![[Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/ltrMfT4Qz5Y/maxresdefault.webp)
[Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
What kind of sound comes to mind when you think of disco?
Motown, perhaps?
This time, I researched the music that was popular in discos in the 1980s.
In the 1970s, disco was mostly dominated by funk and soul, but once the ’80s arrived, the rise of synthesizers led to a new wave of sounds becoming popular.
From among those, I carefully selected the tracks that were especially popular.
If you’re thinking, “I want to dig deep into disco music from here on out!” be sure to use this as a reference.
It’s come full circle—listening now, it feels fresh and incredibly cool.
[Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco (1–10)
FootlooseKenny Loggins
This dynamic dance tune, marked by energetic guitar riffs and a vibrant rhythm, stands as an iconic anthem of the 1980s.
Created by American artist Kenny Loggins, the track brims with a refreshing sense of exhilaration that perfectly captures the spirit of its era.
Released in January 1984, it drew immediate attention as the theme song for the film of the same name, and it went on to receive nominations for both the Academy Awards and the Grammys.
Its powerful melody, aligned with the film’s storyline, and its liberating sound have made it a timeless classic that continues to energize dance floors around the world.
The irresistibly poppy sound is perfect for lifting your mood or igniting a party scene.
Experience this track packed with the irresistible appeal of disco music—guaranteed to get your body moving.
BreakoutSwing Out Sister
An iconic song that epitomizes the radiant synth-pop of the ’80s arrives from the British group Swing Out Sister.
Its exhilarating rhythm, brass section, and strings weave a sophisticated sound that brilliantly fuses synth-pop with jazz elements.
Conceived by band member Corinne Drewery while she was hospitalized after a riding accident, the track was released in September 1986 with an uplifting message, achieving a stellar performance of No.
4 in the UK and No.
6 in the US.
Featured on the album “It’s Better to Travel,” it also earned two Grammy nominations.
Breathing new life into disco, this track is perfect for nighttime drives or anytime you want to lift your spirits.
You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)Dead Or Alive
Released in 1985, this is a song by Dead or Alive, regarded as one of the pioneers of the Eurobeat genre that was popular in the 1980s.
It was also a hit in Japanese discos during the unprecedented disco boom fueled by the bubble economy.
Influenced by artists like David Bowie, it is also well known for having an impact on the rise of Japan’s visual-kei band scene.
And The Beat Goes OnThe Whispers
The Whispers, who created a classic that has long been cherished as a defining soul-disco sound of the ’80s.
Hailing from California, their October 1979 release is a masterpiece that sets a positive, forward-looking message about a breakup—one of life’s turning points—to an upbeat groove.
Its effective use of synthesizers made it a pivotal track symbolizing the transition from disco to post-disco.
In 2002, it was featured on the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, winning over a new generation of listeners.
With rhythms and melodies that feel right at home on the dance floor, it’s the perfect song for anyone ready to move forward.
A gem of a disco tune, dedicated to those who, while carrying a hint of heartache, want to take a bold new step.
Let’s GrooveEarth, Wind & Fire
The moment the intro of this song started playing, the venue erupted in cheers and almost everyone poured onto the floor! That’s how much of a disco god Earth, Wind & Fire was.
Let’s Groove is a song that blends disco, pop, and funk, with synthesizer and keyboard sounds that massively lift the listener’s energy—a supremely groovy and cool classic!
Club TropicanaWham!
This is a track bursting with the breezy freedom of a tropical resort, woven from lively Latin jazz rhythms and post-disco sounds.
Released in July 1983 by the British pop duo Wham!, the song paints an ideal holiday scene unfolding poolside while satirically portraying escapism from society under the Thatcher government.
Included on their debut album Fantastic, it spent 11 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 4.
The music video, filmed on the Spanish island of Ibiza, vividly captured the youth culture of the time, enhanced by its liberating atmosphere.
It’s a perfect pick for summer drives and vacation soundtracks, as well as a refreshing mood booster at work or parties.
Uptown GirlBilly Joel
This song features a lively melody strongly influenced by 1960s doo-wop.
Billy Joel skillfully portrays a universal love story in which a working-class young man falls in love with a woman from high society.
Set to a bright, cheerful tune, the piece depicts a romance that transcends social class and was released as a single from the album An Innocent Man in September 1983.
It reached No.
1 in the UK and became a major hit, selling approximately 975,000 copies.
In 1984, it was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award and received high praise as a sophisticated pop tune.
Its upbeat rhythm and hopeful message encourage a positive outlook on love.