmere--percolator/)

*1992 · Cajual*

One bleeping figure repeated until it became a city's shared vocabulary. Thirty years of Chicago records quote it and a whole category is named after it.

Also on: [Juke and Footwork](https://waxonia.com/genre/juke-and-footwork/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Cajmere%20Percolator) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=BYAZ-lq_KLg)

### [Burning Spear](https://waxonia.com/artist/burning-spear/) — [Marcus Garvey](https://waxonia.com/track/burning-spear--marcus-garvey/)

*1975 · Island*

History lessons delivered over a rhythm that barely moves, and they land like prophecy. The most severe great record in this tradition.

Also on: [Reggae](https://waxonia.com/genre/reggae/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Burning%20Spear%20Marcus%20Garvey) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=JW0iPMG1ohc)

### [Aphex Twin](https://waxonia.com/artist/aphex-twin/) — [Xtal](https://waxonia.com/track/aphex-twin--xtal/)

*1992 · Apollo / R&S*

A wordless vocal over a break that has been degraded until it sounds remembered rather than played. Ambient's most-loved record by someone who denies making ambient.

Also on: [Ambient](https://waxonia.com/genre/ambient/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Aphex%20Twin%20Xtal) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=sWcLccMuCA8)

### [Wu-Tang Clan](https://waxonia.com/artist/wu-tang-clan/) — [C.R.E.A.M.](https://waxonia.com/track/wu-tang-clan--c-r-e-a-m/)

*1993 · Loud*

A four-bar piano loop, two verses, and a hook that became a proverb. RZA proved that the cheapest possible production could carry the heaviest possible writing.

Also on: [Golden Age Hip-Hop](https://waxonia.com/genre/golden-age-hip-hop/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Wu-Tang%20Clan%20C.R.E.A.M.) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=4yNQ7_7I5aE)

### [Artful Dodger featuring Craig David](https://waxonia.com/artist/artful-dodger-featuring-craig-david/) — [Re-Rewind (The Crowd Say Bo Selecta)](https://waxonia.com/track/artful-dodger-featuring-craig-david--re-rewind-the-crowd-say-bo-selecta/)

*1999 · Public Demand*

A pop record about a DJ's device, sung by a teenager who then became the biggest star in Britain. Garage's moment of complete confidence.

Also on: [UK Garage](https://waxonia.com/genre/uk-garage/), [The Waxonia Desk — Garage on the Mix](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-garage-on-the-mix/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Artful%20Dodger%20featuring%20Craig%20David%20Re-Rewind%20(The%20Crowd%20Say%20Bo%20Selecta)) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=M0wv_cQv8As)

### [DJ Rolando / Underground Resistance](https://waxonia.com/artist/dj-rolando-underground-resistance/) — [Jaguar](https://waxonia.com/track/dj-rolando-underground-resistance--jaguar/)

*1999 · Underground Resistance*

The riff a major label tried to buy and the Detroit underground refused to sell. Politics aside, the most physical string line techno has.

Also on: [Detroit Techno](https://waxonia.com/genre/detroit-techno/), [Laurent Garnier — A Life in Twenty-One Records](https://waxonia.com/selection/laurent-garnier-a-life-in-records/), [The Waxonia Desk — Detroit, Heard in Europe](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-detroit-in-europe/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/DJ%20Rolando%20%2F%20Underground%20Resistance%20Jaguar) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=gw7vrBSBQwk)

### [Ice Cube](https://waxonia.com/artist/ice-cube/) — [It Was a Good Day](https://waxonia.com/track/ice-cube--it-was-a-good-day/)

*1992 · Priority*

A list of ordinary things not going wrong, over an Isley Brothers loop. Rap's most affecting record achieves it entirely by describing an absence.

