35 Best 70s Dance Songs

The 70s was a time of significant change and evolution – especially in the world of music.

The best 70s dance songs reflect this change with a mix of disco, funk, soul, and pop.

Here are our picks for the best 70s dance songs.

1. “Good Times” by Chic

Song Year: 1979

The song “Good Times” by Chic is a disco classic. It has a catchy beat that is impossible to resist dancing to.

The lyrics are about enjoying the moment, feeling grateful for the present, and not worrying about the future. Many artists have sampled this song, such as Sugarhill Gang in “Rapper's Delight.”

2. “Get Down Tonight” by KC and the Sunshine Band

Song Year: 1975

“Get Down Tonight” is one of the most famous disco songs of all time, and for good reasons.

It's about dancing, making love, and having the time of your life tonight and every night!

The beat is exciting, high-energy, and has the ability to turn any dance floor into a vibrant, happy place.

3. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

Song Year: 1978

Gloria Gaynor's “I Will Survive” song has more profound lyrics than many other popular disco songs of that decade.

It's about overcoming and moving past a broken relationship. Gloria empowers listeners who have been through tough heartbreak, ensuring they will also survive lost love and love again in the future.

4. “Stayin' Alive” by Bee Gees

Song Year: 1977

“Stayin' Alive” is one of those songs that many people recognize the moment it comes on.

The high-pitched vocals, groovy instrumentals, and catchy, repetitive lyrics work together to make this song a timeless classic.

“Stayin' Alive” truly does make listeners feel, well, alive! And it makes the dance floor come to life as well.

5. “YMCA” by Village People

Song Year: 1978

“YMCA” is arguably one of the most well-known and well-respected songs of all time. Village People's “YMCA” has been used in countless movies, parodies, and commercials.

The song is about the YMCA – an organization that provides support and opportunity for young people.

The lyrics convey the fun, positive atmosphere of the YMCA, which is reflected in the song's upbeat tempo.

6. “Le Freak” by Chic

Song Year: 1978

Another dance hit by Chic in the 70s is called “Le Freak,” but many people might simply refer to it as “freak out!” as that is the main lyric in the chorus.

The song is about a party at the famous disco Studio 54 that was so exclusive that many people were turned at the door.

But once you got in, you could release the pressure of getting in by participating in the new dance crazes.

7. “Don't Leave Me This Way” by Thelma Houston

Song Year: 1976

“Don't Leave Me This Way” starts relatively slow and smooth, making it seem like more of a ballad than a party song.

However, it gradually picks up the pace and becomes a disco anthem about heartbreak and begging for somebody to stay.

Thelma Houston's powerful vocals carry the emotional lyrics and provide solidarity for anyone feeling lost and alone.

8. Lady Marmalade by (Patti) Labelle

Song Year: 1975

“Lady Marmalade” is a fun, sassy song about, well, ladies of the night!

The lyrics are quite risqué, and some are in French, but neither of those aspects makes the song any less popular. If anything, they improved the song's performance.

Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Pink, and Mya sang a cover of “Lady Marmalade” for the movie Moulin Rouge, and their version also became incredibly famous.

9. “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge

Song Year: 1979

Sister Sledge's “We Are Family” is one of the best 70s dance songs for weddings, reunions, and other family gatherings.

Along with the title lyrics conveying familial status, the song also has other uplifting messages, such as discovering strength in love, having faith in yourself, and understanding the importance of unity.

The feel-good vibes of this song make it perfect for celebrating family bonds.

10. “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer

Song Year: 1979

“Hot Stuff” is Donna Summer's anthem for anybody looking for a good time. The lyrics are all about dancing the night away and being with somebody who can make you feel “hot stuff.”

The “Hot Stuff” title phrase is repeated over and over again throughout the song, so it's easy to remember and sing along to when you're getting down on the dance floor.

Many artists and creatives have used this song or made covers to it, one of the most popular being Kygo's remix.

11. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA

Song Year: 1976

It's no surprise that a song with “dancing” in the title will make you ready and willing to boogie down, but “Dancing Queen” in particular stands out among the rest due to its funky beats and excellent overall vibe.

This song became an international sensation and put ABBA on the map as one of the most popular bands of all time.

12. “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Song Year: 1979

“Boogie Wonderland” is all about dancing, with a specific call to do just that in the chorus.

