It’s hard to think of a more motivating and uplifting genre of dance music than liquid drum and bass. It strikes that rare balance of being both calming and energising, just as suited to late-night study sessions as it is to headline festival sets. When you layer in those high pitched, emotive vocals, liquid takes on a whole new dimension. The result is some truly stunning tracks, and we’ve rounded up some of the very best right here.

Birdy – Wings (Nu:Logic Remix)

Nu:Logic (a collaborative project from renowned drum and bass producers Nu:Tone and Logistics) gave Birdy’s pop ballad an uplifting liquid DnB transformation, in what must be one of the most emotive tracks the genre has been responsible for.

Hybrid Minds – Touch

Possibly the most well known liquid DnB track from the last decade, this track speaks for itself and has managed to introduce the genre to countless people.

High Contrast – Remind Me

The Welsh Liquid DnB pioneer samples Patrice Rushen’s 1982 track ‘Forget Me Nots’ in this nostalgic yet fresh anthem from 2016.

DJ Marky, XRS – LK (Feat Stamina MC)

Another track that picks itself, this timeless classic from 2002 combines funk, latin rhythms and drum and bass in what remains a crowd pleaser at raves to this day.

Walk:r, Charli Brix – All I Need

Almost certainly the least well known track on the list, this is a real hidden gem. Charli Brix’s vocals glide effortlessly over the instrumental, delivering the heartfelt, introspective lyrics which has made her one of the leading liquid vocalists.

Jakwob – Fade (Etherwood VIP)

Etherwood has become one of the biggest names in the genre for good reason and this VIP is probably the finest example of his work. The crisp, haunting vocals work so well with the rolling bassline and gentle piano.

Netsky – Moving With You (Feat. Jenna G)

The belgian producer helped propel hospital records to one of the biggest record labels in the world in the early 2010s. Here he teams up with long-time vocalist Jenna G to provide a soulful, funky classic from his debut album.

London Elektricity – Just One Second (Apex Remix)

Another of Hospital Records finest releases, this anthem feels uplifting and introspective at the same time. Sadly Apex passed away in 2017, but this track will live on for a long time.

Macca & Loz Contreras – On My Mind

Released in 2017, this track blends the catchy chopped up vocal with a infectious bassline and groove.

DRS, LSB, Tyler Daley – The View

DRS has made a name as one of the premier liquid DnB rappers and this track perfectly illustrates why. Teaming up with Tyler Daley for the chorus vocals and prolific producer LSB, this track became an instant classic in 2015.

Hybrid Minds – Kismet

It’s hard to select just two Hybrid Minds tracks for this list, such is their influence on the genre and quality of back-catalogue. Kismet means fate or destiny and this track is destined to be on repeat for a while for anyone yet to discover it.

Calibre – Even If

Northern Irish Producer Calibre is one of the most well respected in the scene and this 2010 release is a lesson in minimalism. With understated vocals combining with an almost jungle-like backing, ‘Even If’ remains one of the finest releases in the genre.

Netsky – Let’s Leave Tomorrow (Feat Bev Lee Harling)

One of Netsky’s more melancholic releases, the lyrics feature themes of escape and lost love which work so well with his smooth, crisp production. Surely one of the few tunes to sample seagulls but somehow it just fits in so well.

Keeno – Light Cascading

​This is the standout track from Keeno’s third album, All The Shimmering Things, released in 2017. Keeno’s signature use of orchestral sounds blends so well with Becca Jane Grey’s serene vocals.

Dave Owen – Loose Lips

Sampling ‘Musiq – Just Friends (Sunny)’, Dave Owen perfectly blends R&B and liquid drum and bass, infusing the smooth, soulful lyrics with an energetic bassline.