[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.
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[Definitive Edition] 80s Disco Song Classics and Hits (31–40)
Dschinghis KhanGenghis Khan
Released in 1979, this track features lyrics and a melody inspired by a Mongolian hero, leaving a strong impression.
The original was released by the West German music group Genghis Khan, but it gained renewed attention in Japan when Morning Musume covered it in 2000.
With an unforgettable, highly original melody, the cover version has been used in several commercials, and the song has remained a popular disco number for many years.
ParadiseChange
This single, which became a massive hit in 80s disco, is fascinating for the interplay between drums, bass, and piano, with its especially groovy bass leaving a strong impression.
The vocals feature beautiful choral work, perfectly matching the danceable performance with a wistful yet beautiful delivery.
It’s a track that naturally makes your body sway to its black, tricky rhythms.
Rhythm NationJanet Jackson
You can’t talk about 80s disco songs without mentioning her—her music was, of course, at the forefront of that world.
Among them, Rhythm Nation was arguably the track that made it clear to the world that she was a true superstar.
Her vocals and flawless dancing also had a huge influence on Japanese R&B artists and dancers, didn’t they?
RelaxFrankie Goes To Hollywood
If you really listen to the wildness of the opening vocals, that even wilder melody suddenly hits you.
This is another song that represents the ’80s, and I bet you still hear its chorus melody often on radio and TV.
With a laid-back tempo, wild rhythms and vocals, it’s a dance number that’s guaranteed to get you moving passionately.
Can’t Stop the MusicVillage People
From the late 1970s to the 1980s, the Village People enjoyed worldwide popularity with their catchy disco music.
They released many classic songs everyone knows, such as Y.
M.
C.
A.
, covered by Hideki Saijo, and Go West, covered by the Pet Shop Boys.
The song introduced here is the theme for the 1980 musical film Can’t Stop the Music, which centers on the Village People.
Although the film received dismal reviews, many people may be reminded of those days when they hear this track.
The catchy melody that repeats the title is great, isn’t it?
[Definitive Edition] Classic and Hit 80s Disco Songs (41–50)
Pefect KissNew Order
This is a song by the band New Order, whose distinctive, hard-edged synthesizer sound and strong electro flavor make it fascinating.
The tightly pulsing arpeggiated synths and the various effects that come in like sonic wildcards are quintessentially ’80s, suggesting the use of cutting-edge sounds of the time and evoking the era.
And yet, the way those sounds layer remains fresh no matter when you listen.
CelebrationKool and The Gang
Starting with funky guitar chopping, this track is a quintessential 80s disco song whose striking synthesizer melody sticks in your head.
The bass steadily keeps an eighth-note groove with cool restraint, and although there’s nothing flashy in the playing or the tones, it’s bursting with ideas and the joy of performance—a perfectly danceable, soulful piece of music made for the disco.