It's a great example of Earth, Wind & Fire's signature sound, with a mix of disco, funk, and soul that is impossible to resist.

The saxophonist in the band, Andrew Woolfolk, recently passed away in April 2022, so many fans may seek solace in listening to this song again.

13. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Song Year: 1978

Another incredibly popular hit by Earth, Wind & Fire is “September.”

If you're ever in a grumpy mood, try playing this song. It can always turn my frown upside because of its happy-go-lucky lyrics and overall tone.

It's a wonderful song to listen to in the car or at a party – or anywhere, really.

Given its popularity among people of various ages,” September” is always a highly-chosen song for wedding receptions.

14. “Disco Inferno” by The Trammps

Song Year: 1976

Another hit from the 70s is “Disco Inferno” by The Trammps. This disco classic is all about living it up and enjoying life to the fullest.

The song's main chorus lyric, “burn, baby, burn,” is repeated multiple times and encourages listeners to get up and dance.

This is why it's the perfect song for firing up the dance floor!

15. “Love Train” by The O'Jays

Song Year: 1972

The O'Jays are a talented group who have produced several great hits, but “Love Train” is definitely their most famous one.

This song is all about, you guessed it, love! It speaks to the power of love and how it can bring people of all races and backgrounds together.

It was an important message in the 70s and is still an important message in today's climate – one that we can all stand to remember and practice in our daily lives.

16. “You Sexy Thing” by Hot Chocolate

Song Year: 1975

The song “You Sexy Thing” is a fun, funky tune about finding love so incredible that it feels like a miracle.

Hot Chocolate was a British soul band made up of mostly black members, which was more common in the US but pretty rare in the UK for that time period.

This song helped them break through racial barriers and gain international fame. It's truly a timeless classic that will make you want to get up and move.

17. “Brick House” by The Commodores

Song Year: 1977

A song that is still heavily played up until today, “Brick House” by The Commodores is a timeless classic.

“Brick House” is all about a woman who is so fine that she's built similar to a brick house – thick and sturdy.

It's got a great beat and is perfect for getting down on the dance floor with the utmost confidence and pride.

18. “Ring My Bell” by Anita Ward

Song Year: 1979

“Ring My Bell” is a disco classic that was popular among audiences of all backgrounds when it first came out.

It's a fun, flirty song about a woman who is hoping her love interest will give her a ring.

“Ring My Bell” is catchy and easy to get stuck in your head, especially the melodic chorus.

19. “Boogie Oogie Oogie” by A Taste of Honey

Song Year: 1978

“Boogie Oogie Oogie” is all about boogie-ing, or dancing, the night away – or until you're tired to continue.

It's a fun, catchy disco tune that is perfect for getting people up on their feet and moving.

The song was so popular when it first came out that it even won a Grammy.

20. “Love Hangover” by Diana Ross

Song Year: 1976

This hit by Diana Ross starts with a slower intro to get you gradually in the mood – both physically and mentally.

It's a sensual beginning, which speaks to the “love hangover” theme. The lyrics are about not wanting to get over this hangover or sickness because the love feels so good.

Despite the slow start, it turns into a fantastic, funky dance number.

21. “Funkytown” by Lipps Inc

Song Year: 1979

This song has various musical genre elements within it, including disco, pop, funk, and rock.

Many people see it as an 80s song because it has many resemblances to the music that came after it.

There are even violin instrumentals to add additional surprise and depth. Ultimately, it's a fun, funky tune that is perfect for dancing all night long.

22. “You're The First, The Last, My Everything” by Barry White

Song Year: 1974

This song, also known as “My First, My Last, My Everything,” is a funky, adorable love song that's a great tune to add to your wedding or anniversary playlist.

The intro is calm and collected, with Barry White's smooth voice talking about how he feels about his lover before the main song even starts.

This song, ultimately, provides a great way to start off a night of dancing with your partner.

23. “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” by Tavares

Song Year: 1976

Another love song that's fantastic to dance to is “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” by the male group Tavares.

It's a flirty tune about a man who is professing his love to someone he finds truly heavenly.

The bells, dings, and other sound effects in this song make it feel truly unique.

24. “Best Of My Love” by The Emotions

Song Year: 1977

I'll continue the love theme because not only is “Best Of My Love” one of the most popular 70s hits, but it's also one of the sweetest love songs.

