On April 9th 1983, David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” hit No1 on the UK singles chart, his 4th of 5 UK No.1 hits (along with “Space Oddity” (1975), “Ashes to Ashes” (1980), “Under Pressure” with Queen (1981), and subsequently “Dancing in the Street” with Mick Jagger (1985).  Unbeknownst to me, the song featured blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan.  In re-listening to the song, I can hear his licks, though I feel Bowie severely underused his talent.

Bowie’s song lends the theme of today’s playlist, songs featuring the word “Dance” in their title, with a few “Danced” songs thrown in for good measure.  Though “Dancing” songs are not included, as they will be the topic of another playlist.

Along with Bowie’s classic, some other greats include the likes of “Do You Wanna Dance,” “Dance The Night Away,” “Dance To The Music,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Last Dance,” “Dance With Me,” “Don’t Forget to Dance,” “Safety Dance,” and “Dance Hall Days.”

The lead song “Shut Up And Dance” is so much fun, and while the original video is great:

the movie compilation version is just amazing and a trip down movie memory lane:

While not on the playlist, I couldn’t help but include this video version of “Uptown Funk” in the blog post, as its such a great compilation of dance scenes from old Hollywood classics:

And Josh Turner’s “Why Don’t We Just Dance” has a similar “through the years” feel to it:

Then stepping back to 1987, for some classic Whitney with “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”:

A bit earlier in the 80s, 1983 to be exact, were the Kinks advising “Don’t Forget to Dance”:

Wang Chung provides more 80s fare with “Dance Hall Days.” Though who knew they had so many video versions. Two from the 80s, with this:

And this:

And then a modern update video that’s kinda fun:

With a more recent performance with the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, and though much older, still able to Wang Chung tonight…

And if the 80s couldn’t get any zanier, Men Without Hats steps in the ring with their shenanigans in “Safety Dance”:

And Van Halen’s hard rock of 1979 with “Dance The Night Away”:

How about a little disco from Donna Summer with “Last Dance” in 1978:

Sly and the Family Stone’s performance of “Dance To The Music,” Soul Train gives insight to the late 60s to early 70s

There are some hidden gem romantic songs among the list, including Five For Fighting’s “This Dance,” Brad Paisley’s “We Danced,” and Steven Curtis Chapman’s “We Will Dance.”

And we will dance
When the sun is shining
In the pouring rain
We’ll spin and we’ll sway
And we will dance
When the gentle breeze
Becomes a hurricane
The music will play
And I’ll take your hand
And hold you close to me
And we will dance

Steven Curtis chapman “we will dance”

And while not including “Dance” in the title, this song just exudes dance from every note.  I just saw Steven Curtis Chapman live.  He was outstanding, and played this song in remembrance of his 5 year old daughter who died tragically.  This song has been the father-daughter dance song at many a wedding. 

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
‘Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don’t wanna miss even one song
‘Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she’ll be gone

steven curtis chapman “Cinderella”

Since Garth Brooks still isn’t available on Spotify, I thought I’d include a video of “The Dance” from GMA.  I danced to this song with my mom at my wedding as a tribute to my dad who had passed away several years prior:

And now I’m glad I didn’t know
The way it all would end, the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I’d have had to miss the dance

garth Brooks “the dance”

If you haven’t had a chance to watch Garth’s two-part special on Netfilx “The Road I’m On,” do so.  It’s so good, definitely worth a watch.  He’s quite a performer and person.

And to close out the blog post, this song, “Dance With My Father” seems appropriate, though I just discovered this version while researching videos.  I’m not sure how I never heard Celine’s version.  While it’s hard to imagine anyone being able to equal the vocal prowess of Luther Vandross on such a song, Celine is just the singer to be able to do so. And while sad, this song, along with Garth’s “The Dance” is a plea to not take moments with those we love for granted, and to cherish such memories that keep our loved once close after they pass:

If I could get another chance
Another walk, another dance with him
I’d play a song that would never ever end
How I’d love, love, love to dance with my father again

Luther vandross “dance with my father”

Though these two songs are a bit sad, overall the playlist is fun and upbeat, with lots of classic “Dance” songs.  Enjoy dancing to the music!

I hope that this music and my blog truly serve as a “revival: a new presentation of something old,” a springboard to return to the music of your youth, or perhaps to find artists you want to discover anew.  Rediscover the passion of music in your life.

Live in the moment.

Enjoy the moment.

Love the moment.

Listen (and Dance) to the MUSIC!