Also on: [G-Funk](https://waxonia.com/genre/g-funk/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Ice%20Cube%20It%20Was%20a%20Good%20Day) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=h4UqMyldS7Q)

### [Klein + M.B.O.](https://waxonia.com/artist/klein-m-b-o/) — [Dirty Talk](https://waxonia.com/track/klein-m-b-o--dirty-talk/)

*1982 · Zanza*

Italians make a record that Chicago plays until the grooves go, and house music turns out to have been specified in Milan. Stark, cold and enormously influential.

Also on: [Italo Disco](https://waxonia.com/genre/italo-disco/), [The Eighties](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-eighties/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Klein%20%2B%20M.B.O.%20Dirty%20Talk) · [Search YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/search?q=Klein%20%2B%20M.B.O.%20Dirty%20Talk)

### [Massive Attack](https://waxonia.com/artist/massive-attack/) — [Teardrop](https://waxonia.com/track/massive-attack--teardrop/)

*1998 · Virgin*

A harpsichord, a heartbeat and Elizabeth Fraser singing about grief. Proof the Bristol formula was a language rather than a trick.

Also on: [Trip-Hop](https://waxonia.com/genre/trip-hop/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Massive%20Attack%20Teardrop) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=u7K72X4eo_s)

### [Metalheads](https://waxonia.com/artist/metalheads/) — [Terminator](https://waxonia.com/track/metalheads--terminator/)

*1992 · Synthetic*

Time-stretching discovered and immediately weaponised. The technical leap that turned hardcore into jungle, audible as it happens.

Also on: [Breakbeat Hardcore](https://waxonia.com/genre/breakbeat-hardcore/), [The Waxonia Desk — 160](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-160/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Metalheads%20Terminator) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Knu-7A7BLtQ)

### [Marshall Jefferson](https://waxonia.com/artist/marshall-jefferson/) — [Move Your Body](https://waxonia.com/track/marshall-jefferson--move-your-body/)

*1986 · Trax*

Subtitled the house music anthem, and it earned the definite article. The piano that opened the genre up to everybody who was not already in the room.

Also on: [Chicago House](https://waxonia.com/genre/chicago-house/), [The Waxonia Desk — In the Room](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-chicago-in-the-room/), [The Waxonia Desk — Looped and Filtered](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-chicago-looped-and-filtered/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Marshall%20Jefferson%20Move%20Your%20Body) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=RhKMMh4qOL8)

### [Otis Redding](https://waxonia.com/artist/otis-redding/) — [Try a Little Tenderness](https://waxonia.com/track/otis-redding--try-a-little-tenderness/)

*1966 · Volt*

Two minutes of restraint and then the roof comes off. The best available argument that soul is a technique for controlling release rather than avoiding it.

Also on: [Soul](https://waxonia.com/genre/soul/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Otis%20Redding%20Try%20a%20Little%20Tenderness) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=pli44utBOwo)

### [Wiley](https://waxonia.com/artist/wiley/) — [Eskimo](https://waxonia.com/track/wiley--eskimo/)

*2002 · Wiley Kat*

Cold, hollow and deliberately unwelcoming. An entire scene's emotional temperature set by one instrumental in ninety seconds.

Also on: [Grime](https://waxonia.com/genre/grime/), [The Waxonia Desk — Ghosts](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-ghosts/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Wiley%20Eskimo) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=u3rWH9pWkVQ)

### [DJ Rashad](https://waxonia.com/artist/dj-rashad/) — [Feelin](https://waxonia.com/track/dj-rashad--feelin/)

*2013 · Hyperdub*

Soul samples and drum-and-bass warmth over patterns that refuse to resolve. The record that made the hardest rhythm in America hospitable without slowing it down.

Also on: [Juke and Footwork](https://waxonia.com/genre/juke-and-footwork/), [The Waxonia Desk — 160](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-160/), [The Waxonia Desk — Footwork Travels](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-footwork-travels/), [The Waxonia Desk — Ghosts](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-ghosts/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/DJ%20Rashad%20Feelin) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=MC5zj4eLM3k)

### [Slowdive](https://waxonia.com/artist/slowdive/) — [Alison](https://waxonia.com/track/slowdive--alison/)

*1993 · Creation*

Shoegaze with the songwriting left in. Everything blurred except the melody, which is why this one survived the backlash that buried the rest.

