Club Hits: Dance music from Western artists that energized the dance floors in the 1980s
80s music is back in the spotlight amid the current revival boom.
The 1980s were a whirlwind of genres, but I can confidently say that dance music best represents the decade’s character.
This time, we’ve selected Western hits from the 80s that lit up disco dance floors.
Unlike today, rock was also popular as a form of dance music back then, and there are plenty of tracks that crank up the voltage.
If you want to boost your mood with nostalgic tunes, please enjoy to the very end.
[Club Hits] Western dance music that energized the dance floor in the 1980s (1–10)
Never Gonne Give You UpRick Astley
Contrary to his sweet looks, Rick Astley, a singer-songwriter from England, won popularity with his deep, rich low voice.
He was a hugely successful artist in the 1980s, and in particular “Never Gonna Give You Up” became a massive hit worldwide.
It’s a track crafted as electronic dance music, but it also features many sections that put the vocals front and center, making it popular as a song you can dance to while enjoying the singing.
The melody is straightforward and easy to listen to, so be sure to check it out.
I Wanna Dance With SomebodyWhitney Houston
Whitney Houston, a female singer who was immensely active in the 1980s, is also an artist with very high name recognition in Japan.
When it comes to her dance music, many people probably think of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” don’t they? In Japan, this song is known under the title “Suteki na Somebody.” Its biggest appeal is, above all, the track that really captures the era.
The era-evoking synthesizers and Whitney Houston’s soaring vocals are a perfect match.
Take On Mea-ha
A-ha’s classic song, “Take On Me.” It’s a timeless hit that was a massive success worldwide.
Though it has been loved for many years, it drew renewed attention in 2019.
The catalyst was the smash hit “Blinding Lights” by the superstar of the moment, The Weeknd.
The Weeknd was quick to embrace synthwave and synth-pop, but the song sparked buzz because its structure was said to be remarkably similar to “Take On Me.” It’s an excellent piece of dance music that influenced the music scene more than 30 years into the future.
Billie JeanMichael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s classic “Billie Jean.” It’s a legendary track, no explanation needed.
Even teens have probably heard the melody somewhere, right? The real charm of this song is, above all, its groove! It’s a track that spotlights breathing sounds and groove in a way you hardly hear in today’s music scene.
The arrangement is simple, but by no means monotonous—there are clever touches throughout that keep you moving from start to finish.
That’s one of the things that makes this song so great.
Hangin’Chic
This track blends a cool groove with refined funk, evoking the disco scene of 1982.
Nile Rodgers’s distinctive guitar riffs and Bernard Edwards’s funky basslines match perfectly, vividly capturing the energy of a night at the club.
Featured on the album “Tongue in Chic,” it reached No.
64 on the UK Singles Chart.
Although it was released after the disco boom had passed, it’s still captivating with Chic’s signature light, upbeat rhythms and lyrics that celebrate good times with friends.
It’s a perfect pick for a nighttime drive or as background music for a party with friends.
HolidayMadonna
Speaking of Madonna, her hit song “Like a Virgin” is super famous, but this track was actually her third single since her debut, and in 1983 it became her first number one on the U.
S.
Dance Club Songs chart.
It was the song that sparked Madonna’s rise in popularity.
Got To Be RealCheryl Lynn
Known as Cheryl Lynn’s signature disco number, this debut single was released in July 1978 and reached No.
1 on the R&B chart.
It’s marked by powerful vocals and an emotionally rich performance, with memorable lyrics that champion authenticity and self-expression.
The track has long been cherished as a dance-floor favorite and was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
Its upbeat melody and funky rhythm evoke the disco scene of the ’80s, making it perfect for anyone in a nostalgic mood.