Top 10 Dance Music Hits of the 80s Get Your Groove On with These Iconic Disco Songs
Dance music 80s disco songs were a decade known for its vibrant music and fashion, especially when it came to dance music. The emerging disco scene from the 70s continued to gain popularity, evolving into what we now know as the iconic 80s dance music. From pulsing electronic beats to funky basslines and catchy lyrics, these songs became instant classics and are still widely loved and played today.
Whether you’re a fan of the era or simply looking for some new tunes to add to your playlist, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the top 10 dance music hits of the 80s. Get ready to put on your dancing shoes and groove to the beat!
Disco Fever: Dance music 80s disco songs
The 80s brought a revival of the disco genre, incorporating elements of funk, soul, and electronic music. This fusion created a unique sound that defined the decade and inspired an entire generation to hit the dance floor. Let’s take a look at the best disco tracks from the 80s that continue to be cherished by music lovers worldwide.
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Released in 1983, “Billie Jean” quickly became one of the biggest hits of the 80s, dominating the charts for weeks. With its infectious beat and memorable lyrics, this song not only cemented Michael Jackson’s status as the King of Pop but also became an anthem for the disco scene. Its iconic music video featuring Jackson’s signature moonwalk dance move only added to the song’s popularity, making it a must-have on any 80s dance music playlist.
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s powerhouse vocals and irresistible dance beats made “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” a huge hit in 1987. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it impossible not to move your feet. It also became an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community, with its themes of acceptance and love. Houston’s powerful performance in the music video further solidified the song’s place as a top 80s dance track.
“Funkytown” by Lipps Inc.
No 80s dance party would be complete without playing “Funkytown.” Released in 1980, this song became an instant hit and has since been covered and sampled by numerous artists. Its funky bassline and catchy chorus will have you singing along and doing the iconic shoulder dance. “Funkytown” is a disco classic that continues to be loved and played at parties around the world.
Get Your Groove On: Ultimate 80s Dance Music Playlist
Now that we’ve explored some of the best disco tracks from the 80s, it’s time to put together the ultimate dance music playlist. This list comprises not only disco hits but also other genres such as pop, funk, and RB that dominated the dance scene in the 80s. So, get ready to turn up the volume and bust out your best dance moves!
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
This 1983 hit by Cyndi Lauper is an absolute must-have on any 80s dance music playlist. Its infectious beat and empowering lyrics make it a go-to song for any girls’ night out or dance party. Its popularity has stood the test of time, with numerous covers and references in modern-day media. And let’s not forget the iconic music video featuring Lauper’s colorful and quirky fashion sense, solidifying her status as a style icon of the 80s.
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
“Footloose” is not just a song but a cultural phenomenon of the 80s. Featured in the hit movie of the same name, this track by Kenny Loggins became an instant dance hit in 1984. Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it impossible not to dance along. The song’s message of breaking free from societal expectations and just having fun on the dance floor resonated with audiences, making it a staple at any 80s-themed party.
“Take On Me” by A-ha
This synth-pop hit from 1985 by Norwegian band A-ha became an instant classic and has since been featured in various movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its iconic music video featuring a mix of live-action and animation has also become one of the most recognizable and memorable visuals of the 80s. “Take On Me” is a perfect blend of catchy beats and powerful vocals that will have you dancing and singing along every time.
Flashback Friday: Iconic Disco Songs from the 80s
Friday nights in the 80s were all about getting dressed up, hitting the clubs, and dancing the night away. As we look back on that era, here are some more iconic disco songs from the 80s that will transport you back in time and give you major nostalgia feels.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
Released in 1981, “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey has become an enduring anthem for generations. Its upbeat melody and inspiring lyrics make it a perfect song to dance and sing along to. And let’s be honest, who can resist belting out the infamous “just a small-town girl” line whenever this song comes on? It’s no wonder this track continues to be a staple at weddings, proms, and other special occasions.
