[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)
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.
Owner of a Lonely HeartYES
This song by a quintessential British band of the ’80s became hugely popular and sparked a major craze on the disco scene.
Its catchy, upbeat pop sound made it a classic not only in the world of disco music but across the board.
Having won numerous Grammy Awards and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it can be called one of Yes’s signature tracks!
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.
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.
She Works Hard For The Money – Single VersionDonna Summer
When it comes to disco numbers from the ’80s, the “Queen of Disco,” Donna Summer, naturally tops the list.
The song we’re featuring today was produced by Michael Omartian, written and composed by Summer herself, and released in 1983 as a hit single.
Also known in Japan by the title “Tales of Passion,” it became one of Summer’s signature songs.
Led by a mechanical bass line and that distinctly ’80s snare sound, the track brilliantly blends pop and rock elements with a catchy melody.
Her overwhelming vocal prowess needs no explanation.
Be sure to take a look at the lyrics as well—they’re rooted in Summer’s own experiences.
Funky TownLipps Inc
Formed around Stephen Greenberg, who transitioned from being a wedding DJ, the American studio band Lipps Inc.
released this track as a single from their debut album “Mouth to Mouth” in March 1980.
It became a disco classic, conquering 28 countries worldwide and topping the Billboard chart for four consecutive weeks.
The song expresses a heartfelt desire to escape a dull everyday life and move to an energizing city.
Cynthia Johnson—who was crowned Miss Black Minnesota—delivers a powerful vocal performance that vividly conveys both a longing for the big city and an impatience with the status quo.
Many of you may remember it from its use in the film Shrek 2.
If you want to change your circumstances and take a step into somewhere new, this song will surely give you a push.
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.
Telephone OperatorPete Shelley
This track feels great with its boldly low, punchy synthesizer.
The vocals are wild, and the rhythmic flow creates a satisfying sense of groove.
It’s sung and performed with unique ideas, offering plenty of standout moments—that’s a real plus.
If this sound hits the disco, you can’t help but dance; it’s a tune bursting with fun, inventive ideas.
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.