Lipps Inc., Diana Ross, Pebbles, Alexander O’Neal, Mai Tai, Bananarama, DeBarge, Crown Heights Affair, Living in a Box, Carol Hitchcock, Fuzzbox, Nick Lowe

They are the performers of twelve vintage dance tunes that ranked in various charts, this week (23/52) BUT … in the EIghties 80s.

Here, they are reunited in one glorious playlist. Enjoy!

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For TWELVE more ‘Music For The Dancers’ – Vintage 80s Music Videos – week 23/52 – click here

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Tracklist


1 . Lipps Inc. – Funky Town

Released in 1980, this iconic disco and synth-pop track was created by Steven Greenberg. The song expresses a desire to leave the monotony of Minneapolis for a vibrant and lively place. The synthesizer riff, played on a Roland Jupiter-4, became legendary. Cynthia Johnson, a police secretary, provides the powerful vocals for the track.

Writer(s) : Steven Phill Ip Greenberg Publisher(s) : Red Sea Songs, Rick S Music Inc
Genres : disco, minneapolis sound, synthpop

Featured on the 1979 album “Mouth to Mouth”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Wikipedia


2 . Diana Ross – Work That Body

Co-written by the artist, “Work That Body” encourages physical exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle. This track was produced by Diana Ross herself.

Writer(s) : Paul F Jabara, Raymond L Chew, Diana Ross Publisher(s) : Notting Hill Music Ltd (Uk), Emi Sosaha Music Inc, Rossville Music
Genres : adult standards, disco, motown, quiet storm, soft rock, soul

Featured on the 1981 album “Why Do Fools Fall in Love“.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Twitter


3 . Pebbles – Mercedes Boy

Released in 1988, this track reached the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Charlie Wilson and L.A. Reid, the song talks about an exciting and luxurious romance. The singer, whose real name is Perri Reid, is known for several other hits from the 80s.

Genres : contemporary r&b, new jack swing

Featured on the 1988 album “Pebbles”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Wikipedia


4 . Alexander O’Neal – Fake

A 1987 single produced by the famous duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song critiques a woman pretending to be someone she’s not, over a powerful funk and R&B backdrop.

The music video is directed by Paula Walker.

Writer(s) : Terry Steven Lewis, Jimmy Jam Publisher(s) : Universal Music Corporation, Kmr Music Royalties Ii Scsp
Genres : contemporary r&b, funk, minneapolis sound, post-disco, quiet storm, soul, urban contemporary

Featured on the 1987 album “Hearsay”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter


5 . Mai Tai – History

Released in 1985, this dance-pop hit from the Dutch group gained international success, reaching the top of the charts in Europe. The group consists of three singers: Jetty Weels, Mildred Douglas, and Carolien de Windt.

Writer(s) : Eric J Van Tijn, Jochem Fluitsma Publisher(s) : Strengholt Music Publishing Bv, Strengholt Musikverlag Gmbh, Fader Songs
Genres : boogie

Featured on the 1985 album “History”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site


6 . Bananarama – I Want You Back

A 1988 single produced by the trio Stock Aitken Waterman. It is one of the last songs recorded with member Siobhan Fahey before her departure.

The music video is directed by Andy Morahan.

Writer(s) : Siobhan Maire Deirdre Stewart, Matthew James Aitken, Michael Stock, Peter Alan Waterman, Sarah Elizabeth Dallin, Keren Jane Woodward Publisher(s) : Grow Your Own Music, All Boys Music Ltd, Sids Songs Limited, Mike Stock Publishing, Downtown Dmp Songs
Genres : girl group, hi-nrg, new romantic, new wave, new wave pop, soft rock

Featured on the 1988 album “Wow!”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter


7 . DeBarge – Rhythm Of The Night

Released in 1985, this hit, written by Diane Warren, was a major success, reaching the third place on the Billboard Hot 100. The family group is also known for hits like “All This Love”.

The music video is directed by Peter Heath.

Writer(s) : Diane Eve Warren, Otto Eemeli Yliperttula Publisher(s) : Unknown Publisher, Edition Sunset Publishing Inc
Genres : contemporary r&b, funk, quiet storm, urban contemporary

Featured on the 1985 album “Rhythm of the Night”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Wikipedia


8 . Crown Heights Affair – You Gave Me Love

Released in 1980, this disco-funk track stands out with its brass arrangements and dancing groove. The group, originating from Brooklyn, had several hits in the 70s and 80s.

Genres : disco, post-disco, rare groove

Featured on the 1978 album “Sure Shot”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Wikipedia


9 . Living in a Box – Gatecrashing

Released in 1989, this single is taken from the album of the same name. The song talks about crashing into situations and making a mark. The group is also known for their hit “Living in a Box”.

The music video is directed by Johnny Popps.

Genres : new romantic, new wave pop, sophisti-pop, synthpop

Featured on the 1989 album “Gatecrashing”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site


10 . Carol Hitchcock – Get Ready

A 1987 single produced by Stock Aitken Waterman. It is a cover of the classic by The Temptations. The Australian singer and actress had a short but notable career.

Writer(s) : William Jr Robinson Publisher(s) : Jobete Music Co Inc
Genres : pop, dance

Featured on the 1987 album “Get Ready”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Wikipedia


11 . Fuzzbox – Pink Sunshine

Released in 1989, this single by the British group was a success in the UK, reaching the top 40. Also known as We’ve Got a Fuzzbox and We’re Gonna Use It!!, the group mixes pop and rock.

Writer(s) : Margaret Teresa Dunne, Joanna Sarah Dunne, Liam Steernburg, Christina Mari Anne O Neill, Victoria Louise Perks Publisher(s) : Peermusic Ltd
Genres : new wave, pop rock, synthpop

Featured on the 1989 album “Big Bang!”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Facebook


12 . Nick Lowe – Half A Boy And Half A Man

A 1984 single taken from the album “Nick Lowe and His Cowboy Outfit”. The song blends rockabilly and new wave, showcasing the musical diversity of the artist, also known for “Cruel to Be Kind”.

Genres : power pop, pub rock, singer-songwriter

Featured on the 1984 album “Nick Lowe and His Cowboy Outfit”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

For THE FULL ‘MUSIC FOR THE DANCERS’ COLLECTION click here

(*) According to our own statistics, updated on May 18, 2025