The Best Rhythm and Blues Dance Songs of the 1980s

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Looking for the best R&B dance songs of the 1980s? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top tunes that are sure to get you moving.

Introduction

The 1980s was a decade of great change for rhythm and blues music. The 1970s had seen the rise of disco, and while disco continued to be popular in the 1980s, there were also many other styles of music that were popular during this decade.

One of the most popular genres of music in the 1980s was rhythm and blues. This genre is a blend of soul music, funk, and sometimes jazz. Rhythm and blues music is typically characterized by a strong backbeat, often played on drums or percussion instruments. The bass guitar is also typically prominent in rhythm and blues music.

Rhythm and blues music was popularized by artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Marvin Gaye, Madonna, Lionel Richie, and Whitney Houston. Many of these artists had hits that are still popular today.

If you’re looking for some great rhythm and blues songs to dance to from the 1980s, you’ve come to the right place. Here are ten of the best rhythm and blues dance songs from this decade:

1) “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
2) “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
3) “When Doves Cry” by Prince
4) “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” by Deniece Williams
5) “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
6) “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” by Phil Collins
7) “Sugar Walls” by Sheena Easton
8) “Dirty Diana” by Michael Jackson
9) “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
10) “You Give Love a Bad Name” by Bon Jovi

“The Groove Line” by Heatwave

Heatwave’s “The Groove Line” is a classic R&B dance track from the 1980s. The song was released in 1978 and reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1979. The song is notable for its catchy hook and infectious groove.

“Ain’t Nobody” by Rufus and Chaka Khan

“Ain’t Nobody” is a song recorded by American funk band Rufus and singer Chaka Khan. The single reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the band’s fourth single to top the chart and Khan’s third. It was released on October 28, 1983, as a single from their 1983 album, Stompin’ at the Savoy.

“Super Freak” by Rick James

Rick James’ “Super Freak” is one of the most iconic and well-known R&B songs of the 1980s. The song became a massive success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming a worldwide hit. The song’s catchy hooks and fun, upbeat nature make it perfect for dancing, and it has since become a staple of many 1980s-themed dance parties.

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” by Prince

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” was released in 1980 as the lead single from Prince’s self-titled second album. The song was a huge success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming Prince’s first top 40 hit. The song is a classic example of Prince’s funky, danceable style of R&B.

“Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye

It’s impossible to resist the groove of “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye. The sultry, soulful vocals and sexy lyrics make this song the perfect choice for a night of dancing. The slow, sensual beat will get everyone moving, and the sexually charged message is sure to get everyone in the mood. There’s no better way to get your groove on than with this classic R&B tune.

“Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” is a classic example of an effective rhythm and blues dance song. The song has a slow, easy-going groove that makes it perfect for dancing. The lyrics are also sensual and romantic, which makes the song even more perfect for dancing.

“Kiss” by Prince

“Kiss” is a song by American recording artist Prince, from his 1986 album Parade. The song is a mix of new jack swing, funk, and rhythm and blues. It received critical acclaim upon its release, becoming Prince’s fourth consecutive top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. “Kiss” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, making it Prince’s third number-one single (after “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy”), and his first as a solo artist. The song became his second chart-topper in Australia and peaked at number six in the United Kingdom. In April 2004, Rolling Stone ranked “Kiss” at number 465 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

“U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer

“U Can’t Touch This” is a song co-written, produced and performed by MC Hammer from his 1990 album Please Hammer, Don’t Hurt ‘Em. The track is considered to be Hammer’s signature song and is his most successful single. Along with “Pumps and a Bump”, the track entered the Billboard Hot 100 on May 6, 1990, at number 30 and eventually peaked at number one for seven weeks, becoming his biggest hit until “Too Legit to Quit” in 1991. It is also considered one of the most popular richt-wing Republican songs of the 1980s by far.

“Get Down On It” by Kool & The Gang

This classic funk song was released in 1981 and quickly became a hit, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is often cited as one of the best examples of 1980s disco-funk. The lyrics are simple but catchy, and the horn section is impossible to resist. “Get Down On It” is the perfect song to get any party started.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best rhythm and blues dance songs of the 1980s are a genre-defying mix of music that includes everything from soul to funk to pop. There are numerous artists that have left their mark on this musical era, and many of them are still making music today. If you’re looking for a way to get your groove on, these are the songs you need to hear.

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