Every era has its fair share of great dance songs, but the 80s will always be remembered as one of the best decades for top-notch tunes that could get even the most reluctant wallflower onto the dance floor.
From synth-pop and new wave to post-disco and boogie, the 80s was a decade of pure dancefloor gold.
So, if you are a child of the 80s, or just love a good dance tune, check out our list of the 100+ best dance songs from the 1980s!
Top Best Dance Songs of the 80s
There are many great dance songs out there but these 10 mentioned below defined the dance scene of the 80s and are still popular today.
Note: This list is based on nothing but the highest sales, popularity, and spins on the radio.
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston
- “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
- “Faith” – George Michael
- “Celebration” – Kool & the Gang
- “Tell Her About It” – Billy Joel
- “Any Way You Want It” – Journey
- “Dancing In The Dark” – Bruce Springsteen
- “Walk This Way” – Run-DMC feat. Aerosmith
- Girls Just Want To Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
- Thriller – Michael Jackson
Top 80s Dance Songs
After the fall of disco in the late 1970s, dance music became more electronic and minimalist. Rock continued to have a strong influence, but it was more common to see rock and pop songs with synthesizers and drum machines. The use of samplers also increased, allowing producers to create new sounds by combining and manipulating different tracks. And while disco was no longer the dominant force it once was, its influence could still be felt in many of the decade’s biggest hits.
Here are some of the top dance songs of the 80s:
- Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley
- Word Up – Cameo
- What’s on Your Mind (Pure Energy) – Information Society
- Let’s Dance – David Bowie
- Let’s Hear It for the Boy – Deniece Williams
- Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!
- Tell It to My Heart – Taylor Dayne
- You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) – Dead or Alive
- Kiss – Prince and The Revolution
- The Safety Dance – Men Without Hats
Slow Dance Songs of the 80s
Slow dance songs have a special place in our hearts. They are the songs that we slow danced to at school dances, weddings, and other special occasions. These songs typically have a slower tempo and more romantic lyrics than other types of songs. It allows couples to slow down and connect with each other on a more intimate level. And yes, sometimes they can even make us a little nostalgic for the good old days.
Here are some of the top slow dance songs from the 80s:
- Love Bites – Def Leppard
- Careless Whisper – George Michael
- True – Spandau Ballet
- Faithfully – Journey
- I Want to Know What Love Is – Foreigner
- Right Here Waiting – Richard Marx
- I’ll Be There For You – Bon Jovi
- The Lady In Red – Chris de Burgh
- Purple Rain – Prince and the Revolution
- Save a Prayer – Duran Duran
80s R&B Dance Songs
R&B and dance music have a long and intertwined history. Many R&B artists have made some of the greatest dance songs of all time. And many of the best dance songs have been inspired by R&B. For example, Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” was heavily influenced by R&B and funk. It has a similar sound and feel to many of the R&B songs that were popular at the time. Another example is Madonna’s ” Into the Groove”. This song was inspired by the sound of the 80s new wave and post-disco. But it also has a distinctly R&B flavor.
That said, check out some of the top R&B dance songs from the 80s.
- Super Freak – Rick James
- Wanna Be Startin’ Something – Michael Jackson
- You Dropped A Bomb On Me – Gap Band
- When I Think Of You – Janet Jackson
- Back To Life – SOUL II SOUL
- Little Red Corvette – Prince
- I Feel For You – Chaka Khan
- Lady You Bring Me Up – COMMODORES
- Misled – Kool & The Gang
- Lean On Me – Club Nouveau
80s First Dance Wedding Songs
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. And your first dance as a married couple is a moment that you will always remember. So, it’s important to choose a song that is special to you and reflects your relationship.
Here are some of the top first dance songs from the 80s. These are the perfect songs to help you celebrate your love and start your life together.
