Vocals on EDM can be tricky; when they're done well ("Clarity," "Sweet Nothing"), you've got an entirely new dynamic added to a dance track. When done not so well... you kind of wish the producer and the singer would just die in a fire. One thing that'll be inevitable once more major labels start digging their heels into EDM is the dreaded collaboration, where an established singer will try to get some appeal by using EDM artists to spice them up. A lot of them just don't sound right... There are some singers who could make the grade; singers who, if dedicated to an entire EDM project, could really turn these tracks into something special. A number of these artists have already dealt with EDM producers before, or have voices/styles that fit well within the vast dance music scene. Some might be obvious choices, others might be more left field, but we feel that this batch of singers could (and should) make some beautiful electronic dance music, if paired with the right producers.
Singers Who Should Make EDM Albums
Rihanna
Rihanna's received a lot of love from dance music producers, with the likes of Chase & Status having a number of production credits on her more recent albums, as have David Guetta and Knife Party. She's another one who gets a lot of worldwide appreciation, and her music already lends itself to more diverse sounds, so hearing Rihanna on everything from dubstep to house would be a treat on a full album project. Hell, we'd even like to hear her work with DJ Fresh on some bright drum & bass!
Rihanna - Jump (Unapologetic)
Rihanna - Right Now Feat. David Guetta
Usher
While many might think of David Guetta's "Remember You" first, Usher and Diplo dropped "Climax," and seem to "get" each other. Imagine Usher really getting into the Mad Decent wave; a post-divorce kiss-off trap track? A sexy moombahton love song? Maybe even some full-on zouk-flavored party jams! Usher's the kind of artist who can flow over different sounds, which is right up Diplo's alley.
David Guetta - Without You ft. Usher
Usher - Climax
Ellie Goulding
Ellie's an intriguing one; she's dated Skrillex, and worked with (and been remixed by) a number of EDM producers, but she is seen as more of an indie/folk artist. Her voice, that sultry soar that it is, fits very well over dubstep tracks, and it'd be a treat to hear her link with a pair of producers (say Benga and Gemini) on a full-on EDM project.
Ellie Goulding - Lights (Bassnectar Remix)
Beyonce
One thing Beyonce shares with Jay-Z is honing in on interesting sounds and producers. Beyonce's already rocked over Major Lazer tracks, and her most recent single is deep in the trap. We're not saying B is going to drop a single with JZ, but we'd be excited to hear what she'd come up with if she was given her pick of EDM producers. Maybe she'd churn out a huge anthem with Skrillex, or tell some woe-filled tales over sparse Mala production. Or she'd go for it, and link with Zedd for a new "Clarity."
Beyoncé - Run The World (Girls)
Justin Timberlake
This one might be an interesting one; we've fallen in love with some Justin tracks due to quality EDM remixes, and he's already gone to a number of different zones via Timbaland's production. Imagine some hard-hitting original dubstep that Justin is rocking over. Or getting his blue-eyed soul on to some UK garage. He's got the chops to even twist a lovely ballad over some off-kilter Burial. If he sat down and really had a go at it, we think Justin could churn out one of his best projects with some able EDM producers