41 Best Disco Songs Ever

In the 70s, European and Black American influences combined with technological advances in music. The resulting sound was called disco, and it took dancefloors by storm. The genre was notable for its diversity, style, and dances.

We've compiled a list of the best disco songs ever to help you get down to that funky memory lane.

“Lady (You Bring Me Up)” by The Commodores

Song year: 1981

After being discovered as the opening band for the Jackson 5, The Commodores would become one of the biggest bands of Motown Records in the 70s.

“Lady” is a quintessential disco song with handclaps, catchy melodies, and a strong rhythm section. Lead singer Lionel Richie's smooth vocals are the cherry on top.

“Get Off” by Foxy

Song year: 1978

Miami, Florida's Foxy brought a Latin flavor to their disco hit single “Get Off.” The song topped the Billboard Soul Charts and cracked the Billboard Top Ten, making it a massive crossover hit.

Foxy would never capture the success of “Get Off” again, though they would record the backing track to ABBA's “Voulez-Vous.”

“Disco Inferno” by The Trammps

Song year: 1976

When the Trammps' “Disco Inferno” was initially released in 1977, the disco song lit up the dance charts but didn't make any noise in the mainstream.

After the song's inclusion on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, the movie that brought disco to the big screen, the Trammps hit the Billboard Hot 100.

“Car Wash” by Rose Royce

Song year: 1976

Rose Royce's “Car Wash” was written as the title theme for a film of the same name. It was an attempt to embody the fun-loving spirit of the movie and the current disco sound, and it worked.

“Car Wash” topped the charts on its way to becoming an iconic song of the disco era.

“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire

Song year: 1978

As one of the most enduring bands of the 70s, Earth, Wind & Fire performed some of the best disco songs ever.

Of all their hits, none loom as large as “September.” Its catchy blast of joy is infectious. If you've ever been to a wedding, there's no doubt you've cut a rug to “September.”

“You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” by Sylvester

Song year: 1978

Sylvester's “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” isn't just one of the best disco songs ever. Its use of synthesizers was pioneering and influenced future dance music.

The Library of Congress has deemed it culturally significant by adding it to the National Recording Registry. The song is considered a classic LGBTQ+ dance anthem.

“Love Train” by The O’Jays

Song year: 1972

The O'Jays' mellow soul sound helped put Philadelphia on the map of vital R&B cities. “Love Train” was crucial in this perception, becoming a number one hit and embodying the 70s peace and love ethos.

Considered one of the earliest disco songs, “Love Train” was a precursor of the sound that would define the 70s.

“Souvenirs” by Voyage

Song year: 1978

Though Voyage never became a household name, many of the French group's songs would find great success in dance clubs and on the dance charts.

After a decade of honing their musicianship playing on other French artists' records, Voyage would tap into the success of the disco sound on their hit “Souvenir.”

“It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls

Song year: 1982

Co-written by Paul Shaffer, David Letterman's late-night bandleader, “It's Raining Men” has become one of the most beloved songs of early 80s disco.

Initially written for Donna Summer, The Weather Girls would find chart success globally upon its 1982 release. “It's Raining Men” would be nominated for a Grammy and is considered a classic LGBTQ+ dance track.

“More, More, More” by Andrea True Connection

Song year: 1976

Andrea True started her career as an adult film actress but soon broke into the mainstream with her disco hit “More, More, More.”

Thanks to True's sultry vocal performance, the song was immediately recognizable and became an international hit. In the 90s, Len would sample “More, More, More” on their hit single “Steal My Sunshine.”

“Le Freak” by Chic

Song year: 1978

No dance club was more notorious during the disco decade than New York City's Studio 54. So it only makes sense that a song about Studio 54 became a hit.

Chic's “Le Freak” topped the charts in America and abroad, becoming synonymous with the disco genre. The homage to Studio 54 is included in the National Recording Registry.

“Rock Your Baby” by George McCrae

Song year: 1974

Written and produced by members of K.C. and the Sunshine Band, George McCrae's “Rock Your Baby” was an early disco smash. Topping charts across the globe, the song catapulted McCrae to fame.

The falsetto vocals, shimmering keyboards, and unrelenting drum machine of “Rock Your Baby” would become hallmarks of disco and influence all stripes of musicians.

“You’re the One for Me” by D-Train

Song year: 1981

D-Train's early 80s disco hit “You're the One for Me” featured many electronic elements that would eventually become synonymous with the burgeoning hip-hop genre.

Thanks to the interplay between jazz keyboardist Hubert Eaves III and soulful vocalist James Williams, “You're the One for Me” would become a commercial and critical success.

“Heart of Glass” by Blondie

Song year: 1978

Though Blondie started as part of New York City's punk rock scene, they refused to stay stagnant as songwriters. As the band grew into their sound, they often experimented with new genres.

Their take on disco, “Heart of Glass,” would become their signature song. As a rock band playing disco, the track helped create dance rock.

