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 Rocked the Dance Floors in the 1980s (41–50)
FunkytownLipps Inc
This is the song “Funky Town” by the American music group Lipps, Inc, who were active in the early 1980s.
Many people in Japan have probably heard it in commercials and elsewhere.
Once you hear it, the melody sticks in your head.
Its slightly laid-back vibe is addictive.
The soulful vocals match unexpectedly well and make it really cool.
Being BoiledThe Human League
This track by The Human League, a unit emblematic of the British New Wave of the ’80s, truly hinted at “the music of the future.” The ominous synthesizers and Philip Oakey’s detached vocals burn themselves into your mind after a single listen.
The lyrics sing, “Listen to the voice of Buddha and abandon silk” (or, “give up sericulture”), a provocative message that is startling even now.
You can feel the sharpness of that initial creative impulse as they groped for sounds no one had ever heard before.
This cold yet innovative sound may well have laid a solid foundation for the glamorous Neo-Romantic scene that followed.
Somebody’s Watching MeRockwell
That unforgettable classic with the striking phrase, “Is somebody watching me?”—the one you can’t help but hum.
Known as the signature song of Rockwell, a formidable talent and son of the founder of Motown, it’s famous for the anecdote that he secured his record deal without revealing his father’s name.
Released in December 1983, it became a massive hit, reaching No.
2 on the U.S.
charts.
The juxtaposition of paranoid lyrics—as if under constant surveillance—with a danceable, catchy synth-funk sound is brilliant.
And on the standout chorus, none other than Michael Jackson lends his vocals.
Featured on his debut album, Somebody’s Watching Me, this track is perfect for Halloween season or whenever you’re in the mood for a little thrill.
Relight My FireDan Hartman
Released in 1979, this song remains a popular disco classic from the ’80s.
It reached number one on the UK singles chart and also topped single charts on Japanese music shows at the time of its release.
The lyrics depict an adult love affair, creating a moody atmosphere.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to quietly while enjoying a drink.
Bette Davis EyesKim Carnes
Released in 1981, this hit song won Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys the following year.
It’s a song about a so-called femme fatale who captivates men.
Love songs come in many forms, but dance music is often characterized by lyrics that exude an adult sensuality.
The woman at the center of this song is alluring, yet she might feel a bit thrilling—perhaps even dangerous—to the men she attracts.