Also on: [Shoegaze](https://waxonia.com/genre/shoegaze/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Slowdive%20Alison) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak43tAU5QuA)

### [Arthur Mafokate](https://waxonia.com/artist/arthur-mafokate/) — [Kaffir](https://waxonia.com/track/arthur-mafokate--kaffir/)

*1995*

A dance record built around a plea not to be called a slur, and the first real argument of the new South Africa. Half a million copies, and a genre given its subject.

Also on: [Kwaito](https://waxonia.com/genre/kwaito/), [Dancing to Bad News](https://waxonia.com/theme/dancing-to-bad-news/), [The Waxonia Desk — Out of Durban](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-gqom-out-of-durban/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Arthur%20Mafokate%20Kaffir) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=sep8mvPZW6s)

### [Boards of Canada](https://waxonia.com/artist/boards-of-canada/) — [Roygbiv](https://waxonia.com/track/boards-of-canada--roygbiv/)

*1998 · Warp*

Two minutes of detuned warmth imitated for twenty-five years without once being equalled. An entire strand of electronic music descends from this tape hiss.

Also on: [IDM](https://waxonia.com/genre/idm/), [Warp](https://waxonia.com/theme/warp/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Boards%20of%20Canada%20Roygbiv) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=SM4tQcUt_mQ)

### [Mandoza](https://waxonia.com/artist/mandoza/) — [Nkalakatha](https://waxonia.com/track/mandoza--nkalakatha/)

*2000*

A kwaito record adopted by rugby crowds and townships alike, which nothing else in the country's music had managed. The closest post-apartheid South Africa came to a shared anthem.

Also on: [Kwaito](https://waxonia.com/genre/kwaito/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Mandoza%20Nkalakatha) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=b28vJvntyUM)

### [Gang of Four](https://waxonia.com/artist/gang-of-four/) — [Damaged Goods](https://waxonia.com/track/gang-of-four--damaged-goods/)

*1978 · Fast Product*

A guitar used as a percussion instrument that mostly stays silent. The politics are in the arrangement, which is what separates this band from everyone who copied them.

Also on: [Post-Punk](https://waxonia.com/genre/post-punk/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Gang%20of%20Four%20Damaged%20Goods) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=F_7BVaDIAbA)

### [D'Angelo](https://waxonia.com/artist/dangelo/) — [Brown Sugar](https://waxonia.com/track/dangelo--brown-sugar/)

*1995 · EMI*

A Rhodes, a hip-hop drum feel and a vocal arrangement borrowed from Marvin Gaye. Nothing on radio in 1995 sounded this unhurried, and a movement followed it.

Also on: [Neo-Soul](https://waxonia.com/genre/neo-soul/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/D'Angelo%20Brown%20Sugar) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=H_WzjiTzZBA)

### [Curtis Mayfield](https://waxonia.com/artist/curtis-mayfield/) — [Move On Up](https://waxonia.com/track/curtis-mayfield--move-on-up/)

*1970 · Curtom*

Nine minutes of unbroken forward motion. Optimism is the harder thing to write and this is the most durable example anyone has managed.

Also on: [Soul](https://waxonia.com/genre/soul/), [The Waxonia Desk — One Subject](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-one-subject/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Curtis%20Mayfield%20Move%20On%20Up) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=A9RMr9KuVZo)

### [SL2](https://waxonia.com/artist/sl2/) — [On a Ragga Tip](https://waxonia.com/track/sl2--on-a-ragga-tip/)

*1992 · XL*

Number two in the national charts with a Jamaican vocal sample and a hoover bass. British pop has rarely been this directly a dispatch from a field off the M25.

