Top 10 Best & Most Popular Daft Punk Songs Of All Time
Daft Punk all dressed up and performing on their Alive tour in 2007.
Daft Punk Greatest Hits
Daft Punk is comprised of the French duo Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. Below is my compilation of the top ten best Daft Punk songs.
The list is mainly based on what many consider to be their best as well as what is still the most popular for people to listen to. I tried to make the ranking balanced and inclusive by listing songs from all of their first three major studio albums: Homework, Discovery, and Human After All. It's sill a bit too early to include songs from Random Access Memories.
Compiling, and especially ranking, the best of a popular musical artist is never easy. Everyone has different tastes and will have their own version of what they like best. Daft Punk is no different.
I'm sure most people would have a different Daft Punk top ten than me, but I'm also sure many of the songs I've included here would make the cut. Many of these are the most popular and highly listened to songs the duo has created. On to the list.
10. Technologic
Album: Human After All
This song probably owes a bit of its notoriety to Apple. As I'm sure many of you remember (or rather not maybe?) the company ran a rather successful iPod commercial featuring the song. Partly for that reason, Technologic seems to appeal to a much more general crowd than to Daft Punk fans alone.
9. Phoenix
Album: Homework
Though simple at first, this track will eventually leave you with a smile on your face. I love how easy it seems for Daft Punk to suddenly turn nothing into something amazing. Even if by only adding a simple meandering bass line.
8. Human After All
Album: Human After All
My favorite off this album, and one of the few tracks on this album that's "song" like. The album, much like this song, has a lot more "bite" to it than their previous two.
7. Aerodynamic
Album: Discovery
Much like the rest of Discovery, this one's got a lot going on. The sound of this track is so uniquely that of Daft Punk. Love the guitar riff and then break down at the end.
6. Robot Rock
Album: Human After All
This song rocks. It robot rocks. It's as simple as that. And like the other entries from Human After All, Robot Rock is heavy and repetitious. This is my personal favorite track off the album.
5. Digital Love
Album: Discovery
Did you ever think the guys who made Da Funk would go on to make this song? I didn't, but it's just as amazing. It feels like an incredible journey every time I listen to it.
4. Around The World
Album: Homework
Another absolute gem off of Homework. It seems not everyone likes this song, either you love it or hate it. I love it. And though the video is the shortened version, true fans only listen to the original long version.
3. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
Album: Discovery
Another big hit off Discovery, this has been sampled and remixed many times over. An instant classic and I must say that I love it too. Daft Punk at their very best, making us wait until they piece all the parts together sending the listener into euphoria. Not to mention the social message they are getting across.
2. Da Funk
Album: Homework
This song is what started it all. And still remains one of the greatest electronic songs ever made. So simple, yet so addictive and amazing. As with many Daft Punk tracks, Da Funk feels as if it's rooted in its very own world.
1. One More Time
Album: Discovery
A massive hit off their second album and a now perennial dancehall classic. It's so catchy and repetitive yet somehow manages not to overstay its welcome, a classic Daft Punk trait. I've heard this song everywhere, and it's always a real crowd pleaser.
Honorable Mention & Tron: Legacy (Soundtrack)
Of course, making this list wasn't easy as there are a bunch of other Daft Punk songs I could have included. Here are a few more that didn't quite make the top ten but are definitely up there as some of the best. I've also included a track from Tron: Legacy.
Musique
Album: B Side Of Da Funk Single, Musique Vol. 1 1993 - 2005 (Greatest Hits)
Musique, while never being released on Homework, was made during the same time and instead got released on the B side of the single for Da Funk. Frankly I'm amazed this wasn't put on Homework, though it was later released on their greatest hits album Musique Vol. 1. It sounds similar in style to Around The World but definitely holds its own and is quite a head nodder.
Derezzed
Album: Tron: Legacy (Soundtrack)
Though not a Daft Punk studio released album, Tron is still loaded with top notch Daft Punk tracks and head nodding beats. Derezzed is one of those tracks, any fan can easily recognize the genius contained within this wonderfully layered music.
Something About Us
Album: Discovery
While we're mainly used to hearing Daft Punk turn it up a notch, they're also quite good at turning it down a notch as well. Something About Us is a great example of that and is another emotional, heartfelt track off Discovery.
Alive
Album: Homework
This song is rough, rugged, raw, heavy and in your face in a very good way. Definitely not for the weak of spirit.
Voyager
Album: Discovery
One of my personal favorite tracks off of Discovery. If this song doesn't capture movement, travelling, or being a voyager then I don't know what does. Very calming and soothing with a fantastic beat. Thank you Daft Punk.
The cover of Daft Punk's new album, 'Random Access Memories'
Radio Edit of 'Get Lucky'
Random Access Memories
I've now heard Random Access Memories in its entirety quite a few times. For me, it doesn't disappoint in the least. I went into it not knowing what to expect and not really caring what direction Daft Punk would take. I am more than pleased with what I heard.
Have no worries, RAM has a distinct Daft Punk sound to it and is as unique as the group itself. The collaborations are done very well and every hook will be stuck in your head for days. That said, it's definitely not another Homework or Discovery though and may leave you scratching your head at times, but definitely in a good way.
Highlights include: Give Life Back to Music, Giorgio by Moroder, Instant Crush (feat. Julian Casablancas), Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams), Doin' it Right (feat. Panda Bear), and Contact.
Comments
Adam on January 29, 2014:
A good list but I think Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger should have been on there.
I am so glad you did not put Get Lucky on there, easily one of the most overrated songs of any kind ever and its basically just 10 seconds in a loop. A B-Side, like every other piece of filler material on RAM.
Matthew Sands (author) on July 24, 2013:
Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger is on there. I ranked it #3.
gsurvivor on July 23, 2013:
No Faster Stronger? Strange. Loved their latest single, finally a rightful chart-topper on today's music scene! :)
David on May 19, 2013:
@DHogan agree, I love Supeheroes, reminds me of my childhood for some reason (maybe videogames)
Matthew Sands (author) on May 15, 2013:
@DHogan, I agree that Superheroes is definitely an excellent Daft Punk song. It was hard to leave some songs off. Quite frankly I could just list all of Discovery as well. It's that good.
fan on April 29, 2013:
HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER!???!!!
DJRebelstar from England on April 03, 2013:
I was hoping Da Funk would be 2st. Still their greatest song by a long while and still their greatest video! Remember watching it on MTC years ago!
DHogan on August 06, 2012:
Why does "Superheroes" by daft punk never get any love. The chorus that begins at 1:42 is one of the greatest things I have ever heard.
Matthew Sands (author) on June 30, 2012:
Thank you for the kind words, glad you enjoyed it!
Anonomous on June 09, 2012:
Great list. I really like daft punk and I think you did a great job.
