Is the electronic music world ready for another Skrillex era? It certainly seems so, with whispers and confirmations of a double album release this year, signaling a powerful comeback for the dubstep icon. For many, the early 2010s were synonymous with the explosion of EDM and pop-infused electronic sounds, and at the heart of that movement was Skrillex. Whether you were a die-hard fan or found his sound polarizing, there’s no denying his pivotal role in shaping modern electronic music.
Skrillex, arguably the face of dubstep’s mainstream breakthrough, carved a unique space with his signature blend of syncopated rhythms, heavy basslines, and often dark, intense sonic landscapes. Initially met with both excitement and criticism, Skrillex Songs steadily permeated popular culture and influenced the broader electronic music scene. His ability to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of EDM is a testament to his talent. To celebrate his enduring legacy and anticipated resurgence, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 essential Skrillex songs.
This list encompasses original tracks from his albums and EPs, as well as his acclaimed remixes. We’re focusing on tracks where Skrillex is the primary artist, meaning collaborations where he’s not the central figure, like the hit “Where are Ü Now” with Justin Bieber, will be considered as honorable mentions rather than main entries.
Ready for a journey back to the dubstep anthems that defined a generation? Dive into our countdown of the Top 10 Skrillex songs.
10. Rock ‘N’ Roll (Will Take You to the Mountain)
Imagine Daft Punk with a dose of something a little more… intense, set in a vibrant arcade. That’s the vibe of “Rock ‘N’ Roll (Will Take You to the Mountain).” This track is a tightly constructed, irresistibly danceable piece of EDM, making it an ideal gateway Skrillex song for listeners who might find full-on dubstep a bit overwhelming.
A standout track from the groundbreaking 2010 Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites EP, “Rock ‘N’ Roll (Will Take You to the Mountain)” is a playful and accessible entry point into Skrillex’s sound. While some might argue it missed an opportunity to incorporate classic rock guitar elements more prominently (a feature explored in “Breakn’ a Sweat” from the Bangarang EP), its infectious energy is undeniable.
9. Kyoto (feat. Sirah)
“Kyoto,” featuring Sirah, strikes with the sharp precision of a samurai sword, perfectly mirroring its namesake. Listening to this track is akin to being plunged into the heart of a samurai showdown or a high-stakes spy thriller. Sirah’s vocal exclamation, “Skrillex really does ‘drop it hard’ in this razor-sharp tune,” is an understatement.
This track exemplifies the potent synergy between Skrillex and Sirah, a frequent collaborator. “Kyoto” is just one of many Skrillex songs where Sirah’s vocal contributions elevate the energy, here delivering fierce rap verses after the song’s second massive bass drop. Their collaborations are a highlight in Skrillex’s discography.
8. Kill Everybody
Despite its provocative title, “Kill Everybody” is surprisingly playful and mischievous in its melody. This track blends electro-house energy with dubstep elements and darkly humorous lyrics. Featured on the critically acclaimed Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites EP, “Kill Everybody” is a slightly more under-the-radar gem, yet remains a favorite among dedicated Skrillex fans.
The song’s build-ups create a somewhat sinister atmosphere, underscored by the repeated lyric, “I want to kill everybody in the world / I want to eat your heart.” However, the dubstep drops are anything but menacing; they are bouncy and designed for the dance floor. The song can be interpreted as an expression of intense frustration, with Skrillex offering a cathartic release through the music itself: lose yourself in the beat and have a good time.
7. First of the Year (Equinox)
Who else remembers attempting (and probably failing) to learn dance routines to “First of the Year (Equinox)” in the early 2010s, complete with questionable robot moves? This track is quintessential dubstep, instantly recognizable as part of the genre’s early wave. Much like the telekinetic force displayed by the young girl in the music video, the song’s mechanical bass drops hit with sonic force, capable of eliciting screams of excitement (or maybe slight terror).
Beyond its sonic intensity, “First of the Year (Equinox)” has a deeper thematic layer. The title suggests a connection to new beginnings and the ambition associated with the start of a year. However, the distorted, reversed lyrics – “For the abandoned / my unhappiness is color / For you, I give and give away” – hint at an undercurrent of pain and isolation. Skrillex masterfully contrasts the optimism of a new year with the persistent struggles faced by many. The iconic “Call 911 now!” sample, famously taken from a viral YouTube video, adds another layer of chaotic energy to the track’s explosive moments.
6. Rumble
“Rumble” stands out as the most recent Skrillex song on this list, released in 2023. In some ways, it’s a departure from the heavily layered dubstep of his earlier work, embracing a more minimalist approach. Yet, it’s unmistakably Skrillex. The track maintains his signature urgency and employs a diverse palette of sound effects – water droplets, congo drums, lion roars, ticking clocks – to build an incredibly intense rhythm.
Featuring vocals from Elley Duhé and Flowdan, with contributions from Fred again.. and BEAM, “Rumble” is a collaborative effort showcasing Skrillex’s evolving sound. A standout element is the ricochet sound effect following Flowdan’s “killers in the jungle” vocal, creating vivid imagery of guerilla warfare in a rainforest setting. It’s a testament to Skrillex’s continued innovation in production and sonic storytelling.
