Music / Playlists

Dance Hits of the 1980s

Posted by Joe Hummel IIIPosted ago

80s Music vs. 70s Disco

Disco emerged in the mid-1970s and was characterized by a strong beat, four-on-the-floor rhythm, and a focus on rhythm and melody. It was inspired by funk, soul, and Latin music and was often performed in dance clubs. Disco music was heavily associated with the rise of the dance culture and was often criticized for its repetitive and formulaic sound.

On the other hand, 80s dance music was a more diverse genre that incorporated elements of funk, soul, and pop music. Unlike disco, which was limited to a specific style, 80s dance music allowed for more creative expression and experimentation. The music of the 80s was heavily influenced by synthesizers and drum machines, which gave it a distinctive electronic sound. Many 80s dance tracks were upbeat, energetic, and designed for dance floors, but there were also ballads and other slower-paced songs incorporating dance elements.

80s dance music connected with audiences in several ways. Firstly, the music was upbeat and energetic, which encouraged people to get up and dance. This was especially the case with disco music, which had its roots in dance clubs and was designed to get people moving. With the popularity of dance clubs and discos, people had more opportunities to experience dance music in a live setting.

Secondly, 80s dance music often had a strong beat and simple, repetitive lyrics that were easy to sing along to. This made it more accessible and fun for people to dance to, regardless of their musical knowledge or experience.

Thirdly, the visual aspect of 80s dance music was also a key factor in connecting with audiences. Music videos became increasingly popular during the 80s, and many dance music videos were filled with colorful and eye-catching images that helped to engage viewers.

Finally, 80s dance music also connected with audiences on an emotional level. The upbeat and optimistic themes of many dance songs were in stark contrast to the time’s economic uncertainty and social unrest. They offered a temporary escape from the realities of life.

80s Dance Hits

1. Funkytown – Lipps Inc.
2. Electric Boogie – Marcia Griffiths
3. Let’s Groove – Earth Wind and Fire
4. Push It – Salt N Pepa
5. Superfreak – Rick James
6. Celebration – Kool and the Gang
7. It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls
8. Footloose – Kenny Loggins
9. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
10. Love Shack – B-52s
11. You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
12. Double Dutch Bus – Frankie Smith
13. Give It To Me Baby – Rick James
14. Mony Mony – Billy Idol
15. Into The Groove – Madonna
16. Pump Up the Jam – Technotronic
17. Emotional Rescue – Rolling Stones
18. She’ A Bad Mama Jama – Carl Carlton
19. What I Like About You – The Romantics
20. Addicted To Love – Robert Palmer
21. Feels Like I’m In Love – Kelly Marie
22. Walk This Way – Run D.M.C. with Aerosmith
23. Mickey – Toni Basil
24. (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) – Beastie Boys
25. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston
26. (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life – Bill Medley with Jennifer Warnes
27. Mustapha Dance – The Clash
28. Conga – Miami Sound Machine
29. Jump – Van Halen
30. Pump Up The Volume – M/A/R/R/S
31. Let’s Hear It For The Boy – Deniece Williams
32. Just Got Paid – Johnny Kemp
33. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go – Wham featuring George Michael
34. Relax – Frankie Goes To Hollywood
35. Upside Down – Diana Ross
36. So Many Men, So Little Time – Miquel Brown
37. Let’s Go Crazy – Prince
38. Tainted Love – Soft Cell
39. Kiss – Prince
40. We Are Family – Sister Sledge
41. Whip It – Devo
42. Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
43. **1999** – Prince
44. Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel
45. Babe, We’re Gonna Love Tonight – Lime
46. Jam On It – Newcleus
47. Ladies Night – Kool and The Gang
48. Lucky Star – Madonna
49. She Blinded Me With Science – Thomas Dolby
50. Planet Rock – Afrika Bambaataa
51. Holiday – Madonna
52. Everybody Have Fun Tonight – Wang Chung
53. Don’t You Want Me – Human League
54. Murphy’s Law – Cheri
55. Take Your Time (Do It Right) – S.O.S. Band
56. Physical – Olivia Newton-John
57. Start Me Up – Rolling Stones
58. Situation – Yaz
59. Get Down On It – Kool and the Gang
60. Let It Whip – Dazz Band
61. Let’s Dance – David Bowie
62. Roll With It – Steve Winwood
63. Last Night a DJ Saved My Life – Indeep
64. I’m So Excited – Pointer Sisters
65. Caribbean Queen (No More Love On The Run) – Billy Ocean
66. Mandalay – La Flavour
67. Safety Dance – Men Without Hats
68. Birthday Suit – Johnny Kemp
69. The Men All Pause – Klymaxx
70. What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy) – Information Society
71. Lady (You Bring Me Up) – Commodores
72. R.O.C.K. In The USA – John Cougar Mellencamp
73. Genius Of Love – Tom Tom Club
74. Don Quichotte – Magazine 60
75. You Dropped A Bomb On Me – Gap Band

