These Funky Tunes Still Make Us Dance
No matter how much time has passed since these 80s dance hits were first released, they'll always have the power to make groups of all ages get up and dance. They're timeless classics with funky beats that make your body move before you even realize it. Here are 20 of the best dance songs from the 80s, can you think of any more?
1. "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston
With a title like that, you're going to immediately want to grab your favorite dance partner and hit the floor! Whitney Houston's amazing vocals combined with this upbeat, positive song makes for the ultimate dance tune that'll have you up and at it all night long.
PH2 Mark Kettenhofen on Wikimedia
2. "Push It!" by Salt-N-Pepa
If we're talking dance anthems of the 80s, it'd be cruel if we left out one of the most popular hits, "Push It!" Getting everyone in the mood to groove as soon as it plays, this beloved song is known for its funky beats and repetitive but catchy lyrics.
3. "Beat It" by Michael Jackson
A musical legend in American history (and really around the world), Michael Jackson has released tons of hits during his prime, but "Beat It" remains one of the most popular. It has everyone moving to the beat whenever it plays, and it's so hard to resist standing up and giving in to the tunes.
4. "Let's Hear It For The Boy" by Deniece Williams
One of the most iconic songs to come from Footloose's tracklist, "Let's Hear It For The Boy" has got positive vibes all around. We love the celebratory feel of this song, making it such an enjoyable tune to dance with friends to. We can't imagine anyone else but Deniece Williams singing this one!
Distributed by Columbia Records on Wikimedia
5. "Let's Groove" by Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire is a band already known for their exceptionally funky tunes, but "Let's Groove" might be one of their greatest hits yet. You can't help but follow the title and groove along to the music, letting the vibrant instruments take over your body.
6. "She Works Hard For The Money" by Donna Summers
Having a bit of an edge to the song, "She Works Hard For The Money" is one that'll have you bopping your head to the drums and shaking your hips to the chorus. When paired with Donna Summers fantastic vocals, this song is simply addictive, making everyone head to the dance floor.
7. "Let's Dance" by David Bowie
Of course we couldn't leave David Bowie off of this list, especially when he's got one of the greatest dance hits in history, "Let's Dance." Yes Bowie, we will thanks to you! With that amazing assemble of instruments blasting the tunes in the background combined with Bowie's memorable vocals, this is one that will continue to make party playlists till the end of time.
Elmar J. Lordemann (de:User:Jo Atmon) on Wikimedia
8. "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham!
To help lift your spirits and feel more energized, all you need to do is play this hit song by Wham! to get back up on your feet. Not only will your body already be moving to the poppy tunes, you'll be singing along to the fun lyrics until the very end.
9. "Material Girl" by Madonna
Who says "Material Girl" is only for girls? Everybody can enjoy this beloved song and let their inner diva shine through. Sang by the one and only Madonna, her familiar voice perfectly compliments the sassy vibe of the song, resulting in a danceable tune you'll be swaying your hips to.
10. "Flashdance...What A Feeling" by Irene Cara
Although this hit from Irene Cara starts out slow and focuses on her mesmerizing vocals, the beat quickly picks up into a danceable tune you'll want to keep moving to. We don't have much to say other than this is an 80s staple everyone loves and appreciates.
11. "Bust A Move" by Young MC
With its lyrics already encouraging you to get up and dance, once "Bust A Move" starts playing, you won't be able to help yourself. Fans familiar with this funky and groovy beat always find it impossible to sit through the entire three minutes that's upbeat from start to finish.
Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA on Wikimedia
12. "Pull Up The Bumper" by Grace Jones
While "Pull Up The Bumper" might sound a bit more reserved compared to other dance tunes on this list, there's still a fantastic disco funk factor that makes your hips start moving almost instantly. We're not sure if it's the constant drums and guitar rifts in the background, but this is one song you shouldn't forget has great danceability.
https://www.flickr.com/people/steffmeister/ on Wikimedia
13. "You're The One For Me" by D-Train
The first few seconds of "You're The One For Me" might lead you to think the song is slow and emotional, but once you hit the 40 second mark, you'll be wowed by the change in nature. As D-Train's beautiful vocal pairing slips away, you're welcomed to an incredibly groovy beat that makes you clap along to the rhythm.
14. "Jump (For My Love)" by The Pointer Sisters
This electropop song by the Pointer Sisters is nothing short of a classic that belongs on every 80s dance hit playlist. It's so upbeat and fun, audiences of every generation can appreciate how danceable this song is. As soon as the artist starts singing for you to jump, you'll want to follow along.
15. "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley
Though this iconic song has turned into meme material for the younger generations, you can't deny "Never Gonna Give You Up" is a catchy tune you can't help jam to. It's unbelievably groovy and the lyrics are just as memorable and fun to sing too.
16. "I Feel For You" by Chaka Khan
Did you know this song was actually written by Prince? Chaka Khan's version of "I Feel For You" however is the most popular one that had everyone on the dance floor stepping along to the beat. We love how bright and poppy the music is, making it a great option to play at any celebration.
Angela George at https://www.flickr.com/photos/sharongraphics/ on Wikimedia
17. "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League
As soon as this song starts playing, the synth pop beat will start to overwhelm you in the best way possible. That familiar riff is easily iconic for 80s kids who remember dancing along to this song in clubs and celebrations. It just has one of those simple yet satisfying tunes that could play endlessly and you wouldn't complain.
Ludovic Hirlimann from 's-Gravenhage, The Netherlands on Wikimedia
18. "Dance Hall Days" by Wang Chung
The group Wang Chung was at its most popular during the 80s, and with songs like "Dance Hall Days," it's not hard to see why. Though this song isn't the type to throw "let's dance!" right at your face, as you immerse yourself in the music, the beat of the drums will have you tapping your foot before you finally get up to dance.
19. "Blue Monday" by New Order
While you might feel initially overwhelmed by the song's initial rough beat, once the synths start kicking in, you'll quickly understand why "Blue Monday" is a certified disco classic. The constant change-ups in the music keeps you on your toes, making this dance hit an exciting one.
RL GNZLZ from Chile on Wikimedia
20. "Nasty" by Janet Jackson
While it's obvious talent runs in the family, the Jackson siblings sure are able to come up funky beats that make you want to dance! We love the jazzy riff that continues to play throughout the song, giving it such great character that perfectly reflects Janet Jackson's style and charisma.
