[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] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco (51–60)
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.
Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)ABBA
This is a hit song by ABBA, memorable for its catchy synth phrase in the intro, danceable sound arrangement, and soulful melody.
Released as a single from the 1979 compilation album “GREATEST HITS Vol.
2,” it became a hit not only in Europe but also in Japan.
In 2008, Madonna’s “Hung Up,” which sampled this track, became a global smash.
Considering that ABBA very rarely grants permission to sample their songs, there may be people who don’t realize that sampling was used in Madonna’s track.
Wake Me up Before You Go-GoWham!
The sense of Japanese titles in the ’80s is full of delightful examples, and Wham!’s 1984 smash hit “Ukiuki Wake Me Up” is one of them.
You might think they didn’t need to add “Ukiuki” (bubbly/excited), but it really is a song that makes you feel giddy, so it doesn’t feel wrong at all.
From the finger-snap intro and George Michael’s refreshing, beautiful vocals to the catchy melody, every element has the quality of a surefire hit.
Be sure to pay attention to George Michael’s assured songwriting, as he handled both lyrics and composition.
I Should Be So LuckyKYLIE MINOGUE
This is the debut single by Kylie Minogue, who burst onto the ’80s disco scene like a comet.
With its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, it’s a track that lifts your spirits just by listening.
The lyrics, singing of hope and optimism in finding love, highlight Minogue’s youthful, innocent charm.
Released in the UK in December 1987 and in Australia the following year, it topped charts in many countries and catapulted Minogue to stardom.
This song remains a shining example of ’80s pop that hasn’t lost its luster.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to have a blast on the dance floor.
Give It To Me BabyRick James
If you search by the title alone, you’ll first get The Offspring’s smash hit, but this one is the 1980s dance-classic masterpiece by funk musician Rick James, who’s globally renowned and notorious for his larger-than-life persona.
Released in 1981, it reached No.
1 on the U.S.
dance chart.
From the roaring funky bass line in the intro to the deftly muted guitar and the flamboyant horn section, every element is impeccable.
It’s said that Michael Jackson’s signature track “Thriller” was heavily inspired by the cutting-edge style of this song.