Dance Music of the 70s and 80s (DM 70s 80s) encompassed disco and soul. This genre was made popular by artists like The Village People with their hit single YMCA as well as producer Norman Whitfield who created hits for Temptations and Gladys Knight & The Pips.
One of the most iconic songs by ABBA, Dancing Queen has made numerous appearances in movies and TV shows over its nearly 30-year run.
1. Dancing Queen by ABBA
Dancing Queen is one of the classic disco songs from the 70s. Celebrating women and their power, its memorable riff and catchy chorus have cemented its place as one of the greatest dance songs ever written. Dancing Queen even made an appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s film Reservoir Dogs as well!
This song was composed by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson for ABBA members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson in 1975, under the initial demo title “Boogaloo,” inspired by George McRae’s hit “Rock Your Baby.” Although initially overlooked for release due to Fernando, which later became their signature ballad instead, Boogaloo eventually went on to become an unprecedented worldwide phenomenon – inviting people everywhere to dance! Perfect for parties of any sort; with its high energy beats and sensual chorus it creates an inviting call and encourages everyone involved – encouraging everyone involved!
2. Love Really Hurts Without You by Billy Ocean
Billy Ocean released the hit single Love Really Hurts Without You in 1976, using various instruments to compose this dance classic about having a midlife crisis. It’s great fun for parties and has its own great music video!
The Bee Gees are well known for their signature vocal harmonies and vibrato. While their hit songs include many popular disco tunes, Come and Get Your Love remains one of their most well-known disco songs, depicting an individual having a midlife crisis who longs for his former flame’s return.
Madonna became synonymous with disco in the 70s and 80s thanks to hits like Like A Virgin, Material Girl and Dress You Up from her Desperately Seeking Susan album which were remixed by legendary producer Nile Rodgers.
3. Don’t Leave Me This Way by Thelma Houston
It’s impossible not to dance when this song hits your speakers; its blend of disco and funk creates the perfect danceable groove. Even hard rock bands such as KISS got into the funky spirit with this tune.
Every musical career has its ups and downs; Thelma Houston had hers. But with this song she propelled herself into stardom on the disco scene – becoming one of its staples!
If you’re hosting an event that spans multiple decades, this song makes an excellent transition piece. With its mix of funky and sweet elements, it will ensure everyone hits the dance floor. Even though MC Hammer sang this version as part of his remix album, you really can’t go wrong with its classic original version; this tune never gets old at parties!
4. Up Around The Bend by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Rock classic, “Heart of Gold”, offers something for everyone in this tune. Boasting an infectious rhythm and lively horns, it provides the perfect energy boost when dancing solo or with others. Perfect tune to add extra vibrancy to any party or simply when needing a boost in life!
Even though disco music was marred by overcommercialization at the end of the ’70s, its influence still made an impressionful statement about culture – one which remains with us today as evidenced by artists like Daft Punk who won album of the year with Random Access Memories in 2014. You’ll hear many disco-style tracks by artists like this duo (who won album of the year for Random Access Memories in 2014).
Chic’s song, “On My Way Home,” is an ideal representation of disco music: upbeat, catchy and full of synthesizers – making it an indispensable track on any disco playlist, weddings and celebrations – an anthem for hard workers who appreciate having fun at their leisure!
5. We Are Family by Sister Sledge
Sister Sledge’s iconic disco song We Are Family is one of the best known disco songs ever. Their vocal harmonies were absolutely flawless and its message to marginalized communities worldwide was profound.
Disco revolutionised how music was produced and promoted. For example, independent label Salsoul discovered that dancers were interested in the 12 inch singles they were producing for DJs – an incredible innovation by them and an indicator of their forward thinking on this front.
While disco has seen less popularity since its peak in the 70s, there’s still room for it on today’s music scene. Enjoy these timeless 70s dance songs – they will add an incredible element to any party playlist! Happy dancing! – Love Tim Lawrence
6. Disco Inferno by The Trammps
A powerful beat and high-energy melodies make this track an excellent disco dance song, and will appeal to music enthusiasts of all ages.
This 1976 hit from The Trammps is sure to get any dance floor moving, thanks to its catchy rhythm and infectious horns. Featured as part of the soundtrack for 1977 film Saturday Night Fever, this iconic tune remains popular today.
With its infectious synthesizer melody and delightful lyrics about finding love, this song will get anyone dancing to its joyful beat! Perfect to start a party off right or just relax with friends.
7. Love Train by The O’Jays
Nothing beats the feel-good beat of an old school disco song to get your feet moving! ABBA, Sister Sledge and Boney M all helped shape today’s popular disco music genre through their contributions.
Disco songs have often served as precursors for other forms of music. Singers like Diana Ross often moved from singing rock and roll songs into disco as the genre became more mainstream. Additionally, many big band standards and TV themes were given an additional disco twist by artists such as Perry Como and Ethel Merman.
One of the most acclaimed disco songs ever is “Love Train” by Ohio soul group The O’Jays. Their many chart hits included this hit single from 1973 – featuring Gamble & Huff’s massive string orchestrations as well as ambient organ work.
8. Lady Marmalade by Christina Aguilera
If your party is themed around the 1970s, make sure this song is on your playlist. Everyone knows and loves dancing to it; additionally it makes an ideal selection for playing at wedding getting ready rooms prior to ceremonies.
Disco is an ideal genre of music to host dance parties to. While disco lost some ground when house or techno music became more mainstream, today it is back in fashion and popular once more.
Groove Is in the Heart by Deee-Lite is one of those catchy tunes that makes you want to sing along, whether on the radio or at a party. So well-liked is this song, that even made its way onto television series!
9. Superstition by Stevie Wonder
Superstition was one of the first songs written by Wonder that moved away from Motown’s traditional funk and soul sound. He wrote it to warn against blindly adhering to superstitious beliefs which may hold them back and harm those close to them.
This song also incorporates elements of rock music to reach white audiences, in collaboration with studio boffins Malcolm Cecil and Robert Margouleff who helped Wonder break free of Motown’s restrictive confines. Wonder also played Hohner clavinet and Moog bass on this recording in addition to drums.
Doug E Fresh and Raven-Symone from That’s So Raven have both covered it, along with Stevie Wonder who’s version topped the R&B charts for three weeks in January 1973. Notable features on this funky track include its energetic horn section featuring Steve Madaio on trumpet and Trevor Lawrence on saxophone; in particular Wonder’s version was notable for this characteristic as well.
10. Rock With You by Michael Jackson
Throughout the 70s, skilled DJs provided danceable music. Many songs began life as rock & roll hits before transitioning to disco as this genre gained in popularity.
Michael Jackson’s timeless hit ‘Smooth Criminal’ has inspired numerous remixes, covers and mashups since its original release over 40 years ago. Its groundbreaking music video also laid the groundwork for many groundbreaking and influential videos in its wake.
This track showcases Michael Jackson’s ability to seamlessly move between soulful verses and upbeat choruses, keeping listeners hooked from start to finish. Its catchy rhythm and groove invigorate dance floors everywhere and made this an instant classic choice at parties everywhere. Furthermore, its stellar guitar riff makes this the ideal addition to a playlist dedicated to guitar music.