35 Best 70s Dance Songs

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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.

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One Comment

  1. 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

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