As synthesizers became affordable, musicians took full advantage of them by producing songs featuring both organic instruments and heavy electronic production. While purists may have frowned upon such do-it-yourself efforts, this DIY approach resulted in some popular dance hits such as Soft Cell’s Tainted Love and Lipps Inc’s Funky Town that eventually went gold.
Irene Cara – “Fame”
Irene Cara’s two biggest hits, “Fame” and its movie-themed counterpart “Flashdance… What a Feeling,” weren’t just dance music milestones in their own right; they also perfectly captured the exuberance of 1980s culture. Cara, born to Louise and Gaspar Cara Escalera of Bronx New York and studied piano, dance, acting and more as she developed.
Cara released her first studio album, 1982’s Anyone Can See, as a soft and sweet ballad at a time when softer pop rock (think Air Supply or Christopher Cross) and country-pop were dominating charts while new wave was emerging. However, when Cara got the chance to record Flashdance’s title track–an upbeat dance song featuring synth-heavy sounds that contrasted dramatically with what was popular radio-wise–she took it and her gamble paid off handsomely.
This track quickly rose to the top of the charts and introduced her to an entirely new audience, earning her a Grammy nomination as Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song’s message–to pursue your dreams no matter what obstacles might stand in your way–remains as timeless today as when first written back in 1988.
Unfortunately, Cara died at age 63 on November 25th and her family are seeking privacy in mourning her loss. We will miss you Irene!
George Michael – “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”
The 1980s was an exciting period for dance music, with several artists becoming international sensations like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Rick Astley, Whitney Houston and Olivia Newton-John. Additionally, new genres emerged such as Funk, Techno House Freestyle New Jack Swing. All these aesthetics made them hugely popular with youth audiences of the time.
Synthesizers’ use in music production resulted in a new style of sound that soon became characteristic of many dance genres. Meanwhile, hip hop and freestyle emerged during this decade, with artists like Run-D.M.C and Sugarhill Gang popularizing rhythmic rhymes in dance music performances and videos like Run-D.M.C’s Sugarhill Gang using rhythmic rhymes for hip hop-influenced freestyle performances – contributing to creating an influential hybrid dance scene that continues to influence modern musicians today.
No surprise that the 1980s was such an influential era of dance music; many great artists created revolutionary sounds which continue to shape modern artists and pop music alike. Many modern pop musicians also draw inspiration from these classic ’80s dance hits in their music compositions today.
George Michael was an immensely successful musician of the 1980s, releasing dance hits with Wham! bandmates. Later he also enjoyed success solo; one of his songs “Physical” made the Billboard Hot 100 chart’s longest-running number one single of that decade despite its contentious lyrics regarding promiscuous love amid HIV/AIDS; it features an iconic chorus that goes: “Guilty feet have no rhythm but the beat’s all in my head”. Unfortunately some people overlook its brilliance!
Rick James – “Super Freak”
The 1980s was a transformative decade for dance music, as artists explored new musical terrain that resulted in hybrid genres. When disco started to lose steam, several artists started to incorporate different styles into their songs for maximum dance floor impact.
One iconic example is Rick James’ “Super Freak,” released in 1981 and becoming his breakout hit and an emblematic representation of modern libertine excess. Its infectious rhythm and lyrics still encourage people to dance the night away today!
Although only released once, this song remains one of the top dance hits from the ’80s. With its funky rhythm and catchy lyrics, this track makes an excellent choice for any party or celebration. Additionally, Danny LeMelle contributes his fantastic saxophone solo to make it even more engaging!
In the 1980s, synthesizers helped produce some of the greatest dance hits of all time. Synthpop combined various musical genres like funk and disco to produce its distinctive sound; artists like Pet Shop Boys, Yazoo (known in America as Yaz), Depeche Mode Gary Numan and Soft Cell were notable examples.
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” remains one of the greatest dance hits from the ’80s and has become a classic in its own right, still popular at dance clubs today and inspiring generations of dancers worldwide. Its infectious beat and funky rhythm have become part of its legacy and continue to impact generations of dancers today.
Whitney Houston – “The Humpty Dance”
The 80s gave us an incredible decade of dance music that has left its mark on modern genres. Duran Duran’s glossy New Wave sound, Madonna’s iconic pop and Janet Jackson’s fiery anthems all contributed significantly. Their catchy melodies and catchy beats fit right in with party atmosphere at that time and their unforgettable lyrics encouraged people to let loose and have fun!
“Fame” by Irene Cara became a hugely popular disco song during the ’80s and remains an essential dance track today. The tune’s catchy synthesizer riffs and upbeat energy perfectly compliment Irene’s powerful vocals to become an instantaneous favorite on dance floors worldwide. Lyrically speaking, its lyrics speak about striving for fame while following your dreams, making it an iconic classic in dance culture.
“Genius of Love” is another classic 80s dance track which continues to resonate with audiences today. With its catchy bassline and playful melody, “Genius of Love” makes an excellent party anthem. Additionally, music fans appreciate its innovative production style which blends both organic and electronic instrumentation for maximum impact.
Sly and the Family Stone’s classic “Inner City Man” stands the test of time on dance floors around the world, still popular today due to its irresistibly catchy tune and infectious beat, not to mention its important message of unity that resonates in today’s globalized society.
Lipps Inc. – “Funky Town”
The 1980s witnessed major technological shifts within the music industry. Artists used these changes to produce dance songs that crossed genres and styles – giving rise to an expansive hybrid dance scene. Furthermore, electronic instruments and digital recording techniques proliferated during this era; leading to widespread usage of synthesizers within dance music.
In the ’80s, new wave music made an impactful statement. Many new wave acts made their mark with cross-over dance hits; many became one-hit wonders. New wave bands employed a pop-influenced sound with punk elements and electronic embellishments that helped set them apart from other popular dance bands of their day.
Hip hop artists also made waves during the ’80s. Many famous rappers such as Kurtis Blow, Run DMC, Public Enemy and LL Cool J were prominent names during this decade; other hip hop groups include The Sugarhill Gang, MC Hammer Melle Mel and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were also influential groups during this era. Human beatboxing also gained momentum during this era; singers mimicking turntablism scratching sounds with their mouth lips tongue and voice to imitate turntablism scratching sounds on turntables while musicians mimic turntablism scratching sounds using only their lips lips tongue and voice – something known only within this decade as well.
Notable artists in dance music during the ’80s included Donna Summer, Diana Ross and Chaka Khan; African-American performers Lionel Richie and Prince were especially beloved; with albums like Purple Rain and Can’t Slow Down being very well received by audiences. Rock bands like Def Leppard and Aerosmith had tremendous success with albums Pyromania and Hysteria respectively. Finally, dance music videos became more visually arresting during this era than previous years; helping draw people onto dance floors while connecting emotionally with audiences.