The 1980s in New York City were a melting pot of musical innovation, especially when it came to dance music. From the underground clubs pulsing with electro beats to the crossover hits dominating the radio waves, the era was a vibrant tapestry of sounds that still resonate today. Inspired by the energy of NYC’s nightlife and the groundbreaking music of the time, we’ve curated a playlist of Eighties Dance Songs that are guaranteed to get you moving. These tracks, handpicked by a connoisseur of the era, capture the essence of those unforgettable nights and the sounds that defined a generation.
Andy Polaris, pictured on a rooftop in New York City's Lower East Side in the 1980s, reflecting on the era's vibrant dance music scene.
Electro Beats & Crossover Hits
The early eighties saw a surge in electro music, blending funk, disco, and new wave influences. These tracks weren’t just club anthems; they broke barriers and became crossover hits, showcasing the decade’s eclectic taste.
Freeez – “I.O.U.” This British electro gem crossed the Atlantic and found a home in the vibrant NYC club scene. Co-written with Arthur Baker and mixed by Jellybean Benitez, “I.O.U.” is a masterclass in electro-funk fusion. Its infectious rhythm and catchy vocals made it a staple in clubs and on dance floors worldwide. Interestingly, New Order’s “Blue Monday” emerged in the same year, highlighting the parallel evolution of electro sounds on both sides of the Atlantic.
Donna Summer – “Lucky” While technically from the late seventies, “Lucky,” from the iconic Bad Girls album, perfectly bridges the disco era with the emerging eighties electro sound. The collaboration between Donna Summer’s powerful vocals and Giorgio Moroder’s groundbreaking electronic production was revolutionary. This track exemplifies their game-changing influence on countless artists who followed, setting the stage for the synth-driven dance music of the eighties.
Adele Bertei – “Build Me A Bridge” A gem of quality dance-pop, “Build Me A Bridge” showcases Adele Bertei’s versatility, an artist who emerged from the punk scene with the Contortions. Originally penned for Sheena Easton and the Pointer Sisters, Bertei’s version, featuring Thomas Dolby, delivers a unique blend of new wave energy and danceable rhythms, perfect for the early eighties dance floor.
Company B – “Fascinated” This high-energy synth-pop track was a club favorite that transcended into mainstream US radio success. “Fascinated” is pure eighties synth-pop bliss, with its driving beat and catchy synth lines. Its popularity underscored the growing appeal of synth-driven dance music in the early part of the decade.
Noel – “Silent Morning” A brooding yet handsome Latin singer, Noel delivered a smash hit with “Silent Morning.” This electro-dance track delves into themes of longing and lost love, set against a backdrop of synth-heavy melancholic beats. Often compared to Depeche Mode, “Silent Morning” carved its own niche in the eighties dance scene with its emotive lyrics and compelling rhythm.
Underground Anthems & Hip Hop Grooves
Beyond the mainstream, the underground club scene in NYC was brewing its own unique sounds, from raw electro to the burgeoning hip hop movement. These tracks were the pulse of the city’s after-dark hours.
Paul Hardcastle – “19” An innovative electro-club track, “19” became a number one hit on both sides of the Atlantic, proving the power of underground sounds to penetrate the mainstream. More than just a dance track, “19” was a potent political statement, highlighting the Vietnam War and the plight of veterans. Its innovative use of samples and electronic rhythms made it a groundbreaking and thought-provoking dance floor anthem.
Strafe – “Set It Off” Emerging from the underground gay club scene, “Set It Off” is a raw, stripped-down electro track that embodies the experimental spirit of the early eighties. With its call-and-response structure and minimalist beats, it was a defining sound in clubs like Catacombs in Philadelphia and beyond. Its influence can be heard in later house and techno music.
Whodini – “The Freaks Come Out At Night” This early hip hop anthem celebrated individuality and self-expression with undeniable style. “The Freaks Come Out At Night” is a testament to the burgeoning hip hop scene in the early eighties. The accompanying video, featuring glimpses of Run DMC and showcasing Ecstasy’s iconic Zorro hat and confident fashion, captured the cool and emerging street style of the era, well-documented in the photography of Jamel Shabazz.
Pop Sensations & Dancefloor Flirtations
As the eighties progressed, pop sensibilities merged seamlessly with dance rhythms, creating a wave of crossover hits perfect for both radio play and late-night dancing.
Sheena Easton – “Sugar Walls” Penned by Prince, “Sugar Walls” was a US hit that marked a turning point for Sheena Easton. Its sexually charged lyrics and Prince’s signature funky production made it an instant dancefloor flirtation anthem. The track significantly shifted Easton’s image, showcasing a bolder and more sensual side, perfectly suited to the provocative eighties.
Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam Band – “I Wonder If I Take You Home” A club hit debut single, “I Wonder If I Take You Home” became a global phenomenon for this Brooklyn-based Latin freestyle group. Its infectious energy and blend of R&B, pop, and Latin rhythms made it a standout track. Initially a sought-after import, it quickly became an eighties dance staple, showcasing the freestyle sound that was taking over dance floors.
Nuance featuring Vikki Love – “Loveride” Another seductive invitation, “Loveride” featuring Vikki Love’s powerful vocals, was a massive US Billboard No. 1 club hit. Its smooth groove and romantic lyrics made it a popular choice for slow jams and intimate dance floor moments. “Loveride” epitomized the smoother, R&B-infused side of eighties dance music.
Barbara Roy – “Gotta See You Tonight” A Billboard No. 1 hit that bridged genres, “Gotta See You Tonight” sounds remarkably like soulful house music, with its driving bassline and Barbara Roy’s gospel-infused vocals. Starting in underground gay clubs, it transcended into mainstream success, demonstrating the genre-bending nature of eighties dance music and its ability to unite diverse audiences.
Jane Child – “Don’t Wanna Fall In Love” Hailing from the late eighties, Jane Child’s “Don’t Wanna Fall In Love” was a pop-R&B crossover hit with a unique edge. Her almost goth-indie aesthetic contrasted with her funky dance floor style, making her stand out in the pop landscape. The song’s themes of resisting love’s allure, combined with its catchy beat, made it an under-rated gem of the era.
A nostalgic snapshot of Times Square, New York City in the 1980s, featuring Andy Polaris and Robb, capturing the energy of the era's iconic nightlife and eighties dance music culture.
Relive the Magic
This playlist is just a glimpse into the vast and vibrant world of eighties dance songs. These tracks are more than just music; they’re sonic snapshots of a time, a place, and a feeling. So, put on your dancing shoes, turn up the volume, and let these eighties anthems transport you back to the electric energy of NYC nights. Rediscover the magic of eighties dance music and get ready to groove!
