Dance music by Western bands

Blue MondayNew Order

New Order – Blue Monday

New Order is a Madchester band that originated from Joy Division, one of the quintessential post-punk groups.

This song, released in 1983, is one of their signature tracks, and its cheap-sounding synthesizers and monotonous programmed rhythm make it strangely addictive.

The PeopleThe Music

The People

The Music had already been drawing attention even before their debut, and they scored a huge hit with this debut single released in 2002.

They were one of the few bands that performed dance-music-style tracks using only a live band, and they were very popular.

RatchetBloc Party

Bloc Party – Ratchet (Official Music Video)

Bloc Party is a British dance-rock band.

Their debut single, “Banquet,” is famous as their signature song, but this track is especially characteristic of dance music.

While centered on guitar rock, they deliver a band sound rooted in dance music.

Take Me OutFranz Ferdinand

Franz Ferdinand – Take Me Out (Video)

They are Franz Ferdinand from Glasgow, Scotland.

Although they have a retro rock sound, their hallmark is a danceable band style, and with this song—which became one of their signature tracks—they had a major breakthrough.

They can be considered leading pioneers of 2000s dance rock.

Let’s DanceDavid Bowie

David Bowie – Let’s Dance (Official Video) [HD]

David Bowie, the world-renowned British artist who constantly kept an eye on the times and changed his musical style like a chameleon.

The work that made his name echo around the globe was released in March 1983 at the height of the disco boom, with funk maestro Nile Rodgers brought on as producer, resulting in an irresistibly groovy dance tune.

Yet beneath the surface lies depth as well—through the image of “wearing red shoes and dancing the blues,” it hints at people who conceal sorrow and feign joy.

The fact that he enlisted the then-unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan also speaks volumes about Bowie’s extraordinary eye for talent.

It’s a perfect track for a night when you want to dance till dawn at a party.

Big LoveFleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac – Big Love (Official Music Video)

Fleetwood Mac, the British band that made a huge splash worldwide starting in the 1970s.

A standout song from the era when they found success with a pop-oriented sound is the lead single from their classic album Tango in the Night.

Released in March 1987, this track is a highly appealing dance number, woven from an urgent guitar riff and synth textures.

Yet the lyrics present a skeptical view of love, and the contrast with the song’s passionate tone leaves a lingering resonance.

The album containing this track topped the UK charts for five weeks.

Blending rock dynamism with the refined beats characteristic of the ’80s, it’s the perfect song to heat up the dance floor.

Don’t Stop Me NowQueen

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now (Official Video)

A high-velocity arrangement featuring piano sounds delivers a liberating rock tune.

Included on Queen’s seventh album, “Jazz,” the track was also released as a single in January 1979.

The lyrics portray the protagonist’s unstoppable surge of exhilaration and energy as they revel in life, and that positive worldview is simply unbeatable.

Anchored by Freddie Mercury’s powerful piano and vocals, the chorus blooms with the band’s signature multi-tracked harmonies.

Featured in numerous works, including the film “Shaun of the Dead,” this song sets the stage for perfect moments at parties or on drives—truly a number that shakes the dance floor.