Also on: [Breakbeat Hardcore](https://waxonia.com/genre/breakbeat-hardcore/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/SL2%20On%20a%20Ragga%20Tip) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=M6vgWFsKpdw)

### [DJ Lag](https://waxonia.com/artist/dj-lag/) — [Ice Drop](https://waxonia.com/track/dj-lag--ice-drop/)

*2016 · Goon Club Allstars*

Written at seventeen. Three elements, no resolution, and a low end that argues for a whole genre in ninety seconds.

Also on: [Gqom](https://waxonia.com/genre/gqom/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/DJ%20Lag%20Ice%20Drop) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=9ycr4BI8I94)

### [Can](https://waxonia.com/artist/can/) — [Halleluhwah](https://waxonia.com/track/can--halleluhwah/)

*1971 · United Artists*

Jaki Liebezeit holds one figure for eighteen minutes while the band comes apart around him. The strongest case that repetition is drama's cheapest fuel.

Also on: [Krautrock](https://waxonia.com/genre/krautrock/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Can%20Halleluhwah) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=-ukhZgsC4vc)

### [Warren G & Nate Dogg](https://waxonia.com/artist/warren-g-and-nate-dogg/) — [Regulate](https://waxonia.com/track/warren-g-and-nate-dogg--regulate/)

*1994 · Death Row*

A Michael McDonald sample, a story told in alternating verses, and hooks nobody else could have sold. Perfect construction, beginning to end.

Also on: [G-Funk](https://waxonia.com/genre/g-funk/), [1994](https://waxonia.com/theme/nineteen-ninety-four/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Warren%20G%20%26%20Nate%20Dogg%20Regulate) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=1plPyJdXKIY)

### [The Orb](https://waxonia.com/artist/the-orb/) — [Little Fluffy Clouds](https://waxonia.com/track/the-orb--little-fluffy-clouds/)

*1990 · Big Life*

A Rickie Lee Jones interview, a Steve Reich pulse and a Pat Metheny sample, assembled into something oddly moving. Ambient house begins and mostly ends here.

Also on: [Ambient](https://waxonia.com/genre/ambient/), [The Waxonia Desk — Sounds Like a Single](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-sounds-like-a-single/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/The%20Orb%20Little%20Fluffy%20Clouds) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=KNfjpmvbQG0)

### [Focalistic featuring Vigro Deep](https://waxonia.com/artist/focalistic-featuring-vigro-deep/) — [Ke Star](https://waxonia.com/track/focalistic-featuring-vigro-deep--ke-star/)

*2020*

Sepedi rap over a piano loop, and the record that made amapiano continental. The bassline does almost nothing, which is exactly why it works.

Also on: [Amapiano](https://waxonia.com/genre/amapiano/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Focalistic%20featuring%20Vigro%20Deep%20Ke%20Star) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=a9_da2P5JjQ)

### [The Bug featuring Killa P & Flowdan](https://waxonia.com/artist/the-bug-featuring-killa-p-and-flowdan/) — [Skeng](https://waxonia.com/track/the-bug-featuring-killa-p-and-flowdan--skeng/)

*2007 · Ninja Tune*

Dancehall toasting welded to a bassline that sounds actively corroded. The point where British bass music stops being polite about its inheritance.

Also on: [Dubstep](https://waxonia.com/genre/dubstep/), [Bass Weight](https://waxonia.com/theme/the-desk-bass-weight/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/The%20Bug%20featuring%20Killa%20P%20%26%20Flowdan%20Skeng) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=zwmUOJR-GwA)

### [Sweet Female Attitude](https://waxonia.com/artist/sweet-female-attitude/) — [Flowers (Sunship Remix)](https://waxonia.com/track/sweet-female-attitude--flowers-sunship-remix/)

*2000 · WEA*

The remix, not the original, and everybody knows it. Two-step's warmest record, and a reminder that garage's canon is largely other people's rebuilds.

