Have you ever heard someone use the term “banger” in regard to music and wondered what it meant? A banger is a term typically used to describe a song that is really good.
It’s catchy and gets stuck in your head. But what makes a banger? And how can you make your own songs into bangers? Read on to find out!
Table of Contents
What is a Banger in Music?
A banger in music is a song that is just really good that you can’t help but sing or dance to when you hear it.
Why Did People Start Calling Songs Bangers?
In order to understand what a banger is, you first need to understand the term’s origin. The word “banger” comes from the verb “bang,” which means to hit something hard. Linguist Tiger Webb tracked the etymology of a “banger” and figures it crossed over into music in the ’80s as a stand-in for “head-banger.” This was then transformed and shortened to where one might say, “this song is a banger.”
But a song that is a “banger,” is often subjective. As someone could think a song is a banger, while someone else just thinks it’s “meh.”
So what exactly makes a song a banger?
What Makes a Song a Banger?
There are a few things that go into making a banger.
The Hook
The most important is the hook. A hook is a short phrase or melody that is repeated throughout the song. It’s what sticks in your head after you hear the song just once. Without a strong hook, a song will likely not be considered a banger.
Solid Beat
In addition to a strong hook, a banger will also have a solid beat that you can’t help but move to. The song might make you want to dance, or at the very least, tap your foot along with it. And finally, a banger will usually be pretty catchy, meaning you’ll find yourself humming it long after it’s over.
Recognizability
Recognizability is also key in a banger. A lot of times, you’ll find yourself singing a song without even realizing it because you’ve heard it so much. A banger will likely be played on the radio often, and you might find yourself singing along without even knowing all the words.
Some songs when they are first released might not be bangers, but because they are played everywhere, they may turn into bangers because everyone will recognize the song.
Here are some examples of songs that are considered by many to be bangers. I’ll be using examples that are non-EDM as well. There is a good chance you’ve likely heard these songs at least once in your life if you’ve been out at a party, bar, concert, festival, or rave.
Examples of Banger Songs
Darude – Sandstorm
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, there is a good chance you’ve heard this song. While this song has turned somewhat into a meme, there is no doubt that if this was played at a rave, concert, or festival everyone would lose their minds.
Alice Deejay – Better Off Alone
This song will never get old. Although the song was released in 1999, this is another one where if it were to be played at any EDM event, everyone would start dancing and singing the lyrics.
Avicii – Levels
RIP Avicii. He must be smiling down from heaven knowing that he created this banger of a song (along with his others). Levels by Avicii is also known to many EDM fans as a more modern banger as everyone knows the song and the lyrics. It’s an instant party starter.
Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin – Don’t You Worry Child
Don’t You Worry Child is another banger that pretty much marked an entire generation of EDM.
FISHER – Losing It
Losing It by FISHER was being played at every rave, festival, and party during 2018 – 2019. This is probably the most modern banger on this list but everyone would go nuts when this song started playing.
Now, there are probably hundreds of other songs that we could include on this list as “bangers,” but I only wanted to include the ones where at least 9/10 people would agree that any EDM enthusiast would claim that it is a banger.
Here are some other songs that are non-EDM related but are also considered by many to be bangers.
The Killers – Mr. Brightside
Mr. Brightside is the official “hey we’re all drunk at a bar or party at 1 am let’s all yell the lyrics together” song. Certified banger.
Outkast – Hey Ya!
Hey Ya! by Outkast is an overall happy song that will get you dancing. This song is often played at sports events, parties, or just overall happy occasions.
Travis Scott – SICKO MODE ft. Drake
If you’re a fan of hip hop then you’ll appreciate this one. SICKO MODE was another one of those songs that was playing at every party, bar, or nightclub during 2018 (if the place was playing hip-hop or rap songs).
In conclusion, a banger is a song that has a strong hook, is recognizable, and usually gets people dancing or at the very least, tapping their foot along with the beat. If you’re ever out at a party, bar, or club and you hear one of these songs playing, make sure to join in on the fun and sing along!
Nate’s first ever major EDM event was Hard Summer in 2016. After hearing Porter Robinson close out the festival, he’s been attending live shows on a consistent basis. His favorite EDM genres are currently trance, drum and bass, and house.
