I have the perfect playlist to get your groove on if that’s what you’re looking for.

I have a few songs that will get you dancing on the dance floor, which was the focal point of music in the 1980s. These songs, from chart-toppers by The Pointer Sisters to new classics by Tears for Fears, will make you want to shake your booty all night long.

I’ve got you covered, whether you’re looking for a quick dance session or an epic dance party. With our rundown of the 100 best dance songs from the ’80s, you’ll never be unprepared for the century’s parties.

Spotify Greatest 80s Dance Playlist

Greatest Dance Hits of the 1980s

I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) – Whitney Houston (1987)
Push It – Salt-N-Pepa (1987)
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson (1983)
Let’s Groove – Earth, Wind, and Fire (1981)
Love Shack – The B-52s (1989)
Celebration – Kool And The Gang (1980)
Footloose – Kenny Loggins (1984)
The Conga – Miami Sound Machine (1985)
It Takes Two – Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock (1988)
Electric Boogie – Marcia Griffiths (1983)
Into the Groove – Madonna (1985)
Wild Thing – Tone Loc (1988)
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics (1983)
Word Up – Cameo (1986)
Girls Just Want To Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Thriller – Michael Jackson (1983)
She Blinded Me with Science – Thomas Dolby (1982)
Let the Music Play – Shannon (1983)
I’m So Excited – The Pointer Sisters (1982)
Just Can’t Get Enough – Depeche Mode (1981)
Goody Two Shoes – Adam Ant (1982)
The Politics of Dancing – Re-Flex (1983)
Stomp! – Brothers Johnson (1980)
My Prerogative – Bobby Brown (1988)
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ – Michael Jackson (1983)
More Bounce to the Ounce: Part I – Zapp (1980)
When Doves Cry – Prince (1984)
Rapture – Blondie (1981)
Walking On Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves (1985)
The White Horse – Laid Back (1983)
Fame – Irene Cara (1980)
Who Can It Be Now? – Men At Work (1981)
Ride On Time – Black Box (1989)
The Safety Dance – Men Without Hats (1982)
Pump Up the Volume – M/A/R/R/S (1987)
Situation – Yazoo (1982)
Whip It – Devo (1980)
Take On Me – A-Ha (1985)
The Humpty Dance – Digital Underground (1989)
You’re the One for Me – D-Train (1981)
The Rhythm of the Night – DeBarge (1985)
Somebody’s Watching Me – Rockwell (1984)
Gloria – Laura Branigan (1982)
All Night Long (All Night) – Lionel Richie (1983)
It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls (1982)
You Dropped A Bomb On Me – Gap Band (1982)
Let’s Hear It For The Boy – Deniece Williams (1984)
Planet Rock – Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force (1982)
Give It to Me Baby – Rick James (1981)
The Way You Make Me Feel – Michael Jackson (1987)
Venus – Bananarama (1986)
Jump (For My Love) – The Pointer Sisters (1984)
Atomic Dog – George Clinton (1982)
You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) – Dead or Alive (1984)
Take Your Time (Do It Right) – SOS Band (1980)
Pump Up the Jam – Technotronic (1989)
I Feel For You – Chaka Khan (1984)
Super Freak – Rick James (1981)
Another One Bites the Dust – Queen (1980)
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham (1984)
Heartbeat – Taana Gardner (1981)
I Can’t Wait – Nu Shooz (1986)
Bust A Move – Young MC (1989)
She Works Hard for the Money – Donna Summer (1983)
Relax – Frankie Goes To Hollywood (1983)
Flashdance… What a Feeling – Irene Cara (1983)
She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals (1988)
The Glamorous Life – Sheila E (1984)
Upside Down – Diana Ross (1980)
Genius Of Love – Tom Tom Club (1981)
Everybody Have Fun Tonight – Wang Chung (1986)
Kiss – Prince and the Revolution (1986)
Material Girl – Madonna (1985)
In My House – Mary Jane Girls (1984)
Holiday – Madonna (1983)
Mickey – Toni Basil (1982)
When I Think of You – Janet Jackson (1986)
Burn Rubber on Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me) – Gap Band (1980)
Beat It – Michael Jackson (1983)
Rockit – Herbie Hancock (1983)
Walk Like An Egyptian – The Bangles (1986)
Blue Monday – New Order (1983)
Don’t You Want Me – Human League (1981)
Sunglasses At Night – Corey Hart (1984)
Forget Me Nots – Patrice Rushen (1982)
I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross (1980)
Freeway of Love – Aretha Franklin (1985)
Hungry Like the Wolf – Dura Duran (1982)
Maniac – Michael Sembello (1983)
We Got the Beat – Go-Gos (1981)
Tainted Love – Soft Cell (1981)
Let It Whip – Dazz Band (1982)
Me, Myself, and I – De La Soul (1989)
Like a Virgin – Madonna (1984)
Funky Cold Medina – Tone Loc (1989)
Let’s Dance – David Bowie (1983)
Electric Avenue – Eddy Grant (1983)
Oh Sheila – Ready For the World (1985)
Our Lips Are Sealed – Go-Gos (1981)
Nasty – Janet Jackson (1986)

Music Trends of the 80s

Throughout the 1980s, dance music and ballads were the most popular types of music.

