2011 was a seismic year for popular music, especially if you had your ear to the ground in electronic dance music. A new wave of sound was crashing into the mainstream, much to the bewilderment of some old-school fans clinging to the deeper, darker roots of dubstep from around 2007. While purists might have debated the nuances, the masses embraced what was broadly called “dubstep,” propelling artists like Skrillex, Datsik, Feed Me, and many others into the spotlight. This era, marked by its energetic and often aggressive sound, became synonymous with massive festivals, packed clubs, and high-energy parties across North America and beyond.
Whether you labeled it electro-dubstep, brostep, or simply dubstep, the undeniable truth is that these tracks were popular. They were the anthems of 2011, the songs that defined the year in bass music. These were not just underground hits; they were the biggest, grittiest, and most widely listened to dubstep tracks that dominated the soundscape. If you were anywhere near a dance floor in 2011, you undoubtedly heard these tunes blasting through the speakers.
Compiling a definitive ranking of these tracks is no easy feat. Music taste is subjective, and the landscape of popular songs in 2011 was incredibly diverse. However, this list attempts to capture the essence of that year, highlighting the songs that resonated most powerfully and left an indelible mark on the dubstep scene. It’s a journey back to a time when bass was king, and these are the tracks that ruled the kingdom.
37. Zomboy – Organ Donor
Zomboy’s “Organ Donor” is a quintessential example of the high-energy, sample-heavy dubstep that was gaining traction. Even Skrillex himself reportedly recognized a familiar sound, jokingly suggesting Zomboy sampled him. This track’s aggressive synths and relentless energy made it a staple in DJ sets looking to ignite the dance floor.
36. Modestep – Sunlight (Jacob Plant Remix)
Jacob Plant’s remix of Modestep’s “Sunlight” showcased his burgeoning talent and knack for blending vocal elements with powerful basslines. This track highlighted the trend of incorporating vocals into dubstep, making it more accessible and radio-friendly while retaining its signature energy. Plant was definitely an artist to watch in the subsequent years.
35. Xilent – Choose Me II
Xilent, like Jacob Plant, was another rising star in 2011, and “Choose Me II” exemplified his polished production and melodic sensibilities within the dubstep framework. Tracks like this demonstrated the genre’s capacity for both aggression and musicality, appealing to a wider audience beyond the underground.
34. Bare Noize – Twilight Zone
Bare Noize’s “Twilight Zone” offered a darker, more atmospheric take on the popular dubstep sound. As the original article mentions, it was a track DJs could drop to offer something different from the ubiquitous Skrillex sound, while still delivering that impactful bass music experience.
33. Thrice – Broken Lungs (Adventure Club Remix)
Adventure Club’s remix of Thrice’s “Broken Lungs” was a melodic and emotional dubstep anthem. This track exemplified the “melodic dubstep” subgenre that was becoming increasingly popular, blending soaring melodies with heavy bass drops, appealing to a broad audience. Adventure Club’s rise in 2011 was significant, and this remix played a key role.
32. Doctor P – Watch Out
Doctor P’s “Watch Out” was a certified banger from Circus Records, a label that was instrumental in shaping the sound of 2011 dubstep. While Skrillex dominated the North American scene, Circus Records and artists like Doctor P were making massive waves in the UK and globally. “Watch Out” was known for its intense energy and signature Doctor P sound design.
31. InContext – Just Believe (Skrillex Remix)
Skrillex’s remix of InContext’s “Just Believe” is a testament to his influence and reach in 2011. Debuted at major events like EDC, this track became instantly recognizable and highly sought after. It’s a classic example of the Skrillex sound that was taking over the world.
30. Foreign Beggars ft. Noisia – Contact (Trolley Snatcha Remix)
Trolley Snatcha’s remix of “Contact” by Foreign Beggars and Noisia brought together different corners of the electronic music world. Featuring the UK hip-hop infused sound of Foreign Beggars and the drum and bass pedigree of Noisia, remixed by dubstep innovator Trolley Snatcha, this track was a cross-genre hit that resonated widely.
29. 12th Planet + Plastician – Westside Dub
“Westside Dub” was a collaboration that bridged the gap between the LA bass scene and UK dubstep. 12th Planet and Plastician, both veterans in their respective scenes, created a track that was both heavy and innovative, appealing to purists and new fans alike.