People loved the classy style, positive attitudes, and classy styles of the all-female members of The Emotions.

This song and video depict exactly why they had the best of many people's loves – and still do!

25. “Car Wash” by Rose Royce

Song Year: 1976

The song “Car Wash” is a cute, endearing, and fun hit that makes everyone smile when it comes on.

It's about feeling grateful, even if you live a relatively humble, hardworking life with a job at the car wash.

Ultimately, it speaks to seeing the bright side of things and feeling fortunate for any opportunities you can get.

26. “Knock On Wood” by Amii Stewart

Song Year: 1978

“Knock On Wood” was an ultra-fun pop song that got people hyped up.

This song has been covered many times, and it was even featured in the movie “Easy A” with Emma Stone.

The lyrics are about maintaining good luck in a relationship that almost seems too good to be true.

27. “More, More, More” by Andrea True Connection

Song Year: 1976

Another great 70s dance song is “More, More, More,” which has a slower groove for getting a party started or perhaps for a daytime hangout.

The song is an excellent combination of sensual and hip, making it all the more fun to boogie down to.

The rock band Len famously sampled part of this song's instrumentals for their 1999 song “Steal My Sunshine.”

28. “Rock With You” by Michael Jackson

Song Year: 1979

Michael Jackson will be known – forever and always – as the king of pop, and “Rock With You” is one of his most timeless, well-loved hits.

The song has a classic feel-good sound that makes people want to get up and move.

It's about being content in a relationship and just enjoying each other's company.

29. “Don't Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson

Song Year: 1979

I can't bring up Michael Jackson in the 70s without mentioning “Don't Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”

This is an incredible song and video, given the song's funky and intricate beats, Michael's high-pitched vocal, and his incredibly impressive dance moves.

It's hard to get enough of this song!

30. “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder

Song Year: 1972

One of the few dance hits on this list from the early 70s instead of the mid-to-late-70s is “Superstition” by the great Stevie Wonder.

Some might say it helped set the stage for the rest of the decade with its funky and fresh sound.

“Superstition” warns about the dangers of quickly and easily believing in things when you don't really understand. It might seem comforting, but you also might not act with the best judgment.

31. “The Loco-Motion” by Grand Funk Railroad

Song Year: 1974

While many people today might think that songs for specific dance moves only became a trend in the 2000s.

But way before Silento was summoning people to “Whip” and the GS Boyz asked people to “do the Stanky Leg,” Grand Funk Railroad encouraged listeners to do the “Loco-motion,” an amusing line dance.

32. “Jungle Boogie” by Kool & The Gang

Song Year: 1973

It's challenging not to act on the lyrics and get down to this groovy, highly energetic hit by Kool & The Gang.

The saxophone sounds and constant whistles in this song both add to the celebratory tone.

It's perfect for any party, festive occasion, or night out.

33. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry

Song Year: 1976

“Play That Funky Music” is another great example of a song that seems to be made for dancing.

It's a testament to the influence of black culture on music, as “funk,” disco, and even specific “boogie” styles of dancing were first associated with African Americans.

That's why he emphasizes that he is a white boy because it was less common for white people to play this type of music.

34. “I Want You To Want Me” by Cheap Trick

Song Year: 1977

Although many of the best 70s dance songs were disco, funk, and soul, it was common to dance and jump around to pop-rock as well.

“I Want You To Want Me” is one of the best rock dance hits of the time because of its catchy melody and memorable lyrics.

The song was originally written as a cheeky, over-the-top joke, as a heavy-metal pop song was not really a thing at the time, but it became influential to the development of other songs like it in the future.

35. “Love Machine” by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles

Song Year: 1975

This song is an example of how sensual and steamy dancing in the 70s could be, even with the high-energy, funky sounds.

The group plays on the “love machine” metaphor and continues on to mention that as this machine, they won't “work” for anyone but their lovers.

Top 70s Dance Songs, Final Word

The best 70s dance songs are funky, groovy, high-energy, and so much fun to dance to!

Many of these dance songs of the 70s are disco hits with soul and funk elements, thus having heavy influences from black culture and a lasting social impact.

And while some of these 70s songs had lyrics about heartbreak, or trying times, most of them were simply about encouraging people to move, boogie, and have a splendid time.

The same was true of dance songs from the 1950s, 1960s, 1990s and 2000s 1950s, 1960s, 1990s, and 2000s.