The 80s marked the beginning of electronic dance music (EDM) and the gradual decline in the popularity of disco. It’s a pretty historic decade for the pop music scene, with tons of the best 80’s dance songs worth listening and dancing to!
Not to mention, the 80s was when many legendary artists were in their prime: Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, and Madonna were just a few examples.
Anyway, let’s get to it! Here’s the full list of the top 80s dance songs.
Table of Contents
40 Best Upbeat 80’s Dance Songs To Dance To
1. Sweet dreams (Are made of this) – Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart – Release: 1983
2. I wanna dance with somebody (Who loves me) – Whitney Houston – Release: 1987
3. Tainted Love – Soft Cell – Release: 1981
4. Let’s Groove – Earth, Wind & Fire – Release: 1981
5. Maniac – Michael Sembello – Release: 1983
6. Faith – Remastered – Release: 1987
7. Never Too Much – Luther Vandross – Release: 1981
8. Love Shack – The B-52’s – Release: 1989
9. I’m so excited – The Pointer Sisters – Release: 1982
10. Celebration – Kool & The Gang – Release: 1980
11. Let it to my heart – Taylor Dayne – Release: 1988
12. Just can’t get enough – Depeche Mode – Release: 1981
13. Pump up the Jam – Technotronic – Release: 1989
14. Let’s Dance – David Bowie – Release: 1983
15. Teardrops – Womack & Womack – Release: 1988
Check more: 50 Best 70’s Dance Songs
16. Upside Down – Diana Ross – Release: 1980
17. Push it – Salt-N-Pepa – Release: 1986
18. Blue Monday ’88 – New Order – Release: 1983
19. Let’s hear it for the boy – Deniece Williams – Release: 1984
20. Rhythm of the Night – DeBarge – Release: 1985
21. Don’t go – Yazoo – Release: 1982
22. Get down on it – Kool & The Gang – Release: 1981
23. Ain’t Nobody – Rufus & Chaka Khan – Release: 1983
24. Back to Life (However Do You Want Me) – Soul II Soul – Release: 1989
25. Through the Fire – Chaka Khan – Release: 1984
26. Ride on time – Black Box – Release: 1980
27. Forget me nots – Patrice Rushen – Release: 1982
28. The Only Way Is Up – Yazz – Release: 1988
29. The loco-motion – Kylie Minogue – Release: 1987
30. Last night a DJ saved my life – Indeep – Release: 1982
31. Holiday – Madonna – Release: 1983
32. Somebody else’s guy – Jocelyn Brown – Release: 1984
33. It takes two – Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock – Release: 1988
34. Good Life – Inner City – Release: 1988
35. I feel for you – Chaka Khan – Release: 1984
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36. Keep on movin’ – Soul II Soul – Release: 1989
37. Buffalo stance – Neneh Cherry – Release: 1988
38. Moments in love – ART OF NOISE – Best 80’s dance song for weddings – Release: 1986
39. Respectable – Mel & Kim – Release: 1987
40. Promised Land – Joe Smooth – Release: 1987
Final Words
The 80s were the heyday of modern rock with the emergence and near-instant popularization of EDM, new wave, and glam metal.
If you’re searching for songs to dance to, as you can see above, the period has many poppable options for you to pick from.
Hopefully, this list of the best 80’s dance songs has given you some decent recommendations to put in your playlist!
Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comment section!