“Sugar Pie Guy” by The Joneses

Song year: 1974

It's not often that you hear of a group striking it big from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but The Joneses' talent took them from dance floors to pop charts and fame.

Though they would break up a year later, their 1974 crossover hit “Sugar Pie Guy” was a necessary bridge between the soft-soul of vocal groups and heavy-hitting disco rhythms.

“We Are Family” by Sister Sledge

Song year: 1979

Sister Sledge's “We Are Family” hits every beat required of the best disco songs. Along the way, it has become intertwined with American culture through covers and films.

The song was composed by members of disco titans Chic, whose writing allowed the tight vocal harmonies of the four sisters to shine.

“I Love the Nightlife (Disco ‘Round)” by Alicia Bridges

Song year: 1978

By its very nature, disco is all about nightlife. The ritual of primping and preening to impress your peers on the dancefloor is part of what made the genre successful.

Alicia Bridges understood this and tapped into the zeitgeist with “I Love the Nightlife (Disco ‘Round).” Her soulful vocals put melody behind the sentiments of disco dancers everywhere.

“Come To Me” by France Joli

Song year: 1979

Canadian teenager France Joli hit the top of the dance charts in 1979 with her single “Come to Me.”

The song's instrumentation was a breath of fresh air as synthesized sounds began to take over disco. Joli would enjoy a recording career that lasted through the 80s thanks to the success of “Come to Me.”

“The Number One Song in Heaven” by Sparks

Song year: 1979

Sparks’ career is hard to define. The duo flirted with glam and art rock before asking disco producer Giorgio Moroder to produce their 1979 track “The Number One Song in Heaven.”

Though they would only scratch the bottom of the dance charts, Sparks' foray into disco and dance music would inform a decade of artistic approaches to electronic music.

“Y.M.C.A.” by Village People

Song year: 1978

The Village People's iconic disco hit “Y.M.C.A.” has become so ingrained in our culture that it has entirely transcended its disco genre — which is quite a feat considering how blatantly disco the song is.

Whether you're at a sporting event, a wedding, or a political rally, the odds are high that you'll dance along to “Y.M.C.A.”

“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

Song year: 1978

Gloria Gaynor's chart-topping “I Will Survive” was not only a great song for the dancefloor. Her tale of empowerment in the face of struggle became an anthem for overcoming adversity and a feminist anthem.

“I Will Survive” has been covered countless times on its way to becoming part of the National Recording Registry.

“Turn the Beat Around” by Vicki Sue Robinson

Song year: 1976

Vickie Sue Robinson wore a lot of hats early in her career. From roles in films to Broadway to singing on rock records, there was little she couldn't do.

Robinson stepped out from the shadows once she released “Turn the Beat Around.” The frantically paced dance song's infectious chorus perfectly highlights Robinson's smooth vocals.

“The Hustle” by Van McCoy

Song year: 1975

Van McCoy's disco hit “The Hustle” was inspired by the one-size-fits-all term for disco dancing of the same name. The song led to the popularization of the Hustle dance.

“The Hustle” was many Americans' first exposure to disco music and dancing. It would win a Grammy Award for the best instrumental song of 1975.

“Get Down Tonight” by K.C. & the Sunshine Band

Song year: 1975

K.C. and the Sunshine band didn't have to tell us twice. Their chart-topping hit “Get Down Tonight” was begging for us to dance along as the funky song grooved its way through discos.

“Get Down Tonight,” with its repetitive structure and funky rhythms, was the first of a string of number one hits for the band.

“Bad Girls” by Donna Summer

Song year: 1979

When it comes to disco, Donna Summer is the undisputed queen. By teaming up with the genius disco producer Giorgio Moroder, Summer had a slew of influential disco hits in the 70s.

“Bad Girls” was among Summer's most successful singles and capped off a decade of chart dominance for the soulful singer.

“Love Hangover” by Dianna Ross

Song year: 1976

As Ross broke away from The Supremes, disco was coming into its own. Her hit “Love Hangover” took the sweetness audiences knew from her past work and placed it over a funky hook.

The song was a hit, garnering Ross a Grammy nomination while revitalizing her career. The former Motown singer was now a full-fledged disco diva.

“Disco Duck” by Rick Dees

Song year: 1976

While purists may disagree, the sheer popularity of the novelty disco tune “Disco Duck” is hard to argue. Performed by Memphis radio DJ Rick Dees, the goofy take on disco hit number one in the US and earned a People Choice Award.

An oddity in the annals of dance music, “Disco Duck” is very much a product of its time.

“Heaven Must Have Sent You” by Bonnie Pointer

Song year: 1979

Written by the famous Motown writing team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, “Heaven Must Have Sent You” was first performed by The Elgins in 1966. In the 70s, Bonnie Pointer recorded the track with a disco flavor and skyrocketed up the charts.

Several classic songs would get the disco treatment in the 70s, though none translated as well as this Motown classic.

