Dance music from Western artists that was a hit in the 1970s. World-famous and popular songs.
The 1970s gave birth to many genres and values that hadn’t existed in the music world before, such as distinctive melodies using electronic music and performances that emphasized visuals.
This time, I’d like to introduce dance music from the 1970s.
Even in the context of global music history, this era is packed with eccentric tracks, making a powerful impact.
With the disco boom in full swing, danceable music that you could really move to became all the rage.
We’ll be featuring several classics that capture the atmosphere of the time, so please sit back and enjoy until the very end.
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Dance music of Western songs that were hits in the 1970s. World-famous classics and popular songs (1–10)
Heart Of GlassBlondie
Blondie, a band that enjoyed huge success from the 1970s to the 1980s.
In the 1970s, alongside genres like new soul, funk, and disco, a movement called new wave was booming.
This “new wave” referred to a genre of avant-garde music unlike anything before, and Blondie is known as one of the catalysts of that boom.
One of their signature songs is Heart of Glass.
It’s dance music, but because the tempo isn’t all that fast, it’s a very accessible and easy listen.
Stayin’ AliveBee Gees
The Bee Gees are a vocal group made up of three brothers.
They were hugely successful from the 1960s through the 1970s and, along with ABBA—who had a similar style at the time—helped energize pop music.
Stayin’ Alive is one of their signature works, released in 1977.
The song is notable for its groovy melody that blends disco, which was mainstream at the time, with pop music.
RasputinBoney M
Boney M., a disco band from Germany that earned worldwide acclaim.
Although they emerged as a band in Germany, many of the members are from the Caribbean region, and you can hear touches of reggae and calypso throughout their songs.
Among Boney M.’s works, the one that became a particularly big hit is Rasputin.
It has been covered by many artists, and in Japan, DJ OZMA of Kishidan covered it under the title “Age Age EVERY Knight.”
Dance music of Western songs that were hits in the 1970s. World-famous and popular songs (11–20)
Ladies NightKool and The Gang
Kool & The Gang are a legendary soul band still active today.
In their early days, they didn’t have a lead vocalist, so their style leaned toward instrumentals and didn’t gain much popularity.
After JT Taylor took over as lead singer, however, they rose to worldwide fame.
Among their works, Ladies Night is especially well known.
Its ultra-stylish blend of funk and soul is highly sophisticated—be sure to check it out.
Ring My BellAnita Ward
When it comes to music from the 1970s, genres like funk, new wave, neo soul, and disco were mainstream.
Although R&B as we know it today didn’t exist back then, Anita Ward’s “Ring My Bell” is unquestionably an R&B work.
Overall, it’s categorized as funk music, but the vocal lines and groove are crafted in a way that’s very close to modern R&B.
Boogie WonderlandEarth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire, a band that was hugely successful in the 1970s, is still incredibly popular in Japan.
They’ve produced countless classic songs, but the one I especially recommend as a dance number is Boogie Wonderland.
Released in 1979, it features a distinctive melody that blends disco music with R&B.
It’s relatively less well-known among their hits, so if you’re just starting to listen to Earth, Wind & Fire, be sure to check it out.
Love To Love You BabyDonna Summer
When it comes to legendary tracks that can be called the roots of disco, Donna Summer undoubtedly tops the list.
The song I’m introducing today was released in August 1975 and stands as a historic work that crystallized the aesthetics of Euro disco.
Guided by an extended runtime of nearly 17 minutes and a highly repetitive groove built on a four-on-the-floor foundation, its sensual and silky sound is magnificent.
Her overwhelming vocal prowess and sultry breathiness need no explanation.
Many of you may know it as it was later featured in the stage production Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.
If you want an immersive experience on the dance floor, you should definitely give this track a listen.