I always thought it was impossible to make a grooving dance tune in anything other than 4/4, otherwise your tune might be doomed to sound avante garde or just plain weird.
but this hit song, is really catchy, really danceable, and totally in 5/4
Guru Josh Project - Infinity (Klaas Vocal Mix) (Ultra Music) - YouTube
Its actually both, 5/4 and 4/4. Its called a poly-rhythm. The sax and some of the synths are in 5/4, while drums and the rest are 4/4. It’s what makes it sound groovy and fitting and not weird like a normal 5/4 signature would sound.
I’m really into poly-rhythms. I think they offer a more complex form of groove while still conserving that familiarity that the 4/4 has. It’s not very common in dance music although I feel they have become more popular lately.
If you want good examples of them check out Nik Bärtsch’s and his jazz ensemble. They create really groovy and complex rhythms that seem to keep evolving.
Also if you are into metal check out Messhugah. Its not for everyone but they are a clear examples of poly-rhythms. They are hard to grasp at first but once you get the feel for the rhythm you really come to appreciate them. Listen specially to the hi hat or ride cymbal in their songs. Thats usually what marks the 4/4, while the guitars, bass, and kick drums are playing the odd time signatures (they get crazy, sometimes 5/4, 7/4 all the way up to 20/4 lol)
Here are a few examples I’ve made:
This one is an 11/4 over a 4/4:
And this one is a 7/4 over a 4/4:
cool, appreciate that!