5. Make It Bun Dem (with Damian Marley)
A fusion of reggae and dubstep might seem unexpected, but “Make It Bun Dem,” a collaboration with Damian Marley, son of Bob Marley, is a resounding success. In retrospect, the blend is less surprising given dubstep’s roots in Jamaican dub music. This track serves as Skrillex’s homage to his genre’s origins, amplified by the legendary presence of Damian Marley.
While “Make It Bun Dem” didn’t achieve mainstream chart success on the US Billboard Hot 100 upon its initial release in the early 2010s, it gained significant traction online and within gaming culture. Its inclusion in the Far Cry 3 mission “Kick the Hornet’s Nest” catapulted the song to wider recognition. Its popularity led to a re-release as part of the Make It Bun Dem After Hours EP, featuring seven remixes.
4. Reptile
Also known as “Reptile’s Theme,” this track was crafted by Skrillex for the 2011 Mortal Kombat video game. “Reptile” served as the theme for the reptilian character Reptile, a classic Mortal Kombat figure, and also became the overarching theme for the entire game.
“Reptile” earns its high ranking due to its intricate production and multifaceted soundscape. It evokes a sense of lurking menace, like a monstrous creature slowly approaching, yet it’s balanced with playful, bouncy elements. The incorporation of vintage Mortal Kombat sound effects, the opening “rah rah rah” samples, and the energetic “jump!” vocal snippets all contribute to its unique character. The rapid synth chord progressions during the beat drops are a particular highlight, showcasing Skrillex’s masterful production skills and delivering a sonic “fatality.”
3. Cinema (Skrillex Remix)
This is a certified classic Skrillex remix. Taking Benny Benassi’s love song “Cinema,” Skrillex transformed it into an even bigger hit than the original. According to official Genius notation, Skrillex’s remix dominated the Dance Charts for months and remained on the overall dance charts for five years, eventually achieving platinum certification in the US.
The remix’s genius lies in its dynamic contrast between the softer, melodic sections and the heavier dubstep portions. This interplay mirrors the excitement and nervous energy of new love. The hype-building lyrics, “Get up, get down, rinse that sound My DJ gonna break it down,” and the iconic “Dr-Dr-Dr-Dr-Dr-Dr-Dr-Drop the bass” sample, act as a sonic rollercoaster climb before plunging into Skrillex’s dubstep chaos. The combination of twinkling sounds during Benny Benassi’s verses and the signature wobbly bass drops makes “Cinema” endlessly replayable.
2. Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites
“Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” is arguably the quintessential Skrillex song. The title itself hints at the track’s duality: the “Scary Monsters” representing the aggressive dubstep sections and the “Nice Sprites” embodying the sweeter, synth-driven melodies. This track is the defining sound for many when they think of Skrillex and early 2010s dubstep, arguably becoming the genre’s poster child.
Inspired by David Bowie’s Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), the track samples the now-iconic “Yes, oh my gosh!” line from a 2008 cup-stacking video. The prominent bass drops became a defining characteristic of EDM during its 2010s boom. The reversed lyrics at the song’s beginning, sung by Skrillex, “For I am just like you / You don’t need to hide, my friend,” suggest a deeper message about human duality – the “scary monster” and “nice sprite” within us all.
“Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” achieved significant commercial success, peaking at #69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning 2x platinum certification by the RIAA. It has been featured in films, video games, and earned Skrillex a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2011. The track’s influence is further cemented by numerous remixes and covers from artists like Zedd and Noisia.
1. Bangarang (feat. Sirah)
Perhaps it’s because “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” became somewhat overplayed, perhaps it’s the sheer fun of saying “Bangarang,” or perhaps it’s the wave of middle school dance nostalgia it evokes – but “Bangarang,” featuring Sirah, takes our top spot. Controversial? Maybe. But this track is undeniably infectious.
“Bangarang” arguably adheres most closely to a traditional song structure (verse-chorus-bridge), making it incredibly accessible despite its chaotic sound. Sirah’s vocals inject a wild, youthful energy, perfectly capturing the song’s rebellious spirit. “Bangarang,” the battle cry of the Lost Boys from the movie Hook, is referenced throughout the lyrics – “Shout to all my lost boys, we rowdy,” Sirah declares.
The dubstep in “Bangarang” is intense but not overwhelming, making it highly listenable. The iconic music video, featuring young thieves who grow into more sophisticated criminals, further enhances the song’s rebellious and playful nature. “Bangarang” resonated with a generation of “lost boys” and girls, offering a soundtrack to teenage angst and a sense of belonging. It’s raw energy, pure entertainment, and “beats bangin’ out of the toy car” all rolled into one Fun Dip-fueled package. After listening to “Bangarang,” you might just want to embrace your inner misfit and not give a f—.
Want to dive deeper into the world of Skrillex and similar artists? Check out Live365.com for a wide selection of free internet radio stations dedicated to electronic dance music. Listen now at Live365.com.
Prefer listening on the go? Download the Live365 app on iOS or Android. Interested in starting your own radio station? Contact our Product Consultants or visit our website today. Stay updated with the latest news by following us on Facebook (Live365 (Official) and Live365 Broadcasting) and Twitter (@Live365 and @Broadcast365)!