“Celebration” by Kool & the Gang

Song year: 1980

If you've ever been at a party with a dancefloor, you've cut a rug to Kool & The Gang's “Celebration.” It's easy to see why — the song is tailor-made for graduations, weddings, and bat mitzvahs.

“Celebration” would top several US charts and become the most successful single of Kool & The Gang's career.

“Feels Like I’m In Love” by Kelly Marie

Song year: 1981

“Feels Like I'm In Love” was initially written for Elvis Presley. Upon the King's untimely death, Mungo Jerry recorded the song and relegated it to a b-side.

“Feels Like I'm In Love” finally hit the charts after Scottish singer Kelly Marie injected disco into the track. A sleeper hit in Europe, it eventually hit the US and the charts.

“Take Your Time (Do It Right)” by S.O.S. Band

Song year: 1980

S.O.S. hit the disco formula — handclaps, horns, and a heavy groove — out of the park with their single “Take Your Time (Do It Right).”

The song's unique electronic elements add depth to its funk elements. Electronic dance music of the 80s would come from the ethos of these late-era disco classics.

“Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” by Tavares

Song year: 1976

The Tavares looked like a quintessential disco band. The vocal quintet had cool shades, sequined suits, and choreographed moves to highlight their silky smooth harmonies.

“Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel” is The Tavares' most successful hit. The string-laden song's proclamation of earthly love for a heavenly creature topped the dance charts in disco's mid 70's heyday.

“Don’t Leave Me This Way” by Thelma Houston

Song year: 1976

After a decade of toiling away with largely unheard soul records, Thelma Houston would finally secure her big hit with “Don't Leave Me This Way.”

The song was initially a hit for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, but Houston's version would win her a Grammy and ensure her career would stretch well into the 21st century.

“Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees

Song year: 1977

Thanks to the songs they lent to the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, the Bee Gees will forever be synonymous with disco music. Their track “Stayin' Alive” was a massive commercial success and helped keep Saturday Night Fever and the disco fad in the spotlight.

“Stayin' Alive” is a beloved dancefloor classic that many critics rank among the greatest songs of all time.

“Knock on Wood” by Amii Stewart

Song year: 1978

Though Eddie Floyd's “Knock on Wood” is a classic of the soul genre, even that 1966 classic can't hold a candle to the massive success of its disco successor.

Amii Stewart's version knocked the song out of the park, climbing to the number one spot on the Billboard charts and becoming the song's most recognizable version.

“Shame” by Evelyn “Champagne” King

Song year: 1977

Evelyn “Champagne” King cracked the soul, disco, and mainstream top ten charts at just 20 years old with her hit “Shame.” The song is textbook disco, with repetitive lyrics, a propulsive beat, and funky horns simmering together for six minutes.

King's career would never reach such dizzying heights again, but “Shame” continues to find audiences through modern covers and dance clubs.

“From Here to Eternity” by Giorgio Moroder

Song year: 1977

No list of the best disco songs ever would be complete without a track from the master himself. Giorgio Moroder has already been on this list several times as a producer, but Moroder was also an accomplished recording artist.

Though not a success in the US, Moroder's “From Here to Eternity” was popular across Europe. In 2000, a rereleased version hit the US dance charts.

“Born to Be Alive” by Patrick Hernandez

Song year: 1979

French singer Patrick Hernandez found global success at the tail end of the decade with “Born to Be Alive.” Handclaps and affirmations abound on this classic slice of disco, with the positivity of the lyrics falling in lockstep with the post-hippy '70s.

Hernandez would find some success with the follow-up “Disco Queen,” but “Born to Be Alive” remains his signature song to this day.

“Funky Town” by Lipps, Inc.

Song year: 1979

Everyone got funky the summer of 1980 when Lipps, Inc.'s single “Funkytown” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a month straight.

The inspiration for “Funkytown” was a desire to live in a big city. Writing the song from the mellower confines of Minneapolis, the song captures the universal feeling so many have for the big city.

“I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters

Song year: 1982

The excitement is palpable on the Pointer Sisters‘ “I'm So Excited.” As the 70s came to a close, the influence of disco had firmly changed the landscape of popular music. Nowhere was this more evident than the Pointer Sisters' enduring hit.

Adding more synthesized elements would come to define post-disco R&B, but especially on tracks like “I'm So Excited,” the debt to the 70s is evident.

“Super Freak” by Rick James

Song year: 1981

An anthem for letting your freak flag fly, Rick James hit paydirt with his ode to nastiness, “Super Freak.”

James would battle demons throughout his career. While he never recaptured the success of “Super Freak,” MC Hammer would sample the song and introduce it to a new audience on “Can't Touch This.”

Top Disco Songs Of All Time, Final Thoughts

Disco was dressing to impress on a Saturday night while getting down on a light-up dancefloor. The drinks and dresses flowed, and everyone was looking for a good time. In short, it was all about fun.

Whether you're dusting off that old leisure suit or hearing the name Donna Summer for the first time, we hope you enjoyed our list of the best disco songs ever. Now boogie down!