Boy bands such as Boyz II Men and the Supremes were among the first to gain popularity in the 1980s. In terms of musical culture, the 1980s were a pivotal decade.

Pop music from the 1980s was more lyrically oriented than music from previous decades, with an emphasis on both lyrics and melody. This was in contrast to earlier decades of pop music. The 1990s saw a continuation of this pattern. This change in tone was helped by the use of disco and soul music elements.

During the 1980s, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Duran Duran, and George Michael, to name a few, became well-known singers.

MTV rose to prominence in the 1980s and quickly established itself as a significant force in developing popular culture and the music industry. The channel was known for showing a lot of music videos, which helped a new generation of music lovers grow up. As a result, the channel contributed to the development of a new generation of music fans. In terms of musical culture, the 1980s were a pivotal decade.

A significant number of songs that were popular in the 1980s went on to become timeless classics because they were influenced by or perfectly captured the spirit of the era in which they were written. This trend can be seen in songs about high school romances and other high school dramas, for example. Songs about high school bullying are another example of this trend.

Even though there were some controversial musical trends in the 1980s, this was a very creative time for music. At the time, the synthpop and new wave movements were two of the most popular new styles of music and art. Because so many songs from this era are still played today and considered classics, this period is considered one of the most influential in the history of music. The musical genres of rock, rap, and hip hop developed during this period. The following generations of musicians owe them gratitude and respect for their contributions to the evolution of music. The musical aesthetic of the 1980s decade

The 1980s saw a significant increase in the number of creative endeavors and musical production. The contributions of many exceptionally talented musicians, among other genres of music, have irreversibly altered the rhythms of dance music, ballads, and rap. MTV allowed fans from all over the world to witness these works of art at the same time.

Music videos that first aired on the channel can all be traced back to music videos that first aired on the channel. MTV had a significant impact not only on the world of music but also on culture in general. The 1980s’ musical culture The music scene in the 1980s was fraught with controversy. Some songs include extremely sexual lyrics and imagery and references to illegal activities such as drug use or other forms of vice. There was a lot of debate about whether or not music should be censored during this time, but in the end, listeners got to choose what they wanted to hear.

Questions About 80s Dance Music

Do you think that the 1980s represented a golden age for dance music?

While the 1980s were not the best decade for dance music, they were certainly interesting. The genre made its mainstream debut at this time, and many of today’s biggest stars began their careers at this time.

In addition to big names such as Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson breaking into the mainstream consciousness, synthpop became enormously popular with artists such as Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Cyndi Lauper, Pet Shop Boys, Whitney Houston, and Ace of Base reaching number one in many countries with Simply Red and More Tears.

This period also saw the rise of house music, which eventually became another staple of dance music. So, while it may not have been the best year for dance music, some groundbreaking moments are still remembered years later.

What do you think is the reason why dance music from the 80s is so popular?

There are several reasons why 1980s dance music is still popular today. For starters, the music at this time was unlike anything that had come before it. Synthesizers, drum machines, and disco-funk were all new and innovative sounds. Second, much of 1980s pop culture was centered on dancing. The music reflected that spirit, encouraging people to get up and move to the beat. Finally, many of today’s biggest stars got their start in this era, so if you like contemporary dance music, you probably first heard some great tunes in the 1980s.

Who are some of the most important artists from the 80s who contributed to dance music?

Michael Jackson was one of the most influential dance music artists of the 1980s. He was not only a forefather of pop music but also had a strong musical background that included singing and dancing. His early music video productions influenced modern dance styles such as Thriller, Moonwalk, and Bad.

Donna Summer, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Kylie Minogue & Jason Donovan (of Take That), Madonna & David Bowie (of Eurythmics), Phil Collins (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Pet Shop Boys featuring Neil Tennant (Belly), Whitney Houston with Teddy Pendergrass (& Bobby Brown) on The Bodyguard soundtrack, and many more.

What do you think sets dance music apart from other genres in the 1980s?

Dance music in the 1980s was unique because it combined various styles and sounds. The music could be hard or soft, groovy or nu-disco. It was liked by many people and became one of the most popular types of music.

Do you have any memories of the 1980s? If this is the case, getting sentimental should not be too difficult. Share your favorite dance song from the 1980s below in the comments!

100 Greatest Dance Songs of the 1980s