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] Western Dance Music That Filled the Floor in the 1980s (11–20)
Hangin’Chic
This track blends a cool groove with refined funk, evoking the disco scene of 1982.
Nile Rodgers’s distinctive guitar riffs and Bernard Edwards’s funky basslines match perfectly, vividly capturing the energy of a night at the club.
Featured on the album “Tongue in Chic,” it reached No.
64 on the UK Singles Chart.
Although it was released after the disco boom had passed, it’s still captivating with Chic’s signature light, upbeat rhythms and lyrics that celebrate good times with friends.
It’s a perfect pick for a nighttime drive or as background music for a party with friends.
Back to LifeSoul II Soul
Soul II Soul, known as a defining presence in UK soul since the late 1980s, is a legendary group that also achieved commercial success and won Grammy Awards.
Their 1989 single “Back to Life,” which topped the UK charts, was included on the soundtrack of the film Black Rain.
As pioneers of the so-called ‘ground beat’ style, they created a classic that is essential for understanding the scene of that era.
Girls Just Want To Have FunCyndi Lauper
Cyndi Lauper is a female singer-songwriter from the United States who gained popularity for her distinctive vocals.
She’s also a well-known and popular artist in Japan.
Among her works, the dance track that became a particularly big hit is Girls Just Want To Have Fun.
It’s a memorable song with the lively atmosphere of the 1980s and a sound that really evokes the era.
It’s also used in Japanese media, so be sure to check it out.
Sweet DreamsEurythmics
Eurythmics, a duo representing the UK, are known for blue-eyed soul, new wave, and synth-pop, and they scored a string of major hits.
Among their works, the dance track that garnered particular popularity is “Sweet Dreams.” It’s a stylish song, with a sophisticated track and a repeatedly sung phrase that leaves a strong impression.
If you enjoy chic and slightly mysterious tunes, be sure to check it out.
The Tide Is HighBlondie
A tropical and chill track, loved worldwide across generations and often heard in commercials and on TV and radio in Japan.
In fact, it’s a cover by the punk rock band Blondie; the original is a number by the Jamaican reggae band The Paragons.
It’s one of Blondie’s hits that showcased their broad musical range, and getting to know this band more deeply might also help you understand the musical character of that era.
