Dance Hits: Best International Songs Of The 80s
Hey guys! Ready to take a trip back to the awesome 80s? I'm talking big hair, neon colors, and some of the most danceable international hits ever created! This era was a melting pot of musical innovation, where artists from around the globe brought their unique sounds to the dance floor. So, let's dive into some of the best international dance songs that had us all grooving back in the day!
The Global Dance Explosion of the 1980s
The 1980s were a revolutionary time for music, witnessing an unprecedented fusion of cultures and sounds that transcended geographical boundaries. New Wave, synth-pop, and Eurobeat emerged as dominant genres, providing the perfect backdrop for dance floors worldwide. This explosion of creativity wasn't just limited to the English-speaking world; artists from Europe, Latin America, and Asia infused their unique cultural influences into the mix, creating a vibrant tapestry of international dance hits. The decade saw the rise of iconic figures who not only topped the charts but also shaped the fashion and cultural trends of the time. Music videos became an integral part of the music industry, allowing artists to showcase their artistry visually and further connect with audiences globally. This visual element helped to popularize dance moves and styles, making dance an even more integral part of the music experience. From the electronic beats of Germany to the Latin rhythms of South America, the 1980s offered a diverse range of sounds that catered to every taste. The decade's emphasis on innovation and experimentation paved the way for future generations of musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the history of dance music.
Iconic International Dance Tracks
When we talk about iconic international dance tracks, several songs immediately spring to mind, each representing a unique flavor from different corners of the world. "Voyage, voyage" by Desireless is a quintessential French synth-pop anthem that captures the spirit of adventure and wanderlust. Its dreamy melodies and ethereal vocals made it a massive hit across Europe and beyond, becoming a staple in dance clubs and radio stations alike. Similarly, "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell, while originally a Northern soul song, was transformed into a synth-driven new wave sensation. The duo's rendition infused the track with a darker, more melancholic tone, resonating with audiences on a deeper emotional level. From Italy, Baltimora's "Tarzan Boy" brought a playful and energetic vibe to the dance floor. Its catchy synth riffs and Tarzan-inspired yells made it an instant earworm, dominating charts in both Europe and America. These tracks, among many others, showcase the diverse and innovative landscape of international dance music in the 1980s, each leaving a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated today.
"Voyage, voyage" - Desireless
"Voyage, voyage," released in 1986, is more than just a song; it's an experience. Desireless, with her distinctive androgynous look and powerful vocals, created an anthem that resonated with a generation eager to explore the world. The song's dreamy synth melodies and uplifting lyrics evoke a sense of adventure and freedom, making it a perfect soundtrack for escapism. Its success wasn't limited to France; it quickly climbed the charts across Europe, becoming a symbol of the decade's synth-pop movement. The song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport listeners to another place and time, evoking feelings of nostalgia and wanderlust. The music video, with its surreal imagery and Desireless' captivating presence, further enhanced the song's mystique. Even today, "Voyage, voyage" remains a beloved classic, frequently featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal. Its universal themes and timeless melodies have solidified its place as one of the most iconic international dance tracks of the 1980s, inspiring countless artists and captivating audiences worldwide. The song's influence can be heard in contemporary electronic music, demonstrating its lasting impact on the genre.
"Tainted Love" - Soft Cell
Soft Cell's version of "Tainted Love" is a testament to the power of reinvention. Originally a Northern soul song by Gloria Jones, Soft Cell transformed it into a synth-pop masterpiece that defined the sound of the early 1980s. Released in 1981, the song's infectious beat and Marc Almond's distinctive vocals propelled it to the top of the charts worldwide. Its darker, more melancholic tone resonated with audiences, capturing the anxieties and uncertainties of the era. The accompanying music video, with its surreal imagery and theatrical performances, further cemented the song's iconic status. "Tainted Love" became a staple in dance clubs and on MTV, solidifying Soft Cell's place in music history. The song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, creating a unique and unforgettable listening experience. Its influence can be heard in contemporary electronic music, demonstrating its lasting impact on the genre. Numerous artists have covered "Tainted Love" over the years, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the song, further highlighting its timeless quality. The song's success also helped to popularize synth-pop, paving the way for other artists to experiment with electronic sounds. Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" remains a beloved classic, frequently featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal.
"Tarzan Boy" - Baltimora
"Tarzan Boy" by Baltimora is pure, unadulterated fun! Released in 1985, this Italian Italo-disco track is instantly recognizable thanks to its catchy synth riffs and memorable Tarzan yells. The song's playful and energetic vibe made it a hit on dance floors around the world, climbing the charts in Europe and America. Baltimora, fronted by the enigmatic Jimmy McShane, brought a unique sense of theatricality to the music scene, capturing the attention of audiences with their vibrant performances. The music video, with its jungle-themed imagery and energetic dance routines, further enhanced the song's appeal. "Tarzan Boy" became a staple in dance clubs and on MTV, solidifying Baltimora's place in music history. The song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport listeners to a world of fun and adventure, evoking feelings of joy and excitement. Its influence can be heard in contemporary pop music, demonstrating its lasting impact on the genre. The song's success also helped to popularize Italo-disco, paving the way for other Italian artists to gain international recognition. Baltimora's "Tarzan Boy" remains a beloved classic, frequently featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal. Its universal themes and infectious melodies have solidified its place as one of the most iconic international dance tracks of the 1980s, inspiring countless artists and captivating audiences worldwide.
Other Notable Mentions
Beyond the iconic tracks already mentioned, the 1980s boasted a treasure trove of other international dance hits that deserve recognition. "Rock Me Amadeus" by Falco, with its blend of classical music and new wave, became a global phenomenon, showcasing the Austrian artist's unique style and wit. From Spain, Mecano's "Hijo de la Luna" captivated audiences with its haunting melodies and poetic lyrics, becoming a staple in Latin American music. These tracks, among many others, highlight the diversity and creativity of the international dance scene in the 1980s, each contributing to the rich tapestry of musical innovation that defined the decade. Artists from around the world pushed the boundaries of genre and style, creating a vibrant and exciting landscape for music lovers to explore. The decade's emphasis on experimentation and collaboration paved the way for future generations of musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the history of dance music. The enduring appeal of these tracks lies in their ability to transport listeners to another place and time, evoking feelings of nostalgia and wonder. Their influence can be heard in contemporary music, demonstrating their lasting impact on the genre.
The Legacy of 80s International Dance Music
The legacy of 80s international dance music continues to resonate today, influencing contemporary artists and inspiring new generations of music lovers. The decade's emphasis on innovation and experimentation paved the way for the electronic music scene we know and love today. The fusion of cultures and sounds that characterized the 80s created a truly global music landscape, where artists from around the world could connect with audiences on a universal level. The iconic tracks of the era remain staples in dance clubs and on radio stations, ensuring their continued relevance and appeal. The fashion and visual aesthetics of the 80s, often associated with these dance hits, continue to inspire designers and artists. The decade's influence can be seen in contemporary music videos, fashion trends, and pop culture references. The legacy of 80s international dance music is a testament to the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together, creating a vibrant and lasting cultural impact. So, next time you're looking for some feel-good tunes, don't forget to explore the incredible world of 80s international dance music – you won't be disappointed!
