Ubisoft didn't just make a game back in 2009. They basically built a time capsule. If you look back at those early Just Dance song lists, they read like a chaotic, neon-drenched diary of what we actually listened to before streaming algorithms took over our brains. It wasn't about "prestige" music. It was about what made your mom, your weird cousin, and your best friend all want to look like idiots in the living room at the same time.
That magic hasn't disappeared. Even in 2026, with the franchise shifting toward a live-service "Edition" model, the tracklist remains the single most important factor for the community. If the songs miss, the game flops. It's that simple.
The Evolution of the Just Dance Song Lists
Early on, the lists were limited by tech. You had maybe 30 or 40 tracks on a Wii disc. You played "Hot N Cold" by Katy Perry until your arm felt like it was going to fall off because, honestly, what else were you going to do?
Now? It’s massive.
The shift to Just Dance+ (and the now-defunct Unlimited) changed the math. We went from owning a static list to renting a library of over 1,000 tracks. But even with a thousand songs, the "base" list for each yearly release—like the 40-ish tracks that come with the 2024 or 2025 editions—still acts as the cultural anchor. These are the songs that get the high-budget "Coaches" and the elaborate background visuals.
Why the 2023-2025 Lists Felt Different
Ubisoft pulled a bit of a pivot recently. They started leaning heavily into storytelling. Look at the "Enter the Danceverses" arc. Suddenly, the Just Dance song lists weren't just random hits; they were tied to characters like Wanderlust and Mihaly.
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- They added more K-Pop than ever before. Groups like NewJeans, BTS, and BLACKPINK aren't just "add-ons" anymore; they are the main event.
- Regional tracks became huge. You’ll see Brazilian Funk sitting right next to an Italian Eurovision hit.
- The "Legacy" factor. They keep bringing back "Rasputin." They have to. The fans would riot.
The Problem With Subscription Models
Let's get real for a second.
The move away from physical discs containing every song has annoyed a huge chunk of the player base. When you look at a modern Just Dance song list, you have to check the fine print. Is this on the "core" game? Or do I need to pay $4 a month to keep playing it?
If you lose your internet connection, half your "list" vanishes. That’s the reality of modern gaming. It creates this weird hierarchy where the "On-Disc" songs (even though discs barely exist now) are seen as the "Gold Standard," and the Just Dance+ tracks are the "B-Sides."
Decoding the Technical Side of a "Good" List
What makes a song work for Just Dance? It’s not just a catchy beat. It’s "Danceability."
There are plenty of massive Billboard hits that would be terrible in the game. Imagine trying to dance to a slow, mumbly lo-fi track. It doesn't work. The developers look for songs with clear rhythmic accents. They need a "hook" not just for the ears, but for the body.
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The "Extreme" Versions
For the hardcore players—the ones who actually use the game for cardio—the Just Dance song lists are judged by their "Extreme" alternates. These are the masochistic versions of songs like "Don't Stop Me Now" or "SloMo." If a list doesn't have at least three or four high-intensity technical routines, the competitive community on Discord and Reddit will let Ubisoft hear about it.
The Genre Balance Act
Ubisoft's team, led by creative directors like Matthew Tomkinson, has to balance a very specific set of scales. If the list is too heavy on TikTok hits, they lose the older demographic who wants 70s disco. If it's too much "Classic Rock," the kids think it’s a "dad game."
- The Pop Heavyweights: Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish.
- The Nostalgia Bait: "I'm Outta Love" or "Survivor."
- The Internet Culture: Songs that went viral on Reels or TikTok, even if they’re objectively "weird."
- The Kids' Corner: Usually involves Disney properties or stuff like "Baby Shark" (which we all pretend to hate but everyone knows the moves to).
How to Actually Use These Lists for Fitness
If you're using the game to lose weight, stop just picking your favorite songs. The Just Dance song lists are usually categorized by intensity.
"Easy" songs are for warming up. They keep your heart rate in a low-aerobic zone.
"Medium" is where most people live.
"Intense" or "Extreme" is where you actually burn the calories.
A 30-minute session using only "Intense" tracks from the 2024 list can burn anywhere from 200 to 400 calories depending on how much effort you're actually putting into the arm movements. Don't just "flick the controller." That's cheating yourself. You have to move your whole core.
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The Future of the Tracklist
We are seeing a trend toward more "Special Guests." Not just the songs, but the artists themselves appearing as avatars or being involved in the choreography. This blurs the line between a music video and a video game.
As we look at the upcoming Just Dance song lists, expect even more integration with social media trends. The turnaround time for adding a "viral" song to the Plus service has dropped significantly. We used to wait a year; now we might wait a month.
Essential Next Steps for Players
To get the most out of the current ecosystem, don't just buy the newest game and stop there.
- Check the Song Preview: Before buying a specific "Edition," go to the Just Dance YouTube channel. They post "previews" of the choreography for every single song. If you hate the moves, the song doesn't matter.
- The Controller Choice: If you’re on Switch, use the Joy-Cons. If you’re on PlayStation or Xbox, you’re stuck using your smartphone. Honestly, the smartphone app is "okay," but it’s heavy and risky if you have sweaty hands. Invest in a wrist strap.
- Manage Your Subscription: Don't let Just Dance+ auto-renew if you only play during the holidays. It’s a waste of money. Turn it on for a month, get your fix, and turn it off.
- Track Your Progress: Use the in-game calorie counter as a "vibe check," but don't take it as gospel. A fitness watch will always be more accurate because it tracks your heart rate, not just how fast you're shaking your right hand.
The reality is that Just Dance song lists are no longer just a feature—they are the platform. Whether you're a "Megastar" hunter or just someone trying to get 20 minutes of movement in before dinner, the curated list of 40 songs you start with is just the gateway to a much larger, weirder, and more energetic world of digital dance.
Focus on the tracks that challenge your coordination, not just the ones you like singing along to in the car. That's where the real fun—and the real workout—actually happens.