35 Best 70s Dance Songs
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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.
Your selection leans heavily into funk, soul and rhythm and blues from radio play. Why not add what people were dancing to in the clubs at the time? Here’s a few:
“I Feel Love” by Donna Summer, arguably one of the best dance songs EVER. The first hit made with no musical instruments (thanks to genius Giorgio Moroder). It was groundbreaking and laid the foundation for all electronic/house/dance music in the following decades.
“Haven’t Stopped Dancing” by Gonzalez
“Born to be Alive” by Patrick Hernandez
“Macarthur Park” by Donna Summer
“No More Tears” by Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand
“Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” by Rod Stewart
“Miss You” by Rolling Stones