New Order - Blue Monday
Way back in the day, I used to stay up late on Friday and Saturday nights listening to the DJ's spin house music. It was just gaining steam at this point and Chicago was the place to be to hear it. At this point, it was still young and innocent and you could see it's roots in disco and Kraftwerk. Most of it was very simple electronic beats and samples that eventually took on traditional song structures with an emphasis on the endless beat.
In 1983, New Order released Power, Corruption & Lies. This was the album that locked the door on their previous incarnation, Joy Division. This was also the album that introduced one of the greatest dance songs ever.
The mixes I used to listen to late at night incorporated lots of different styles that still fit within the beat mentality. It was not unusual to hear some Kraftwerk or Art of Noise. When New Order released Blue Monday, it became and instant classic. It fit right in with that drum machine beat, infectious bassline, and haunting lyrics. And it still fits right in today. As dance music has evolved, this song still universally evokes something in most people. I know Bizarre Love Triangle is their seminal track, but Blue Monday will always get me to the dance floor.