Club Hits: Dance music from Western artists that energized the dance floors in the 1980s
80s music is back in the spotlight amid the current revival boom.
The 1980s were a whirlwind of genres, but I can confidently say that dance music best represents the decade’s character.
This time, we’ve selected Western hits from the 80s that lit up disco dance floors.
Unlike today, rock was also popular as a form of dance music back then, and there are plenty of tracks that crank up the voltage.
If you want to boost your mood with nostalgic tunes, please enjoy to the very end.
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[Club Hits] Dance Music from Western Artists That Rocked the Floor in the 1980s (’81–’90)
All Night LongMary Jane Girls
Mary Jane Girls, the female quartet launched by Rick James.
If you only know their big hit In My House, this track is also highly recommended.
It’s a classic that has been covered by various R&B singers, including Mary J.
Blige.
Whatcha Gonna Do With My Lovin’Inner City
Among the projects undertaken by Kevin Saunderson—who is a DJ, techno musician, and producer—the most successful was Inner City.
With R&B singer Paris Grey on board, they churned out a string of hits.
Her mellow vocals fit the sound perfectly.
Dance Hall DaysWang Chung
Wang Chung, the British duo who became instant stars in the U.S.
with the smash hit “Everybody Have Fun Tonight.” This 1983 hit of theirs also fired up the disco scene.
Jack Hues’s intelligent vibe—people even wondered if he might be the next Bryan Ferry—feels just right.
Self ControlLaura Branigan
Laura Branigan, whose song “Gloria” from her debut album was a massive hit.
She had previously won the Grand Prix at the Tokyo Music Festival and was a popular female singer in Japan as well.
This track, which was often played in discos, had a memorable music video that was considered too sexy for the time.
AfricaTOTO
TOTO is an American rock band formed in 1976.
Throughout their career, they have changed their musical style several times, exploring pop rock, AOR, hard rock, progressive rock, and soft rock.
Among their works, a song I especially recommend is Africa.
Released in 1982, it features a distinctive melody that feels like a blend of the AOR boom of the 1970s and the pop rock trend of the 1980s.
LovergirlTeena Marie
When it comes to female blue-eyed soul artists from the ’80s, isn’t she the one who comes to mind? Her powerful vocals were unimaginable from her coquettish looks.
You can find her songs at karaoke, but they require quite a lot of vocal power.
[Club Hits] Western Dance Music That Rocked the Dance Floors in the 1980s (91–100)
Word UpCameo
Released in 1986, this track masterfully blends elements of digital funk and R&B into a dancefloor-igniting anthem.
It features a catchy beat and vibrant lyrics, infused with a message of freedom and positivity.
Issued as the lead single from Cameo’s 13th album, Word Up!, it achieved major success on the U.S.
charts.
Its music video garnered attention on MTV, with American actor LeVar Burton appearing as a police officer.
The song celebrates the joy of surrendering to the music, making it perfect for anyone looking to break free from everyday worries.
It’s a top pick for amping up a dance party or bringing energy to karaoke.