“Vogue” by Madonna
Madonna’s music has always been synonymous with the dance scene, and “Vogue” is no exception. Released in 1990, this track quickly became a club favorite with its catchy beat and iconic choreography. Its lyrics also celebrate the art of voguing, which was a popular dance style in the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene at the time. “Vogue” remains a timeless disco hit that you can’t help but groove to.
“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by Backstreet Boys
Technically released in the late 90s, “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by the Backstreet Boys has a strong 80s influence, making it a worthy addition to this list. Its upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and retro-themed music video make it a favorite among fans of 80s dance music. This track is guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor, and who doesn’t love a good boy band throwback?
80s Dance Party: Must-Have Tracks for a Night to Remember
If you’re planning an 80s dance party, you’ll need some essential tracks to keep your guests dancing all night long. These timeless hits from the 80s will have everyone grooving and reminiscing about the good old days.
“I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters
“I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters is an upbeat and energetic song that never fails to get people on their feet. Released in 1982, this track is a perfect blend of pop, RB, and disco, making it a top dance hit of the 80s. Its catchy chorus and the sisters’ powerful vocals will have you singing and dancing along in no time.
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
This 1984 hit by British duo Wham! is a party favorite with its infectious beat and fun lyrics. It’s the perfect song to wake you up and get you ready to hit the dance floor. And let’s not forget the iconic video featuring the duo’s colorful and quirky outfits, which have become a symbol of the 80s fashion scene.
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
No dance party is complete without playing “Thriller.” This iconic track from Michael Jackson’s album of the same name was released in 1983 and became a massive hit. Its spooky music video featuring the iconic zombie dance has become a Halloween staple and continues to be a fan favorite at parties. “Thriller” is a perfect blend of pop, RB, and disco, making it a timeless classic that will always get people dancing.
Boogie Down: Classic Disco Jams from the 80s
The 80s were all about letting loose, having fun, and dancing the night away. Here are some more classic disco jams that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the era and will have you boogieing down in no time.
“Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind Fire
This 1981 track by Earth, Wind Fire is a funky and upbeat song that will have you grooving from start to finish. Its catchy chorus and funky bassline make it a top disco hit of the 80s. The song’s message of spreading love and positivity through music also resonated with audiences, making it an enduring classic.
“Holiday” by Madonna
It’s impossible to talk about 80s dance music without mentioning Madonna. “Holiday,” released in 1983, became an international hit and established Madonna as one of the biggest stars of the decade. Its disco-influenced beat and feel-good lyrics make it a staple at any party or night out. Plus, who doesn’t love singing along to the famous “holiday-celebrate” chant?
“Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles
This 1986 hit by all-female band The Bangles has a unique sound, incorporating elements of rock, pop, and disco. Its catchy chorus and fun dance moves made it a huge hit in the 80s and remain popular to this day. “Walk Like an Egyptian” is a perfect song to let loose and just have fun on the dance floor.
Dance Through the Decades: 80s Edition
The 80s were a decade of dance music evolution, with genres like hip-hop, new wave, and synth-pop emerging and gaining popularity. Let’s take a quick look at some tracks from other genres that dominated the dance scene in the 80s.
“Jump” by Van Halen
Released in 1984, “Jump” by Van Halen quickly became a top hit with its energetic and upbeat sound. This track marked the band’s transition from heavy metal to a more pop-oriented sound, making it a favorite among dance and non-dance fans alike. Its guitar riffs and catchy chorus make it impossible not to jump along with the song.
“Blue Monday” by New Order
“Blue Monday” by New Order is a synth-pop hit from 1983 that took the dance scene by storm. Its electronic beats and haunting vocals make it a unique and memorable track that remains popular to this day. Fun fact: the song’s distinctive beat was created using a synthesizer and a Commodore 64 computer.
“I Feel for You” by Chaka Khan
This 1984 hit by Chaka Khan was a game-changer for the RB and dance music scene. Its use of rap and strong electronic beats made it stand out and pushed boundaries in terms of genre fusion. The song also features a rap verse by Grandmaster Melle Mel, making it one of the first mainstream songs to incorporate rap. “I Feel for You” is a timeless and groundbreaking track that continues to be loved and played today.
