Groove Back to the Decade: Top 80s Dance Songs

Alright, guys, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the era that brought us neon colors, big hair, and some incredible dance moves. Welcome to the awesome world of 80s dance music! This decade was a treasure trove of chart-topping hits that made us groove, strut, and even moonwalk. So, buckle up as we count down the best 80s dance songs that are guaranteed to get you moving and grooving! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and top 80s dance songs.

Why the 80s Were the Golden Era of Dance Music

Before we dive into the top 80s dance songs, let's talk about why this decade was so dynamite for dance music.

The Fusion of Genres

The 80s saw the fusion of various music genres, creating a unique sound that was both fresh and infectious. Disco, funk, punk, and rock all came together to form new sub-genres like synth-pop, new wave, and freestyle. This musical melting pot resulted in some totally radical dance tracks that still rock the dance floor today.

The Rise of Synthesizers

The 80s was also the decade of the synthesizer. These electronic marvels allowed musicians to create complex, layered sounds that were perfect for dance music. From the iconic Duran Duran keyboard riffs to the throbbing basslines of freestyle, synths were the backbone of 80s dance music.

Dance-Crazed Culture

The 80s were all about having fun and expressing yourself. From Saturday Night Fever to Flashdance, dance was everywhere – in movies, on TV, and even in our schools. This dance-crazed culture created the perfect environment for awesome dance music to flourish.

Now that we've set the stage, let's get this party started with our countdown of the best 80s dance songs!

The Best 80s Dance Songs: The Countdown

8. "Don't You (Forget About Me)" - Simple Minds (1985)

Kicking off our countdown is this iconic 80s anthem from the Breakfast Club soundtrack. With its captivating keyboard intro and powerful vocals, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" is a classic 80s dance track that's perfect for getting any party started.

7. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" - Cyndi Lauper (1983)

Girls just wanna have fun, and Cyndi Lauper delivered the ultimate 80s dance anthem to prove it. This feel-good, synth-pop gem is all about letting loose and enjoying life. With its irresistible beat and catchy chorus, it's no wonder this song is still a club favorite today.

6. "Billie Jean" - Michael Jackson (1982)

The King of Pop was also the king of 80s dance music. "Billie Jean" is a masterclass in eighties dance-floor filler, with its addictive bassline, layered synths, and, of course, Jackson's signature moonwalk. This timeless track is a must-play at any 80s dance party.

5. "Holiday" - Madonna (1983)

Before she was the Queen of Pop, Madonna was just a Material Girl who wanted a holiday. This early Madonna classic is a perfect blend of disco, funk, and new wave. With its catchy chorus and infectious beat, "Holiday" is a guaranteed dance-floor filler.

4. "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses (1987)

Guns N' Roses might be known for their hard rock attitude, but they also knew how to get a crowd moving. "Sweet Child O' Mine" is a prime example of 80s dance-rock, with its throbbing bassline, soaring guitar riff, and instantly recognizable intro. This classic rock track is still a club staple today.

3. "Thriller" - Michael Jackson (1984)

Michael Jackson's magnum opus is also one of the greatest 80s dance songs of all time. "Thriller" is a perfect blend of funk, rock, and pop, with a monster hook (pun intended) and iconic music video. This timeless track is a must-play at any dance party, Halloween or otherwise.

2. "Livin' on a Prayer" - Bon Jovi (1986)

Bon Jovi's anthemic power ballad is also a top 80s dance song. With its thunderous drums, soaring guitars, and chant-along chorus, "Livin' on a Prayer" is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's perfect for getting everyone on their feet.

1. "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" - Wham! (1984)

And here it is, guys – the ultimate 80s dance song: Wham!'s irresistible and infectious "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go". This synth-pop masterpiece has everything an 80s dance track needs – a catchy chorus, a repetitive hook, and George Michael's smooth vocals. It's impossible not to dance to this total banger, which is why it takes the crown as the best 80s dance song of all time.

Honorable Mentions: More Awesome 80s Dance Songs

We've reached the end of our top 80s dance songs countdown, but we couldn't let these gems go unmentioned:

- "We Didn't Start the Fire" - Billy Joel (1989) - "9 to 5" - Dolly Parton (1981) - "Land of Confusion" - Genesis (1986) - "Walking on Sunshine" - Katrina and the Waves (1985) - "The Safety Dance" - Men Without Hats (1982) - "Don't Dream It's Over" - Crowded House (1986) - "Take On Me" - A-ha (1985) - "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" - Whitney Houston (1987)

These awesome 80s dance songs might not have made our top 8, but they're still must-plays at any 80s dance party.

Get Your Groove On: How to Host an 80s Dance Party

Now that you've got the ultimate 80s dance playlist, it's time to host the ultimate 80s dance party. Here are some tips and tricks to make your party totally radical:

1. 1. Set the scene: Deck out your party space with neon lights, glow-in-the-dark accessories, and big hair wigs. The more over-the-top, the better.
2. 2. Dress the part: Encourage your guests to dress in their best 80s attire. Leggings, jumpers, and Members Only jackets are must-haves.
3. 3. Serve up some 80s snacks: No party is complete without some retro snacks. Jelly beans, pop rocks, and pigs in a blanket are sure to be a hit.
4. 4. Get everyone involved: Encourage your guests to show off their best 80s dance moves. Contests for best moonwalk, best hair, and best overall 80s look are great icebreakers.
5. 5. Play the hits: Of course, the most important thing is to play the best 80s dance songs. Use our countdown as a starting point, and add your own favorites to create the ultimate 80s dance playlist.

Conclusion: Why the 80s Were the Greatest Decade for Dance Music

The 80s were a golden era for dance music, producing some of the greatest dance tracks of all time. From synth-pop gems to hard-rock anthems, the 80s had it all. So, turn up the volume, dust off your legwarmers, and get ready to dance – because the 80s are back, and they're better than ever!

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and groove to the best 80s dance songs. Your feet (and your inner 80s kid) will thank you! Stay awesome, and keep on dancing!