Also on: [UK Garage](https://waxonia.com/genre/uk-garage/), [The Waxonia Desk — Garage on the Mix](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-garage-on-the-mix/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Sweet%20Female%20Attitude%20Flowers%20(Sunship%20Remix)) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=sv2Uu7NOPng)

### [Wayne Smith](https://waxonia.com/artist/wayne-smith/) — [Under Me Sleng Teng](https://waxonia.com/track/wayne-smith--under-me-sleng-teng/)

*1985 · Jammy's*

A Casio preset becomes a rhythm hundreds of records are built on. The moment Jamaican music goes digital, and the template for every riddim scene since.

Also on: [Dub](https://waxonia.com/genre/dub/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Wayne%20Smith%20Under%20Me%20Sleng%20Teng) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=H_STPoI_eoM)

### [Skepta](https://waxonia.com/artist/skepta/) — [Shutdown](https://waxonia.com/track/skepta--shutdown/)

*2015 · Boy Better Know*

Thirteen years after grime began, its commercial peak is still built from almost nothing. Total confidence with no additional ingredients.

Also on: [Grime](https://waxonia.com/genre/grime/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Skepta%20Shutdown) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=MQOG5BkY2Bc)

### [Alan Braxe & Fred Falke](https://waxonia.com/artist/alan-braxe-and-fred-falke/) — [Intro](https://waxonia.com/track/alan-braxe-and-fred-falke--intro/)

*2000 · Vulture*

Six minutes that only go upwards, with a string line that never resolves down. The record DJs still reach for when a room needs lifting off the floor.

Also on: [French House](https://waxonia.com/genre/french-house/), [The Waxonia Desk — French House](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-french-house/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Alan%20Braxe%20%26%20Fred%20Falke%20Intro) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=BR2kp7lMYdc)

### [808 State](https://waxonia.com/artist/808-state/) — [Pacific State](https://waxonia.com/track/808-state--pacific-state/)

*1989 · ZTT*

A saxophone and birdsong over an acid bassline, which should not work. Proof that this music could be pretty without becoming polite.

Also on: [Acid House](https://waxonia.com/genre/acid-house/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/808%20State%20Pacific%20State) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Tv0UiQ5n7SM)

### [The Jesus and Mary Chain](https://waxonia.com/artist/the-jesus-and-mary-chain/) — [Just Like Honey](https://waxonia.com/track/the-jesus-and-mary-chain--just-like-honey/)

*1985 · Blanco y Negro*

A Ronettes drum pattern buried in feedback, with a love song underneath that nobody expected these people to have written. The template for the decade that followed.

Also on: [Shoegaze](https://waxonia.com/genre/shoegaze/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/The%20Jesus%20and%20Mary%20Chain%20Just%20Like%20Honey) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=9LoSpJF_YxE)

### [Sueño Latino](https://waxonia.com/artist/sueno-latino/) — [Sueño Latino](https://waxonia.com/track/sueno-latino--sueno-latino/)

*1989 · DFC*

An entire record built by looping somebody else's hour-long guitar improvisation and adding birdsong. Absurd, beautiful, and the bridge from kosmische to the dancefloor.

Also on: [Balearic](https://waxonia.com/genre/balearic/), [Italo Disco](https://waxonia.com/genre/italo-disco/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Sue%C3%B1o%20Latino%20Sue%C3%B1o%20Latino) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=EEXJuZ877OE)

### [Roni Size / Reprazent](https://waxonia.com/artist/roni-size-reprazent/) — [Brown Paper Bag](https://waxonia.com/track/roni-size-reprazent--brown-paper-bag/)

*1997 · Talkin' Loud*

A double bass line, a breakbeat and a Mercury Prize. Drum and bass at its most musical without giving up an inch of its rhythmic difficulty.

Also on: [Drum and Bass](https://waxonia.com/genre/drum-and-bass/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Roni%20Size%20%2F%20Reprazent%20Brown%20Paper%20Bag) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=cwI0gbGEyuI)

### [Yellowman](https://waxonia.com/artist/yellowman/) — [Zungguzungguguzungguzeng](https://waxonia.com/track/yellowman--zungguzungguguzungguzeng/)

*1983 · Greensleeves*

A melody so contagious that half of hip-hop borrowed it without discussion. An unpronounceable title attached to dancehall's most recognisable hook.

