In the 1970s, people sought ways to unwind and have some fun. This led to the birth of a new genre of music with heavy funk and R&B influences.
Dance music of the 70s was popular, offering an eclectic selection of songs perfect for parties. If you’re searching for something to play at your next gathering, take a look at these popular hits from that decade!
Blondie’s “Heart of Glass”
Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” marked their first UK number one hit, solidifying the band’s position at the forefront of new wave music. It also marked an important turning point in their career; having previously been in punk rock, they now find themselves at the forefront of new wave.
The song’s original demo, composed by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein in their early years, featured a slower-tempo track with an uptempo disco beat. However, when they reworked it for their 1979 album Parallel Lines, they gave it an entirely different vibe.
Harry and Stein created this version of dance music with a CR-78 drum machine incorporated. Additionally, they utilized its trigger pulse feature to send an signal to early polyphonic synthesizers, creating an innovative hybrid sound that captured the spirit of dance music at that time.
However, some didn’t seem too thrilled with the song’s new vibe and voiced their disapproval. This may explain why it was placed on the second side of Parallel Lines instead of being a standout single.
Thankfully, producer Mike Chapman recognized the potential in this track and collaborated with the band to make it more commercially appealing. As a result, the song has since become one of Blondie’s most beloved hits.
Over the years, several artists have covered this song; however, only those that stay faithful to its original version remain truly memorable. Miley Cyrus’ cover from last year’s virtual iHeartRadio festival stands out among them as it takes on Blondie’s disco-oriented version and turns it into something far more captivating.
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Up Around The Bend”
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s iconic hit, “Up Around The Bend”, is an upbeat, catchy tune ideal for dancing to. Its guitar riff grabs listeners with its sharp and unpolished sound.
The third verse of the song serves as a reminder that life on the road may be challenging, but there are people who will help you out. Whether you’re traveling down the highway or by the river, these people will always be there to provide what you need.
“Up Around The Bend” is not only a fantastic song, but it also boasts some of CCR’s most memorable lyrics. The first line reads, “It’s time to let go and find a new way,” which can be used as an analogy for finding a better way of life.
Another interesting fact about this track is that it was originally composed by John Fogerty’s bassist Stu Cook. Although he had previously composed several songs for Creedence Clearwater Revival, Cook is credited with penning most of this particular composition.
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song “Bayou Country,” from their second album Bayou Country, became an instant classic and has since been covered by hundreds of artists around the world.
Creedence Clearwater Revival had a successful career, yet they went through some difficulties. There were issues within the band such as Tom Fogerty’s feud and an agenda-driven member who wanted to control everything. Despite these setbacks, they continued on their journey toward greatness.
After an extended hiatus, the two remaining members of Creedence Clearwater Revival formed a band called Creedence Clearwater Revisited and continue touring worldwide with their classic hits. Unfortunately, due to John Fogerty’s 1997 injunction against them, they had to change their name; however, courts eventually ruled in their favor.
Heart’s “Barracuda”
Heart is one of the most influential American rock bands ever, amassing an impressive list of hits over several decades. Their music can be broadly classified into hard rock, heavy metal, easy listening, adult contemporary and pop rock genres.
It’s no surprise they have such a devoted following; their music appeals to an eclectic range of listeners and remains commercially successful across various musical eras. While their sound may be difficult to categorize, their songs tend to encapsulate various emotions and sensations.
They’ve written many captivatingly seductive songs, such as the iconic “Barracuda.” Recorded in 1977, this track is particularly beloved among fans due to its outstanding guitar riff that captures and holds listeners’ attention from the start.
Ann Wilson channeled her frustration towards misogyny within the music industry into this iconic song, which has become a symbol of women’s strength and determination. It has also been featured in numerous movies and television shows over the years, such as Birds of Prey and Marvel’s Jessica Jones season 2 trailer.
Though using a classic song in such an imaginative manner can be beneficial, it’s essential to consider its context and meaning. While Heart’s song does have an inspiring message, overuse may cause it to lose its impact in certain scenes or moments.
If you’re searching for an upbeat and powerfully sexy song that will appeal to both men and women alike, Heart’s “Barracuda” is the ideal choice. This classic dance number will fit perfectly at any party that celebrates many decades of dance music.
Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family”
This record’s greatest asset was that it was all recorded and played back live, providing a truly immersive experience you could enjoy both at home and on-the-go. If you can get past any initial hesitations, you’re likely to discover some of the finest music money can buy a la carte. There’s no substitute for good quality entertainment – so if you’re searching for an enjoyable evening filled with live music at its finest, look no further than your local venue!
Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You”
Michael Jackson was raised in a musical family, with early influences including funk and disco music. However, as he matured, his tastes expanded, incorporating more rock, pop and R&B influences into his compositions.
At the start of his solo career, Michael wanted to create a record that didn’t sound like the Jacksons but instead showcased his individualistic style and creative freedom. This vision was realized with 1979 album Off The Wall which became an instant classic and featured four Top 10 singles.
One of Michael Jackson’s many hit singles was the 1982 classic “Thriller,” a dance anthem that set the standard for all future artists to follow. With its catchy groove, distinctive synth riff and smooth vocals, this song became an international phenomenon; its accompanying music video became an instant cultural landmark.
In the mid-’70s, The Jacksons released some more club-oriented hits. Their 1976 funk track “Enjoy Yourself” featured jazzy horns accompanied by Jackson’s more soulful vocals.
Though the lyrics were intended for teenage girls, their message of self-acceptance resonated with audiences across generations. As a major success in America, the song spent several weeks on Billboard’s chart.
His 1980 funk song “Lovely One” carried a similar message of self-acceptance. This hit single became an international success for The Jacksons and reached #10 on Billboard R&B songs chart.