Shake Your Body: Essential 80s Dance Music Collection
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive collection of 80s dance music, look no further. This list features some more essential tracks from the decade that will have you shaking your body and reliving the disco fever of the 80s.
“Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club
This 1983 hit by British band Culture Club became a worldwide sensation with its mix of pop, reggae, and soul influences. Its colorful music video featuring frontman Boy George’s iconic fashion sense also became an instant hit. “Karma Chameleon” is a fun and catchy song that will have you singing and dancing along every time.
“Super Freak” by Rick James
“Super Freak” by Rick James was released in 1981 and quickly became one of the biggest hits of the year. Its funky sound and playful lyrics make it a popular party track that remains relevant to this day. And let’s not forget MC Hammer’s iconic use of the song in his hit “U Can’t Touch This,” introducing it to a whole new generation.
“Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa
Released in 1987, “Push It” by female hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa became an instant hit with its contagious beat and catchy chorus. The song’s strong feminist message also resonated with audiences, making it a top choice at dance parties and empowering anthem for women. “Push It” continues to be a fan favorite and has been covered and sampled by numerous artists over the years.
Disco Inferno: Hottest Songs from the 80s Dance Scene
In the 80s, dance music wasn’t just about the music; it was a whole experience. From the flashy fashion to the energetic dance moves and the vibrant parties, it was a lifestyle. These songs were the soundtrack to that scene and continue to be loved and played by disco enthusiasts around the world.
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
Released in 1981, “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell is a synth-pop hit with a strong disco influence that remains popular to this day. Its catchy chorus and memorable beat have made it a staple at dance parties, and its unique sound has been covered and sampled by numerous artists. This track is guaranteed to get you on your feet and keep you dancing till the end.
“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” by C+C Music Factory
This iconic song from 1990 may be technically from the late 80s, but its impact on the dance scene cannot be ignored. “Gonna Make You Sweat” by C+C Music Factory is an upbeat and energetic track that will have you moving and grooving from the first note. Its powerful vocals and infectious chorus make it a perfect addition to any 80s dance music playlist.
“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge
“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge was released in 1979 but gained popularity and became a disco anthem in the 80s. Its uplifting lyrics and funky beat make it a go-to song for any dance party or celebration. The song’s message of unity and sisterhood also made it a favorite among women and the LGBTQ+ community. “We Are Family” is a timeless track that continues to bring people together on the dance floor.
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Back to the Future: Revisiting the Best 80s Dance Music
The 80s dance music scene brought a new energy and creativity to the disco genre, making it one of the most iconic periods in music history. These top tracks from the decade not only defined the era but also continue to inspire and influence artists today.
“Like a Virgin” by Madonna
Madonna is known for her boundary-pushing music and fashion, and “Like a Virgin” is no exception. Released in 1984, this track became an instant hit and established Madonna as a pop icon. Its catchy chorus and bold lyrics make it a fan favorite at parties and a must-have on any 80s dance music playlist.
“Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees
No disco-themed list would be complete without the iconic “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees. This classic track from 1977 remained hugely popular in the 80s and continues to be loved and recognized by people of all ages. Its memorable beat and falsetto vocals will have you strutting down the street, just like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
We’re back to where we started, with Whitney Houston’s dance anthem from 1987. And it’s only fitting to end our list with “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” a song that celebrates the joy and freedom of dancing. Its infectious beat and powerful vocals will have you singing and dancing along every time, making it a perfect way to close out any 80s dance party.
Conclusion
The 80s dance music scene was a whirlwind of energy, creativity, and pure fun. From disco hits to pop, funk, and RB tracks, the decade produced some of the most iconic songs that continue to be loved and played today. Whether you’re a fan of the era or simply looking for some new tunes to add to your playlist, these top 10 dance music hits from the 80s are guaranteed to get you grooving and reliving the disco fever of that time. So put on your dancing shoes, turn up the volume, and let’s boogie down to these timeless classics.
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