[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] Classic and Hit 80s Disco Songs (41–50)
A Night To RememberShalamar
This is a landmark of post-disco sound created in January 1982 by Shalamar, one of America’s leading R&B groups.
Its catchy melody line and groove-laden rhythm made it an iconic track that electrified dance floors.
Released as a single from the album “Friends,” it reached No.
44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.
5 in the UK.
The song was also used in a commercial for the Harvester restaurant chain and featured in the TV series “Girlfriends.” With its shimmering blend of synthesizers and a funky bassline, it offers the full thrill of 80s disco.
Whether you love dance music or need a guaranteed party-pleaser, this track won’t disappoint.
[Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco (51–60)
Do You Wanna Funk?Patrick Cowley
Judging by the title alone, it’s a straight-up electro-funk tune! Produced by Patrick Cowley—an early pioneer of synth-heavy electronic dance music—and sung by Sylvester, the famous drag queen who voiced many popular disco tracks, this is a quintessential ’80s dance classic.
Sylvester’s soaring melodies, rooted in gospel, and the irresistibly danceable sound light up the floor and continue to be loved just as much today.
Night Birdsshakatak
A famous track by the British fusion band Shakatak! The stylish keyboard melody is complemented by female vocal choruses that drop in at key moments, adding a great accent to the number.
It’s no exaggeration to call it a classic choice for instrumental covers! It boasts a refreshing, pleasant melody that sticks with you after just one listen, yet never feels overbearing.
Never Gonna Give You UpRick Astley
This track features a fresh, synth-bass timbre and a solid low end from the kick and bass that really gets you dancing.
Both the masculine lead vocal and the beautiful female chorus are highly compelling, making it not only great for dancing as a piece of dance music but also a delight to the ears as a listener.
It’s a signature song by Rick Astley, one of the iconic singer-songwriters of the 1980s.
Video Killed The Radio StarThe Buggles
Cute and pop, its arrangement has influenced countless musicians, and no matter how much time passes since its release, it remains a song loved by many people around the world.
The tastefulness of the vocal effects and the dynamic ebb and flow of the track are remarkable, but above all, it’s a cute, danceable classic that I hope you’ll enjoy on first impression without overthinking it.
Take your time (Do it right)The SOS Band
A quintessential disco sound of the 1980s from America’s representative R&B group, the S.
O.
S.
Band.
Its sophisticated arrangement—woven from a groovy bassline and synthesizers—and Mary Davis’s powerful, soulful vocals are irresistibly compelling.
Released in March 1980, their debut single spent five consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the U.
S.
R&B chart and became a platinum-certified smash hit.
As the lead single from the album “S.
O.
S.
,” it brilliantly fused disco, funk, and soul into an innovative sound.
Its danceable beat and smooth melody make it perfect as background music for parties or a drive.
Burn Rubber On MeGap Band
The Gap Band, an American group that established a sound influencing everything from funk and R&B to modern hip-hop.
Their signature hit, which lit up the disco scene of the ’80s, is a masterpiece that expresses the sorrow of a man betrayed by his lover through an uptempo funk groove.
Featured on the album The Gap Band III, the track is marked by an exquisite groove driven by Charlie Wilson’s Minimoog synthesizer bassline.
It topped the U.
S.
R&B chart in 1980 and earned the band their first platinum record.
It’s a song that shines not only on the dance floor but also for cruising and party scenes, and was even included on the soundtrack of the racing game DiRT 3.