- Every Breath You Take – The Police
- You Give Good Love – Whitney Houston
- Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
- Endless Love – Lionel Richie
- When I Fall in Love – Rick Astley
- Eternal Flame – The Bangles
- Overjoyed – Stevie Wonder
- Take My Breath Away – Berlin
- Angel – Anita Baker
- So Amazing – Luther Vandross
Father Daughter Dance Songs 80s
Traditionally, the father-daughter dance is a special moment during the wedding reception where the father and daughter share a dance. It is usually one of the most emotional moments of the day. And it is a great opportunity to express the love and bond between a father and daughter. For such a unique event, you want to select a song that expresses your feelings truly, but choosing the ideal selection out of all the father-daughter songs can be tricky.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration, check out our list of the top father-daughter dance songs from the 80s. These are some of the most relatable, heartwarming, and beautiful songs that perfectly capture the emotions of this special moment.
- You’re My Best Friend – Queen
- You Got It – Roy Orbison
- It’s For My Dad – Nancy Sinatra
- She’s Leaving Home – The Beatles
- Sunshine of My Life – Stevie Wonder
- Sweet Child o’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
- Thank You – Led Zeppelin
- Through the Years – Kenny Rogers
- Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
- Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
Hip Hop Dance Songs of the 80s
If you go back in time and look at the origins of hip hop, you will see that it has always been closely linked to dance. In the early days of hip hop, parties were often based around dancing. And many of the first hip-hop songs were created to get people moving. As the genre evolved, dance remained an important element. And hip-hop dance songs became more popular than ever.
So, if you’re looking for some of the best hip-hop dance songs from the 80s, check out this list. We’ve included some of the most iconic and influential tracks from the golden age of hip hop.
- Push It! (TMW Remix) – Salt-N-Pepa
- Top Billin – Audio Two
- 6 ‘n the Mornin’ – Ice-T
- I Got It Made – Special Ed
- Children’s Story – Slick Rick
- The Breaks – Kurtis Blow
- Walk This Way – Run-D.M.C.
- It’s Funky Enough – The D.O.C.
- Rapper’s Delight – The Sugarhill Gang
- Bust a Move – Young MC
- Friends – Whodini
80s Wedding Dance Songs
The music, not the dress, the venue, or the flowers or food, makes or breaks a reception. So, when picking a playlist, it is essential to choose songs that will get your guests out on the dance floor and keep them there. You must also think about guests of all ages and musical preferences. Worrying about all these factors can make choosing the right songs for your wedding seem daunting. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some of the best 80s wedding dance songs. These are the perfect songs to get your guests on the dance floor and celebrate your love.
- “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
- “Livin’ On A Prayer” – Bon Jovi
- “Footloose” – Kenny Loggins
- “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
- “You Shook Me All Night Long” – AC/DC
- “Africa” – Toto
- “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” – Daryl Hall & John Oates
- “(I’ve Had The) Time Of My Life” – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
- “It’s Tricky” – Run-DMC
TikTok Dance Songs of the 80s
In an age where social media dominates our lives, it is no surprise that music and dance have gone viral on TikTok. In case you’re not familiar, TikTok is a short-form, video-sharing app that allows users to create and share 15-second videos, on any topic. And one of the most popular genres on the app is dance.
TikTok users love to film themselves dancing to catchy songs. In fact, many individuals are learning dancing just to make TikTok videos and share them with friends.
So, why not give an 80s twist to your TikTok videos? Here are some of the best 80s dance songs that you can use for your next TikTok video.
- State of the Nation – Industry
- Touch by Touch – Joy
- Boys Do Fall in Love – Robin Gibb
- Electric Youth – Debbie Gibson
- Footloose – Kenny Loggins
- (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
- Body Language – Queen
- Give It Up – KC and The Sunshine Band
- Material Girl – Madonna
- Break My Stride – Matthew Wilder
80s Dance Party Songs
Whether you’re throwing an intimate gathering at home or a large party for all your friends, 80s dance songs are always a good idea. So, in this section, we present you with a list of the top 80s dance party songs. These are songs that will get everyone out on the dance floor and help create an unforgettable party experience.
