The 1970s was an unforgettable decade that witnessed the emergence of disco music. From funk-infused hits to sensuous ballads, dance songs from this era remain timeless today.
These classic disco hits make perfect dance party selections – just remember your best John Travolta impression is ready!
1. “More Than a Woman” by The Bee Gees
The 1970s was an age of artistic exploration and musical innovation, from disco to funk and soul genres taking center stage and producing some iconic dance songs still popular today. Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration” was an early highlight, while Gloria Gaynor wrote a heartbreaking self-love ballad that hit close to home for many people in this decade – it truly had something for everyone!
No list of dance music from the 70s would be complete without including “More Than a Woman,” by The Bee Gees, released in 1977 and one of the most iconic disco hits ever, thanks to its catchy tune and infectious beat. Barry Gibb’s legendary falsetto vocals along with their expert songwriting make this track an instantaneous classic that continues to reign supreme today.
This upbeat song by The Bee Gees about love and friendship will surely put any crowd in an upbeat state of mind, making this disco classic an ideal way to kick-start any party!
2. “Never Can Say Goodbye” by Gloria Gaynor
Few disco classics have the lasting power and excitement of Gloria Gaynor’s “Never Can Say Goodbye.” Written by Clifton Davis and first recorded by the Jackson 5, its impactful message about heartbreak and moving on has made this song timeless and upbeat, making it perfect for any dancefloor. Other artists have covered this song including British band Communards and Billie Jo Spears.
“Up Around the Bend,” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is still an irresistibly danceable classic from southern rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival that has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows – such as Forrest Gump!
Chic’s “Everybody Dance” is another disco classic that serves as an irresistibly catchy party anthem for anyone who enjoys moving their bodies. The infectious bassline and irresistibly catchy guitar riffs will keep any dancer moving all night long! Additionally, its smooth vocals and soulful lyrics keep fans on the dance floor all night long!
3. “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas
The 1970s were an age of irresistibly catchy funk grooves, catchy pop confections, and rockers that brought on an irrepressibly funky dance party atmosphere. Disco was the dominant genre at that time but many soul and R&B artists also contributed their talents for its four-on-the-floor beats and party atmosphere.
Carl Douglas was one such artist whose hit Kung Fu Fighting became an international dance music classic in 1974. This upbeat tempo and catchy rhythm became an instantaneous hit on dance floors everywhere!
“Dancing Queen” from ABBA stands out as one of the defining tracks from the 1970s. With its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and unforgettable chorus – ABBA’s signature harmonies showcased throughout – “Dancing Queen” remains an essential addition to any music lover’s collection.
In the 1970s, electronic music saw its start, with pioneers such as Gary Numan combining popular melodies and synth riffs into innovative sounds such as Cars (released in 1979). This track became a classic of new wave and synthpop music and is still heard today – its catchy beat and groove bassline have come to represent its era, still having an influence on modern sounds.
4. “Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Thelma Houston
The 70s saw several artists produce hits that remain immensely popular today, from KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Daddy Cool” to Debbie Harry’s new wave take on disco music – many songs had an infectious beat that kept people moving for decades! If you’re looking for some soulful tunes to start or end your party off right, these tunes are guaranteed to get people up and dancing in no time!
While disco was the dominant genre during the 1970s, other forms of music also saw an upsurge in popularity. New wave artists like Gary Numan and 10cc experimented with technology to produce sounds that stood out from others while exploring themes less conventional to create an altogether unique musical genre of their own.
Thelma Houston’s classic hit “Don’t Leave Me This Way” is an emotional song about heartbreak and loss, featuring powerful yet soothing vocals to provide comfort to anyone experiencing pain in love relationships. Additionally, its infectious beat and bassline make this a wonderful dance floor tune to use at any event or party.
5. “YMCA” by Village People
This 1978 disco classic has become one of the most iconic dance songs ever, thanks to its catchy chorus, floor-filling beats, and iconic costumes. This song has even become part of astronaut wake-up calls!
Though “YMCA”‘s lyrics don’t directly address gay sex, its popularity as a gay anthem has long been recognized. This shouldn’t come as any surprise given that Village People producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo specifically designed their group to attract gay audiences while mocking (or exploiting, depending on your view) their sexual stereotypes; members wore costumes designed to be deliberately provocative when performing; these performances often involved costumes being worn over head which suggested sexuality in some way – which made audiences like them and made them comfortable when performing it!
Victor Willis shared in a 2020 Facebook post that the song was inspired by memories from his youth watching friends play basketball at a YMCA in New York City. Additionally, this same organization provided inspiration for Village People’s iconic dance routine where members form letters like Y, M, C and A with their arms during performance of this track. However, its namesake organization didn’t appreciate this double entendre when the song first hit charts and threatened legal action against Village People for using its name without authorization – eventually dropping their threat and accepting them without legal action being taken against Village People by village people themselves!
6. “Baby Don’t Change Your Mind” by Gladys Knight & The Pips
Gladys Knight and the Pips had long been established performers since 1952; their family-based R&B and soul group was known as Gladys Knight and the Pips, known for its powerful contralto vocals and impressive harmonies combined with thrilling dance routines to become immensely popular on what became known as the Chitlin Circuit. Choreographer Cholly Atkins created fast-stepping dance moves which became hallmarks of their stage presentation. When “This Song Came Out in 1977”, Gladys Knight and the Pips had long since become well-established acts; when this song came out, Gladys Knight and her Pips had long since been established acts.
This song’s infectious bassline creates an irresistibly danceable beat that’s sure to get everyone up and moving at any party, keeping everyone dancing all night long! Make this your party anthem today – your guests won’t stop moving all night long.
Knight sings this ballad about her anxiety over an old flame’s return. She wonders whether or not her current relationship will crumble under pressure of an ex’s return, while its lush orchestral arrangement featuring strings and horns serves as an emotional backdrop that complements Knight’s vocals perfectly. One of the iconic 1970s dance songs and essential additions to any disco playlist, this song remains relevant today.
7. “Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees
The Bee Gees were one of the most beloved bands to emerge from the 70s. Their iconic falsetto harmonies can be heard on this dance song that epitomized disco, becoming an international smash hit. Its groove bassline and beat encourage dancing while its lyrics speak of longing for someone who will make your heart come alive again – all ingredients for success that anyone from any generation can appreciate today. “Stayin’ Alive” remains timeless classic that all generations can appreciate today!
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA is another incredible anthem that will get people moving, featuring its catchy melody and infectious beat, not to mention their signature harmonies in the chorus. Still incredibly popular among audiences of all ages today, and has even been featured in several movies and TV shows!
If you want a song that will showcase Africa through music, look no further than Manu Dibango’s hit track “Soul Makossa.” This track showcases some of Africa’s finest musicians at their best while demonstrating a style which would become extremely popular during the 80s – mixing jazz, Latin music and native Ethiopian sounds into an unforgettable blend that has since been adopted by countless other artists.