Home News Daft Punk’s ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’ turns 23 years old: Listen
Daft Punk’s ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’ turns 23 years old: Listen
Daft Punk
David Black (c) Daft Life Ltd

Daft Punk’s ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’ turns 23 years old: Listen

Home News Daft Punk’s ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’ turns 23 years old: Listen

On October 13, 2001, Daft Punk released “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” the fourth single from their iconic album Discovery. Over two decades later, the track remains a staple in electronic music, celebrated for its innovative sound and cultural impact.

Built around a bouncy keyboard riff sampled from Edwin Birdsong’s 1979 funk track “Cola Bottle Baby,” the song blends vocoded vocals with energetic beats. This fusion of vintage and futuristic elements became a defining feature of Daft Punk’s style. The track’s influence extended beyond the studio version; a live rendition, recorded in Paris during the duo’s Alive 2007 tour, earned a Grammy for Best Dance Recording.

The song’s legacy includes various media appearances, from trailers for Ralph Breaks the Internet to clips on shows like How It’s Made and Grey’s Anatomy. Viral videos like “Daft Hands” further fueled its popularity, cementing the track’s status in internet culture. Additionally, Kanye West’s “Stronger” sampled the track, bridging electronic music with mainstream hip-hop.

Daft Punk paired the song with a visually striking animated music video, which later became part of the film Interstella 5555, adding another layer to the song’s artistic impact. As it turns 23, “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” continues to resonate with new generations, showcasing Daft Punk’s timeless influence on electronic music.

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