- “Word Up!” – Cameo
- “A Little Respect” – Erasure
- “Beat Dis” – Bomb the Bass
- “Rock Steady” – Whispers
- “Keep On Movin'” – Soul II Soul
- “Naughty Girls (Need Love Too)” – Samantha Fox
- “Tainted Love” – Soft Cell
- “Fresh” – Kool & the Gang
- “Let the Music Play” – Shannon
- “Strut” – Sheena Easton
80s Jazz Dance Songs
Jazz dance is a form of dance that evolved from African American vernacular dances. It is typically performed to jazz music and often features improvisation. Jazz dance is known for its fluidity and grace, as well as its energetic and athletic movements.
While jazz dance can be traced back to the early 20th century, it reached its height of popularity in the 1980s. This was due in part to the popularity of jazz music and the rise of hip hop culture. And many of the best 80s jazz dance songs come from this era.
So, if you’re looking for some great 80s jazz dance songs, check out this list. We’ve included some of the most iconic and influential tracks from the golden age of jazz dance.
- Moody’s Mood – George Benson
- Once a Blue Planet – Jean-Luc Ponty
- Baixo rio – Ed Motta
- Let Me Show You (I Just Want to Make You Smile) – Marcus Miller
- Sophisticated Lady – Jaco Pastorius
- Smooth Operator – Sade
- Just the Two of Us – Bill Withers and Grover Washington, Jr.
- Could It Be You – Marcus Miller
- The Paris Match – The Style Council
80s Mother Son Dance Songs
The mother and son dance is a special moment that is often overlooked. But it is a cherished tradition in many cultures. It is a time for the mother and son to share a dance and express their love for each other. Though it is not as common as the father-daughter dance, the mother-son dance is a special moment that deserves its own playlist.
And when it comes to finding the perfect mother-son dance song, there are a few things to consider. The song should be special to both of you, and it should fit the tone of your wedding. However, the most important thing is that you both enjoy dancing to it.
With that in mind, here are some of the best 80s mother-son dance songs. These are songs that will make your mother-son dance extra special and memorable.
- One Love/People Get Ready – Bob Marley
- Up Where We Belong – Jim Cocker
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- I Will – The Beatles
- Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
- Wind Beneath by Wings – Bette Midler
- You’re My Best Friend – Queen
- I’ll Always Love My Mama – The Intruders
- How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – James Taylor
- September – Earth, Wind & Fire
Songs for an 80s-Themed Dance Party
Are you planning an 80s-themed party? If so, you’re in for a treat. The 80s was a decade of great music, fashion, and culture. And there are plenty of ways to incorporate that into your party.
One way to do that is by choosing the right music. The right songs can set the tone for your party and make it extra special. So, if you are in the mood for an 80s-themed party, here are some great songs to get you started.
- “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” – Deniece Williams
- “We Built This City” – Starship
- “8675309 (Jenny Jenny)” – Tommy Tutone
- “Addicted To Love” – Robert Palmer
- “Jungle Love” – Morris Day & The Time )
- “We Got The Beat” – The Go-Go’s
- “You Can Call Me Al” – Paul Simon
- “Danger Zone” – Kenny Loggins
- “Take Me Home Tonight” – Eddie Money
- “Eye Of The Tiger” – Survivor
Disco 80s Dance Songs
In this section, we’ll be taking a look at the best disco 80s dance songs. Disco was a genre of dance music that emerged in the early 1970s. It was defined by its Disco beat and soulful sound. And it quickly became one of the most popular genres of the decade.
However, disco’s popularity began to decline in the late 1970s. But it made a comeback in the early 1980s with the help of artists like Madonna and Michael Jackson. Though it was not as popular as it once was, disco still had a place in the 80s. And many of the best disco tracks come from this era.
Here are some of the best disco 80s dance songs to get you started.
