Dance music by Western bands
Even bands have plenty of dance music.
Starting long ago with disco-funk, and extending to what’s called dance-punk, new wave, and dance rock.
Here, we introduce dance music by Western bands.
Dance music by Western bands (1–10)
Big LoveFleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac, the British band that made a huge splash worldwide starting in the 1970s.
A standout song from the era when they found success with a pop-oriented sound is the lead single from their classic album Tango in the Night.
Released in March 1987, this track is a highly appealing dance number, woven from an urgent guitar riff and synth textures.
Yet the lyrics present a skeptical view of love, and the contrast with the song’s passionate tone leaves a lingering resonance.
The album containing this track topped the UK charts for five weeks.
Blending rock dynamism with the refined beats characteristic of the ’80s, it’s the perfect song to heat up the dance floor.
Let’s DanceDavid Bowie
David Bowie, the world-renowned British artist who constantly kept an eye on the times and changed his musical style like a chameleon.
The work that made his name echo around the globe was released in March 1983 at the height of the disco boom, with funk maestro Nile Rodgers brought on as producer, resulting in an irresistibly groovy dance tune.
Yet beneath the surface lies depth as well—through the image of “wearing red shoes and dancing the blues,” it hints at people who conceal sorrow and feign joy.
The fact that he enlisted the then-unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan also speaks volumes about Bowie’s extraordinary eye for talent.
It’s a perfect track for a night when you want to dance till dawn at a party.
Hold OnSantana
Santana, the American band known as pioneers of Latin rock—their sound, woven from passionate guitar and percussion, is truly one of a kind.
In August 1982, they released a track included on the landmark album Shangó.
Since it’s a cover of a song by a Canadian artist, it’s built on a sentimental rock melody, yet transformed into a dance number where their signature Latin groove shines in perfect fusion.
The song delivers a poignant yet empowering message, as if pleading with a loved one to “hold on just a little longer,” and it resonates deeply.
This classic, which reached No.
15 on the U.
S.
charts, is perfect not only for heating up the dance floor at parties, but also for those moments when you need a boost to face tomorrow.
Brown SugarThe Rolling Stones
Having weathered the tumultuous ’60s and launched their own label, The Rolling Stones embarked on a fresh start.
Symbolizing the dawn of their ’70s era is the classic album Sticky Fingers, released in 1971.
Kicking off that record, this track is rock ’n’ roll at its most exuberant—quintessential Stones.
Keith Richards’ languid yet razor-sharp guitar riff, American musician Bobby Keys’ funky sax solo, and Mick Jagger’s one-of-a-kind vocals lock together to create an irresistible groove.
The lyrics are provocative, but in true Stones fashion, they channel that edge into pure rock energy.
It’s a killer tune that gets your body moving on instinct—perfect for the dance floor.
Don’t Stop Me NowQueen
A high-velocity arrangement featuring piano sounds delivers a liberating rock tune.
Included on Queen’s seventh album, “Jazz,” the track was also released as a single in January 1979.
The lyrics portray the protagonist’s unstoppable surge of exhilaration and energy as they revel in life, and that positive worldview is simply unbeatable.
Anchored by Freddie Mercury’s powerful piano and vocals, the chorus blooms with the band’s signature multi-tracked harmonies.
Featured in numerous works, including the film “Shaun of the Dead,” this song sets the stage for perfect moments at parties or on drives—truly a number that shakes the dance floor.
Undercover Of The NightThe Rolling Stones
It’s a dance number by the legendary British rock band The Rolling Stones, where tense, urgent percussion intertwines with razor-sharp guitars.
Released in October 1983, it was the lead single from the album Undercover.
Its hard-edged groove, infused with New Wave and funk influences, has the power to set the dance floor ablaze.
Yet the lyrics ride that beat to depict political violence and oppression lurking in the night, lending the song a serious theme that sets it apart from a mere party track and gives it distinctive depth and thrill.
This bold sound, steered by Mick Jagger, almost seems to reflect the internal tensions within the band at the time.
It’s a perfect pick for an intelligent, cool, grown-up party night.
Blue MondayNew Order
New Order is a Madchester band that originated from Joy Division, one of the quintessential post-punk groups.
This song, released in 1983, is one of their signature tracks, and its cheap-sounding synthesizers and monotonous programmed rhythm make it strangely addictive.