Disco was a major force in American pop culture during the 1970s, but disco never really conquered France until the 1980s. Disco was one of the most popular genres in Europe during the early part of that decade and its popularity in England, Sweden, and West Germany grew enormously during this period.
There were many disco songs that hit the charts in the US around the 80s, but these were not the only disco songs that came out of the decade. Disco had a significant impact on popular music in most countries during the early to mid-80s. Disco songs in English, French and Swedish dominated pop music charts for several years during this time period.
Here are some disco hits from the 1980s:
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
This song has been performed by other artists as well, but it is Michael Jackson’s most popular song. It reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts in mid-August 1983, within three weeks of release. This song is one of the biggest songs of all time in the US.
“I’m So Excited” by Pointer Sisters
This song was one of the top dance hits in the US in around 1982-1984. The first version topped at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later on, in their multi-platinum album Break Out, the Pointer Sisters released a remix of it that reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees
This song was the biggest disco hit ever in England and West Germany. It reached number 1 on both charts in early 1977. Though it wasn’t released during the 1980s, it continued to be a hallmark of disco music and was still a hit throughout the 80s. Even today, many would be able to recognize the song immediately.
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
Soft Cell is a British rock group that is best known for the song “Tainted Love”. The original version of this song reached number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, in September 1981. This was one of the first songs to use synthesizers in that signature way that disco songs use, and it continues being used and featured in many TVs and movies even today.
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
This song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1987. This was Houston’s biggest hit to date and it also remains one of her most famous songs. It is still a classic today, and is played frequently in public as well as in movies and TV shows.
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA
This song was the biggest hit in the world during the peak of ABBA’s popularity. It is the one song from the Europop band to hit number one on the US charts, although it topped the charts in many other countries around the world, as well. Even until now, it is still a very popular song, most recently popularized through the “Mamma Mia!” movies starring Merryl Streep, which celebrated multiple songs made by the band.