28. Foreign Beggars ft. Skrillex – Still Gettin’ It
Another Foreign Beggars collaboration, this time with Skrillex directly, “Still Gettin’ It” was an anthem celebrating longevity and continued success in the music industry. Its catchy hook and Skrillex’s signature production made it a memorable track from 2011.
27. Chase & Status – Time (Queensway)
Chase & Status proved their versatility with “Time (Queensway),” showcasing a track that was successful not by being a typical festival banger, but through its intricate production and unique sound. This track highlighted the diversity within the broader dubstep movement of 2011.
26. Skrillex – Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (Phonat Remix)
Phonat’s remix of Skrillex’s already iconic “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” was lauded as the most innovative take on the track. Phonat’s musicality and unique approach transformed the original into something fresh and exciting, demonstrating the remix’s power to revitalize a well-known song.
25. Jason Falkner – Only You (Zeds Dead Remix)
Zeds Dead’s remix of Jason Falkner’s “Only You” was another example of their golden touch in 2011. Everything they released seemed to become a hit, and this remix, with its blend of melodic and heavy elements, was no exception.
24. Noisia – Gutterpump (Matta Remix)
Matta’s remix of Noisia’s “Gutterpump” was a DJ weapon. While perhaps not as widely known as some other tracks on this list, it was a secret weapon for DJs looking to elicit a massive crowd response with its raw energy and hard-hitting sound.
23. Robyn – Call Your Girlfriend (Feed Me Remix)
Feed Me’s remix of Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend” stood out among countless remixes of the pop track in 2011. Feed Me’s distinct production style and bass mastery elevated this remix to become a favorite in DJ sets and playlists.
22. Noisia – Tommy’s Theme
Noisia’s “Tommy’s Theme” was recognized for having one of the best samples of the year. Its cinematic and dramatic feel, combined with Noisia’s impeccable sound design, made it a standout track that showcased the more artistic side of dubstep.
21. Jakwob – Right Beside You (VIP)
Jakwob’s “Right Beside You (VIP)” was a track that resonated strongly throughout the summer of 2011. Its catchy melodies and driving bassline made it perfect for summer festivals and parties, becoming a staple in many DJ sets.
20. Flux Pavilion – Bass Cannon
Flux Pavilion’s “Bass Cannon” is arguably one of the most recognizable dubstep tracks of all time. Its iconic synth riff and heavy drops made it a crowd favorite and a defining track for Circus Records and the 2011 dubstep sound.
19. RacknRuin feat. Janai + Illaman – Dazed & Confused (SKiSM’s Baroque Out Remix)
SKiSM’s Baroque Out Remix of RacknRuin’s “Dazed & Confused” brought a unique classical influence to dubstep. Its blend of orchestral elements with heavy bass created a sophisticated and powerful sound, drawing comparisons to Wolfgang Gartner’s electro-house tracks of the time.
18. Skrillex – First of the Year (Equinox)
“First of the Year (Equinox)” was not only a massive track but also nominated for a Grammy for its music video, highlighting Skrillex’s crossover appeal and impact on popular culture. The track’s aggressive energy and memorable vocal samples made it instantly recognizable.
17. Trolley Snatcha – Rocco’s Revenge
Trolley Snatcha’s “Rocco’s Revenge” was a late-year addition to DJ sets but quickly became a crowd-pleaser. Its raw and energetic sound, typical of Trolley Snatcha’s style, made it a powerful track for peak-time moments in a set.
16. Blue Foundation – Eyes On Fire (Zeds Dead Remix VIP)
Zeds Dead’s VIP remix of “Eyes On Fire” by Blue Foundation took an already popular remix to another level. The VIP version was designed for live shows, enhancing the build-ups and drops to create an even more intense experience for the audience, becoming a defining moment in their sets.
15. Rusko – Everyday
Rusko’s “Everyday” was a massive track, particularly in Europe. Its infectious energy and catchy melody made it a crowd favorite in Rusko’s sets, demonstrating his consistent ability to create high-energy dancefloor anthems.
14. Cassius – I 3 U So (Skream Remix)
Skream’s remix of the classic house track “I 3 U So” by Cassius was a masterclass in remixing. Skream successfully translated the classic track into a dubstep format while retaining its original charm and catchiness, proving his versatility as a producer.
13. Nero – Me & You (Original Mix)
Nero’s “Me & You” was an epic track, showcasing their ability to create cinematic and emotionally resonant dubstep. Its soaring melodies and powerful basslines made it a standout on their debut album and a highlight of the 2011 dubstep landscape.
