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.
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[Club Hits] Western Dance Music That Rocked the Dance Floors in the 1980s (41–50)
PassionTHE FLIRTS
With a sophisticated hi-NRG sound woven from synthesizers and drum machines, The Flirts made a striking debut on the American dance music scene in 1982.
The first single from their album “10¢ a Dance” is a superb track with an energetic yet catchy melody that brought them success in Europe.
It reached the top 10 in Germany and Switzerland, and also made waves on the Dutch charts, while peaking at No.
21 on the U.
S.
Billboard Dance Chart.
Producer Bobby Orlando’s exceptional sensibilities blend seamlessly with Andrea Del Conte’s powerful vocals.
It’s the perfect track for anyone who wants to relive the golden era of disco and club music.
[Club Hits] Western Dance Music That Energized the Dance Floor in the 1980s (51–60)
1-2-3Gloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan is an American singer-songwriter known for her airy vocals.
Although she was born in Cuba, unlike other singers with similar backgrounds, she pursued a pop-oriented sound rather than Latin music.
One of her signature songs is 1-2-3.
Rooted in the dance-pop and pop-rock trends of the time, it became a major hit thanks to its catchy “one, two, three” hook.
Good LifeInner City
A unit formed by Kevin Saunderson—one of the originators of Detroit’s techno scene—together with a female vocalist.
While he worked under many aliases, Inner City was his most commercially successful project, delivering a sound with strong house influences that resonated with the times.
Featuring shimmering synth phrases and a catchy, memorable chorus, this track is a well-known hit and a dance classic representative of the late 1980s.
Bette Davis EyesKim Carnes
Released in 1981, this hit song won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys the following year.
It’s a song about a so-called femme fatale who captivates men.
Love songs come in many forms, but dance music is often characterized by lyrics that exude an adult sensuality.
The woman at the center of this song is alluring, yet she might feel a bit thrilling—perhaps even dangerous—to the men she attracts.
Whip It!Devo
The arrival of Devo had a considerable impact not only on the music scene but also on the art world.
For them, it seems it was one of their “experiments.” Their eccentric fashion and avant-garde sound were filled with futuristic imagination that went beyond techno-pop.
CelebrationKool and The Gang
With the staccato cutting guitar in the intro and that familiar melody played by the signature synthesizer, this is a smash hit by the iconic ’80s group Kool & The Gang.
While driven by a dance beat, the song features dramatic developments and flavors, making it a track that’s perfect both for dancing and for losing yourself in listening.
It’s an irresistibly danceable number that still carries the lingering vibes of the ’70s funk boom.
The Politics of DancingRe-Flex
They were a British band that was active for only four years and released just one album, but this song became a hit, reaching No.
8 on the U.
S.
Dance Club Songs chart.
One hallmark of the ’80s was how often New Wave tracks were used in dance music.