Michael Jackson/ Jacksons/ J-5

1. Billy Jean – Michael Jackson
2. Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson
3. Thriller – Michael Jackson
4. ABC – Jackson Five
5. Beat It – Michael Jackson
6. I Want You Back – Jackson Five
7. Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground) – Jacksons
8. Dancing Machine – Jacksons
9. Wanna Be Startin’ Something – Michael Jackson
10. Rock With You – Michael Jackson
11. Blame It On The Boogie
12. Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson
13. The Love You Save – Jackson 5
14. Enjoy Yourself – The Jacksons
15. Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson
16. The Way You Make Me Feel – Michael Jackson
17. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) – Michael Jackson
18. Rockin’ Robin – Michael Jackson
19. Bad – Michael Jackson
20. Black Or White – Michael Jackson
21. Off The Wall – Michael Jackson
22. Remember The Time – Michael Jackson
23. Dirty Diana – Michael Jackson
24. Never Can Say Goodbye – Jackson 5
25. State of Shock – The Jacksons with Mick Jagger

80s’ Biggest Movie Soundtrack Hits

1. Footloose – Kenny Loggins
2. You Lost That Lovin’ Feeling – Righteous Brothers
3. The Time of My Life – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
4. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
5. I’m Alright – Kenny Loggins
6. Old Time Rock and Roll – Bob Seger
7. Don’t You Forget About Me – Simple Minds
8. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
9. Fame – Irene Cara
10. St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) – John Parr
11. Flashdance (What A Feeling) – Irene Cara
12. Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) – Phil Collins
13. On The Dark Side – Eddie and the Cruisers
14. Burning Heart – Survivor
15. Take My Breath Away – Berlin
16. What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
17. Chariots Of Fire Theme – Vangelis
18. The Power Of Love – Huey Lewis and the News
19. Batdance – Prince
20. In The Air Tonight – Phil Collins

1980s – Early Rap/Hip Hop Hits

1. It Takes Two – Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock
2. Push It – Salt N Pepa
3. Bust A Move – Young MC
4. Joy and Pain – Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock
5. Wild Thing – Tone Loc
6. White Lines – Grandmaster Flash
7. Funky Cold Medina – Tone Loc
8. It’s Tricky – Run D.M.C.
9. Da Butt – E.U.
10. Me, Myself, and I – De La Soul
11. Brass Monkey – Beastie Boys
12. Walk This Way – Run D.M.C.
13. Rapture – Blondie
14. Apache – The Sugarhill Gang
15. New York New York – Grand Master Flash
16. Buffalo Stance – Neneh Cherry
17. Roxanne, Roxanne – U.T.F.O.
18. The Roof is on Fire – Rock Master Scott & The Dynamic Three
19. Hey Ladies – Beastie Boys
20. I’m That Type Of Guy – LL Cool J

80s’ Electronica Dance

1. Planet Rock – Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force
2. Jam On It – Newcleus
3. Pump Up the Volume – M/A/R/R/S
4. Blue Monday – New Order
5. Situation – Yazoo
6. Axel F – Harold Faltermeyer
7. White Horse – Laid Back
8. Rockit – Herbie Hancock
9. What’s On Your Mind? (Pure Energy) – Information Society
10. Ride On Time – Black Box

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