12. Zeds Dead – Rude Boy feat. Omar LinX
“Rude Boy” by Zeds Dead featuring Omar LinX was innovative for its integration of rap vocals into dubstep. Omar LinX’s verses and the track’s overall energy made it an anthem and a standout example of Zeds Dead’s boundary-pushing sound.
11. DJ Fresh – Louder (Feat. Sian Evans) (Flux Pavilion And Doctor P Remix)
The remix of DJ Fresh’s “Louder” by Flux Pavilion and Doctor P was a true powerhouse collaboration. Its immense energy, particularly the iconic rising bass sound at the beginning, made it the biggest Circus Records track of the year and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
10. Benny Benassi Feat. Gary Go – Cinema (Skrillex Remix)
Skrillex’s remix of “Cinema” by Benny Benassi featuring Gary Go was arguably the most recognizable anthem of 2011. Its catchy melody, combined with Skrillex’s signature bass sound, propelled it to mainstream success and cemented its place as a defining track of the year. It was everywhere, from clubs to commercials.
9. Feed Me – Strange Behaviour ft Tasha Baxter (Original Mix)
“Strange Behaviour” by Feed Me featuring Tasha Baxter showcased Feed Me’s unique production style and ability to create tracks that were both melodic and heavy. Its dynamic range, climbing vocals, and winding drops made it a favorite of DJs and fans alike, and a perfect opener for mixes like the “Summer of Dubstep” mix mentioned in the original article.
8. Skrillex – Ruffneck (FULL Flex)
While the “Cinema” remix brought Skrillex to the masses, “Ruffneck (FULL Flex)” was the anthem for the dubstep purists and festival-goers. Its raw energy and aggressive sound were quintessential Skrillex, making it a staple in his and other DJs’ sets during the summer festival season.
7. Bare & Datsik – King Kong
“King Kong,” a collaboration between Bare and Datsik, perfectly bridged the gap between the popular, more accessible dubstep sound and the grittier, heavier sounds of the past. Its balance and sheer power made it a go-to track for DJs in 2011, eliciting massive crowd reactions wherever it was played.
6. Knife Party – Fire Hive
Knife Party’s “Fire Hive” signaled the arrival of a major force in electronic music. Formed by Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen of Pendulum, Knife Party brought a fresh, aggressive energy to the scene. “Fire Hive” was a taste of their takeover, securing them spots at major festivals and setting the stage for their future dominance.
5. Giant – Party Starter
Giant Artist Image
Giant’s “Party Starter” was the underground hit that DJs in the know were playing constantly. Despite not being as widely recognized by the mainstream, it was a favorite of artists like Rusko and those seeking a track with classic Rusko-esque energy. This track hinted at the emergence of new talent from unexpected places, like this Russian trio.
4. Dillon Francis – Beautician
Dillon Francis’s “Beautician” was more than just a popular song; it was emblematic of the rise of moombahton. Dillon Francis was at the forefront of this genre, and “Beautician,” in both its 1.0 and 2.0 versions, showcased his innovative sound and personality, making him one of the most important artists of 2011 and beyond.
3. Deadmau5 – Raise Your Weapon (Noisia Remix)
Deadmau5 Raise Your Weapon Remixes Album Art
Noisia’s remix of Deadmau5’s “Raise Your Weapon” was a masterpiece of remixing. They took a beautiful and already impactful track and transformed it into a dubstep anthem while retaining its emotional core. This remix highlighted the musicality and technical prowess of Noisia and the emotional depth possible within dubstep.
2. Nero – Promises (Skrillex & Nero Remix)
Nero Promises Album Art
The collaboration between Nero and Skrillex on the remix of Nero’s “Promises” was a monumental moment in 2011. It brought together Nero’s epic, vocal-driven sound with Skrillex’s grimy, mainstream-grabbing bass. This track converted countless new listeners to dubstep and solidified both artists’ positions at the top of the scene. It was a true fusion of styles and a commercial and critical success.
1. Zeds Dead + The Killabits – Bassmentality
“Bassmentality” by Zeds Dead and The Killabits tops this list because it encapsulates everything that was exciting about dubstep in 2011. It represented a high standard of production, innovative sound design, and a track that was both an anthem and a statement. “Bassmentality” wasn’t just a song; it was the name of a popular party in Toronto and a descriptor of the attitude and energy of the burgeoning dubstep movement and its fanbase. It is a true classic and a testament to the talent of these four musicians.
