Oldies refers to songs and music that has remained popular over time, often played on radio stations with an oldies format.
Kool and the Gang’s iconic disco song, known for its lively rhythm and infectious chorus, encourages listeners to get up and dance! It is sure to become an instant classic!
Play That Funky Music
The 1970s was a period of musical exploration and experimentation, with disco music taking center stage. Classic songs like Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration” or Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” by Kool & the Gang and Gloria Gaynor remain timeless classics that continue to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide today. This article highlights some of the greatest dance music oldies that will get you moving!
1. Play That Funky Music
Released by Wild Cherry in 1976, this disco and funk classic from 1976 will get any party started with its funky bassline, catchy chorus and soulful vocals that capture the spirit of disco music. Plus, its catchy lyrics encourage listeners to enjoy life to its fullest!
2. I’m Your Boogie Man Released by KC and the Sunshine Band in 1977, this dance music classic will surely get your feet moving. Boasting an infectious groove, catchy lyrics, and high-octane horns – I’m Your Boogie Man is an ode to both funk and disco genres; today it remains a party favorite!
3. Lady Marmalade
First released in 1974 by disco/funk artist LaBelle, this iconic disco/funk classic remains timeless today. A sensual dance tune perfect for romantic nights out on the town, its catchy melody and seductive lyrics have become a renowned party tune that often gets played.
4. “YMCA”, released by the Village People in 1978, remains an iconic cultural phenomenon and favorite at parties and events worldwide. An anthem for unity and celebration, its catchy lyrics and vibrant costumes have made this timeless classic an essential listen.
Though many classic dance music tracks come from disco and funk music genres, other genres have had an equal say in shaping modern dance music. Novelty dance crazes became an immensely popular trend during the ’60s and ’70s; classic dance moves like Chubby Checker’s hip-swiveling “The Twist” are testament to that fact. Jazz music also provides its own distinct rhythms and tempos that provide an ideal soundscape for dancing.
Don’t Leave Me This Way
Eva Cassidy’s soulful rendition of this Carole King/Gerry Goffin classic remains one of the greatest line dance hits ever heard, even if it didn’t create the dance craze that it now bears its name. A dark yet beautiful tune about an imploding relationship, its timeless status has seen numerous covers by other artists, while it even served as the intro track for House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” An embodiment of what success should sound like: catchy melodies coupled with seductive grooves!
Novelty dance crazes were popular during the ’60s, from Chubby Checker’s hip-swiveling “The Twist” to James Brown’s body-bending “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag Pt. 1,” yielding numerous sequels and spin-offs. But some artists didn’t feel beholden to any specific trend, instead providing upbeat grooves that simply encouraged listeners to move their feet – Jimmy Somerville from rural England is an example – who made his name as sexy white soul performer before going on to front the band Bronski Beat. Here he displays his more sensitive side, crooning melodically over an uplifting melody which seemingly takes listeners back in time!
Thelma Houston needed a smash hit to break into mainstream pop, and in 1976 she found it. Producer Hal Davis used the same formula he’d used on Diana Ross’ “Love Hangover” to turn this dance track into a hit; and assembled an excellent lineup of musicians for Houston – with Arthur Wright’s arrangements setting off each element perfectly, including her graceful vocals, violins, bass drums, and mischievous horns contrasting against each other beautifully.
Cover versions by British pop duo The Communards reached number one in the UK charts in 1986 and have also featured prominently in films by Baz Lurmann like Moulin Rouge!, on West End/Broadway musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert soundtracks and even Alison Krauss & The Jerry Douglas Band’s live bluegrass performance; DJ Bakermat released an official remixed version to critical acclaim in 2017 to widespread acclaim.
Disco Inferno
Young couple dance and writhe around at an LA disco club while an unseen dark presence watches, eagerly awaiting them to turn up the heat. Although this film carries a TV-MA rating, its dance music alone makes it worth seeing; think Rocky Horror Picture Show but more dark and sinister!
Disco fever had spread like wildfire across America in the late ’70s. Everywhere you turned, people were dancing; if that weren’t enough to get you moving, shock jocks provided plenty of entertainment by lampooning genre-defining songs – like this song by Philadelphia band the Trammps that mocked disaster movies with its humorous title and grand cinematic intro that were sure to get people moving!
This song’s main body features a seductive shuffle with subtle Twist influences that would have delighted hormonal teenagers at the time. A burlesque-influenced sax adds extra charm and seduction without going too far – an example of how white soul acts could appeal to younger audiences without seeming forced.
This song was a hit both in the UK and US, and can be enjoyed by anyone with an open mind. Additionally, it’s a testament to how creative bands can remain engaging even without huge success; Durutti/Joy Div inspired post punk from them would resurface again later, although they never achieved massive fame like other acts like Blur and Oasis did; potentially becoming one of many notable bands who went unnoticed altogether.
I Feel Love
No matter where or when you groove, this dance music oldies song will add an energetic boost. With its uplifting vocals and energetic rhythms, this disco classic is beloved on dance floors worldwide and serves as a reminder of music’s power to uplift and unite us all.
“Lady Marmalade,” by American girl group LaBelle and released in 1974, became an instantaneous hit, reaching #1 on both US and Canadian charts simultaneously. Its catchy chorus and sensual lyrics have since become cultural touchstones that have been covered multiple times over the years; making this timeless love song an excellent selection for slow dancing with your partner!
“Rock the Boat” by The Spinners provides the ideal background music for your wedding dance floor. This classic funk and disco track tells a beautiful love story about relationships’ ups and downs that’s still popular today among generations of music lovers, while its lively instrumentation and catchy tempo make it one of the greatest dancing songs ever composed.
“You To Me Are Everything” by The Real Thing is an intoxicating dance music track sure to bring romance and soulful flair. A 70s hit, its romantic ballad conveys all the excitement of falling in love, its beautiful lyrics and silky vocals making this classic tune beloved among music enthusiasts worldwide.
Novelty dance crazes were popular during the ’60s, with artists like Chubby Checker and James Brown becoming known for their signature moves. Yet some artists didn’t feel limited by any single style, instead mixing and matching various approaches into infectious tunes such as The Impressions’ “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.”
If you want a taste of classic ’60s soul music, nothing beats a Motown compilation. This legendary label produced songs that would go on to become classic hits in later decades; these tracks may include those by groups such as The Miracles and Temptations – perfect dance music oldies to put you in a great mood for dancing!