[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 (21–30)
Ai No CorridaQuincy Jones
With a guitar intro that pounds out a heavy, driving rhythm and whispery vocals that give it a truly distinctive flair, this track brims with the excitement that something big is about to happen.
True to that promise, the chorus explodes magnificently, delivering the song’s peak of exhilaration.
It’s a very famous track, so many people have probably heard it at least once.
Let the four-on-the-floor beat take over and have fun dancing.
FameIrene Cara
Alongside Flashdance… What a Feeling, this is one of Irene Cara’s signature songs, known for its striking intro phrase led by guitar and synth.
Used as the theme song for the 1980 film Fame, in which she starred, it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
While it’s a funky disco tune, it prominently features rock guitar, including a passionate guitar solo in the middle.
The song is famous on its own, of course, but many people remember it as inseparable from the film.
[Definitive Edition] 80s Disco Song Classics and Hits (31–40)
I Heard a RumourBananarama
This track is packed with everything fun about 80s electro music: a four-on-the-floor beat, poppiness, and a high-energy, powerful female vocal.
The layering of the synthesizers feels surprisingly natural, showcasing the trackmaker’s taste.
Above all, don’t overthink it—this is a song you can just dance to and have a blast.
It’s also great that the crowd’s voices are recorded.
Can’t Stop the MusicVillage People
From the late 1970s to the 1980s, the Village People enjoyed worldwide popularity with their catchy disco music.
They released many classic songs everyone knows, such as Y.M.C.A., covered by Hideki Saijo, and Go West, covered by the Pet Shop Boys.
The song introduced here is the theme for the 1980 musical film Can’t Stop the Music, which centers on the Village People.
Although the film received dismal reviews, many people may be reminded of those days when they hear this track.
The catchy melody that repeats the title is great, isn’t it?
What A FeelingIrene Cara
Its striking introductory phrase belongs to a classic that almost everyone has heard at least once.
Beginning like a ballad, it unfolds into a quintessentially ’80s tight beat, and the melody—sung with Irene Cara’s soaring vocals over shimmering synth tones—is pleasing no matter when you listen.
Chosen as the theme song for the 1983 film Flashdance, it won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Academy Award for Best Original Song, becoming a worldwide smash hit.
In Japan, it not only topped the charts but was also covered by artists such as Linda Yamamoto and Miki Asakura, and it continues to be loved across generations.
Take on Mea-ha
From an intro that wildly chops a tight 8-beat, this track flows into that melody you’ve probably heard before.
While the synth melody in the intro is famous, it’s also a solidly danceable disco song whose beautiful vocals are a major draw.
The sweet, beautiful singing voice matches intriguingly well with the driving, high-velocity beat, making it a very compelling listen.
CelebrationKool and The Gang
Starting with funky guitar chopping, this track is a quintessential 80s disco song whose striking synthesizer melody sticks in your head.
The bass steadily keeps an eighth-note groove with cool restraint, and although there’s nothing flashy in the playing or the tones, it’s bursting with ideas and the joy of performance—a perfectly danceable, soulful piece of music made for the disco.