Dance music from Western artists that was a hit in the 1970s. World-famous and popular songs.
The 1970s gave birth to many genres and values that hadn’t existed in the music world before, such as distinctive melodies using electronic music and performances that emphasized visuals.
This time, I’d like to introduce dance music from the 1970s.
Even in the context of global music history, this era is packed with eccentric tracks, making a powerful impact.
With the disco boom in full swing, danceable music that you could really move to became all the rage.
We’ll be featuring several classics that capture the atmosphere of the time, so please sit back and enjoy until the very end.
Dance music of Western songs that were hits in the 1970s. World-famous classics and popular songs (1–10)
Hot StuffDonna Summer
Donna Summer’s signature hit “Hot Stuff.” It’s an extremely famous song, often performed in shows at Universal Studios Japan, so many of you may already know it.
Soul music in the 1970s was remarkably diverse, and the genre known as “neo-soul” was mainstream—retaining the passionate intensity of songs like this one while wrapping it in a light, upbeat rhythm.
This track distills the best elements of that neo-soul sound, making it irresistible for fans of Black music.
And the Beat Goes OnThe Whispers
A vocal group that was hugely active from the 1960s to the 1970s, “And the Beat Goes On.” While disco music and neo-soul were the mainstream at the time, they were quick to dive into R&B.
Because of that, I think this piece feels particularly modern in melody among the works introduced here.
Being a 1979 release, it also carries an ’80s vibe.
Isn’t it a captivating dance number that lets you enjoy the shifting of the times?
Heart Of GlassBlondie
Blondie, a band that enjoyed huge success from the 1970s to the 1980s.
In the 1970s, alongside genres like new soul, funk, and disco, a movement called new wave was booming.
This “new wave” referred to a genre of avant-garde music unlike anything before, and Blondie is known as one of the catalysts of that boom.
One of their signature songs is Heart of Glass.
It’s dance music, but because the tempo isn’t all that fast, it’s a very accessible and easy listen.
SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire
When asked which artists were most influential in the 1970s, many people would name Earth, Wind & Fire.
Their song “September,” released in 1978, is one of their signature works.
Disco music began drawing attention in the late 1970s, and it’s no exaggeration to say that this track played a part in fueling the disco boom.
It’s incredibly catchy and upbeat, so be sure to check it out.
YMCAVillage People
The Village People’s classic song “YMCA.” It’s a piece that’s very familiar in Japan as well, and Hideki Saijo’s Japanese cover is famous.
Because the song still pops up in all kinds of situations today, many people probably imagine the lyrics as being very catchy and pop.
However, that’s not actually the case—the lyrics are in fact strikingly impactful, with the theme centered on being gay.
Since the Village People were originally assembled as a group with a gay concept, this is only natural.
But those who don’t know this fact will likely be surprised when they read a Japanese translation!
Stayin’ AliveBee Gees
The Bee Gees are a vocal group made up of three brothers.
They were hugely successful from the 1960s through the 1970s and, along with ABBA—who had a similar style at the time—helped energize pop music.
Stayin’ Alive is one of their signature works, released in 1977.
The song is notable for its groovy melody that blends disco, which was mainstream at the time, with pop music.
Dancing QueenABBA
ABBA’s classic hit “Dancing Queen” is hugely popular in Japan as well.
This song, released in 1976, greatly expanded ABBA’s name recognition and quickly became a global smash.
At the time, dance music was dominated by Black music genres like funk and neo-soul, but the success of this track sparked an increase in pop-oriented dance numbers.
It also paved the way for the synthesizer-driven dance music of the 1980s, so be sure to give it a listen.