Also on: [Dancehall](https://waxonia.com/genre/dancehall/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Yellowman%20Zungguzungguguzungguzeng) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=X-tfYbRK2OA)

### [Slum Village](https://waxonia.com/artist/slum-village/) — [Guess Who](https://waxonia.com/track/slum-village--guess-who/)

*2000 · Barak*

J Dilla programming drums audibly out of time and grooving harder for it. The single most imitated piece of programming of the last thirty years.

Also on: [Neo-Soul](https://waxonia.com/genre/neo-soul/), [The Waxonia Desk — The Soulquarians Room](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-the-soulquarians-room/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Slum%20Village%20Guess%20Who) · [Search YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/search?q=Slum%20Village%20Guess%20Who)

### [Incredible Bongo Band](https://waxonia.com/artist/incredible-bongo-band/) — [Apache](https://waxonia.com/track/incredible-bongo-band--apache/)

*1973 · Pride*

A session-band cover of a Shadows instrumental, and the break on which hip-hop was physically assembled. Included for consequences rather than for intentions.

Also on: [Funk](https://waxonia.com/genre/funk/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Incredible%20Bongo%20Band%20Apache) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=-Udnb6F1A0g)

### [Basic Channel](https://waxonia.com/artist/basic-channel/) — [Quadrant Dub](https://waxonia.com/track/basic-channel--quadrant-dub/)

*1994 · Basic Channel*

The rhythm dissolves into delay returns and never quite reassembles. Thirty years on it still sounds mastered underwater, deliberately.

Also on: [Dub Techno](https://waxonia.com/genre/dub-techno/), [1994](https://waxonia.com/theme/nineteen-ninety-four/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Basic%20Channel%20Quadrant%20Dub) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=APH42GVgUTM)

### [Tyler ICU & Tumelo ZA](https://waxonia.com/artist/tyler-icu-and-tumelo-za/) — [Mnike](https://waxonia.com/track/tyler-icu-and-tumelo-za--mnike/)

*2023*

Number one at home and unavoidable everywhere else within a month. A loop, a chant and a bending bass note — the oldest recipe in this list, working again.

Also on: [Amapiano](https://waxonia.com/genre/amapiano/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Tyler%20ICU%20%26%20Tumelo%20ZA%20Mnike) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=IBOvTfcMfjY)

### [DJ Shadow](https://waxonia.com/artist/dj-shadow/) — [Midnight in a Perfect World](https://waxonia.com/track/dj-shadow--midnight-in-a-perfect-world/)

*1996 · Mo' Wax*

Built entirely from other people's records and yet unmistakably one person's. The high point of sampling as a compositional discipline rather than a shortcut.

Also on: [Trip-Hop](https://waxonia.com/genre/trip-hop/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/DJ%20Shadow%20Midnight%20in%20a%20Perfect%20World) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=InFbBlpDTfQ)

### [Manuel Göttsching](https://waxonia.com/artist/manuel-gottsching/) — [E2-E4](https://waxonia.com/track/manuel-gottsching--e2-e4/)

*1984 · Inteam*

One hour, one sequence, one guitarist, one take. Ends this list because it is where half of it accidentally began.

Also on: [Krautrock](https://waxonia.com/genre/krautrock/), [The Waxonia Desk — Krautrock](https://waxonia.com/selection/the-desk-krautrock/).

[Search Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/search/Manuel%20G%C3%B6ttsching%20E2-E4) · [YouTube Music](https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=pUfIqO5arq4)

## About the curator

The people who write the rankings on this site. We keep the lists honest, we argue about the order, and we get asked the same question more than any other: where should someone actually start. These are our answers.

Elsewhere: https://waxonia.com/

---

Hand-curated by Waxonia. We host no audio; all links point to streaming platforms.