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.
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- [Back to the '90s!] Dance Music from Western Hits of the 1990s
- Get in the Groove with Classic Albums: The World's Eurobeat – Recommended Popular Tracks
- Classic club music: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 1980s Western Music
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- Revival among the youth? Japanese dance music that was a hit in the 1980s. Showa-era dance tracks.
- Dance music in Japanese (J-pop) that people in their 50s used to listen to. Nostalgic classic hits.
- Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the 80s
- 80s Western pop hits featured in commercials. A roundup of nostalgic CM songs.
- [Western Music] Classic disco tracks that were hits in the ’90s
- Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1980s
[Club Hits] Western dance music that enlivened the dance floors in the 1980s (101–110)
CandyCameo
A hit tune from ’86.
They’re a funk group, but their very pop style makes them easy to get into—Cameo from New York.
With synth sounds that captured the spirit of the times, it was a hit in discos as well.
The somewhat comical music video is also fun.
I’m in LoveEvelyn King
Anyway, it’s a track with an effectively processed sound that feels great, and its sound design stands out for departing from the traditional string-instrument band sound.
The soulful female vocals are captivating, and together with the beauty of the chorus and the song’s sense of groove, they become key highlights of the piece.
The bass’s dark, black-inspired beat makes it danceable, and the use of rests is quite technical.
What Have You Done For Me LatelyJanet Jackson
If you watch the music video, you’ll probably notice that Janet Jackson is the younger sister of the big star Michael Jackson.
With this song, Janet reached No.
1 on the R&B Singles chart for the first time.
Be sure to watch her dance performance—it’s every bit as impressive as her brother’s.
Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get EnoughMichael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s classic “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” released in 1979, is a track that fully showcases his signature falsetto and helped shape the prototype of disco music with strong hallmarks of 1980s dance music.
In Japan, it was used between 1981 and 1982 as the commercial song for Suzuki’s scooter “Love,” so many people may find it familiar.
Groovy and smooth, yet infused with pop elements, this song is a disco number that can be enjoyed by listeners of any generation.
All Night Long (All Night)Lionel Richie
This is the song “All Night Long (All Night)” by Lionel Richie, the singer famous for his signature hit “Say You, Say Me.” This is another one of his iconic tracks.
It starts gently and quietly, then bursts into excitement in the chorus! The Latin-style rhythm is addictively catchy, too! It’s a tune that makes your body move naturally.
It’s included on the album “Can’t Slow Down.”
[Club Hits] Western dance music that energized the floor in the 1980s (111–120)
People Hold OnColdcut
Coldcut is a group and producer unit also known for having their music used on Gaki no Tsukai.
They have ties to Japan, including an album that featured artists like Cornelius.
This track featuring Lisa Stansfield was also popular as a danceable number.
You’re The One For MeD-Train
Many fans confidently call this a masterpiece that will go down in disco history.
Although they’re a duo, the individuality of James Williams, a.k.a.
D-Train, truly shines.
There’s also a remix by Paul Hardcastle, which is well worth a listen.