- Touch in the Night – Silent Circle
- You’re a Woman – Bad Boys Blue
- Stop the Rain in the Night – Silent Circle
- Pretty Young Girl – Bad Boys Blue
- You can Win If You Want – Modern Talking
- Just Can’t Get Enough – Depeche Mode
- No Parking (On the Dance Floor) – Midnight Star
- Can’t Fake the Feeling – Geraldine Hunt
- Let It Whip – Dazz Band
- Everybody Have Fun Tonight – Wang Chung
80s Pop Dance Songs
Dance-pop, a term that first appeared in the late 1970s and refers to music with a dance focus, has become one of the most popular genres of pop music. Known for its distinctive production methods, the genre combines elements of pop, dance, and electronic music.
And the 80s was a decade that saw the rise of many dance-pop artists.
Below is a list of some of the best 80s pop dance songs that showcase the genre’s evolution. These are tracks that exemplify the sound and style of dance-pop and helped define the genre.
- It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls
- I Can’t Wait – Nu Shooz
- Fame – Irene Cara
- Just Can’t Get Enough – Depeche Mode
- Rumors – Timex Social Club
- P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) – Michael Jackson
- Tell It to My Heart – Taylor Dayne
- Flashdance…What A Feeling – Irene Cara
- Last Night a DJ Saved My Life – Indeep
- You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) – Dead or Alive
Fun 80s Dance Songs
A life without fun and joy is no life at all. So, if you’re looking for some fun 80s dance songs to add to your playlist, look no further. Here is a list of some of the most fun and upbeat 80s dance songs around.
These are tracks that will get you on your feet and make you want to dance.
- Beat Dis – Bomb the Bass
- Gloria – Laura Branigan
- All Night Long (All Night) – Lionel Richie
- Jump (For My Love) – The Pointer Sisters
- Pump Up the Jam – Technotronic
- So Many Men, So Little Time – Miquel Brown
- Situation – Yazoo
- Upside Down – Diana Ross
- I Want Candy – Bow Wow Wow
- Let’s Go Crazy – Prince and The Revolution
80s Dance Club Songs
Clubbing in the 80s was a whole different experience. The music was louder, the lights were brighter, and the clothes were more outrageous. It was a time when going to the club was an event. And the music was a big part of that.
Club music in the 80s was defined by its thumping bass and catchy hooks. And many of the best club tracks come from this era.
So, if you’re in the mood to relive the glory days of 80s clubbing, here are some great songs to get you started.
- Teardrops – Womack & Womack
- Take Your Time (Do It Right) – The S.O.S. Band
- Come Go With Me – Exposé
- Whip It – Devo
- Everybody Have Fun Tonight – Wang Chung
- Rock the Casbah – The Clash
- Thriller – Michael Jackson
- Ain’t Nothin’ Goin’ on but the Rent – Gwen Guthrie
- Let’s Groove – Earth, Wind & Fire
- You Dropped A Bomb On Me – The Gap Band
80s Line Dance Songs
what is a line dance? A line dance is a choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps that is performed by a group of people in lines or rows. Line dancing became popular in the 1970s with the release of country-western line dance songs like “The Hustle” and “Achy Breaky Heart.”
Line dancing remained popular in the 1980s with the help of songs like “Electric Slide” and “Cotton Eyed Joe.” Though it has declined in popularity in recent years, line dancing is still a fun way to get people up and moving.
Here are some of the best 80s line dance songs.
- Mony Mony – Billy Idol
- Copperhead Road – Steve Earle
- Thriller – Michael Jackson
- Footloose – Kenny Loggins
- Apache – The Sugarhill Gang
- Celebration – Kool & The Gang
- Fishin’ in the Dark – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
- Hot, Hot, Hot – David Johansen
- Strokin’ – Clarence Carter
- Born To Boogie – Hank Williams Jr.
So, there you have it. A complete list of the best 80s dance songs. These are tracks that will get you on your feet and make you want to dance. There are many others but these are some of our favorites. So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to party like it’s 1980.
